Operating rod mechanism of electric hand-held working machine

Abstract

The invention provides an operating rod mechanism of an electric hand-held working machine, which solves the problem that in the operating rod mechanism of the electric hand-held working machine, the safety standard of unlocking operation is met, and the same degree of operability as that of an engine can be ensured. The operation rod mechanism comprises a trigger rod used for starting the electric working part; the sliding part is arranged in the extending direction of the handle in a sliding mode, locks movement of the trigger rod when not in operation, and releases locking of the trigger rod through sliding operation; a grip lever which is operated by gripping the handle with one hand, and which is configured so that the sliding member cannot be slidably operated when not being operated and so that the sliding member can be slidably operated when being operated; wherein, in a state in which the handle is held by one hand to operate the holding rod, the locking of the trigger rod is released by operating the sliding part in a sliding manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an operating lever mechanism of an electric handheld working machine. Background Art

[0002] Handheld work machines such as brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws have a trigger lever on the handle held by the operator to start the working unit. In order to prevent unintentional actions by the operator and ensure safety, the trigger lever is usually equipped with a mechanism to lock the movement of the lever when not in operation. In addition, compared to engines whose idling state can be confirmed by the engine sound, electric handheld work machines have a problem in that it is difficult for the operator to identify whether they are in a state that can be started immediately. Therefore, for electric handheld work machines, the standard requires that safety measures must be taken, such as the trigger lever will not be released unless the two-stage operation is intentionally performed (refer to IEC standard 62841-1).

[0003] As a prior art that meets the above standards, there is a mechanism proposed to avoid accidental unlocking operation, in which the unlocking rod cannot be pressed in when only holding the handle, but the unlocking rod can only be pressed in by pressing the button on the side of the handle (refer to the following patent document 1).

[0004]

Prior art literature

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,636,792. Summary of the Invention

[0007] [Technical problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the above-mentioned prior art, the direction of operation of pressing the button on the side of the handle is different from the direction of operation of the release lever by grasping the handle. Therefore, although the mechanism is not prone to accidental operation, the operator must perform two operations in different directions while holding the handle with one hand, which requires cumbersome operations to unlock the trigger lever.

[0009] In particular, when holding the handle with one hand and operating a button, the thumb is required to operate the button. If the thumb is separated from the handle to operate the button, the grip strength of the handle when held with one hand is weakened. Therefore, the prior art has a problem that when the machine body is heavy, the weakened grip strength makes it difficult to stably support the heavy weight with one hand and operate the button smoothly.

[0010] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a trend toward electric motors for engine-powered handheld work tools, driven by environmental and noise considerations. As mentioned above, because operators can identify the idle state of engine-powered handheld work tools, the trigger lever safety measures are less stringent than with electric ones. Therefore, unlocking and operating the trigger lever are relatively simple with engine-powered handheld work tools. While electric motors must comply with the aforementioned safety standards for electric vehicles, users often demand both safety compliance and the same level of operability as engine-powered ones.

[0011] The present invention addresses this problem. Specifically, the technical problem of the present invention is to achieve a lever mechanism for an electric handheld work machine that not only meets safety standards for unlocking operations but also ensures operability comparable to that of an engine-operated machine, prevents a loss of grip strength when holding the handle with one hand, and provides excellent operability, enabling unlocking of the trigger lever, etc.

[0012]

Technical solutions to technical problems

[0013] In order to solve such technical problems, the present invention has the following structure.

[0014] An operating lever mechanism for an electric handheld working machine is an operating lever mechanism arranged on the handle of the electric handheld working machine, comprising: a trigger lever for starting an electric working part; a sliding component slidably arranged in the extension direction of the above-mentioned handle, which locks the movement of the above-mentioned trigger lever when not in operation and releases the lock of the above-mentioned trigger lever by sliding operation; a grip lever operated by holding the above-mentioned handle with one hand, which prevents the above-mentioned sliding component from being slidably operated when not in operation and enables the above-mentioned sliding component to be slidably operated when in operation; wherein, the lock of the above-mentioned trigger lever is released by sliding the above-mentioned sliding component while holding the above-mentioned handle with one hand to operate the above-mentioned grip lever.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the above features, while unlocking the trigger lever requires both operating the grip and sliding the sliding member, the grip, sliding member, and trigger lever can be easily and simply operated while holding the handle with one hand. Furthermore, the trigger lever, grip, and sliding member can be operated without the thumb, allowing the trigger lever to be unlocked with one hand without weakening the grip and with good operability. Thus, the operating lever mechanism of an electric handheld work machine meets safety standards for unlocking operations while ensuring the same level of operability as an engine-operated machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 : External view (side view) of the operating lever mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 : Schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the operating lever mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention (non-operating state).

[0019] Figure 3 : Schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the operating lever mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention (when operating the lever).

[0020] Figure 4 : Schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the operating lever mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention (the state of the grip and the sliding member when operating).

[0021] Figure 5 : Schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the operating lever mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention (the state of the grip, sliding member, and trigger lever when operating).

[0022] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram (side view) illustrating an electric handheld working machine equipped with an operating lever mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following description, the same symbols in different drawings represent parts with the same functions, and repeated descriptions in the drawings are omitted as appropriate.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, an operating lever mechanism 1 is provided on a handle H of an electric handheld work machine (not shown), and includes a trigger lever 2, a sliding member 3, and a grip 4. As shown by the dotted line, the handle H can be grasped by one hand OH, with the thumb of the hand OH resting against the handle H to ensure grip strength.

[0025] The trigger lever 2 is an operating member used to activate the electric working unit (not shown) of the electric handheld working machine. The operator grasps the handle H with one hand OH and simultaneously presses the trigger lever 2 into the handle H with the index finger (opening operation), thereby activating the electric working unit.

[0026] The sliding member 3 is configured to slide along the extension direction of the handle H (from the fingertips to the base of the palm), locking the movement of the trigger lever 2 when not in use. The sliding member 3 is unlocked by sliding the trigger lever 2. Like the trigger lever 2, the sliding member 3 is located on the underside of the handle H. The operator can perform a sliding operation using the middle or ring finger while holding the handle H with one hand OH.

[0027] The grip 4 is operated by the operator by gripping the handle H with one hand OH. When not in operation, the sliding member 3 cannot be slid, and when in operation, the sliding member 3 can be slid. The grip 4 is located at a position where the operator can operate it with the palm of his hand (on the upper side of the handle H), and the grip 4 can be operated by a single movement of gripping the handle H.

[0028] According to this operating lever mechanism 1, the trigger lever 2 is locked by the sliding member 3 when not in operation. When the operator slides the sliding member 3 while holding the handle H with one hand OH and operating the grip 4, the lock on the trigger lever 2 is released, allowing the trigger lever 2 to be operated. Therefore, the lock on the trigger lever 2 is not released unless the grip 4 and the sliding member 3 are operated in two different directions. Therefore, even if the operator accidentally touches the trigger lever 2 alone, the lock is not released, and the trigger lever 2 cannot be operated.

[0029] Furthermore, unlocking the trigger lever 2 requires both operation of the grip 4 and sliding of the slide member 3. However, since the grip 4 is operated by simply gripping the handle H, there is no need for cumbersome operations. Furthermore, the slide member 3 can be slid using the middle or ring finger while the thumb is still gripping the handle H, allowing for simple and easy operation without weakening the grip of the handle H.

[0030] Figures 2 to 5 The internal structure of the handle H is shown. A specific example of the operating lever mechanism 1 will be described with reference to these figures. The trigger lever 2 has a shaft support portion 2A located in the middle of the handle H. An operating portion 2B is provided at one end extending from the shaft support portion 2A toward the inside of the handle H. Furthermore, an operating portion 2C is provided at the other end, protruding from the shaft support portion 2A toward the outside of the handle H.

[0031] The trigger lever 2's axial support portion 2A includes an axial hole for receiving a axial protrusion H1 disposed within the handle H, thereby supporting the trigger lever 2 for rotation about the axial protrusion H1. By operating the trigger lever 2, the operating portion 2C protruding from the outside of the handle H is pressed into the handle H (opening the handle), causing the operating portion 2B to swing about the axial support portion 2A. This in turn presses the switch portion M1 of the electric actuator M, activating the electric operating portion (not shown).

[0032] A torsion spring (not shown) is wound around the axial protrusion H1 of the handle H. One arm of the torsion spring is fixed inside the handle H, and the other arm is fixed to the trigger lever 2. As a result, the spring forces the trigger lever 2 to a state where the operating portion 2C protrudes from the handle H and the operating portion 2B is separated from the switch portion M1, i.e., a non-operational state. This spring action automatically deactivates the trigger lever 2 if the force applied to it is removed.

[0033] The operating portion 2C of the trigger lever 2 includes a trigger-like portion 2C1 for hooking a finger during the aforementioned opening operation, a retraction groove 2C2, and an interference end portion 2C3 associated with the sliding member 3, described later. The retraction groove 2C2 is open on one side within the handle H, and the interference end portion 2C3 extends vertically along the retraction groove 2C2.

[0034] The sliding member 3 is arranged to engage with a guide groove H2 formed inside the handle H and extending linearly along the longitudinal direction of the handle H (from the fingertips to the base of the palm), and is capable of sliding along this guide groove H2. One sliding end of the sliding member 3 is on the base of the palm of the hand holding the handle H, and the other sliding end is on the fingertips of the hand holding the handle H. The sliding member 3 is biased by a coil spring H3 to keep the sliding end on the base of the palm in the non-operating position.

[0035] The sliding member 3 has a finger-operated protruding operating portion 3A on the portion protruding downward from the handle H. An unlocking hole 3B is formed on the fingertip side of the protruding operating portion 3A, and a locking abutment portion 3C is also formed on the fingertip side. When the sliding member 3 is in the non-operating position, the locking abutment portion 3C abuts the front end of the interference end 2C3 on the trigger lever 2, locking the trigger lever 2. Once the sliding member 3 is slid to the fingertip side, the interference end 2C3 of the trigger lever 2 can be inserted into the unlocking hole 3B, and the locking abutment portion 3C of the sliding member 3 can be inserted into the retreat groove 2C2 of the trigger lever 2, thereby releasing the lock of the trigger lever 2. Furthermore, once the sliding member 3 is moved to the fingertip side, the protruding operating portion 3A protruding from the lower side of the handle H is in a position close to the operating portion 2C of the trigger lever 2.

[0036] The grip 4 has a shaft support portion 4A at one end, which is axially supported by a shaft protrusion H4 within the handle H. The operating portion 4B of the grip 4 is arranged to protrude from the upper side of the handle H, extending in the longitudinal direction of the handle H (from the fingertips to the base of the palm). A torsion spring (not shown) is wound around the shaft protrusion H4. One arm of the torsion spring is fixed within the handle H, and the other arm of the torsion spring is fixed to the grip 4. Thus, the grip 4 is spring-loaded to maintain a non-operating state in which the operating portion 4B protrudes from the handle H.

[0037] The handle 4 is provided with a stopper 4C for preventing the sliding member 3 from sliding. The stopper 4C is located at a position preventing the sliding member 3 from moving in the sliding direction when the handle 4 is not operated, and moves to a position allowing the sliding member 3 to move in the sliding direction when the handle 4 is operated.

[0038] The stop portion 4C can be configured to directly prevent the movement of the sliding component 3, but in the illustrated example, a linkage component 5 is provided inside the handle H that is linked to the movement of the sliding component 3, and the stop portion 4C prevents the sliding component 3 from moving in the sliding direction through the linkage component 5.

[0039] When the handle 4 and the sliding member 3 are not in operation, the linkage member 5 prevents the sliding member 3 from sliding by causing its own movement accompanying the movement of the sliding member 3 to interfere with a portion of the handle 4 (the stopper 4C). Furthermore, when the handle 4 is in operation, the sliding member 3 can be slid by eliminating the interference between the portion of the handle 4 (the stopper 4C) and the linkage member 5.

[0040] Figure 2 The trigger lever 2, sliding member 3, and grip 4 are shown in a non-operated state. In this state, the sliding member 3, which is engaged with the linkage member 5, is prevented from moving in the sliding direction due to the abutment of the stopper 4C of the grip 4 with the stopper surface 5A of the linkage member 5. In this state, the interference end 2C3 of the trigger lever 2 abuts the locking abutment 3C of the sliding member 3, preventing the trigger lever 2 from moving in the operating direction (a locked state). Therefore, in this state, even if the trigger lever 2 is operated independently, it cannot be moved. In this locked state, the trigger lever 2 is prevented from being accidentally operated.

[0041] Figure 3 The figure shows an operator holding a handle H with one hand and operating the grip 4. When the grip 4 is operated, the stopper 4C of the grip 4 moves toward the sliding member 3 and stops upon the sliding surface 3D of the sliding member 3. Once in this state, the stopper 4C of the grip 4 disengages from the stopper surface 5A of the linkage member 5, allowing the sliding member 3 to be slidably operated by the operator.

[0042] Figure 4The figure shows an operator holding a handle H with one hand, manipulating the grip 4 with the palm of their hand, while simultaneously sliding the sliding member 3 with their middle finger or the like. The sliding surface 3D is parallel to the sliding direction, allowing the sliding member 3 to slide even when the stopper 4C of the grip 4 contacts the sliding surface 3D of the sliding member 3. Once the operator slides the sliding member 3 to the fingertip side, the linkage member 5 tilts in tandem with the sliding member 3, allowing the stopper 4C of the grip 4 to fit into the space below the stopper surface 5A of the linkage member 5. If the grip 4 is further pressed in while the sliding member 3 is slid to the fingertip side, the stopper 4C of the grip 4 enters behind the sliding surface 3D of the sliding member 3, retaining the sliding member 3 at the fingertip side. In this state, the interference end portion 2C3 of the trigger lever 2 faces the unlocking hole 3B of the sliding member 3, and the locking abutment portion 3C of the sliding member 3 faces the retreat groove portion 2C2 of the trigger lever 2, so that the trigger lever 2 is in an operable state (unlocked state).

[0043] Figure 5 The figure shows the trigger lever 2 being opened while the operator holds the handle H with one hand, operates the grip 4 with the palm of their hand, and simultaneously slides the sliding member 3 with their middle finger or other finger (unlocked state). In this state, when the trigger lever 2 is opened, the interference end 2C3 of the trigger lever 2 enters the unlocking hole 3B of the sliding member 3, and the locking contact portion 3C of the sliding member 3 enters the retreat groove 2C2 of the trigger lever 2. This causes the trigger lever 2 to rotate about the axial protrusion H1, and the end of the trigger lever 2 presses the switch portion M1 of the electric actuator M. This activates the electric actuator M, activating the electric working unit.

[0044] Figure 5 In the state shown, if only the trigger lever 2 is in the non-operating state, the trigger lever 2 is returned to the non-operating state (closed) by the spring force, and the switch portion M1 is in the closed state. However, as long as the operator maintains the state of holding the handle H with one hand, the sliding member 3 remains in the sliding operation state, so the lock of the trigger lever 2 remains released, and the trigger lever 2 can be repeatedly opened and closed. Once the operator releases the grip of the handle H, the trigger lever 2, the sliding member 3, and the grip 4 are returned to the non-operating state ( Figure 2 The trigger lever 2 is locked again.

[0045] Summarizing the above description, the operating lever mechanism 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following features.

[0046] First, by sliding the slide member 3 while operating the grip 4 with one hand gripping the handle H, the trigger lever 2 is unlocked. Therefore, unlocking the trigger lever 2 requires two operations in different directions, complying with safety standards (IEC Standard 62841-1). Second, one of the two operations, namely, operating the grip 4, can be performed by gripping the handle H with one hand. Therefore, the only additional operation required to unlock the device is sliding the slide member 3, eliminating cumbersome operations.

[0047] Furthermore, the grip 4 maintains the sliding member 3 in its slidable state by gripping the handle H with one hand. Thus, as long as the handle H is held with one hand, the trigger lever 2 can be kept unlocked, allowing repeated opening and closing operations of the trigger lever 2. This eliminates the need to unlock the trigger lever 2 each time it is opened or closed.

[0048] Furthermore, when the grip 4 and the sliding member 3 are not in operation, the linkage member 5 causes its own movement accompanying the movement of the sliding member 3 to interfere with a portion of the grip 4, thereby preventing the sliding member 3 from sliding. However, when the grip 4 is in operation, the linkage member 5 eliminates the interference between the portion of the grip 4 and the linkage member, thereby enabling the sliding member 3 to slide. In this way, the linkage member 5 enables the operation and non-operation of the sliding member 3 in conjunction with the operation and non-operation of the grip 4, thereby improving the flexibility in the arrangement of the grip 4 and the sliding member 3 compared to a case where the grip 4 directly interferes with the sliding member 3.

[0049] Furthermore, the linkage member 5 is linked to the sliding operation of the slide member 3, maintaining the slide member 3 in its operated state relative to the grip 4. Thus, by using the gripping force of one hand holding the handle H to operate the grip 4, the linkage member 5 maintains the slide member 3 in its operated state. This eliminates the need for the fingers operating the slide member 3 to exert force to hold the slide member 3, thus reducing the burden on the fingers.

[0050] Furthermore, the trigger lever 2, the sliding member 3, and the grip 4 are held in a non-operated state by a spring. Thus, once the operator releases the handle H, the spring force returns the trigger lever 2, the sliding member 3, and the grip 4 to their non-operated state, and the trigger lever 2 is locked again. Therefore, once the operator releases the handle H, the possibility of the trigger lever 2 being accidentally operated and thus activating the electric working unit can be eliminated.

[0051] Furthermore, the trigger lever 2 is positioned so as to be operable with the index finger when the handle H is gripped with one hand, the slide member 3 is positioned so as to be operable with the middle or ring finger when the handle H is gripped with one hand, and the grip lever 4 is positioned so as to be operable with the palm of the hand when the handle H is gripped with one hand. Thus, the trigger lever 2, the slide member 3, and the grip lever 4 can be operated while the handle H is gripped with one hand with the thumb resting against the handle H, allowing lever operations to be performed while maintaining a stable grip on the handle H.

[0052] Furthermore, the slider 3 unlocks the trigger lever 2 by bringing the protruding operating portion 3A, operated by a finger, into proximity with the trigger lever 2. Therefore, the protruding operating portion 3A of the slider 3 is always in close proximity to the heel of the palm of the hand on the unlocked trigger lever 2. This prevents the middle or ring finger from being caught in the trigger lever 2 when the trigger lever 2 is operated with the index finger, due to the presence of the protruding operating portion 3A near the heel of the palm. Consequently, the trigger lever 2 can be safely operated.

[0053] Figure 6 An electric chain saw 100 is shown as an example of an electric handheld work machine equipped with the operating lever mechanism 1. The chain saw 100 has the handle H mounted on the upper portion of a main body 101. The handle H is equipped with a trigger lever 2, a sliding member 3, and a grip 4. The illustrated chain saw 100 includes an auxiliary handle 102 connecting the handle H to the rear portion of the main body 101. An electric working unit 103 with a chain cutter is mounted on the front of the main body 101. A battery 104, which powers the electric working unit 103, is mounted on the rear portion of the main body 101.

[0054] The operating lever mechanism 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is applicable not only to the above-mentioned chain saw 100 but also to electric handheld working machines such as brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and power cutters that rotate disc blades, which have electric working parts that require safety by preventing accidental startup.

[0055] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are also encompassed by the present invention. Furthermore, the techniques of the above embodiments can be used interchangeably and combined as long as there are no conflicts or problems with their objectives and configurations.

[0056]

Explanation of symbols

[0057] 1: operating lever mechanism,

[0058] 2: Trigger lever, 3: Sliding part, 4: Grip, 5: Linking part,

[0059] 2A, 4A: shaft support part, 2B: working part, 2C, 4B: operating part,

[0060] 2C1: trigger-shaped portion, 2C2: escape groove portion, 2C3: interference end portion,

[0061] 3A: protruding operation part, 3B: unlocking hole, 3C: locking abutment part, 3D: sliding surface,

[0062] 4C: stopper, 5A: stopper surface,

[0063] H: handle, H1, H4: shaft protrusion, H2: guide groove, H3: coil spring,

[0064] M: electric actuator, M1: switch part, OH: one hand.

Claims

1. An operating lever mechanism for an electric handheld working machine, which is an operating lever mechanism provided on a handle of the electric handheld working machine, comprising: Trigger lever, used to start the electric operating part; a sliding component slidably disposed in an extending direction of the handle, locking the movement of the trigger lever when not in operation and releasing the lock of the trigger lever by a sliding operation; A grip rod, which is operated by holding the handle with one hand, and prevents the sliding part from sliding when not in operation, and enables the sliding part to slide when in operation; Wherein, in a state where the handle is held with one hand to operate the grip rod, the trigger rod is unlocked by sliding the sliding component.

2. The operating lever mechanism of the electric handheld working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The grip maintains the sliding member in a state after the sliding operation by gripping the handle with one hand.

3. The operating lever mechanism of the electric handheld working machine according to claim 1, wherein: A linkage component is provided inside the handle and is linked to the movement of the sliding component. When the handle and the sliding member are not in operation, the linkage member makes its own movement accompanying the movement of the sliding member interfere with a part of the handle, thereby making the sliding member inoperable. When the handle is operated, the linkage member eliminates the interference between a part of the handle and itself, thereby making the sliding member operable.

4. The operating lever mechanism of the electric handheld working machine according to claim 3, wherein: The linkage member is linked to the sliding operation of the sliding member and maintains the state of the sliding member during operation relative to the state of the grip during operation.

5. The operating lever mechanism of the electric handheld working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The trigger lever, the sliding component and the gripping lever are placed in a non-operating state by a spring.

6. The operating lever mechanism of the electric handheld working machine according to claim 1, wherein: The trigger lever is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the index finger when the handle is held with one hand. The sliding member is arranged at a position where it can be operated by the middle finger or the ring finger when the handle is held with one hand. The grip is provided at a position where it can be operated with a palm while the handle is gripped with one hand.

7. The operating lever mechanism of the electric handheld working machine according to claim 6, wherein: The sliding member unlocks the trigger lever by allowing the operating protrusion operated by a finger to approach the trigger lever.

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