초록 ▼

An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially con

An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [30.] An electrically powered lawn mower comprising a mower housing including a mower deck, an electric motor mounted to the mower deck for rotatably driving a cutting blade located beneath the mower deck, a handle connected to the mower housing, a shroud forming part of the mower housi

[ We claim:] [30.] An electrically powered lawn mower comprising a mower housing including a mower deck, an electric motor mounted to the mower deck for rotatably driving a cutting blade located beneath the mower deck, a handle connected to the mower housing, a shroud forming part of the mower housing covering the motor, a power circuit including a rechargeable battery for providing electrical power to the motor and an electrical connector adapted for connection to an external source of electrical current for charging said battery, a manually operable electric switch mounted to the handle and connected in said power circuit and having ON and OFF positions for controlling the application of electrical power to the mower, and an interlock system for controlling the enabling of said power circuit, including:an interlock connected in said power circuit, said interlock having a first normal state for disabling said power circuit and a second state for enabling said power circuit, such that when said interlock is in said first state the electric motor cannot be energized by said power circuit regardless of the position of said handle mounted switch, and when said interlock is in said second state the electric motor is energizable by said power circuit in accordance with the position of said handle mounted switch;means for mounting said interlock within said housing adjacent a first opening in said mower housing such that said interlock is accessible through said first opening;a key member configured for insertion into said first opening in said mower housing and including actuating means for engaging said interlock and causing said interlock to switch from said first state to said second state to thereby enable said power circuit when said key member is fully inserted into said first opening in said mower housing; andblocking means for blocking access to said electrical connector when said key member is fully inserted into said first opening in said mower housing to thereby prevent said battery from being charged when said interlock is in said second state..Iaddend..Iadd.