Tiller with removable battery

A tiller can include a frame supported by at least one wheel. An upright assembly can extend from the frame. A drive mechanism can be supported by the frame and include a motor having an output member. A tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement can comprise at least one tine plate. A slider assembly can communicate with the wheel and be movably coupled along the upright assembly. The slider assembly can be configured to securably locate in at least a first position wherein the wheel is located at a first elevation relative to the frame and a second position wherein the wheel is located at a second elevation relative to the frame. The first and second elevations can be distinct.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to tillers and more specifically to a cordless electric tiller.

BACKGROUND

Due to concerns regarding urban air pollution, as well as other factors, electric outdoor power equipment has been gaining in popularity. Moreover, due to the inconveniences and operating limitations of corded electric outdoor power equipment, battery operated equipment may be preferred. However, such electric and/or battery operated tillers can have drawbacks.

By way of example, some of these drawbacks can be associated with the functionality of the battery. Such drawbacks can include insufficient battery life, and inconvenient battery manipulation (i.e., such as during installation and removal of the battery from the tiller.

SUMMARY

A battery-powered tiller according to the present teachings includes a frame that is supported by at least one wheel. The frame can include a receiving portion thereon. A drive mechanism can include a motor having an output member. A tilling implement can be driven by the output member. A battery can be removably received into the receiving portion of the frame. The battery can supply a current to the motor in an installed position. The battery can be positioned at a substantially centralized location on the frame.

According to additional features, a pair of wheels can be provided on the frame and be positioned generally at an outboard location of the frame. The battery can be positioned between the two wheels on the frame. In one example, the battery can be thirty-six (36) volts DC. The battery can define a generally box-like housing having a forward side, a rearward side, an upper side, and a bottom side. The handle can be formed on the upper side.

According to still other features, the battery can define a first mating portion that is configured to selectively mate with a second mating portion defined on the tiller to electrically couple the battery to the motor. The first mating portion can be formed on the handle in one configuration or on the rearward side of the box-like housing according in another configuration. The box-like housing also defines a catch thereon for physically securing the battery to the frame. The catch is configured to selectively mate with a latch formed on the receiving portion of the frame in the installed position.

A tiller can include a frame and a drive mechanism that is supported by the frame. The drive mechanism can include a motor having an output member. A tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement can comprise a first tine plate and a second tine plate. The first and second tine plates can be selectively configurable along the drive shaft at a plurality of positions and orientations in an installed position.

According to additional features, the first tine plate can define a first body and a plurality of first tines. The second tine plate can define a second body and a plurality of second tines. The first tines can extend at an angle relative to the first body. The second tines can extend at an angle relative to the second body. The first tine plate can define a first hub. The second tine plate can define a second hub. The first tines can extend at an angle generally toward the first hub and the second tines can extend at an angle generally toward the second hub.

The first and second hubs can define a central passage formed therethrough that slidably accept the drive shaft in the installed position. The central passages of the first and second hubs both define a flat that cooperatively aligns with a flat formed along the drive shaft in the installed position.

According to other features, each of the first and second hubs can define an aperture that cooperatively aligns with one of a plurality of apertures formed along the drive shaft. A pin can be selectively located through the respective apertures for locating the first and second tine plates at the plurality of positions along the drive shaft. The first and second hubs can be configured for assembly in a first position wherein the first and second plurality of tines are oriented in a generally inboard direction and in a second position wherein the first and second plurality of tines are oriented in a generally outboard direction.

According to still other features, the tiller can further comprise a third and a fourth tine plate. The third tine plate can define a third body and a plurality of third tines. The fourth tine plate can define a fourth body and a plurality of fourth tines. The third tines can extend at an angle relative to the third body and the fourth tines can extend at an angle relative to the fourth body. The first, second, third and fourth tines are selectively configurable along the drive shaft for concurrent operation in a plurality of positions and orientations in an installed position. In one example, the first, second, third and fourth tine plates are configured equivalently.

A tiller can include a frame supported by at least one wheel. An upright assembly can extend from the frame. A drive mechanism can be supported by the frame and include a motor having an output member. A tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member. The tilling implement can comprise at least one tine plate. A slider assembly can communicate with the wheel and be movably coupled along the upright assembly. The slider assembly can be configured to securably locate in at least a first position wherein the wheel is located at a first elevation relative to the frame and a second position wherein the wheel is located at a second elevation relative to the frame. The first and second elevations can be distinct.

The upright assembly can comprise a pair of longitudinal members that extend from the frame and define a first and second pair of slots formed therein. The slider assembly also comprises a bar that selectively locates into one of the first and second pair of slots in response to manipulation of the slider assembly. The slider assembly can comprise a handle that moves relative to a housing. The bar can move in response to movement of the handle. According to one example, an effective length of the bar is reduced upon movement of the handle in a first direction causing opposite ends of the bar to withdraw from a respective pair of slots. The slider assembly can be configured to securably locate in a third position. The wheel can be located at a third elevation relative to the frame in the third position. The third elevation can be distinct from the first and second elevations. A link can couple the slider assembly to the wheel.

A tiller can include a frame supported by at least one wheel. An upright assembly can extend from the frame. A drive mechanism can be supported by the frame and include a motor that has an output member. A tilling implement can have a drive shaft that is driven by the output member in a first rotational direction. The tilling implement can include at least one tine plate. An unjamming mechanism can include a key that is selectively rotatable in a first receiving member. Rotation of the key can cause the tilling implement to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

According to additional features, the unjamming mechanism can include an unjamming motor that is operably coupled to the tilling implement. Rotation of the key can cause the unjamming motor to operate. The unjamming mechanism can further comprise a gearing unit that translates rotational motion of the key into rotational motion of the tilling implement. According to one configuration, the unjamming motor can rotate multiple times for every rotation of the tilling implement.

According to still other features, the tiller can comprise a battery that is removably received into a receiving portion defined on the frame and that supplies a current to the motor at an installed position. The key can be selectively received into a second receiving member on the frame during normal operation of the tiller. According to one example, the current can be supplied to the motor only upon receipt of the key into the second receiving member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference toFIGS. 1-6, a battery-powered tiller constructed in accordance with the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral10. The tiller10generally comprises a frame12supported by a pair of wheels14that are connected by way of an axle16. The tiller10further includes a driving mechanism20, a tilling implement22, and an upright assembly24. The frame12also defines a receiving portion26(FIG. 2) including a pair of L-shaped tabs28(FIGS. 4 and 5) and a battery guide29(FIGS. 3 and 4). The receiving portion26is configured to receive a battery30in an installed position (FIG. 1).

The drive mechanism20includes a motor34having an output member36. The output member36is connected at a first portion to the motor34and at a second portion to the tilling implement22and communicate a rotational output from the motor34to a rotational output of the tilling implement22. The output member36is configured as a longitudinal shaft that is supported at least partially by an axle support40and a gear housing42.

The tilling implement22, as will be discussed in greater detail herein, generally defines a plurality of tine plates (collectively referred to at reference46) that are rotatably supported by a drive shaft (axle)48. In the example shown, the plurality of tines46include a first tine plate50a, a second tine plate50b, a third tine plate50c, and a fourth tine plate50d.

The battery30according to the present teachings provides thirty-six volts direct current (DC). It is appreciated that the battery30can be configured to provide other voltages, such as between 12 volts and 60 volts DC. One suitable battery configuration providing thirty-six volts direct current is discussed in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/048,002 entitled “Mower”, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. As can be appreciated, the battery30provides a current to the motor34when installed for driving the tilling implement22.

The battery30generally defines a free standing box-like housing54(seeFIG. 2). The housing54is generally defined by a forward side56, a rearward side58, a bottom side60, and an upper side62. A handle64is located on the upper side62in a generally centralized location extending upward from the housing54. A pair of rear heels66are defined on the housing54. As will be described, the heels66cooperatively engage the L-shaped tabs28(FIG. 5) in an installed position. A first mating portion68is defined on the handle64that is configured to mechanically and electrically mate with a second mating portion70defined on the frame12of the battery-powered tiller10. The housing54further includes a catch72formed on the forward side56in a location generally opposite of the first mating portion68.

In the preferred method of securing the battery30to the receiving portion26of the battery-powered tiller10, a user first aligns the contour of the battery housing54with the guide29defined on the frame12. The battery30is then advanced downwardly (i.e., further into the receiving portion26) allowing the respective heels66to positively engage the L-shaped tabs28(FIG. 5). The catch72defined on the battery30is then mechanically coupled with a latch74defined on the frame12at a location generally proximate to the receiving portion26. An audible “click” can be observed by the user once sufficient rotation of the battery30into the receiving portion26causes the catch72to be secured with the latch74. An electrical connection can then be established by mating the portion70of the tiller10to the portion68of the battery30. To remove the battery30from the receiving portion26, a user manipulates (such as move in a downward direction as viewed inFIG. 1) the latch74to disengage the catch72of the battery30for removal.

The battery30is located in a generally centralized location on the frame12above the tilling implement22and intermediate of the wheels14. In this way, the center of gravity of the battery30can be efficiently managed by an operator with the tilling implement22and the resultant “stance” of the wheels14. The battery30can also be located elsewhere on the tiller10.

With specific reference now toFIG. 6, the upright assembly24will be described in greater detail. The upright assembly24defines a slider assembly80, a pair of longitudinal members or lower uprights82, a handlebar84, a cross-member86, and a speed control90. A knob92is selectively secured to one of the lower uprights82for selectively coupling the handlebar84to the lower upright82. As will described in greater detail, the slider assembly80is configured to slidably actuate along the lower uprights82to adjustably locate the height of the wheels14(i.e., relative to the ground and tilling implement22).

With additional reference now toFIGS. 7-10, additional features of the slider assembly80and the lower upright82will be described in greater detail. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that while the slider assembly80is shown operatively associated with a tiller configured for electrical (battery-powered) operation, the slider assembly80may be used in tillers having other configurations such as those powered by internal combustion engines for example. In the example shown, the lower upright82defines three pair of complementary slots. More specifically, the lower upright82defines a pair of transportation mode slots94, a pair of tilling mode slots96, and a pair of clearing mode slots98. The slots of each pair of complementary slots oppose each other. As will be described, the slider assembly80is movable along the lower upright82to locate at the transportation mode slots94(such as shown inFIG. 7) for locating the wheels14in a transportation mode (seeFIG. 13), the tilling mode slots96for locating the wheels14at a tilling mode location (seeFIG. 14) and the clearing mode slots98for locating the wheels14in a clearing mode position (seeFIG. 15).

Returning now toFIG. 7, the slider assembly80generally defines a front housing100, a rear housing102, a handle104, a sliding bar106, and a first link108. A handle grip assembly110is generally defined by the handle104, a front gripping portion112defined on the front housing100and a rear gripping portion114defined on the rear housing102. The front housing100defines a pair of front channels116and a plurality of apertures118. The rear housing102defines a pair of rear channels120and a plurality of blind bores122. The front channels116and the rear channels120cooperate in an assembled position to define complementary sleeves for receiving the respective lower uprights82. While not specifically shown, fasteners can be passed through the respective apertures118of the front housing100and into the blind bores122defined on the rear housing102to couple the respective front and rear housings100and102.

The handle104defines a finger126that captures a central portion of the sliding bar106. The rear housing102includes a pair of guides130that provide a track for guiding the sliding bar106into and out of engagement with the respective slots94,96and98. In one example, the sliding bar106can be formed of rigid material such as stamped metal.

An exemplary method of using the slider assembly80will now be described. Here, a user grasps the handle grip assembly110and urges the handle104in a generally upright direction (as viewed inFIGS. 8-10). Movement of the handle104from an “engaged” position (i.e., with a pair of slots94,96or98) to a “disengaged” position is represented pictorially fromFIG. 8toFIG. 9. As the handle104is moved in the upright direction (identified by the arrow inFIG. 9), the finger126(FIG. 7) urges the central portion of the sliding bar106in the same upright direction, which ultimately reduces the operating length of the sliding bar106and causes the distal ends of the sliding bar106to withdraw from a respective slot (such as the transportation mode slots94identified inFIG. 8).

Once the distal ends of the sliding bar106have been withdrawn from the respective slots (i.e., such as slots94), a user is free to translate the slider assembly80along the lower upright82and into alignment with a desired pair of slots (i.e., either of the other pair of slots96or98). Movement of the slider assembly80along the lower uprights82ultimately causes the first link108to urge the wheels14between the respective transportation mode position (FIG. 13), tilling mode position (FIG. 14) and clearing mode position (FIG. 15). The first link108is pivotally secured at a first end to the slider assembly80by way of an axle132that is nested in a portion of the rear housing102.

With reference now toFIGS. 11 and 12, additional features of the frame12of the battery-powered tiller10will be described in greater detail. The frame12further includes a stabilizing bar140that is connected between a pair of second links144. For clarity, only one of the second links144is shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. The second links144receive the wheel axle16at first ends and are rotatably coupled at a pivot joint146(FIG. 13) at an opposite end. The second links144can be secured to the stabilizing bar140at an intermediate location. A drag bar148can be adjustably secured to the stabilizing bar140by way of a coupler150. The coupler150defines a slot152for receiving a first end of the drag bar148. A peg154is selectively passed through various apertures158formed in the drag bar148to adjust the operating height of the drag bar148. A pin160can selectively mate with the peg154for locating the drag bar148at the desired operating position. By way of example, the drag bar148is shown in the transportation mode (FIG. 13), and the clearing mode (FIG. 16).

Of note, the lower uprights82and consequently the upright assembly24as a whole defines substantially the same angle α relative to ground G in the transportation mode (FIG. 13) and the tilling mode (FIG. 14). In one example, a can be about 45 degrees. Other angles are contemplated. As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the angular relationship of the first link108and the second links144change to alter the position of the tilling implement22without changing the angular orientation of the upright assembly24relative to a user. The configuration can offer a streamlined transition to the user between the transportation and tilling modes. Moreover, a user need not push down or pull up on the upright assembly24(i.e., in an effort to locate the tilling implement22at a desired elevation relative to ground G) when transitioning between the transportation and tilling modes as may be required for other conventional tillers.

Also of note, an angle can be defined from a horizontal line that the wheels14engage the ground G to a line that extends through the axis of the tilling implement22. This angle is represented as β and φ inFIGS. 13 and 14, respectively. The angle φ inFIG. 14can be about 0 degrees. An angle Θ can be defined from a horizontal line that passes along the bottom of the wheels14and is parallel to the ground G and a line that extends through the axis of the tilling implement22.

Turning now toFIGS. 17-19, the tilling implement22according to various features will be described in greater detail. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that while the tilling implement22is shown operatively associated with a tiller configured for electrical (battery-powered) operation, the tilling implement22may be used in tillers having other configurations, such as those powered by internal combustion engines, for example. As identified above, the tilling implement22has a plurality of tine plates46including the first tine plate50a, the second tine plate50b, the third tine plate50c, and the fourth tine plate50d. Each of the tine plates50a-50dare configured equivalently. In this way, only a description of one of the tine plates50dwill be described herein. However, it should be appreciated that the tine plates may be configured differently. The tine plate50dgenerally defines a plurality of tines160dextending from a central body162d. A central hub164dcan be fixedly secured at the body162d. The hub164dcan define a passage168dhaving an axis that is perpendicular to a plane of the central body162d. The passage168dcan be formed entirely through the tine plate50d. The hub164dalso defines a flat portion170dso that the passage168dformed through the hub164dhas a cross-section similar to the letter “D”. The tines160dcan be curved at their respective ends in a direction generally toward the hub164d. The hub164dcan define an aperture172dformed in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hub164d.

The tilling implement22, by way of the tilling implement drive shaft48, is operable to communicate rotational motion onto the plurality of tine plates46during operation. The tilling implement drive shaft48defines a plurality of apertures180a,180b,180c, and180dformed therethrough. The tilling implement drive shaft48generally includes a longitudinal bar having a flat portion184defined thereon. According to the present teachings, the plurality of tine plates46of the tilling implement22can be selectively configured in various orientations along the tiller drive shaft180. For example, the configuration illustrated inFIG. 17provides all four tine plates50a,50b,50c, and50dhaving their respective tines160a,160b,160c, and160dpointed in a generally inboard direction.

In order to secure the respective tine plates50a-50dto the tiller drive shaft48, cotter pins190can be selectively secured through the respective apertures172a-172dof hubs164a-164dand into the corresponding aperture180a-180dformed through the tilling implement drive shaft48. The respective flat portions170a-170dformed in the hubs164a-164dcan be rotatably aligned with the complementary flat portion184formed on the drive shaft48in order to properly align the respective apertures172a-172dand180a-180d.

In a second configuration of the tine plates46as illustrated inFIG. 18, the tines160aand160dof the first tine plate50aand fourth tine plate50d, respectively, are oriented generally outboard, while the tines160bof the second tine plate50band the tines160cof the third tine plate50care oriented in a direction generally inboard. Another configuration is shown inFIG. 19where the tines160aof the first tine plate50a, the tines160bof the second tine plate50b, the tines160cof the third tine plate50c, and the tines160dof the fourth tine plate50dare all oriented in an outboard direction. It is appreciated that a user can simply flip a desired tine plate50a-50dto orient the respective tines160a-160din either an inboard or outboard direction. It is appreciated that the versatility of the plurality of tine plates46of the tilling implement22can offer a user various tilling configurations (not all shown herein) that may be desirable according to a given tilling task. Other configurations can include operation with less than all four tine plates50a-50dcoupled to the tilling implement22. Furthermore, because all the tine plates50a-50dare configured the same, a user can arbitrarily select any tine plate50a-50din sequence during assembly.

Turning now toFIGS. 20-23, a tiller unjamming mechanism of the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral200. The unjamming mechanism200generally includes a key202, and a gearing unit206. According to one method of operation, the key202is moved from a first receiver210to a second receiver212to activate the unjamming mechanism200. In general, the key202is accepted by the first receiver210during normal operation of the battery-powered tiller10. In the event that an object, such as a rock, becomes lodged or jammed between respective tines of the plurality of tines46, the key202is removed from the first receiver210and inserted into the second receiver212.

Withdrawal of the key202from the first receiver210causes the motor34of the drive mechanism20to be disconnected from electrical communication with the battery30. Once the key202is located into the second receiver212, the key202can be pushed (i.e., in a direction toward the second receiver212) against a biasing force provided by a biasing member216and rotated in a first direction (such as counter-clockwise for example). Rotation of the key202rotates a gripping detail220extending from the gearing unit206of the motor34.

The gearing unit206offers a mechanical advantage with the motor34to rotate the tilling implement22in a reverse direction (in a direction opposite of an operating direction). In other words, multiple rotations of the gripping detail220, which is attached to the output member36associated with the motor34, can result in a single rotation of the tilling implement22in a reverse direction. In one exemplary implementation, a mechanical advantage of about one hundred twenty (120) revolutions of the output shaft222of the motor34can equal one rotation of the tilling implement22. Other ratios are contemplated. By rotating the tilling implement22in a reverse direction, the object, such as the rock, can be easily dislodged from the tilling implement22. Once the tilling implement22has become free from obstruction, the key202can be withdrawn from the second receiver212and returned to the first receiver210where normal battery-powered tiller operation can resume.

While the disclosure has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.