DE102021128365A1 - Lawn mower cutter and lawn mower - Google Patents

Abstract

A lawnmower cutting device (1) is disclosed comprising a cutting unit (3), a drive shaft (5) configured to rotate the cutting unit (3) about a common axis of rotation (Ax), and a height adjustment mechanism (7). comprising a first mechanism element (11) arranged in an interface between the drive shaft (5) and the cutting unit (3). The first mechanism element (11) is rotatably arranged relative to the drive shaft (5) in order to change the position of the cutting unit (3) relative to the drive shaft (5) in directions (d1, d2) which coincide with the common axis of rotation (Ax), to enable or cause when the first mechanism member (11) is rotated from a first position to a second position relative to the drive shaft (5). The present disclosure further relates to a lawnmower (2) comprising a cutting device (1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a lawn mower cutting device. The present invention also relates to a lawnmower with a cutting device.

BACKGROUND

There are different types of lawn mowers in the market today. Examples are walk-behind lawn mowers and self-propelled lawn mower robots. A walk behind lawn mower is a lawn mower that typically has an elongated handle that allows the user to push and/or guide the lawn mower. Some walk behind lawn mowers have a drive mechanism that drives one or more wheels of the lawn mower. Walk behind lawnmowers that are not powered are sometimes referred to as "push mowers". Some lawn mowers have a drive unit in the form of an electric motor that rotates the cutting deck, and some lawn mowers have a drive unit in the form of an internal combustion engine that rotates the cutting deck.

A self-propelled robot lawn mower is a mower that is able to mow the grass autonomously in certain areas. Some robotic lawnmowers require the user to lay a boundary wire around the lawn, delimiting the area to be mowed. Such robotic lawn mowers use a sensor to locate the cable and thus the boundary of the area to be mowed. In addition to the cable, the robotic lawnmowers can also have other types of positioning units and sensors, e.g. B. sensors for detecting an event, z. B. a collision with an object within the range. The robotic lawnmower can move in a systematic and/or random pattern to ensure that the area is completely mowed. In some cases, the robotic lawnmower uses the cable to find a charging station where the one or more batteries are charged. In general, the robotic lawnmowers work unattended in the area where they are used. Examples of such areas are lawns, gardens, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, and the like.

Many lawn mowers have a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the cutting height of the lawn mower. The cutting height is adjusted by changing the relative distance between the ground-contacting parts of the lawnmower wheels and the cutting plane of the cutting deck. When the lawn mower moves across a ground area, the cutting deck cuts the vegetation to a specific height.

Some lawn mowers have devices that allow the user to change the position of the wheels relative to the lawn mower body, with the drive unit assembly being rigidly connected to the lawn mower body. Such solutions require either a height adjustment mechanism per wheel or a height adjustment mechanism capable of changing the relative positions of all wheels of the lawnmower with respect to the lawnmower body by means of an actuator, e.g. B. a lever to change. Per wheel height adjustment mechanism solutions are cumbersome and time consuming as the user must individually adjust each wheel to a specific position relative to the lawnmower body. Solutions with a height adjustment mechanism that can change the relative position of all wheels with a single actuator are simpler and less time consuming. However, they add cost, complexity and weight to the mower due to the required connections between the actuator and the individual height adjustment mechanisms on the wheels.

Some other lawn mowers have devices that allow the user to change the position of the entire power unit assembly, which includes the power unit and cutting deck, relative to the lawn mower body. Such solutions obviate the need to change the relative position of the lawnmower wheels with respect to the lawnmower body. Some of these solutions are mechanical solutions that allow the user to change the position of the entire drive unit assembly relative to the lawn mower body, for example by turning an actuator such as a knob or lever. Other solutions are electro-mechanical solutions that allow the user to change the position of the entire drive unit assembly relative to the lawn mower body by interacting with a user interface such as one or more buttons, switches, displays or the like. As is apparent from the foregoing, these types of height-of-cut arrangements add cost, complexity, and weight to the lawnmower due to the components and assemblies required. Additionally, these types of height-of-cut devices also add cost, complexity, and weight to the lawnmower due to the need for a series of seals, O-rings, and/or bellows to protect the lawnmower's drive unit assembly.

In general, in today's consumer market, it is beneficial when products such as B. lawn mowers and the associated components, systems and assemblies, have different features and functions, while the products have requirements and / or properties that lend themselves to cost-effective manufacture and assembly.

In addition, it is advantageous if a lawn mower and the associated components, systems and assemblies are easy and intuitive to use.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate at least some of the problems and disadvantages noted above.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a lawnmower cutting device comprising a cutting unit, a drive shaft configured to rotate the cutting unit about a common axis of rotation, and a height adjustment mechanism which includes a first mechanism element which is arranged in an interface between the drive shaft and the cutting unit. The first mechanism member is rotatably mounted relative to the drive shaft to allow or effect a change in position of the header relative to the drive shaft in directions coincident with the common axis of rotation when the first mechanism member is rotated from a first position to a second position relative to the drive shaft is rotated.

Thereby a cutting unit is provided that allows a user to change the cutting height of a lawn mower incorporating the cutting unit in a simple, quick and intuitive manner simply by rotating the first mechanism member from the first position to the second position.

Furthermore, since the first mechanism member is rotatably mounted relative to the drive shaft to allow or effect a change in the position of the cutting unit relative to the drive shaft, the need for an assembly for changing the positions of the wheels of a lawn mower is obviated and the need for an assembly for changing the Position of the entire drive unit assembly relative to the mower body is bypassed.

Because of these features, a simple, inexpensive, and easy solution for changing the cutting height of a lawn mower is provided. In other words, the cutting device makes it possible to reduce the weight and the manufacturing and assembly costs of lawn mowers, while at the same time changing the cutting height of the lawn mower in a simple and intuitive way.

Accordingly, a lawn mower cutting apparatus is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates at least some of the problems and disadvantages noted above. As a result, the above objective is accomplished.

Optionally, the cutting unit includes a knob connected to the first mechanism member. Thereby a cutting unit is provided that allows a user to change the cutting height of a lawnmower incorporating the cutting unit in an even easier, quicker and more intuitive way by simply turning the knob.

Optionally, the common axis of rotation may pass through a center portion of the knob. This provides a cutting device that allows the user to locate the button and change the cutting height in an even more intuitive manner.

Optionally, the knob is located on a side of the cutter that faces a ground surface during operation of the cutter unit. This provides a cutting unit that allows the user to locate the knob and change the cutting height in an even more intuitive way.

Optionally, the first mechanism member is rotatable relative to the drive shaft about an axis of rotation that coincides with the common axis of rotation. This creates the conditions for a simple and efficient connection between a button and the first mechanism element. In addition, the prerequisites for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism have been created.

Optionally, the height adjustment mechanism includes a second mechanism member configured to cooperate with the first mechanism member to allow or cause a change in the position of the header relative to the drive shaft when the first mechanism member is rotated from the first position to the second position will. This sets the stage for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism.

Optionally, the second mechanism element encloses at least a portion of the first mechanism element. This creates the conditions for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism. In addition, conditions are created for protection of the first mechanism element and the interface between the first and second mechanism elements by the second mechanism element, thereby preventing dirt and cutting debris from reaching active parts of the first and second mechanism elements.

Optionally, the second mechanism element is stationary relative to the cutting unit. This sets the stage for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism.

Optionally, the second mechanism element is part of the cutting unit. This sets the stage for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism. In addition, the requirements for a cutting unit with a low weight and requirements and properties are given that are suitable for inexpensive manufacture and assembly.

Optionally, the cutting unit includes a spring configured to bias the second mechanism member toward the first mechanism member. This can ensure abutting contact between the first and second mechanism members.

Optionally, the second mechanism member includes a guide surface that is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the common axis of rotation, and a portion of the first mechanism member is configured to abut the guide surface. Thereby a height adjustment mechanism is provided which has the requirements for adjusting the cutting height of a lawnmower incorporating the height adjustment mechanism in a simple, efficient and reliable manner.

Optionally, both the first and second mechanism members include threads, wherein the piloting surface of the second mechanism member is a surface of the threads of the second mechanism member, and wherein the portion of the first mechanism member is a portion of the threads of the first mechanism member. Thereby a height adjustment mechanism is provided which has the requirements for adjusting the cutting height of a lawn mower incorporating the height adjustment mechanism in a simple, efficient and reliable manner. A height adjustment mechanism is also provided in which the threads of the first and second mechanism members can provide reliable locking of the cutting height.

Optionally, the first mechanism element includes radial external threads and the second mechanism element includes radial internal threads. This provides a simple, efficient, and reliable height adjustment mechanism that has characteristics and characteristics suitable for cost-effective manufacture and assembly.

Optionally, the second mechanism element includes a cam surface and the first mechanism element includes a cam, the guide surface being a surface of the cam surface and the portion of the first mechanism element being a portion of the cam. This provides a cutting assembly that allows a user to change the cutting height in a simple, quick and intuitive manner. In addition, a cutting assembly is provided that includes features that allow a user to select between one or more predetermined cutting heights in an intuitive manner.

Optionally, the cam surface includes a first notch and a second notch, and wherein the follower is positioned in the first notch when the first mechanism member is rotated to the first position and positioned in the second notch when the first mechanism member is rotated to the second position is rotated. This provides a cutting device that allows a user to change the cutting height in a simple, fast and intuitive manner. Furthermore, a cutting device is provided that has features that allow a user to select between one or more predetermined cutting heights in an intuitive manner.

Optionally, the header is configured to assume a first position relative to the driveshaft when the first mechanism member is in the first position and to assume a second position relative to the driveshaft when the first mechanism member is in the second position. This provides a cutting unit that allows a user to change the cutting height in a simple, intuitive, and efficient manner.

Optionally, the first mechanism member is locked against movement relative to the drive shaft in directions coincident with the common axis of rotation. This creates the conditions for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism, the conditions and properties of which are suitable for cost-effective manufacture and assembly.

Optionally, the first position is a locked position in which the first mechanism member prevents the header from moving relative to the drive shaft, and the second position is an unlocked position in which the first mechanism member unlocks the header from the drive shaft to allow a change in the position of the Allow cutting relative to the drive shaft in directions that coincide with the common axis of rotation. This provides a cutting assembly that allows a user to change the position of the cutting unit relative to the drive shaft simply by moving the first mechanism member to the second position and moving the cutting unit relative to the drive shaft. In addition, a cutting device is provided that allows the user to lock the cutting unit relative to the drive shaft simply by moving the first mechanism member to the first position. In this way a simple, efficient and intuitive height adjustment mechanism is provided. In addition, a height adjustment mechanism is provided that has requirements and properties that are suitable for cost-effective manufacture and assembly.

Optionally, the first mechanism member is configured to move toward the second mechanism member when the first mechanism member is rotated from the second position toward the first position. This sets the stage for a simple, efficient and reliable height adjustment mechanism. In addition, the conditions are created for a secure locking of the position of the cutting unit relative to the drive shaft when the first mechanism element is rotated to the first position.

Optionally, each of the first and second mechanism members includes a frusto-conical portion, and wherein the frusto-conical portion of the first mechanism member is configured to engage the frusto-conical portion of the second mechanism member at least when the first mechanism member is displaced from the second position towards the first position is rotated. This creates conditions for further secure locking of the position of the header relative to the drive shaft when the first mechanism member is rotated to the first position.

Optionally, the frusto-conical portion of the first mechanism member at least partially encloses the frusto-conical portion of the second mechanism member. This creates conditions for further secure locking of the position of the header relative to the drive shaft when the first mechanism member is rotated to the first position. In addition, a cutting unit is provided which has requirements and properties suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-effective manner.

Optionally, the first mechanism member is configured to lock the header relative to the drive shaft by clamping a portion of the second mechanism member against the drive shaft. This creates conditions for further secure locking of the position of the header relative to the drive shaft when the first mechanism member is rotated to the first position. Furthermore, a cutting unit is provided that has characteristics and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-effective manner.

Optionally, the cutterbar includes a cutting disk and a number of cutting elements pivotally mounted on a periphery of the cutting disk. In this way an energy efficient cutting unit is provided. Also, a safer cutting device is provided because the cutting elements can pivot upon impact with an object. In addition, the operational reliability of the cutting arrangement is improved. Because if the cutting unit hits a hard object, such as a hitting a stone, there is less chance of damaging the header than if the header were a different shape.

Optionally, the header is positioned so that the kinetic energy of each cutting element is less than 90 joules or less than 2 joules during header operation. This enables efficient cutting while still ensuring safety during operation of the cutting assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a lawn mower including a cutting device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Thereby a lawn mower is provided which allows the user to change the cutting height in a simple, quick and intuitive manner by simply rotating the first mechanism member of the cutting unit from the first position to the second position.

Because the first mechanism member of the cutting unit is rotatably mounted with respect to the drive shaft to allow or effect a change in the position of the cutting unit with respect to the drive shaft, the need for an assembly that changes the positions of the lawnmower wheels is eliminated and it eliminates the need for an assembly that changes the position of the entire drive unit in relation to the lawn mower body of the lawn mower.

Because of these features, a simple, inexpensive, and easy solution for changing the cutting height of the lawnmower is provided. In other words, a lawnmower is provided that has the characteristics of being lightweight and having characteristics and characteristics suitable for cost-effective manufacture and assembly, while allowing the user to adjust the lawnmower's cutting height in a simple and intuitive manner way to change.

Accordingly, a lawn mower is provided that overcomes or at least mitigates at least some of the problems and disadvantages set forth above. As a result, the above objective is accomplished.

Optionally, the lawnmower includes an engine configured to rotate the drive shaft of the cutting unit, and the engine includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation that coincides with an axis of rotation of the drive shaft. This makes it possible to provide a simple, inexpensive and lightweight lawn mower that allows a user to change the cutting height of the lawn mower in a simple and intuitive manner.

Optionally, the output shaft is connected directly to the cutting unit drive shaft, or the cutting unit drive shaft is the engine output shaft. In this way, a simple, inexpensive, and lightweight lawn mower can be provided that allows the user to change the cutting height of the lawn mower in a simple and intuitive manner.

Optionally, the motor can be an electric motor. In this way, an environmentally friendly lawn mower is provided that generates little noise and vibration during operation.

Optionally, the lawn mower is a self-propelled, autonomous lawn mower robot. Thereby a robotic lawnmower is provided which allows a user to change the cutting height in a simple, fast and intuitive manner by simply rotating the first mechanism member of the cutting unit from the first position to the second position.

This provides a simple, inexpensive and easy solution for changing the cutting height of the robotic lawnmower. In other words, a robotic lawnmower is provided that has the requirements for being lightweight, cost-effective to manufacture and assemble, and allows the user to change the cutting height of the robotic lawnmower in a simple and intuitive manner.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the appended claims and the detailed description that follows.

character list

• 1 schematisch einen Rasenmäher gemäß einigen Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung zeigt,
• 2 einen ersten Querschnitt einer Schneidvorrichtung gemäß einigen ersten Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung zeigt,
• 3 einen zweiten Querschnitt der Schneidvorrichtung gemäß den in 2 dargestellten ersten Ausführungsformen zeigt,
• 4 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Schneidvorrichtung gemäß den in 2 und 3 dargestellten ersten Ausführungsformen zeigt,
• 5 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Schneidvorrichtung gemäß einigen zweiten Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung zeigt,
• 6 die Schneidvorrichtung gemäß der in 5 dargestellten zweiten Ausführungsform zeigt,
• 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Knopfs der in 5 und 6 dargestellten Schneidvorrichtung zeigt,
• 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Mechanismuselements gemäß den in 5 und 6 dargestellten Ausführungsformen zeigt,
• 9 einen Querschnitt eines Schneidwerks der Schneidvorrichtung gemäß den unter Bezugnahme auf 5 - 8 erläuterten Ausführungsformen zeigt,
• 10 einen Querschnitt der Schneidvorrichtung gemäß den unter Bezugnahme auf 5 - 9 erläuterten Ausführungsformen zeigt,
• 11 den Querschnitt der in 10 gezeigten Schneidvorrichtung zeigt, wobei sich ein erstes Mechanismuselement in einer zweiten Position relativ zur Antriebswelle befindet,
• 12 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Schneidvorrichtung gemäß einigen dritten Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung zeigt,
• 13 die Schneidvorrichtung gemäß den in 12 dargestellten Ausführungsformen in montiertem Zustand zeigt,
• 14 die in 13 dargestellte Schneidvorrichtung, bei der ein erstes Mechanismuselement in eine zweite Position gedreht wurde, zeigt,
• 15 die in 14 dargestellte Schneidvorrichtung, bei der ein Schneidwerk in eine zweite Position relativ zur Antriebswelle bewegt wurde, zeigt, und
• 16 schematisch ein Schneidwerk gemäß einigen Ausführungsformen der Schneidvorrichtung nach der vorliegenden Offenbarung zeigt.

Various aspects of the invention, including its specific features and advantages, will be readily understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 schematically shows a lawn mower according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 2 shows a first cross section of a cutting device according to some first embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 3 a second cross section of the cutting device according to in 2 illustrated first embodiments shows
• 4 an exploded view of the cutting device according to in 2 and 3 illustrated first embodiments shows
• 5 shows an exploded view of a cutting device according to some second embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 6 the cutting device according to in 5 illustrated second embodiment shows
• 7 a perspective view of a button of FIG 5 and 6 cutting device shown shows
• 8th a perspective view of a first mechanism element according to in 5 and 6 illustrated embodiments shows
• 9 a cross section of a cutter of the cutting device according to the reference to 5 - 8th illustrated embodiments shows
• 10 a cross section of the cutting device according to the with reference to 5 - 9 illustrated embodiments shows
• 11 the cross section of the in 10 shows the cutting device shown with a first mechanism member in a second position relative to the drive shaft,
• 12 shows an exploded view of a cutting device according to some third embodiments of the present disclosure,
• 13 the cutting device according to in 12 shown embodiments in the assembled state,
• 14 in the 13 cutting device illustrated, in which a first mechanism element has been rotated to a second position,
• 15 in the 14 shows the cutting device shown, in which a cutting unit has been moved to a second position relative to the drive shaft, and
• 16 12 schematically shows a header according to some embodiments of the cutting device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail for the sake of brevity and/or clarity.

In 1 1 is schematically illustrated a lawn mower 2 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to the illustrated embodiments, the lawnmower 2 is a self-propelled, autonomous robotic lawnmower 2 capable of autonomously navigating an area and mowing grass without the need for user intervention or control. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the self-propelled autonomous robotic lawnmower 2 will be referred to as "the robotic lawnmower 2" or simply "lawnmower 2" in some places. According to further embodiments, the lawn mower 2 can be another type of lawn mower, such as e.g. B. a walk behind mower or a push mower. According to the embodiments described here, the lawn mower 2 is a small or medium-sized lawn mower 2 used for mowing grass in areas used for aesthetic and recreational purposes, such as gardens, parks, city parks, sports fields, lawns around houses, apartment complexes, Commercial buildings, offices and the like.

The lawnmower 2 includes a lawnmower body 16 and a series of lawnmower support members 6, 6' each configured to abut a ground surface 8 in a first plane P1 during operation of the lawnmower 2 to support the lawnmower body 16. Lawn mower body 16 may also be referred to as a lawn mower chassis. Accordingly, the first plane P1 extends along a ground surface 8 when the lawnmower 2 is standing on a flat ground surface 8. According to the illustrated embodiments, the carrier elements 6, 6' of the lawn mower are the wheels 6, 6' of the lawn mower 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the lawn mower 2 comprises four wheels 6, 6', namely two drive wheels 6 and two support wheels 6 '. The drive wheels 6 of the lawn mower 2 can each be driven by an electric motor of the lawn mower 2 in order to ensure the driving force and/or the steering of the lawn mower 2 . In 1 a longitudinal direction Id of the lawnmower 2 is indicated. The longitudinal direction Id of the lawnmower 2 extends in a longitudinal plane LP of the lawnmower 2. The longitudinal plane LP is parallel to the first plane P1. The longitudinal direction Id of the lawn mower 2 is thus parallel to the first plane P1 and thus also to a ground surface 8 when the lawn mower 2 is set up on a level ground surface 8 . In addition, the longitudinal direction Id of the lawn mower 2 is parallel to a forward travel direction fd of the lawn mower 2 and a reverse travel direction rd of the lawn mower 2.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the drive wheels 6 of the lawnmower 2 are non-steering wheels with a fixed rolling direction in relation to the lawnmower body 16. The respective rolling direction of the drive wheels 6 of the lawnmower 2 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction Id of the lawnmower 2. According to the illustrated embodiments are the support wheels 6' non-driven wheels. Furthermore, the support wheels 6 ′ according to the illustrated embodiments can be pivoted about a respective axis of rotation, so that the rolling direction of the respective support wheel 6 ′ can follow a direction of travel of the lawnmower 2 .

When the driving wheels 6, 6' of the lawnmower 2 are rotated at the same speed in the forward direction of rotation and no wheel slip occurs, the lawnmower 2 moves in the in 1 specified forward direction fd. When the drive wheels 6, 6' of the lawn mower 2 are rotated in the reverse direction at the same speed and no wheel slip occurs, the lawn mower 2 moves into the position shown in FIG 1 specified reverse direction rd. The reverse direction rd is opposite to the forward direction fd.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the lawn mower 2 may be referred to as a four-wheel, rear-wheel drive lawn mower 2 . According to further embodiments, the lawn mower 2 can be equipped with a different number of wheels 6, 6', e.g. B. three wheels, be equipped. In addition, the lawnmower 2 can be equipped with a different configuration of driven and non-driven wheels, such as. B. with a front-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the lawn mower 2 comprises a control assembly 21. The control assembly 21 can be configured to control the propulsion of the lawn mower 2 and to steer the lawn mower 2 by controlling electric motors of the lawn mower 2 to drive the drive wheels 6 of the lawn mower 2 are arranged. According to other embodiments, the control assembly 21 may be configured to steer the lawn mower 2 by controlling the angle of the steered wheels of the lawn mower 2 . According to still further embodiments, the robotic lawnmower may be an articulated lawnmower, wherein the control arrangement 21 may be configured to steer the robotic lawnmower by controlling the angle between the frame parts of the articulated lawnmower.

The control arrangement 21 can be configured to control the propulsion of the lawn mower 2 and to steer the lawn mower 2 so that the lawn mower 2 navigates in an area to be worked on. The lawn mower 2 may further comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect a magnetic field of a cable, and/or one or more positioning units, and/or one or more sensors arranged to detect an impending or detect existing collision event with an object. In addition, the lawn mower 2 can include a communication unit that is connected to the control arrangement 21 . The communication unit may be configured to communicate with a remote communication unit to receive instructions from and/or send information to a remote communication unit. Communication can be wireless, via a wireless connection such as the Internet or a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a wireless connection for exchanging data over short distances using short-wave, i. H. ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves in the ISM band (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) from 2.4 to 2.486 GHz.

The control arrangement 21 can be configured to control the propulsion of the lawnmower 2 and to steer the lawnmower 2 so that the lawnmower 2 navigates in a systematic and/or random pattern in order to ensure that an area is completely covered, whereby (data -) Inputs from one or more of the sensors and/or units described above are used. Additionally, lawnmower 2 may include one or more batteries arranged to power lawnmower 2 components. For example, the one or more batteries may be arranged to provide an amount of power controlled by the controller 21 to the electric motors of the lawnmower 2 .

The lawnmower 2 includes a lawnmower cutter 1. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the lawnmower cutter 1 will be referred to herein as "cutter 1" in some places. The cutting device 1 comprises a cutting unit 3 and a drive shaft 5. The drive shaft 5 is configured to rotate the cutting unit 3 about a common axis of rotation Ax, i. H. an axis of rotation Ax shared by the drive shaft 5 and the cutterbar 3 . According to the illustrated embodiments, the cutting unit 3 comprises a cutting disk 3' and a number of cutting elements 28 which are pivotably arranged on a periphery of the cutting disk 3'. The cutter 3 is configured to rotate about the common axis of rotation Ax in a cutting plane PC. The common axis of rotation Ax is perpendicular to the cutting plane PC. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cutting plane PC is substantially parallel to the first plane P1. According to the embodiments presented here, the angle between the cutting plane PC and the first plane P1 can be less than 10 degrees or less than 7 degrees.

The lawnmower 2 further includes a motor 4 configured to rotate the cutting device 1 by rotating the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 . The motor 4 and the cutting device 1 together can be referred to as a cutting assembly. According to the illustrated embodiments, the motor 4 is an electric motor 4. The motor 4 has an output shaft 5' whose axis of rotation Ax coincides with an axis of rotation Ax of the drive shaft 5, ie with the common axis of rotation Ax. The output shaft 5 'can be directly connected to the drive shaft 5 of Cutting device 1 to be connected. Alternatively, the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 referred to here may be the same shaft as the output shaft 5' of the motor 4.

2 12 shows a first cross section of a cutting device 1 according to some first embodiments of the present disclosure. the inside 1 The lawn mower 2 shown can have a cutting device 1 according to the 2 illustrated embodiments include. In 2 the cutting device 1 is shown connected to an electric motor 4 . The engine 4 can be fixed to the lawnmower body 16 of the in 1 illustrated lawn mower 2 be connected. The motor 4 is configured to rotate the cutting device 1 around the common axis of rotation Ax by rotating the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 . As in 2 As can be seen, the cutting disc 3' of the cutter is disc-shaped and comprises a number of holes 55 on a periphery of the cutting disc 3'. Each of the holes 55 is configured for attachment of a cutting element, as further discussed herein.

The cutting mechanism 3 is connected to the drive shaft 5 in a rotationally fixed manner, but is arranged so that it can move in directions d1, d2, which coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax. The drive shaft 5 may have one or more keyways extending in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax, and the cutterbar 3 may have one or more sections each projecting into a keyway of the drive shaft 5. In this way, the cutting unit 3 can be slidably arranged along the drive shaft 5 while being non-rotatably connected thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the drive shaft 5 may have one or more elongated projections extending in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax, and the cutting unit 3 may have one or more openings, each designed so that they can accommodate an elongated projection of the drive shaft 5. In this way, too, the cutting unit 3 can be arranged to be displaceable along the drive shaft 5, while it is connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner.

The cutting device 1 comprises a height adjustment mechanism 7. The height adjustment mechanism 7 comprises a first mechanism element 11 which is arranged at an interface between the drive shaft 5 and the cutting unit 3. As further explained herein, the first mechanism element 11 according to the in 2 illustrated embodiments rotatably arranged relative to the drive shaft 5 to bring about a change in the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 in a direction d1, which coincides with the common axis of rotation Ax, when the first mechanism element 11 from a first position to a second position relative is rotated to the drive shaft 5. In 2 1 shows the first mechanism element 11 in the first position and the cutting unit 3 in a first position relative to the first plane P1, ie a plane P1 extending along a ground surface when a lawnmower with the cutting device 1 is positioned on a flat ground surface.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the cutting device 1 comprises a knob 9. The knob 9 is operatively connected to the first mechanism member 11. According to the illustrated embodiments, the knob 9 is operatively connected to the first mechanism member 11 via elongated fasteners 41 of the knob 9 extending through through holes 43 of the first mechanism member 11 . Thus, according to the illustrated embodiments, the knob 9 is non-rotatably connected to the first mechanism member 11 via the elongated connecting members 41 of the knob 9 which extend through the through holes 43 of the first mechanism member 11 . The elongate connecting elements 41 extend in directions d1, d2 which coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax when the cutting device 1 is in an assembled state, as in FIG 2 shown. The elongate connecting elements 41 and the through holes 43 allow relative movement between the first mechanism element 11 and the knob 9 in the directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax.

The first mechanism element 11 is axially connected to the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 but can rotate relative to the drive shaft 5 . Accordingly, the first mechanism member 11 is connected to the drive shaft 5 in such a manner that the first mechanism member 11 cannot move in axial directions of the shaft 5, that is, in the directions d1, d2 coinciding with FIG 2 indicated common axis of rotation Ax match, but can rotate relative to the drive shaft 5 about the common axis of rotation Ax. In other words, the first mechanism element 11 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the drive shaft 5 about an axis of rotation Ax which coincides with the common axis of rotation Ax. In addition, the first mechanism element 11 is locked against movement relative to the drive shaft 5 in directions d1, d2 which coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax.

The height adjustment mechanism 7 includes a second mechanism element 12. According to the in 2 In the illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism element 12 is configured to cooperate with the first mechanism element 11 to cause a change in the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 when the first mechanism element 11 is moved from the position shown in FIG 2 shown first position is rotated to the second position. The second mechanism element 12 is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the cutting unit 3 . According to the 2 illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism element 12 forms part of the cutting unit 3. That is, according to in 2 illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism element 12 is part of a housing of the height adjustment mechanism 45 of the cutting device 1. In addition, the second mechanism element 12 encloses according to in 2 illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism element 11.

The second mechanism element 12 includes a guide surface 17. The guide surface 17 is inclined relative to a plane P2 perpendicular to the common axis of rotation Ax. According to the illustrated embodiments, the plane P2 perpendicular to the common axis of rotation Ax coincides with the first plane P1 mentioned above. A portion 19 of the first mechanism member 11 is designed to abut against the guide surface 17 . Thereby, the first mechanism member 11 moves relative to the second mechanism member 12 in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common rotation axis Ax when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated relative to the second mechanism member 12 about the common rotation axis Ax.

According to the 2 In the illustrated embodiments, both the first and the second mechanism element 11, 12 have threads 23, 24. More precisely, the first mechanism element 11 comprises a radially external thread 23 and the second mechanism element 12 has a radially internal thread 24 which engages with the thread 23 of the first mechanism element 11 . According to the 2 In the illustrated embodiments, the guide surface 17 of the second mechanism member 12 is a surface of the thread 24 of the second mechanism member 12, and the portion 19 of the first mechanism member 11 is a portion 19 of the thread 23 of the first mechanism member 11.

Due to these features, when the first mechanism element 11 rotates relative to the second mechanism element 12 and to the drive shaft 5, the first mechanism element 11 moves from the in 2 shown first position, the cutting unit 3 in 2 specified direction d2. In other words, upon rotation of the first mechanism element 11 relative to the second mechanism element 12 and relative to the drive shaft 5 from the position shown in 2 From the first position shown, the first mechanism element 11 causes a change in the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the common axis of rotation Ax extends through a central part 9' of the knob 9. In addition, the knob 9 is arranged on a side S1 of the cutting mechanism 3 which faces a ground surface when the cutting device 1 is in operation. This provides a cutting device 1 that can be used to adjust the cutting height of a lawn mower in a simple and intuitive manner. In addition, at the in 2 illustrated embodiments, the knob 9 is designed as a closure that protects the interior volume of the housing of the height adjustment mechanism 45. This prevents dirt and cutting debris from getting into the first and second mechanism elements 11, 12 of the cutting device 1.

3 shows a second cross section of the cutting device 1 according to FIG 2 illustrated first embodiments. In 2 the first mechanism member 11 is shown rotated from the first position to a second position. As in 2 can be seen, the cutting unit 3 has consequently moved in 2 and 3 specified direction d2 from the in 2 shown first position in a second position relative to the drive shaft 5 is moved. Since the position of the drive shaft 5 relative to the lawn mower body 16 of the 1 When the lawnmower 2 shown is fixed, the cutting unit 3 moves relative to the ground surface 8 when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated from the first position to the second position.

As described above, according to the first embodiments of the present disclosure, the first mechanism member 11 and the second mechanism member 12 include threads 23, 24, respectively. However, since the first mechanism member 11 and the second mechanism member 12 according to the first embodiments of the present disclosure each have threads 23, 24, the first mechanism member 11 can be rotated to any number of positions between the first and second positions. In addition, the first and second positions of the first mechanism member 11 do not have to be end positions of the first mechanism member 11 . Accordingly, the first embodiment enables the cutting Device 1 according to the present disclosure provides the user with stepless adjustment of the position of the cutting unit 3 by simply turning the first mechanism element 11 via the knob 9. The threaded connection between the first and second mechanism elements 11, 12 and the pitch of the threads 23, 24 ensure that the cutting unit 3 remains in position relative to the drive shaft 5 during operation of the cutting device 1 as soon as a position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 has been selected/set via the knob 9.

Moreover, according to the first embodiments of the cutting device 1, both the knob 9 and the cutter 3 may be provided with numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like indicating the relative angle between the knob 9 and the cutter 3. The numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like can also indicate the direction of rotation of the knob 9, which increases and/or decreases the cutting height of the cutting device 1. The numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like can be arranged on a side S1 of the knob 9 and/or the cutter 3, which faces a floor surface during the operation of the cutting device 1. In this way a user can more easily identify a current position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 and/or identify how the knob 9 can be rotated, i. H. in which direction the knob 9 can be turned in order to increase or decrease the cutting height of the cutting device 1.

4 shows an exploded view of the cutting device 1 according to 2 and 3 illustrated first embodiments. In 4 the elongate connecting elements 41 of the button 9 and the through holes 43 of the first mechanism element 11 can be seen more clearly. According to the illustrated embodiments, the knob 9 comprises three elongate connecting elements 41 and the first mechanism element 11 three through holes 43, each elongate connecting element 41 being configured to extend through a through hole 43 of the first mechanism element 11 when the cutting device 1 is in a assembled condition as in 2 and 3 shown. According to other embodiments, the knob 9 and the first mechanism member 11 may have a different number of elongate connecting members 41 and through holes 43.

As in 4 As can be seen, the cut-off wheel 3' also has three holes 55 on a periphery of the cut-off wheel 3'. Each of the holes 55 is intended for attachment of a cutting element. This in 4 The cutting unit 3 shown is therefore configured in such a way that it comprises three cutting elements. According to further embodiments, however, the cutting mechanism 3 can also comprise a different number of cutting elements.

5 12 shows an exploded view of a cutting device 1 according to some second embodiments of the present disclosure. the inside 1 The lawnmower 2 shown can have a cutting device 1 according to the 5 illustrated embodiments include. In 5 an electric motor 4 with an output shaft 5' is also shown. The engine 4 can be fixed to the lawnmower body 16 of the in 1 illustrated lawn mower 2 be connected. The motor 4 is configured to rotate the cutting device 1 around the common axis of rotation Ax by rotating the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 . As in 5 As can be seen, the cutting disc 3' of the cutterbar 3 is disc-shaped and comprises a number of cutting elements 28 pivotally arranged on a periphery of the cutting disc 3'. More precisely, the cutting disc 3' of the cutting mechanism 3 comprises three cutting elements 28, each of which is arranged pivotably on a periphery of the cutting disc 3'. According to further embodiments, however, the cutting mechanism 3 can also comprise a different number of cutting elements 28 .

At the in 5 In the illustrated embodiments, the output shaft 5' of the motor 4 and the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 are separate units. However, the input shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 referred to here can be the same shaft as the output shaft 5' of the engine 4. The input shaft 5 of the cutting group 1 can also be referred to as a central hub. According to the illustrated embodiments, the output shaft 5' of the motor 4 is configured to extend into the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 and to be rotatably connected to the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 to generate torque between the output shaft 5' and the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 to transfer. When the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state, the cutting mechanism 3 is connected to the drive shaft 5 in a rotationally fixed manner, but is arranged so as to be movable in the directions d1, d2, which coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax.

According to the 5 In the illustrated embodiments, the drive shaft 5 comprises a number of splines 47 extending in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax. The cutterbar 3 includes a series of projections 49 each configured to fit into a keyway 47 of the drive shaft 5 protrude when the cutting device 1 is in an assembled state. In this way, the cutting unit 3 is arranged to be displaceable along the drive shaft 5, while in the mounted state of the cutting device 1 it is connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. Alternatively or additionally, the drive shaft 5 may have one or more elongated projections extending in the directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax, and the cutting unit 3 may have one or more openings each shaped so that they can accommodate an elongated projection of the drive shaft 5. In this way, too, the cutting unit 3 can be arranged to be displaceable along the drive shaft 5, while it is connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner.

The cutting device 1 comprises a height adjustment mechanism 7. The height adjustment mechanism 7 comprises a first mechanism element 11. The first mechanism element 11 is arranged in an interface between the drive shaft 5 and the cutting mechanism 3 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state.

6 shows the cutting device 1 according to FIG 5 illustrated second embodiment in the assembled state. In 6 some components of the cutting device 1 are shown in cross-section in order to facilitate the understanding of the working principle of the cutting device 1. As further explained here, according to the in 5 and 6 In the illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism element 11 is rotatably arranged relative to the drive shaft 5 in order to bring about a change in the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 in a direction d1, which coincides with the common axis of rotation Ax, when the first mechanism element 11 is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the drive shaft 5 is rotated. In 6 1 shows the first mechanism element 11 in the first position and the cutting unit 3 in a first position relative to the first plane P1, ie a plane P1 extending along a ground surface when a lawnmower with the cutting device 1 is positioned on a flat ground surface.

According to the 5 and 6 In the illustrated embodiments, the cutting device 1 comprises a knob 9. The knob 9 is operatively connected to the first mechanism member 11. According to the illustrated embodiments, the knob 9 is operatively connected to the first mechanism member 11 via elongate linking members 41 of the knob 9 . The elongate connecting elements 41 extend in directions d1, d2 which coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax when the cutting device 1 is in an assembled state, as in FIG 6 shown.

7 shows a perspective view of the knob 9 of FIG 5 and 6 Cutting device 1 shown. The button 9 is constructed similarly to the button 9 of the cutting device 1 according to the in 2 until 4 illustrated embodiments. According to the in the 5 - 7 However, in the illustrated embodiments, the button 9 comprises four elongate connecting elements 41. According to further embodiments, the button 9 can have a different number of elongate connecting elements 41.

8th shows a perspective view of the first mechanism element 11 according to FIGS 5 and 6 illustrated embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism member 11 comprises two opposed projections 48 radially protruding from a main body 11' of the first mechanism member 11. As shown in FIG. The projections 48 are configured to protrude into cavities 41' between two adjacent elongate connecting elements 41 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state, as shown in FIG 6 shown. One of the projections 48 is also in 6 shown.

Unless otherwise stated, reference is also made below to the 5 - 8th referenced. According to these embodiments, the knob 9 is non-rotatably connected to the first mechanism element 11 via the elongate connecting elements 41 of the knob 9 which extend into the cavities 41' between adjacent projections 48. The elongate links 41 of the knob 9 are configured to abut the projections 48 of the first mechanism member 11 upon rotation of the knob 9 to transmit torque between the knob 9 and the first mechanism member 11 . In addition, the projections 48 can slide in the cavities 41' between adjacent elongate connecting elements 41 of the knob 9. Accordingly, the connection between the knob 9 and the first mechanism member 11 allows relative movement between the first mechanism member 11 and the knob 9 in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax.

The first mechanism element 11 is axially connected to the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 but can rotate relative to the drive shaft 5 . Accordingly, the first mechanism element 11 is connected to the drive shaft 5 in a manner that the first mechanism element ment 11 cannot move in axial directions of the shaft 5, ie in the directions d1, d2, which correspond to the in 6 indicated common axis of rotation Ax match, but can rotate relative to the drive shaft 5 about the common axis of rotation Ax. In other words, the first mechanism element 11 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the drive shaft 5 about an axis of rotation Ax which coincides with the common axis of rotation Ax. In addition, the first mechanism element 11 is locked against movement relative to the drive shaft 5 in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax.

As in 5 and 6 indicated, the height adjustment mechanism 7 also includes a second mechanism element 12 in these embodiments. As will be explained further here, the second mechanism element 12 is configured in such a way that it interacts with the first mechanism element 11 in order to change the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 to effect when the first mechanism element 11 of the in 5 shown first position is rotated to the second position.

9 FIG. 1 shows a cross section of the cutting unit 3 of the cutting device 1 according to FIGS 5 until 8th illustrated embodiments, ie the second embodiments illustrated herein. In 9 the second mechanism element 12 of the cutting device 1 can be seen. Also in these embodiments, the second mechanism element 12 is arranged stationary relative to the cutting unit 3 since the second mechanism element 12 forms part of the cutting unit 3 . That is, according to the in 9 In the illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism member 12 is part of a housing of the height adjustment mechanism 45 of the cutting unit. In addition, the second mechanism element 12 also encloses the in 5 - 9 illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism element 11 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state.

The second mechanism element 12 includes a guide surface 17. The guide surface 17 is inclined relative to a plane P2 perpendicular to the common axis of rotation Ax. According to the illustrated embodiments, the plane P2 perpendicular to the common axis of rotation Ax coincides with the first plane P1 mentioned above. According to the 9 In the illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism member 12 includes a cam surface 25, with the guide surface 17 being a surface of the cam surface 25.

The following is made with simultaneous reference to 5 - 9 explained unless otherwise noted. A portion 19 of the first mechanism member 11 is configured to abut the guide surface 17 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state. As in 5 and 8th is indicated, the first mechanism element 11 comprises a driver 27, wherein the section 19 of the first mechanism element 11 is a section 19 of the driver 27.

10 FIG. 1 shows a cross section of the cutting device 1 according to FIG. 1 with reference to FIG 5 - 9 illustrated embodiments in the assembled state. In 10 the first mechanism element 11 is in the first position relative to the drive shaft 5. As in FIG 10 As can be seen, the cam surface 25 of the second mechanism member 12 has a first notch 31 . The cam 27 is positioned in the first notch 31 when the first mechanism member 11 is in the first position.

11 shows the in 10 shown cross-section of the cutting device 1, wherein the first mechanism element 11 is in the second position relative to the drive shaft 5. Upon rotation of the first mechanism element 11 from the in 10 shown first position, the stop contact between the driver 27 and the cam surface 25 forces the cutting unit 3 to move into the position shown in 10 and 11 indicated direction d2 to move. As in 11 As shown, the cam surface 25 includes a second notch 33 and the follower 27 is positioned in the second notch 33 when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated to the second position.

According to these embodiments, the cutting device 1 comprises a spring 15 configured to bias the second mechanism member 12 toward the first mechanism member 11 in a direction d1. Since the second mechanism member 12 forms part of the header 3 according to the illustrated embodiments, the spring 15 is configured to bias the header 3 toward the first mechanism member 11 in the direction d1 according to the illustrated embodiments. By the biasing force of the spring 15, an abutting contact between the first and the second mechanism element can be ensured. In addition, the driver 27 can be held in the notches 31, 32, 33 of the cam surface 25 more securely. As can be seen from what is described here and as can be seen from the comparison of 10 and 11 As can be seen, as the first mechanism member 11 rotates from the first position toward the second position, the spring 15 is compressed. According to the illustrated embodiments, the spring 15 is a screw benfeder, which is arranged around the drive shaft 5 around. A compact and reliable cutting device 1 is thereby created. According to further embodiments, however, the spring 15 can also be a different type of spring than a coil spring and can be arranged at a different location than around the drive shaft 5 .

As in 9 As can be seen, the cam surface 25 has a third notch 32 according to the illustrated embodiments. The third notch 32 is located between the first and second notches 31,33. The cam 27 is positioned in the third notch 32 when the first mechanism member 11 is in a position between the first and second positions. The first and second positions of the first mechanism element 11 thus represent end positions of the first mechanism element 11, while the first mechanism element 11 can be rotated to a third position between the first and second positions in order to achieve a third position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 to obtain. However, the first and second positions referred to here need not be end positions. Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the cam surface 25 may have a different number of notches 31, 32, 33 than three, e.g. B. two, four, five, six or the like.

As in 6 indicated, the common axis of rotation Ax extends through a central part 9' of the knob 9. In addition, the knob 9 is arranged on a side S1 of the cutting unit 3 which faces a ground surface during operation of the cutting device 1. This provides a cutting device 1 that can be used to adjust the cutting height of a lawn mower in a simple and intuitive manner. In addition, the button 9 is designed as a closure that protects the inner volume of the housing of the height adjustment mechanism 45 . This prevents dirt and cutting debris from entering the first and second mechanism members 11,12.

As explained above, according to the first embodiments of the cutting device 1 referred to with reference to FIG 2 - 4 have been explained, and according to the second embodiments of the cutting device 1, which are described with reference to FIG 5 - 11 have been explained, the cutting unit 3 is non-rotatably connected to the drive shaft 5 and the knob 9 is non-rotatably connected to the first mechanism element 11 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state. Accordingly, rotation of the first mechanism member 11 relative to the drive shaft 5 can be achieved by rotating the knob 9 relative to the header 3 .

Due to the driver 27 and the number of notches 31, 32, 33 in the second embodiments of the cutting device 1, which are described with reference to FIG 5 - 11 will be explained, a cutting device 1 is provided which allows a user to choose between different predetermined cutting heights, whereby the user can receive tactile feedback when the knob 9 is rotated to a position relative to the cutting unit 3 in which the driver 27 of the first mechanism member 11 reaches a notch 31,32,33. This allows the user to recognize when the knob 9 has been rotated to an angle relative to the cutting unit 3 at which a new cutting height of the cutting unit 3 has been selected.

According to the second embodiments of the cutting device 1, which are described with reference to FIG 5 - 11 As will be explained, the knob 9 and the cutter 3 or both may have numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like indicating the relative angle between the knob 9 and the cutter 3. The numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like can also indicate the direction of rotation of the knob 9, which increases and/or decreases the cutting height of the cutting device 1. The numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like can be arranged on a side S1 of the knob 9 and/or the cutter 3, which faces a floor surface during the operation of the cutting device 1. In this way, a user can more easily identify a current position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 and/or identify how the knob 9 can be turned, i.e. in which direction the knob 9 can be turned, to adjust the cutting height of the cutting device 1 to increase or decrease.

As can be seen from the above, the cutting unit 3 according to the first embodiments of the cutting device 1 referred to in FIG 2 - 4 have been explained, and according to the second embodiments of the cutting device 1, which are described with reference to FIG 5 - 11 explained, configured to assume a first position relative to the drive shaft 5 when the first mechanism member 11 is in the first position and configured to assume a second position relative to the drive shaft 5 when the first mechanism member 11 is in the second position.

12 12 shows an exploded view of a cutting device 1 according to some third embodiments of the present disclosure. the inside 1 The lawn mower 2 shown can have a cutting device 1 according to the 12 presented provided embodiments include. In 12 some components of the cutting device 1 are shown in cross-section in order to facilitate the understanding of the working principle of the cutting device 1.

In 12 an electric motor 4 with an output shaft 5' is shown. The engine 4 can be fixed to the lawnmower body 16 of the in 1 illustrated lawn mower 2 be connected. The motor 4 is configured to rotate the cutting device 1 around the common axis of rotation Ax by rotating the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 . According to the 12 In the illustrated embodiments, the output shaft 5' of the motor 4 and the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 are separate units. However, the input shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 referred to here can be the same shaft as the output shaft 5' of the motor 4. The input shaft 5 of the cutting group 1 can also be referred to as a central hub. According to the illustrated embodiments, the output shaft 5 'of the motor 4 extends into the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 and is rotatably connected to the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 to transmit torque between the output shaft 5' and the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1.

As in 12 As can be seen, the cutting disc 3' of the cutterbar 3 is disc-shaped and has a number of holes 55 on the periphery of the cutting disc 3'. Each of the holes 55 is configured for attachment of a cutting element, such as. B. des in 5 cutting element 28 shown.

The cutting device 1 comprises a height adjustment mechanism 7. The height adjustment mechanism 7 comprises a first mechanism element 11. The first mechanism element 11 is arranged in an interface between the drive shaft 5 and the cutting unit 3 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state. The height adjustment mechanism 7 also includes a second mechanism element 12. According to the in 12 In the illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism member 12 is configured to cooperate with the first mechanism member 11 to allow the position of the header 3 to change relative to the drive shaft 5 when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated from a first position to a second position. as explained further herein. The second mechanism element 12 is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the cutting unit 3 . According to the 12 illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism element 12 forms part of the cutting unit 3. That is, according to in 12 illustrated embodiments, the second mechanism element 12 is part of the cutting unit 3. In addition, the second mechanism element 12 encloses according to in 12 illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism member 11 when the cutting device 1 is in an assembled state.

The first mechanism member 11 includes threads 57 designed to engage the threads 59 of the second mechanism member 12 . According to the illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism element 11 includes a radial external thread 57 and the second mechanism element 12 includes a radial internal thread 59. The cutting device 1 includes a knob 9. According to the illustrated embodiments, the knob 9 is non-rotatable via a connecting plate 61 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state connected to the first mechanism member 11. The connecting plate 61 includes a series of tabs 63. In 12 tabs 63 are shown aligned along connecting plate 61 . However, some of the tabs 63 are configured to be bent so that they at least partially conform to the in 12 indicated direction d2 so that they extend into openings 65 of the first mechanism member 11 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state. Likewise, some others of the tabs 63 are configured to bend and at least partially mate with the in 12 indicated direction d1 extend so that they extend into openings 67 of the button 9 when the cutting device 1 is in the assembled state. In this way, the connecting plate 61 non-rotatably locks the knob 9 to the first mechanism member 11.

According to further embodiments, however, the cutting device 1 may have a different type of arrangement or structure for rotationally locking the knob 9 to the first mechanism member 11, such as a knob 9 with elongate connecting members 41, such as those referred to in FIG 2 - 11 illustrated embodiments of the cutting device 1. Likewise, the first embodiments of the cutting device 1, with reference to the 2 - 4 are explained, as well as the second embodiments of the cutting device 1, which are described with reference to FIG 5 - 11 to be explained may include another type of arrangement or structure for rotatably connecting the knob 9 to the first mechanism member 11, such as a connecting plate 61 according to Figs 12 illustrated embodiments.

13 shows the cutting device 1 according to FIG 12 illustrated embodiments in the assembled state. In 13 are some of the Components of the cutting device 1 shown in cross section to facilitate understanding of the principle of operation of the cutting device 1.

As further explained herein, according to the in 12 and 13 illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism element 11 is rotatably arranged relative to the drive shaft 5 in order to allow a change in the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 in directions d1, d2, which coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax, when the first mechanism element 11 is rotated from a first Position to a second position relative to the drive shaft 5 is rotated.

In 13 the first mechanism element 11 is shown in the first position, while the cutting unit 3 is shown in a second position relative to the drive shaft 5. As previously mentioned, the first mechanism member 11 has threads 57 designed to engage the threads 59 of the second mechanism member 12 . The second mechanism element 12 can thus be referred to as a guide surface 17, the guide surface 17 being inclined relative to a plane P2 perpendicular to the common axis of rotation Ax. According to the illustrated embodiments, the plane P2 perpendicular to the common axis of rotation Ax coincides with the first plane P1 mentioned above. A portion 19 of the first mechanism member 11, ie, a portion 19 of the threads 57 of the first mechanism member 11 is configured to abut the guide surface 17. As shown in FIG. Due to these features, the first mechanism member 11 moves relative to the second mechanism member 12 in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common rotation axis Ax when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated relative to the second mechanism member 12 about the common rotation axis Ax.

According to the 12 and 13 In the embodiments shown, the first position is a locking position in which the first mechanism element 11 locks the cutting unit 3 against movement relative to the drive shaft 5 . As in 12 and 13 indicated, each of the first and second mechanism members 11, 12 includes a frusto-conical portion 35, 37. As in FIG 13 As best seen, the frusto-conical portion 35 of the first mechanism member 11 is configured to engage the frusto-conical portion 37 of the second mechanism member 12 when the first mechanism member 11 is in the first position. According to the illustrated embodiments, the frusto-conical portion 35 of the first mechanism member 11 at least partially encloses the frusto-conical portion 37 of the second mechanism member 12. The frusto-conical portion 37 of the second mechanism member 12 is disposed on a portion 39 of the second mechanism member 12 that extends to and from the drive shaft 5 of the cutting device 1 can flex back and forth, ie the portion 39 of the second mechanism member 12 can flex in directions substantially perpendicular to the directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax.

According to the 12 and 13 In the illustrated embodiments, the first mechanism member 11 is configured to lock the header 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 by clamping the portion 39 of the second mechanism member 12 against the drive shaft 5 . That is, when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated from a second position toward the first position, the first mechanism member 11 moves in a direction d2 toward the second mechanism member 12, and the abutting contact between the frusto-conical portions 35, 37 of the first and second mechanism member 11, 12 presses portion 39 of second mechanism member 12 against drive shaft 5 to lock header 3 relative to drive shaft 5. When the first mechanism member 11 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the first mechanism member 11 moves in a direction d1 away from the second mechanism member 12, and the abutting contact between the frusto-conical portions 35, 37 of the first and second mechanism members 11, 12 is released, whereby the clamping force of the portion 39 of the second mechanism member 12 against the drive shaft 5 is released.

14 shows the in 13 cutting device 1 shown, in which the first mechanism element 11 has been rotated to the second position. As in the comparison of 13 and 14 As can be seen, the first mechanism element 11 has moved away from the second mechanism element 12 in direction d1 as a result of the rotation of the first mechanism element 11 from the first position to the second position. Thereby, as explained above, the meshing contact between the frusto-conical portions 35, 37 of the first and second mechanism members 11, 12 is released, and as a result the clamping force of the portion 39 and the drive shaft 5 is released. Thus, according to these embodiments, ie those referred to in FIG 12 - 14 explained embodiments, the second position of the second mechanism element 12 is an unlocked position in which the first mechanism element 11 unlocks the cutting mechanism 3 from the drive shaft 5 . In this way, a change in the position of the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 in directions d1, d2, the coincide with the common axis of rotation Ax, by rotating the first mechanism member 11 to the second position using the knob 9.

In 13 and 14 the connecting plate 61 and a tab 63 thereof are shown. In 13 and 14 the tab 63 is shown bent so that it is at least partially in the 13 and 14 indicated direction d2, so that the tab 63 protrudes into the opening 65 of the first mechanism element 11.

15 shows the in 14 cutting device 1 shown, wherein the cutting mechanism 3 has been moved into a first position relative to the drive shaft 5 . As in 15 As can be seen, the first position is a position in which the cutting unit has been moved further away from the engine 4 and thus closer to a ground surface when positioning a lawnmower with the cutting device 1 on the ground surface. Thus, when the first mechanism member 11 is rotated to the second position, a user can manually adjust the position of the header 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 to regulate the cutting height. When a desired position of the header 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 is reached, the user can rotate the first mechanism member 11 from the second position to the first position by means of the knob 9 to lock the header 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 in the desired position . In the examples shown, the first and second positions of the cutting unit 3 are shown as the end positions of the cutting unit 3 . However, the user can select any position between the first and second positions and rotate the first mechanism member 11 from the second position to the first position by means of the knob 9 to lock the cutting unit 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 in this position.

According to the third embodiments of the cutting device 1, which are described with reference to FIG 12 - 15 As will be explained, the knob 9 and the cutter 3 or both may have numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like indicating the relative angle between the knob 9 and the cutter 3. The numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like can also indicate the direction of rotation of the knob 9 that locks the cutterbar 3 to the drive shaft 5 and/or the direction of rotation of the knob 9 that unlocks the cutterbar 3 from the drive shaft 5. The numbers, letters, symbols, arrows and the like can be arranged on a side S1 of the knob 9 and/or the cutter 3, which faces a floor surface during the operation of the cutting device 1. In this way, a user can more easily identify a current position of the knob 9 relative to the header 3 and/or identify how the knob 9 can be rotated, ie in which direction the knob 9 can be rotated, to rotate the header 3 with the drive shaft 5 to lock or to unlock from her.

According to further embodiments of what is described here, the second mechanism element 12 can have a frustoconical section which at least partially encloses a frustoconical section of the first mechanism element 11 . According to such embodiments, the first mechanism member 11 may be configured to lock the header 3 relative to the drive shaft 5 by clamping a portion of the first mechanism member 11 against the drive shaft 5 .

As in 12 - 15 As can be seen, the drive shaft according to the illustrated embodiments comprises splines 47. The splines 47 extend in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax. The cutterbar 3 includes a series of projections each configured to engage a keyway 47 of the drive shaft 5 when the cutter assembly 1 is in the assembled state. In this way, the cutting unit 3 can slide along the drive shaft 5 while being non-rotatably connected to it, regardless of the rotational position of the first mechanism element 11 relative to the second mechanism element 12 . Because of these features, the cutting unit 3 is connected to the drive shaft 5 in a rotationally fixed manner, regardless of whether the height adjustment mechanism 7 is in the locked or unlocked state. Alternatively or additionally, the drive shaft 5 may have one or more elongate projections extending in directions d1, d2 coinciding with the common axis of rotation Ax, and the cutting unit 3 may have one or more openings, each configured so that they can accommodate an elongated projection of the drive shaft 5. In this way too, the cutting unit 3 can slide along the drive shaft 5 while being non-rotatably connected to it, regardless of the rotational position of the first mechanism element 11 relative to the second mechanism element 12 . Because of these features, a more durable and reliable cutting device 1 is provided.

The following is made with simultaneous reference to 1 - 15 explained. According to all of the embodiments discussed herein, the cutting unit 3 may comprise a cutting disk 3' and a number of cutting elements 28 pivotally arranged on a periphery of the cutting disk 3'. In addition, can according to all the embodiments explained herein, the cutting device 1 and the motor 4 are referred to as a cutting assembly, the in 1 The lawn mower 1 illustrated may include such a cutting assembly as discussed herein.

According to some embodiments, the cutting arrangement, i. H. the cutting device 1 and the motor 4 arranged so that the kinetic energy of each cutting element 28 during operation of the cutting assembly is below 90 joules or below 2 joules. According to further embodiments, the cutting assembly is arranged such that the kinetic energy of each cutting element 28 is in the range of 0.1 joules and 2 joules. According to still other embodiments, the cutting assembly is arranged such that the kinetic energy of each cutting element 28 is in the range of 0.5 joules and 70 joules, or in the range of 5 joules and 40 joules, or in the range of 7 joules and 25 joules.

wobei

Ek

die kinetische Energie in Joule ist;

m

die Masse der nutzbaren Länge L des Schneidelements 28 in Kilogramm ist, wobei die nutzbare Länge L des Schneidelements 28 die Länge L zwischen der Schwenkachse 75 des Schneidelements 28 und dem radial äußeren Abschnitt 72 eines Schneidelements 28 sein kann;

v

die maximal erreichbare Geschwindigkeit des Punktes z, der sich in der Mitte der nutzbaren Länge L des Schneidelements 28 befindet, in Metern pro Sekunde ist.

16 12 schematically shows a cutting unit 3 according to some embodiments of the cutting device 1 according to the present disclosure. The cutting mechanism 3 comprises a cutting disk 3' and a cutting element 28 which is arranged on a periphery of the cutting disk 3'. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the header is 3 in 16 shown as including only one cutting element 28 . However, the cutting unit 3 can also comprise more than one cutting element 28, e.g. B. two, three, four, five or six cutting elements 28. The kinetic energy of each cutting element 28 of the cutting mechanism 3 described here can be determined using the following formula: $$\text{Ek}=1/2*\text{<figure-callout id="2" label="mv" filenames="DE102021128365A1\_0002.png,DE102021128365A1\_0011.png" state="{{state}}">mv</figure-callout>}2$$

whereby

Ek

is kinetic energy in joules;

m

is the mass in kilograms of the usable length L of the cutting element 28, where the usable length L of the cutting element 28 may be the length L between the pivot axis 75 of the cutting element 28 and the radially outer portion 72 of a cutting element 28;

v

is the maximum attainable speed of the point z, which is located in the middle of the useful length L of the cutting element 28, in meters per second.

n

die Höchstdrehzahl in Umdrehungen pro Minute ist;

r

der Abstand von der Drehachse Ax des Schneidwerks 3 zum radial äußeren Teil 72 eines Schneidelements 28 in Metern ist;

L

die nutzbare Länge des Schneidelements 28 in Metern ist.

Therefore v=0.1047n[rL/2] where

n

is the maximum speed in revolutions per minute;

right

is the distance from the axis of rotation Ax of the cutterbar 3 to the radially outer part 72 of a cutting element 28 in meters;

L

is the useful length of cutting element 28 in meters.

The pivot axis 75 of a cutting element 28 coincides with the centerline of a hole 55 configured for attachment of the cutting element 28, as referred to in FIG 2 and 12 explained.

According to some embodiments of the cutting arrangement, the distance r from the axis of rotation Ax of the cutting unit 3 to the radially outer portion 72 of a cutting element 28 is in the range of 3 cm to 20 cm, or in the range of 6 cm to 12 cm, or about 8.5 cm.

According to some embodiments of the cutting unit 3, the usable length L of the cutting element 28 is in the range from 1 cm to 9 cm or in the range from 1.7 cm to 6 cm or around 3.4 cm.

According to some embodiments of the cutting unit 3, the mass m of the usable length L of the cutting element 28 is in the range from 1 to 25 grams or in the range from 1.7 to 6.5 grams or around 3.4 grams.

According to some embodiments, the thickness of the cutting element 28, i. H. the thickness of the cutting element 28, measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the cutting element 28, is in the range of 0.2 mm to 3.5 mm, or in the range of 0.32 mm to 1.2 mm, or is about 0.63 mm.

In some embodiments, the height h of the cutting element 28 of the cutterbar 3 is in the range of 0.7 cm to 6 cm, in the range of 1 cm to 2.9 cm or about 1.9 cm.

In some embodiments of the cutting arrangement, the diameter of the cutting disk 3' of the cutterbar 3 is in the range of 5 cm to 39 cm, or in the range of 8 cm to 20 cm, or about 14.3 cm.

In some embodiments, the maximum achievable speed v of the point z, which is halfway along the length L of the cutting element 28, is in the range of 10 to 80 meters per second, or in the range of 15 to 50 meters per second, or about 34 meters per second .

In some embodiments, the maximum speed of the cutting unit 3 is in the range of 1000 to 8500 revolutions per minute or im Range from 2400 to 7200 rpm or at about 4800 rpm.

It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary embodiments can be modified and that various features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprising" is open-ended and includes one or more specified features, elements, steps, components, or functions, but includes the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components , functions or groups do not assume this.

Claims (28)

A lawnmower cutting device (1) comprising: - a cutting unit (3), - a drive shaft (5) configured to rotate the header (3) about a common axis of rotation (Ax), and - a height adjustment mechanism (7) comprising a first mechanism element (11) arranged in an interface between the drive shaft (5) and the header (3), the first mechanism element (11) being rotatably arranged relative to the drive shaft (5). is to allow or cause a change in the position of the cutting unit (3) relative to the drive shaft (5) in directions (d1, d2) that coincide with the common axis of rotation (Ax) when the first mechanism element (11) of is rotated from a first position to a second position relative to the drive shaft (5). Cutting device (1) after claim 1 wherein the cutting device (1) comprises a button (9) operably connected to the first mechanism element (11). Cutting device (1) after claim 2 , wherein the common axis of rotation (Ax) runs through a middle part (9') of the knob (9). Cutting device (1) after claim 2 or 3 wherein the knob (9) is arranged on a side (S1) of the cutting unit (3) which faces a ground surface (8) during operation of the cutting system (1). Cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mechanism element (11) is arranged to be rotatable relative to the drive shaft (5) about an axis of rotation (Ax) which coincides with the common axis of rotation (Ax). Cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height adjustment mechanism (7) comprises a second mechanism element (12) which is configured to cooperate with the first mechanism element (11) in order to change the position of the cutting unit (3). to enable or effect relative to the drive shaft (5) when the first mechanism member (11) is rotated from the first position to the second position. Cutting device (1) after claim 6 , wherein the second mechanism element (12) encloses at least part of the first mechanism element (11). Cutting device (1) after claim 6 or 7 , wherein the second mechanism element (12) is arranged stationary relative to the cutting unit (3). Cutting device (1) after claim 6 until 8th , wherein the second mechanism element (12) is part of the cutting unit (3). Cutting device (1) according to one of Claims 6 until 9 wherein the cutting device (1) comprises a spring (15) configured to bias the second mechanism member (12) in a direction (d1) towards the first mechanism member (11). Cutting device (1) according to one of Claims 6 until 10 wherein the second mechanism member (12) has a guide surface (17) inclined relative to a plane (P2) perpendicular to the common axis of rotation (Ax), and wherein a portion (19) of the first mechanism member (11) is so configured that it rests against the guide surface (17). Cutting device (1) after claim 11 , wherein both the first and the second mechanism element (11, 12) have a thread (23, 24), wherein the guide surface (17) of the second mechanism element (12) is a surface of the thread (24) of the second mechanism element (12). and wherein the portion (19) of the first mechanism member (11) is a portion (19) of the thread (23) of the first mechanism member (11). Cutting device (1) according to one of Claims 6 until 12 , wherein the first mechanism element (11) has a radial external thread (23) and the second mechanism element (12) has a radial internal thread (24). Cutting device (1) according to one of Claims 6 until 11 , wherein the second mechanism element (12) comprises a cam surface (25) and the first mechanism element (11) comprises a follower (27), the guide surface (17) being a surface of the cam surface (25) and the portion (19) of the first Mechanism element (11) is a section (19) of the driver (27). Cutting device (1) after Claim 14 wherein the cam surface (25) has a first notch (31) and a second notch (33), and wherein the follower (27) is positioned in the first notch (31) when the first mechanism member (11) is in the first position is rotated and positioned in the second notch (33) when the first mechanism member (11) is rotated to the second position. A cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting unit (3) is configured to assume a first position relative to the drive shaft (5) when the first mechanism member (11) is in the first position and so configured is that it occupies a second position relative to the drive shaft (5) when the first mechanism member (11) is in the second position. Cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mechanism member (11) is locked against movement relative to the drive shaft (5) in directions (d1, d2) coinciding with the common axis of rotation (Ax). Cutting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , wherein the first position is a locking position in which the first mechanism element (11) prevents the cutting unit (3) from moving relative to the drive shaft (5), and wherein the second position is an unlocking position in which the first mechanism element ( 11) unlocking the cutting unit (3) from the drive shaft (5) to allow changing the position of the cutting unit (3) relative to the drive shaft (5) in directions (d1, d2) coinciding with the common axis of rotation (Ax). . Cutting device (1) after Claim 18 and one of the Claims 6 until 11 wherein the first mechanism member (11) is configured to move in a direction (d2) toward the second mechanism member (12) when the first mechanism member (11) is rotated from the second position to the first position. Cutting device (1) after Claim 18 or 19 and one of the Claims 6 until 11 wherein each of the first and second mechanism members (11, 12) includes a frusto-conical portion (35, 37), and wherein the frusto-conical portion (35) of the first mechanism member (11) is configured to mate with the frusto-conical portion (37 ) of the second mechanism member (12) at least when the first mechanism member (11) is rotated from the second position to the first position. Cutting device (1) after claim 20 and one of the Claims 6 until 11 wherein the frusto-conical portion (35) of the first mechanism member (11) at least partially encloses the frusto-conical portion (37) of the second mechanism member (12). Cutting device (1) according to one of claims 18 until 21 and one of the Claims 6 until 11 wherein the first mechanism member (11) is configured to lock the header (3) relative to the drive shaft (5) by clamping a portion (39) of the second mechanism member (12) against the drive shaft (5). Cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting mechanism (3) comprises a cutting disc (3') and a number of cutting elements (28) pivotally arranged on a periphery of the cutting disc (3'). Lawnmower (2) with a cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. lawnmower (2) after Claim 24 , wherein the lawn mower (2) comprises an engine (4) configured to rotate the drive shaft (5) of the cutting device (1), and the engine (4) has an output shaft (5') having an axis of rotation ( Ax) that coincides with an axis of rotation (Ax) of the drive shaft (5). lawnmower (2) after Claim 25 wherein the output shaft (5') is directly connected to the input shaft (5) of the cutting device (1), or wherein the input shaft (5) of the cutting unit (1) is the output shaft (5') of the motor (4). lawnmower (2) after Claim 25 or 26 , wherein the motor (4) is an electric motor. Lawnmowers (2) according to one of claims 24 until 27 , wherein the lawn mower (2) is a self-propelled, autonomous lawn mower robot.

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