CA2080357A1 - Solar powered mower - Google Patents
Solar powered mowerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2080357A1 CA2080357A1 CA002080357A CA2080357A CA2080357A1 CA 2080357 A1 CA2080357 A1 CA 2080357A1 CA 002080357 A CA002080357 A CA 002080357A CA 2080357 A CA2080357 A CA 2080357A CA 2080357 A1 CA2080357 A1 CA 2080357A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mower
- power
- solar panel
- solar
- source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
- A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
- A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
- A01D34/63—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis
- A01D34/76—Driving mechanisms for the cutters
- A01D34/78—Driving mechanisms for the cutters electric
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D69/00—Driving mechanisms or parts thereof for harvesters or mowers
- A01D69/02—Driving mechanisms or parts thereof for harvesters or mowers electric
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B75/00—Other engines
- F02B75/02—Engines characterised by their cycles, e.g. six-stroke
- F02B2075/022—Engines characterised by their cycles, e.g. six-stroke having less than six strokes per cycle
- F02B2075/027—Engines characterised by their cycles, e.g. six-stroke having less than six strokes per cycle four
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Harvester Elements (AREA)
- Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A powered mower (10) has a cordless electric power source defined by a rechargeable battery (22, 24) and a solar panel (60, 62).
The rechargeable battery (22, 24) is connected to a direct current motor (20) for driving the mower blade (14) and drive system (16) for the powered mower. The solar panel (60, 62) supplies the rechargeable battery (22, 24) with additional voltage and current to assist the battery (22, 24) in maintaining its functional operating level.
The rechargeable battery (22, 24) is connected to a direct current motor (20) for driving the mower blade (14) and drive system (16) for the powered mower. The solar panel (60, 62) supplies the rechargeable battery (22, 24) with additional voltage and current to assist the battery (22, 24) in maintaining its functional operating level.
Description
- 1 - 2~ '57 SOLAR POWE~ED MO~ER
This is a continuation in-part of United States Serial No. 506,903 filed April l0, l990.
: 5 Field of_the Invention This invention relates to power mowers and more particularly to power mowers powered by electrical motors.
Backqround o~ the Invention Present day power mowers can be powered either by a 4-cycle gasoline engino or a 2-cycle gasoline engine for providing powar to drive a cutting blad~ of either ~he rotary or r~el type.
~i Other power mowers have ~n electric motor that drives l a cutt~ng blade Or eithar typa the rotary or reel ; 20 typ-. Such alectric motor power~d mowers have the power supply provided to the motor through an extensi~le cord which connocts to a standard domestic power supply.
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-,:: : . ~ , 2~3~7 The use of gasoline engine constitutes a substantial source of air pollution which in time could become regulated by the E.P.A. as are larger engines for powering automobiles and other motor vehicles. The alternative to such gasoline engines is a cord type electric motor driven mower. Such mowers, however, are not as mobile as gasoline engine mowers in that they must be connected to a power supply by a cord during their operation. Such power cords are susceptible to being cut by the blade to produce exposed power leads. Additionally, while not a direct polluter, such electric powered mowers are powered from a central power plant which, if fossil fuel fired, can be a significant source of pollutants unl~ss suitable waste recovery sys,ams are incorporated in the central system.
Sum~arY of the Invention Accordingly, a ~eature o~ the present invention is to provide a pow~red mower with a power supply that has little or no emis~ions therefrom.
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W091/15107 PCT/US91~02326 ; - 3 -2 ~ 7 Another feature of the present inventio~ is to provide an electrically powered mower with a power supply that does not require a cord for supplying electrical power thereto Another feature of the present invention is to provide a powered mower with a rotary blade driven by an electrical drive motor which is connected to a cordless source of power including a primary power source for providing electrical power to the drive motor and further including a secondary source of ~-power that generates power solely on exposure to light energy .
Still another faature is .o provide powered mowers of the type set ~orth in the preceding objects wherein the source o~ pow-r includes a cordless power i supply or an ~lectric drive motor located on the upper sur~ace of a protective houslng; the cordless power supply including a primary source o~ electrical power for driving the electric motor and further including a secondary source o~ electrical power for charging th~ primary source of ~l~ctrical power as power is supplied from said primary source of lectrical power to the electric drive motor~
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20~3~7 4 _ Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power mower having a solar panel with solar cells thereon for charging onboard batteries which eupply primary power to the electric motor of the electrically powered mower so as to eliminatP the need for a power cord Still another object o~ the present invention is to provide a power mower with a rotary blade driven by an electric motor having a primary source of power de~ined by rechargeable batteries mounted on the mower and including a secondary source of power mountad on the mower for charging the rechargeable batteries as they supply power to the drive motor Another ob~ct o~ the pres-nt invention is to provide pow-r mower~ o~ th- pr-ceding ob~ect wherein the secondary power sourcQ i8 a solar panel located in ov-rlying relation~hip to th2 drive motor ~o a~ to intercept sunlight from different directions ; as the ~ower is driven in a cutting pattern across a lawn surf~ce : . ~ , : . . . . . : . .
- - . -. - ~. - . -WO9l/lSI07 PCT/US9l/02326 5 ~ 2~0~7 Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered mower having the supplemental power source for~ed as separate solar panels or solar cells formed on the sides and front of the mower deck or blade housing and~or the handles thereof St$11 another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered mower having the supplemental power source formed as separate solar panel or solar cells formed as covers on a grass catcher connected to the mower to collect grass cut by th- cutting blades of the power ~ower : , Still ano~her ob~ect o~ the present ' invention i~ to provide a so}ar powered mower which includes a rider platform th-r-on ~nd wherein ~he solar power pan-ls for an lec~ric drive motor are ~orm-d cov-r~ over thQ front end of thQ solar powered mow-r ".: ' '' Still another featur~ of the present invention i8 to provide such a powerad mower wherein th~ solar panels or solar cells are mounted on outrigger panels which are extendable from the main housing of the power mower during U~Q for greatest ~, ...
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sun exposure but which are retractable to derine a compact storage configuration when the mower is not in use.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power mower with a solar power source including a shelter for the power mower and wherein the solar power source includes solar panels on the shelter to charge batteries onboard the power mower in conjunction with solar panels mounted on the power mower.
Y~t ano~her ob~ect of tha prQsent invention is to provida ~ ~olar powered mower including a solar : 15 panel or solar cQll ha~ing output t~rminals and a connection circuit to the po~itiv~ and negative terminals o~ a battery mounted on th~ power ~ower for pow~ring ~ driv~ ~otor and wher~in the connection circuit includ-~ a capacitor which is charg~d by the solar pan~l~ when the panels arQ exposQd to sun light and whlch is opexat~ve when th~ pAnels are not expo~ed to sun to provide supplomental ~attery charging current and wherein the connection circuit . ~urther includes a diode to protQct the ~olar panel .. .
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~, . .. . . . . .-WO91/~5107 PCT/US9t/02326 2~3~7 or solar cell from bac~flow of current from the battery to the solar panel or solar cells when the panels are not producing a charging current.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered mower of the - type set forth in the preceding objects and features wherein the mower includes a safety switch in its electrical control circuit in the form of a attitude responsive switch on the mower that will disconnect the drive motor from the power sources when the mower is tilted or tipped through an angle which will expose the cutting blades to a user.
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Yet another o~jQct of th~ pre~e~t invention is to provide such a sarety circuit o~ the preceding ob~-ct wh~rein the swltch is a mercury æwitch which is oriented to interrupt th~ power æupply to the electric drive ~otor wh~n the mower is tipped.
Still another ob~ct o~ th~ present invention is to provide the solar panels as flexible amorphouæ silicon sprayed or dipped on surfaces associated with the mowar thereby allowing the full surface ar~a o~ a mower deck, a mower chassis or a bagging unit to become a generator o~ solar power.
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These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become more apparent in view of the accompanying written description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein:
Brief DescriDtion of the Drawinqs ' FIG. 1 is a side view of a power mower of the present invention;
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FIG~ 2 is an enlarged top elevational view of the power mower of FIGo 1 with a solar panel : 15 thereof removed;
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FIG~ 3 is a top elevational view of the solar panel of the present invention:
FIG~ 4 is a side elevational view of the ~olar panel of FIG~ 3; and ~; FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of another embodiment of a solar panel ~or u~e with the present 2S invention.
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~, : . . . , . : :.:- - . : .- -WO91/15107 PCTtUS91/02326 - 9 - 2~ 7 - FIG. 6 is a persp~ctive view of another embodiment of the invention with solar panels located on the front, sides and top of the ~ower deck as well - as on the handles thereof;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 looking in the direction of the . arrows;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention which includes a pow~r mower having a grass catcher with solar panels ~ forming the exterior surfaces thereo~;
-~ lS FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention baving solar panels or solar cells mounted on outriggerQ connected to the housing o~ a power mower driven by a battRry powered electxic motor and wherein control circuits connect th- solar panQls or solar c-lls on the outriggers to the batt-ry ~or charging it during us~;
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FIG. lO is a perspective view o~ a rider mower including a ~orward co~partment with its roof formed with outer solar panels thereon:
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WOgl/15107 PCT/US91/02326 -- 10 -- _ 2 ~ 7 FIG. lOA is a front elevational view of an electric motor powered rider mower including a flat protective roof having solar panels thereon for charging a storage battery on the mower:
FIGo lOB is a side elevational view of an electric motor powered rider mower including a sloped roof cover having such solar panels thereon;
FIG~ 11 is a perspective view of another rider mower including a rider seat ~ounted as a pedestal ~orward of a mower platfor3 and wherein solar panels ar~ provided on the sidas and front of the ~ower platform and al80 on the top o~ a rear i5 20unted gra~s coliector;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a solar garage ~or housing a solar chargad slectric ~otor drivan po~er mower including a roof panel defining a solar pan-l or solar cell~ to suppl-ment the battery : charging o~ the ~olar panels mounted directly on the solar power mower:
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FIG. 12~ is a flat roo~ad version of the solar garag~ Or FIG. 12:
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WO9l/15107 PCT/US91/02326 - 11 - 2~3~
FIG. 12B is another embodiment of the selar garage:
FIG. 13 is a cir~uit diagram of a solar S panel charging circuit for an onboard mounted solar panel for charging a battery on a power mower which powers an electric motor for driving the cutting blade of the mower; and FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view of a safety switch for cutting sff the power supply across the ; power terminals of an electric drive motor on a solar powered mower when the mower i~ tilted or tipped to expose the cutting blade~ thereof.
Description of a Preferred E~bodiment Reforring now to FIG. 1, a powered mower 10 i~ illu3trated including a protectivQ housing 12 for a rotary blade 14. The blade 14 i~ susp-nded within th~ prot~ctive housing 12 by a drivo train 16 including ~n electric clutch and brake unit 18. The , drive train 16 i~ connect-d to a direct current energized ~lectric drivQ motor 20 by the drive shaft 20a o~ the drive motor. The motor 20 is supported on the top 12a o~ the protective housing 12.
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~ ~ ~ , ' . , , . -W091/1~107 PCT~US91/02326 2~3~7 The powered mower lO is powered by a primary source of power in the form of rechargeable batteries 22, 24 located on either side of the drive motor 20 where they are secured by suitable hold down fixtures (not shown) to the top 12a o~ the protective housing 12.
One feature of the present invention is that the provision of an onboard source of power for the drive motor 20 eliminates tho need for power cords as presently ~ound on eloc~rically powered mowers. The pre~ent invention thereby obviates the attendant problem of accidental cutting of power cords during mower operation.
Another featur~ of the pr~sent invention is the provi~ion o~ a solar cell syste~ 30 ~or charging the batterie~ during mower oporation to maintain the rech~rgQable batterios 22, 24 at a ~unctional operating 1eVQ1. The provision o~ an onboard r-charging source eliminates th- neod to connect the battori~s ~or recharging ~rom a cantral power source 30 as to eliminxte power plant emissions which can be generatod during such reaharging. Initial charging will be nocessary as may be periodic charging due to some lo-s ~rom sitting, unless th~ mower is left in .
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further advantage of electric powered mowers is that they eliminate pollutants and emissions produced by mowers of the type powered by either four or two cycle engines fuel~d by existing sources of fossil fuel. Such fossil fueled, internal combustion engines do not include emission control systems and in the aggregate produce co~bustion products that constitute a substantial source of nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, as well as direct evaporation of the fuel supply all requiring regulation in order to protect the world environment.
A powered mower 10 having the aroresaid rechargeabl~ batteries 22, 24 and solar cell charging system 30 i~ readily adaptable ~or use with known driv- systems. For exampls, the powered mower 10 can have a conventional handlQ 26 with a control ~odule 28 for sett~ng the control modes to cperate a standard drive transmis~ion 32 having either a pulley 34 or a gear on th~ driv~ shaft 20a. A drive belt 36 from the pulley 34 pas~es over a driven pulley 38.
The driven pulley 38 can connect to a shart 40 carrying a worm gear 42 that engage~ a worm 44 on the shart 46 of a drive wheel 48. ~uch a drive transmission or its equivalent can be usQd to turn i::
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the wheel (or wheels) of the powered mower lO
allowing the power from the onboard electrical power source to pull the ~ower over grass terrain to allow the rotating blade 14 to cut the individual blades of S grass in a known manner.
In the illustrated arrangement and as best shown in FIG. 2, the rechargeable batteries 22, 24 have negative terminals 50 thereof connected to the negative terminal 52 of the D.C. drive motor 20 by suitable leads 54. LiXewise the positive terminal 56 of the motor 20 is connected to either an on-off switch 28a on the control module 28 or to a variable speed control 28b thereon. When the switch 28a is turned on the power circuit is completed across the windings o~ the D.C. electric drive motor 20 through suitable leads 58 conne~ted to the positiv~ t~rminals 59 o~ the ~atteries Z2, 24.
~f a varia~le ~peed control 28b i5 used, th~ electronic speed control can produce a known pulse width modulated signal to the winding~ of the ; drive motor 20 to vary the r.p.m. o~ the drive motor 20 to control the cutting speed o~ the blade 14 alone. I~ a transmission 32 is used to propel a ,~
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' - 15 - 2~3~7 drive wheel 48, the speed of the entire unit can be varied by varying the output speed of the drive motor 20.
The electric clutch 16 can serve as an electric brake by directing opposite polarity power thereto when a handle safety bar 26a is released. If the user's hands are removed from the handle 26 the safety release bar 26a conditions a safety switch 26b to condition the clutch 16 to instantaneously provide a 3top action for the cutt~ng ~lade 14. The clutch 16 also absorbs shock if the blade 14 strikes an ob;ect.
lS As a ~urther safety feature, the onboard powered electric motor 20 o~ the present invention ~an ba inætantly stopped by utilizing the safety switch 26b to rev4rse the battery polarity to the : ~lectric motor 20 when ~t i~ turn~ng the blad~ 14 in it~ normal cutting diraction. Wh-n the motor stops tha ~witch 26b disconnec~ th~ motor 20 ~rom the batt~ries 22, 24 until the switch 26b is r~set to a starting ~ode. Alternatively, an electromechanical brako band can be provided to apply emergency braking directly to a rotating clutch or dxu~ assembly ~ connected to the drive sha~t 20a.
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In operation, the storage cells or batteries 22, 24 are either dry charged or sealed units which are installed on the mower as precharged units from the manufacturer. If required the batteries 22, 24 can receive their initial charge of power from an external charging source. Once charged, however, the batteries 22, 24 can be operated for extended periods of time by utilizing the solar cell system 30 as a supplemental power source to maintain the initial charge on the primary source of power de~ined by the batteries 22, 24.
, The solar cell sy~tem 30, more particularlyt include. a pair o~ solar panels 60, 62 joined at a ridge line 64 at a point raised above the top o~ the electric dr~ve motor 20. Th0 solar panels 60, 62 each have a plurality o~ solar c-lls cbnnlected so as to produce a voltage and current supply on a lead lina 66 which ~ 8 genorated ag direct current and voltagQ when the cells aro ~xposed to either the sun or to a bright light source. A voltage regulator 70 ; is connected either to a charging outlet 72 ~or the initial charge or to the lead line 66 to control the current ~low with respect to the batteries 22, 24.
The voltage regulator 70 is operative to maintain a sa~e charging level of voltage and current as ~ ' ' ' ' ;
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W091tlS107 PCT/US91/02326 - 17 - 2~3~7 additional voltage and current is directed from the solar cell system 30 to the batteries to maintain them at a functional operating level.
In the embodiment o~ th* invention in FIG.
5, the solar panels 60, 62 are replaced by a generally conically con~igured solar panel 80. In both the case of the solar panel 60, 62 and the conically configured solar panel 80, the solar cell system 30 is operative to intercept sun rays from a plurality of directions during operation of the mower lO as the mower is passed in different cutting patterns across a lawn surface.
In all of the a~orodo6cri~d ~m~odiments of the invent~on, a well as th~ ~ollowing embodiments o~ the i m ention, the use of solar c~ car~ied, mounted or ~ttachsd to the cutting device operate so as to supply a~charging voltage and current to the battery to extand the cutting time o~ the cutting d~vlc- and to ~upply a convenient method of charging the ~attery a~ter and during its use, and to increase the lire o~ the battery.
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The extended cutting time and extended life of the battery is accomplished due to the solar cells supplying voltage and current to the battery while it is in use, thereby rsducing the internal resistance of the battery, allowing the battery to produce or supply more current to operate the cutting motor for a longer period of time.
By reduclng the internal resistance of the battery while it is in use, the internal stress load of the battery is reduced while it is supplying volta~e and current to the motor load. Accordingly, internal heat and plate warpage are reduced and the battery has a longer life.
~ Since recharg~ time i~ in direct proportion ,~ 'to the time that the mower is u ed, the recharge time can ba reduced due to the battery retaining more of its energy, as long as the battery is not drained completely.
Automobile type batteries, otherwise known as starting batteries, are not useful devices for cutting equip~ent. They can supply high current for only a short period of time and cannot withstand deep cycle discharge and recharge without damage.
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WO91~1~107 PCT/US91~02326 2~3!~7 Special design ndeep cycle~ batteries such as, but not limited to, gell cells, nickel cadmium, sealed recirculating gas and other irdeep cycle" non-spillable types are designed for deep cycle discharge and recharge on a continuous basis without damage.
Such batteries are able to supply the necessary current over a longer period of time, allowing the cutting device to perform useful work without damage or dangerous spillage of their internal liquids, or the release of dangero~s gasses.
The solar cells or photo voltaic cells used on or attached to the cutting or mowing device are not limited to solid, brittle types such as crystalllne silicon type~. Flexible or conforming typ-s caD be applled in any con~lguration, such as a~orphous ~ilicon whlch can be sprayed on, dipped onto or otherwi-Q applied to any given surface, alloving utilization o~ the entire deck or chassis or baqging unit as a solar gen~rator. ~he flexible type can b- used in con~unction wlth the solid types of solar cells to allow maximum power generation for the mower or cutter application.
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to be applied onto existing battery oper~ted or battery powered mowers or cutting devices to perform the sa~e function as herein described.
Referring now to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a solar powered mower 82 is shown having a mower deck carrying an electric drive motor 84 for the cutting blade which is like the blade shown in the previous embodiments which is connected to the output shaft of the electric drive motor 84 by suitabl~ power train components (not shown). In this embodi~ent the solar panels 90 for defining a secondary source of electrical power for charqing a battery 86 that -- powers the electric drive motor 84 are mounted on~the sides, top and front of a mower deck 88. More particularly there are two ~ide solar panel~ 90a, 90b which are connected one either side of the mower deck 88 and arrang~d at an angla which is best suited for a particular latitude in which the mower is used. In the illustrated arrangement the angle is approxi~ately 45 degrees from the vertical which is ~est suited for more northern latitudes. The mower ;
; 82 further includes a front solar panel 90c arranged ':
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. . - -WO9l~lSl07 PCT~US9l/02326 2~03~7 on the front of the mower deck 88 and arranged at a similar angle. The mower 82 further includes a horizontal solar panel sod covering the motor 84.
Additionally, a solar panel soe is supported on the push handles 82a, 82b of the mower 82. In all cases, the positive and negative terminals of each panel are connected to the ter~inals of the voltage regulator 70 as shown at 67 in FIG. 2.
10The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8 includes a solar powered mower 92 having a drivo motor 93, storage battery 95, and charging circuit 97 like that in the embodimen~ of FIGS. 1-4 but in this embodiment the s~condary source of electrical power for charging the power battery is ,~ defined by solar panels or c811s 94a, 94b and 94c ;~ . mounted on the outer surfac~ of a rear mounted ~rass collector 96 connected to the deck 98 o~ the mower 92 at the aft end thereof.
The embodimont of tho invention shown in FIG. 9 is a outrigger solar power mower 100 which includes a deck 102 having a electric drive motor ~` 104. A primary power sourco for the electric drive motor 104 includes a battery 105 connected to a charging ~ircuit 106 for receiving power from a ':
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2~a3~7 secondary power source in the ~orm of a pair of spaced solar panels 108, 110. Each of the solar panels 108, 110 is carried on a outrigger panel 112 that is pivotable between a run position shown in S FIG. 9 and a storage position shown in outline form at 113 in FIG. 9. More particularly, the outrigger panels 112 each have an inboard edge 112a connected by hinges 114 to raised brackets 115 on the mower deck 102. The outboard ed~e 112b of each of the outrigger panels 112 have wheels 116. Lock members 118 on sach panel edge 112b snap together to hold the outrigger panels toge~her in the raised position 113.
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When the solar powcred mower 100 is stored the outrigger panels 112 are pivoted upwardly about the hinges 114 until the lock member~ 118 are engaged at which point the solar panels 108, 110 are located within th~ outsid~ sid~ dimensions o~ the deck 102 so as to derine a compact storage con~iguration.
The embodi~ent o~ the invention shown in FIG. 10 i~ a rider mower 120 having a rear mounted seat 122 and a ~ront located housing 124 which encloses an electric drive motor, electric storage battery and suitable charging and power circuitry for interconnecting them to a solar power source 126 on .~ . ~'.
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.: . . . : : . : -. . ~ - ., , , - ~ . . -WO91/15107 PCT/US9l/~2326 - 23 - 2 ~ ~35 7 the rider mower 120. The charging and power circuits are like those described in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-4. In this embodiment the solar power source 126 includes a frame 128 on the front housing 124 which carries solar panels 130-134 for exposure to the sunlight to produce a charging current flow to a battery pacX ,'not shown) for an electric drive motor for driving a cutting blade in a cutter deck 136 as well as a transmission 138 for transferring power rom the drive motor to rear drive wheels 140. The ; drive train can take many forms and this embodiment is not cited for the drive train type but rather for another arrangement for supporting solar panels for charging an electric storage battery ~or powering the electric drive motor of a rider mower.
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The embodiments o~ the ~nvéntion shown in FIGS. lOA and ti OB ~how arrangements ~or supporting solar pan ls above a rider motor on sunroofs thereof.
The embodi~ent of FIG. lOA shows a roof type mount wher-in sclar panels 142, 144 are formed on a sloping roof 145 for protecting the dxiver of the rider mower. The embodiment of FIG. lOB shows a solar panel 146 formed on a flat roo~ 148 for protecting a driver.
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. . - : . , ~ ... -WO9l~lS107 PCT/US9i/02326 ~ 7 24 -The em~odiment of FIG. 11 shows a rider mower 150 having a center mounted seat 152 located above a ride platform having a mower deck 154 and a front mounted steering pedestal 156. A side outlet S 156 from the mower dec~ 154 is connected by a discharge chute 156 into a rear grass collector lS~.
In this embo~iment the source of secondary power for charging an onboard electric storage battery for powering an electric drive motor is comprised of solar panels 160, 162, 164 carried respectively by the pedestal 156, the seat frame and the top of the rear grass collector 158.
; : ' ,' FIG. 12 shows a solar garage or shed 160 for housing a solar powered mower of the type set forth above. The solar garage has sides and a roof 162, 1l64 respectively for protecting the mower. It also includes a solar panel 166 ~ormed either on a slope or flat to collQct solar energy. The solar panel 166 has ter~inals thereo~ connected to a power cord or to a power plug 168 that will connect to spad~ terninals 170 on the front of the power mower when it is housed within the solar housing. In FIG.
12A th~ housing is shown in the ~lat roof 172 version and in FIG. 12B a garage version 174 is shown '' ~ . .
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, ~: : - - - -WO91/1~107 PCT/US91/02326 2~80357 including panels 174a, 174b having a power cord 174c adapted to connect to a charging receptacle 176 on a riding mower 178.
~he above-described mower housings and garages all carry solar panels which can be used to charge storage batteries on solar powered mowers and in conjunction with the solar panels carried on such mowers or as a separate source of power for electric storage batteries on mowers that have an electric drive motor but do not have onboard solar panels. In both cases, however, the shed, g~rage or other shelter which carries the solar panels will serve to protect the mower rrom the element~ when not in use while charging the onboard electric storage batteries of the mower when the sun is out.
In all cases, the maximu~ solar charging efficiency is achieved by the proper orientation of the solar panels to achieve maximum exposure to the suns ray~. Thus in latitudes closer to the equator the solar panels arQ arranged mor~ horizontal to capture rays from a sun position more overhead which more northern and sou~hern latitudes will require .' ~
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WO91/15107 PfCT/US91/02326 20~a3~ - 26 - ~
solar panels inclined more toward the vertical to capture rays from sun positions lower toward the horizon.
As shown in FIG. 14, a safety switch 180 is .
utilized on the mower to preclude its starting or running when the cutting device is tilted or tipped in extreme directions. This switch is a mercury switch 180 mounted on a pedestal 182 on mower decX
which is able to be oriented to actuate or deactivate - the electrical continuity to the running circuit through wire 58.
.~ ~ As show~ in FIG. 13, a capacitor 184 may be lS placed across thef output o~ the solar panfefls 186 to -...... . stabilize the output voltage delivered to the battery 18~. , ':4~ ~ ' Thus, during sunlight period~ when the panels 186 supply current, thef capacitor 184 stores the output o~ the solar cells while, at the sa~e ti~e, allowing the battery to be charged by the solar cells. Then, when shade isf encountered and the solar cells are not producing surficient current, the stored enerqy within the capacitor 184 is discharged : into the battery 188 until ths solar cells receive :'; :
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additional sunlight, thereby to continue charging the battery and recharging the capacitor. The capacitor must be at least the rated voltage output of the solar cell or cells to withstand the voltage and can be as high a capacity as necessary to be able to deliver its charge for a given amount of time.
A diode l90 is placed in series with the charging circuit 192 to prevent voltage and current feedback from the battery 188, during period of no sun, when the panels are not producing voltage. The diode 188 thereby prevent the voltage and curr~nt from the battery reaching the solar cells so as to damage the~.
In all cases, the protective housing of the mower can be upsized to accommodate a larger number, :
of rechargeable batteries to drive a larger load and likewise a larger support base i9 proviiQd to accommodate a larger area of solar cQlls to provide the secondary source o~ power ~or charging the batteries.
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; '': ` -2~03~7 - 28 - -While representative embodiments of the present invention have been shown and discussed, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may ~e made within the scope and equivalency range of the present invention.
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This is a continuation in-part of United States Serial No. 506,903 filed April l0, l990.
: 5 Field of_the Invention This invention relates to power mowers and more particularly to power mowers powered by electrical motors.
Backqround o~ the Invention Present day power mowers can be powered either by a 4-cycle gasoline engino or a 2-cycle gasoline engine for providing powar to drive a cutting blad~ of either ~he rotary or r~el type.
~i Other power mowers have ~n electric motor that drives l a cutt~ng blade Or eithar typa the rotary or reel ; 20 typ-. Such alectric motor power~d mowers have the power supply provided to the motor through an extensi~le cord which connocts to a standard domestic power supply.
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-,:: : . ~ , 2~3~7 The use of gasoline engine constitutes a substantial source of air pollution which in time could become regulated by the E.P.A. as are larger engines for powering automobiles and other motor vehicles. The alternative to such gasoline engines is a cord type electric motor driven mower. Such mowers, however, are not as mobile as gasoline engine mowers in that they must be connected to a power supply by a cord during their operation. Such power cords are susceptible to being cut by the blade to produce exposed power leads. Additionally, while not a direct polluter, such electric powered mowers are powered from a central power plant which, if fossil fuel fired, can be a significant source of pollutants unl~ss suitable waste recovery sys,ams are incorporated in the central system.
Sum~arY of the Invention Accordingly, a ~eature o~ the present invention is to provide a pow~red mower with a power supply that has little or no emis~ions therefrom.
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W091/15107 PCT/US91~02326 ; - 3 -2 ~ 7 Another feature of the present inventio~ is to provide an electrically powered mower with a power supply that does not require a cord for supplying electrical power thereto Another feature of the present invention is to provide a powered mower with a rotary blade driven by an electrical drive motor which is connected to a cordless source of power including a primary power source for providing electrical power to the drive motor and further including a secondary source of ~-power that generates power solely on exposure to light energy .
Still another faature is .o provide powered mowers of the type set ~orth in the preceding objects wherein the source o~ pow-r includes a cordless power i supply or an ~lectric drive motor located on the upper sur~ace of a protective houslng; the cordless power supply including a primary source o~ electrical power for driving the electric motor and further including a secondary source o~ electrical power for charging th~ primary source of ~l~ctrical power as power is supplied from said primary source of lectrical power to the electric drive motor~
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20~3~7 4 _ Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power mower having a solar panel with solar cells thereon for charging onboard batteries which eupply primary power to the electric motor of the electrically powered mower so as to eliminatP the need for a power cord Still another object o~ the present invention is to provide a power mower with a rotary blade driven by an electric motor having a primary source of power de~ined by rechargeable batteries mounted on the mower and including a secondary source of power mountad on the mower for charging the rechargeable batteries as they supply power to the drive motor Another ob~ct o~ the pres-nt invention is to provide pow-r mower~ o~ th- pr-ceding ob~ect wherein the secondary power sourcQ i8 a solar panel located in ov-rlying relation~hip to th2 drive motor ~o a~ to intercept sunlight from different directions ; as the ~ower is driven in a cutting pattern across a lawn surf~ce : . ~ , : . . . . . : . .
- - . -. - ~. - . -WO9l/lSI07 PCT/US9l/02326 5 ~ 2~0~7 Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered mower having the supplemental power source for~ed as separate solar panels or solar cells formed on the sides and front of the mower deck or blade housing and~or the handles thereof St$11 another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered mower having the supplemental power source formed as separate solar panel or solar cells formed as covers on a grass catcher connected to the mower to collect grass cut by th- cutting blades of the power ~ower : , Still ano~her ob~ect o~ the present ' invention i~ to provide a so}ar powered mower which includes a rider platform th-r-on ~nd wherein ~he solar power pan-ls for an lec~ric drive motor are ~orm-d cov-r~ over thQ front end of thQ solar powered mow-r ".: ' '' Still another featur~ of the present invention i8 to provide such a powerad mower wherein th~ solar panels or solar cells are mounted on outrigger panels which are extendable from the main housing of the power mower during U~Q for greatest ~, ...
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sun exposure but which are retractable to derine a compact storage configuration when the mower is not in use.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power mower with a solar power source including a shelter for the power mower and wherein the solar power source includes solar panels on the shelter to charge batteries onboard the power mower in conjunction with solar panels mounted on the power mower.
Y~t ano~her ob~ect of tha prQsent invention is to provida ~ ~olar powered mower including a solar : 15 panel or solar cQll ha~ing output t~rminals and a connection circuit to the po~itiv~ and negative terminals o~ a battery mounted on th~ power ~ower for pow~ring ~ driv~ ~otor and wher~in the connection circuit includ-~ a capacitor which is charg~d by the solar pan~l~ when the panels arQ exposQd to sun light and whlch is opexat~ve when th~ pAnels are not expo~ed to sun to provide supplomental ~attery charging current and wherein the connection circuit . ~urther includes a diode to protQct the ~olar panel .. .
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~, . .. . . . . .-WO91/~5107 PCT/US9t/02326 2~3~7 or solar cell from bac~flow of current from the battery to the solar panel or solar cells when the panels are not producing a charging current.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered mower of the - type set forth in the preceding objects and features wherein the mower includes a safety switch in its electrical control circuit in the form of a attitude responsive switch on the mower that will disconnect the drive motor from the power sources when the mower is tilted or tipped through an angle which will expose the cutting blades to a user.
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Yet another o~jQct of th~ pre~e~t invention is to provide such a sarety circuit o~ the preceding ob~-ct wh~rein the swltch is a mercury æwitch which is oriented to interrupt th~ power æupply to the electric drive ~otor wh~n the mower is tipped.
Still another ob~ct o~ th~ present invention is to provide the solar panels as flexible amorphouæ silicon sprayed or dipped on surfaces associated with the mowar thereby allowing the full surface ar~a o~ a mower deck, a mower chassis or a bagging unit to become a generator o~ solar power.
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wo9l~lslo7 PCT/US91/02326 _ ~ _ 2Q~a3~
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become more apparent in view of the accompanying written description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein:
Brief DescriDtion of the Drawinqs ' FIG. 1 is a side view of a power mower of the present invention;
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FIG~ 2 is an enlarged top elevational view of the power mower of FIGo 1 with a solar panel : 15 thereof removed;
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FIG~ 3 is a top elevational view of the solar panel of the present invention:
FIG~ 4 is a side elevational view of the ~olar panel of FIG~ 3; and ~; FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of another embodiment of a solar panel ~or u~e with the present 2S invention.
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~, : . . . , . : :.:- - . : .- -WO91/15107 PCTtUS91/02326 - 9 - 2~ 7 - FIG. 6 is a persp~ctive view of another embodiment of the invention with solar panels located on the front, sides and top of the ~ower deck as well - as on the handles thereof;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 looking in the direction of the . arrows;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention which includes a pow~r mower having a grass catcher with solar panels ~ forming the exterior surfaces thereo~;
-~ lS FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention baving solar panels or solar cells mounted on outriggerQ connected to the housing o~ a power mower driven by a battRry powered electxic motor and wherein control circuits connect th- solar panQls or solar c-lls on the outriggers to the batt-ry ~or charging it during us~;
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FIG. lO is a perspective view o~ a rider mower including a ~orward co~partment with its roof formed with outer solar panels thereon:
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WOgl/15107 PCT/US91/02326 -- 10 -- _ 2 ~ 7 FIG. lOA is a front elevational view of an electric motor powered rider mower including a flat protective roof having solar panels thereon for charging a storage battery on the mower:
FIGo lOB is a side elevational view of an electric motor powered rider mower including a sloped roof cover having such solar panels thereon;
FIG~ 11 is a perspective view of another rider mower including a rider seat ~ounted as a pedestal ~orward of a mower platfor3 and wherein solar panels ar~ provided on the sidas and front of the ~ower platform and al80 on the top o~ a rear i5 20unted gra~s coliector;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a solar garage ~or housing a solar chargad slectric ~otor drivan po~er mower including a roof panel defining a solar pan-l or solar cell~ to suppl-ment the battery : charging o~ the ~olar panels mounted directly on the solar power mower:
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FIG. 12~ is a flat roo~ad version of the solar garag~ Or FIG. 12:
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WO9l/15107 PCT/US91/02326 - 11 - 2~3~
FIG. 12B is another embodiment of the selar garage:
FIG. 13 is a cir~uit diagram of a solar S panel charging circuit for an onboard mounted solar panel for charging a battery on a power mower which powers an electric motor for driving the cutting blade of the mower; and FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view of a safety switch for cutting sff the power supply across the ; power terminals of an electric drive motor on a solar powered mower when the mower i~ tilted or tipped to expose the cutting blade~ thereof.
Description of a Preferred E~bodiment Reforring now to FIG. 1, a powered mower 10 i~ illu3trated including a protectivQ housing 12 for a rotary blade 14. The blade 14 i~ susp-nded within th~ prot~ctive housing 12 by a drivo train 16 including ~n electric clutch and brake unit 18. The , drive train 16 i~ connect-d to a direct current energized ~lectric drivQ motor 20 by the drive shaft 20a o~ the drive motor. The motor 20 is supported on the top 12a o~ the protective housing 12.
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~ ~ ~ , ' . , , . -W091/1~107 PCT~US91/02326 2~3~7 The powered mower lO is powered by a primary source of power in the form of rechargeable batteries 22, 24 located on either side of the drive motor 20 where they are secured by suitable hold down fixtures (not shown) to the top 12a o~ the protective housing 12.
One feature of the present invention is that the provision of an onboard source of power for the drive motor 20 eliminates tho need for power cords as presently ~ound on eloc~rically powered mowers. The pre~ent invention thereby obviates the attendant problem of accidental cutting of power cords during mower operation.
Another featur~ of the pr~sent invention is the provi~ion o~ a solar cell syste~ 30 ~or charging the batterie~ during mower oporation to maintain the rech~rgQable batterios 22, 24 at a ~unctional operating 1eVQ1. The provision o~ an onboard r-charging source eliminates th- neod to connect the battori~s ~or recharging ~rom a cantral power source 30 as to eliminxte power plant emissions which can be generatod during such reaharging. Initial charging will be nocessary as may be periodic charging due to some lo-s ~rom sitting, unless th~ mower is left in .
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-. . : . , , ~ . . -- 13 - 2~ 7 the sunlight after use until the next mowing. A
further advantage of electric powered mowers is that they eliminate pollutants and emissions produced by mowers of the type powered by either four or two cycle engines fuel~d by existing sources of fossil fuel. Such fossil fueled, internal combustion engines do not include emission control systems and in the aggregate produce co~bustion products that constitute a substantial source of nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, as well as direct evaporation of the fuel supply all requiring regulation in order to protect the world environment.
A powered mower 10 having the aroresaid rechargeabl~ batteries 22, 24 and solar cell charging system 30 i~ readily adaptable ~or use with known driv- systems. For exampls, the powered mower 10 can have a conventional handlQ 26 with a control ~odule 28 for sett~ng the control modes to cperate a standard drive transmis~ion 32 having either a pulley 34 or a gear on th~ driv~ shaft 20a. A drive belt 36 from the pulley 34 pas~es over a driven pulley 38.
The driven pulley 38 can connect to a shart 40 carrying a worm gear 42 that engage~ a worm 44 on the shart 46 of a drive wheel 48. ~uch a drive transmission or its equivalent can be usQd to turn i::
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the wheel (or wheels) of the powered mower lO
allowing the power from the onboard electrical power source to pull the ~ower over grass terrain to allow the rotating blade 14 to cut the individual blades of S grass in a known manner.
In the illustrated arrangement and as best shown in FIG. 2, the rechargeable batteries 22, 24 have negative terminals 50 thereof connected to the negative terminal 52 of the D.C. drive motor 20 by suitable leads 54. LiXewise the positive terminal 56 of the motor 20 is connected to either an on-off switch 28a on the control module 28 or to a variable speed control 28b thereon. When the switch 28a is turned on the power circuit is completed across the windings o~ the D.C. electric drive motor 20 through suitable leads 58 conne~ted to the positiv~ t~rminals 59 o~ the ~atteries Z2, 24.
~f a varia~le ~peed control 28b i5 used, th~ electronic speed control can produce a known pulse width modulated signal to the winding~ of the ; drive motor 20 to vary the r.p.m. o~ the drive motor 20 to control the cutting speed o~ the blade 14 alone. I~ a transmission 32 is used to propel a ,~
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' - 15 - 2~3~7 drive wheel 48, the speed of the entire unit can be varied by varying the output speed of the drive motor 20.
The electric clutch 16 can serve as an electric brake by directing opposite polarity power thereto when a handle safety bar 26a is released. If the user's hands are removed from the handle 26 the safety release bar 26a conditions a safety switch 26b to condition the clutch 16 to instantaneously provide a 3top action for the cutt~ng ~lade 14. The clutch 16 also absorbs shock if the blade 14 strikes an ob;ect.
lS As a ~urther safety feature, the onboard powered electric motor 20 o~ the present invention ~an ba inætantly stopped by utilizing the safety switch 26b to rev4rse the battery polarity to the : ~lectric motor 20 when ~t i~ turn~ng the blad~ 14 in it~ normal cutting diraction. Wh-n the motor stops tha ~witch 26b disconnec~ th~ motor 20 ~rom the batt~ries 22, 24 until the switch 26b is r~set to a starting ~ode. Alternatively, an electromechanical brako band can be provided to apply emergency braking directly to a rotating clutch or dxu~ assembly ~ connected to the drive sha~t 20a.
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W091/1~107 PCT/US91/02326 3~3~
In operation, the storage cells or batteries 22, 24 are either dry charged or sealed units which are installed on the mower as precharged units from the manufacturer. If required the batteries 22, 24 can receive their initial charge of power from an external charging source. Once charged, however, the batteries 22, 24 can be operated for extended periods of time by utilizing the solar cell system 30 as a supplemental power source to maintain the initial charge on the primary source of power de~ined by the batteries 22, 24.
, The solar cell sy~tem 30, more particularlyt include. a pair o~ solar panels 60, 62 joined at a ridge line 64 at a point raised above the top o~ the electric dr~ve motor 20. Th0 solar panels 60, 62 each have a plurality o~ solar c-lls cbnnlected so as to produce a voltage and current supply on a lead lina 66 which ~ 8 genorated ag direct current and voltagQ when the cells aro ~xposed to either the sun or to a bright light source. A voltage regulator 70 ; is connected either to a charging outlet 72 ~or the initial charge or to the lead line 66 to control the current ~low with respect to the batteries 22, 24.
The voltage regulator 70 is operative to maintain a sa~e charging level of voltage and current as ~ ' ' ' ' ;
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W091tlS107 PCT/US91/02326 - 17 - 2~3~7 additional voltage and current is directed from the solar cell system 30 to the batteries to maintain them at a functional operating level.
In the embodiment o~ th* invention in FIG.
5, the solar panels 60, 62 are replaced by a generally conically con~igured solar panel 80. In both the case of the solar panel 60, 62 and the conically configured solar panel 80, the solar cell system 30 is operative to intercept sun rays from a plurality of directions during operation of the mower lO as the mower is passed in different cutting patterns across a lawn surface.
In all of the a~orodo6cri~d ~m~odiments of the invent~on, a well as th~ ~ollowing embodiments o~ the i m ention, the use of solar c~ car~ied, mounted or ~ttachsd to the cutting device operate so as to supply a~charging voltage and current to the battery to extand the cutting time o~ the cutting d~vlc- and to ~upply a convenient method of charging the ~attery a~ter and during its use, and to increase the lire o~ the battery.
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The extended cutting time and extended life of the battery is accomplished due to the solar cells supplying voltage and current to the battery while it is in use, thereby rsducing the internal resistance of the battery, allowing the battery to produce or supply more current to operate the cutting motor for a longer period of time.
By reduclng the internal resistance of the battery while it is in use, the internal stress load of the battery is reduced while it is supplying volta~e and current to the motor load. Accordingly, internal heat and plate warpage are reduced and the battery has a longer life.
~ Since recharg~ time i~ in direct proportion ,~ 'to the time that the mower is u ed, the recharge time can ba reduced due to the battery retaining more of its energy, as long as the battery is not drained completely.
Automobile type batteries, otherwise known as starting batteries, are not useful devices for cutting equip~ent. They can supply high current for only a short period of time and cannot withstand deep cycle discharge and recharge without damage.
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WO91~1~107 PCT/US91~02326 2~3!~7 Special design ndeep cycle~ batteries such as, but not limited to, gell cells, nickel cadmium, sealed recirculating gas and other irdeep cycle" non-spillable types are designed for deep cycle discharge and recharge on a continuous basis without damage.
Such batteries are able to supply the necessary current over a longer period of time, allowing the cutting device to perform useful work without damage or dangerous spillage of their internal liquids, or the release of dangero~s gasses.
The solar cells or photo voltaic cells used on or attached to the cutting or mowing device are not limited to solid, brittle types such as crystalllne silicon type~. Flexible or conforming typ-s caD be applled in any con~lguration, such as a~orphous ~ilicon whlch can be sprayed on, dipped onto or otherwi-Q applied to any given surface, alloving utilization o~ the entire deck or chassis or baqging unit as a solar gen~rator. ~he flexible type can b- used in con~unction wlth the solid types of solar cells to allow maximum power generation for the mower or cutter application.
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to be applied onto existing battery oper~ted or battery powered mowers or cutting devices to perform the sa~e function as herein described.
Referring now to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a solar powered mower 82 is shown having a mower deck carrying an electric drive motor 84 for the cutting blade which is like the blade shown in the previous embodiments which is connected to the output shaft of the electric drive motor 84 by suitabl~ power train components (not shown). In this embodi~ent the solar panels 90 for defining a secondary source of electrical power for charqing a battery 86 that -- powers the electric drive motor 84 are mounted on~the sides, top and front of a mower deck 88. More particularly there are two ~ide solar panel~ 90a, 90b which are connected one either side of the mower deck 88 and arrang~d at an angla which is best suited for a particular latitude in which the mower is used. In the illustrated arrangement the angle is approxi~ately 45 degrees from the vertical which is ~est suited for more northern latitudes. The mower ;
; 82 further includes a front solar panel 90c arranged ':
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Additionally, a solar panel soe is supported on the push handles 82a, 82b of the mower 82. In all cases, the positive and negative terminals of each panel are connected to the ter~inals of the voltage regulator 70 as shown at 67 in FIG. 2.
10The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8 includes a solar powered mower 92 having a drivo motor 93, storage battery 95, and charging circuit 97 like that in the embodimen~ of FIGS. 1-4 but in this embodiment the s~condary source of electrical power for charging the power battery is ,~ defined by solar panels or c811s 94a, 94b and 94c ;~ . mounted on the outer surfac~ of a rear mounted ~rass collector 96 connected to the deck 98 o~ the mower 92 at the aft end thereof.
The embodimont of tho invention shown in FIG. 9 is a outrigger solar power mower 100 which includes a deck 102 having a electric drive motor ~` 104. A primary power sourco for the electric drive motor 104 includes a battery 105 connected to a charging ~ircuit 106 for receiving power from a ':
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2~a3~7 secondary power source in the ~orm of a pair of spaced solar panels 108, 110. Each of the solar panels 108, 110 is carried on a outrigger panel 112 that is pivotable between a run position shown in S FIG. 9 and a storage position shown in outline form at 113 in FIG. 9. More particularly, the outrigger panels 112 each have an inboard edge 112a connected by hinges 114 to raised brackets 115 on the mower deck 102. The outboard ed~e 112b of each of the outrigger panels 112 have wheels 116. Lock members 118 on sach panel edge 112b snap together to hold the outrigger panels toge~her in the raised position 113.
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When the solar powcred mower 100 is stored the outrigger panels 112 are pivoted upwardly about the hinges 114 until the lock member~ 118 are engaged at which point the solar panels 108, 110 are located within th~ outsid~ sid~ dimensions o~ the deck 102 so as to derine a compact storage con~iguration.
The embodi~ent o~ the invention shown in FIG. 10 i~ a rider mower 120 having a rear mounted seat 122 and a ~ront located housing 124 which encloses an electric drive motor, electric storage battery and suitable charging and power circuitry for interconnecting them to a solar power source 126 on .~ . ~'.
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.: . . . : : . : -. . ~ - ., , , - ~ . . -WO91/15107 PCT/US9l/~2326 - 23 - 2 ~ ~35 7 the rider mower 120. The charging and power circuits are like those described in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-4. In this embodiment the solar power source 126 includes a frame 128 on the front housing 124 which carries solar panels 130-134 for exposure to the sunlight to produce a charging current flow to a battery pacX ,'not shown) for an electric drive motor for driving a cutting blade in a cutter deck 136 as well as a transmission 138 for transferring power rom the drive motor to rear drive wheels 140. The ; drive train can take many forms and this embodiment is not cited for the drive train type but rather for another arrangement for supporting solar panels for charging an electric storage battery ~or powering the electric drive motor of a rider mower.
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The embodiments o~ the ~nvéntion shown in FIGS. lOA and ti OB ~how arrangements ~or supporting solar pan ls above a rider motor on sunroofs thereof.
The embodi~ent of FIG. lOA shows a roof type mount wher-in sclar panels 142, 144 are formed on a sloping roof 145 for protecting the dxiver of the rider mower. The embodiment of FIG. lOB shows a solar panel 146 formed on a flat roo~ 148 for protecting a driver.
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. ~ . - . . , ~ .
. . - : . , ~ ... -WO9l~lS107 PCT/US9i/02326 ~ 7 24 -The em~odiment of FIG. 11 shows a rider mower 150 having a center mounted seat 152 located above a ride platform having a mower deck 154 and a front mounted steering pedestal 156. A side outlet S 156 from the mower dec~ 154 is connected by a discharge chute 156 into a rear grass collector lS~.
In this embo~iment the source of secondary power for charging an onboard electric storage battery for powering an electric drive motor is comprised of solar panels 160, 162, 164 carried respectively by the pedestal 156, the seat frame and the top of the rear grass collector 158.
; : ' ,' FIG. 12 shows a solar garage or shed 160 for housing a solar powered mower of the type set forth above. The solar garage has sides and a roof 162, 1l64 respectively for protecting the mower. It also includes a solar panel 166 ~ormed either on a slope or flat to collQct solar energy. The solar panel 166 has ter~inals thereo~ connected to a power cord or to a power plug 168 that will connect to spad~ terninals 170 on the front of the power mower when it is housed within the solar housing. In FIG.
12A th~ housing is shown in the ~lat roof 172 version and in FIG. 12B a garage version 174 is shown '' ~ . .
~ ~ .
, ~: : - - - -WO91/1~107 PCT/US91/02326 2~80357 including panels 174a, 174b having a power cord 174c adapted to connect to a charging receptacle 176 on a riding mower 178.
~he above-described mower housings and garages all carry solar panels which can be used to charge storage batteries on solar powered mowers and in conjunction with the solar panels carried on such mowers or as a separate source of power for electric storage batteries on mowers that have an electric drive motor but do not have onboard solar panels. In both cases, however, the shed, g~rage or other shelter which carries the solar panels will serve to protect the mower rrom the element~ when not in use while charging the onboard electric storage batteries of the mower when the sun is out.
In all cases, the maximu~ solar charging efficiency is achieved by the proper orientation of the solar panels to achieve maximum exposure to the suns ray~. Thus in latitudes closer to the equator the solar panels arQ arranged mor~ horizontal to capture rays from a sun position more overhead which more northern and sou~hern latitudes will require .' ~
, ~: !
, . ~ .. ~ . : . ... ~. -, . ~...... .. . . . . .. - - , .
WO91/15107 PfCT/US91/02326 20~a3~ - 26 - ~
solar panels inclined more toward the vertical to capture rays from sun positions lower toward the horizon.
As shown in FIG. 14, a safety switch 180 is .
utilized on the mower to preclude its starting or running when the cutting device is tilted or tipped in extreme directions. This switch is a mercury switch 180 mounted on a pedestal 182 on mower decX
which is able to be oriented to actuate or deactivate - the electrical continuity to the running circuit through wire 58.
.~ ~ As show~ in FIG. 13, a capacitor 184 may be lS placed across thef output o~ the solar panfefls 186 to -...... . stabilize the output voltage delivered to the battery 18~. , ':4~ ~ ' Thus, during sunlight period~ when the panels 186 supply current, thef capacitor 184 stores the output o~ the solar cells while, at the sa~e ti~e, allowing the battery to be charged by the solar cells. Then, when shade isf encountered and the solar cells are not producing surficient current, the stored enerqy within the capacitor 184 is discharged : into the battery 188 until ths solar cells receive :'; :
- 27 - 2 ~g ~3.
additional sunlight, thereby to continue charging the battery and recharging the capacitor. The capacitor must be at least the rated voltage output of the solar cell or cells to withstand the voltage and can be as high a capacity as necessary to be able to deliver its charge for a given amount of time.
A diode l90 is placed in series with the charging circuit 192 to prevent voltage and current feedback from the battery 188, during period of no sun, when the panels are not producing voltage. The diode 188 thereby prevent the voltage and curr~nt from the battery reaching the solar cells so as to damage the~.
In all cases, the protective housing of the mower can be upsized to accommodate a larger number, :
of rechargeable batteries to drive a larger load and likewise a larger support base i9 proviiQd to accommodate a larger area of solar cQlls to provide the secondary source o~ power ~or charging the batteries.
.' ' '.
~: :
,.
; '': ` -2~03~7 - 28 - -While representative embodiments of the present invention have been shown and discussed, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may ~e made within the scope and equivalency range of the present invention.
, .:
,, .
: ;~ , - . . ~. .....
Claims (30)
1. A mower for cutting grass including a protective housing for enclosing the plane of rotation of a rotary blade arranged to cut grass blades located below the protective housing and the blade being rotated by a motor on the top of the protective housing and a drive system for connecting the motor in driving relationship with the blade characterized by:
said motor comprising an electric drive motor;
means defining a cordless power supply for said electric drive motor located on the upper surface of said protective housing; said cordless power supply including a primary source of electrical power for driving said motor and a secondary source Or electrical power for charging the primary source of electrical power as power is supplied from said primary source of electrical power to said electric drive motor for operating said rotary blade.
said motor comprising an electric drive motor;
means defining a cordless power supply for said electric drive motor located on the upper surface of said protective housing; said cordless power supply including a primary source of electrical power for driving said motor and a secondary source Or electrical power for charging the primary source of electrical power as power is supplied from said primary source of electrical power to said electric drive motor for operating said rotary blade.
2. The mower assembly of claim 1, further characterized by said primary source of electrical power comprising rechargeable battery means.
3. The mower assembly of claim 1, further characterized by said secondary source of electrical power comprising solar panel means.
4. The mower assembly of claim 2, further characterized by said secondary source of electrical power comprising solar panel means.
5. The mower assembly of claim 1, further characterized by said secondary source of power including a plurality of inclined solar panels and a substantially horizontal solar panel covering said electric drive motor; said inclined solar panels joined at the ends thereof to the horizontal solar panel above said electric drive motor; each of said solar panels being inclined downwardly from said horizontal solar panel to capture sun rays from a plurality of directions during operation of the mower.
6. The mower assembly of claim 1, further characterized by the mower having push handles and said secondary source of power including a solar panel carried by said push handles.
7. The mower assembly of claim 1, characterized by the electric drive mower having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, first and second recharageable batteries located on opposite sides of said electric drive motor each having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; each of the positive terminals being connected to a control switch and each of the negative battery terminals being connected to said negative motor terminal; said secondary power source including a solar panel having an output for supply direct current when the solar panel is exposed to light energy; charging means for said rechargeable batteries including voltage regulator means to pass direct current flow from said solar panel to said rechargeable batteries to supply the batteries with additional voltage and current to assist the batteries in maintaining a primary power source for powering said electric drive motor.
8. The mower assembly of claim 5, further characterized by said primary source of electrical power comprising rechargeable battery means.
9. The mower assembly of claim 6, further characterized by said primary source of electrical power comprising rechargeable battery means.
10. The mower assembly of claim 7, further characterized by the voltage regulator means having a first operating mode in which power is diverted from said solar panel to said rechargeable batteries and a second operative mode which protects said solar panel from an external power source for providing an initial charge of power to the rechargeable batteries.
11. The mower assembly of claim 1, including a protective roof; said secondary source of electrical power mounted on said roof.
12. The mower assembly of claim 1, further characterized by said secondary source of power including an outrigger means connected to and extendable from said protective housing between a storage position and a run position and solar panel means on said outrigger means for generating charging current when exposed to sunlight.
13. The mower assembly of claim 12, further characterized by said outrigger means including a pivotal panel; hinge means for connecting said pivotal panel to said protective housing for movement into a storage position thereabove and into a generally horizontal run position outboard thereof.
14. A rider mower for cutting grass including a frame and a housing for enclosing the plane of rotation of a rotary blade arranged to cut grass blades located below the protective housing and the blade being rotated by a motor on the top of the protective housing and a drive system for connecting the motor in driving relationship with the blade characterized by:
said rider motor comprising an electric drive motor and transmission means including drive wheels for propelling said rider mower;
means defining a cordless power supply for said electric drive motor located on the upper surface of said protective housing; said cordless power supply including a primary source of electrical power for driving said motor and a secondary source of electrical power for charging the primary source of electrical power as power is supplied from said primary source of electrical power to said electric drive motor for operating said rotary blade.
said rider motor comprising an electric drive motor and transmission means including drive wheels for propelling said rider mower;
means defining a cordless power supply for said electric drive motor located on the upper surface of said protective housing; said cordless power supply including a primary source of electrical power for driving said motor and a secondary source of electrical power for charging the primary source of electrical power as power is supplied from said primary source of electrical power to said electric drive motor for operating said rotary blade.
15. The rider mower assembly of claim 14, further characterized by said primary source of electrical power comprising rechargeable battery means.
16. The rider mower assembly of claim 14, further characterized by said secondary source of electrical power comprising solar panel means.
17. The rider mower assembly of claim 14, further characterized by said secondary source of electrical power comprising solar panel means.
18. The rider mower assembly of claim 14, further characterized by said secondary source of power including solar panels mounted on said frame and inclined downwardly with respect to said frame to capture sun rays from a plurality of directions during operation of the rider mower.
19. The rider mower assembly of claim 14, further characterized by said rider mower having a rear grass catcher and a mid-seat housing, said secondary source of power including solar panels on said rear grass catcher and said mid-seat housing.
20. The rider mower assembly of claim 14, including a protective roof covering the rider; said secondary source of power including solar panels mounted on said roof.
21. The mower assembly of claim 3 having a protective shelter for housing said mower; said protective shelter having solar roof panels for producing a charging current to supplement that of said solar panel means on said mower assembly.
22. The mower assembly of claim 14, characterized by the electric drive mower having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; first and second recharageable batteries located on opposite sides of said electric drive motor each having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; each of the positive terminals being connected to a control switch and each of the negative battery terminals being connected to said negative motor terminal; said secondary power source including a solar panel having an output for supply direct current when the solar panel is exposed to light energy, charging means for said rechargeable batteries including voltage regulator means to pass direct current flow from said solar panel to said rechargeable batteries to supply the batteries with additional voltage and current to assist the batteries in maintaining a primary power source for powering said electric drive motor.
23. The mower assembly of claim 18, further characterized by said primary source of electrical power comprising rechargeable battery means.
24. The mower assembly of claim 19, further characterized by said primary source of electrical power comprising rechargeable battery means.
25. The mower assembly of claim 22, further characterized by the voltage regulator means having a first operating mode in which power is diverted from said solar panel to said rechargeable batteries and a second operative mode which protects said solar panel from an external power source for providing an initial charge of power to the rechargeable batteries.
26. The mower assembly of claim 3, including a charging circuit; said charging circuit including capacitor means for storing current from said solar panel means; said capacitor means operative when said solar panel means operates in the shade so as to maintain a charging current on said rechargeable battery means.
27. The mower assembly of claim 26, said charging circuit further including diode means for protecting said solar panel means against battery current when said solar panel means are not generating power.
28. The mower assembly of claim 3, further comprising switch means for disconnecting said motor from said primary source of power when said protective housing is tilted a predetermined amount.
29. In the mower assembly of claim 3, said solar panel means including flexible amorphous silicon material deposited on said mower and operative to convert solar energy to electrical current.
30. In the rider mower assembly of claim 14, said solar panel means including flexible amorphous silicon material deposited on said mower and operative to convert solar energy to electrical current.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/506,903 US4987729A (en) | 1990-04-10 | 1990-04-10 | Solar powered mower |
| US506,903 | 1990-04-10 | ||
| US61292190A | 1990-11-13 | 1990-11-13 | |
| US612,921 | 1990-11-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2080357A1 true CA2080357A1 (en) | 1991-10-11 |
Family
ID=27055621
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002080357A Abandoned CA2080357A1 (en) | 1990-04-10 | 1991-04-04 | Solar powered mower |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0524257A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2898408B2 (en) |
| AU (2) | AU7764091A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2080357A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991015107A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA927821B (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5819513A (en) * | 1993-09-22 | 1998-10-13 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | Power head assembly for electric grass cutting device |
| JP3433069B2 (en) * | 1997-01-14 | 2003-08-04 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Electric lawn mower |
| JP3776772B2 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2006-05-17 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Electric lawn mower |
| FR2999867B1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2015-07-03 | Augustin Marin | MOTORIZED VEHICLE FOR THE HARVEST OF GRAPPLE OF GRAPES |
| JP6060043B2 (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2017-01-11 | 株式会社クボタ | Mower |
| EP2875712B1 (en) * | 2013-11-21 | 2016-10-19 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Lawnmower battery arrangement |
| CN103733804B (en) * | 2014-01-17 | 2015-09-23 | 常熟市福莱德连接器科技有限公司 | A kind of solar lawn machine |
| JP6671107B2 (en) * | 2015-03-27 | 2020-03-25 | 株式会社クボタ | Unmanned working vehicle |
| CN105340473A (en) * | 2015-11-27 | 2016-02-24 | 中国水产科学研究院渔业机械仪器研究所 | Solar aquatic plant harvester |
| JP6230642B2 (en) * | 2016-03-17 | 2017-11-15 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Walking lawn mower |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3885112A (en) * | 1973-11-15 | 1975-05-20 | Vinal Duncan | Vehicle carried engine tilt shut-off switch |
| US4009051A (en) * | 1976-02-10 | 1977-02-22 | General Solar Power Corporation | Solar power pack apparatus |
| US4592436A (en) * | 1982-08-19 | 1986-06-03 | Tomei Edmardo J | Solar powered vehicle |
| US4744430A (en) * | 1987-08-14 | 1988-05-17 | Mccoy Thomas R | Solar powered golf cart |
| WO1989002055A1 (en) * | 1987-08-24 | 1989-03-09 | Luecke Nominees Pty. Ltd. | Solar energy conversion device |
| US4959603A (en) * | 1987-10-27 | 1990-09-25 | Osaka Titanium Co., Ltd. | Solar battery equipment |
| US4827534A (en) * | 1988-05-26 | 1989-05-09 | Haugen Alvin E | Sun-powered vest |
| FR2645700B1 (en) * | 1989-04-13 | 1991-12-13 | Gider | SELF-CONTAINED ELECTRIC LAWN MOWER |
| US4942723A (en) * | 1989-09-21 | 1990-07-24 | Wassell Stephen R | Solar powered lawnmower |
-
1991
- 1991-04-04 CA CA002080357A patent/CA2080357A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-04-04 WO PCT/US1991/002326 patent/WO1991015107A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-04-04 EP EP19910908233 patent/EP0524257A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-04-04 AU AU77640/91A patent/AU7764091A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-04-04 JP JP3508321A patent/JP2898408B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-10-12 ZA ZA927821A patent/ZA927821B/en unknown
-
1995
- 1995-09-12 AU AU30595/95A patent/AU3059595A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU3059595A (en) | 1995-11-09 |
| JP2898408B2 (en) | 1999-06-02 |
| JPH05506152A (en) | 1993-09-16 |
| ZA927821B (en) | 1993-04-21 |
| AU7764091A (en) | 1991-10-30 |
| WO1991015107A1 (en) | 1991-10-17 |
| EP0524257A4 (en) | 1993-07-28 |
| EP0524257A1 (en) | 1993-01-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |