Robotic mower with integrated assemblies

A mower is provided and includes: a case; a charging circuit provided in the case, and a combination of a wheel assembly and a charging interface assembly arranged on the case. The combination is electrically connected to the charging circuit. The combination includes: a wheel assembly; and a charging interface assembly electrically connected to the charging circuit. The wheel assembly and the charging interface assembly are integrated molding structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of priority of the following commonly-owned, presently-pending Chinese patent applications: serial No. 202020441934.X/.9, filed Mar. 31, 2020; serial No. 202020701949.5, filed Apr. 30, 2020; serial No. 202020731685.8, 202020731675.4, 202010384328.3, 202020731501.8, 202010376995.7, 202020732348.0, filed May 7, 2020; serial No. 202020799218.9, 202020800248.7, filed May 14, 2020; serial No. 202020991642.3, filed Jun. 3, 2020; and serial No. 202011533027.9, 202023096114.0, 202011519711.1, 202023096221.3, 202011519711.1, 202023096221.3, 202011518432.3, 202023096201.6, 202011518419.8, 202023096313.1, 202011518322.7, 202023094544.9, 202011519837.9, 202023094522.2, 202023091979.8, filed Dec. 21, 2020, of which the present application is a non-provisional application thereof. The disclosures of the forgoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in it entirely, including any appendices or attachments thereof, for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a robotic mower.

BACKGROUND

A mower, which may be a mechanical tool used for mowing lawns, vegetation, etc., may use an engine to rotate blades at a high speed, thereby increasing the efficiency of mowing and greatly reducing the working time and cost of a worker. An intelligent mower may bring the advantages of artificial intelligence and modernization into lawn mowing, and can be environmental-friendly and free-up worker's hands. Therefore, Intelligent mowers become more and more favored by the market and consumers. However, when a conventional intelligent lawn mower is in use, its tires may slip very easily, resulting in the mower fails to work properly.

SUMMARY

An object of the disclosure is to provide a mower including a housing; a movable upper cover, arranged on the housing; and a cutting mechanism, disposed on the housing.

In summary, the mower provided by the disclosure may be an intelligent/smart/robotic mower, which can automatically carry out a mowing operation, so that the user can be far away from a working/operation site, and therefore the harm to the user may be reduced, and the mowing efficiency can be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following embodiments are referring to the accompanying drawings for exemplifying specific implementable embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, directional terms described by the present disclosure, such as upper, lower, front, back, left, right, inner, outer, side, etc., are only directions by referring to the accompanying drawings, and thus the used directional terms are used to describe and understand the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings allow ease of understanding and ease of description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.1throughFIG.4, in some embodiments, an intelligent mower (“mower”) is provided. The mower can include, among other parts and components, a housing1, a movable upper cover2positioned above the housing1, and a control assembly disposed within the housing1. The movable upper cover2can include, among other parts and components, a main body flip cover4disposed thereon. The control assembly may be configured (i.e., structured and arranged) to control the mower during operation. The control assembly may include, among other components, a single-chip microcomputer or a processor module, and can perform various functionalities with corresponding driving circuits.

Referring toFIG.4andFIG.5throughFIG.15c, in which embodiments of a cutting mechanism is illustrated. The mower can include a cutting mechanism3for cutting grass. The cutting mechanism3can include a prime mover (also referred to as prime motor)36, a blade carrier disc5, and an assisted height-adjustment assembly37for the blade carrier disc5. The prime mover36is disposed in the housing1and configured for driving the rotation of the blade carrier disc5. The blade carrier disc5is disposed at the bottom of the assisted height-adjustment assembly37and configured for mounting/installing blades6(i.e., having blade mounting positions). The assisted height-adjustment assembly37is configured for adjusting a height of the blade carrier disc5.

As illustrated inFIG.4,FIG.6andFIG.14, the assisted height-adjustment assembly37for the blade carrier disc is, without limitation, tightly installed on an output shaft of the prime mover36. A bottom surface of the assisted height-adjustment assembly37can be attached to the blade carrier disk5, which may be fitted with at least one blade6for cutting grass. In the illustrated embodiment, the number/amount of the blades6may be three, and the three blades6may be evenly arranged/distributed on a circumference of the blade carrier disc5. In other embodiments, the number of the blades6may be adjusted as required. Optionally, a protective cover58can be arranged under the blade carrier disc5to prevent accidental touching of the blades6.

As illustrated inFIG.5throughFIG.15c, the assisted height-adjustment assembly37for the blade carrier disc can include an adjusting element50and at least two blade carrier disc connectors, each of which can be sequentially and movably sleeved on and off a shaft. In particular, a first blade carrier disc connector47is located at the inner side and can be fixedly installed on the output shaft of the prime mover36. A second blade carrier disc connector57is located at the outer side and configured for connecting to the blade carrier disc5. An adjusting element50is configured for moving the second blade carrier disc connector57to along a surface of the first blade carrier disc connector47when adjusting the height of the blade carrier disc5.

As illustrated inFIG.5throughFIG.15c, the number/amount of the blade carrier disc connectors may be at least two. When the number of the blade carrier disc connectors is two, the second blade carrier dis connector57is directly moving along the sleeve (or the outer surface) of the first blade carrier disc connector47. When the number of the blade carrier disc connectors is more than two, the additional blade carrier disc connector(s), e.g., a third blade carrier disc connector, can be located between the first blade carrier disc connector and the second blade carrier disc connector, and can move along the sleeves (inner or outer surfaces) of the two connectors. For example, in the accompanyingFIG.7, an embodiment with three blade carrier disc connectors is illustrated, while the number of the blade carrier disc connectors is not limiting.

As illustrated inFIG.10aandFIG.10b, the first blade carrier disc connector47can include a hollow first body61, and at least one first guide groove62on the outer side surface of the first body61. The first body61is closely attached to the output shaft of the prime mover36, so that power from the prime mover36can be transferred to other blade carrier disc connector(s) adjacent to the first blade carrier disk connector47via the at least one first guide groove62.

As illustrated inFIG.10andFIG.10b, the first body61can be hollow-in-the-center and cylindrical, with openings both ends to allow the output shaft of the prime mover36to be inserted. The first body61may also be equipped with an assisted height-adjustment rod. The illustrated first guide grooves62are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the first body61, each of the first guide grooves62each may have the same height as the first body61, meaning the first guide grooves62are full grooves.

As illustrated inFIG.10aandFIG.10b, one end of the first body61may have at least one first mounting hole63, and the at least one first mounting hole63is configured for mounting a first stopper55. The first stopper55may be, without limitation, a screw or a bolt, and may be mounted/installed into the first mounting hole63by threads. One end (wider head) of the first stopper55may be wider than the other end, and may extend out of the edge of the first guide groove to limit/restrict another blade carrier disc connector from sliding out. That is, the wider end of the first stopper55may prevent the blade carrier disc connector adjacent to the first blade carrier disc connector from detaching or sliding away from the first blade carrier disc connector. In other words, when there are two blade carrier disc connectors, the wide head of the first stopper55is configured to limit/align two end surfaces of the second blade carrier disc connector and the first blade carrier disc connector; when there are at least three blade carrier disc connectors, the wide head of the first stopper55is configured to limit/align the end surfaces of the third blade carrier disc connector from and the first blade carrier disc connector47.

As illustrated inFIG.11aandFIG.11b, the second blade carrier disc connector57can include a hollow second body64and at least one protruded second guide portion65on the inner side surface of the second body64. An open end68is located at one end of the second body64and configured for inserting an inner blade carrier disc connector into. A closed end69is located at the other end of the second body64and configured for mounting an adjusting element50. The second guide portions65as illustrated are matched with the guide grooves of the inner blade carrier disc connector, so the second blade carrier disc connector57can slide along the inserted inner blade carrier disc connector.

As illustrated inFIG.11aandFIG.11b, the second body64may be hollow and cylindrical, with one of its ends opened (i.e., open end68), so as to act as a sleeve to allow another blade carrier disc connector (e.g., the first blade carrier disc connector or the third blade carrier disc connector) to be inserted into. The other end of the second body64is partially closed (i.e., closed end69), and configured for mounting the blade carrier disc and an adjustment end of the assisted height-adjustment rod. The second guide portions65as illustrated are evenly distributed on the inner surface of the second body64.

The second guide portions65include at least one second long-protrusion66and at least one short-protrusion67in an alternately arranged manner. A height of the second long-protrusion66is substantially equal to that of the second body64. The second short-protrusion67can include a height smaller than that of the second body64, and is disposed near the open end68of the second body64. The second short-protrusion67may operate with the corresponding stopper to prevent the second blade carrier disc connector from detaching away from the third blade carrier disc connector or the first blade carrier disc connector.

As illustrated inFIG.11b, the closed end of the second body64is disposed with at least one blade carrier disc mounting hole60for attaching the blade carrier disc5via at least one fastener. The at least one blade carrier disc mounting hole60is located at or near the bottom of the second long-protrusions66.

As illustrated inFIG.5, at least one third blade carrier disc connector48may be inserted between the first blade carrier disc connector47and the second blade carrier disc connector57. When there is one third blade carrier disc connector48, the number of the blade carrier disc connectors in the assisted height-adjustment assembly for the blade carrier disc is three. When there are two third blade carrier disc connectors48, the number of the blade carrier disc connectors in the assisted height-adjustment assembly for the blade carrier disc becomes four, and the third blade carrier disc connectors may have the same structure but different dimensions, so as to be sequentially and movably inserted-onto one another from inside to outside.

As illustrated inFIG.12aandFIG.12b, the third blade carrier disc connector48can include a hollow third body72aand at least one protruded third guide portion74which is disposed on the inner side surface of the third body72aand matched with the guide groove(s) of the internally adjacent blade carrier disc connector. The third blade carrier disk connector may also have at least one third guide groove72that is disposed on the outer side of the third body72aand matched with the guide portion(s) of the externally adjacent blade carrier disc connector.

As illustrated inFIG.12aandFIG.12b, the third body72ais hollow and cylindrical, with its two ends opened so as to allow the inner blade carrier disc connector to be inserted. The third guide grooves72as illustrated are evenly distributed on the external side surface of the third body72a, and each may have a height same as that of the third body72a(i.e., the third guide grooves72are through grooves). The third guide portions74as illustrated are evenly distributed on the inner side surface of the third body72a.

Further, the third guide portions74may include at least one third long-protrusion76and at least one third short-protrusion75in an alternately arranged manner. The at least one third long-protrusion76each can include a height substantially the same as that of the third body72a. The at least one third short-protrusion75each can include a height smaller than that of the third body72aand is located near the bottom end of the third body72a, so it can operate with a corresponding stopper(s) to prevent the second blade carrier disc connector or other third blade carrier disc connector from detaching away from the third blade carrier disc connector. In the disclosure, the at least one third guide portion and the at least one third guide groove may correspond to each other one to one, and are oppositely arranged on the inner and outer side surfaces of the third body. The at least one third guide portion and the at least one third guide groove can also be arranged staggered, as long as the assembling requirement is met.

As illustrated inFIG.5,FIG.8andFIG.12b, a lower end of the third body72ais provided with at least one third mounting hole73for mounting with a third stopper(s)58. The third mounting holes73as illustrated are located at the bottom of the third long-protrusions75. The third stopper58may be, without limiting, a screw or a bolt, can include a structure similar to or different from that of the first stopper, and can be installed into the third mounting hole73via threads. A wide head59of the third stopper58is protruded into the groove end of the third guide groove72, so as to restrict the guide portion of the adjacent blade carrier disc connector from sliding out, i.e., restricting the blade carrier disc connector externally adjacent to the third blade carrier disc connector from detaching away.

In the disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.5, the wide head56of the first stopper55is configured to prevent the first blade carrier disc connector47from detaching from the third blade carrier disc connector48. When there are three blade carrier disc connectors, the wide head59of the third stopper58is configured to prevent the second blade carrier disc connector57from detaching away from the third blade carrier disc connector48. When there are four blade carrier disc connectors, the wide head59of the third stopper58is configured to revent the blade carrier disc connector located at the outer side of the third blade carrier disc connector from detaching away from the third blade carrier disc connector.

As illustrated inFIG.5andFIG.13, the adjusting element50can include an assisted height-adjustment rod51, an install end connecting to the output shaft of the prime mover36, and an adjust end53passing through the blade carrier disc connectors threadedly connected with the blade carrier disc5. When rotating the assisted height-adjustment rod51, the blade carrier disc5drives the second blade carrier disc connector57to rotate. The closed end69of the second body may include a through hole70to allow the blade carrier disc connector suitable for the assisted height-adjustment rod51to pass therethrough. The closed end69of the second body may be formed with other structural holes71for assembling, observation or weight reduction.

As illustrated inFIG.5andFIG.13, the install end52of the assisted height-adjustment rod51is snap-fitted into the first body61using the first stoppers55. The adjust end53of the assisted height-adjustment rod51is formed with an adjust groove54. The blade carrier disc5is provided with a threaded through hole58suitable for movement via the adjust end53.

As illustrated inFIG.6, a spring washer49may be added between the assisted height-adjustment rod51and the output shaft of the prime mover36.

As illustrated inFIG.6throughFIG.15c, a process to adjust the height of the blade carrier disc by the assisted height-adjustment assembly for the blade carrier disc can be summarized in the following two cases. Other possible implementations of adjusting the height of the blade carrier disc by the assisted height-adjustment assembly for the blade carrier disc should also be within the protection scope of the application.

Step 1: The process of adjusting the height of the blade carrier disc with two blade carrier disc connectors is as follows: manually or by other means (such as using a screwdriver or other tool) to snap into the adjust groove54, and rotate the assisted height-adjustment rod51so that the assisted height-adjustment rod51drives the blade carrier disc to up or down. In this case, the blade carrier disc drives the second blade carrier disc connector to move along the first blade carrier disc connector, thereby achieving the height adjustment action of the blade carrier disc. Since the adjustment process of the blade carrier disc and the movement process of the blade carrier disc connectors are relatively simple, they are not illustrated in the drawings.

Step 2: The process of adjusting the height of the blade carrier disc with three or more blade carrier disc connectors are similar. Taking three blade carrier disc connectors as an example, to perform the height adjustment action of the blade carrier disc, a specific adjustment process is illustrated inFIG.10andFIG.10b, orFIG.15athroughFIG.15c. In this process, the first blade carrier disc connector47, the third blade carrier disc connector48, and the second blade carrier disc connector57are attached in the above order from inside to outside. To adjust the height of the blade carrier disc, in the first operation (1), first assuming that the cutter head5is initially at the lowest possible height (as shown inFIG.15a), the first stoppers55are mounted into the first mounting holes63, the wide heads56of the first stoppers55protrude into the first guide grooves62and touch against the bottoms of the third short-protrusions75so as to prevent the third blade carrier disc connector from detaching away from the first blade carrier disc connector. The wide heads56of the first stoppers55also protrude into the hollow portion of the first body61and touch against the bottom of the install end52of the assisted height-adjustment rod51so as to prevent the assisted height-adjustment rod51from detaching away from the first blade carrier disc connector47. The third stoppers58are installed into the third mounting holes73, and the wide heads59of the third stoppers58protrude into the third guide grooves72and touch against the bottoms of the second short-protrusions67so as to prevent the second blade carrier disc connector57from detaching away from the third blade carrier disc connector48.

In the second operation (2), the assisted height-adjustment rod51is rotated in a manner similar to the above-mentioned way, and the rotation of the assisted height-adjustment rod51drives the blade carrier disc5to move upward. In this case, the blade carrier disc5pushes the second blade carrier disc connector57to move along the side surface of the third blade carrier disc connector, so as to increase the height of the blade carrier disc from the ground.

In the third operation (3), when the closed end69(bottom end) of the second blade carrier disc connector57touches against the third stoppers58or the bottom of the third body72a, the second blade carrier disc connector57substantially contains the third blade carrier disc connector48.

In the fourth operation (4), the second blade carrier disc connector57continues to move upwardly, the third blade carrier disc connector48is pushed by the second blade carrier disc connector57to move along the side surface of the first blade carrier disc connector47(as shown inFIG.15b), so that the height of the blade carrier disc from the ground is further increased until the third blade carrier disc connector48is substantially contain the first blade carrier disc connector47. In this case, the first blade carrier disc connector47, the third blade carrier disc connector48, and the second blade carrier disc connector57are completely sleeved one after another in this order from inside to outside, with the closed end of the second blade carrier disc connector57touching against the bottom of the first blade carrier disc connector47, and the blade carrier disc5being adjusted to the highest position.

Referring toFIG.3,FIG.4, andFIG.16throughFIG.19, the mower can further include a detecting mechanism arranged between the housing1and the movable upper cover2and configured for detecting a relative displacement between the movable upper cover2and the housing1. The control assembly is suitable for adjusting the working state of the mower based on the above detecting mechanism. The detecting mechanism can include at least one suspension-lift detection assembly20disposed on the housing1and configured for detecting a relative displacement between the movable upper cover2and the housing1in the vertical direction, and at least one collision detection assembly93disposed on the housing1and configured for detecting a relative displacement between the movable upper cover2and the housing in the horizontal direction. The control assembly is suitable for adjusting the working state of the mower according to detection signals of the at least one suspension-lift detection assembly20and the at least one collision detection assembly93. The control assembly may include a processor, various control circuits, sensing units, and corresponding driving circuits, etc., can detect changes in current signals, and can control shutdown or operation of the mower.

As illustrated inFIG.3andFIG.4, the mower may include two suspension-lift detection assemblies20respectively arranged at the first mounting locations16of the movable upper cover2in diagonal positions of the housing1. Alternatively, the mover may include four suspension-lift detection assemblies20that are respectively arranged at the first mounting locations of the movable upper cover2in corners of the housing1. The mover may include two collision detection assemblies93respectively arranged at the second mounting locations17of the movable upper cover2in two ends of the housing1. The number of the suspension-lift detection assembly and the number of the collision detection assembly can also be adjusted according to machine models and structural requirements, and at the same time, their installation positions on the housing can be changed correspondingly.

As illustrated inFIG.4,FIG.16andFIG.17, the suspension-lift detection assembly20can include a suspension ball head80fixed on the movable upper cover of the mower; a lifting stopper86, arranged below and separated from the suspension ball head80; a suspension spring87with two ends thereof fixedly connected to the suspension ball head80and the lifting stopper86respectively; and a signal trigger module88arranged at the bottom of the lifting stopper86. When the suspension ball head80occurs/generates an upward displacement, the suspension spring87pulls the lifting stopper86to move upward, causing the signal trigger module88to send/issue a detection signal.

As illustrated inFIG.18, a side surface of the suspension ball head80is disposed with a ball joint89, thereby allowing the suspension ball head80to be fixed onto the movable upper cover2of the mower by a snap-fit structure. The two ends of the suspension spring87are respectively connected with the suspension ball head80and the lifting stopper86through threads. When the movable upper cover of the mower moves upward, the suspension ball head80is driven to move upward together. In this case, the suspension spring87would pull the lifting stopper86to move upward, causing the signal trigger module88to issue a detection signal. In addition, a limiting groove90is provided at the top of the suspension ball head80and used in conjunction with a limiting post on the movable upper cover, so as to avoid horizontal shaking between the suspension ball head and the movable upper cover.

As illustrated inFIG.18, the suspension spring is a spring with relatively high rigidity, that cannot easily be deformed in the vertical direction. It can not only meet the requirement of the suspension spring87pulling the lifting stopper86to move upward, but also make the suspension spring to play a role of horizontal damping as well as allow a certain relative displacement between the suspension ball head and the lifting stopper in the horizontal direction. In this way the suspension-lift detection assembly will not be damaged or generate a false alarm when the mower collides. In other embodiment, the suspension spring may be fixedly connected to the suspension ball head by means of buckle or pin lock.

As shown inFIG.18, the signal trigger module88can include a first magnetic block88afixed on the lower end of the lifting stopper86, a first lifting detection board88blocated below the lifting stopper86, and a first reed switch91disposed on the first lifting detection board88b. When the lifting stopper86moves upward, the first magnetic block88aleaves away from the first reed switch91, the first reed switch91is opened or closed to change the current signal on the first lifting detection board88b, and the changed current signal may trigger the sending of the detection signal. The first lifting detection board and a second lifting detection board are, without limiting, Hall boards, and are electrically connected to the control assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reed switch91is located directly below the first magnetic block88a.

As illustrated inFIG.16, the suspension-lift detection assembly can further include a suspension-fixing corrugated sleeve81sleeved onto the outer side of the suspension spring87. One end of the suspension-fixing corrugated sleeve81is snapped to the suspension ball head80, and the other end is fixedly installed onto the housing1of the mower by a suspension fixing frame82. When the lifting stopper moves upward, the suspension-fixing corrugated sleeve81is stretched, which can not only produce a restoring tension, but also play the role of sealing protection.

In order to increase the restoring force of the suspension-lift detection assembly, the suspension-lift detection assembly20of the mower can further include a suspension restoring spring84sleeved on the outer side of the lifting stopper86. Two ends of the suspension restoring spring84respectively touch against the bottoms of the suspension fixing frame82and the lifting stopper86. When the lifting stopper86moves upward, the suspension fixing frame82stays still, which causes a distance between the bottoms of the suspension fixing frame82and the lifting stopper to become smaller, and the suspension restoring spring84is compressed to generate a restoring elastic force. After the mower stops working, the suspension-lift detection assembly is restored to avoid jamming.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the lifting stopper86may be hollow rod-shaped, with its sides having an engaging groove83. The signal trigger module88can further include a magnet bracket92located in the hollow interior of the lifting stopper86. The magnet bracket92is suspended in the engaging groove83of the lifting stopper. The first magnetic block88ais fixed on the bottom of the magnet bracket92, so as to ensure that it is also fixed at the hollow bottom end of the lifting stopper86. Meanwhile, the bottom of the lifting stopper86is disposed with an outwardly extending lifting stopper flange85, and an outer diameter of the lifting stopper flange85is greater than an inner diameter of the suspension fixing frame82, so that the lifting stopper flange85can limit a vertical stroke of the first magnetic block88a, thereby ensuring the overall stability of the suspension-lift detection assembly.

As illustrated inFIG.4andFIG.18, the collision detection assembly93can include a second magnetic block94arranged on the movable upper cover2; a second reed switch95arranged on the housing1and below the second magnetic block94; and a second lifting detection board96arranged between the second magnetic block94and the second reed switch95. When a relative displacement in the horizontal direction between the movable upper cover2and the housing1occurs, the second magnetic block94approaches or leaves away from the second reed switch95. With the second reed switch95opening or closing, a current signal on the second lifting detection board96is changed. The second lifting detection board96is electrically connected to the control assembly and sends the current signal to the control assembly as a detection signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the second reed switch95is arranged just below the second magnetic block94.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the collision detection assembly93can further include a magnetic-block support97fixed on the movable upper cover2. The magnetic-block support97is magnetic sheet, such as an iron sheet for attracting the second magnetic block94, so as to leave a certain gap between the second magnetic block94and the second reed switch95.

Referring toFIG.3, andFIG.20throughFIG.27, the housing1can further include an internally sealed case18; a function hole or a function mounting location (covered by an air filter hood19, not shown) formed on the case18and interconnecting the interior and exterior of the case18; and a functional module selectively detachably mounted on the function hole to detect a sealing state of the casing or maintain a balance of air pressure between inside and outside of the casing.

As illustrated inFIG.20throughFIG.23, when the functional module is an air filter hood19, it can balance the air pressure between the inside and outside of the case18when the mower is working. The air filter hood19can include a ventilation base98mounted at the function hole for ventilation, and can include air filter hood mounting portions100extending outwardly from the ventilation base98. The ventilation base98is disposed with corresponding vent holes99and may be made of a breathable material to achieve the purpose of breathability.

There may be two air filter hood mounting portions100respectively extend from the ventilation base98in two opposing directions, and thus symmetrically arranged at two sides of the ventilation base98. As to the air filter hood19, the air filter hood mounting portions100are mechanically fixed onto the case18through fasteners. The fasteners can be suitable parts such as, without limiting, screws, bolts or engaging members. Optionally, the air filter hood mounting portions100are provided with corresponding air filter hood mounting holes750, so that the air filter hood mounting portions100are mechanically fixed onto the case18by screws.

As illustrated inFIG.23, an inner side of the air filter hood19(i.e., a side near the casing) is further provided with raised columns102. The raised columns102are located at edges of the air filter hood mounting portions100and matched with holes on the casing so as to positionally restrict the air filter hood19during installation. Each of the air filter hood mounting portions100is provided with a slope on the outside of the air filter hood19(i.e., the side facing away from the casing). After the air filter hood19is installed, the ventilation base98gradually protrudes from the casing.

As illustrated inFIG.24throughFIG.27, when the functional module is an airtight nozzle108, an air tightness of the housing can be detected by a barometer. The airtight nozzle108can include a body part109installed at the function hole and mounting parts110extending outwards from the body part109. Two mounting parts110may respectively extend from the body part109in two opposing directions and thus are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the body part.

As shown inFIG.27, an outer side (i.e., a side facing away from the casing) of the body part109is provided with a conduct pipe111protrudes outwardly, and the conduct pipe111is suitable for connecting with the barometer to detect air tightness of the mower. Extending directions of the mounting parts110are perpendicular to an extending direction of the conduct pipe111. As to the airtight nozzle108, the mounting parts110and the case18are mechanically fixed by fasteners (not shown), and the fasteners may be suitable parts such as, without limiting, screws or bolts. Optionally, the mounting parts110are provided with corresponding mounting holes112, and the mounting parts110and mechanically fixed onto the case18by screws. The outer side (i.e., a side facing away from the casing) of each of the mounting parts110is provided with a slope, and after the airtight nozzle108is installed, the body part109gradually protrudes from the casing.

As illustrated inFIG.24throughFIG.27, different functional modules can be installed at the function hole manually or by other means to facilitate the detection of the sealing state or the air pressure balance inside and outside of the case18, for meeting the functional requirements of the mower in different working conditions. For example, during operation, the mower uses the air filter hood19to balance the air pressure inside and outside of the case18of the mower. In another example, when it is necessary to detect the air tightness, the air filter hood19may be replaced by the airtight nozzle108, a rubber sleeve is sheathed on the conduct pipe111of the airtight nozzle108, and a barometer is used to check whether an upper limit of inflation air pressure and a pressure holding capacity meet the standards, thus reliability of the seal is checked.

Referring toFIG.1,FIG.2, andFIG.28throughFIG.39, the mower can further include a walking/travelling assembly8configured for driving the mower to move forward. The walking assembly8may include at least one walking wheel9(i.e., driving wheel) disposed on the housing1; and at least one universal wheel10disposed on the housing1. The walking wheel9can include a wheel hub178, a wheel cover202disposed on the wheel hub178, and a wheel cover trim203detachably mounted on the wheel cover202.

As illustrated inFIG.29, the wheel cover202and the wheel hub178are detachably assembled, and the wheel cover trim203is interposed between the wheel hub178and the wheel cover202. When the wheel cover trim203is replaced, the wheel cover202is firstly removed from the wheel hub178, then a new wheel cover trim203is assembled on the wheel cover202. Finally, the wheel cover202and the wheel hub178are assembled together. The changing of the color of the walking wheel can be realized by replacing the wheel cover trim.

As illustrated inFIG.30throughFIG.32, the wheel cover trim203can include a middle portion204with multiple (i.e., more than one) protrusions205extending outward in the circumferential direction from the middle portion204. The protrusions205are embedded in corresponding wheel cover mounting holes210.

As illustrated inFIG.30, the middle portion204has a ring-shaped body and coaxial with the wheel hub178and the wheel cover202. The protrusions25can include a decorative block206adapted to the wheel cover mounting hole210, and a flange207located on one side of the decorative block206and protruding from the decorative block206. When the protrusion205is embedded in the corresponding wheel cover mounting hole210, the decorative block206is fitted into the corresponding wheel cover mounting hole210and exposed from the outer side of the wheel cover201. Further, the flange207may touch against the periphery of the wheel cover mounting hole210.

As illustrated inFIG.31andFIG.32, the rear side (i.e., a side near the wheel hub) of the wheel cover trim203is plane-shaped, and the front side (i.e., the side near the wheel cover) of the wheel cover trim203is protruded through the decorative block206so as to fit into the wheel cover mounting hole. In order to reduce the weight of the decorative block, the rear side of the decorative block206is formed with a weight reduction groove208. The front side of the decorative block206is provided with a color-setting groove, and the groove bottom of the color-setting groove is provided with a corresponding color plate209. Therefore, the color plate can be recessed in the color-setting groove to prevent the color plate from being worn and faded, thereby protecting the color plate. The color plate can be designed separately, or integrated with the color-setting groove to ensure consistence of color.

As illustrated inFIG.33andFIG.34, multiple wheel cover mounting holes210are arranged in the circumferential direction of the wheel cover202and used to engage with the protrusions205of the wheel cover trim203. There are inner protrusions211(located at the inner side of the wheel cover202, i.e., the side near the wheel cover trim) and outer grooves214(located at the outer side of the wheel cover202, i.e., the side away from the wheel cover) provided on intervals among the wheel cover mounting holes210. An edge of the inner protrusion211is disposed with a fitting head212for engaging with the wheel hub178. In particular, the inner protrusions211and the outer grooves214can adopt the same shape and structure design, or be designed with different shapes and structures, but they should not form through-holes, so as to ensure that the wheel cover is covered on the outer side of the walking wheel, and the internal structure of the walking wheel is sealed.

As illustrated inFIG.35throughFIG.37, the inner side (i.e., the side close to the housing) of the wheel hub178is flat to meet the overall assembling requirement of the mower. The outer side of the wheel hub178(i.e., the side close to the wheel cover trim) is provided with a wheel cover mounting location217for installing the wheel cover. On the wheel cover mounting location217, there may be multiple reinforcing ribs189for supporting the wheel hub.

As illustrated inFIG.38, multiple wheel hub fitting grooves215are provided in the wheel cover mounting location217. The wheel hub fitting grooves215are evenly distributed on the circumference of the wheel hub178and form fastening members together with the fitting heads212of the wheel cover202, so as to detachably install the wheel cover onto the wheel hub by the fastening members.

As illustrated inFIG.39, the wheel cover202and the wheel hub178are positioned and installed by at least two asymmetrically arranged positioning members. The positioning members can include a positioning rod213arranged on the circumference of the wheel cover202, and include a wheel hub positioning hole216arranged on the circumference of the wheel hub178and matched with the positioning rod213. By inserting the positioning rod213into the corresponding wheel hub positioning hole216, the wheel cover202and the hub178are positioned and then assembled together.

Referring toFIG.2, andFIG.40throughFIG.51, a process of implementable assembling the walking assembly8is illustrated. The machine body is provided with two walking wheels9located at two sides of the machine body respectively. The walking wheels9generally are arranged at the front of the machine body. The two walking wheels9are respectively driven by two drive motors. If rotation speeds of the drive motors are different, the mower may turn toward one direction; if the rotation speeds of the drive motors are the same, the mower may travel in a straight line; and if the rotation speeds of the drive motors are opposite, the mower may perform a turn-around at the same position. There is at least one universal wheel10disposed at the rear of the machine body. The mower is supported by the walking wheels9and the universal wheel10when moving around. The universal wheel10provides convenient for the turning of the mower.

As illustrated inFIG.3,FIG.40andFIG.41, the disclosure provides a combination structure (or combination device). The combination structure can include a charging interface assembly501and a wheel assembly502. The charging interface assembly501is electrically connected to a charging circuit, and the wheel assembly502and the charging interface assembly501form an integrated molding structure. The case18is provided with a cover503covering the charging interface assembly501, and the cover503is matched with an outer contour of the charging interface assembly501. The case18is provided with a receiving part504for accommodating the combination structure, and the receiving part504is arranged at the front or bottom of the case18. Specifically, the cover503is formed on the case18, and the receiving part504is below the cover503.

Please refer toFIG.41andFIG.42together, the receiving part504is provided with a charging opening505and a mounting opening506at the front and bottom of the case18respectively, so as to facilitate the installation of the charging interface assembly501and the using of a charging connector to mate with the charging interface assembly501from the front. The case18is provided with a pair of first guiding pieces507located on both sides of the charging opening505in an oblique manner. The cover503is provided with a cylindrical first wire-through portion508.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.47, the charging interface assembly501can include a charging socket509, a charging interface510disposed on the charging socket509, charging terminals511, and a charging seal512. The charging terminals511include at least a pair of guiding pieces electrically connected to a charging circuit. The charging terminals511are installed on two sides of the charging socket509and extend into the charging interface510.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.49, the charging socket509can include a top wall513, opposite first and second side walls514,515, and a third side wall connecting the first and second side walls514,515. The first side wall514, the second side wall515, the third side wall516, and the top wall513together define the charging interface510. The charging terminals511are fixed on the charging socket509. Each of the charging terminals511include a connecting end517connected to a charging cable and a charging end518in contact with a charging connector. The charging interface510is arranged at the rear of the charging opening505. The charging socket509is disposed with a pair of second guiding pieces519located at the rear of the first guiding pieces507and arranged obliquely to guide the charging connector to connect into the charging interface510.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.49, a second wire-through portion520corresponding to the first wire-through portion508is disposed at the top of the charging socket509and connects with the charging interface510. The charging socket509is further disposed with a wire positioning groove521for connecting with the second wire-through portion520. The second wire-through portion520and the wire positioning groove521are illustratively located on the top wall513. The second wire-through portion520is cylindrical, and a notch522is formed on the second wire-through portion520. The wire positioning groove521connects with the second wire-through portion520through the notch522. The wire positioning groove521first extends to both sides of the charging socket509, and then extends a distance downward to connect with the charging interface510.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.49, the charging interface assembly501is provided with retainers523for fixing with the case18, and the retainers523are disposed on the charging socket509. Specifically, the retainers523are a pair of resilient sheets respectively arranged at two sides of the charging socket509. Upper ends of the resilient sheets are connected with the charging socket509, and lower ends of the resilient sheets are free ends. The receiving part504is provided with sliding grooves524for receiving the resilient sheets, and bottoms of the sliding grooves524are provided with protrusions525that engage with the lower ends of the resilient sheets. When assembling, the charging socket509may be put upwards into the receiving part504along the sliding grooves524, and the resilient sheets may be resiliently deformed downwards in the process of extending. When being installed in place, the resilient sheets will restore and snap into the two protrusions525to prevent the charging socket509from moving downwards.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.49, the charging seal512are matched with both the second wire-through portion520and the first wire-through portion508, so as to lead the charging cable into the case18in a sealed manner. A part of the charging seal512matched with the first wire-through portion508is a threaded structure, another part of the charging seal512matched with the second wire-through portion520is formed with notches526. The charging seal512can include a hollow cylindrical shape. Further, the charging seal512can include a first fixing part527installed on the second wire-through portion520, a second fixing part528fixed to the first wire-through portion508, and a connecting part529connecting the first fixing part527and the second fixing part528. An outer diameter of the connecting part529is greater than the outer diameters of the first fixing part527and the second fixing part528. The connecting part529is located between the second wire-through portion520and the first wire-through portion508and acts as a buffer. Two notches530are defined at the lower end of the first fixing part527.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.49, after the charging seal512is assembled with the second wire-through portion520, the notches522and the notches530are aligned with each other. An outer side of the second fixing part527is provided with threads to increase friction between the charging seal512and the case18. A top end of the second fixing part527is provided with two wire-through holes531for allowing the charging cable to pass through. One end of the charging cable is welded to the connecting end517. The other end of the charging cable enters the charging seal512through the wire positioning groove521, sequentially passes through the notches522and the notches530, and finally passes through the wire-through holes531and enters into the case18. The opening size of the wire-through hole531is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the charging cable, so that the charging cable fits tightly with the charging seal512in the wire-through hole531.

As illustrated inFIG.40,FIG.41,FIG.44,FIG.45,FIG.48andFIG.49, the wheel assembly502can include, among other components, a wheel shaft534which the universal wheel10mounted to, a wheel shaft positioning assembly535, a sealing assembly536, and a support wheel mounting seat537. In the illustrated embodiment, the support wheel mounting seat537and the charging interface assembly501form an integrated structure. Specifically, the support wheel mounting base537and the charging socket509are an integrally-constructed structure (also referred to as one-piece structure). Please also refer toFIG.47, in which the support wheel mounting seat537is arranged behind the third side wall516, the support wheel mounting seat537is provided with a mounting hole538extending from top to bottom, and the wheel shaft534is fixed in the mounting hole538. Specifically, the wheel shaft534extends upward into the mounting hole538and is fixed in the mounting hole538by two shaft sleeves539and fasteners540.

As illustrated inFIG.49, the universal wheel10can include a first half-wheel541and a second half-wheel542. The first half-wheel541and the second half-wheel542are engaged with each other to form an accommodating cavity543. The wheel shaft534passes through the first half-wheel541and enters the accommodating cavity543. The accommodating cavity543can include a first fitting gap formed by the first half wheel541and the wheel shaft534, and a second fitting gap formed by the first half wheel541and the second half wheel542. The first fitting gap and the second fitting gap are respectively located on two sides of the accommodating cavity543.

As illustrated inFIG.49throughFIG.51, the first half-wheel541and the second half-wheel542are disk-shaped respectively. The first half-wheel541is provided with a first cylindrical portion544protruding toward the second half-wheel542, and one side of the first cylindrical portion544is provided with a through-hole545allowing the wheel shaft534to pass through. The second half-wheel542is provided with a second cylindrical portion546and a third cylindrical portion547protruding toward the first half-wheel541, and a ring groove (not labelled) is formed between the second cylindrical portion546and the third cylindrical portion547. When the first half wheel541and the second half wheel542are engaged, the first cylindrical portion544extends into the ring groove. The first cylindrical portion544and the second cylindrical portion546together form the accommodating cavity543. Since the two half-wheels are assembled with each other, two fitting gaps will be generated to affect the overall sealing of the accommodating cavity543. One of them is the first fitting gap formed between the through hole545and the first half wheel541, and the other is the second fitting gap formed between the first cylindrical portion544and the second cylindrical portion546.

As illustrated inFIG.50andFIG.51, the first half wheel541is provided with multiple mounting holes548, and the second half wheel542is provided with multiple mounting posts549corresponding to the mounting holes548. In addition, the second half-wheel542is provided with multiple engaging members550in the circumferential direction. Each of the engaging members550are provided with an engaging opening551. The first half-wheel541is provided with a locking block552which is matched with a corresponding engaging member550, and the locking block552is capable of being snapped into a corresponding engaging opening551. Furthermore, each of the first half-wheel541and the second half-wheel542are provided with a number of reinforcing ribs (not labeled).

As illustrated inFIG.41throughFIG.49, the wheel shaft534can include a horizontal support portion554mounted on the support wheel553, a vertical mounting portion555mounted on the support wheel mounting seat537, and a connecting portion556connecting the support portion554and the mounting portion555. The wheel shaft534extends via the through hole545into the accommodating cavity543, and its end is located in the third cylindrical portion547of the second half-wheel542.

As illustrated inFIG.41throughFIG.49, the wheel shaft positioning assembly535can include, sequentially arranged on the wheel shaft534, a bearing557, a bearing pressing block558, a washer559, a bearing clamp560, and a washer561located outside the first half-wheel541. The wheel shaft positioning assembly535can be used to rotatably install the universal wheel10on the wheel shaft534. The bearing557, the bearing pressing block558, the washer559, the washer561, and the bearing clamp560are all arranged on the support portion554. The first half wheel541is provided with a ring portion562near the through hole545, and the ring portion562and the washer561cooperatively limit the position of a first seal563.

As illustrated inFIG.49, the sealing assembly536can include the first seal563for sealing the first fitting gap and a second seal564for sealing the second fitting gap, so as to protect the wheel shaft534and the wheel shaft positioning assembly535in the accommodating cavity543. In one embodiment, the first seal563is an oil seal, the second seal564is an O-ring gasket, and the second seal564is located in the ring groove and touches against the first cylindrical portion544.

As illustrated inFIG.44throughFIG.49, when assembling, the combination device is first assembled into one unit, and the charging cable, the charging terminals511and the charging seal512are then assembled onto the charging socket509. One end of the charging cable is welded to the charging terminals, and the other end passes through the charging seal512. Afterwards, the combination device as a whole is assembled into the receiving part504of the case18from below the mounting opening506, the charging cable is inserted into the first wire-through portion508, the lower part of the charging seal512and the charging socket509are tightly sealed, and the upper part of the charging seal512is tightly sealed with the case18.

Referring toFIG.40throughFIG.51, by integrating the wheel assembly and the charging interface unit, the electric equipment of the disclosure is not only compact in structure, but can effectively reduce the overall volume. Sine the above two components are integrated and then fastened to the casing, it makes the assembling of the whole machine convenient.

In addition, a charging seal is provided at the connection between the charging interface unit and the inside of the casing. The charging seal allows the charging cable to pass through while isolating inside and outside of the casing and keeping the inside of the casing to be sealed. Furthermore, in the disclosure, the first seal and the second seal are arranged on both sides of the accommodating cavity, so that the accommodating cavity can provide good sealing performance, so as to protect metal parts such as the bearing therein and seal the key parts of the wheel shaft.

Referring toFIG.52throughFIG.54, a planetary gearbox can include a housing408having an upper cover413, an internal ring gear414, and a bottom casing415. A planetary gear device414is arranged in the housing408and is connected with an output shaft578to output power. The planetary gear device414can include at least a first planetary gear assembly409. The first planetary gear assembly409can include a planet carrier416, a sun gear417, and multiple planet gears418. The planet gears418mesh with the sun gear417and the planet carrier416respectively. The sun gear417and the planet carrier416are separated structures, and the sun gear417and the planet gears418are installed on the planet carrier416in coordination. The sun gear417and the planet carrier416are separately manufactured and then assembled. The gears and the planet carrier416are precision manufactured to improve the accuracy of the gears. The precision level of powder metallurgy parts generally should be level 7, while the precision of the finished gears is level 4-6, so it can significantly improve the degree of fit and reduce noise. Optionally, the teeth profile of the sun gear can be implemented using involute spline teeth. Compared with rectangular splines, the involute splines have the advantages of more teeth, thicker teeth ends and roots, stronger load-bearing capacity, easier self-centering and higher installation accuracy. When used in garden tools such as an intelligent mower (robotic mower), the involute spline teeth profile can achieve better noise reduction and higher precise control effects.

As illustrated inFIG.54, a washer419is arranged between the planet carrier416and the sun gear417to avoid overheating friction between the sun gear417and the planet carrier416. The sun gear417is equipped with a rolling pin shaft420, and the usage of the rolling pin shaft20can reduce the friction area, reduce the noise, and improve the transmission efficiency of the gearbox.

As illustrated inFIG.54, the planetary gears418of the first planetary gear assembly409may be plastic gears. The sun gear417and the internal ring gear414may be metal gears. When plastic planetary gears mesh with metal gears, noise can be effectively reduced due to the elastic cushioning effect of plastics.

As illustrated inFIG.53, the planetary gear device414can include a first planetary gear assembly409and a second planetary gear assembly410. The second planetary gear assembly410is disposed above the first planetary gear assembly409and connected to the output shaft. The planet gears418of the first planetary gear assembly409are plastic gears, while the sun gear417and the internal ring gear414are metal gears. The planet gears418, the sun gear417, and the internal ring gear414of the second planetary gear assembly410are metal gears. Alternatively, the planet gears418of the first planetary gear assembly409and the second planetary gear assembly410are plastic gears, and the sun gears417and the internal ring gears414are metal gears.

As illustrated inFIG.52throughFIG.54, the planetary gear device414can include a first planetary gear assembly409, a second planetary gear assembly410, and a third planetary gear assembly411. The first planetary gear assembly409, the second planetary gear assembly410, and the third planetary gear assembly411are sequentially arranged from bottom to top, with the third planetary gear assembly411being connected to the output shaft. The planet gears418of the first planetary gear assembly may be plastic gears, the sun gear417and the internal ring gear414may be metal gears. The planet gears418, the sun gears417and the internal ring gears of the second planetary gear assembly410, and the third planetary gear assembly411may be metal gears. Since the second planetary gear assembly410and the third planetary gear assembly411have low gear speeds and large transmission torques, the gears made of metal materials can support a large transmission ratio.

Alternatively, the planet gears418of the first planetary gear assembly409, the second planetary gear assembly410, and the third planetary gear assembly411may be plastic gears, and the sun gears417and the internal ring gears414may be metal gears. In the case of relatively small transmission ratio, the second planetary gear assembly410and the third planetary gear assembly411may also use plastic planetary gears. A transmission ratio of the first planetary gear assembly409may be about 6.3, a transmission ratio of the second planetary gear assembly410may be about 3.79, a transmission ratio of the third planetary gear assembly411may be about 3.79, and the total transmission ratio may be about 90.3. The planetary gearbox provided by the disclosure can reduce the noise generated in the transmission process, with more stable transmission torque, and high degree of coordination.

Referring toFIG.55andFIG.56, the disclosure also provides a blade carrier disc assembly218for mowing lawns and other similar operations. The blade carrier disc assembly218can include a blade carrier disc5and blades6mounted on the blade carrier disc5.

As illustrated inFIG.55throughFIG.57, the blade carrier disc assembly218can include a disc body219, with blade mounting grooves220recessed inwardly from the edge of the disc body219along an axial direction of the disc body219. In the illustrated embodiment, the disk body219may be circular. In other embodiments, the disk body219can also be set in other shapes as needed, such as a regular polygon. The disc body219is provided with guide platforms221on the side facing the lawn. An axle sleeve230and reinforcing ribs231are provided on the side of the disc body219facing away from the lawn. Each the guide platform221is provided by protruding outward from the side of the disc body219facing the lawn. The guide platform221is adjacent to the blade mounting groove220and is located on the first grass-incoming side of the blade mounting groove220.

When the blade carrier disc assembly218rotates counterclockwise in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG.55, the first grass-incoming side of the blade mounting groove220may be deemed the first side222, and a secondary grass-incoming side may be deemed the second side223. When the blade carrier disc assembly218rotates clockwise in the opposite direction of the arrow shown inFIG.55, the first grass-incoming side may be deemed the second side223, and the secondary grass-incoming side may be deemed the first side222. With this arrangement, the guide platform221can touch the grass before the blade mounting groove220, so that the guide platform221first straightens and cleans the long grass on the lawn before the blade6cuts the grass, thereby preventing long grass, long vines, etc. from being entangled on the blade6.

A guiding wall224is provided on the side of the guide platform221facing away from the rotation direction of the disk body219. In the illustrated embodiment, each blade mounting groove220corresponds to one guide platform221, and the guide platform221is located on the first grass-incoming side of the blade mounting groove220. In other embodiments, the first grass-incoming side of the blade mounting groove220may be provided with multiple guide platforms221as required, or the guide platforms221may be provided on both the first grass-incoming grass side and the secondary grass-incoming side of the blade mounting groove220. In the illustrated embodiment, the side of the guide platform221facing away from the disc body219is a smooth protrusion. In other embodiments, the side of the guide platform221facing away from the disc body219can be provided cutting edges (not shown) so as to enhance the ability of the guide platform221to straighten out and clean up long grass and long vines. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide platform221is in the shape of an arc. In other embodiments, the guide platform221may also be configured in other shapes, such as a V-shape.

Please refer toFIG.56, the axle sleeve230is located at a center of the side of the disc body219facing away from the lawn. The axle sleeve230is used to operate with an output shaft of a power mechanism, so that the blade carrier disc assembly218rotates under the power from the output shaft. The reinforcing ribs231are arranged along the radial direction of the disc body219and are evenly distributed around the axle sleeve230along the circumference of the disc body219. In one embodiment, the side of the disc body219facing away from the lawn can further include secondary reinforcing ribs232arranged in the circumferential direction, so as to further enhance the strength of the disc body219.

Referring toFIG.57throughFIG.59, each blade mounting groove220is formed by recessing inward from the side of the disc body219facing toward the lawn, and located between the adjacent two reinforcing ribs231. The blade6is installed in the blade mounting groove220by a fastener226and arranged as such that in the axial direction of the disc body219, the blade6and the fastener226do not protrude out of the blade mounting groove220. With this arrangement, the blade6can be hidden in the blade mounting groove220, so as to prevent the blade6and the fastener226from colliding with hard objects on the lawn, and prevent the fastener226from being removed. Moreover, such arrangement can also prevent the blade6from directly contacting broken grass and soil on the lawn, thereby effectively preventing the broken grass from being entangled on the blade6, and preventing the soil from entering between the blade6and the fastener226.

The blade mounting groove220can include a groove bottom wall227and groove side walls225located on both sides of the groove bottom wall227. The groove bottom wall227is provided with a boss233and a mounting hole234recessed inward from the boss233. The blade6is detachably mounted on the boss233through the fastener226and the mounting hole234. Such configuration can effectively reduce the friction between the blade6and the disc body219, thereby avoiding disadvantageous large friction from blades being conventionally and directly mounted on the disc body219, and improving the working efficiency of the blade carrier disc assembly218.

The angle between the groove bottom wall227and the groove side wall225is an obtuse angle, and a chamfer229is provided at the intersection of the groove side wall225and the disc body219; such configuration can effectively reduce the friction between the disc body219and the lawn, thereby effectively improving the working efficiency of the blade carrier disc assembly218. In the radial direction of the disc219, the side of the blade mounting groove220near the axis of the disc219is also provided with a through groove123, so as to facilitate the passing through of blade6, grass, stones, etc.

In one embodiment, the guide platforms221and the fasteners226are in a circle. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener226may be, without limiting, a screw or other parts. In other embodiments, the blade mounting groove220may also be provided with a groove cover (not shown) disposed opposite to the groove bottom wall227to prevent grass, vines and soil from jamming the blade6. The groove cover and the blade mounting groove220may be integrally constructed, or may be separately manufactured. The blade carrier disc assembly218of the disclosure installs the blades6in the respective blade mounting grooves220of the blade carrier disc5, so that the blades6are hidden in the blade carrier disc5, thereby avoiding the blades6from grass or mud jamming and improving the working efficiency of the blade carrier disc assembly218.

Referring toFIG.60andFIG.61, in the disclosure, the mower can include a height-adjustment mechanism565arranged in the case18. The rotating of the height-adjustment mechanism565drives the cutting mechanism3to move up and down relative to the housing1, in order to change the cutting height of the cutting mechanism3. A multi-thread mating structure (not labeled) is provided between the height-adjustment mechanism565and the cutting mechanism3. The multi-thread mating structure can include a first threaded portion569provided on the height-adjustment mechanism565and a second threaded portion580provided on the cutting mechanism3. Both the first threaded portion569and the second threaded portion580are provided with multi-screw threads. Specifically, the height-adjustment mechanism565can include the first threaded portion569, a limiting portion570, a locking portion566, a connecting portion568, and a knob sequentially arranged from bottom to top in that order. The height-adjustment mechanism565may be integrally manufactured, or may be an assembled structure.

Referring toFIG.60throughFIG.62, the cutting mechanism3can include a housing574, a motor (not shown) disposed on the housing574, and a cutting assembly (not shown) disposed on an output shaft of the motor for cutting grass. The second threaded portion580is disposed on the housing574. The housing574can include a bottom wall573aand another bottom wall573b. The bottom wall573aand the bottom wall573bform a receiving cavity576for accommodating the motor. The bottom wall573bprotrudes outward to form a protruding portion572. The protruding portion572is provided with a through hole571penetrating therethrough, and the second threaded portion580is provided on the inner wall of the through hole571. In the illustrated embodiment, the first threaded portion569may be a male thread, and the second threaded portion580may be a female thread. In other embodiments, the first threaded portion569may be a female thread, and the second threaded portion580may be a male thread.

As illustrated inFIG.60throughFIG.62, the multi-thread mating structure can include different thread thicknesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-thread mating structure may be a three-threaded thread, in which the two threads577,578of the first thread portion569have the same thread thickness, and a thread thickness of the third thread579is smaller than the thread thickness of the threads577and578. When the first threaded portion569is screwed into the second threaded portion580, if positions of the multi-thread portions are misaligned, the first threaded portion569cannot be screwed in normally, only the corresponding thread with the same thickness can be screwed in.

The screw-in direction of the first threaded portion569is unique, thereby restricting the height-adjustment mechanism565to be assembled to the cutting mechanism3from a specific direction. With this setting, there is no need to provide a sign or other auxiliary device to guide the operator to install, and the installation becomes convenient. In addition, since there are three stress points at the connection during connecting multi-screw threads, the first threaded portion569and the second threaded portion580are not easy to jam during the mating. Therefore, the multi-threaded design of different thicknesses plays a good role in foolproof. As illustrated inFIG.60throughFIG.64, in other embodiments, the thread thicknesses of two threads can be made equal, and the thread thickness of the third thread579is greater than the thread thicknesses of the two threads. Alternatively, the thread thicknesses of the three threads are set to be different from one another, which can also restrict the height-adjustment mechanism565to be assembled to the cutting mechanism3from a specific direction.

As illustrated inFIG.60throughFIG.64, the limiting portion570is used to limit a rotation angle of the height-adjustment mechanism565. The housing1is provided with a protrusion (not shown) that cooperates with the limiting portion570. The limiting portion570and the protrusion block each other to limit rotation positions of the height-adjustment mechanism565in two directions, thereby restricting the highest position and the lowest position achieved by the rotations of the height-adjustment mechanism565. Due to the mutual blocking between the limiting portion570and the protrusion, a rotation angle of the height-adjustment mechanism565is less than 360°.

As illustrated inFIG.64throughFIG.64, the locking portion566is used to lock the height-adjusting mechanism565after the height-adjustment mechanism565completes height-adjustment, so as to avoid an unexpected change in the cutting height. As shown inFIG.64, the housing1is fixed with a resilient member582that cooperates with the locking portion566. The locking portion566may be a gear structure, and the resilient member582is locked with a tooth groove of the gear structure to lock the height-adjustment mechanism565. Specifically, the resilient member582can include a top end581that matches the shape of the tooth groove of the gear structure, and the top end581is snapped in the tooth groove to prevent the height-adjustment mechanism565from rotating. When the height-adjusting mechanism565is manually rotated, the gear structure rotates accordingly, and the resilient member582is elastically deformed and snapped into next tooth groove.

As illustrated inFIG.60throughFIG.62, the connecting portion568is used as the adjusting knob, and the adjusting of the height-adjustment mechanism565is achieved by manually rotating the knob. In other embodiments, the knob can also use a gear structure linked with an output shaft of another motor through a transmission gear, so as to realize electric drive rotation, thereby further improving the experience of the operator.

Referring toFIG.65andFIG.66, regarding an embodiment of the mower as provide by the disclosure, the case18can include an upper base583and a lower base584that is matched with the upper base583. The lower base584is provided with a sliding passage587penetrating through the lower base584. The cutting mechanism3can slide in the sliding passage587, and at least partially protrude from the sliding passage587in a direction facing away from the bottom surface of the lower base584, thereby allowing the cutting mechanism3to cut lawns, vegetation and so on. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing includes two parts such as the upper base583and the lower base584, and the sliding passage587only penetrates the lower base584. In other embodiments, the case18can also be made of one or more than two parts, and the sliding passage587can penetrate through the case18.

Referring toFIG.67, the cutting mechanism3is arranged in the sliding passage587and used for cutting lawns, vegetation and so on. The cutting mechanism3can include a base595, a prime mover (e.g., a motor)598mounted on the base595, and a cutting assembly592mounted on the output shaft of the prime mover598. The base595can include a first side wall594, a second side wall opposite to the first side wall594, a third side wall596perpendicular to the first side wall594, and a fourth side wall opposite to the third side wall596. The first side wall594protrudes toward an adjusting mechanism585to form a protruding portion589. The protruding portion589is provided with a threaded hole penetrating through the protruding portion589, and an internal thread is provided in the threaded hole.

In the illustrated embodiment, the prime mover598may be an electric motor. In other embodiments, the prime mover598may also be a gasoline engine. The cutting assembly592can include a blade carrier disc5installed on the output shaft of the prime mover598and blades6installed on the blade carrier disc5. The output shaft of the prime mover598rotates at a high speed, which drives the blade carrier disc5and the blades6to rotate at a high speed, which is beneficial for the blades6to cut lawn, vegetation, etc.

As illustrated inFIG.67, the adjusting mechanism585is used to adjust a cutting height of the cutting mechanism3. The adjusting mechanism585can include an adjusting member588and a driving member590rotating with the adjusting member588. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting member588is a knob, and the driving member590is a screw rod provided with an external thread. The driving member590cooperates with the internal thread of the protruding portion589through the external thread, and drives the base595to move up and down in the sliding passage587, which may in turn adjust a length that is from the cutting assembly592protruded out an end of the sliding passage587facing away from the casing1, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the cutting height of the cutting mechanism3.

In order to make the engagement between the external thread and the internal thread smoothly during adjustment, the screw rod is provided with multiple threads. In the illustrated embodiment, the screw rod is provided with at least three threads, the adjustment member588is a knob, and the adjustment is achieved by manually rotating the knob. The knob is provided with an indicator label, and the housing1is provided with level/grade labels matched with the indicator label. When the knob is rotated, the indicator label can point to different level labels, so that the operator can easily and quickly know the mowing height. In other embodiments, the adjusting member588may also be a gear, and rotate with a motor output shaft through a transmission gear, thereby accomplishing electric-driven rotation and further improving the user experience. Since the protruding portion589protrudes from the first side wall594, the driving member590is biased to one side of the base595. With this arrangement, the overall height of the cutting mechanism3and the adjusting mechanism585after being assembled together can be reduced, thereby lowering the center of gravity, so that the mower can run more stably.

Referring toFIG.67throughFIG.70, a guiding mechanism586can include a resilient guide member586aand a guide groove586d. The guide groove586dand the resilient guide member586acan slide relatively. One of the guide groove586dand the resilient guide member586ais provided on the case18, and the other is provided on the base595. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide groove586dis provided on the base595, and the resilient guide member586ais fixedly installed on the case18. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, there are two guide grooves586d, which are respectively located on the third side wall596and the fourth side wall.

In other embodiments, one guide groove586dmay be arranged on the second side wall. One end of the resilient guide member586ais provided with a positioning hole603, and the other end is provided with a positioning groove602. The resilient guide member586ais matched with corresponding fixing structures (not shown) on the case18through the positioning hole603and the positioning groove602, so that the resilient guide member586ais fixedly installed on the case18. The guide groove586dcan include a groove bottom wall586cand a pair of groove side walls586b. The resilient guide member586ais located between the pair of groove side walls586b. The groove bottom wall586cis further provided with a guide rail597. The resilient guide member586acan include a base body600and a cantilever601protruding from the base body600toward the groove bottom wall586c. The cantilever601elastically touches against the groove bottom wall586cto limit the base595. The base600is provided with a slot605along a direction perpendicular to the groove bottom wall586c, and the cantilever601goes across the slot605.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slot605penetrates through the base body600. In other embodiments, the slot605may be a blind slot. In additional embodiments, the base body600may not be provided with the slot605.

A cross section of the cantilever601in the transverse direction is arc-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the cantilever601spans the slot605in a direction perpendicular to the groove side wall586b. The cantilever601can include a first end606and a second end604located on both sides of the slot605. The first end606is fixedly connected to the base body600, and the second end604is separated from the base body600. The cantilever601is further provided with a guide groove607penetrating the cantilever601along the sliding direction of the base595, and the guide groove607is located between the first end606and the second end604. The guide groove607cooperates with the guide rail597to facilitate alignment during installation. An end of the guide groove607is trumpet-shaped/horn-shaped.

Referring toFIG.71andFIG.72,FIG.71shows a resilient guide member608according to another embodiment. The resilient guide member608can include a base body609and cantilevers610protruding outward from the base body609. The base body609is provided with slots611along a direction perpendicular to the groove bottom wall586c. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot611penetrates through the base body609. In another embodiment, the slot611may be a blind slot. In still another embodiment, the base body609may not be provided with the slot611. In the illustrated embodiment, there may be two slots611and two cantilevers610, the two slots611are arranged along the sliding direction of the base595, and the two cantilevers610are arranged across the pair of slots611respectively along sliding direction of the base595. Resilient arms612are provided on the side of the base body609opposite to the groove side wall586b, and the resilient arm612and the base body609together may form an O-shape structure.

As illustrated inFIG.67, to adjust the mowing height of the cutting mechanism3of the mower, the adjusting member588may be adjusted so that the driving member590may rotate, thereby driving the base595to slide along the sliding passage587, and achieving the adjusting of the mowing height of the cutting mechanism3. In this case, the cantilever arm601may moderately touch against the side wall of the base595to limit the base595in a direction perpendicular to the groove bottom wall586c. The base body600and the resilient arms612appropriately touch against the groove side wall586bto limit the base595in a direction perpendicular to the groove side wall586b, so as to avoid problems such as bending of the sliding path of the base595and tilting of the base595, and thereby ensure that the base595will not get stuck. By setting the guiding mechanism586, it can avoid the problems such as the bending of the sliding path of the prime mover and the tilting of the prime mover during the process of adjusting the mowing height of the mower, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

Referring toFIG.73andFIG.75, an embodiment of the disclosure further provides a charging device. The charging device can include a first charging assembly459and a second charging assembly475corresponding with the first charging assembly459. The first charging assembly459can include a symmetrical structure and is provided with a receiving cavity460inside. The receiving cavity460is provided with a first resilient terminal assembly461and a second resilient terminal assembly464. The first resilient terminal assembly461can include a first groove462and a first resilient terminal463. The first groove462is located in the receiving cavity460, and the first resilient terminal463is fixed in the first groove462. The second resilient terminal assembly464can include a second groove465and a second resilient terminal466. The second groove465is located in the receiving cavity460, and the second resilient terminal466is fixed in the second groove465. An embedded space467is formed between the first resilient terminal463and the second resilient terminal466. One side of the first charging assembly459is provided with a tapered opening468, and the tapered opening468connects with the embedded space467. An end of the first charging assembly459opposite to the tapered opening468is provided with a first mounting portion469.

As illustrated inFIG.73andFIG.74, the first resilient terminal463can include a first fixing part470and a first contact part471. The first contact part471can include a first initial contact portion472and a first charging contact portion473. The first charging contact portion473is connected to the first fixing portion470by the first initial contact portion472. The first fixing part470is fixed in the first groove462. The first contact part471can further include a first bend tail portion474, and the first bent tail portion474is connected to the first charging contact portion473. The first fixing part470and the first initial contact portion472may form a first rounded corner (not shown in the drawings), and an angle of the first rounded corner may be less than 90 degrees. The first initial contact portion472and the first charging contact portion473may form a second rounded corner (not labelled in the drawings), and an angle of the second rounded corner may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The first bent tail portion474faces away from the embedded space467. The angle of the rounded corner should be understood as an intersection angle of extension lines of two sides of the rounded corner. The second resilient terminal466and the first resilient terminal463may have similar structure.

As illustrated inFIG.75, the second charging assembly475can include a symmetrical structure. One side of the second charging assembly475is provided with a protruding portion476, and the other side of the second charging assembly475opposite to the protruding part476is provided with a second mounting portion477. The protruding portion476is connected to the second mounting portion477through a tapered portion478. The protruding portion476is provided with a third resilient terminal479and a fourth resilient terminal480.

FIG.76is a schematic structural view of the third resilient terminal479in an embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.76, the third resilient terminal479may have a shape similar to a fishhook. The third resilient terminal479can include a third fixing part481and a first hook part482. The third fixing part481is provided with a first bump483and a first fitting opening484. The first bump483is located at an end of the third fixing part481connected to the first hook part482, and the first bump483is located at a side of the third fixing part481facing away from the first hook part482. The first fitting opening484is located at an end of the third fixing part481away from the first hook part482. The structure of the fourth resilient terminal480is similar to the structure of the third resilient terminal479.

FIG.77is a cross-sectional view of the second charging assembly described in an embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.75throughFIG.77, the protruding portion476can include a terminal fixing assembly485of protruding portion, a lower cover plate492, and an upper cover plate (not shown in the drawings). The terminal fixing assembly485is disposed between the lower cover plate492and the upper cover plate (not shown). The terminal fixing assembly485can include a first fixing plate486, a second fixing plate487, and a built-in plate488. The first fixing plate486and the second fixing plate487are arranged on each side of the built-in plate488.

A first embedded groove489is provided between the first fixing plate486and the built-in plate488. A first fixing buckle490is provided on the side of the first fixing plate486facing away from the built-in plate488. The first hook part482is embedded in the first embedded groove489. The first fitting opening484is detachably connected to the first fixing buckle490. A second embedded groove491is provided between the second fixing plate487and the built-in plates488. A second fixing buckle (not labelled in the drawings) is provided on the side of the second fixing plate487facing away from the built-in plate488. The second hook part (not labelled in the drawings) is embedded in the second embedded groove491. The second fitting opening (not labelled in the drawings) and the second fixing buckle (not labelled in the drawings) are detachably connected with each other.

As illustrated inFIG.77, the first hook part482is provided with a first block opening, the first embedded groove489is provided with a first block plate therein, and the first block plate is embedded in the first block opening so as to prevent the first hook part482from moving up and down. The second hook part is provided with a second block opening, the second embedded groove491is provided with a second block plate therein, and the second block plate is embedded in the second block opening so as to prevent the second hook part from moving up and down.

FIG.78is a schematic structural view of the first fixing buckle490in an embodiment of the disclosure. The structure of the second fixing buckle is similar to the structure of the first fixing buckle490. As shown inFIG.78, the first fixing buckle490can include an inclined surface493and a perpendicular surface494. The inclined surface493and the perpendicular surface494are located on opposite sides of the first fixing buckle490, and the inclined surface493faces toward the first hook part (not labelled in the drawings). The inclined surface493facilitates the first fixing buckle490to be inserted into the first fitting opening484. The perpendicular surface494prevents the first fixing buckle490from being separated from the first fitting opening484.

FIG.79is a schematic diagram of a first process of using the first charging assembly459and the second charging assembly475in an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.73,FIG.74,FIG.75andFIG.79, a distance between the first charging contact portion473and the second charging contact portion497is smaller than a distance between the third resilient terminal479and the fourth resilient terminal480. The second charging assembly475is inserted into the first charging assembly459along the X direction. During the first process of using the first charging assembly459and the second charging assembly475, the third resilient terminal479is in resilient contact with the first initial contact portion472, and the fourth resilient terminal480is in resilient contact with the second initial contact portion498. When the second charging assembly475is inserted into the first charging assembly459in the X direction, since the opening size of the tapered opening (also referred to as tapered port)468is relatively large, the protruding portion476is easy to be inserted into the tapered opening468. The side walls of the tapered opening468can play a role of guiding the insertion direction of the protruding portion476, and under the guiding of the side walls, the protruding portion476slides into the embedded space467along the side walls.

FIG.80is a schematic diagram of a second process of using the first charging assembly459and the second charging assembly475in an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.73,FIG.74,FIG.76andFIG.80, the second charging assembly475is inserted into the first charging assembly459along the X direction. During the second process of using the first charging assembly459and the second charging assembly475, the protruding portion476is inserted into the embedded space (not labelled in the drawings), a connection between the first initial contact portion472and the first charging contact portion473is in resilient contact with the third fixing part481, the first charging contact portion473is in resilient contact with the first bump483. A connection between the second initial contact portion498and the second charging contact portion497is in resilient contact with the fourth fixing portion499, the second charging contact portion497is in resilient contact with the second bump500, shapes of the tapered portion478and the tapered port468correspond with each other, and the tapered portion478can fully fill the tapered port468.

As illustrated inFIG.80, the first elastic terminal463and the third elastic terminal479are in resilient contact with each other, and there are two contact points between the first resilient terminal463and the third resilient terminal479. The connection between the first initial contact portion472and the first charging contact portion473may touch against the first bump. The second resilient terminal466and the fourth resilient terminal480are in resilient contact with each other, there are two contact points between the second resilient terminal466and the fourth resilient terminals480, and the connection between the second initial contact portion and the second charging contact portion498may touch against the second bump. Such arrangement not only ensures the stability of contact, but also prevents the second charging assembly475from detaching from the first charging assembly459.

As illustrated inFIG.74throughFIG.76, the first resilient terminal463, the second resilient terminal466, the third resilient terminal479, and the fourth resilient terminal480may be constructed using bent metal sheets.

Referring toFIG.81throughFIG.83, the upper base583and the lower base584of the case18jointly form a receiving cavity613for receiving a control circuit board618. The control circuit board618is installed on the lower base584. The mower may further include a battery pack (not shown) for supplying power to the motor. The battery pack and the motor637are installed on the lower base584. Combination device as provided is used to directly or indirectly control the mower to perform a certain action, and include a first device installed on the upper base583and a second device installed on the lower base584. The first device and the second device are not electrically connected. Such arrangement can effectively avoid an electrical connection between the components arranged in the upper base583and the components arranged in the lower base584which causes inconvenience to the replacement of the upper base583.

In the illustrated embodiment, regardless of whether the devices are working or not working, the first device will not be energized. That is, no operating current may passes through the first device when the second device is energized (i.e., there is an operating current passing through the second device). When the first device and the second device are cooperative, the combination device controls the mower to perform a corresponding action. In this case, the first device and the second device are contactless or non-connected electrically. That is, there is no cable connecting between the first device and the second device, for example, the first device and the second device are induced by magnetic component or optical component. This arrangement can not only control the mower directly or indirectly by the non-contact cooperation of the first device and the second device, but also avoid the disadvantage in the prior art, in which components installed on the upper base583and components installed on the lower base584need to be electrically connected through wired lines or conductive terminals. Thus, this arrangement reduces the difficulty of assembling the upper base583and the lower base584.

When the upper base583needs to be replaced due to aging or damage caused by collision, the operator can directly disassemble and replace the upper base583conveniently and quickly without arranging the wires or re-plugging the conductive terminals, thereby improving the working efficiency of the operator. In addition, since the first device is mounted on the upper base583, the second device is mounted on the lower base584, and the first device and the second device are in contactless cooperation, the second device and the lower base584can be packaged as a whole, thereby enhancing the waterproof performance of the mower.

In one embodiment, the second device is integrated on the control circuit board618. The combination device may be a lifting sensor632that detects whether the mower is lifted, a collision sensor639that detects whether the mower collides with an obstacle, a safety switch620that controls power on or off of the mower, and/or a safety lock622that controls whether the mower is in an active state. In other embodiments, the second device may include other electrical components, such as a circuit board, a battery pack, a motor637and so on. Details of the lifting sensor632, the collision sensor639, the safety switch620, and the safety lock622may be further described below.

Referring toFIG.81throughFIG.85, the upper base583is provided with support columns614with a top cover615mounted on the support columns614. As illustrated inFIG.82andFIG.83, the support column614can include a mounting plate628fixedly mounted on the upper base583, an elastic element629mounted on the mounting plate628, a damper631at one end of the elastic element629away from the mounting plate628, and a protective sleeve630sheathed around the elastic element629. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element629is a spring, and the protective sleeve630is a bellows. The top cover615is mounted on the damper631, and a handle619is provided thereon. When a user holds the handle619to lift the mower, the elastic element629undergoes an elastic deformation, and the top cover615moves in a direction away from the upper base583. When the mower collides with an obstacle, the top cover615continues to move for a certain distance along an original forward direction of the mower under the action of inertia. In this case, the elastic element629undergoes an elastic deformation.

As illustrated inFIG.81andFIG.82, the lifting sensor632is used to detect up and down relative motions between the top cover615and the case18. The lifting sensor632can include a metal plate (not shown) installed on the support column614and a first Hall sensor633installed on the lower base584. The first device can include a control component, and the control component is the metal plate. The second component is the first Hall sensor633. The control component is not electrically connected to the second device and is used to control the second device. When the mower is lifted, the metal plate is moved away from the first hall sensor633under the action of the support column614, which causes a signal change of the first hall sensor633. In this case, the first Hall sensor633controls the mower to stop working, so as to prevent the cutting assembly616from hurting people. In other embodiments, the first Hall sensor633may send a corresponding signal to the control circuit board618, so that the control circuit board618controls the cutting assembly616to stop working.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first device of the lifting sensor632is a metal plate, and the second device is a Hall sensor. In other embodiments, the first device of the lifting sensor632may be a magnet, and the second device may be a reed switch; or, the first device of the lift sensor632may be an armature, and the second device may be an inductive sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, the first device of the lift sensor632is installed on the support column614. In other embodiments, the first device of the lifting sensor632may be installed on the top cover615instead. In the illustrated embodiment, the first device is a metal plate, and the second device is a Hall sensor. In other embodiments, the first device may be a Hall sensor, and the second device is a metal plate.

As illustrated inFIG.83, the collision sensor639is used to detect a horizontal movement of the top cover615. The collision sensor639can include a third magnet640installed on the top cover615and a third Hall sensor641installed on the lower base584. The third magnet640is a control component of the first device, and the third Hall sensor641is the second device. When the mower collides with an obstacle during traveling, the top cover615will continue to move forward for a certain distance along an original forward direction of the mower under the action of inertia, so that the magnet640and the third Hall sensor641produce a relative displacement, causing a signal change of the third Hall sensor641. In this case, the third Hall sensor641controls the mower to reverse for a certain distance so as to make the mower avoid the obstacle. In the illustrated embodiment, the third Hall sensor641directly controls the retreat of the mower. In other embodiments, the third Hall sensor641may send a corresponding signal to the control circuit board618, and the mower is controlled to retreat through the control circuit board618. In the illustrated embodiment, the collision sensors639are provided at the front and rear of the mower. In other embodiments, the first device of the collision sensor639may be an armature, and the second device may be an inductive sensor.

As shown inFIG.81andFIG.82, the upper base583is provided with a first switch, and the lower base584is provided with a second switch. The first switch is electrically disconnected from the second switch. The first switch controls the second switch to be on or off. Specifically, the safety switch620is used to control the power on or off of the mower. The safety switch620can include a button621installed on the upper base583, a first magnet624(i.e., first device or first switch) installed on the button621, and a first reed switch625(i.e., second device or second switch) installed on the lower base584. The button621is pivotally mounted on the upper base583via a pivot, and the button621can include a first end626and a second end627arranged at two sides of the pivot. The first magnet624is installed on the first end626. When the first end626is pressed, the first magnet624closes to the first reed switch625. In this case, the first reed switch625is in the on-state, and the mower is in an energized state. When the second end627is pressed, the first magnet624is away from the first reed switch625. In this case, the first reed switch625is in the off-state, and the mower is in a switched-off state.

As illustrated inFIG.81andFIG.82, the safety lock622is used to control whether the mower is in an activated state (also referred to as active state). When the mower is in the activated state, the mower can be started. When the mower is in an inactive state or in a locked state, the mower cannot be started. The safety lock622can include a safety key623, a motor lock body634installed on the upper base583corresponding with the safety key623, and a second reed switch635(i.e., second device) installed on the lower base584or the lock body634. A second magnet636(i.e., first device) is provided at one end of the safety key623close to the second reed switch635. When the safety key623is inserted into the lock body634and the safety key623is rotated to make the second magnet636closing to the second reed switch635, the second reed switch635is in an on-state, and the mower is in the activated state correspondingly. When the safety key623is pulled out from the lock body634or the safety key623is rotated to make the second magnet636away from the second reed switch635, the second magnetic reed switch635is in an off-state, and the mower is in a locked state at this time.

Referring toFIG.86throughFIG.91, a main body644of the mower at least can include a battery assembly (not shown) for power supply, and at least two drive motors (not shown) for driving the cutting assembly and the walking assembly8. The main body644of the mower should also include other components used to control and drive the operation of the mower. Especially, the main body644can further include charging terminals645for electrically connecting an external charging post to charge the battery assembly. A casing assembly640is used for supporting the cutting assembly and the walking assembly8accommodated in the main body644. In the disclosure, the casing assembly640can include a first casing641and a second casing642that are buckled/engaged with each other, and the main body644is received between the first casing641and the second casing642to prevent the main body644from being affected by the external environment during use and thereby ensure the normal operation of the main body644.

Referring toFIG.87throughFIG.91, the first casing641is hollow, the second casing642is generally plate-shaped. The first casing641is fastened onto an edge of the second casing642by a fastening structure, and a projection of the first casing641on a horizontal plane covers a projection of the second casing642on the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the fastening structure is a snap-fit structure. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the fastening structure may also be, without limiting, a threaded structure, as long as the detachable connection between the first housing641and the second housing642is ensured.

As illustrated inFIG.87throughFIG.91, the first casing641and the second casing642are respectively formed with a first handle structure643and a second handle structure654for carrying the casing assembly640or the mower. As the casing assembly640is defined to have a first end and an opposite second end, the first handle structure643is located at the first end of the first casing641, and the second handle structure654is located at the second end of the second casing642. Projections of the first handle structure643and the second handle structure654on the horizontal plane are staggered arranged.

As illustrated inFIG.87throughFIG.91, the first handle structure643and the universal wheel10are both located at the first end of the casing assembly640; and the second handle structure654, the walking wheel9, and a third walking wheel are all located at the second end of the casing assembly640. With this arrangement, it is convenient for users to choose different handle structures to carry the casing assembly640or the mower according to different needs.

Referring toFIG.88a, the first handle structure643is recessed from outside to inside of the first casing641, and the first handle structure643penetrates through the first casing641and forms at least a gripping portion652along an edge of the penetrating position. Specifically, the first end of the first casing641in the illustrated embodiment can include a first protrusion646protruding outward along the horizontal plane and a second protrusion647that is vertically offset from the first protrusion646. The first handle structure643is located between the first protrusion646and the second protrusion647. The positions and orientations of the user hands when transporting the casing assembly640or the mower together may constitute gripping positions during transporting. The first handle structure643and the second handle structure654each can provide gripping portions652corresponding to at least two gripping positions.

Referring toFIG.88aandFIG.88b, the gripping portions652provided on the first handle structure643can include a first gripping portion648, a second gripping portion649, and a through hole605between the first gripping portion648and the second gripping portion649. The gripping positions of the first gripping portion648and the second gripping portion are arranged up and down in a staggered manner. A distance between the through hole650and the main body644is about 5-10 cm, so as to facilitate the user to extend his hand into the first handle structure643to achieve the transporting of the casing assembly640or the mower.

Referring toFIG.86throughFIG.88b, both the first gripping portion648and the second gripping portion649are arranged obliquely, an inclination degree of the first gripping portion648is greater than an inclination degree of the second gripping portion649, and the charging terminals645are arranged toward the through hole650. Such an arrangement allows the external charging device to be directly and electrically connected to the charging terminals645through the through hole650, which further improves the practicability of the mower.

Referring toFIG.89, the gripping portion652can further include a first gripping space653recessed from an edge of the first gripping portion648into the interior of the first casing641, and a second gripping space651recessed from an edge of the second gripping portion649into the interior of the first casing641. A projection of the first gripping space653on the horizontal plane covers a projection of the second gripping space651on the horizontal plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the first gripping space653is formed on the first protrusion646, and the second gripping space651is formed on the second protrusion647. In such an arrangement, when the user lifts the casing assembly640or the mower through the first gripping portion648or the second gripping portion649, the user can bend and place his/her fingers in the first gripping space653or the second gripping space651, thereby effectively reducing user fatigue accumulated when grasping the first griping portion648or the second gripping portion649.

Referring toFIG.90andFIG.91, the second handle structure654is arranged in a groove shape. In the disclosure, the second handle structure654is formed by recessing from a bottom of the second casing642toward the interior of the casing assembly640, and an edge of the second handle structure654forms at least one gripping portion652.

As illustrated inFIG.90andFIG.91, the gripping portion652formed on the second casing642can include a third gripping portion658and a third gripping space657corresponding to the third gripping portion658. The third gripping portion658extends along a surface of the second casing642toward the center of the third gripping portion658. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second handle structure654can further include an inclined guiding surface656opposite to the third gripping portion658, and such arrangement can facilitate the user to extend the fingers into the third gripping space657and hold onto the third gripping portion658, thus achieving the transportation of the casing assembly640or the mower.

Referring toFIG.86throughFIG.91, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the parts used for griping and inclined to the housing assembly640/mower in the first grip portion648, the second grip portion649, and the third grip portion658are all set to rounded corners. Such arrangement can effectively reduce the tightening feeling of the grip part652and effectively improve the use-friendliness of the housing assembly640and the mower.

Referring toFIG.86throughFIG.91, in an embodiment of the disclosure, for example, the first handle structure643has the first gripping portion648and the second gripping part649and the second handle structure654has the third gripping portion658. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the first handle structure643and the second handle structure654each can be provided with multiple gripping structures. That is, the number and structure of the gripping portion(s)652corresponding to each handle structure can be configured according to actual needs, without being limited herein.

As shown inFIG.86throughFIG.91, in the disclosure, when the casing assembly640is provided with the first handle structure643and the second handle structure654, the casing assembly640can include gripping portions652with at least two gripping ways, and the user can choose different gripping positions of the gripping portions652according to his/her own physical condition and needs. First it can effectively reduce the accumulated fatigue when the user grasps the casing assembly640; and second, it can prevent the user's fingers being laborious or strangled by the gripping portion. Meanwhile, the mower with the casing assembly640can be easily carried/transported, which effectively improves the practicability of the mower.

Referring toFIG.92, an embodiment of the disclosure provides a connection structure, which can be used as a connection method on the housing1of the mower and used for the installation between a main body661and a rear cover662of the housing1.

Referring toFIG.93throughFIG.95, the connection structure can include a mounting portion664provided on the main body661and a fixing portion665provided on the rear cover662. The mounting portion664and the fixing portion665are disposed opposite to each other. Specifically, the mounting portion664is located in an opening666on a side of the main body661, and the fixing portion665is located at an edge669on a side of the rear cover662. The mounting portion664is rotatably connected with the fixing portion665in the opening666through a shaft pin663. Such a connection mechanism is simple in structure and convenient to operate.

As illustrated inFIG.92throughFIG.95, the mounting portion664can include two mounting holes667, the fixing portion665can include two mounting holes670, and the two mounting holes667are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the two mounting holes670on the fixing portion665. The mounting portion664is provided with a shaft pin receiving groove668. To install the main body661and the rear cover662together, the shaft pin663can be pre-placed in the shaft pin receiving groove668and fixed to the mounting portion664and the fixing portion665, and the installation of the main body661and the rear cover662is completed consequently. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the shaft pin receiving groove668may be disposed on the fixing portion665.

As shown inFIG.92throughFIG.95, the shaft pin receiving groove668is located between the two mounting holes667. The mounting holes667and the shaft pin receiving groove668connect with each other and are located on the same straight line. A length of the shaft pin receiving groove668is greater than a length of the shaft pin663, thereby facilitating the shaft pin663to slide along the pin receiving groove668and then pass through the mounting holes667and the mounting holes670.

As illustrated inFIG.92throughFIG.95, the length of the shaft pin receiving groove668is slightly greater than twice the length of the shaft pin663. In this way, two shaft pins can be placed in the shaft pin receiving groove668at the same time. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the shaft pin receiving groove668may be located on both sides of the mounting hole667. The mounting portion664and the fixing portion665can be arranged alternately.

Referring toFIG.96, the shaft pin663can include a body portion671, a head portion672at one end of the body portion671, and a tail portion673at the other end of the body portion671. The body portion671, the head portion672, and the tail portion673can be integrally constructed, without being limited herein.

As illustrated inFIG.96, the shaft pin663is provided with a penetrating opening674from the middle of the body portion671to the tail portion673. The tail portion673is cone-shaped, and is made of an elastic material. A diameter of one end of the tail portion673near the body portion671is larger than that of the other end. The opening674can be opened and closed according to the force applied onto the tail portion673, and the opening674can be elastically deformed, thereby can change the diameter of the tail portion673. The diameters of the head portion672and the tail portion673are both larger than a diameter of the body portion671.

After the installation is completed, the mounting holes667and the mounting holes670can be interposed between the head portion672and the tail portion673. Moreover, a diameter of the shaft pin receiving groove668is not less than the diameters of the head portion672and the tail portion673, so as to prevent the shaft pin663from sliding out of the shaft pin receiving groove668when the shaft pin663slides along the shaft pin receiving groove668. Opening diameters of the mounting holes670and the mounting holes667each are smaller than the diameter of the tail portion673. The opening diameters of the mounting holes670and the mounting holes667each are larger than the diameter of the body portion671.

Referring toFIG.92throughFIG.96, in an embodiment of the disclosure, specific installation operations (or steps) of the main body661and the rear cover662are as follows.

Step 1: placing the shaft pin663in the shaft pin receiving groove668in advance, and aligning the mounting holes667on the main body661with the mounting holes670on the rear cover662one by one.

Step 2: pushing the shaft pin663into the mounting holes667and the mounting holes670along the shaft pin receiving groove668. In this case, the tail portion673of the shaft pin663is squeezed by the mounting hole667and the mounting hole670, and the opening674is closed, resulting the tail portion673and the main body671sequentially passing through the mounting hole667and the mounting hole670.

Step 3: pushing the tail portion673completely out of the mounting hole667and the mounting hole670. In this case, the tail portion673of the shaft pin663is not pressed by the mounting hole667and the mounting hole670, and the opening674is opened. Thus, the tail portion673exposes from the mounting hole670, the body portion671is accommodated in the mounting hole667and the mounting hole670, and the head portion672is exposed from the mounting hole667and is accommodated in the shaft pin accommodating groove668, thereby the installation of the shaft pin663at one side is completed.

Step 4: repeating the above steps to install the shaft pin663at the other side, until all installation tasks are completed.

The connection structure includes the mounting portion664and the fixing portion665disposed opposite to the mounting portion664, and the mounting portion664is connected to the fixing portion665through the shaft pins663. The shaft pin accommodating groove668is provided on the mounting portion664, and the shaft pin663is placed in the shaft pin accommodating groove668in advance, so that the installation is completed only by sliding the shaft pin663along the shaft pin receiving groove668to fix onto the mounting portion664and the fixing portion665. The above structure is simple and the above operation is convenient.

Referring toFIG.97throughFIG.101, a lifting detection device267of a mower is used to detect a lifting displacement of a main body265of the mower relative to a chassis266of the mower. The main body265is located directly above the chassis266, and the main body265can be lifted upwards and is displaced in the vertical direction relative to the chassis266.

As illustrated inFIG.97, the lifting detection device267of the mower can include a shock absorber261connected with the main body265, a sliding member262connected with the shock absorber261, a metal plate278arranged at the bottom of the sliding member262, a sensor281arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the chassis266, and a connector268connecting the main body265and the shock absorber261. Through the connection of the connector268, the shock absorber261, the sliding member262and the metal plate278may move upward with the main body265.

As illustrated inFIG.98, the metal plate278can be buckled or fixed by screws to the bottom of the sliding member262. The sensor281is used to detect a distance D between the chassis266and the metal plate278in the vertical direction. When the main body265is lifted relative to the chassis266, the metal plate278moves upward correspondingly. When the distance between the metal plate278and the chassis266in the vertical direction exceeds a preset value, the sensor281sends a trigger signal to a control device of the mower (not shown) to control the mower to stop working, so as to prevent the mower from injuring the operator.

As shown inFIG.98, a material of the shock absorber261may be rubber. The shock absorber261can include a first connecting end269facing toward the main body265and a second connecting end270facing toward the sliding member262. The connector268can include a receiving groove285with an opening facing toward the shock absorber261, the receiving groove285is used for receiving the first connecting end269. The connection method of the connector268and the shock absorber261is not limited herein, and it can be realized by bolt connection, or by snap connection, or other commonly used connection method, as long as the two can be tightly connected.

As illustrated inFIG.98, the sliding member262is fixedly connected to the shock absorber261. That is, the movement states of the sliding member262and the shock absorber261are consistent. A material of the sliding member262may be plastic. The sliding member262can include a connecting portion276extending in the vertical direction and a fixing portion277perpendicular to the connecting portion276. The connecting portion276is connected to the second connecting end270of the shock absorber261. The fixing portion277is located at the bottom and protrudes toward the periphery relative to the connecting portion276to form an enlarged end. The metal plate278is fixed on the bottom surface of the fixing portion277.

Referring toFIG.98andFIG.99, the lifting detection device267of the mower can further include a connecting plate274fixed on the chassis266. The connecting plate274can include a mounting plate283provided with a through hole, a sleeve284fixed in the through hole, and a sealing ring275between the mounting plate283and the sleeve284. The connecting portion276of the sliding member262passes upward through the sleeve284and is slidably arranged. The mounting plate283is fixed to the chassis266by fastening devices273. The fastening device273may be a screw or other commonly used connectors.

As illustrated inFIG.98, the lifting detection device267of the mower can further include a first spring264and a second spring271. The first spring264is sleeved between the sleeve284and the fixing portion277of the sliding member262, and the first spring264is sleeved on the outer circumference of the connecting portion276of the sliding member262. Since the sleeve284is fixed, when the sliding member262moves upward with the main body265, the first spring264is compressed.

As shown inFIG.98, the second spring271is disposed between the shock absorber261and the sliding member262. Both the shock absorber261and the sliding member262are made of plastic. An upper end of the second spring271is threadedly connected to a lower end of the shock absorber261. A lower end of the second spring271is threadedly connected to a top end of the connecting portion276of the sliding member262. The shock absorber261provides a stable zero position by using the second spring271, which makes it easy to install the main body265. This is because the second spring271is fixed by the shock absorber261in an initial position, and the second spring271is not easy to deform.

As illustrated inFIG.98andFIG.99, a plane where the mower collides with an obstacle is defined as a collision plane. When the robotic mower collides horizontally, a deflection elastic force of the second spring271may resist the horizontal movement. With this arrangement, when the mower collides with the obstacle, e.g., when the mower hits a tree, the shock absorber261can be used to reduce a vertical displacement caused by a displacement of the main body265relative to the chassis266on the collision plane. Therefore, it is ensured that the main body265of the mower will not move upward when a collision with the obstacle occurs, thereby avoiding the situation that the mower stops working due to the vertical displacement caused by the collision with the obstacle. That is, the shock absorber261allows the main body265to move only in the vertical direction relative to the chassis266during the collision of the mower robot. The collision plane is approximately parallel to a mowing plane, that is, roughly a horizontal plane.

Referring toFIG.98andFIG.99, when the mower is in a normal working state, the first spring264is in a freely extended state, and the sliding member262needs to overcome the elastic force of the first spring264to move the main body265forward, which is to move away from the chassis266. With this arrangement, when the mower is slightly collided or faces a bumpy situation (when the mower passes a ramp, a stone or other obstacle), the sliding member262receives less force than the elastic force of the first spring264, the sliding member262will not move in the vertical direction, thereby avoiding the sliding member262moving upward due to slight turbulence which may cause the sensor281erroring or cause the mower to stop working. As a result, the working stability of the mower is improved consequently.

As illustrated inFIG.98andFIG.99, the lifting detection device267of the mower can further include a protective cover272covering the outer periphery of the shock absorber261. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective cover272is a bellows. One end of the bellows13is connected with the shock absorber261, and the other end is connected with the mounting plate283of the connecting plate274. This arrangement prevents the shock absorber261from being contaminated and damaged, and prolongs the service life of the shock absorber261. A material of the metal plate278may be aluminum. The sensor281may be a Hall sensor, an inductive sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

Referring toFIG.101, the chassis266can include a lower base282and an upper base279. The sensor281is disposed on the lower base282and is tightly attached to a bottom surface of the upper base279. The connecting plate274is fixed on the upper base279by the fastening devices273. The upper base279is further provided with a receiving cavity280for receiving and supporting the bottom of the sliding member262. The metal plate278touches against the bottom surface of the receiving cavity280.

Referring toFIG.100, a working process of the lifting detection device267of the mower will be described below: when the mower is in a normal working state, the first spring264is in a naturally extended state, and the metal plate278is positionally close to the sensor281. When the mower is lifted, the main body265moves upward, the shock absorber261and the sliding member262are driven to move upward relative to the chassis266, as shown inFIG.101. In this case, the first spring264is in a compressed state, the metal plate278located at the bottom of the sliding member262moves upward, and the sensor281detects the distance D between the metal plate278and the sensor281. When the distance D reaches the preset value, the sensor281sends a trigger signal to the control device of the mower to control the blades of the mower to stop rotating, so as to prevent the operator from being injured.

When the mower is only colliding with an obstacle instead of being lifted (for example, when hitting a tree), the shock absorber261, the first spring264, and the second spring271can play a role in damping vibration, so that the sliding member262will not move upward. That is, the positions of the metal plate278and the sensor281are kept close to each other, which prevents the sliding member262from moving upward due to slight bumps which may cause the sensor281erroring and thereby cause the mower to stop working. As a result, the working stability of the mower is improved consequently.

Therefore, in the lifting detection device267of the mower, the sensor281is installed in the chassis266to detect the distance between the metal plate278provided on the sliding member262and the chassis266, and to determine the distance between the main body265of the mower and the chassis266. The lifting detection device267of the mower can include a simple structure and the space of the mower is saved. There is no need to construct a hole on the chassis266for the wire connecting the lifting detection device and the chassis to pass through, and thus the waterproof performance is preserved. The shock absorber261can reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the mower is mistakenly stop working due to the displacement in the vertical direction caused by the collision with obstacles, and thus improves the stability of the mower.

Referring toFIG.102, an intelligent/smart/robotic mower can automatically work on a grassland. The mower can include a body286, a casing287covering the body286, and a suspension device288movably connecting the body286and the casing287.

As illustrated inFIG.102, the body286is provided with a walking wheel(s) (not shown) for moving the mower, a driving motor (not shown) for driving the walking wheel, a cutting assembly/tool for mowing (not shown), a control assembly (not shown) for controlling operations of the driving motor and the cutting assembly, and a battery pack for providing power to the mower. The structures of the walking wheel, the driving motor, the cutting assembly, the control assembly, and the battery pack are described in details throughout this disclosure.

As shown inFIG.102, the casing287which covers the outside of the body286can protect the body286as well as the operator. For example, it can provide dustproof and waterproof to protect the structures such as the driving motor, the cutting assembly, the control assembly and the battery pack, and can prolong the service life of each of the structures. Meanwhile, it can also prevent the operator from accidents when using the mower, thereby improving the safety factor of the mower consequently.

Referring toFIG.102throughFIG.104, the suspension device288can include a first support column294connected to the casing287, a second support column295connected to the body286, and a flexible connecting member299connecting the first support column294and the second support column295. Specifically, one end of the flexible connecting member299is connected to the first support column294, and the other end is connected to the second support column295, so that the casing287can move relative to the body286in a direction perpendicular to the body286and/or in a horizontal direction.

As illustrated inFIG.102throughFIG.104, in the direction perpendicular to the body286, the first support column294is opposite to the second support column295, and the first support column294is located above the second support column295. It can be understood as that: the horizontal direction is a direction parallel to the ground, and the direction perpendicular to the body286is a direction perpendicular to the ground and shall be referred to as the vertical direction.

Referring toFIG.102andFIG.105throughFIG.107, the first support column294is provided with a connecting portion302, the casing287is correspondingly provided with a receiving portion90, and the connecting portion302is received in the receiving portion90. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first support column294is roughly a columnar structure, and the connecting portion302is provided on the top of the first support column294and can include a spherical structure. The casing287is correspondingly provided with a rubber cap291, the rubber cap291is fixedly connected to the casing287, the receiving portion90is a spherical receiving cavity formed in the rubber cap291, and the spherical connecting portion302is received in the spherical receiving cavity so as to achieve a fixed connection between the first support column294and the casing287. Thus, when the casing287is moved by an external force, the first support column294will be driven to move correspondingly. In other embodiments, the first support post294and the housing287can be connected by other structures, as long as the first support column294and the casing287can be fixedly connected, without being limited herein.

As illustrated inFIG.106, the first support column294is further provided with a groove303surrounding an axial direction thereof, and the groove303is approximately located at a middle position of the first support column294.

As shown inFIG.106, The flexible connecting member299can include a spring. One end of the first support column294is provided with a first thread305matching the spring, and one end of the second support column295is provided with a second thread306matching the spring. One end of the spring is threadedly connected with the first support column294, and the other end is threadedly connected with the second support column295. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the first thread305is provided on the bottom of the first support column294, and the second thread306is provided on the top of the second support column295.

As illustrated inFIG.107, a pitch H of the first thread305gradually increases from bottom to top. In this way, when the spring is screwed onto the first support column294, the spring will gradually tighten to increase a pressure between the spring and the first support. The increasing the friction between the spring and the first support column294makes the spring difficult to escape. Similarly, a pitch of the second thread306is correspondingly set to gradually increase from top to bottom.

As illustrated inFIG.106, the flexible connecting member299can further include a rope (not shown). Both ends of the rope are provided with spherical fixing members. The first support column294and the second support column295are respectively provided with spherical grooves304for correspondingly accommodating the spherical fixing members. As shown inFIG.106, the spherical groove304on the first support column294is recessed inwardly from an inner side wall of the groove303, the spherical groove304on the second support column295is recessed on the second thread306and close to the top of the second support column295.

As shown inFIG.106, the flexible connecting member299can include a spring and a rope, and a length of the rope is greater than a length of the spring. This arrangement can ensure that the mower stops working when the mower is lifted in case the spring is failed. In some embodiments, the flexible connecting member299may have other structures, as long as it can achieve the effect of stopping the mower when it is lifted, without being limited herein.

Referring toFIG.102throughFIG.104,FIG.108, andFIG.109, the suspension device288can further include a fixing frame296fixedly connected to the body286. The fixing frame296is provided with a through hole311. In the vertical direction, the top of the second support column295penetrates the fixing frame296via the through hole311. Specifically, in the disclosure, the fixing frame296can include a cylindrical structure, and the through hole311is formed at the center of the fixing frame296.

As illustrated inFIG.108, the fixing frame296can include a first fixing portion307and a second fixing portion308. A diameter of the first fixing portion307is smaller than a diameter of the second fixing portion308. The through hole311penetrates through the first fixing portion307and the second fixing portion308in the vertical direction. The through hole311can include a first through hole315formed on the first fixing portion307and a second through hole313formed on the second fixing portion308, and a diameter of the first through hole315is smaller than a diameter of the second through hole313.

As shown inFIG.108, the top of the first fixing portion307is slightly recessed downwardly so as to accommodate one end of the spring299and to positionally limit one end of the spring299. An annular groove314is recessed at the bottom of the second fixing portion308. The annular groove314is located at the periphery of the second through hole313and used for accommodating a sealing ring301. The sealing ring301(also referred to as gasket) is used to strengthen waterproof performance of the body286.

As illustrated inFIG.108, the fixing frame296is fixed on the body286, an annular protrusion (not labelled) protrudes from a position of the body286corresponding to the annular groove314, so that the annular protrusion, the annular groove314and the sealing ring301are mutually cooperated, which not only enables the fixing frame296to be closely integrated with the body286, but also can provide good waterproof performance.

As illustrated inFIG.109, the fixing frame296is installed and fixed on the fuselage286by screws292. The second fixing portion308is provided with two lugs309, and each lug309is provided with an opening312. The two lugs309are arranged opposite to each other. The screws292pass through the openings312to fix the fixing frame296on the body286. In other embodiments, the fixing frame296can be installed and fixed on the body286in other ways, such as snap-fit, hard interference, etc., without limiting herein.

Referring toFIG.102throughFIG.104again, in the vertical direction, the bottom of the second support column295is provided with a fixing head298, and a metal sheet300is installed on the fixing head298. A displacement sensor289is provided in the body286. The displacement sensor289is located under the metal sheet300and used to detect a displacement of the second support column295. The suspension device288can further include a compression spring293arranged between the fixing frame296and the fixing head298. One end of the compression spring293is received in the second through hole313and touches against an inner wall surface of the second fixing portion308, and the other end touches against an upper surface of the fixing head298.

As illustrated inFIG.102throughFIG.104, when the mower is lifted for some reason, the casing287can drive the first support column294, the flexible connecting member299, and the second support column295to move upward. In this case, the compression spring293is compressed. If the displacement sensor289detects the second support column295is displaced and the detected displacement exceeds a preset value, an induction signal is sent to the control assembly, and the control assembly then sends a control signal to the cutting assembly to stop the mower. When the external force disappears, a restoring force of the compression spring293can prompt the second support column295, the flexible connecting member299, and the first support column294to return to the initial position. In this case, the mower can resume its work.

As shown inFIG.102throughFIG.104, the suspension device288can further include a dust-proof rubber sleeve297covering the first support column294, a flexible connecting member299, and a second support column295. An open end at one side of the dustproof rubber sleeve297is positioned in the groove303, and another open end at the other side is positioned in the fixing frame296. Specifically, a limiting space310is provided between the first fixing portion307and the second fixing portion308of the fixing frame296. The dust-proof rubber sleeve297is substantially in a column shape. And in the vertical direction, the top open end of the dust-proof rubber sleeve297is positioned in the groove303, and the bottom open end is positioned in the limiting space310, so as to protect the flexible connecting member299, a connecting position of the flexible connecting member299and the first support column294, and a connecting position of the flexible connecting member299and the second support column295.

Referring toFIG.102throughFIG.104again, four suspension devices288are respectively arranged at the four corners of the body286. In other embodiments, the number and positions of the suspension devices288can be changed, without being limited herein.

As illustrated inFIG.102, when the mower works normally, the casing287cannot move disorderly. When the mower hits an obstacle during operation, the casing287may stop while the body286may continue to move forward, which may cause a relative displacement between the body286and the casing287. In this case, the collision sensor on the body286(not shown) sends a collision signal to the control assembly, and the control assembly then controls the mower to reverse or retreat. In the event of a collision, since the rubber cap291is fixed on the casing287, the rubber cap291may drive the first support column294to deflect. Since the second support column295is housed in a cylindrical hole of the body286, a horizontal degree of free-space is small, and therefore the rubber cap291may drive the spring299to deflect at the same time.

As illustrated inFIG.102, after the mower collides, the spring299may not directly return to its original state, but may continue to vibrate/shake. In this case, both the spring299and the rubber cap291can be deformed. The rubber cap291can include a damping effect and can offset vibration. Therefore, the rubber cap291can be used to absorb/offset part of the vibration to prevent the body286from cracking, thereby greatly extending the service life of the mower and reducing the use cost.

Accordingly, in the mower of the disclosure, the suspension device288is configured to include the first support column294, the second support column295, and the flexible connecting member299connecting the first support column294and the second support column295. The first support column294is connected to the casing287, and the second support column295is connected to the body286, so that the casing287cannot move disorderly during normal operation. The casing287can flexibly move relative to the body286in the direction perpendicular to the body286and/or in the horizontal direction when it collides with an obstacle.

Referring toFIG.111throughFIG.115, an embodiment of the disclosure can include a collision sensor677for detecting collisions. The collision sensor677can include a magnet fixing structure674. As shown inFIG.115, the collision sensor677can include a magnet675, the magnet fixing structure674, and a Hall sensor678corresponding to the magnet fixing structure674. The magnet fixing structure674and the Hall sensor678are respectively and fixedly arranged on the housing1and a mower body (including the cutting assembly616, the walking assembly8and the battery pack assembly). The mower body is provided with a circuit board679, the Hall sensor678is electrically connected to the circuit board679, and the Hall sensor678is correspondingly disposed directly under the magnet fixing structure674.

As illustrated inFIG.111throughFIG.115, there may be one set of the Hall sensor678, and the collision sensor677can be used to detect collision. In another embodiment of the disclosure, there may be four sets of the Hall sensors678which are respectively arranged in the front, rear, left, and right directions directly below the magnet fixing structure674to detect specific collision directions. Furthermore, the number of Hall sensors678can be more. For example, there may be four additional sets of Hall sensors678(for a total of eight sets of Hall sensors678) respectively positioned on the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear directions, besides the front, rear, left, and right directions, so as to improve detection accuracy of collision direction. In the illustrated embodiment, after detecting a collision direction, the mower may control the walking assembly8to retreat in the collision direction, so as to avoid a possible subsequent collision.

Referring toFIG.111throughFIG.113, in an embodiment of the disclosure, there may be two groups of collision sensors677respectively arranged at the front and rear ends of the mower.

Referring toFIG.112throughFIG.115, the magnet fixing structure674can include a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity extends in the vertical direction, the first cavity is cylindrical, and the second cavity extends in the horizontal direction and is arranged above the first cavity. The first cavity is provided with the columnar magnet675, and the second cavity is provided with a metal sheet676for the magnet675to pull, so as to fix the magnet675in the first cavity. When the mower encounters obstacles or collisions with other objects, the magnet fixing structure674may vibrate, so that the magnet675is displaced in the first cavity. In this case, based on the Hall effect, the Hall sensor678may generate a corresponding Hall voltage to determine that the mower encountered a collision. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the first cavity may have other regular shapes, and the magnet675is correspondingly set in the first cavity to have a corresponding shape including but not limited to a cube and other shapes, without being limited herein.

As illustrated inFIG.115, the first cavity is provided with a hole with an opening facing downward, and the hole is used for fixing the magnet675to pull toward the metal sheet676, particularly pulling into contact with the metal sheet676arranged in the second cavity above the first cavity. In one embodiment, the hole is circular in shape, and a diameter of the hole is larger than a diameter of the magnet675, so that the magnet675and the metal sheet676can be magnetically connected. When the magnet675needs to be repaired, the metal sheet676in the second cavity can be taken out, the magnet675can be removed from the hole. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the hole may also be formed on a side surface of the first cavity, and the magnet675may be correspondingly inserted through the hole on the sidewall of the first cavity. In order to prevent accidental detaching of the magnet675from the first cavity, the magnet675can be enclosed in the first cavity, without being limited herein.

As shown inFIG.115, the magnet675is a permanent magnet, so that the magnet675can be pulled toward the metal sheet676. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the magnet675may be an electromagnet or an electro-permanent magnet. When the magnet675is the electromagnet, a blocking structure (not shown) is correspondingly provided at the hole at the lower end of the first cavity, so as to prevent the electromagnet from being disengaged after the mower is powered off. When the magnet675is the electro-permanent magnet, the magnet675can also be constantly pulled toward the metal sheet676. Meanwhile, a magnetic field of the electro-permanent magnet can be controlled by adjusting the current magnitude.

As illustrated inFIG.115, a spacing/distance between the magnet fixing structure674and the Hall sensor678in the vertical direction may be less than 10 mm. That is, a vertical distance between the magnet fixing structure674and the Hall sensor678may be less than 10 mm. For example, the distance between the magnet fixing structure674and the Hall sensor678in the vertical direction can be 1 mm, 5 mm, or 9 mm. The distance can also be adjusted according to specific conditions. For example, when the magnet675includes a large magnetism, the distance can be increased accordingly; when the magnetism of the magnet675is relatively small, the distance can be reduced accordingly to ensure detection accuracy.

Referring toFIG.111throughFIG.115, a diameter of the first cavity is larger than a diameter of the magnet675, so that the magnet675can be displaced in the first cavity. The diameter of the first cavity should not be set excessively large, so as to prevent the magnet675from deviating from an upright position after displacement, which may cause a decrease in detection accuracy and prevent the magnet675from shaking or even falling off when encountering accidentally violent collision. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity may also be provided with a reset structure (not shown) for resetting the magnet675after displacement, and the reset structure can include, without limitation, a spring, and can be set according to actual needs without being limited herein.

Referring toFIG.111throughFIG.115, the first cavity and the second cavity are connected with each other. Correspondingly, the magnet675is magnetically connected to the metal sheet676. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal sheet676may be fixedly arranged in the second cavity. In this case, the magnet675will be relatively displaced with the metal sheet676after the mower collides. The metal sheet676can also be movably arranged in the second cavity instead. In this case, the second cavity is correspondingly provided with a limiting structure to prevent the metal sheet676from being separated. The magnet675would bring the metal sheet676to move synchronously after the mower collides. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the first cavity and the second cavity are not connected with each other, and correspondingly, the magnet675is magnetically attracted to the metal sheet676but is not directly contacted with the metal sheet676. After the mower collides, the magnet675moves closer to the bottom surface of the second cavity along the first cavity.

As illustrated inFIG.111throughFIG.115, the collision sensor677may further include a magnetic reed switch (not shown) for detecting a relative movement of the casing1and the mower body in the vertical direction. That is, when the magnet675moves in the vertical direction, it controls the reed switch to be on or off, which may control the cutting assembly and walking assembly8of the mower to stop working in the case of the casing1being disassembled or accidental damage occurred, thereby preventing injury, etc. In other embodiments, the reed switch can include other forms such as a relay or an inductive sensor, without being limited herein. The magnet fixing structure674provided by the disclosure is convenient to install and disassemble, which may reduce the production cost.

Referring toFIG.116, in an embodiment of the disclosure, an automatic working device is provided. The automatic working device may be an intelligent/smart/robotic mower, a vacuum cleaner, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the intelligent mower is taken as an example for description. The intelligent mower can include, without limitation, a housing1and a movable upper cover2. A walking wheel9is installed on the housing1, a control circuit is installed inside the housing1, and a manipulation area369is provided on the top of the housing1. The movable upper cover2is installed above the casing1. The movable upper cover2can include an outer contour larger than that of the housing1, and an opening20is provided to expose the manipulation area369and convenient for consumers to control the intelligent mower.

Further, a collision detector is provided between the movable upper cover2and the housing1, such as a displacement sensor having a Hall sensor and a magnet. When a collision occurs causing a relative displacement between the movable upper cover2and the housing1, a change of relative position between the magnet and the Hall sensor brings about a change of magnetic field. The Hall sensor may sense the change of magnetic field and output a signal to the control circuit, which may control the intelligent mower to change its moving direction and avoid collisions.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a connection device is further provided. In an illustrated embodiment, multiple manipulation areas368are movably connected between the movable upper cover2and the housing1of the intelligent mower, so as to allow the movable upper cover2to be displaced relative to the housing1. As an embodiment of the disclosure, there may be three manipulation areas368, two of them are located at the rear of the intelligent mower, and the other one is located at the front of the intelligent mower. The manipulation areas368of the disclosure greatly facilitates the removal the upper cover and avoids the problem of the upper cover easily falling off.

Referring toFIG.117, the manipulation area368of the disclosure can include a connecting rod371and a connecting base. The connecting rod371is fixed on the housing1, and the connecting base is fixed on the movable upper cover2. The connecting rod371can include a connecting head378. The connecting head378is movably arranged inside the connecting base so that the housing1and the movable upper cover2are movably connected. The connecting base can include a mounting base372, a locking member373, and a bottom plate374. The bottom plate374is located on the bottom side of the mounting base372, and the locking member373is located between the mounting base372and the bottom plate374.

As illustrated inFIG.118andFIG.119, the mounting base372is provided with a cavity379, the locking member373is contained in the cavity379and the top thereof is exposed for operation by the operator. The locking member373is provided with an annular cavity380, and an inner wall of the annular cavity380is provided with an internal thread404. The locking member373is further provided with a recessed cavity381located in the annular cavity380. The recessed cavity381is formed by multiple elastic connecting walls385. Each of the elastic connecting walls385may have a certain elasticity and can be deformed appropriately to allow the connecting head378in the recessed cavity381to be detached from the recessed cavity381. The connecting head378may be spherical, and the recessed cavity381may be a spherical recessed cavity.

As illustrated inFIG.117andFIG.118, the bottom plate374is fixed on the mounting base372and the bottom plate374is provided with a protruding post386. An outer side of the protruding post386is provided with an external thread405, which can be threadedly connected with the internal thread404of the annular cavity380. The protruding post386is a hollow structure, and the inner of the protruding post386has an adjustment cavity388that penetrates up and down. The locking member373and the bottom plate374are assembled from the bottom side of the mounting base372. In particular, the locking member373and the bottom plate374may first be screwed together, and then assembled together on the mounting base372.

After assembled, the annular cavity380of the locking member373is located in the cavity379, the protruding post386of the bottom plate374extends into the annular cavity380, the external thread405matches with the internal thread404of the annular cavity380, and the recessed cavity381of the locking member373is located inside the adjustment cavity388of the protruding post386. The connecting head378of the connecting rod371passes through the bottom plate374and is movably received in the recessed cavity381.

As shown inFIG.117andFIG.118, the bottom plate374is locked onto the bottom side of the mounting base372by screws375, and its position remains unchanged relative to the mounting base372. The threaded connection between the locking member373and the bottom plate374enables the locking member373to rotate and move up and down, which in turn drives the elastic connecting walls385to move up and down in the adjustment cavity388. The adjustment cavity388may be substantially cylindrical with a stepped inner wall and a diameter of the adjustment cavity388near the bottom is smaller.

As shown inFIG.122, when the elastic connecting walls385are located at a high place, there is a gap A between the inner wall surface of the adjustment cavity388and the outer side surface S1of the elastic connecting walls385. The gap A allows the elastic connecting walls385to deform outwards. In this case, the connecting head378may be detached from the recessed cavity381and separated from the movable upper cover2, so that the movable upper cover2and the casing1can be separated. When the elastic connecting walls385are located at a low position, the inner wall surface of the adjustment cavity388restricts an outward deformation of the elastic connecting walls385, thereby restricting the connecting head378in the cavity381and keeping the movable upper cover2connected to the housing1.

Referring toFIG.118andFIG.119, the above restriction can be that the inner wall surface of the adjustment cavity388touches against the elastic connecting walls385, or the inner wall surface of the adjustment cavity388is very close to the elastic connecting walls385. Although the elastic connecting walls385can be slightly expanded and deformed, the degree of deformation is insufficient to make the connecting head378being detached from the recessed cavity381.

As shown inFIG.118andFIG.119, the locking member373can include a releasing position and a locking position. When the locking member373is located at the releasing position, the elastic connecting walls385can expand and deform outward, allowing the connecting head378to be detached from the recessed cavity381, and the connecting base and the connecting rod371to be separated from each other. When the locking member373is in the locking position, the elastic connecting walls385are restricted by the inner wall surface of the adjustment cavity388and cannot expand outwards and deform enough, so that the connecting head378is restricted in the recessed cavity381, and the connecting base and the connecting rod371are connected with each other. Therefore, the releasing position and the locking position of the locking member373can meet different usage requirements of the manipulation area368.

As illustrated inFIG.118, when the intelligent mower with the manipulation area368is in normal use, the locking member373is in the locking position. Since the connecting head378is restricted in the recessed cavity381, even if the movable upper cover2is lifted during carrying of the intelligent mower, it will not cause a separation of the upper cover2from the housing1. When an operator needs to remove the movable upper cover2for cleaning or maintenance, the locking member373can be rotated to the releasing position, and the movable upper cover2can be lifted up and easily removed. After the cleaning or maintenance, the operator can place the movable upper cover2on the housing1, insert the connecting head378into the recessed cavity381, then turn the locking member373from the releasing position to the locking position, and the intelligent mower can continue its normal work.

As shown inFIG.117andFIG.118, the bottom plate374cannot move up and down, and the locking member373can move up and down when rotating. As a simple alternative, the locking member373can be set to not-able-to move up and down, the bottom plate374can be driven to move up and down when rotates the locking member373, and other structures can remain unchanged. When the locking member373is in the releasing position, the bottom plate374is at a high position, and the connecting head378can escape from the recessed cavity381. When the locking member373is in the locking position, the bottom plate374is at a low position, and the connecting head378is confined in the recessed cavity381.

As illustrated inFIG.117andFIG.118, when the locking member373is in the releasing position, the existence of the gap A between the inner wall surface of the adjustment cavity388and the outer side surface S1of the elastic connecting walls385enables the elastic connecting walls385to expand outwards. As a simple alternative, the gap A may not exist, that is, when the locking member373is in the releasing position, the elastic connecting walls385are located outside the adjustment cavity388, so that the elastic connecting walls385can expand outwards without restriction. The above embodiment can be utilized especially when the threaded connection between the locking member373and the bottom plate374can produce sufficient up and down displacement.

Referring toFIG.117andFIG.120throughFIG.125, in which specific structures of the mounting base372, the bottom plate374and the locking member373are described in detail. The bottom plate374is fixed relative to the mounting base372. The bottom plate374and the mounting seat372may be assembled together. Alternatively, the bottom plate374can be manufactured integrally with the mounting base372or riveted together after being manufactured separately. The locking member373is movably arranged relative to the mounting base372, meaning the locking member373can rotate, or move up and down. The following description takes the bottom plate374and the mounting seat372set separately as an example.

FIG.120andFIG.121are schematic perspective views of the mounting base372. The mounting base372can include a top wall393and an annular side wall395extending downward from the middle of the top wall393. The annular side wall395and the top wall393together form the aforementioned cavity379. The bottom plate374is installed on the bottom surface of the annular side wall395, and the locking member373is accommodated in the cavity379. The top wall393is substantially circular, and a through hole394is provided at the center of the top wall393for the locking member373to be partially exposed. The lower side of the top wall393is provided with a pair of mounting posts396, which are respectively located at opposite ends of the cavity379for fixing screws375and mounting the bottom plate374to the bottom surface of the mounting base372. The annular side wall395is provided with several protruding ribs397connected to the top wall393, the protruding ribs397can strengthen the strength of the annular side wall395.

FIG.122andFIG.123are schematic perspective views of the locking member373. The locking member373can include a column399and an operating part400on the top of the column399. The column399is approximately cylindrical with an open bottom. The operating part400is also cylindrical and located at the center of the top surface of the column399. A diameter of the operating part400is smaller than a diameter of the column399.

In combination with the illustration ofFIG.124, a diameter of the through hole394of the top wall393of the mounting base372is larger than the diameter of the operating part400, but smaller than the diameter of the column399, so that the operating part400can protrude into the through hole394and expose at outside of the mounting base372. The movable upper cover2is provided with a hole (not labeled) to expose the operating part400for consumers to operate. The column399is always restricted below the through hole394. The top of the operating part400is provided with a groove401, and when the operator needs to turn the locking member373, a screwdriver or other tool can be used to snap into the groove401to drive the locking member373.

Referring toFIG.122andFIG.123, the annular cavity380with the internal thread404is formed in the column399. The column399is also provided with the elastic connecting walls385and the recessed cavity381formed by the elastic connecting walls385. A center line of the recessed cavity381overlaps with a center line of the operation part400, and when the operation part400is rotated, the recessed cavity381will not move eccentrically. In the illustrated embodiment, there may be four elastic connecting walls385, with the adjacent ones of the elastic connecting walls385having a gap therebetween, so that the connecting walls385are elastic and can be deformed outwards.

ReferringFIG.121andFIG.122, the locking member373can further include a positioning member402beside the column399. The positioning member402is roughly in the shape of an arc and surrounds the column399, and the positioning member402and the column399form a gap. One end of the positioning member402is connected to the column399, so that the positioning member402can include certain elasticity and can be deformed appropriately. A protrusion403is provided on an outer surface of the positioning member402. In combination with the illustration ofFIG.124, the inner wall of the cavity379is further provided with two vertical positioning grooves398spaced apart.

When the locking member373rotates in the cavity379, the positioning member402drives the protrusion403to rotate and thereby engage with corresponding positioning grooves398respectively in the releasing position and the locking position. An engaging force of the positioning grooves398of the positioning member402can prevent the locking member373from rotating and shifting by itself when the consumer is not operating. Meanwhile, it is convenient for consumers to obtain a clear response whether the locking member373is turned into proper position during operation.

As illustrated inFIG.122, a top surface of the top wall393is provided with an indication mark376around the through hole394, the indication mark376can further tell the consumer whether the locking member373is turned into proper position. The indication mark376can include “0” and “1”. In combination with the illustration ofFIG.120, the top surface of the operating part400of the locking member373is provided with an arrow used together with the indication mark376.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arrow pointing to “0” indicates that the locking member373is in the released position, and the arrow pointing to “1” indicates that the locking member373is in the locking position. In order to prevent mis-operation, a directional arrow329indicating a rotation direction of the locking member373can be arranged between “0” and “1”. When the locking member373is rotated to “0” or “1”, the protrusion403is engaged with the positioning groove398. As a simple alternative, “0” and “1” can be represented by other words or graphics, such as “release” or “lock”, “separation” or “connection”, unlock and unlock icons, etc., without being limited herein.

FIG.124is a schematic perspective view of the bottom plate374. The bottom plate374is provided with a bottom wall406and the protruding post386extending upward from the middle of the bottom wall406. The bottom wall406is substantially diamond-shaped, and two opposite corners are provided with mounting holes407. The screws375pass through the mounting holes407respectively and are fixed to the mounting posts396of the mounting base372to fix the bottom plate374to the mounting base372.

FIG.125is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom plate374. The inner side wall of the adjustment cavity388is provided with a step, so that different height positions of the adjustment cavity388have different inner diameters. The inner wall of the adjustment cavity388is divided into an upper inner wall384and a lower inner wall391by the step. The step is located between the upper inner wall384and the upper inner wall384and the step is provided with a chamfer.

Referring toFIG.123throughFIG.125, outer surfaces of the elastic connecting walls385are located on one circle, and a diameter of the circle is defined as an outer diameter of the elastic connecting walls385. The inner diameter of the upper inner wall384is greater than the outer diameter of the elastic connecting walls385, and the inner diameter of the lower inner wall391is equal to the outer diameter of the elastic connecting walls385. It is noted that the term “equal to” herein means substantially equal, that is, the difference in size between the inner diameter of the lower inner wall391and the outer diameter of the elastic connecting walls385is not enough to allow the elastic connecting walls385to deform enough so that the connecting head378can escape from the recessed cavity381.

Therefore, when the elastic connecting walls385are aligned with the upper inner wall384but staggered up and down with the lower inner wall391, the elastic connecting walls385can be deformed outwards, which is corresponding to the releasing position of the locking member373. When the elastic connecting walls385are at least partially aligned with the lower inner wall391, the elastic connecting walls385are restricted from deforming outwards, which is corresponding to the locking position of the locking member373.

As shown inFIG.125, the adjustment cavity388is further provided with another ring-shaped stopping step392below the lower inner wall391. An inner diameter of the stopping step392is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic connecting walls385. When the locking member373is in the locking position, that is, when the elastic connecting walls385are at a low position, bottom surfaces S2of the elastic connecting walls385may touch against the stopping step392, and the stopping step392provides a stopping function.

Returning toFIG.117, when the movable upper cover2is mounted on the mower body1, the operating portion400of the locking member373is located in the through hole394of the mounting base372, and the arrow on the operating portion400points to “0” of the mounting base372. In this case, the locking member373is in the releasing position. As shown inFIG.122, the connecting head378can be easily inserted into the recessed cavity381formed by the elastic connecting walls385, and the manipulation area368is movably connected to the mower body1and the movable upper cover2. Afterwards, the operating portion400is rotated by a tool to rotate the locking member373until the arrow on the operating portion400points to “1”, which indicates that the rotation is in place. The locking member373moves downwardly to the locking position while rotating, as shown inFIG.123, the connecting head378is held in the recessed cavity381, which can prevent the movable upper cover2from being easily separated from the mower body1.

As illustrated inFIG.116throughFIG.118, when the intelligent mower is in normal use, the locking member373is always in the locking position to prevent the movable upper cover2from being separated from the mower body1. When the movable upper cover2needs to be removed for cleaning or maintenance, the locking member373is rotated in a reverse direction, which makes it moves from the locking position to the releasing position, the connecting head378can be easily separated from the recessed cavity381, and then the movable upper cover2can be removed simply and conveniently.

Please refer toFIG.126throughFIG.129, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a switch316can include a casing1and a pressing device disposed above the casing1. A magnet319is provided on the pressing device, and a reed switch320that senses a magnetic field of the magnet319is provided in the casing1. The switch316is further provided with a fixing portion322fixed on the upper side of the casing1. The pressing device is pivotally connected to the top of the fixing portion322via a pivot shaft321and can rotate above the casing1with the pivot shaft321as a center. The fixing portion322connects the casing1and the pressing device, and the fixing portion322may be separately provided and fixed to the casing1, or it may be integrally formed with the casing1. Positions of the reed switch320and the magnet319correspond to each other. A direction in which the magnet319and the reed switch320are oppositely arranged is defined as a first direction. When the pressing device is moved/triggered, a distance between the magnet319and the reed switch320in the first direction can be changed so as to switch on/off the reed switch320.

Please refer toFIG.127, in combination with the illustration ofFIG.129, the pressing device can include a main body portion323. The main body portion323is substantially in the shape of a horizontal plate. A middle portion of the main body portion323is extended to form a connecting portion325. The connecting portion325is connected with a pivot shaft321, and is used for rotatably fixing the pressing device to the fixing portion322. The pressing device can further include a protruding portion324protruding from the main body portion323toward the reed switch320. One end of the protruding portion324close to the reed switch320can include a receiving groove (not labelled). The receiving groove can include an opening toward the reed switch320and is used for receiving the magnet319. The magnet319is fixed in the receiving groove which allows a side of the magnet319facing toward the reed switch320to be exposed.

As illustrated inFIG.127, the main body portion323can include a first pressing part332and a second pressing part333. For the convenience of description, from theFIG.112's viewing perspective, two sides of the connecting portion325are defined as right side and left side respectively. The magnet319and the reed switch320are located on the right side, the first pressing part332is located on the left side, and the second pressing part333is located on the right side. The protruding portion324protrudes from an end of the second pressing part333toward the reed switch320. The first pressing part332is located away from the magnet319. By pressing the second pressing part333, which would cause the main body portion323to rotate clockwise around the pivot shaft321and thereby reduce a distance between the magnet319and the reed switch320, the reed switch320can sense a magnetic field of the magnet319. In this case, two pieces of magnetic reeds of the reed switch320are contacted with each other, the reed switch320is in a switched-on state. By pressing the first pressing part332, which would cause the main body portion323to rotate counterclockwise around the pivot shaft321and thereby increase the distance between the magnet319and the reed switch320, the reed switch320cannot sense the magnetic field of the magnet319. In this case, the two pieces of magnetic reeds of the reed switch320will return to an original non-contact state, and the reed switch320is switched off.

Referring toFIG.127, the pressing device can further include a first abutting part330extending downwards from an end of the first pressing part332and a second abutting part331extending downwards from an end of the second pressing part333. The casing1is provided with a first mating surface327for being touched against the first abutting part330and a second mating surface329for being touched against the second abutting part331. The first mating surface327and the second mating surface329are used to limit rotation ranges of the first pressing part332and the second abutting part331.

As shown inFIG.127, the pressing device can further include an abutting part334protruding downwards from a portion of the first pressing part332near the connecting portion325. In particular, the abutting part334protrudes downwards from the bottom side of the main body portion323. The abutting part334can include an arc-shaped abutting surface, and the fixing portion322also can include an arc-shaped contact surface, so as to facilitate the abutting part334and the fixing portion322to touch against each other and thereby limit a rotation range of the pressing device.

As illustrated inFIG.127, the pressing device can further include a first switch cap326and a second switch cap328respectively provided on upper surfaces of the first pressing part332and the second pressing part333. In the illustrated embodiment, the first switch cap326and the main body portion323are detachably connected, and the second switch cap328and the main body portion323are also detachably connected. In other embodiments, the first switch cap326, the second switch cap328, and the main body323may be integrally constructed to form a one-piece structure.

As shown inFIG.127, the switch316is installed on the mower. The mower can include a start-stop switch and a main switch. The start-stop switch may be the switch316, the main switch may be the switch316, or both the start-stop switch and the main switch are switches316. In the illustrated embodiment, the mower is a robotic lawn mower.

As illustrated inFIG.127, a working process of the switch316will be described below. When pressing the first switch cap326, the main body portion323rotates counterclockwise around the pivot shaft321, the magnet319is moved far away from the reed switch320. Sine the reed switch320cannot senses the magnetic field of the magnet319, the two pieces of magnetic reeds of the reed switch320return to the original non-contact state, the reed switch320is at the switched-off state, the switch316is turned off, and the mower stops working. Whereas, when pressing the second switch cap328, the main body portion323rotates clockwise around the pivot shaft321, the magnet319moves toward the reed switch320, the reed switch320can sense the magnetic field of the magnet319, the two pieces of magnetic reeds of the reed switch320are contacted with each other, the reed switch320is at a switched-on state, the switch316is turned on, and the mower can resume working.

As shown inFIG.127, taking the robotic mower as an example, the switch316can be installed as an independent component on other garden tools or other control objects, especially as a control switch for products that require waterproofing. The solutions that are the same as or similar to the illustrated embodiment are all covered by the protection scope of the disclosure.

Therefore, regarding the switch316of the disclosure, the reed switch320is arranged inside the casing1, and the magnet319is arranged outside the casing1, so that the distance between the magnet319and the reed switch320can be controlled to control on-off states of the reed switch320, which may in turn control the turned-on and turned-off states of the switch316. This arrangement not only does not require an opening on the casing1, but also reduces the risk of water ingress to the switch and prolongs the service life of the switch. In addition, the reed switch320is controlled by a magnetic field and does not require an external power supply, which saves electrical energy. The lawn mower with the switch316can provide a stable working state and a long battery life.

Referring toFIG.130through134, a charging station system can include a charging station335and a ceiling336. The charging station335can include a bottom plate338laid on the ground and a docking pile339on a side of the bottom plate338. The docking pile339is provided with a protruding charging seat340. The charging seat340is matched with the intelligent mower and used for charging the battery pack in the intelligent mower. The ceiling336can include a connecting base337detachably assembled on the docking pile339of the charging station335and a cover342pivotally connected to the connecting base337. A projection of the ceiling336on the ground roughly covers the bottom plate338, which effectively shields and protects the intelligent mower, including sun shading, rain sheltering, and avoiding external collisions. The ceiling336of the charging station system of the disclosure is detachably fixed, and when repairs are needed, the ceiling336can be removed first and then repair is made, which makes the operation more convenient.

In combination with the illustration ofFIG.132andFIG.133, the connecting base337can include a connecting portion350snapped on the periphery of the docking pile339of the charging station335and a supporting portion351extending laterally from the connecting portion350. The supporting portion351extends laterally from the top end of the connecting portion350toward the bottom plate338and is used to stably support the cover342assembled on the connecting base337. A cross section of the connecting portion350is roughly U-shaped and is arranged around the rear surface and opposite side surfaces of the docking pile339.

Moreover, the connecting portion350covers the top of the docking pile339. The bottom of the connecting portion350is detachably mounted to the side surfaces of the docking pile339by screws (not shown). The supporting portion351is provided with a storage space352with an opening upward, which is used for accommodating maintenance tools such as handles, screwdrivers, screws for repairing the ceiling336or the charging station335. The connecting base337can further include multiple protruding ribs353arranged in the storage space352. The protruding ribs353divide the storage space352into multiple areas, so that users can place tools of different types or sizes in different areas.

As shown inFIG.132, the cover342is arranged roughly in the shape of a lid, which can include a top wall356and a side wall357extending downwards from the circumference of the top wall356. The cover342can be used for shading sun and sheltering rain when the intelligent mower is parked at the charging station335for charging. The cover342can also include a protruding portion343bulging upwards and a groove363corresponding to the protruding portion343. The protruding portion343is formed by a portion of the top wall356of the cover342corresponding to the storage space352of the connecting base337bulging upwards. The groove363is correspondingly disposed below the protruding portion343and directly above the storage space352of the connecting base337. The protruding portion343can reinforce the strength of the cover342, and the groove363can increase the volume of the storage space352.

As shown inFIG.132, the cover342can further include a transparent observation window344buckled on the top wall356. The observation window344is set at a position of the top wall356in front of the protruding portion343to allow the user to observe a charging state of the intelligent lawn mower at the charging station335. The observation window344can include a lid-shaped main body360and a snapping portion441extending downwardly from the periphery of the main body360. The top wall356of the cover342can include a through hole358at a position corresponding to the observation window344. A side wall of the through hole358is provided with a fitting groove401that cooperates with the snapping portion441of the observation window344. In the illustrated embodiment, the observation window344is made of a transparent material and is fitted into the through hole358of the cover342. The observation window344is substantially rectangular and located at the front of the protruding portion343and further staggered from the supporting portion351. A size of the observation window344should be larger than a display area on the intelligent mower to facilitate observation.

Referring toFIG.133andFIG.134, the cover342is pivotally assembled on the supporting portion351, and can be opened or closed relative to the connecting base337. In order to prevent the user from accidentally opening the cover342, the ceiling336can further include a resilient buckle345for movably buckling the cover342onto the connecting base337. The buckle345can be fixed to one of the connecting base337and the cover342, and can be connected with the other resilient buckle. The setting of the buckle345requires the user to apply a certain external force to open the cover342, which can prevent the cover342from being blown over when the wind is strong, and can also improve the user's operating feel. The buckle feeling can help the user to determine whether the cover342is in place.

As shown inFIG.132andFIG.133, the buckle345is an inverted U-shaped metal resilient piece, which can include a fixing piece346fixed to the cover342by a screw348and two buckle arms347extending downwards from opposite ends of the fixing piece346respectively. The fixing piece346is fixed to a screw post367on the bottom surface of the cover342by the screw348. The fixing piece346is assembled on the bottom of the protruding portion343of the cover342. The fixing piece346is located at an end of the protruding portion343of the cover342close to the observation window344. The supporting portion351of the connecting base337is provided with a buckling portion354protruding forward at an end away from the connecting portion350. The buckling portion354can be matched with the buckling arms347of the buckle345, to buckle the cover on the connecting base337.

When the cover342is laid on the supporting portion351, the buckling portion354of the supporting portion351of the connecting base337is accommodated in a space formed by the buckling arms347of the buckle345. When the user needs to open the storage space352, he/she needs to overcome a buckling force of the buckle345, and then lift the cover342upwards. Referring toFIG.134, which shows a state in which the cover342is opened, the buckle345is retained on the buckling portion354, and the matching manner of the buckle345and the buckling portion354is clearly illustrated.

Referring toFIG.131throughFIG.133, an engagement between the cover342and the connecting base337will be described below. A rear edge of the cover342is provided with a notch362and two pivot ports365located on opposite sides of the notch362. The pivot portions365protrude downwards from the cover342and are provided with pivot holes364. Two pivot shafts349are respectively fixed to two sides of the connecting base337after passing through the two pivot holes364, so as to pivotally connect the cover342to the connecting base337. As shown inFIG.132, the pivot349is similar to the structure of a tack, and an end thereof is provided with an elastic buckle structure. The elastic buckle structure is inserted into a corresponding hole (not labeled) of the connecting base337and then buckles with an edge of the hole. The two sides of the connecting base337are further provided with stoppers366for the opened cover342to bear against, which can limit an opened angle of the cover342and prevent the cover342from overturning and causing inconvenience in use.

Referring toFIG.131throughFIG.133, the notch362of the cover342is located in an area of the aforementioned protruding portion343, and the top of the connecting base337is further provided with a convex portion355. After the connecting base337and the cover342are assembled together, the convex portion355is inserted into the notch362, a top surface of the convex portion355and a top surface of the protruding portion343are coplanar, which can improve the overall appearance of the ceiling336and enhance the beauty of product.

As illustrated inFIG.131throughFIG.133, to assemble, first fix the buckle345to the cover342, and then pivotally connect the cover342to the connecting base337to form the ceiling336. The buckle345is fastened/buckled to the buckling portion354of the connecting base337to keep the cover342in a closed state, and then the assembled ceiling336is fixed to the charging station335. As a result, the installation of the charging station system with the ceiling336is completed.

As shown inFIG.131throughFIG.133, the ceiling336can be sold separately as a spare part, and can be installed on an existing charging station after the user purchases it. If the existing charging station has been installed with a casing protecting the docking pile339, the casing can be removed first, and then the connecting base337can be detachably installed on the docking pile339, so that the ceiling336can be assembled to the charging station335to form a charging station system. The ceiling336of the disclosure is convenient to disassemble, easy to maintain, and can be adapted to existing charging stations, and thus has a wide range of applications and flexibility.

FIG.135throughFIG.137show an embodiment of a safety switch421of the disclosure rotated to a first position. In this case, the safety switch421is in a stopped state.FIG.138andFIG.139show a state of use when the safety switch421is rotated to a second position. In this case, the safety switch421is in an activated state. Furthermore, in the disclosure, the safety switch421is installed on a casing422or a chassis of a garden tool. The garden tool can be a robotic mower or any other garden tool to which the safety switch421can be applied. The garden tool is driven by an engine (not shown). Specifically, the engine may be an internal combustion engine or a driving engine. Optionally, the engine in the disclosure is an electric motor.

Please refer toFIG.135, which is a schematic exploded view of the safety switch421of the disclosure in the first position. The safety switch421is installed on the casing422of the garden tool. The safety switch421can include a first button423and a second button438arranged on the first button423. The safety switch421can be used to start a power device (not shown) of the engine so as to provide power to the engine.

As illustrated inFIG.135, the safety switch421can further include a pivot shaft424connected to the casing422. The first button423is pivotally connected to the pivot shaft424. The first button423can include a first part425and a second part426. The first part425and the second part426are respectively provided on two sides of the pivot shaft424, and the second button438is provided on the second part426. Furthermore, the first button423can rotate around the pivot shaft424and between a first position and a second position. When a tail end of the first part425is close to the casing422, the first button423is in the first position; and when a tail end of the second part426is close to the casing422, the first button423is in the second position.

As shown inFIG.135, the second button438can include a first sliding button427and a second sliding button428. When the safety switch421is installed on a horizontal surface429of the casing422, the second sliding button428is located beside the first button423, and the first sliding button427is located above the second sliding button428. Furthermore, the first sliding button427and the second sliding button428are manufactured separately and subsequently assembled together. The first sliding button427is provided with a protrusion439protruding toward the second sliding button428(downwardly). The second sliding button428is provided with a cavity430, and the protrusion439is placed in the cavity430to connect the first sliding button427with the second sliding button428. Such arrangement facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the safety switch421.

As illustratedFIG.135, the second button438is further provided with a biasing device431. The biasing device431is positioned and installed on the second sliding button428via a guiding pin440. Specifically, the guiding pin440is disposed on the second sliding button428and extends in a direction substantially parallel to a first upper surface432of the first sliding button427. During the starting of the safety switch421, the guiding pin440can be used to fix and guide the biasing device431to ensure that the biasing device431is compressed and extended without deviating from its expansion and contraction direction. In this case, the expansion and contraction direction of the biasing device431can be described as an axial direction of a central axis formed along a center of the biasing device431. Furthermore, the biasing device431may be a coil spring or any other suitable spring device.

Referring toFIG.135, the first button423can include a first snapping portion434and a second snapping portion435. The first snapping portion434is disposed above the second snapping portion435. The pivot shaft424is disposed on the second snapping portion435. Alternately, the pivot shaft424may penetrate through the second snapping portion435. The second snapping portion435is provided with a sliding groove436at an end close to the second sliding button428. A side of the sliding groove436facing toward the second sliding button428is opened, and the sliding groove436is provided with a limiting surface16facing toward the opening. The second sliding button428is provided with a protrusion20placed in the sliding groove436. When the safety switch421is switched between the stopped and activated states, the protrusion20can slide along the sliding groove436. Furthermore, the biasing device431and the guiding pin440are fixedly housed in the protrusion20. Optionally, the biasing device431is located in the sliding groove436, and two ends of the biasing device431are pressed against the limiting surface16and the second sliding button428respectively.

As illustrated inFIG.135, the first button423is provided with a second upper surface445extending in a longitudinal direction, and the second button438is slidably disposed on the second upper surface445along the longitudinal direction. The second button438is slidable in the front and rear directions toward two opposite outer boundaries of the casing422. Furthermore, the second button438can further include a pressing portion441extending toward the casing422. Specifically, the pressing portion441is disposed at an end of the second sliding button428facing away from the first button423. The casing422can include an abutting portion442extending toward the safety switch421and the second sliding button428(i.e., extending upwards).

As shown inFIG.135andFIG.139, the first sliding button427can include a first protrusion446and a second protrusion447protruding toward the casing422. The first protrusion446and the second protrusion447are disposed on a third lower surface448of the first sliding button427.

As illustrated inFIG.135,FIG.137andFIG.139, the second part426of the first button423is provided with an accommodation chamber, the first sliding button427of the second button438covers the accommodation chamber, and the protrusion439is inserted into the accommodation chamber to connect with the second sliding button428. The first button423is provided with a first receiving portion449for receiving the first protrusion446and a second receiving portion450for receiving the second protrusion447. Specifically, the first accommodating portion449is provided with a first wall portion451and a second wall portion452extending toward the first sliding button427; the second accommodating portion450is provided with a third wall portion453and a fourth wall portion454extending toward the first sliding button427.

The first receiving portion449and the second receiving portion450are both U-shaped. A distance between the first wall portion451and the second wall portion452, and a distance between the third wall portion453and the fourth wall portion454can be used to define a moving/sliding distance of the second button438relative to the first button423. Furthermore, the first receiving portion449, the first wall portion451, the second wall portion452and the first protrusion446are arranged in a labyrinth manner. Meanwhile, the second receiving portion450, the third wall portion453, the fourth wall portion454, and the second protrusion447are also arranged in a labyrinth manner. Such arrangement can effectively prevent garbage and dirt from entering the interior of the second button438one the one hand, and can prevent garbage from entering a use area of the biasing device431to cause abnormal use of the second button438on the other hand.

Referring toFIG.135andFIG.137, the first button423can include the first part425and the second part426. The first part425and the second part426are respectively arranged on two sides of an axis in an extending direction of the pivot shaft424. The second button438is arranged on the second part426.

Please refer toFIG.135throughFIG.137, when the first button423is in the first position, the position in which the second button438is located shall be deemed the stopping position. When the first button423is in the second position, the position in which the second button438is located shall be deemed the starting/activated position. When the first button423is in the first position, a rotation of the first button423is restricted and cannot be rotated toward the second position. In this case, the first part425of the first button423is close to the casing422, and the end443of the pressing portion441touches against the abutting portion442on the casing422. In the disclosure, the second button438is slidably connected to the second part426, the second button438can slide along the second upper surface445of the second part426, so that the second button438can be slidably switched between the stopping position and the starting position. Furthermore, when the second button438is switched to the stopping position, the engine is in a power-off state; whereas, when the second button438is switched to the starting position, the engine is in the energized state.

Please refer toFIG.138andFIG.139, in which schematic diagrams of the first button423being rotated to the second position are disclosed. When the first button423rotates around the pivot shaft424to the second position, an extending direction of the second upper surface445located in a projection area of the safety switch421is substantially parallel to an extending direction of the casing422. The end443of the pressing portion441touches against the casing422. In this case, the first side surface455of the pressing portion441and the second side surface456of the abutting portion442are arranged oppositely, and the first side surface455and the second side surface456are approximately parallel. Furthermore, when the safety switch421is rotated to the second position, the restoring force of the biasing device431acts on the abutting portion442via the pressing portion441, so that the safety switch421is positioned at the activation/starting position.

As shown inFIG.137, when the first button423is in the first position, the second sliding button428touches against the second snapping portion435through a buckling portion38, and the second button438is in the stopping position. Whereas, when the first button423is in the second position (as shown inFIG.37), the second button438moves toward the first button423, the biasing device431is compressed, the restoring force of the biasing device431acts on the second button438, the pressing portion441touches against the abutting portion442, so that the second button438is in the activation position.

Referring toFIG.137, when the first button423rotates to the first position, that is, the first part425of the first button423rotates around the pivot shaft424and obliquely leans against the casing422, the safety switch421is in a disabled/deactivated state. When the safety switch421is in a deactivated state before being activated, the safety switch421is at a start/initial position. That is, at the first position shown inFIG.133throughFIG.135, the second button438is in the stopping position.

Referring toFIG.137, when the safety switch421of the disclosure is activated/started, the safety switch421can be switched from the stopping position to the starting position. In this process, an external force is applied firstly onto the first button423in the first position, the first sliding button427slides toward the first part425of the first button423and compresses the biasing device431, and the end443of the pressing portion441is disengaged from the top end of the abutting portion442. Furthermore, an external force is applied to the second button438, so that the second part426rotates around the pivot shaft424toward the casing422until a stopping portion458of the second button438touches against the casing422. In this case, the safety switch421reaches the starting position.

Finally, the external force applied to the second button438is stopped, the biasing device431stretches on its own restoring force and drives the second button438to move away from the first part425and further drives the first side surface455of the pressing portion441to touch against the second side surface456of the abutting portion442. In this case, the safety switch421is in the activated state, which can be used to activate the power device of the electric engine/motor and provide power to the electric engine.

Referring toFIG.137andFIG.138, when stopping the motor, the first part425of the first button423is pushed to rotate around the pivot424toward the casing422, the first side surface455and the second side surface456are separated, and the biasing device431drives the second button438to move away from the first part425. Finally, when the end443of the pressing portion441touches against the abutting portion442, the safety switch421is in the stopping position and the motor stops working.

Therefore, the safety switch421of the disclosure is provided with the first button423and the second button438. The second button438is controlled to slide during a using process to further control the first button423and the second button438to rotate with the pivot shaft424as an axis, so that the safety switch421is in the activated state. The safety switch421of the disclosure is activated/started by performing two different continuous control actions. Such arrangement makes the safety switch421of the disclosure to be fool-proof, and the accidental activation of the garden tool is avoided. Thus, garden tools using the safety switch421of the disclosure can have relatively good safety. The safety switch421of the disclosure can be applied to a robotic mower, a power mower, or any other garden tools suitable for using the safety switch421.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a method is provided for providing power to an engine of a garden tool. The garden tool is provided with the safety switch421. The first button423can rotate between the first position and the second position with the pivot shaft424as an axis. The second button438can slide between the stopping position and the starting position. Furthermore, the method of using the safety switch421specifically can include the following steps.

Step 1, press the first part of the first button of the safety switch to make it closer to the casing, in order to rotate the first button to the first position; Since the second button is located in the stopping position and touches against the casing, the rotation of the first button toward the second position is restricted.

Step 2: slide the second button to compress the biasing device, and separate the second button from the casing.

Step 3: downwardly press the second button so that the first button rotates around the pivot shaft from the first position to the second position, and the second button slides from the stopping position to the starting position under the effect of an elastic force from the biasing device.

Step 4: place the safety switch in the starting state, which allows the activation of the power plant/device and starting of the engine.

Referring toFIG.140throughFIG.142, a light guide member690is provided in the disclosure and used for guiding light. In the disclosure, the light guide member690is substantially in a cylindrical shape, and can include a light guide portion683, a light output portion680, and a light incident portion691respectively provided at two ends of the light guide portion683in an extending/lengthwise direction.

As illustrated inFIG.140throughFIG.142, the light output portion680is arranged at the front end of the light guide portion683along the extending direction of the light guide portion683. The light incident portion691is arranged opposite to the light output portion680and is located at the tail/rear end of the light guide portion683in the extending direction. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the light guide portion683, the light output portion680, and the light incident portion691are integrally constructed (i.e., one-piece structure). In other embodiments of the disclosure, the light guide portion683, the light output portion680, and the light incident portion691can be separately manufactured.

Referring toFIG.140throughFIG.142, the light guide portion683is further provided with guiding parts688and a snapping part686formed along the extending direction. The guiding parts688and the snapping part686are staggered along the circumferential direction of the light guide portion683. In the disclosure, the guiding parts688are used to guide the light guide member690to fit with other structure and used to prevent a relative rotation between the light guide member690and the other structure, thereby ensuring the stability of the light guide member690fitting with the other structure.

As illustrated inFIG.140throughFIG.142, the guiding parts688are provided on an outer wall surface of the light guide portion683and are formed extending outwards along a radial direction of the light guide portion683. Furthermore, the guiding part688extends from the tail end of the light guide portion683along the extending direction of the light guide portion683. In the extending direction of the light guide portion683, ends of the guiding part688are located below the light output portion680.

As shown inFIG.140throughFIG.142, the guiding part688is provided with a guiding structure687at an end of its extending direction, and the guiding structure687is formed by inclined guiding surfaces685arranged obliquely, so as to make the light guide member690connecting with the other structure conveniently. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the guiding part688is substantially rectangular, the guiding structure687is formed by three inclined guiding surfaces685, and each the inclined guiding surface685is a flat surface, so that the guiding structure687is roughly in a pyramid shape. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the inclined guide surface685can be in an arc shape, so that the guiding structure687is roughly in the shape of a bullet. That is, the specific setting form of the guiding structure687in the disclosure can be selected according to actual needs, without limiting herein.

As illustrated inFIG.140throughFIG.142, in an embodiment of the disclosure, there are two guiding parts688respectively provided on two sides of the extending direction of the light guide portion683. The two guiding parts688is symmetrically arranged relative to a central axis of the light guide portion683. In other embodiments of the disclosure, one or more than two guiding parts688may be provided instead, and when there are more than one guiding part688, these guiding parts688are evenly distributed on the outer circumferential wall of the light guide portion683. That is, the number and position of the guiding part688in the disclosure can be selected according to actual needs, as long as it can ensure that the guiding part(s)688can facilitate the fitting of the light guide member690with other structure and can prevent the occurrence of relative rotation between the light guide member690and the other structure.

As illustrated inFIG.140throughFIG.142, the snapping part686is arranged close to the tail end of the light guide portion683to limit a displacement of the light guide part690in a connecting direction when the light guide member690is connected to other structure, and to prevent the light guide member690from detaching from the other structure. In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is a snapping gap689between the snapping part686and the tail end of the light guide portion683. The setting of the snapping gap689can facilitate the fitting of the light guide member690with the other structure. Furthermore, the snapping part686can include a guiding surface686barranged obliquely and an abutting surface686aarranged perpendicular to the extending direction. When the light guide member690is connected to the other structure, the abutting surface686atouches against the other structure, so as to fix the connection position of the light guide member690with the other structure.

Referring toFIG.140throughFIG.142, the light output portion680can include a light-emitting surface682and a light blocking wall681disposed around the light-emitting surface682. Specifically, the light output portion680is formed by being recessed from the front end of the light guide portion683toward the tail end. In other words, the light output portion680is formed by the outer circumferential surface of the light guide portion683extending along the extending direction in a manner of facing away from the tail end of the light guide portion683, so that an edge of the light blocking wall681is located above the light-emitting surface682. In the disclosure, the light-emitting surface682is a flat surface to realize a linear transmission of light. Furthermore, when the light-emitting surface682is configured as a concave/convex surface, the light-emitting surface682can be used to realize the convergence/divergence of light, so as to transmit the light to a place that needs to be illuminated.

As shown inFIG.141, the light incident portion691is provided in a groove shape and is recessed from the tail end to the front end of the light guide portion683, and is further used for accommodating a light-emitting element. In the disclosure, the light-emitting element can be indicator lamp, an LED and other component used for light-emitting. Furthermore, the light guide member690can conduct/guide the light emitted from the light-emitting element through the light guide portion683and achieve the exporting and transmission of the light through the light output portion680.

As shown inFIG.140throughFIG.142, the light guide member690can further include a sealing member684arranged at the front end of the light guide portion683, the light guide portion683is provided with a receiving groove692for receiving the sealing member684, and the receiving groove692is located on the periphery of the light output portion680. Specifically, the sealing member684and the receiving groove692both are ring-shaped, and the receiving groove692is recessed from a center line of the light blocking wall681to the tail end of the light guide portion683. Such arrangement facilitates the connection of the sealing member684with the light output portion680on the one hand, and can improve the sealing performance when the light guide member690is connected to other structure on the other hand. In one embodiment, an inner wall surface of the receiving groove692is sloped so as to further improve the sealing performance of the light guide member690connected with the other structure.

As illustrated inFIG.140throughFIG.142, the light guide member690is provided with the guiding part(s)688and the snapping part686for positioning and connecting the light guide member690with other structure, which effectively improves the stability of connection between the light guide member690and the other structure. Meanwhile, the arrangement of the sealing member684improves the sealing performance of the light guide member690connected with the other structure, thereby effectively preventing rainwater from entering the other structure along a gap between the light guide member690and the other structure when the light guide member690is connected to the other structure.

Referring toFIG.143, a mower provided by the disclosure can include a first casing641and a second casing642snapped/engaged with each other, a driving unit695and a power supply693housed between the first casing641and the second casing642, and a working unit694for performing garden work tasks. The power supply unit693is used to provide power to the driving unit695, and the driving unit695is used to drive the working unit694to complete corresponding garden work tasks.

Referring toFIG.144throughFIG.146, the first casing641is provided with a lamp receiving groove696, an indicator lamp697corresponding to the lamp receiving groove696, and the light guide member690accommodated in the lamp receiving groove696. The light guide member690guides light emitted from the indicator lamp697from inside of the first casing641to outside of the first casing641. Further, the lamp receiving groove696can include guiding slots696afor holding the light guide member690and a holding slot696bfor positioning a connection position of the light guide member690with the lamp receiving groove696.

Referring toFIG.144throughFIG.146, the guiding parts688of the light guide member690are received in the guiding slots696aand can slide along the guiding slots696ato realize the fitting between the light guide member690and the lamp receiving groove696, which facilitates the light guide member690to be inserted into the first casing641on the one hand, and can prevent a relative rotation between the light guide member690and the lamp receiving groove696on the other hand. The stability of the connection between the light guide member690and the lamp receiving groove696is thereby ensured.

Referring toFIG.144throughFIG.146, after the light guide member690slides into the lamp receiving groove696, the abutting surface686aof the snapping part686touches in the holding slot696bto prevent the light guide member690from being separated from the lamp receiving groove696. Further, the guiding parts688and the guiding slots696acorrespond to each other, and the snapping part686and the holding slot696bare arranged in one-to-one correspondence. There are guiding parts688arranged corresponding to the guiding slots696a, and the snapping part686arranged corresponding to the holding slot696b.

As illustrated inFIG.144throughFIG.146, the circumferential edge of the lamp receiving groove696is further provided with an abutting groove696cfor accommodating the light blocking wall681. The sealing member684is interposed between the light blocking wall681and the abutting groove696c, and is accommodated between the abutting groove696cand the receiving groove692. Such arrangement can enable the sealing member684to close a connection gap between the lamp receiving groove696and the light guide member690, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the mower.

Referring toFIG.143throughFIG.146, the indicator lamp697is used for status indication. There may be multiple indicator lamps697, and the multiple indicator lamps697can independently emit lights. Further, the first casing641is provided with a display panel695covering the lamp receiving grooves696, and the display panel695is provided with display areas (not shown) set in one-to-one correspondence with the lamp receiving grooves696and the indicator lamps697. By way of bright/dark states of the display areas, working states of the mower can be determined.

As illustrated inFIG.143throughFIG.146, the light guide member690of the disclosure is provided with the guiding part(s)688and the snapping part686, so that the light guide member690can be firmly connected to the first casing641of the mower. The setting of the sealing member684makes the light guide member690be tightly connected with the upper casing of the mower, which prevents rainwater from entering the mower at the connection position of the light guide member690with the first casing641, and effectively improves waterproof performance and use safety of the mower which uses the light guide member690to guide out the light emitted from the indicator lamp697.

Referring toFIG.147throughFIG.153, in the disclosure, a light guide member700is also provided to seal the indicator lamp on an equipment and guide out light emitted by the indicator lamp. A material of the light guide member700may be a light conductive material. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the light conductive material may be a polycarbonate (PC) material. The light guide member700can include a light incident portion701matched with the indicator lamp, a light output portion702, and a light guide portion706connected to the light incident portion701and the light output portion702. In the illustrated embodiment, the light incident portion701, the light output portion702, and the light guide portion706are integrally formed. In other embodiments, the light incident portion701, the light output portion702, and the light guide portion706may be individual structures.

A top surface of the light guide portion706is higher than a top surface of the light output portion702, and the top surface of the light output portion702extends to the top surface of the light guide portion706and thereby forms an upward slope. Such arrangement can effectively prevent rainwater from entering into the casing of equipment along the light guide member700, effectively seal the indicator lamp, and prevent the problem of damage to components inside the casing resulting from rainwater entering into the casing of equipment from a lamp receiving groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface of the light incident portion701is higher than the top surface of the light guide portion706; the top surface of the light incident portion701, the top surface of the light guide portion706and the top surface of the light output portion702are coplanar, so that the light emitted by the indicator lamp can be guided out with maximum efficiency.

In other embodiments, the top surface of the light incident portion701can be set lower than the top surface of the light guide portion706. In the illustrated embodiment, a width of the light guide member700along the B-B direction (as shown inFIG.147) and a thickness along the A-A direction gradually increase along a direction from the light incident portion701to the light output portion702. Such arrangement can effectively increase a light-emitting area of the light output portion702, so that the user can easily observe the state of the indicator lamp. In other embodiments, the width of the light guide member700along the B-B direction and the thickness along the A-A direction can be set to be constant instead.

As shown inFIG.147andFIG.148, an end of the light incident portion701facing away from the light guide portion706is matched with the indicator lamp, so as to collect light emitted from the indicator lamp. In one embodiment, an end of the light incident portion701facing away from the light guide portion706is disposed with a lighting cover (not shown), so as to improve light collection efficiency of the light incident portion701. The light guide portion706connects the light incident portion701and the light output portion702and is used for guiding the light collected by the light incident portion701toward the light output portion702. The light guide portion706is further provided with a mounting hole707, and the light guide member700can be fixedly installed on the casing of equipment by a screw or a bolt. The mounting hole707may be a through hole or a blind hole.

The light output portion702can include a light-emitting surface703for guiding light out, and a side of the light-emitting surface703facing away from the light guide portion706protrudes outwards to form a convex surface. Such arrangement allows the user to observe the light emitted from the light output portion702in a wide range, and thus facilitates the user to observe the state of the indicator lamp. An end of the light output portion702facing away from the light guide portion706extends outwards to form a waterproof cap704that is matched with the casing of equipment so as to prevent rainwater from entering into a lamp receiving groove provided on the casing of equipment along the light guide member700.

In the illustrated embodiment, the waterproof cap704and the light-emitting surface703are coplanar. In other embodiments, the waterproof cap704and the light-emitting surface703may not be coplanar. In additional embodiments, a diversion groove (not shown) may be provided on a side of the light output portion702to guide a small amount of rainwater that may be fallen between the waterproof cap704and the top surface of the light output portion702to the outside of the casing of equipment. In one embodiment, a side of the light output portion702is further provided with a limiting block705that matches with the casing of equipment, so as to prevent the light guide member700from being excessively inserted into the lamp receiving groove on the casing of equipment during an installation process, which would destroy the indicator lamp. The bottom of the limiting block705is further provided with a positioning protrusion708that matches with the casing of equipment and facilitates a quick positioning during installation.

Referring toFIG.147andFIG.148, the light guide member700of the disclosure sets the top surface of the light guide portion706higher than the top surface of the light output portion702, and an upward slope surface is formed from the top surface of the light output portion702to the top surface of the light guide portion706. As a result, it can effectively prevent rainwater from entering the casing of equipment/device along the light guide member700and thereby effectively seal the indicator lamp and prevent rainwater from entering the casing of equipment from the lamp receiving groove.

Referring toFIG.149throughFIG.152, the disclosure also provides a charging device709, which can include a bottom plate710, a charging part712mounted on the bottom plate710, an indicator lamp722, a light guide member700, and a boundary line (not shown).

As illustrated inFIG.150throughFIG.152, the bottom plate710is laid on the ground, and a number of fixing holes711are provided on the bottom plate710, so that the bottom plate710can be fixedly installed on the ground by screws or bolts. The charging part712is fixedly installed on a side edge of the bottom plate710and is substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate710. The charging part712can include a first side wall713facing toward a center of the bottom plate710, a third side wall718disposed opposite to the first side wall713, and a second sidewall714located on the first side wall713and the third side wall718.

The first side wall713, the second side wall714, and the third side wall718jointly define a receiving space for receiving electronic components and the indicator lamp722of the charging device709. The first side wall713is provided with a lamp receiving groove719and a charging interface720matched with a device to be charged. The lamp receiving groove719is recessed inwardly from the first side wall713and connects with the indicator lamp/light722, so that the indicator lamp722is located at the bottom of the lamp receiving groove719. The bottom wall of the lamp receiving groove719is provided with a water guide/diversion hole721to guide water in the lamp receiving groove719to the outside of the lamp receiving groove719.

It can be understood that a groove side wall and a groove top wall of the lamp receiving groove719can also be provided with water diversion holes as required. The side edge of the lamp receiving groove719is provided with a limiting groove720(as shown inFIG.152) that matches with the limiting block705, and the groove bottom wall of the limiting groove720is fitted with the positioning protrusion708. The top of the charging part712is further provided with a rain shelter715. The light guide member700is installed in the lamp receiving groove719and matches with the indicator lamp722to guide light emitted by the indicator lamp722.

Meanwhile, the top surface of the light guide portion706is higher than the top surface of the light output portion702, so that an upward slope is formed from the top surface of the light output portion702to the top surface of the light guide portion706, and rainwater is effectively prevented from entering the lamp receiving groove719as well as the inside of the charging part712along the light guide member700. The light emitting surface703is partially located on the first side wall713and partially located on the second side wall714. Such arrangement can facilitate the user to observe the state of the indicator lamp722in a wider range.

Please refer toFIG.150, an intersection of the first side wall713and the second side wall714is provided with a fixing hole716connecting with the mounting hole707, so that the screw717passes through the fixing hole716and the mounting hole707and causing the light guide member700to be fixedly installed on the charging part712. In the illustrated embodiment, the waterproof cap704directly touches against the first side wall713as well as the second side wall714and protrudes out of the charging part712. In other embodiments, a receiving groove (not shown) for receiving the waterproof cap704may be provided on the periphery of the lamp receiving groove719. The boundary line is electrically connected to the charging device709, and the indicator lamp722is used to display whether the boundary line and the charging device709are normally connected. In other embodiments, the indicator lamp722can also be used to display other states, for example, to display whether the device to be charged is fully charged.

Referring toFIG.147throughFIG.152, the disclosure also discloses a charging system including an electronic device (not shown) and a charging device709for charging the electronic device. The light guide member700of the disclosure can seal the indicator lamp and guide the light emitted by the indicator lamp, thereby effectively preventing rainwater from entering the inside of the casing of device from the lamp receiving groove and causing damage to the components inside the casing.

In summary, the control assembly is for example but not limited to a single-chip microcomputer (also referred to MCU) or a processor module, and can control various mechanisms to perform different working processes through corresponding driving circuits. For example, the airtightness of the housing can be detected through the airtight nozzle on the housing, and then the air filter hood can be used to ensure that the mower maintaining the air pressure balance in the housing during the working process, and thereby ensures the normal working condition of mower. In another example, the height of the blade carrier disc is adjusted by the assisted height-adjustment assembly in the cutting mechanism, and the prime mover is controlled to rotate through the control assembly to drive the blade carrier disc to rotate correspondingly, which drives the blades for mowing.

In still another example, during working or moving of the mower, the relative displacement between the movable upper cover and the housing in the vertical direction is detected by the suspension-lift detection assembly in the detecting mechanism, so that when a relative displacement in the vertical direction occurs between the movable upper cover and the housing, a current signal change is produced/generated and sent to a control module or its connected current sensor to regulate the working state of the mower (such as stopping the mowing action or stopping the moving action). When the mower is working or moving, a relative displacement between the movable upper cover and the housing in the horizontal direction is detected by the collision detection assembly in the detecting mechanism, so that when the relative displacement in the horizontal direction occurs between the movable upper cover and the housing, a current signal change is generated and delivered to a control module or its connected current sensor to regulate the working status of the mower (such as stopping the mowing action or stopping the moving action).

The suspension-lift detection assembly and the collision detection assembly are set independently to respectively detect the relative displacement in the vertical direction and the relative displacement in the horizontal direction between the movable upper cover and the housing, which can effectively reduce false triggering. In even still another example, the wheel cover trim can be detached and replaced on the traveling/walking wheel, which can achieve the purpose of changing the color of the traveling wheel. In the disclosure, the above working processes can be implemented individually or in combination, so that the mower can meet different functional or design requirements.

The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the disclosure and not construed as limiting. Although the disclosure can include been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the disclosure can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the disclosure.