Telescopic handle device

Abstract

To prevent a handle part from unintentionally falling off in the time of extension.SOLUTION: A telescopic handle device 3 comprises: a first handle part 10; a second handle part 20 which is arranged so as to be inserted / drawn from the first handle part 10; and a lever part 30 which is attached to the first handle part 10 and regulates slide of the second handle part 20 in a releasable manner. The lever part 30 includes a fall-off prevention claw 33. The second handle part 20 includes a second engagement part 22 which can be engaged with the fall-off prevention claw 33 that is inserted to the first handle part 10 via a second hole 12 of the first handle part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a telescopic handle device for operating a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is a working machine such as a self-propelled lawn mower. Such a working machine is provided with a handle device for performing driving operations and the like. This handle device includes a cylindrical first handle portion and a second handle portion slidably disposed within the first handle portion, and the length can be adjusted by sliding the second handle portion relative to the first handle portion. Such a telescopic handle device for a working machine is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a telescopic handle device, when an operator extends the handle device, the handle portion may accidentally fall off. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic handle device capable of suppressing the handle portion from accidentally falling off during extension.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to a telescopic handle device (3) for operating a working machine (1), which comprises a cylindrical first handle portion (10), a second handle portion (20) detachably disposed within the first handle portion (10), and a lever portion (30) attached to the first handle portion (10) and configured to releasably restrict the sliding of the second handle portion (20) relative to the first handle portion (10). The lever portion (30) includes a lever body (31) swingably attached to the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10), and a fixed claw (32) and a retaining claw (33) respectively provided on the lever body (31) and extending toward the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10). The fixed claw (32) and the retaining claw (33) are provided on the lever body (31) with the swing axis (L) of the lever body (31) interposed therebetween. The fixed claw (32) is located closer to the insertion port (10b) of the second handle portion (20) provided on the first handle portion (10) than the retaining claw (33). The lever body (31) is swingable about the swing axis (L) in a direction in which the fixed claw (32) approaches the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10) and the retaining claw (33) moves away from the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10), and in a direction in which the fixed claw (32) moves away from the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10) and the retaining claw (33) approaches the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10). The first handle portion (10) is provided with a first hole (11) into which the fixed claw (32) can be inserted at a position facing the fixed claw (32), and a second hole (12) into which the retaining claw (33) can be inserted at a position facing the retaining claw (33). The second handle portion (20) is provided with a first engaging portion (21) engageable with the fixed claw (32) inserted into the first handle portion (10) through the first hole (11), and a second engaging portion (22) engageable with the retaining claw (33) inserted into the first handle portion (10) through the second hole (12). The second engaging portion (22) is located closer to the tip portion (20b) in the insertion direction of the second handle portion (20) into the first handle portion (10) than the first engaging portion (21).

[0006] In this telescopic handle device (3), an operator can insert either the fixing claw (32) or the retaining claw (33) into the first handle portion (10) by swinging the lever body (31) of the lever portion (30). For example, when fixing the length of the telescopic handle device (3), in the telescopic handle device (3), the first hole (11) of the first handle portion (10) and the first engaging portion (21) of the second handle portion (20) are overlapped. In this state, the fixing claw (32) of the lever portion (30) is inserted into the first hole (11) and engaged with the first engaging portion (21). Thereby, the telescopic handle device (3) can restrict the slide of the second handle portion (20) with respect to the first handle portion (10) and fix the length.

[0007] Also, for example, when releasing the fixing of the length of the telescopic handle device (3), the lever body (31) of the lever portion (30) is swung in a direction in which the fixing claw (32) is pulled out from the first hole (11). By this swinging, the retaining claw (33) of the lever portion (30) is inserted into the second hole (12) of the first handle portion (10) and pressed against the outer surface (20a) of the second handle portion (20) through the second hole (12). In this state, the fixing claw (32) is not engaged with the first engaging portion (21), and the retaining claw (33) is not engaged with the second engaging portion (22) either. Therefore, in the telescopic handle device (3), the second handle portion (20) can slide with respect to the first handle portion (10), and the length can be adjusted.

[0008] When the second handle part (20) is slid in the direction of being pulled out from the first handle part (10) during the adjustment of this length, a state occurs in which the second hole (12) of the first handle part (10) and the second engaging part (22) of the second handle part (20) overlap. As described above, by the operation of the lever part (30) performed to adjust the length, the retaining claw (33) is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the second handle part (20). For this reason, when the second hole (12) and the second engaging part (22) overlap, the retaining claw (33) of the lever part (30) is further inserted into the second hole (12) and engages with the second engaging part (22). Thereby, the telescopic handle device (3) can restrict the sliding of the second handle part (20) with respect to the first handle part (10). That is, the telescopic handle device (3) engages the retaining claw (33) with the second engaging part (22) before the second handle part (20) falls off by the operation of the lever part (30) performed by the operator to adjust the length, and can restrict the sliding.

[0009] In this way, in the telescopic handle device (3), it is possible to prevent the second handle part (20) from accidentally falling off with respect to the first handle part (10) during extension.

[0010] In the telescopic handle device (3), the lever part (30) may include a biasing part (35) that biases the lever body (31) in a direction in which the fixed claw (32) approaches the outer surface (10a) of the first handle part (10) and the retaining claw (33) moves away from the outer surface (10a) of the first handle part (10). In this case, the telescopic handle device (3) can engage the fixed claw (32) with the first engaging part (21) by the biasing force of the biasing part (35) and maintain the state where the length is fixed.

[0011] In the telescopic handle device (3), the fixed claw (32) and the retaining claw (33) are displaced from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle portion (20), and the first engaging portion (21) and the second engaging portion (22) may be displaced from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle portion (20). In this case, the telescopic handle device (3) can set the length fixing position by the fixed claw (32) and the retaining position by the retaining claw (33) at independent sliding positions, respectively.

[0012] In the telescopic handle device (3), the lever portion (30) may further include a lever handle (34) connected to the lever body (31). In this case, an operator performing the telescopic operation of the telescopic handle device (3) can easily perform the swinging operation of the lever body (31) using the lever handle (34).

[0013] In the telescopic handle device (3), the first handle portion (10) and the second handle portion (20) may each have a rectangular cylindrical shape. In this case, by bringing the inner surface of the first handle portion (10) into contact with the outer surface of the second handle portion (20), it is possible to easily prevent the second handle portion (20) from rotating within the first handle portion (10). Thereby, the telescopic handle device (3) can easily align the position of the first hole (11) and the first engaging portion (21), and the position of the second hole (12) and the second engaging portion (22).

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the handle portion from accidentally falling off during extension.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0017] First, referring to FIG. 1, the basic configuration of the self-propelled lawn mower 1 to which the telescopic handle device 3 according to the embodiment is applied will be described. The self-propelled lawn mower (working machine) 1 includes a self-propelled traveling unit 2 and a telescopic handle device 3 for operating the self-propelled lawn mower 1. An operator operates the telescopic handle device 3 of the self-propelled lawn mower 1 and performs an operation of mowing grass by the traveling unit 2 while traveling the traveling unit 2, for example, on the ground where grass has grown. In the following description, "front", "rear", "left", and "right" are based on the self-propelled lawn mower 1 unless otherwise specified.

[0018] The traveling unit 2 includes a drive source 2a such as an engine. The traveling unit 2 can travel in the front-rear direction by driving wheels 2c provided on the unit main body 2b with the drive source 2a. Further, a grass cutting unit 2d is provided on the lower surface of the unit main body 2b. The grass cutting unit 2d cuts grass by rotating a cutter, for example, by the driving force of the drive source 2a.

[0019] The telescopic handle device 3 includes a rod-shaped handle portion 3a and an operation portion 3b. The lower end portion of the handle portion 3a is attached to the left side surface of the unit main body 2b of the traveling unit 2. The handle portion 3a extends obliquely rearward and upward from the unit main body 2b. The operation portion 3b is provided at the upper end portion of the handle portion 3a. The operator controls the traveling direction of the traveling unit 2 by operating the operation portion 3b. Further, the operator controls the traveling (forward, backward, traveling speed, etc.) of the traveling unit 2 and the operation of the grass cutting unit 2d by operating various operation levers and the like provided on the operation portion 3b.

[0020] The telescopic handle device 3 is configured such that the handle portion 3a can be telescoped so that it is easy for the operator to operate and for storage and the like. Hereinafter, the details of the telescopic structure of the telescopic handle device 3 (handle portion 3a) will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the handle portion 3a of the telescopic handle device 3 includes a first handle portion 10, a second handle portion 20, and a lever portion 30.

[0021] The first handle portion 10 is a rod-shaped member having a cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment, the first handle portion 10 has a rectangular cylindrical shape (square cylindrical shape). A bracket 3c for attaching the first handle portion 10 to the unit main body 2b is provided at the lower end portion of the first handle portion 10. The bracket 3c may have a function of adjusting the angle of the first handle portion 10 (handle portion 3a) extending obliquely rearward and upward from the unit main body 2b.

[0022] The second handle part 20 is a rod-shaped member and is detachably arranged within the first handle part 10. That is, the second handle part 20 slides along the extending direction of the first handle part 10 with respect to the first handle part 10. The second handle part 20, as an example, has a rectangular tubular shape (square tubular shape). Note that when the second handle part 20 is arranged within the first handle part 10, it is sized such that it does not rotate within the first handle part 10 (the orientation of the outer surface 20a of the second handle part 20 does not change).

[0023] The second handle part 20 is inserted and removed through an insertion port 10b provided at the upper end of the first handle part 10. An operation part 3b is provided at the upper end part of the second handle part 20. The handle part 3a adjusts the length by changing the protruding length of the second handle part 20 with respect to the first handle part 10. The lever part 30 is attached to the first handle part 10. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, as an example, the lever part 30 is attached to the surface of the first handle part 10 facing the rear side. The lever part 30 releasably restricts the sliding (movement in the insertion / removal direction) of the second handle part 20 with respect to the first handle part 10.

[0024] Here, the details of the lever part 30 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lever part 30 includes a lever body 31, a fixing claw 32 provided on the lever body 31, and a retaining claw 33. Note that in FIG. 4, only the bracket 13 provided on the first handle part 10 is shown in order to show the fixing claw 32 of the lever part 30, and the first handle part 10 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0025] The lever body 31 is swingably attached to the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10. Further, the lever body 31 is attached to the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 such that the longitudinal direction of the lever body 31 is along the extending direction of the first handle portion 10. In the present embodiment, the lever body 31 is swingably attached to the first handle portion 10 by a bracket 13 provided on the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 and a pin 14 provided on the bracket 13. The pin 14 extends along a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first handle portion 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The lever body 31 swings about the pin 14. That is, the lever body 31 swings about a swing axis L along the extending direction of the pin 14.

[0026] The fixing claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 are respectively provided on the lever body 31 and extend toward the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10. The fixing claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 are respectively provided on the lever body 31 with the swing axis L of the lever body 31 interposed therebetween. Here, the fixing claw 32 is located closer to the insertion port 10b (the upper end portion of the first handle portion 10) of the second handle portion 20 provided on the first handle portion 10 than the retaining claw 33. That is, the fixing claw 32 is located on the insertion port 10b side of the first handle portion 10 with respect to the swing axis L (pin 14). The retaining claw 33 is located on the bracket 3c side with respect to the swing axis L (pin 14).

[0027] When the lever body 31 swings about the swing axis L, the fixing claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 approach or separate from the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10. More specifically, the lever body 31 can swing about the swing axis L in a first direction indicated by an arrow A and a second direction indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 4. The second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction. Specifically, the first direction indicated by the arrow A is the direction in which the fixing claw 32 approaches the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 and the retaining claw 33 separates from the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10. The second direction indicated by the arrow B is the direction in which the fixing claw 32 separates from the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 and the retaining claw 33 approaches the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10.

[0028] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lever portion 30 further includes a lever handle 34 connected to the lever body 31. An operator can grip the lever handle 34 and perform a swinging operation of the lever body 31. In the present embodiment, the lever handle 34 is connected to an end portion of the lever body 31 on the side where the retaining claw 33 is provided. That is, the lever handle 34 extends from the lever body 31 toward the traveling portion 2 (bracket 3c) side (see FIG. 1).

[0029] Furthermore, the lever portion 30 further includes a torsion spring (biasing portion) 35 that biases the lever body 31 in a direction in which the fixing claw 32 approaches the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 and the retaining claw 33 moves away from the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10. The torsion spring 35 is attached to, for example, the pin 14 and biases the lever body 31. Thereby, the lever body 31 always tries to swing in a first direction (the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 4) in which the fixing claw 32 approaches the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 35.

[0030] Next, details of the first handle portion 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a first hole 11 is provided at a position on the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 that faces the fixing claw 32. The first hole 11 has a size and shape that allows the fixing claw 32 to be inserted. Also, a second hole 12 is provided at a position on the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 that faces the retaining claw 33. The second hole 12 has a size and shape that allows the retaining claw 33 to be inserted.

[0031] Next, the details of the second handle portion 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a first engaging portion 21 and a second engaging portion 22 are provided on the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20. In the present embodiment, the first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22 are holes provided in the outer surface 20a, respectively. In the present embodiment, three first engaging portions 21 are provided as an example. The three first engaging portions 21 are arranged in a row along the extending direction of the second handle portion 20. Hereinafter, when these three first engaging portions 21 are described separately, different reference numerals such as the first engaging portion 21A, the first engaging portion 21B, and the first engaging portion 21C will be used for the description.

[0032] The first engaging portion 21A, the first engaging portion 21B, and the first engaging portion 21C are provided in this order on the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20 from the insertion-side end portion (the tip portion in the insertion direction) 20b, which is the end portion on the side where the first handle portion 10 is inserted, toward the end portion on the side where the operation portion 3b is provided. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the second engaging portion 22 is provided in the vicinity of the insertion-side end portion 20b on the side where the first handle portion 10 is inserted in the second handle portion 20 on the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20. The second engaging portion 22 is provided at a position closer to the insertion-side end portion 20b than the first engaging portion 21.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the first engaging portion 21 can engage with a fixing claw 32 inserted into the first handle portion 10 through the first hole 11 of the first handle portion 10. When the fixing claw 32 of the lever portion 30 engages with the first engaging portion 21 provided on the second handle portion 20, the sliding of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10 is restricted. Note that the shape of the fixing claw 32 of the lever portion 30 is appropriately set so that, for example, it is easy to insert and remove the fixing claw 32 into and from the first hole 11 and the first engaging portion 21, and so that the fixing claw 32 inserted into the first engaging portion 21 engages more reliably with the first engaging portion 21. In FIG. 6, a state in which the fixing claw 32 engages with the first engaging portion 21B among the three first engaging portions 21 is shown. By sliding the second handle portion 20 from the state shown in FIG. 6, the fixing claw 32 can also engage with the first engaging portion 21A and the first engaging portion 21C, similarly to the first engaging portion 21B.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a recess 23A is provided at a position adjacent to the first engaging portion 21A on the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20. The recess 23A is provided adjacent to the side where the operation portion 3b is attached with respect to the first engaging portion 21A. That is, the recess 23A is provided adjacent to an end portion of the first engaging portion 21A opposite to the insertion-side end portion 20b. At the connecting portion between the first engaging portion 21A and the recess 23A, the edge portion of the hole of the first engaging portion 21A is constituted by the bottom surface of the recess 23A. Further, a recess 23B is provided at a position adjacent to the first engaging portion 21B on the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20. The recess 23B has the same configuration as the recess 23A. Note that no recess is provided at a portion adjacent to the first engaging portion 21C.

[0035] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the second engaging portion 22 can engage with a retaining claw 33 inserted into the first handle portion 10 through the second hole 12 of the first handle portion 10. When the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30 engages with the second engaging portion 22 provided on the second handle portion 20, the sliding of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10 is restricted. Note that the shape of the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30 is appropriately set so that, for example, it is easy to insert and remove the retaining claw 33 into and from the second hole 12 and the second engaging portion 22, and so that the retaining claw 33 inserted into the second engaging portion 22 engages more reliably with the second engaging portion 22.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the fixed claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 are provided at different positions from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10 (the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 5 (the direction along the swing axis L)). That is, the lever main body 31 on which the fixed claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 are provided is curved in a crank shape.

[0037] Also, the first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22 provided on the second handle portion 20 are provided at positions where the fixed claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30 can be inserted, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22 are provided at different positions from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10 (the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 5 (the direction along the swing axis L)).

[0038] Next, the operation state of the lever portion 30 when the handle portion 3a of the telescopic handle device 3 is telescoped and when the telescoping is restricted will be described. When restricting the telescoping of the handle portion 3a, that is, when restricting the sliding of the second handle portion 20 relative to the first handle portion 10, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixed claw 32 is inserted into and engaged with the first engaging portion 21 of the second handle portion 20. Since the torsion spring 35 is provided, the lever body 31 is always biased in the direction in which the fixed claw 32 enters the first engaging portion 21. For this reason, when the positions of the tip portion (first hole 11) of the fixed claw 32 and the first engaging portion 21 coincide, the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 35. In a state where the positions of the tip portion (first hole 11) of the fixed claw 32 and the first engaging portion 21 do not coincide, the operator can slide the second handle portion 20 with the tip portion of the fixed claw 32 in contact with the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a recess 23B is provided adjacent to the first engaging portion 21B. For this reason, for example, when the operator pulls out the second handle portion 20 from the first handle portion 10 to extend the handle portion 3a, the fixed claw 32 is dropped into the recess 23B by the biasing force of the torsion spring 35. Thereafter, as the second handle portion 20 is further slid, the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21. In this way, when pulling out the second handle portion 20, the lever body 31 can be swung in the insertion direction into the first engaging portion 21B in advance before the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21B. Similarly, for the first engaging portion 21A, a recess 23A is provided adjacent to the first engaging portion 21A. Thereby, in the lever portion 30, when the second handle portion 20 is pulled out, the fixed claw 32 can be smoothly inserted into the first engaging portions 21A and 21B.

[0040] Next, the case of expanding and contracting the handle portion 3a from the state where the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21 will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the case of expanding and contracting the handle portion 3a from the state where the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21B will be described. When expanding and contracting the handle portion 3a from the state shown in FIG. 6, the operator operates the lever body 31 in the direction in which the fixed claw 32 is pulled out from the first engaging portion 21B. That is, the operator grasps the lever handle 34, brings the lever handle 34 closer to the first handle portion 10, and swings the lever body 31.

[0041] As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the fixed claw 32 is pulled out from the first engaging portion 21B, and the retaining claw 33 abuts against the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20 through the second hole 12. That is, neither the fixed claw 32 nor the retaining claw 33 is engaged with the first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22. As a result, the operator can slide the second handle portion 20 while holding the lever handle 34 and bringing the retaining claw 33 into contact with the outer surface 20a.

[0042] Note that the operator may pull out the fixed claw 32 from the first engaging portion 21B, slide the second handle portion 20 to shift the position of the first engaging portion 21B from the position of the first hole 11, and then release the hand from the lever handle 34. In this case, the fixed claw 32 comes into contact with the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20 due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 35. In this state, the operator can slide the second handle portion 20. In this case, when the second handle portion 20 is slid and the first engaging portion 21A or 21C of the second handle portion 20 reaches the position of the fixed claw 32, the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21A or 21C by the biasing force of the torsion spring 35. As a result, the sliding of the second handle portion 20 is restricted.

[0043] In the above description, the case of expanding and contracting the handle portion 3a from the state where the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21B has been described. However, the handle portion 3a can also be expanded and contracted by the same operation when the fixed claw 32 is inserted into the first engaging portion 21C.

[0044] Here, a case will be described where the second handle portion 20 is slid in the pulling-out direction with the operator grasping the lever handle 34 and the retaining claw 33 abutted against the outer surface 20a. A second engaging portion 22 is provided near the insertion-side end portion 20b of the second handle portion 20. For this reason, when the second handle portion 20 is slid in the pulling-out direction and the second engaging portion 22 of the second handle portion 20 reaches the position of the retaining claw 33, as shown in FIG. 7, the retaining claw 33 is inserted into the second engaging portion 22 and engages with the second engaging portion 22. Thereby, the sliding of the second handle portion 20 is restricted, that is, the retaining claw 33 is inserted into the second engaging portion 22 by the operating force of the lever handle 34 by the operator, and the removal of the second handle portion 20 is prevented.

[0045] In the telescopic handle device 3, the state where the fixing claw 32 of the lever portion 30 engages with the first engaging portion 21C of the second handle portion 20 is the state where the length of the handle portion 3a is the shortest. Further, in the telescopic handle device 3, the state where the fixing claw 32 of the lever portion 30 engages with the first engaging portion 21A of the second handle portion 20 is the state where the length of the handle portion 3a is the longest. That is, in the present embodiment, the telescopic handle device 3 can adjust the length of the handle portion 3a in three stages by engaging the fixing claw 32 with any one of the first engaging portions 21A to 21C. In the telescopic handle device 3, from the state where the fixing claw 32 engages with the first engaging portion 21A (the longest state), the handle portion 3a cannot be further extended.

[0046] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the first engaging portion 21A provided on the second handle portion 20 and the second engaging portion 22 coincides with the distance between the fixing claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30. That is, when the operator swings the lever body 31 to pull out the fixing claw 32 from the first engaging portion 21A, the retaining claw 33 is inserted into the second engaging portion 22, and the sliding of the second handle portion 20 is restricted. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the second handle portion 20 cannot be further slid in the pulling-out direction, and the second handle portion 20 can be slid in the direction of shrinking the handle portion 3a.

[0047] As described above, in this telescopic handle device 3, by the operator swinging the lever body 31 of the lever portion 30, either the fixing claw 32 or the retaining claw 33 can be inserted into the first handle portion 10. For example, when fixing the length of the handle portion 3a, in the telescopic handle device 3, the first hole 11 of the first handle portion 10 and the first engaging portion 21 of the second handle portion 20 are overlapped. In this state, the fixing claw 32 of the lever portion 30 is inserted into the first hole 11 and engaged with the first engaging portion 21. Thereby, the telescopic handle device 3 can restrict the slide of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10 and can fix the length of the handle portion 3a.

[0048] Also, for example, when releasing the fixing of the length of the handle portion 3a, the lever body 31 is swung in a direction in which the fixing claw 32 is pulled out from the first hole 11. By this swinging, the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30 is inserted into the second hole 12 of the first handle portion 10 and pressed against the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20 through the second hole 12. In this state, the fixing claw 32 is not engaged with the first engaging portion 21, and the retaining claw 33 is not engaged with the second engaging portion 22 either. Therefore, in the telescopic handle device 3, the slide of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10 becomes possible, and the adjustment of the length of the handle portion 3a becomes possible.

[0049] When the second handle portion 20 is slid in a direction in which it is pulled out from the first handle portion 10 during the adjustment of the length, a state occurs in which the second hole 12 of the first handle portion 10 and the second engaging portion 22 of the second handle portion 20 overlap. As described above, by operating the lever portion 30 (lever handle 34) performed to adjust the length, the retaining claw 33 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the second handle portion 20. Therefore, when the second hole 12 and the second engaging portion 22 overlap, the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30 is further inserted into the second hole 12 and engages with the second engaging portion 22. Thereby, the telescopic handle device 3 can restrict the sliding of the second handle portion 20 with respect to the first handle portion 10. That is, the telescopic handle device 3 engages the retaining claw 33 with the second engaging portion 22 before the second handle portion 20 falls off from the first handle portion 10 by the operation of the lever portion 30 (lever handle 34) performed by the operator to adjust the length, and can restrict the sliding.

[0050] Thus, in the telescopic handle device 3, it is possible to suppress the second handle portion 20 from unintentionally falling off with respect to the first handle portion 10 during extension. When pulling out the second handle portion 20 from the first handle portion 10, the operator fixes the swing of the lever main body 31 so that the fixing claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 do not engage with either the first engaging portion 21 or the second engaging portion 22. In this state, the operator can pull out the second handle portion 20 from the first handle portion 10.

[0051] The lever portion 30 includes a torsion spring 35 that biases the lever main body 31 in a direction in which the fixing claw 32 approaches the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10 and the retaining claw 33 moves away from the outer surface 10a of the first handle portion 10. In this case, the telescopic handle device 3 can engage the fixing claw 32 with the first engaging portion 21 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 35 and maintain a state in which the length of the handle portion 3a is fixed.

[0052] The fixed claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 are provided at different positions from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle portion 20. Correspondingly, the first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22 are provided at different positions from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle portion 20. In this case, the telescopic handle device 3 can set the fixed position of the length by the fixed claw 32 and the retaining position of the second handle portion 20 by the retaining claw 33 at independent sliding positions, respectively.

[0053] The lever portion 30 includes a lever handle 34 connected to the lever body 31. In this case, an operator who performs the telescopic operation of the telescopic handle device 3 can easily perform the swinging operation of the lever body 31 using the lever handle 34.

[0054] The first handle portion 10 and the second handle portion 20 each have a rectangular tubular shape. In this case, by bringing the inner surface of the first handle portion 10 into contact with the outer surface 20a of the second handle portion 20, it is possible to easily prevent the second handle portion 20 from rotating within the first handle portion 10. Thereby, the telescopic handle device 3 can easily perform the alignment between the first hole 11 and the first engaging portion 21, and the alignment between the second hole 12 and the second engaging portion 22.

[0055] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, although the torsion spring 35 is used to bias the lever body 31, an urging portion other than the torsion spring 35 may be used. For example, a spiral compression spring (urging portion) may be attached to the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30, and the lever body 31 may be urged by the compression spring.

[0056] The first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22 provided on the second handle portion 20 are not limited to being holes. The first engaging portion 21 and the second engaging portion 22 may have a concave shape or the like as long as the fixed claw 32 and the retaining claw 33 of the lever portion 30 can be engaged therewith, respectively.

[0057] The lever handle 34 is not limited to being connected to the end of the lever body 31 on the side where the retaining claw 33 is provided. For example, the lever handle 34 may be connected to the end of the lever body 31 on the side where the fixing claw 32 is provided. Further, the telescopic handle device 3 may be applied to a working machine other than the self-propelled lawn mower 1.

Description of Signs

[0058] 1... Self-propelled lawn mower (working machine), 3... Telescopic handle device, 10... First handle part, 10a... Outer surface, 10b... Insertion port, 20... Second handle part, 20b... Insertion side end (tip end in the insertion direction), 21, 21A, 21B, 21C... First engaging part, 22... Second engaging part, 30... Lever part, 31... Lever body, 32... Fixing claw, 33... Retaining claw, 34... Lever handle, 35... Twisting spring (biasing part), L... Oscillation axis.

Claims

1. A telescopic handle device (3) for operating a work machine (1), comprising: a cylindrical first handle portion (10); a second handle portion (20) disposed in the first handle portion (10) so as to be insertable and removable; a lever portion (30) attached to the first handle portion (10) and configured to releasably restrict sliding of the second handle portion (20) with respect to the first handle portion (10); The lever portion (30) includes: a lever body (31) swingably attached to an outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10); a fixing claw (32) and a retaining claw (33) respectively provided on the lever body (31) and extending toward the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10); The fixing claw (32) and the retaining claw (33) are provided on the lever body (31) with the swing axis (L) of the lever body (31) therebetween. The fixing claw (32) is located closer to an insertion port (10b) of the second handle portion (20) provided in the first handle portion (10) than the retaining claw (33). The lever body (31) is swingable about the swing axis (L) in a direction in which the fixing claw (32) approaches the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10) and the retaining claw (33) moves away from the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10), and in a direction in which the fixing claw (32) moves away from the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10) and the retaining claw (33) approaches the outer surface (10a) of the first handle portion (10). The first handle portion (10) is provided with a first hole (11) into which the fixing claw (32) can be inserted at a position facing the fixing claw (32), and a second hole (12) into which the retaining claw (33) can be inserted at a position facing the retaining claw (33). The second handle portion (20) is provided with a first engaging portion (21) engageable with the fixing claw (32) inserted into the first handle portion (10) through the first hole (11), and a second engaging portion (22) engageable with the retaining claw (33) inserted into the first handle portion (10) through the second hole (12). The second engaging portion (22) is located closer to a tip portion (20b) in the insertion direction of the second handle portion (20) into the first handle portion (10) than the first engaging portion (21).

2. ​ ​ The lever part (30) further includes a biasing part (35) that biases the lever body (31) in a direction in which the fixing claw (32) approaches the outer surface (10a) of the first handle part (10) and the retaining claw (33) separates from the outer surface (10a) of the first handle part (10). The telescopic handle device (3) according to claim 1.

3. The fixing claw (32) and the retaining claw (33) are displaced from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle part (20). The first engaging part (21) and the second engaging part (22) are displaced from each other in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the second handle part (20). The telescopic handle device (3) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lever part (30) further includes a lever handle (34) connected to the lever body (31). The telescopic handle device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first handle part (10) and the second handle part (20) each have a rectangular cylindrical shape. The telescopic handle device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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