AU2017100183A4 - Lawnmower - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Lawnmower A lawnmower includeing a body mounted with a plurality of wheels, an engine assembly 5 mounted on the body, and a cutting device operably connected with the engine assembly. The engine assembly, when activated, is adapted to drive the cutting device to perform mowing operation. The body of the lawnmower includes a battery receiving portion adapted to removably receive a battery pack. The battery receiving portion is disposed between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body. Preferably, the 10 lawnmower further includes a battery pack installed in the battery receiving portion. The battery receiving portion of the lawnmower has a compact structure and it provides an effective solution for battery pack storage. The position of the battery receiving portion also significantly improves safety. The battery pack directly provides power to the starter mounted on the lawnmower to actuate the starter for activating the gasoline engine of the 15 engine assembly, thus increasing the ease of starting the engine and allowing different users to use the lawnmower. The battery pack for the lawnmower of the present invention is also suitable for use with different auxiliary tools, so that it can provide more flexibility and convenience in application. 8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 313\ litl CN) 2Ln 0 - ~' \g4 K '7/-A tit \ 4 F* jr_~

Description

1 2017100183 17 Feb 2017

Lawnmower

Technical field 5 The present invention relates to a lawnmower, and particularly to a walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower.

Background 10 Lawnmowers are power tools for trimming grass on large areas of land such as lawns in outdoor gardens. Lawnmowers can be generally classified into gasoline lawnmower and electric lawnmower. A lawnmower powered by a gasoline engine requires the use of a starter to start the gasoline engine for mowing operations. A starter typically has a manual pull-cord mechanism coupled to a pulley on a crankshaft of the engine. However, starting 15 the engine with a manual pull-cord mechanism requires considerable physical strength. Thus, some users may experience difficulties in starting the engine using a manual pull-cord mechanism.

Summary of the invention 20

Embodiments of the present invention provide an alternative or improved gasoline lawnmower, such as, but not limited to, a walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lawnmower 25 comprising: a body provided with a plurality of wheels; an engine assembly mounted on the body; and a cutting device operably connected to the engine assembly; wherein when started, the engine assembly is adapted to drive the cutting device to perform mowing operation; characterized in that the body comprises a battery receiving portion adapted to

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 2 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 removably receive a battery pack, the battery receiving portion arranged between the engine assembly and the front-most end (more precisely, the vertical plane defined by the front-most end 124 of the body 102) of the body. The body may be formed from one or more components (e.g., a chassis and/or one or more components connected thereto). 5 The wheels may comprise a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The cutting device may be a blade that is rotated by the engine assembly. Preferably, the battery receiving portion is spaced from the engine assembly. Preferably, the battery receiving portion is disposed between the pair of front wheels. 10 In one specific embodiment, the battery receiving portion is formed on the body and comprises: a wall defining a recess, the recess being arranged to removably receive at least a portion of the battery pack; and a locking means disposed within the recess, the locking means releasably locking at least a portion of the battery pack in the recess. In one embodiment, the wall at least partially encloses the exterior of the battery pack. The 15 locking means may have a latch, block button, or other mechanical or magnetic lock piece that is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding lock feature of the battery pack.

In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises a shroud coupled to the body, the shroud being adapted to engage with the body to close the battery receiving portion, regardless of whether a battery pack is installed within the battery receiving portion. 20 The shroud is further adapted to close and enclose the battery pack when the battery pack is arranged in the battery receiving portion. The shroud may be transparent or translucent.

In one specific embodiment, the shroud is pivotally connected to the body between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body. The shroud is sized to accommodate 25 a distance between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body. The shroud may be moved between an open position for allowing access to the battery receiving portion and a closed position for closing the battery receiving portion. In one embodiment, the pivot axis of the shroud is adjacent to the front-most end of the body. In one

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 3 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 embodiment, the shroud may be removable from the body.

In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises a seal provided between the shroud and the body to prevent water and/or dust from entering the battery receiving 5 portion when the shroud is in the closed position. The seal may be mounted on the battery receiving portion or the shroud and may be received in a corresponding slot formed in the shroud or the battery receiving portion. In one embodiment, the seal is a plastic seal ring that is arranged at the edge of the shroud. 10 In one specific embodiment, the engine assembly comprises a gasoline engine, and a starter operably connected to the gasoline engine, the starter being adapted to be driven to start the gasoline engine. Preferably, the gasoline engine is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine and is designed to operate with gasoline and similar volatile fuels.

In one specific embodiment, the starter is an electric starter, which is mounted on the body. 15 Preferably, the electric starter is adapted to be electrically connected to the battery pack via a circuit disposed in the lawnmower to receive power from the battery pack to be driven thereby to start the gasoline engine. In one embodiment, an electric starter comprises: a starting motor; and a gear disposed on the starting motor that is axially movable; wherein when the starting motor is started, the gear moves to a position engaged with the gear on 20 the gasoline engine flywheel, thereby starting the gasoline engine.

In one specific embodiment, the electric starter is removable from the body.

In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises a switch adapted to be 25 electrically connected to the battery pack and the electric starter via an electrical circuit. When switched on, the switch allows the battery pack to provide power to the electric starter. When switched off, the switch cuts off the electrical connection between the battery pack and the electric starter.

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 4 2017100183 17 Feb 2017

In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises a handle extending from the body and connected to the body or integrated with the body. Preferably, the switch is arranged on the handle. 5

In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises an auxiliary starter operably connected to the gasoline engine and adapted to be driven to start the gasoline engine. An auxiliary starter may be mounted on the body or on the gasoline engine. Preferably, the auxiliary starter comprises a manual starter. The manual starter can be directly driven by 10 the user without use of an auxiliary tool. In one embodiment, the manual starter comprises a housing mounted on the body or on the gasoline engine, a rope reel mounted in the housing and coaxially disposed; a rope wound on the rope reel, and a handle connected to one end of the rope; wherein the rope reel is connected to the shaft of the engine via a one-way clutch. 15

In one specific embodiment, the auxiliary starter further comprises an electric auxiliary starter that is driven by the user by using an auxiliary tool. The auxiliary tool may be a power tool with a drill bit. Preferably, the battery pack is compatible (operable) with the auxiliary tool and may provide power to the auxiliary tool for starting the gasoline engine. 20

In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises a grass catcher or a mulch plug removably mounted on the rear end of the body. In one embodiment, the mulch plug cannot be used if a grass catcher is used. 25 In one specific embodiment, the lawnmower further comprises a battery pack installed within the battery receiving portion. Preferably, the battery pack is a rechargeable and replaceable lithium-based battery pack.

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 5 2017100183 17 Feb 2017

The lawnmower of the present invention has various advantages compared with the prior art. For example, the battery receiving portion of the lawnmower has a compact structure that provides an effective solution to the battery pack storage problem, without greatly increasing the volume of the mower. The position of the battery receiving portion is such 5 that the battery pack can be arranged between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body, away from the engine assembly (particularly the position of the spark plug of the engine assembly) that may generate spark and heat, and surrounded by a water-proof and/or dust-proof shroud for protection, which greatly improves safety. The battery pack directly provides power to the starter mounted on the lawnmower to actuate 10 the starter for activating the gasoline engine of the engine assembly, thereby increasing the ease of starting the engine and allowing different users to use the lawnmower. The battery pack of the lawnmower is also suitable for use with different auxiliary tools, thus providing more flexibility and ease of use. In addition, the lawnmower has a manual starter and an electric starter which can be independently operated to start the engine. This provides 15 redundancy so that if one of the starters fails to operate due to malfunction, the user can still start the gasoline engine using the other starter. In some cases, the battery pack arranged at the front end of the lawnmower can also provide appropriate balance for the lawnmower by increasing the weight of the front end of the lawnmower when the lawnmower is installed with a grass catcher. 20

By referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent.

Brief description of the drawings 25

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 6 2017100183 17 Feb 2017

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A shows a view of the front end portion of the walk-behind type gasoline 5 lawnmower of Figure 1;

Figure 2B shows a view of the front end portion of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower of Figure 1, with the shroud hidden; 10 Figure 3 shows a partial exploded view of the front end of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the front end of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower of Figure 2A; 15

Figure 5 shows a view of the starter of the engine of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a power tool for operating the starter of Figure 5; 20

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a partial perspective view of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower of 25 Figure 7; and

Figure 9 shows a functional block diagram of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower of Figure 7.

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 7 2017100183 17 Feb 2017

Before describing any of the structures of the lawnmower of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of the structure and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated 5 in the drawings. Instead, the present invention can have other structures and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

Detailed description 10 Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a lawnmower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lawnmower 100 includes a body 102, which may be formed from one or more components. In one embodiment, the body 102 may be formed from a chassis and one or more components connected to the chassis. A pair of front wheels 104A and a pair of rear wheels 104B are mounted on two sides of the body 102. The size 15 (radius) of rear wheels 104B is larger than that of front wheels 104A to facilitate movement of the lawnmower 100 on the grass. The front wheels 104A and the rear wheels 104B are respectively connected by a wheel axle. In other embodiment, the size of the rear wheels 104B may be equal to or less than that of the front wheels 104A. In one embodiment, the front wheels 104A and/or the rear wheels 104B may be wheels that are self-propelled (e.g., 20 driven by an engine assembly 106) so that the user may move the lawnmower 100 with a reduced pushing force.

The body 102 is installed with an engine assembly 106. The engine assembly 106 generally includes a gasoline engine and a starter 108 operably connected to the gasoline 25 engine. The starter 108 is adapted to be actuated for starting the gasoline engine. Preferably, the gasoline engine is a spark-ignition-type internal combustion engine and is designed to operate with gasoline and similar volatile fuels. The structure of the gasoline engine may be the same as those in the art and so will not be described in detail. In

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 8 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 another embodiment, the engine assembly 106 may be mounted on the body 102, within the body 102, or in any space defined by body 102. In one embodiment, the engine assembly 106 is removable. 5 The lawnmower 100 also includes a cutting device (not shown) operably connected to the engine assembly 106. In one embodiment, the cutting device is a blade arranged in a space defined by the chassis of the body 102. The blade may be fixed, through an axle, to the bottom of the lawnmower 100 and/or to a drive shaft connected to the gasoline engine. The blade may be elongated, disc-shaped, or have other shapes, and it may be swingable. 10 When the gasoline engine of the engine assembly 106 is activated, it is adapted to drive the cutting device into rotation for performing mowing operation.

In one embodiment, the lawnmower 100 may include a handle assembly extending upwardly and rearwardly from the body. The handle assembly includes a lower handle 15 110A connected to the rear end of the body 102 and an upper handle 110B connected to the lower handle. The upper handle 110B is connected with a control device 112 for controlling the operation (e.g., speed) of the wheels 104A, 104B and/or the engine assembly 106. The lower end of the upper handle 110B is connected to the lower handle 110A; and the lower end of lower handle 110A is respectively fixedly connected to two 20 sides of the body 102. Preferably, an adjustment mechanism 114 for adjusting the length of handle assembly (i.e., the connection between the upper handle 110B and the lower handle 110A) is arranged between the upper handle 110B and the lower handle 110A. The handle assembly may be attached to the body 102 or may be integrally formed with the body 102. Preferably, the height of handle assembly is adjustable and ergonomically 25 designed to provide greater operational comfort.

It should be appreciated that the lawnmower 100 may include one or more other components. In one embodiment, the lawnmower 100 may include a grass catcher 116

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 9 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 connected at the rear end of the body 102. The grass catcher 116 is used to collect, through a discharge slot at the rear end of the body 102, the grass that has been cut by the cutting device. The grass catcher 116 may include a handle 118 for facilitating user operation. In one embodiment, a mulch plug (not shown) may be connected at the rear end 5 of the body 102, in place of the grass catcher 116. The mulch plug is used to block the discharge slot at the rear end of the body 102, thereby keeping the grass under the chassis of the body 102. In one embodiment, the lawnmower 100 may include a height adjustment mechanism that can be used to adjust the height of the cutting device for trimming grass of different lengths. The height adjustment mechanism may adjust the height of the cutting 10 device relative to the ground by changing the height of the body 102 relative to the ground (if the cutting device is fixedly connected to the body 102), or by directly changing the height of the cutting device relative to the body 102. In one embodiment, the lawnmower 100 may include a shock absorber to protect the lawnmower 100 when cutting near a hard surface. 15

The lawnmower 100 of the present invention also includes a battery receiving portion 120 (hidden by the shroud 122 in Fig. 1) for removably receiving a battery pack 150. The battery receiving portion 120 is preferably formed on the body 102. As shown in Fig. 2A and 2B, the battery receiving portion 120 is disposed between the engine assembly 106 20 and the front-most end 124 of the body 102 (more precisely, the vertical plane defined by front-most end 124 of the body 102), and preferably between the pair of front wheels 104A. In one embodiment, the battery receiving portion 120 is a mechanical structure for storing a battery pack, without establishing electrical connection with the battery pack 150. Preferably, the battery receiving portion 120 is spaced from the engine assembly 106, i.e., 25 not contacting the engine assembly 106. Preferably, the battery receiving portion 120 is arranged to be away from a spark plug (not shown) of the engine assembly 106 for improved safety. In another embodiment, the battery receiving portion 120 may be formed within the body 102.

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 10 2017100183 17 Feb 2017

Fig. 2A shows a shroud 122 coupled to the body. The shroud 122 is adapted to engage with the body 102 to close the battery receiving portion 120. When the battery pack 150 is installed in the battery receiving portion 120, the shroud 122 is adapted to engage with the 5 body 102 to enclose and surround the battery receiving portion 120 within which the battery pack 150 is mounted and the battery pack 150. Preferably, the shroud 122 is transparent or translucent so that the user can inspect visually, without removing the shroud 122, whether there is a battery pack 150 within the battery receiving portion 120. 10 In one preferred embodiment, the shroud 122 is sized to adapt to a distance between the engine assembly 106 and the front-most end 124 of the body 102, and is pivotably connected to the body 102 between the engine assembly 106 and the front-most end 124 of the body 102. As shown in Fig.2A, the pivot axis 126 of the shroud 122 is adjacent to the front-most end 124 of the body 102. This arrangement is advantageous in that the shroud 15 122 is not easily opened by the impulse/inertia when the user pushes the lawnmower 100, and the shroud 122 is not blocked by the engine assembly 106 (which otherwise makes it difficult to open). The shroud 122 is rotatable about a pivot axis 126 to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the shroud 122 allows access to the battery receiving portion 120 and the battery pack 150 (if present). In the closed 20 position, the shroud 122 encloses the battery receiving portion 120 and the battery pack 150 (if present). In one embodiment, the shroud 122 can be removed from the body 102.

The shroud 122 is preferably waterproof and/or dustproof. Although not shown in the drawings, a seal may be provided between the shroud 122 and the body 102. When the 25 shroud 122 is in the closed position, the seal helps to prevent water and/or dust from entering the battery receiving portion 120 and the battery pack 150 (if present). In one embodiment, the seal may be mounted on the battery receiving portion 120 or on the shroud 122, and it may be received in a slot formed in a corresponding portion of the

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 11 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 shroud 122 or the battery receiving portion 120. The seal may be, for example, a plastic ring disposed at the edge of the shroud 122.

Fig. 2B shows the battery receiving portion 120 mounted with the battery pack 150 (the 5 shroud 122 is hidden). Preferably, the battery pack is a lithium-based battery pack. The battery pack may have different structures and capacities, and is preferably rechargeable and replaceable. As shown in Fig.3, in one embodiment, the battery pack 150 has a body 152, a stem 154 extending from the body 152, and a spring biased latch mechanism 156. Preferably, the insertion axis 170 of the battery pack 150 is substantially perpendicular to 10 the axle of the wheels 104A and/or the pivot axis 126 of the shroud 122.

Fig.3 and Fig.4 show an exemplary structure of the battery receiving portion 120 with the battery pack 150 removed. The battery receiving portion 120 includes a wall 132 defining a recess 134. The recess 134 is arranged to removably receive at least a portion of the 15 battery pack 150, such as the stem 154 of the battery pack 150 and a portion of the body 152. In addition, the wall 132 at least partially surrounds an exterior of the battery pack 150. Preferably, the battery receiving portion 120 further includes a locking means 136 arranged within the recess 134. In one example, the locking means 136 within the recess 134 includes a protrusion formed on the wall of the recess 134, the protrusion being adapted to 20 cooperate with the spring biased latch mechanism 156 of the battery pack 150 to removably lock the battery pack 150 within the battery receiving portion 120. In other embodiments, the locking means 136 may have a latch, a buckle, or other mechanical or magnetic locking member that is adapted to cooperate with other mechanical or magnetic locking member of the battery pack 150. It will be appreciated that the wall 132 and the 25 recess 134 of the battery receiving portion 120 may have different shapes and sizes depending on the structure and capacity of the battery pack.

Fig. 5 shows a starter 108 of the engine assembly 106. The starter 108 includes a manual

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 12 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 starter which can be directly actuated by the user without any auxiliary tool, and an electric auxiliary starter that can be actuated by the user by using an auxiliary tool (such as a power tool with a drill bit). In one example, the starter 108 includes a housing 160, a rope reel (not shown) and shaft 162 mounted in housing 160 and arranged co-axially, a rope 5 (not shown) wound on the rope reel, and a handle 164 connected to one end of the rope. The rope reel is arranged on shaft 162 and is connected to the engine shaft via a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch allows the shaft 162 to move axially relative to the rope reel such that in the first axial position the shaft 162 engages with the rope reel and in the second axial position the shaft 162 disengages with the rope reel. One end of shaft 162 is 10 operably connected with the gasoline engine for starting the gasoline engine by driving a centrifugal clutch of the gasoline engine. Another end of the shaft 162 extends to an opening 166 formed in the housing 160. After the engine is started, the one-way clutch ensures that the engine shaft does not rotate with the rope reel. One end of the shaft 162 extending to the opening 166 formed in the housing 160 has an interface (e.g., a 15 hexagonal interface) to be actuated by an auxiliary tool (such as a power tool with a drill bit) provided with a corresponding interface. The housing 160 is also provided with engagement features (such as spline slot 168) for engagement with corresponding engagement features (e.g., spline 192) formed in the auxiliary tool to assist in securing the auxiliary tool. In this embodiment, the user may pull the handle 164 to rotate the rope reel 20 and shaft 162 to start the gasoline engine using the manual starter. The user may also directly engage the auxiliary tool with housing 160 and shaft 162 of the starter (the auxiliary tool pushes onto the shaft 162 to disengage the shaft 162 from the rope reel) and rotate the shaft 162 to start the gasoline engine with the electric auxiliary starter. 25 Fig. 6 shows an auxiliary tool 190 adapted to cooperate with the electric auxiliary starter. In this embodiment, the auxiliary tool is a motor-driven drill bit, but in other embodiments, the auxiliary tool may be any power tool that can be used in cooperation with the starter. The auxiliary tool 190 is configured to use the battery pack 150 that can be received within

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 13 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 battery receiving portion 120. This is advantageous in that the user can readily use the battery pack 150 received in the battery receiving portion 120 for powering to auxiliary tool 190 to start the gasoline engine. The battery pack 150 received within battery receiving portion 120 may also be used to power other power tools (such as miter saws, electric 5 drills/electric screwdrivers, drum cleaners, lawnmowers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, and blowers) to perform different operations.

Referring now to Fig. 7, there is shown a lawnmower 200 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Lawnmower 200 has a similar structure compared to 10 the lawnmower 100 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 7, components similar to or the same as those of Fig. 1 are marked with the reference numerals of Fig. 1 plus "100". For example, the body 202 of lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 corresponds to the body 102 of the lawnmower 100 of Fig. 1. For the sake of simplicity, only the major differences between the lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 and the lawnmower 100 of Fig. 1 will be described below. 15

Unlike the lawnmower 100 of Fig. 1, the lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 has built-in circuit and structure that allows the user to start the gasoline engine by a switch to actuate the electric starter arranged in the lawnmower 200. In other words, the user does not need to actuate the starter of the lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 to start the gasoline engine by using, for 20 example, the auxiliary tool 190 in Fig. 6.

Referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in one embodiment, the lawnmower 200 has an electric starter 284 operably connected with the gasoline engine. The electric starter 284 is arranged to be actuated for starting the gasoline engine. The electric starter 284 is directly 25 or indirectly connected with a crankshaft of the gasoline engine. Preferably, the electric starter 284 includes a device adapted to be electrically driven (e.g., a starting motor 287) and a shaft that can be rotationally driven by the device to start the gasoline engine. The electric starter 284 may be arranged in any suitable position in the body 202 and it may be

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 14 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 removable from the body 202. In the example of Fig. 8, the electric starter 284 is arranged in the body 202 adjacent the battery receiving portion (hidden by the shroud 222 in Fig. 7) and the engine assembly 206. In one embodiment, the electric starter 284 may be removed from the body 202 together with the battery pack. 5

Preferably, the battery receiving portion of the lawnmower 200 is adapted to establish an electrical connection with the battery pack (not shown) arranged therein to allow the use of the battery pack for powering the electric starter 284 and thereby actuating the electric starter 284. In one embodiment, the battery receiving portion of the lawnmower 200 has a 10 similar structure to that of the lawnmower 100, but it has a resilient or non-resilient metal contacts arranged in the recess of the battery receiving portion. The metal contacts are adapted to contact corresponding metal contacts formed on the battery pack.

Referring to Fig. 7, the lawnmower 200 also includes a switch 280 that can be actuated by 15 the user to activate the electric starter 284. Preferably, the switch 280 is provided on the upper handle 210B near the upper end of the upper handle 210B so as to be actuated by the user. The switch 280 may be a push button, a trigger, a micro-switch, a toggle switch, a dial, or the like. In one embodiment, the user may actuate the switch 280 by momentarily pressing the switch. In other embodiments, the user needs to continuously press on the 20 switch to actuate the switch 280. The switch 280 may be connected to the electric starter 284 arranged in the body 202 via a wire or a circuit. The wire may be arranged in the hollow pipe of the upper handle 210B and the lower handle 210A, or it may be wound on the upper handle 210B and the lower handle 210A. In one embodiment, the switch 280 may be disposed at other positions of the lawnmower 200, such as on the body 202. In this 25 embodiment, the switch 280 may be foot-operated. In another embodiment, the switch 280 may be a mechanical switch that is operably connected with another switch at the distal end through a mechanical component (such as a lever arm). That another switch may be indirectly actuated to activate the electric starter 284. In one embodiment, the switch 280

8734612_1 (GHMallers) P105270.AU 15 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 allows the battery pack to provide power to the electric starter 284 when switched on (actuated). When switched off (released), the switch 280 cuts off the electrical connection between the battery pack and the electric starter 284. 5 In one embodiment, the lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 includes a starter 208 for assisting and cooperating with the use of the electric starter 284. In the example of Fig. 8, the starter 208 includes only a manual starter, i.e., no opening is provided on the housing 260. In another embodiment, the starter 208 may be the same as the starter 108 shown in Fig. 5, i.e., it includes a manual starter and an electric auxiliary starter. The starter 208 may also only 10 include an electric auxiliary starter. In some embodiments, the lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 does not include the starter 208. It should be appreciated that providing the starter 208 is advantageous for providing redundancy such that when the electric starter 284 is not operable due to malfunction, the user can still start the gasoline engine with the starter 208. On the other hand, excluding the starter 208 may reduce structural complexity and 15 manufacturing cost.

From another perspective, in the embodiment of Fig.8, the starter of the engine assembly 206 includes a manual starter 208 and an electric starter 284. Both starters 208 and 284 may be directly driven by the user without the use of an auxiliary tool. The manual starter 20 208 includes a housing 260, a rope reel (not shown) mounted and coaxially arranged in the housing 260, a rope (not shown) wound on the rope reel, and a handle 264 connected at one end of the rope. The electric starter 284 includes a starting motor 287. The rope reel is connected to the engine shaft via a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch allows the engine shaft to rotate when the rope reel is rotated, and such that the engine shaft does not rotate 25 with the rope reel after the engine has been started. The starting motor 287 is arranged thereon with a gear (not shown) which is axially movable. When the starting motor 287 is activated, the gear moves to a position engaged with the gear on the engine flywheel, thereby activating the gasoline engine. When the gasoline engine has started, the gear on

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 16 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 the starting motor 287 moves to a position disengaged from the gear on the engine flywheel to complete the engine start. Preferably, the starting motor 287 is shielded and protected, at least in part, by the housing or cover of the engine assembly 206. 5 Fig. 9 shows a simple functional block diagram of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 9, the switch 280 of the lawnmower 200, the battery pack 250 removably received in the battery receiving portion, and the removable electric starter 284 are electrically connected to each other in one circuit. Optionally, the circuit also includes a safety mechanism 282 having a circuit breaker, fuse, etc., for 10 protecting the elements in the circuit. The electric starter 284 is operably and mechanically connected to the gasoline engine 286. Optionally, the starter 208 is operably and mechanically connected to the gasoline engine 286.

In operation, the user first installs the battery pack 250 in the battery receiving portion. 15 Then, by actuating the switch 280, the battery pack 250 provides power to the electric starter 284 to activate the electric starter 284. The activated electric starter 284 drives the gasoline engine 286 and thereby activates the gasoline engine 286. Finally, the gasoline engine 286 drives the cutting device to perform mowing operation. In some embodiments, when the battery pack 250 is not installed in the battery receiving portion or the battery 20 pack 250 is depleted of power, in order to use the lawnmower 200, the user may activate the gasoline engine 286 by using another starter 208. The starter 208 may include one or both of a manual starter and an electric auxiliary starter. These starters may operate in a manner substantially similar to that described with reference to Fig. 5 and so will not be described here. The functional block diagram of Fig. 9 shows only the basic structures to 25 facilitate understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the circuit of the walk-behind type gasoline lawnmower 200 of Fig. 7 may have other arrangements and details different from that shown in Fig. 9. For example, the circuit may further include a controller for controlling and coordinating the operation of different components in the

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU 17 2017100183 17 Feb 2017 circuit. In one embodiment, the functional block diagram of Fig. 9 may be implemented by one or more connected circuits.

The lawnmowers 100, 200 of the present invention are preferably gasoline lawnmowers, 5 and particularly but not exclusively, walk-behind type gasoline lawnmowers. The lawnmowers 100, 200 of the present invention may have different structures and may have increased or reduced functional or structural features. In some embodiments, the features of lawnmower 100 and lawnmower 200 may be used interchangeably. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or modifications, as illustrated in the specific 10 embodiments, may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative but not restrictive.

In addition, unless otherwise indicated, any reference to prior art contained herein is not to 15 be construed as an admission that the information is common general knowledge.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, 20 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general 25 knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

8734612_1 (GHMatters) P105270.AU

Claims (22)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A lawnmower comprising: a body mounted with a plurality of wheels; an engine assembly mounted on the body; a cutting device operably connected with the engine assembly; wherein the engine assembly, when activated, is adapted to drive the cutting device to perform mowing operation; wherein the body comprises a battery receiving portion adapted to removably receive a battery pack, and the battery receiving portion is disposed between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body.
2. 2. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 1, wherein the battery receiving portion is formed on the body, and comprises: a wall defining a recess, the recess being arranged to removably receive at least a portion of the battery pack; and a locking means disposed within the recess for releasably locking at least a portion of the battery pack in the recess.
3. 3. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 2, further comprising a shroud coupled to the body; the shroud being adapted to engage with the body to enclose the battery receiving portion, regardless of whether a battery pack is installed within the battery receiving portion.
4. 4. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 3, wherein the shroud is pivotably connected with the body between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body, and is movable between an open position that allows access to the battery receiving portion and a closed position that encloses the battery receiving portion.
5. 5. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 4, further comprising a seal provided between the shroud and the body so as to prevent water and/or dust from entering the battery receiving portion when the shroud is in the closed position.
6. 6. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 1, wherein the engine assembly comprises: a gasoline engine; and a starter operably connected to the gasoline engine and adapted to be driven to start the gasoline engine.
7. 7. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 6, wherein the starter is an electric starter mounted on the body, the starter is adapted to be electrically connected to the battery pack via a circuit arranged in the lawnmower for receiving power from the battery pack so as to be actuated to activate the gasoline engine.
8. 8. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 7, wherein the electric starter comprises: a starting motor; and a gear that is axially movable and arranged on the starting motor; wherein when the starting motor is activated, the gear moves to a position engaged with a gear on the gasoline engine flywheel, thereby starting the gasoline engine.
9. 9. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 7, wherein the electric starter is removable from the body.
10. 10. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 7, further comprising: a switch adapted to be electrically connected with the battery pack and the electric starter via the circuit; wherein when the switch is switched on, the switch allows the battery pack to provide power to the electric starter; and when the switch is switched off, the switch cuts off the electrical connection between the battery pack and the electric starter.
11. 11. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 10, further comprising: a handle extending from the body, the handle being connected to the body or integrally formed with the body; and wherein the switch is arranged on the handle.
12. 12. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 7, further comprising: an auxiliary starter mounted on the body or on the gasoline engine, operably connected to the gasoline engine, and adapted to be actuated to start the gasoline engine; the auxiliary starter comprises a manual starter.
13. 13. The lawnmower according to claim 12, wherein the manual starter comprises: a housing mounted on the body or on the gasoline engine; a rope reel mounted and coaxially arranged in the housing; a rope wound on the rope reel; and a handle connected to one end of the rope; wherein the rope reel is connected to the shaft of the engine via a one-way clutch.
14. 14. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 12, wherein the auxiliary starter further comprises: an electric auxiliary starter that can be driven by the user using an auxiliary tool; wherein the battery pack is compatible with the auxiliary tool and may provide power to the auxiliary tool for starting the gasoline engine.
15. 15. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a grass catcher or a mulch plug removably mounted ay a rear end of the body.
16. 16. The lawnmower in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a battery pack mounted in the battery receiving portion.
17. 17. A lawnmower comprising: a body mounted with a plurality of wheels; a handle extending from the body, the handle being connected to the body or integrally formed with the body; an engine assembly mounted on the body, comprising: a gasoline engine; and a starter operably connected with the gasoline engine and adapted to be driven to start the gasoline engine; and a cutting device operably connected to the engine assembly; wherein the engine assembly, when activated, is adapted to drive the cutting device to perform mowing operation; wherein the body comprises a battery receiving portion adapted to removably receive a battery pack, and the battery receiving portion is disposed between the engine assembly and the front-most end of the body.
18. 18. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 17, wherein the starter is an electric starter mounted on the body, the starter is adapted to be electrically connected to the battery pack via a circuit arranged in the lawnmower for receiving power from the battery pack so as to be actuated to activate the gasoline engine.
19. 19. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 18, wherein the electric starter comprises: a starting motor; and a gear that is axially movable and arranged on the starting motor; wherein when the starting motor is activated, the gear moves to a position engaged with a gear on the gasoline engine flywheel, thereby starting the gasoline engine.
20. 20. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 19, further comprising: a switch adapted to be electrically connected with the battery pack and the electric starter via the circuit; wherein when the switch is switched on, the switch allows the battery pack to provide power to the electric starter; and when the switch is switched off, the switch cuts off the electrical connection between the battery pack and the electric starter.
21. 21. The lawnmower in accordance with claim 20, further comprising: an auxiliary starter mounted on the body or on the gasoline engine, operably connected to the gasoline engine, and adapted to be actuated to start the gasoline engine; the auxiliary starter comprises a manual starter; wherein the manual starter comprises: a housing mounted on the body or on the gasoline engine; a rope reel mounted and coaxially arranged in the housing; a rope wound on the rope reel; and a handle connected to one end of the rope; wherein the rope reel is connected to the shaft of the engine via a one-way clutch.
22. 22. The lawnmower in accordance with any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising a battery pack mounted in the battery receiving portion.