WO2007017658A1 - Tondeuse a gazon - Google Patents

Tondeuse a gazon Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007017658A1
WO2007017658A1 PCT/GB2006/002941 GB2006002941W WO2007017658A1 WO 2007017658 A1 WO2007017658 A1 WO 2007017658A1 GB 2006002941 W GB2006002941 W GB 2006002941W WO 2007017658 A1 WO2007017658 A1 WO 2007017658A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lawn mower
air
fan
cutting
air flow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/002941
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Keith Park
Original Assignee
Gmca Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gmca Pty Ltd filed Critical Gmca Pty Ltd
Priority to GB0800794A priority Critical patent/GB2442170B/en
Publication of WO2007017658A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007017658A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D43/00—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
    • A01D43/06—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
    • A01D43/077—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material with auxiliary means, e.g. fans, for transporting the mown crop
    • A01D43/0775—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material with auxiliary means, e.g. fans, for transporting the mown crop for airborne lawn-mowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D43/00—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
    • A01D43/06—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
    • A01D43/063—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material in or into a container carried by the mower; Containers therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D43/00—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing
    • A01D43/06—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material
    • A01D43/077—Mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations while mowing with means for collecting, gathering or loading mown material with auxiliary means, e.g. fans, for transporting the mown crop

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a lawn mower, and particularly although not necessarily exclusively to a rotary lawn mower.
  • the present invention can be used to cut any vegetation or grass provided on a surface.
  • One or more features of the present invention can also be used on a hover mower if required.
  • Conventional rotary lawn mowers comprise a housing which is moved across a ground surface via wheels provided at each of the corners of the housing.
  • a cutting chamber is located at the base of the housing where one or more cutting blades are rotatably mounted and, when rotated, cut grass or other vegetation as the lawn mower passes thereover.
  • Rotation of the cutting blades is typically driven by a motor, which also drives a fan or impellor to create an air flow through the lawn mower.
  • the air flow can be used to draw air into the mower to cool the motor and/or to allow transportation of the grass cuttings from the cutting chamber to a grass collection box or bag mounted on or associated with the lawn mower.
  • the grass cuttings are typically transported via a channel defined in the mower housing from the cutting chamber to the grass collection box.
  • a lawn mower said lawn mower including a housing having cutting means associated with a base thereof for cutting grass, grass collection means provided on or associated with said housing for collecting grass cuttings during use of said mower and fan means provided in or associated with said housing for creating an air flow in said mower along a first air flow path to transport the grass cuttings from the cutting means directly to the grass collection means via first channel means, and wherein at least a further air flow path is defined in said mower from said fan means to atmosphere and/or directly to or adjacent to said grass collection means.
  • the fan means is located in a fan compartment and the cutting means is located in a cutting compartment.
  • the fan and cutting compartment are typically separate to each other but allow fluid communication (i.e. air flow) from the fan compartment to the cutting compartment.
  • the fan and cutting compartment can be defined in the housing of said mower or associated with said housing.
  • the fan and cutting means are provided in the same compartment with the further air flow path flowing from said compartment.
  • further channel or duct means are provided in or associated with said housing to allow the further air flow path to pass from said fan means directly to atmosphere and/or directly to or adjacent to said grass collection means.
  • first and at least further channel means are defined in the housing of the mower.
  • the first and further air flow paths and/or channel means are typically substantially independent and separate to each other.
  • the further channel means communicating with the fan compartment is located above the cutting compartment.
  • the further air flow path does not enter the cutting compartment but passes directly form the fan compartment to atmosphere and/or to or adjacent to said grass collection means.
  • an outlet of the further or at least second channel means allowing air to flow directly from the fan means and/ or fan compartment to atmosphere is located at the front and/or at a side of the mower housing.
  • the further or second air flow path in this embodiment prevents excess air pressure from building up in the grass collection means by venting said air prior to entering said grass collection means.
  • an outlet of tile further or at least third channel means allowing air to flow directly from the fan means and/or fan compartment to or adjacent to said grass collection means is located in the first channel means.
  • This third air flow path in this embodiment is to prevent grass cuttings from sticking in the first channel means, to the grass collection means, and particularly to an inlet portion of the grass collection means, to prevent blockage of the same.
  • the grass collection means includes an inlet portion and a container portion. The container portion and/ or inlet portion can be integrally formed with the lawn mower or can be attached or detachably attached thereto.
  • the outlet of the first channel means communicates with the inlet portion of the grass collection means.
  • outlet of the at least third channel is provided at or adjacent the inlet portion of the grass collection means.
  • Preferably two third air flow paths and/ or channel means are defined from said fan means and/or said fan compartment directly to or adjacent to said grass collection means.
  • the two third channel means preferably both have outlets in the first channel means adjacent the inlet portion of the grass collection means.
  • the outlets are preferably located on opposite sides of the mower.
  • the outlet of the at least third channel means at or adjacent the grass collection means is typically facing and/or is angled towards the grass collection means. This is preferably in an upwardly direction towards a top of the housing of the mower. Thus air flowing in the third air flow path joins air flowing in the first air flow path just prior to entering the grass container.
  • At least a portion of the air flowing over or via the cutting means is vented to atmosphere without passing along the first channel means to form a further or fourth air flow path.
  • One or more outlets are provided in the cutting chamber in which the cutting means is located to allow the further air flow to be vented to atmosphere.
  • the air flowing along the fourth air flow path comes from part of the air flowing along the first air flow path.
  • the second and/or fourth air flow paths are provided because the fan means is typically of sufficient power to ensure that sufficient air flow is generated in the first ait flow path to move grass cuttings from the cutting means directly to the grass collection means via the first channel means and to ensure sufficient compacting of the grass cuttings in the grass collection means to reduce the number of times the grass collection means needs to be emptied.
  • the amount of air required in the first air flow path is less when the grass collection means is relatively empty. As such, some of this fan generated air flow is vented to atmosphere.
  • at least part of the air flow directed to atmosphere can be directed towards the surface of the grass being cut, thereby flattening the grass and increasing the ease with which the grass can be cut via the cutting means.
  • outlets allowing venting of the second and/or fourth air flows are directed or angled in a downwardly direction towards the ground.
  • the fan chamber is a cavity or recess defined in the housing in which suitable fan means are provided.
  • the cutting chamber is typically a cavity or recess defined in the housing in which one or more cutting blades are located.
  • the one or more cutting blades can be substantially flush with the sides of the cavity or recess around a substantial peripheral part thereof but at least one gap is provided. In one example more than half of the peripheral edge of the cutting blades is/are substantially flush with the sides of the cutting chamber and a gap is provided on the remaining edge.
  • the gap or part of the cutting chamber which is not substantially flush with the one or more cutting blades allows air to enter the cutting chamber below the blades. This air can then flow in the first air flow path and/or fourth air flow path.
  • the lawn mower is a rotary mower and includes one or more wheel members, roller members and/or the like to allow the mower to be moved across a ground surface.
  • the wheel and/or roller members are typically attached to or adjacent a base of the lawn mower.
  • the lawn mower is a hover mower.
  • the lawn mower typically includes drive means and/or power means to power and/ or drive the fan means, cutting means and/or movement of the lawn mower across a ground surface.
  • the drive means includes a motor and air can be drawn into the lawn mower through inlets from atmosphere to be passed over the motor to keep the same cool during use.
  • air can be drawn through inlets directly from atmosphere to the fan chamber.
  • the intake air forms, at least in part, one or more of the air flow paths in the mower.
  • the mower can be powered by electrical means, fuel means and/or the like.
  • the first air flow pathway typically passes from the fan means or fan compartment, to or into the cutting means or cutting chamber, along the first channel means and into the inlet portion of the grass collection means.
  • the third air flow pathway typically passes from the fan means or fan compartment, along the third channel means and into the grass collection means directly or via the first channel means.
  • air return channel or duct means are provided to direct air from the grass collection means back to the fan means.
  • substantially all the air passing through the grass collection means is returned to the fan means.
  • the sides of the grass container are typically substantially impermeable to prevent any air escaping to atmosphere from die container, thereby allowing substantially all the air to pass back to the fan means. This maintains the pressure in the mower.
  • Filter means can be provided in or associated with said air return channel or duct means and/or the grass collection means so as to prevent grass cuttings and dust from passing back into the fan means and blocking the same.
  • Baffle means or air tortuous means can be provided in or associated with said air return channel or duct means and/or the grass collection means to as to prevent grass cuttings from passing back into the fan means and blocking the same. The grass cuttings fall out of the air flow under gravity as the air flow passes through the baffle means or air tortuous means.
  • a lid or closure member is associated with the grass collection means and the filter means, baffle means or air tortuous means are provided in the Hd.
  • the Hd can be pivotably mounted to the housing of the mower in one embodiment.
  • At least a portion of the air in the mower is recirculated by passing from the fan means, to the cutting chamber, along the first channel means to the grass collection means, along the air return channel means back to the fan means.
  • At least a portion of the air in the mower is reciruclated by passing from the fan means along the third channel means, into the grass coUection means and along the air return channel means back to the fan means.
  • Preferably two air return channels are defined in the housing from the grass coUection container portion to the fan means. These two channels are preferably substantially vertically arranged in the mower housing. Baffle means can be associated with these channels to direct air in a low turbulence manner to the fan means.
  • the two channels are typically provided on opposite sides of the mower and can be of the same or different dimensions.
  • the first channel means can be any suitable size, shape and/or dimensions. As such, the first channel means can take the form of both an outlet from the cutting means and an inlet to the grass collection means.
  • the present invention provides a plurality of possible air flow paths which can be used alone or in any combination on a lawn mower to provide a number of advantages over conventional lawn mowers. It will be appreciated that reference to "second", “third” or “fourth” air flow paths does not prevent only one or not all of these air paths being provided in the present invention.
  • a rotary lawn mower According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a rotary lawn mower.
  • a method of operation of a lawn mower said lawn mower including a housing having cutting means associated with a base thereof for cutting grass, grass collection means provided on or associated with said housing for collecting grass cuttings during use of said mower and fan means provided in or associated with said housing for creating an air flow in said mower, said method including creating a first air flow in said mower to transport the grass cuttings from the cutting means directly to the grass collection means via first channel means and creating at least a further air flow path in said mower from said fan means to atmosphere and/or directly to or adjacent to said grass collection means.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a rotary lawn mower according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the different air flow paths;
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view from above of the base part of the lawn mower in figure 1 with the different air flow paths illustrated;
  • Figure 3 shows a view of the cutting chamber and base portion of the lawn mower with the different air flow paths illustrated.
  • a rotary lawn mower 2 including a housing 4 mounted on wheels 6 located at each of four corners of the mower.
  • Housing 4 includes drive means in the form of a motor 8 for driving movement of a fan 10 and cutting means in the form of a cutting blade 12.
  • Fan 10 and cutting blade 12 rotate about a central shaft 14.
  • the cutting blade 12 is located in a cutting chamber in die form of cavity 16 defined by walls 18 and the fan is located in a fan chamber above the cutting chamber. Air can flow from the fan chamber into the cutting chamber.
  • the cutting chamber is defined adjacent a base 20 of the lawn mower and has an opening adjacent the ground surface. In use of the mower, the mower is pushed across a ground surface via wheels 6 and the cutting blade 12 cuts the grass on the ground surface.
  • Mower 2 is provided with grass collection means 22 for allowing grass cuttings cut via cutting blade 12 to be collected for disposal.
  • the grass collection means 22 includes a container 26 having an inlet 30.
  • First channel means 24 are provided between the cutting chamber 16 and the inlet 30 of the grass collection means 22.
  • First channel 24 has an inlet aperture 28 communicating with cavity 16 and an outlet aperture communicating with container inlet 30.
  • the container inlet 30 is located adjacent a base 29 of container 26.
  • the 24 defined between inlet aperture 28 and inlet 30 allows grass cuttings 34 to be transported from the cavity 16 of the cutting chamber directly to container portion 26 without first being dropped onto the ground.
  • the grass cuttings are stored in container portion 26 for disposal at a point in time convenient to the user.
  • the container portion is typically detachably attached to mower 2 to allow the container portion to be emptied.
  • a Hd 36 is liingedly or pivotably connected to housing 4 along a front edge 38 thereof to allow the container portion 26 to be removed.
  • the container 26 is typically an open topped container with substantially impermeable sides and base.
  • the open top of the container is positioned adjacent the lid 36 when assembled in use so that air entering the container via inlet 30 passes through the open top and through a filter 42 provided in the lid 36.
  • a handle portion (not shown) can be provided on the mower to allow a user to steer the same in use.
  • Control means are also typically provided on the mower to allow operation of the mower to be controlled.
  • a first air flow path is provided in lawn mower 2 and directs air from fan 10 located in the fan chamber through the cutting chamber and into inlet aperture 28 of the first channel 24.
  • the first air flow carries the grass cuttings through inlet aperture 28, through channel 24 and into container 26.
  • the air flow, shown by arrows 40 then passes through filter 42 provided in the lid and through one or more air return channels 44 defined in housing 4.
  • the grass cuttings are prevented from passing into air return channels 44 via filter means 42 and therefore remain in container 26.
  • Two channels 44 are typically defined in the housing, one on either side thereof, for directing air flow back towards fan 10.
  • the channels 44 are substantially vertically arranged in the mower housing.
  • fan 10 In order to ensure adequate compaction of the grass cuttings 34 in container portion 26 and to increase the grass cuttings that can be contained therein to reduce the number of times a user has to empty the container, fan 10 has to be sufficiently powerful to ensure sufficient air flows through the first air flow path defined above. However, when container 26 is relatively empty, there is typically too much air flowing in the first air flow path. As such, some of the air is vented to atmosphere via the side and/ or front of the mower.
  • a farmer or second air flow pathway is defined in the mower housing, shown by arrows 46.
  • the second air flow pathway channels air from fan 10 in the fan compartment through a second channel 7 to outlet aperture 48 defined in a front wall 50 of the mower.
  • the air is vented to atmosphere as it passes through aperture 48.
  • Outlet aperture can be forwardly facing or can face the ground and this air flow flattens the grass which is just about to be cut by die mower in use, thereby increasing die ease with which the grass can be cut.
  • the second channel is typically located above the cutting chamber so that air in the second air flow path does not pass through the cutting chamber prior to being vented to atmosphere.
  • a yet further or fourth air flow pathway is defined in the mower housing, shown by arrows 52.
  • the yet further air flow pathway channels air from fan 10 into the cutting chamber cutting chamber and out through outlet apertures 54 defined on opposite sides 56 of the mower and typically below and/or above the blades located in the cutting chamber.
  • This fourth air flow in combination with die third air flow reduces flic amount of air flowing into the grass collection box so as to avoid excessive pressure in said grass box.
  • a further or third air flow pathway is also defined in the mower housing, shown by arrows 58.
  • This third air flow pathway channels air directly from the fan 10 in die fan compartment, along a third channel 32 and into the first channel 24.
  • Two outlet apertures are typically defined in channel 32, one outlet aperture on either side of die mower. This third air flow joins the first air flow upstream from die cutting chamber to prevent blockage of the first channel 24 and inlet 30 via the grass cuttings.
  • Air can enter the mower housing via apertures (not shown) provided adjacent motor 8 or fan 10.
  • the air is typically drawn into die housing via fan 10 and can cool the motor as is passes over the same. This air can then be channelled through one or more of the different air flow pathways defined in the mower.
  • a filter can be provided over the air intake apertures to prevent dust and/or debris from entering the motor housing.
  • the cutting blades 12 are typically substantially flush with the walls of the cutting chamber adjacent a peripheral edge thereof apart from adjacent an outlet part where air can pass from behind the blades adjacent the fan to outlet apertures 54 and to inlet aperture 28 of the first channel.
  • the inlet aperture 28 is typically located on a side wall of the cutting chamber.
  • the air flow pathways defined in the mower can be provided alone or in any combination with each other.
  • four possible air flow pathways can be provided 1) a first air flow pathway channelling air from the fan means, via the cutting means directly to the grass collection means via first channel means; 2) a second air flow pathway channelling air from the fan means directly to atmosphere via second channel means; 3) a third air flow pathway channelling air directly from the fan means to the grass collection means via at least third channel means; and 4) an air flow pathway channelling air from the fan means, via the cutting means to atmosphere.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)

Abstract

L’invention concerne une tondeuse à gazon comportant un carter à la base duquel est associé un moyen de coupe (12) servant à couper le gazon, et un moyen collecteur de gazon (22) monté sur le carter ou associé à celui-ci, servant à collecter le gazon coupé au cours de l’utilisation de la tondeuse. Un moyen formant soufflante (10) monté dans le carter ou associé à celui-ci sert à créer un écoulement d’air à l’intérieur de la tondeuse, le long d’un premier trajet d’écoulement d’air, afin d’acheminer le gazon coupé directement du moyen de coupe au moyen de collecte de gazon par un premier moyen formant canal (24). Au moins un autre trajet d’écoulement d’air (46) est défini à l’intérieur de la tondeuse pour permettre l’évacuation de l’air du moyen formant soufflante à l’atmosphère et/ou directement dans le moyen collecteur de gazon ou à côté de celui-ci.
PCT/GB2006/002941 2005-08-10 2006-08-08 Tondeuse a gazon WO2007017658A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0800794A GB2442170B (en) 2005-08-10 2006-08-08 Lawn mower

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0516407.4 2005-08-10
GBGB0516407.4A GB0516407D0 (en) 2005-08-10 2005-08-10 Lawn mower

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007017658A1 true WO2007017658A1 (fr) 2007-02-15

Family

ID=34984369

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2006/002941 WO2007017658A1 (fr) 2005-08-10 2006-08-08 Tondeuse a gazon

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB0516407D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007017658A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2014148A1 (fr) * 2007-06-11 2009-01-14 Gianni Ferrari S.r.l. Machine de travail avec système d'aspiration de matériaux solides
GB2461559A (en) * 2008-07-04 2010-01-06 Miles Roland William Bozeat Pressure balancing cutting chamber for a hover mower
CN103650760A (zh) * 2012-09-11 2014-03-26 胡斯华纳英国有限公司 草坪维护设备
CN107318357A (zh) * 2017-02-20 2017-11-07 佛山尘凡环保科技有限公司 一种园林用草坪修理机

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2254991A (en) * 1991-04-08 1992-10-28 Atco Qualcast Ltd Rotary mowers with grass collection.
GB2297889A (en) * 1995-02-20 1996-08-21 Atco Qualcast Ltd Air cushion lawnmowers
GB2298775A (en) * 1995-03-16 1996-09-18 Miles Roland William Bozeat Grass cuttings collection
EP0768024A1 (fr) * 1991-02-25 1997-04-16 Electrolux Northern Limited Faucheuse

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0768024A1 (fr) * 1991-02-25 1997-04-16 Electrolux Northern Limited Faucheuse
GB2254991A (en) * 1991-04-08 1992-10-28 Atco Qualcast Ltd Rotary mowers with grass collection.
GB2297889A (en) * 1995-02-20 1996-08-21 Atco Qualcast Ltd Air cushion lawnmowers
GB2298775A (en) * 1995-03-16 1996-09-18 Miles Roland William Bozeat Grass cuttings collection

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2014148A1 (fr) * 2007-06-11 2009-01-14 Gianni Ferrari S.r.l. Machine de travail avec système d'aspiration de matériaux solides
GB2461559A (en) * 2008-07-04 2010-01-06 Miles Roland William Bozeat Pressure balancing cutting chamber for a hover mower
CN103650760A (zh) * 2012-09-11 2014-03-26 胡斯华纳英国有限公司 草坪维护设备
CN107318357A (zh) * 2017-02-20 2017-11-07 佛山尘凡环保科技有限公司 一种园林用草坪修理机

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0516407D0 (en) 2005-09-14
GB0800794D0 (en) 2008-02-27
GB2442170B (en) 2010-07-07
GB2442170A (en) 2008-03-26

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