CN110167717B

CN110167717B - Eccentric mechanism

Info

Publication number: CN110167717B
Application number: CN201880005888.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 汤玛斯·绍特; 嘉百列·席埃尔; 班杰明·亚莎尔
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2017-03-30
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2020-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-02
Also published as: FI3600785T3; TW201836790A; WO2018177627A1; CN110167717A; EP3600785A1; EP3600785B1; TWI742258B; PL3600785T3

Abstract

An eccentric mechanism (106) is provided for coupling a tool handle (104) with a tool head (102), the eccentric mechanism (106) including a first pin member (200) extending through an opening in the tool handle (104). The over-center mechanism (106) includes a second pin member (202) coupled to the first pin member (200). The second pin member (202) is oriented at an angle relative to the first pin member (200). The over-center mechanism (106) further includes a lever (204) rotatably coupled to the second pin member (202). The lever (204) is adapted to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The lever (204) includes at least one arcuate portion (206) that presses against the tool head (102) in the closed position. The eccentric mechanism (106) is characterized in that: the over-center mechanism (106) also includes a tilt avoidance mechanism (208) associated with the lever (204).

Description

Eccentric mechanism

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an over-center mechanism for coupling a tool head to a tool handle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an eccentric mechanism having a tilt avoiding mechanism.

Background

Sweeping devices such as brooms and the like are often used in a variety of different applications, such as in the field of gardening, home furnishing and the like. Such sweeping devices may typically include a handle connected to the broom head, which may be coupled to the broom head by various attachment mechanisms known in the art. One example of such a coupling mechanism is an eccentric mechanism.

The over-center mechanism may use a lever to provide pressure between the two components so that the two components may be held together. In this case, the eccentric mechanism may hold the handle and broom head together. The eccentric mechanism provides an effective way to couple the broom head and the handle together. The lever is operable by a user to switch between an open position and a closed position. However, when the lever is switched between the closed position and the open position, the lever of the eccentric mechanism may be inclined to the side. Such tilting motion may adversely affect the coupling of the eccentric mechanism. In addition, unnecessary tilting can also damage the components of the broom head and handle.

EP2845693a2 provides an adapter device for a tool having an adapter body comprising a receptacle for a tool holder. The clamping device has a clamping lever for clamping the captured tool holder. The clamping lever is pivotable between a release position and a clamping position. Furthermore, a locking device is provided for locking the clamping lever in the clamping position, wherein the locking device is provided at the clamping lever. The locking device includes a pivotable pawl disposed away from the lever pivot axis.

Accordingly, there is a need for an eccentric mechanism that improves upon the shortcomings of the prior art to overcome the problems of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides an eccentric mechanism for coupling a tool handle to a tool head. The over-center mechanism includes a first pin member extending through an opening in the tool handle. The over-center mechanism includes a second pin member coupled to the first pin member, the second pin member oriented at an angle relative to the first pin member. The over-center mechanism further includes a lever rotatably coupled to the second pin member. The lever rotates between an open position and a closed position. The lever includes at least one arcuate portion that presses against the tool head in the closed position. The eccentric mechanism is characterized in that: the over-center mechanism further includes a tilt avoidance mechanism associated with the lever. The tilt avoidance mechanism provides a smooth configuration of the over-center mechanism when the lever is in the open position. The tilt avoidance mechanism prevents the lever from tilting laterally in the open position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tilt avoidance mechanism comprises at least one protrusion adjacent to the at least one arc of the lever. The tilt avoidance mechanism further comprises at least one slot disposed on the tool head. The at least one slit is disposed below the at least one protrusion. The at least one slot accommodates the at least one protrusion in the open position of the lever. When the slot receives the projection in the open position of the lever, lateral movement of the lever is restricted, thereby preventing the lever from tilting. Also, lateral movement of the lever is restricted in the closed position. Thus, tilting of the lever is prevented and tool stability is provided.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the lever comprises two protrusions, which provide a further balancing of the lever. Thus, the over-center mechanism may more effectively couple the tool head and the tool handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool head comprises two slits. The two slots receive the two protrusions on the lever and provide further balancing of the lever. Thus, the over-center mechanism more effectively couples the tool head and the tool handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the lever comprises two arc-shaped portions adapted to press against the tool head in the closed position. The two arcuate portions provide more balance of the eccentric mechanism and provide additional pressure on the tool head through the lever.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion has a semicircular shape. The semi-circular shape of the projection ensures that the projection always engages the slot in both the open and closed positions of the lever, thus preventing tilting of the lever to provide stability of the over-center mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tilt avoidance mechanism comprises at least one protrusion arranged on the tool head such that the protrusion prevents the lever from tilting in the open position of the lever. The protrusion provides stability to the over-center mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tilt avoidance mechanism comprises two protrusions. The two protrusions provide further balancing of the lever and thus also of the eccentric mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the projection extends on the tool head and surrounds the lever in its closed position. The protrusion provides a balance for the lever and thus for the eccentric mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric mechanism further includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the first pin member. The adjustment mechanism adjusts the pressure exerted by the lever on the tool head. The adjustment mechanism enables the eccentric mechanism to be used in a variety of desired applications.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting mechanism is a screw. The screw provides a simple and effective way to adjust the pressure exerted by the lever on the tool head.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the screw includes an embossed portion. The embossing provides a better grip of the screw when adjusting the eccentric mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an angle between the first pin member and the second pin member is 90 degrees.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the lever rotates in an angular range of 90 degrees between the open position and the closed position. The lever may also be rotated through an angular range of 180 degrees depending on the application.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tool head is at least one of a broom head, a gutter cleaning head or a fruit picker, and the eccentric mechanism can be used for various products.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a tool having an eccentric mechanism as a broom head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool in an open position according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a tool having an eccentric mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows the implement as a fruit picker according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

figure 6 shows the implement as a gutter sweeper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be applied to other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like element numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "side," "longitudinal," "lateral," "transverse," "upward," "downward," "forward," "rearward," "lateral," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "inner," "outer," "inward," "outward," "top," "bottom," "upper," "above," "below," "center," "intermediate," "between," "end," "adjacent," "proximate," "adjacent," "remote," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, merely describe the structure shown in the figures. Indeed, unless otherwise indicated, the elements may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations.

Fig. 1 illustrates a tool 100 having a tool head 102 coupled to a tool handle 104, the tool head 102 being shown as a broom head. It should be noted that the tool head 102 may be any other type of tool head according to the implementation requirements, and the invention is not limited to the implementation of the tool head 102. The tool handle 104 provides a means for holding the tool 100 when the tool 100 is in use. The tool handle 104 may include a grip or cap (not shown) depending on the application for which the tool 100 is used.

The tool 100 is coupled to the tool head 102 by an eccentric mechanism 106. The over-center mechanism 106 is provided as a means by which the tool head 102 and tool handle 104 may be effectively coupled. The section a-a 'passes through the tool 100 such that the section a-a' is perpendicular to the tool head 102 and tool handle 104. Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the tool 100 taken along section a-a'. The over-center mechanism 106 includes a first pin member 200 that extends through an opening (not shown) in the tool handle 104. Although the first pin member 200 is shown as an elongated member having a cylindrical cross-section, the first pin member 200 may be any other cross-sectional shape.

The over-center mechanism 106 includes a second pin member 202 coupled to the first pin member 200. The second pin member 202 may be connected to the first pin member 200 by any suitable connection mechanism, depending on the application requirements. Although the second pin member 202 is shown as an elongated member having a cylindrical cross-section, the second pin member 202 may be any other cross-sectional shape. The second pin member 202 is oriented at an angle relative to the first pin member 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the first pin member 200 and the second pin member 202 is 90 degrees. It is noted that the angle between the first pin member 200 and the second pin member 202 may vary depending on the application requirements.

The over-center mechanism 106 includes a lever 204 coupled to the second pin member 202 such that the lever 204 may rotate about the second pin member 202. The lever 204 may rotate about the second pin member 202 within an angular range, which may be defined based on application requirements or the type of tool head 102 used. The angle range may be 90 degrees or 180 degrees, depending on the application requirements. The lever 204 rotates about the second pin member 202 between a closed position and an open position. The lever 204 may be rotated by a user about the second pin member 202 to change the position of the lever 204 between the closed position and the open position. The lever 204 is shown in the closed position in fig. 2. Section B-B 'is shown such that section B-B' is perpendicular to the tool head 102 to divide the tool 100 into two symmetrical portions.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the tool 100 taken along a section B-B' viewed from a side of the tool 100. The lever 204 is shown in the open position, the lever 204 including at least one arcuate portion 206, the arcuate portion 206 pressing against the tool head 102 when the lever 204 is in the closed position, the arcuate portion 206 facilitating the locking action of the over-center mechanism 106. The arcuate portion 206 may be implemented in any other suitable shape based on the shape of the tool head 102 and the application requirements. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 204 has two arcuate portions 206 disposed in a symmetrical manner about a section B-B' of the lever 204.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3 in combination, the over-center mechanism 106 further includes a tilt-preventing mechanism 208 to prevent the lever 204 from tilting laterally when the lever 204 is in the open position, or to prevent the lever 206 from switching from the closed position to the open position. The tilt avoidance mechanism 208 ensures that the tool head 102 is always coupled to the tool handle 104.

The tilt avoidance mechanism 208 includes at least one protrusion 210 disposed on the lever 204. In the illustrated embodiment, two protrusions 210 are provided on the lever 204. The protrusion 210 is shown as having a semi-circular shape. However, the protrusion 210 may be any other shape to fit the requirements of the present invention. The tilt avoidance mechanism 208 further includes at least one slot 212 disposed on the tool head 102. In the illustrated embodiment, two slots 212 are provided in the tool head 102. The slot 212 is located below the protrusion 210 such that the slot 212 can receive the protrusion 210 when the lever 204 is in the open position. The slot 212 may also be any other suitable shape to allow the slot 212 to correspondingly receive the protrusion 210.

The over-center mechanism 106 also includes an adjustment mechanism 214 coupled to the first pin member 200. The adjustment mechanism 214 may be used to adjust the pressure exerted by the curved portion 206 of the lever 204 on the tool head 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 214 is a screw. The screw may include a knurled portion to provide a better grip when adjusting the eccentric mechanism 106. The adjustment mechanism 214 may be any other type of adjustment mechanism according to the application requirements.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The tilt avoidance mechanism 208 includes at least one protrusion 400 on the tool head 102 such that the protrusion 400 may prevent the lever 204 from tilting in the open position of the lever 204. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tilt avoidance mechanism 208 includes two protrusions 400 on each side of the lever 204. In an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion 400 extends over the tool head 102 and extends around the lever 204 in the closed position of the lever 204. It should be noted that the protrusion 400 may be any other shape and size depending on the shape of the lever 204 and the application requirements.

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The tool 100 is shown as a fruit picker that may be used to pick fruit and the like from a tree, the tool handle 104 may be attached to an extendable handle mechanism (not shown) that enables a user to extend the tool 100 to pick fruit and the like from a tree, the fruit picker being coupled to the tool handle 104 by means of an eccentric mechanism 106.

Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, in which the tool head 102 is shown as a gutter sweeper that may be used for cleaning purposes in a house in a gutter or the like. The sink sweeper includes a sweeping attachment 600 on both sides, which is coupled to the tool handle 104 by means of an over-center mechanism 106.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Description of reference numerals:

100 tool

102 tool head

104 tool handle

106 eccentric mechanism

200 first pin member

202 second lock member

204 lever

206 arc part

208 tilt avoidance mechanism

210 protrusion

212 slit

214 adjustment mechanism

400 of the projection

600 sweeping accessory

Section A-A

Section of B-B

Claims

1. An eccentric mechanism (106) for coupling a tool handle (104) to a tool head (102), the eccentric mechanism (106) comprising:

a first pin member (200) extending through an opening in the tool handle (104);

a second pin member (202) coupled to the first pin member (200), the second pin member (202) oriented at an angle relative to the first pin member (200); and

a lever (204) rotatably coupled to the second pin member (202) and adapted to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lever (204) comprises at least one arc (206), the arc (206) being adapted to press against the tool head (102) in the closed position, and wherein the arc (206) causes a locking action of the over-center mechanism (106);

the method is characterized in that:

the over-center mechanism (106) further comprises a tilt avoidance mechanism (208), the tilt avoidance mechanism (208) being associated with the lever (204), wherein the tilt avoidance mechanism (208) is adapted to ensure that the tool head (102) is always coupled to the tool handle (104).

2. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tilt avoidance mechanism (208) comprises:

at least one protrusion (210) adjacent to the at least one arcuate portion (206) of the lever (204); and

at least one slot (212) disposed on the tool head (102), wherein the at least one slot (212) is disposed below the at least one protrusion (210);

wherein the at least one slit (212) is adapted to receive the at least one protrusion (210) in the open position of the lever (204).

3. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lever (204) comprises two protrusions (210).

4. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the tool head (102) comprises two slots (212).

5. Over-centre mechanism (106) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the lever (204) comprises two arc-shaped portions (206) adapted to press against the tool head (102) in the closed position.

6. Over-centre mechanism (106) according to claim 4, characterised in that the lever (204) comprises two arc-shaped portions (206) adapted to press against the tool head (102) in the closed position.

7. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 2, characterized in that the protrusion (210) has a semicircular shape.

8. Over-centre mechanism (106) according to claim 1, characterised in that the tilt avoidance mechanism (208) comprises at least one protrusion (400) arranged on the tool head (102) such that the protrusion (400) prevents the lever (204) from tilting in the open position of the lever (204).

9. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 8, characterized in that the tilt avoidance mechanism (208) comprises two protrusions (400).

10. Over-center mechanism (106) according to claim 8, characterized in that the protrusion (400) extends on the tool head (102) and surrounds the lever (204) in the closed position of the lever (204).

11. The eccentric mechanism (106) according to any of claims 1 to 3, 7 to 10, characterized by further comprising an adjustment mechanism (214) coupled to the first pin member (200), wherein the adjustment mechanism (214) is adapted to adjust the pressure exerted by the lever (204) on the tool head (102).

12. The eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 11, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism (214) is a screw.

13. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to claim 12, characterized in that the screw comprises a knurled portion.

14. Eccentric mechanism (106) according to any of claims 1 to 3, 7 to 10, characterized in that the angle between the first pin member (200) and the second pin member (202) is 90 degrees.

15. Over-center mechanism (106) according to any of claims 1-3, 7-10, characterized in that the lever (204) rotates in an angular range of 90 degrees between the open position and the closed position.

16. The eccentric mechanism (106) according to any of claims 1 to 3, 7 to 10, wherein the tool head (102) is at least one of a broom head, a gutter cleaning head, or a fruit picker.