AU2020404149A1

AU2020404149A1 - Electric cultivator

Info

Publication number: AU2020404149A1
Application number: AU2020404149A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Koon For Chung; Wai For WONG
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2019-12-19
Filing date: 2020-10-27
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: EP4075937A4; EP4075937A1; CN113950241B; CN113950241A; WO2021120859A1

Abstract

Provided herein is an electric cultivator (10), the electric cultivator (10) comprises a work tool assembly (11), a handle assembly (12) and a pole assembly (13). The work tool assembly (11) comprises a work tool and a first attachment mechanism (330); The handle assembly (12) comprises a power source (60), a control assembly, a first handle (50), and a second attachment mechanism (523); and the pole assembly (13) comprises a first attachment mechanism (451) on the one end and a second attachment mechanism (433) on the other end. The first attachment mechanism (451) is releasably attachable to the second attachment mechanism (523).

Description

ELECTRIC CULTIVATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to an electric cultivator, and particularly relates to a modular electric cultivator that is suitable for both standing and kneeling use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electric cultivators, such as mini tillers, are widely used by farmers and homeowners for cultivating the soil in land or a garden. The cultivators, having rechargeable batteries to supply power, are generally compact, light-weight, and portable. A typical electric cultivator often includes a handle, a battery pack, a motor, a plurality of tine discs for digging into the ground to penetrate and pulverize the soil, and gears for driving a drive shaft attached to the plurality of tine discs.

Generally, the electric cultivators are designed with a long pole for standing use. With the long pole, the operator can easily guide the cultivator to a desired tilling position, reposition the cultivator, and maneuver around or between objects. However, the operator can only operate the cultivator with a standing position and may use another hand tool with a short pole or without a pole for kneeling use. Practically, a handheld cultivator is a hand tool targeted to cultivate the top layer of the soil. It is particularly useful for ornamental landscaping in small gardens and shrubbery. The operator can carefully operate the apparatus on a particular area of soil without loosening the deep soil. In the market, an extendable cultivator suitable for both standing and kneeling use is not available, and there are difficulties in designing such a cultivator with an extendable or adjustable pole.

A conventional walk-behind cultivator usually has a relatively larger size, having a fuel tank and a gasoline motor with large horsepower positioned near the tine discs and blades. Some of the cultivators may be self-propelling with an engine for driving the cultivator forward. However, configuring such a walk-behind cultivator with a shorter pole may not be favorable. The motor and the fuel tank are heavy and bulky, and it is challenging to implement as a hand tool. If the pole is too short, the tine discs and the blades would be very close to the operator. When operating the cultivator, soil or debris may be dangerously thrown toward the operator. Considering the safety of the operator, there is a tradeoff between the horsepower of the motor and the length of the pole that can provide a sufficient safety distance.

Other conventional cultivators featuring handheld mode are designed to be capable of being transported and carried around easily. A cultivator generally includes an electric motor for driving tine discs through a transmission. Such cultivators may have poles of various lengths, but not of an adjustable length. As the transmission cannot be designed to be extendable, an extendable pole has not been proposed in the past, and there is no existing cultivator with a pole of an adjustable longitudinal length.

In view of at least the foregoing deficiencies in the art of cultivator apparatus, there is a need for an improved handheld electric cultivator having an extendable pole that is suitable for both standing and kneeling use. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is an electric cultivator, comprising: a work tool assembly, a handle assembly and a pole assembly, the work tool assembly comprises a work tool and a first attachment mechanism; the handle assembly comprises a power source, a control assembly, a first handle, and a second attachment mechanism; and the pole assembly comprises a first attachment mechanism on the one end and a second attachment mechanism on the other end, wherein the first attachment mechanism is releasably attachable to the second attachment mechanism.

According to certain aspects, the electric cultivator works in a pole mode when the pole assembly is attached between the work tool assembly and the handle assembly, and the electric cultivator works in a handheld mode when the work tool assembly is directly attached to the handle assembly.

According to certain aspects, the pole assembly comprises a second handle.

According to certain aspects, the position of the second handle along the pole assembly is adjustable.

According to certain aspects, the pole assembly comprises a telescopic boom.

According to certain aspects, the work tool assembly comprises a cultivating module and a power module releasably attachable to the cultivating module, the power module comprises a power generator and the first attachment mechanism of the work tool assembly.

According to certain aspects, the cultivating module comprises a drive shaft, at least one cultivating disc mounted on the drive shaft; and a worm shaft for driving the drive shaft, the drive shaft comprises a worm gear mounted thereon.

According to certain aspects, the power module further comprises a gear train.

According to certain aspects, one of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprises a post, and the other of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprises a housing for receiving the post.

According to certain aspects, the housing comprises a lock for securing the post to the housing.

According to certain aspects, the post comprises therein an electrical interface.

According to certain aspects, the control assembly is configured to detect whether the electric cultivator works in the pole mode or the handheld mode.

According to certain aspects, the first attachment mechanism of the work tool assembly and the first attachment mechanism of the pole assembly comprise an identification means respectively.

According to certain aspects, the control assembly comprises a control button for controlling the output speed of the work tool assembly.

According to certain aspects, the control assembly sets different output speed limits for the pole mode and the handheld mode.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are disclosed as illustrated by the embodiments hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only certain embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit its scope. It will also be appreciated that these drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been depicted to scale. The present disclosure will now be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electric cultivator configurable to be in a handheld mode or a pole mode in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric cultivator in a handheld mode in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electric cultivator in a pole mode in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cultivating module in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cultivating module of FIG. 4 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded front view of the edge discs, tine discs, and drive shaft in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of the worm shaft and the worm gear in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the power module in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the power module of FIG. 8 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pole assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the pole assembly of FIG. 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the handle assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly of FIG. 12 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to an electric powered cultivator for cultivating the soil. More specifically, but without limitation, the present disclosure relates to a modular electric cultivator having a plurality of tine discs for digging into the ground to penetrate and pulverize the soil. It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a cultivating apparatus that can be operated with a kneeling or sitting position.

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” respectively refer to the length and width of the electric cultivator of FIGS. 2 and 3. The terms “left” and “right” respectively refer to the left side and the right side when viewing the electric cultivator from the front side. Further, the terms “front” and “rear” respectively refer to the front and rear of the electric cultivator when viewing the electric cultivator from the user’s perspective.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the electric cultivator 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The electric cultivator 10 comprises a work tool assembly 11 at the front end, and a handle assembly 12 at the rear end. A pole assembly 13 may optionally be attached between the work tool assembly 11 and the handle assembly 12 for extending the longitudinal length of the electric cultivator 10.

The work tool assembly 11 comprises a first attachment mechanism 330. The handle assembly 12 comprises a second attachment mechanism 523. The first attachment mechanism 330 is releasably attachable to the second attachment mechanism 523, such that the work tool assembly 11 can be releasably attachable to the handle assembly 12. In this way, the electric cultivator 10 works in a handheld mode. The pole assembly 13 comprises a first attachment mechanism 451 at the rear end, and a second attachment mechanism 433 at the front end. The first attachment mechanism 451 of the pole assembly 13 can be releasably attachable to the second attachment mechanism 523 of the handle assembly 12, and the second attachment mechanism 433 of the pole assembly 13 can be releasably attachable to the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11. In this way, the pole assembly 13 can be connected between the work tool assembly 11 and the handle assembly 12, and the electric cultivator 10 works in a pole mode.

With the above configured attachment mechanisms, the electric cultivator 10 is modular and can work in either handheld mode 10a or pole mode 10b. The two configurable modes 10a, 10b are both shown in FIG. 1 and switchable by removing or attaching the pole assembly 13. On the right is the disassembled electric cultivator 10 in the handheld mode 10a. On the left is the disassembled electric cultivator 10 in the long pole mode 10b.

Refer to FIG. 2, the electric cultivator 10 in a handheld mode 10a is shown. In the handheld mode 10a, the work tool assembly 11 and the handle assembly 12 are attached together directly without the pole assembly 13. Therefore, the operator can operate the electric cultivator 10 with a kneeling position.

Now refer to FIG. 3, the electric cultivator 10 in a pole mode 10b is shown. In the pole mode 10b, the pole assembly 13 is attached between the work tool assembly 11 and the handle assembly 12 for extending a longitudinal length of the electric cultivator 10. Therefore, the operator can operate the electric cultivator 10 with a standing position.

The work tool assembly 11 is positioned at a front end of the electric cultivator 10 away from the operator. The work tool assembly 11 comprises a cultivating module 20 and a power module 30. The cultivating module 20 and the power module 30 may be formed as an integral part or two separate pieces. The cultivating module 20 is connected to and driven by the power module 30. The cultivating module 20 can include at least one cultivating disc. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the cultivating module 20 comprises at least two edge discs 211, 214 and two tine discs 213, 216 mounted on a drive shaft 251 for digging into the ground to penetrate and pulverize the soil. In particular, the two tine discs 213, 216 are positioned between the two edge discs 211, 214. Spacers 212, 215 are placed between two adjacent cultivating discs. In certain embodiments, the cultivating module 20 may have fewer or more tine discs positioned between the two edge discs 211, 214 without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the cultivating module 20 may have fewer or more edge discs.

An exploded view of the cultivating module 20 is shown in FIG. 5. The cultivating module 20 comprises a housing 240 and a transmission at least partly within the housing 240. In certain embodiments, the transmission comprises a worm shaft 223, a worm gear 252 and a drive shaft 251. The worm gear 252 is mounted to and rotates with the drive shaft 251. When the drive shaft 251 is rotated in one direction, the edge discs 211, 214 and the tine discs 213, 216 are caused to rotate in the same direction. The worm shaft 223 engages and drives the worm gear 252. The housing 240 may be dissembled into a left housing 240a and a right housing 240b by releasing the nuts 233, 234 from the fastening screws 231, 232. In certain embodiments, the worm shaft 223, the worm gear 252, and a part of the drive shaft 251 are encased within a cavity between the left housing 240a and the right housing 240b. The housing 240 may include a guard mounted above and covering the cultivating discs 211, 213, 214, 216. The guard can prevent debris from being thrown toward the power module 30 and the operator. The guard has an arched shape which is bent around a center, and in certain embodiments, the center is the axis of rotation 257 along the drive shaft 251. In the middle of the housing 240, a recess 241 is provided for fitting the power module 30 in. The worm shaft 223 extends upward outside the housing 240 to connect to the power module 30. As such, the power module 30 can drive the worm shaft 223 of the cultivating module 20.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 6, the electric cultivator 10 includes two edge discs 211, 214 and at least two tine discs 213, 216 with improved blades which has been particularly adapted to enable pulverizing the deeper soil when the electric cultivator 10 is configured to be in the handheld mode 10a and the pole mode 10b. The size and the structure of the edge discs 211, 214 and the tine discs 213, 216 are designed to target the deeper soil. As the electric cultivator 10 is capable of cultivating or turning-over the soil, the debris and other objects from the soil may be thrown to different directions, causing danger to the operator. In particular, when operating the electric cultivator 10 in the handheld mode 10a, the operator may be kneeling or sitting dangerously close to the cultivating module 20. If the debris is projected from the tine discs 213, 216, the shield mounted on the housing 240 is only partially surrounding the tine discs 213, 216 and cannot prevent the debris from throwing out in the transverse direction. Advantageously, the cultivating module 20 in the present disclosure comprises two edge discs 211, 214, which can prevent the debris from throwing out in the transverse direction.

In further detail, each of the tine discs 213, 216 includes at least two blades 213a-b, 216a-b or other cutting elements that are sized and shaped to cut through, cultivate, or till the deeper soil. In one embodiment, each of the tine discs 213, 216 includes four blades. Each blade is a sharpened projection bent out from the plane surface of the tine disc 213, 216 with a bending angle of less than 90 degrees, or preferably in a range between 45 degrees and 80 degrees. The blades are positioned at the outer edges of the tine discs 213, 216, having a sharp tip or a round tip. Specifically, each of the tine discs 213, 216 has at least one inward blade 213a, 216a bent inwardly towards the centroid of the drive shaft 251, and at least one outward blade 213b, 216b bent outwardly away from the centroid of the drive shaft 251. With blades bending toward both directions, the tine discs 213, 216 can lift the soil of both sides and provide efficacious soil pulverization.

The left edge disc 214 and the right edge disc 211 are the outermost discs respectively for the left side and the right side of the cultivating module 20. Each of the edge discs 211, 214 includes at least two blades 211a, 214a that are sized and shaped to cut through, cultivate, or till the deeper soil. Preferably, each of the edge discs 211, 214 includes four blades. Each blade is a sharpened projection bent out from the plane surface of the edge disc 211, 214 with a bending angle of less than 90 degrees, or preferably in a range between 45 degrees and 80 degrees. The blades are positioned at the outer edges of the edge discs 211, 214, having a sharp tip or a round tip. Specifically, the blades 211a, 214a for each edge discs 211, 214 are bent inwardly towards the centroid of the drive shaft 251. None of the blades 211a, 214a on the edge discs 211, 214 is bent outwardly away from the centroid of the drive shaft 251. With blades bending in the same direction and inwardly, the edge discs 211, 214 are prevented from tangling any root outside the cultivating area. The debris and objects in the soil are prevented from throwing out in the transverse direction. Further, the blades 211a, 214a on the edge discs 211, 214 are bent inwardly, which is safer to the operator as it is less likely to cause injury by the rotating blades. The arrangement of the blades is particularly essential if the electric cultivator 10 is targeted for pulverizing the deeper soil with a kneeling or sitting position.

In certain embodiments, the worm shaft 223 is suitably mounted to an external retaining ring 224 and a bearing 222, as shown in FIG. 7. The worm shaft 223 functions as a driving gear for driving a worm gear 252. The worm gear 252 is fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 251. The worm shaft 223 is engaged to the worm gear 252 to transmit the torque from the worm shaft 221 to the drive shaft 251 with reduced rotation speed. As mounted on each side of the drive shaft 251, there is respectively provided a washer 257, 258, a bushing 255, 256, and a bearing 253, 254.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary power module 30 of the electric cultivator 10. The power module 30 may have a power housing 310 substantially in a cylindrical shape, cuboid shape, or any other desired shape. A power generator, such as a motor, is provided inside the power housing 310. The power module 30 comprises a first transmission mechanism 330 on the rear end for connecting to a second transmission mechanism 433, 523 of the pole assembly 13 or the handle assembly 12. The power module 30 on the other end is configured to be fit into the recess 241 of the cultivating module 20. An output shaft 321 of the power generator extends outside the power housing 310 through an opening and engages the worm shaft 221 of the cultivating module 20.

In certain embodiments, the first attachment mechanism 330 is in the form of a post. The post can have an asymmetric cross-section so that the work tool assembly 11 can be attached to the handle assembly 12 or the pole assembly 13 with only one possible orientation. Alternatively, a locating feature, such as one or more keys 342, may be provided on the surface of the post for the same purpose. The post has thereon one or more recesses 341 or other feature for locking the first attachment mechanism 330 to the second attachment mechanism 523, 433. Other than the aforesaid mechanical features, the first attachment mechanism 330 may additionally comprises an electric interface 340. In certain embodiments, the electric interface 340 comprises one or more electric pins inside the post. The one or more electric pins may extend at least partly out of the post. The one or more electric pins supply electric power or communicate control signal. In certain embodiments, the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11 further comprises an identification means (not shown) , so that the work tool assembly 11 is able to identify itself as a work tool assembly when attached to the handle assembly 12. In certain embodiments, the identification means could be some electric circuit or chip in electric communication with the electric interface 340. In certain embodiments, the identification means may be some mechanical configuration. For instance, the electrical pins of the electric interface 340 of the first attachment mechanism 330 can be of a particular length, number, or arrangement. Alternatively, the identification means may be some mechanical structure that could trigger a corresponding switch at the handle assembly 12.

Now refer to the exploded view of the power module 30 in FIG. 9. The power housing 310 may be dissembled into a left power housing 310a and a right power housing 310b by releasing the nuts 333, 334 from the fastening screws 331, 332. The power module 30 further comprises a motor mount 325, a gear train 324 comprising a plurality of motor gears, a bearing 322, a motor 326, and the electric interface 340. The motor 326 may be an electric powered brushed or brushless motor, which is encased within a cavity between the left power housing 310a and the right power housing 310b. An output shaft 321 is mechanically engaged with the motor 326 via the gear train 324 for driving the cultivating module 20. In particular, the motor 326 may be fixed on the motor mount 325 and drive the plurality of motor gears 324. The output of the one or more motor gear 324 is coupled to the output shaft 321 for driving the worm shaft 221. A recess 341 is provided on the power housing 310 for attaching the power module 30 firmly to either the pole assembly 13 or the handle assembly 12. Further, positioning the power module 30 at the front part of the electric cultivator 10 can help to stabilize the electric cultivator 10 by increasing the weight of the lower half of the electric cultivator 10.

FIG. 10 shows the pole assembly 13 according to certain embodiments. The exploded view of the pole assembly 13 is shown in FIG. 11. The pole assembly 13 is attached between the work tool assembly 11 and handle assembly 13 in the long pole mode 10b, such that the electric cultivator 10 can be long enough for the operator to use with a standing position. In certain embodiments, the pole assembly 13 comprises an extendable or telescopic pole or boom, so that the length of the boom can be adjusted to suit an operator’s height. The pole assembly 13 comprises a lower pole 441 and an upper pole 442. The lower pole 441 and the upper pole 442 are connected together with a fastening sleeve 420 to form a telescopic pole. The fastening sleeve 420 allows adjustment of the length of the pole 40.

The pole assembly 13 also includes a second handle 411 along the pole. In certain embodiments, the second handle 411 is attached to the pole via a coupling member 412. The coupling member 412 can be tightened by turning a knob 413. The position of the second handle 411 along the pole is adjustable to suit the particular balance or the preference of each individual operator. The second handle 411 is removable and interchangeable to other types of handle or device to allow the operator a choice of configuration and customization. In certain embodiments, the second handle 411 is generally a D-shaped handle, an O-shaped handle, or a handle of any other desired shape. The angle of the secondary hand 411 relative to the upper pole 442 may be adjustable in the fore or aft direction.

The pole assembly 13 comprises a first attachment mechanism 451 at the rear end and a second attachment mechanism 433 at the front end. The first attachment mechanism 451 can be releasably attachable to the second attachment mechanism 523 of the handle assembly 12, and the second attachment mechanism 433 can be releasably attachable to the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11.

The first attachment mechanism 451 may be identical with or substantially the same as the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11. The first attachment mechanism 451 comprises a post formed by a left post housing 451a and a right post housing 451b with an electric interface 453 protruding at least partly from the post. The electric interface 453 may comprise one or more electric pins. The post has thereon one or more recesses 452 or other feature for locking the first attachment mechanism 451 to the second attachment mechanism 523. In certain embodiments, the first attachment mechanism 451 of the pole assembly 13 further comprises an identification means (not shown) , so that the pole assembly 13 is able to identify itself as a pole assembly when attached to the handle assembly 12. In certain embodiments, the identification means could be some electric circuit or chip in electric communication with the electric interface. In certain embodiments, the identification means may be some mechanical configuration. In certain embodiments, the identification means may be some mechanical configuration. For instance, the electric pins of the electric interface 453 of the first attachment mechanism 330 can be of a particular length, number, or arrangement. The particular length, number or arrangement of the electric pins of the first attachment mechanism 451 of the pole assembly 13 can be different from that of the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11. Alternatively, the identification means could be some mechanical structure that could trigger a corresponding switch at the handle assembly 12.

The second attachment mechanism 433 comprises a housing. The housing receives at least part of the post of the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11. The second attachment mechanism 433 comprises an electric interface 434 that communicates with the electric interface 453 of the first attachment mechanism 330. In certain embodiments, the housing may be comprised of a left housing member 433a and a right housing member 433b. The electric interface 434 may comprise at least a positive contact pin 434a and a negative contact pin 434b positioned inside the housing. There may be third or fourth pin (not shown) to communicate control signal. The second attachment mechanism 433 further comprises a lock for locking the post to the housing. In certain embodiments, the lock comprises a lock button 431 and a spring 432 for returning the lock button 431 to a lock position. When the work tool assembly 11 is connected to the pole assembly 13, the lock button 431 is engaged with the recess 341 on the work tool assembly 11 by inserting at least a protruding portion of the lock button 431 into the recess 341. When dissembling the work tool assembly 11 from the pole assembly 13, the lock button 431 is pushed such that the protruding portion of the lock button 431 is not within the recess 341. The pole assembly 13 further has electrical wiring that connects the electric interface 453 of the first attachment mechanism 451 and the electric interface 434 of the second attachment mechanism 433.

FIG. 12 illustrates a handle assembly 12 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The handle assembly 12 comprises a battery 60 and a handle 50. The handle 50 may be formed by a left housing 530a and a right housing 530b. The handle assembly 12 may further comprises a control assembly. The control assembly may comprise therein at least one of a control circuit, an actuating trigger 511, a trigger lock 512, and a speed control switch 513. The battery 60 is positioned at the rear part of the handle 50 closer to the operator. In certain embodiments, the battery 60 is removably attached to a receiving portion 52 at the rear end of the handle 50 in a cantilever manner. The battery 60 has two latches 61, each on one side of the battery 60, for locking the battery 60 to the receiving portion 52 of the handle 50. The operator can plug the battery 60 into the receiving portion 52 to lock the battery 60 to the handle 50, and press both latches 61 and pull the battery 60 out for disassembling. The battery 60 may be an 18V lithium battery pack or other types of battery packs. The battery 60 can be charged separately, and the charging device is not shown in the present disclosure.

The handle assembly 12 further comprises a second attachment mechanism 523. The second attachment mechanism 523 selectively receives the first attachment mechanism 330 of the work tool assembly 11 or the first attachment mechanism 451 of the pole assembly 13. The second attachment mechanism 523 can be configurated the same as or similar to the second attachment mechanism 433 of the pole assembly 13. The second attachment mechanism 523 may be operative to work together with the identification means of the first attachment mechanisms 330, 451 so that the control assembly can detect whether the work tool assembly 11 or the pole assembly 13 attaches to the handle assembly 12.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the handle assembly 12. On the front end of the handle 50, there is provided the second attachment mechanism 523. An electric interface in form of a positive contact pin 524a and a negative contact pin 524b are positioned inside a housing. The second attachment mechanism 523 also includes a lock button 521 that has a spring 522 for returning the lock button 521 to a lock position. When the handle 50 is connected to the pole assembly 13 or the work tool assembly 11, the lock button 521 is engaged with a respective recess 452, 341 by inserting at least a protruding portion of the lock button 521 into the recess 452, 341. When dissembling, the lock button 521 is pushed such that the protruding portion of the lock button 521 is not within the recess 452, 341.

In certain embodiments, the trigger lock 512 and the actuating trigger 511 are positioned at two different locations on the handle 50 to allow the operator to activate the motor 326. The actuating trigger 511 is a movable lever extended from the bottom side of the grip arm 51.The actuating trigger 511 is configured to allow the operator to control the activation of the electric cultivator 10 by actuating a switch 542. The switch 542 may be a push switch or other suitable types of actuator for completing the electrical circuit on the printed circuit board (PCB) 541. The trigger lock 512 is a movable lever on the top side of the grip arm 51. The operator is required to press the trigger lock 512 first before activating the motor 326 with the actuating trigger 511. In certain embodiments, the trigger lock 512 comprises a detent 512a engaged to the actuating trigger 511 to mechanically permit or prevent the movement of the actuating trigger 511. The trigger lock 512 must be continually actuated during the operation of the electric cultivator 10. It should be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the actuating trigger 511 and the trigger lock 512 can be formed using other triggering devices.

In certain embodiments, the speed control switch 513 is provided for enabling a speed adjustment mechanism. The speed adjustment mechanism controls the output speed of the work tool assembly 11. In certain embodiments, the speed adjustment mechanism provides an adjustment on the power supplied to the work tool assembly 11 for increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor 326. In certain embodiments, the speed control switch 513 is a rotating knob with five selectable levels for speed adjustment. The control assembly is configured to set a maximum output speed of the work tool assembly 11, for protection of the tool or the operator. As the electric cultivator 10 works in the pole mode or handheld mode, the control assembly may be configured to set different maximum output speed limits for the pole mode or handheld mode.

This illustrates the fundamental structure and mechanism of the electric cultivator in accordance with the present disclosure. The electric cultivator is a two-in-one electric cultivator suitable for both standing and kneeling use, and it is apparent that the present disclosure may be embodied in other types of cultivating tools without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the preceding description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

An electric cultivator, comprising:

a work tool assembly, the work tool assembly comprises a work tool and a first attachment mechanism;

a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprises:

- a power source;

- a control assembly;

- a first handle, and

- a second attachment mechanism; and

a pole assembly, the pole assembly comprises a first attachment mechanism on the one end and a second attachment mechanism on the other end,

wherein the first attachment mechanism is releasably attachable to the second attachment mechanism.
The electric cultivator of claim 1, wherein:

the electric cultivator works in a pole mode when the pole assembly is attached between the work tool assembly and the handle assembly, and

the electric cultivator works in a handheld mode when the work tool assembly is directly attached to the handle assembly.
The electric cultivator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pole assembly comprises a second handle.
The electric cultivator of claim 3, wherein the position of the second handle along the pole assembly is adjustable.
The electric cultivator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pole assembly comprises a telescopic boom.
The electric cultivator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the work tool assembly comprises a cultivating module and a power module releasably attachable to the cultivating module, the power module comprises a power generator and the first attachment mechanism of the work tool assembly.
The electric cultivator of claim 6, wherein the cultivating module comprises:

- a drive shaft, the drive shaft comprises a worm gear mounted thereon;

- at least one cultivating disc mounted on the drive shaft; and

- a worm shaft for driving the drive shaft.
The electric cultivator of claim 6, wherein the power module further comprises a gear train.
The electric cultivator of claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprises a post, and the other of the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprises a housing for receiving the post.
The electric cultivator of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a lock for securing the post to the housing.
The electric cultivator of claim 9, wherein the post comprises therein an electrical interface.
The electric cultivator of claim 2, wherein the control assembly is configured to detect whether the electric cultivator works in the pole mode or the handheld mode.
The electric cultivator of 12, where the first attachment mechanism of the work tool assembly and the first attachment mechanism of the pole assembly comprise an identification means respectively.
The electric cultivator of claim 12, wherein the control assembly comprises a control button for controlling the output speed of the work tool assembly.
The electric cultivator of claim 14, wherein the control assembly sets different output speed limits for the pole mode and the handheld mode.