JP5195067B2 - Handle support structure for outboard motor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a handle support structure for an outboard motor having a handle body that is brought into a substantially horizontal position for steering the engine body of the outboard motor, and is turned to a substantially vertical position as necessary. About.

  Conventionally, in an outboard motor, a handle body for performing throttle operation and steering (or only steering) is protruded and connected to the engine body side at a substantially horizontal position. When the direction is swung to the left and right of the hull, the outboard motor is driven and steered, and the traveling direction of the hull can be steered.

  Further, when the handle body grasps its tip and swings in the vertical direction, the protruding direction of the handle body can be changed from the substantially horizontal state position to the substantially vertical state position.

  The projecting direction of the handle body can be changed from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position because the handle body can be moved to a substantially vertical position in order to make the outboard motor compact when transporting and storing the outboard motor. This is necessary when you want to keep it in the outboard motor (when you want to follow it), when you want to move the outboard motor forward while keeping the handle body approximately horizontal in order to sail in the shallow waters It depends.

  Accordingly, the handle main body is rotatably connected to the engine main body so that the vertical direction can be changed, and it is difficult for the outboard motor to rotate due to the weight of the engine main body (outboard motor). It is necessary to stop at a predetermined rotational position.

  Therefore, the engine main body side and the handle main body are connected via a vibration isolator, and the handle main body is connected to the vibration isolator at a desired position or a predetermined position between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. There is known a technique for stopping by using (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the vibration isolator is configured to rotatably connect the cylindrical housing 1 on the engine body side and the handle body 2.

  The handle body 2 includes a shaft portion 2a that is inserted through the inner periphery of the cylindrical housing 1 at a predetermined interval, and an operation trunk 2b that is integrally formed with the shaft portion 2a and that is used for steering the left and right sides of the hull (up and down in the drawing). And a cylindrical flange 2c are integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 2a. A handle cover 3 is attached to the end surface of the shaft portion 2a.

  On the other hand, on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 2 a, a resin collar 4 formed integrally with annular flanges 4 a and 4 b that are provided on the outer periphery of both ends and are in close contact with the cylindrical flange 2 c and the handle cover 3, and a resin collar 4. A metal inner cylinder 5 integrally formed with an annular flange 5a provided on the outer periphery and closing the open end of the cylindrical flange 2c is formed on the cylindrical flange 2c side of the resin collar 4 and the metal inner cylinder 5. A wave washer 6 provided between the annular flanges 4a and 5a, and a rubber elastic body 7 press-fitted between the outer periphery of the metal inner cylinder 5 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical housing 1. Yes.

  Thereby, the annular flanges 4a and 4b at both ends of the resin collar 4 are elastically pressed against the cylindrical flange 2c and the handle cover 3 by the spring property of the wave washer 6 along the axial direction of the shaft portion 2a. A friction function for maintaining the rotational position of the handle body 2 in the vertical direction (the depth direction in the drawing) is exhibited.

A metal inner cylinder 5 is disposed on the outer periphery of the resin collar 4, and a rubber elastic body 7 is interposed between the metal inner cylinder 5 and the cylindrical housing 1 on the engine body side. Therefore, a vibration-proof function that prevents vibration from the engine body from being transmitted to the handle body 2 is exhibited by the elasticity of the rubber elastic body 7.
Japanese Patent No. 3729230

  However, in the handle support structure for an outboard motor configured as described above, the rotational position (posture) of the handle body 2 in the vertical direction is that of the shaft portion 2a due to the simple wave shape of the wave washer 6. Since it depends on the friction function generated by the spring property along the axial direction, the engine body side (cylindrical housing 1) and the handle body 2 are always in contact with each other regardless of the attitude of the handle body 2. is there.

  Therefore, in a state where the engine main body is driven, that is, in a state where the handle main body 2 is in a substantially horizontal position and the driver is gripping the handle main body 2, vibration from the engine main body is detected. There has been a problem that there is a limit to prevent it from being transmitted to.

  At this time, the load from the outboard motor applied to the handle main body 2 is the result of the transmission of the propulsive force that contradicts the anti-vibration function, ensuring maneuverability (stability), and the impact caused by the impact at the time of hull jumping (such as over the wave) It is necessary to consider various factors such as the function of regulating the displacement of the outer motor main body and the holding (supporting) of the outboard motor main body load (self-weight).

  However, if only the above-described friction function by the wave washer 6 is used to maintain the generation of the friction for maintaining the attitude of the handle body 2, the anti-vibration function for suppressing vibration transmission from the engine body to the handle body 2. On the contrary, when trying to specialize the anti-vibration function, the problem arises that the friction function must be sacrificed.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a handle support structure for an outboard motor capable of improving the vibration isolation function while maintaining the friction function.

  An outboard motor handle support structure according to the present invention includes a handle bracket provided on the engine body side of the outboard motor, a handle cover detachably held by the handle bracket, the handle bracket and the handle cover. A handle support structure for an outboard motor that is pivotally supported and pivotable in a vertical direction from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, wherein the handle body is in a substantially horizontal state. Sometimes a predetermined clearance is formed between the handle body and the handle bracket and the handle cover, and the handle body is disposed between the handle body and at least one side of the handle bracket or the handle cover. The handle body and the handle bracket or the handle when the handle body is in a substantially vertical position. Characterized in that it and a friction generating device for generating friction between at least one side of the dollar cover.

At this time, the friction generating device includes a pair of sliding members disposed between at least one side of the handle bracket or the handle cover and the handle body, the pair of sliding members to each other, the when the handle body is substantially horizontal state position without contact, and the handle body is preferably Ru to generate friction when in the substantially vertical state position.

  The sliding member is preferably disposed on each of the handle main body and the handle bracket, and at least one of them is elastic.

  Further, the sliding member may be provided in each of the handle main body and the handle bracket, and an elastic member may be interposed between the sliding members.

  The outboard motor handle support structure of the present invention can improve the vibration isolation function while maintaining the friction function.

  Next, an outboard motor handle support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a side view of the inside of an outboard motor to which an outboard motor handle support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is an application of the handle support structure of an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the handle support structure of the outboard motor according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (A) is one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the handle body substantially horizontal state position in the handle support structure of the outboard motor, and FIG. FIG. 5 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the handle body in a substantially vertical position in the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (B) is the present invention. Handle body substantially vertical state in handle support structure of outboard motor according to one embodiment It is a plan view of a main part of the location.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an engine main body 12 mounted on the top of an outboard motor (overall view omitted) 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention attaches the outboard motor 11 to a hull (not shown). Is fixed to an engine bracket 14 that supports a clamp bracket 13 for the purpose.

  Further, a handle bracket 15 is connected to the engine bracket 14 and, as shown in FIG. 2, from a substantially horizontal state position to a substantially vertical state position by a handle cover 16 detachably held by the handle bracket 15. One end side of the handle body 17 is pinched so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The handle cover 16 is detachably attached to the handle bracket 15 via bolts 18.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the handle main body 17 includes, for example, a shaft portion 17a having a vertical rotation axis P as an axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction of the hull in the horizontal plane (the vertical direction in the figure), and both ends of the shaft portion 17a are connected to each other. An operation trunk 17b is formed integrally with the handle bracket 15 and the handle cover 16 so as to be supported so as to be pivotable and projecting toward the front of the hull substantially perpendicular to the vertical pivot axis P.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft portion 17a between the shaft portion 17a of the handle main body 17 and at least one side of the handle bracket 15 or the handle cover 16 has a shaft portion when the handle main body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state. 17a and at least one side of the handle bracket 15 or the handle cover 16 is suppressed, and when the handle body 17 is in a substantially vertical state, at least the shaft portion 17a and the handle bracket 15 or the handle cover 16 A friction generator 20 that allows interference with one side is disposed.

  Specifically, the friction generating device 20 is set so that the interference force changes stepwise or in an inclined manner when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and in a substantially vertical state.

  In the present embodiment, a pair of sliding members 21, 22 having different sexes are arranged between one end side of the shaft portion 17 a and the handle cover 16, and the contact pressure between the sliding members 21, 22 ( Friction) changes stepwise between when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and when it is in a substantially vertical state.

  That is, the sliding member 21 is a rigid material (metal or hard resin) having a substantially convex cross section fixed to the handle cover 16 via a bolt 23 screwed to the handle cover 16 coaxially with the vertical rotation axis P. Etc.), and the in-plane thickness perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis P is, for example, every 90 ° so as to have an arc shape (fan shape) with the vertical rotation axis P as the center (coaxial). The thin wall portion 21a and the thick wall portion 21b are alternately made different, and the upper surface of the thick wall portion 21b is used as an opposing contact surface 21c.

  The sliding member 22 is composed of an elastic member (rubber, soft resin, or the like) having a downwardly cross-sectional shape fixed to the shaft portion 17a so as to rotate integrally with the shaft portion 17a (for example, adhesion). Therefore, the thickness in the plane perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis P is always 90 ° between the thin portion 21a and the thick portion 21b of the sliding member 21 (when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state). A thick portion 22a facing the thin portion 21a and a thin portion 22b facing the thick portion 21b so as to form an arc shape (fan shape) centered on the vertical rotation axis P (coaxial) in a shifted state. And the bottom surface of the thick portion 22a is used as an opposing contact surface 22c.

  In the present embodiment, the contact state between the handle bracket 15 and the handle cover 16 is non-contact or low resistance contact with the shaft portion 17a with respect to the direction around the axis of the vertical rotation axis P and the orthogonal direction. A plurality of packings 24, 25, and 26 are provided.

  The packing 24 has a concave groove 24a formed on the outer peripheral side thereof, and when the handle body 17 is rotated in the vertical direction, the contact area with the inner peripheral surface of the handle bracket 15 is minimized and the handle body 17 The function which suppresses generation | occurrence | production of the play at the time of rotation of is provided.

  The packings 25 and 26 have a cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the vertical rotation axis P and a flange that is orthogonal to the vertical rotation axis P and is formed into a substantially L-shaped cross section (end face), and the diameter D1 thereof is The diameter of the handle bracket 15 that supports the rotation of the shaft portion 17a and the shaft support recessed portions 15a and 16a of the handle cover 16 is smaller than the diameter D2. Further, the width W1 between the packings 25 and 26 is narrower than the separation distance W2 between the handle bracket 15 and the handle cover 16.

  Therefore, a clearance C of a predetermined interval is formed between the packing 25 and the handle bracket 15 and between the packing 26 and the handle cover 16, and when the handle body 17 is in the substantially horizontal position, the handle bracket 15 and the handle cover Since there is a clearance C between 16 and the handle body 17, vibration from the engine body 12 is difficult to be transmitted.

  In the above configuration, for example, when the handle main body 17 is in the substantially horizontal position, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the opposing contact surface 21c of the sliding member 21 and the opposing contact of the sliding member 22 are provided. It is separated from the surface 22c and is in a non-contact state, that is, in a state where there is no interference.

  On the other hand, the handle body 17 is rotated about the vertical rotation axis P as an axis. For example, when the handle body 17 is in the substantially vertical position, as shown in FIGS. Along with the difference in thickness between the members 21 and 22, the opposing contact surface 21c of the sliding member 21 and the opposing contact surface 22c of the sliding member 22 are pressed against each other to generate a friction function, and the handle body 17 is in a substantially vertical state position. Can be maintained firmly.

  Although the thin wall portion 21a and the thick wall portion 21b have two stages in the above embodiment, for example, by providing a middle thick wall portion, the outboard motor 11 is moved forward during shallow water cruising, for example. Can be fixed at the neutral position.

  By the way, in the above embodiment, the thick wall portions 21b and 22a and the thin wall portions 21a and 22b are alternately formed at approximately 90 °, so that when the handle body 17 is in the approximately horizontal position, In addition, the rotation position of the handle main body 17 is defined only between two positions with the substantially vertical position. However, the rotation position of the handle main body 17 is determined at a predetermined or desired position in a plurality of steps or steplessly. It is also possible to specify.

  Further, the thick wall portions 21b and 22a and the thin wall portions 21a and 22b are alternately formed at approximately 90 °, so that the handle body 17 is in the substantially horizontal position and the handle body 17 is upward and in the approximately vertical position. Alternatively, the handle body 17 can be both downward and substantially vertical.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a first modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, when the handle main body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state by alternately forming the thick portions 21b and 22a and the thin portions 21a and 22b that are 90 ° out of phase with each other in the sliding members 21 and 22. In the first modification, the handle body 17 changes in a stepwise manner depending on whether the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state or in a substantially vertical state. Indicates what to do.

  That is, the friction generating device 30 of the first modification is set so that the interference force changes in an inclined manner when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and in a substantially vertical state.

  In the present embodiment, a pair of sliding members 31, 32 are provided between one end side of the shaft portion 17a and the handle cover 16, and the contact pressure between the sliding members 31, 32 is determined by the handle body. It changes in an inclined manner when 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and when it is in a substantially vertical state.

  That is, the sliding member 31 is made of a rigid material (metal or hard resin or the like) fixed to the handle cover 16 and has a substantially arc shape coaxially with the vertical rotation axis P and has a thickness near both ends thereof. A thick portion 31b that is gradually thinned is formed, and an upper surface of the thick portion 31b that is orthogonal to the vertical rotation axis P is used as an opposing contact surface 31c. As a result, the opposing contact surfaces 31c near both ends of the thick portion 31b are inclined opposing contact surfaces 31d because the thickness gradually decreases.

  The sliding member 32 is composed of an elastic member (rubber or soft resin) fixed to the shaft portion 17a so as to rotate integrally with the shaft portion 17a (for example, rubber or soft resin). The thickness in the orthogonal plane is always centered on the vertical rotation axis P (coaxial) while being separated from the thick portion 31b of the sliding member 31 (when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state). A thick portion 32a having an arc shape and a gradually reduced thickness near both ends thereof is formed, and the bottom surface of the thick portion 32a is used as an opposing contact surface 32c. As a result, the opposing contact surfaces 32c near both ends of the thick portion 32a are inclined opposing contact surfaces 32d because the thickness gradually decreases.

  In the above configuration, for example, when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal position, the opposed contact surface 31c of the sliding member 31 and the opposed contact surface 32c of the sliding member 32 are separated from each other and are not in contact with each other, that is, There is no interference.

  On the other hand, when the handle body 17 is rotated about the vertical rotation axis P as an axis, for example, when the handle body 17 is in a substantially vertical position, as shown in FIG. With this difference, the inclined opposing contact surface 31d of the sliding member 31 and the inclined opposing contact surface 32d of the sliding member 32 come into pressure contact with each other so that a friction function is generated, and the substantially vertical position of the handle body 17 gradually increases. It can be maintained firmly (inclined).

(Modification 2)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, the sliding members 21 and 22 are disclosed as being configured separately from the handle cover 16 or the handle body 17. However, in the second modification, at least one of them is integrated. Molded.

  That is, the friction generating device 40 of Modification 2 is set so that the interference force changes in an inclined manner when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and in a substantially vertical state.

  In the present embodiment, a pair of sliding members 41, 42 disposed between one end side of the shaft portion 17a and the handle cover 16 is provided, and the contact pressure between the sliding members 41, 42 is determined by the handle body. It changes in an inclined manner when 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and when it is in a substantially vertical state.

  That is, the sliding member 41 is made of a rigid material (metal or hard resin or the like) fixed to the handle cover 16 and has a substantially arc shape coaxially with the vertical rotation axis P and has a thickness near both ends thereof. The thick portion 41b that is gradually thinned is provided separately from the elastic material, and the upper surface of the thick portion 41b that is orthogonal to the vertical rotation axis P is used as an opposing contact surface 41c. Thereby, the opposing contact surface 41c near the both ends of the thick portion 41b is an inclined opposing contact surface 41d because the wall thickness is gradually reduced.

  The sliding member 42 is made of a rigid material (metal or the like) integrally formed with the shaft portion 17a so as to rotate integrally with the shaft portion 17a, and has a thickness in a plane perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis P. In a normal state (when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state), it is in a state of being separated from the thick part 41b of the sliding member 41 and has an arc shape with the vertical rotation axis P as the center (coaxial) and the vicinity of both ends thereof A thick portion 42a having a gradually reduced thickness is formed, and the bottom surface of the thick portion 42a is used as an opposing contact surface 42c. Thereby, the opposing contact surface 42c near the both ends of the thick portion 42a is an inclined opposing contact surface 42d because the thickness gradually decreases.

  In the above configuration, for example, when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal position, the opposed contact surface 41c of the sliding member 41 and the opposed contact surface 42c of the sliding member 42 are separated from each other and are not in contact with each other, that is, There is no interference.

  On the other hand, when the handle body 17 is rotated with the vertical rotation axis P as the axis, for example, when the handle body 17 is in a substantially vertical position, as shown in FIG. As a result of this difference, the inclined opposing contact surface 41d of the sliding member 41 and the inclined opposing contact surface 42d of the sliding member 42 are brought into pressure contact with each other so that a friction function is generated, and the substantially vertical position of the handle body 17 gradually increases. It can be maintained firmly (inclined).

(Modification 3)
8 to 10 show a third modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, the sliding members 21 and 22 are disclosed as being configured separately from the handle cover 16 or the handle main body 17, but in the third modification, both of them are integrally formed. It is what.

  That is, the friction generating device 50 of the third modification is set such that the interference force changes stepwise between when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and when it is in a substantially vertical state.

  In the present embodiment, a pair of sliding members 51 and 52 disposed between one end side of the shaft portion 17a and the handle cover 16 is provided, and the contact pressure between the sliding members 51 and 52 is an elastic member. When the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal state and in a substantially vertical state via 53, it changes stepwise.

  In other words, the sliding member 51 is formed integrally with the handle cover 16 as a thick portion having a substantially arc shape coaxially with the vertical rotation axis P, and an upper surface orthogonal to the vertical rotation axis P is defined as an opposing contact surface 51c. Yes.

  The sliding member 52 is integrally formed with the shaft portion 17a so as to rotate integrally with the shaft portion 17a as a thick portion having a substantially arc shape coaxially with the vertical rotation axis P, and is orthogonal to the vertical rotation axis P. The bottom surface to be used is an opposing contact surface 52c.

  The elastic member 53 is composed of a thin sheet of rubber or the like, and is formed in an annular shape or a perfect circle shape having a width that straddles both the sliding members 51 and 52.

  In the above configuration, for example, when the handle main body 17 is in the substantially horizontal position, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the opposing contact surface 51c of the sliding member 51 and the opposing contact of the sliding member 52 are provided. The elastic member 53 is in a state where it is separated from the surface 52c and is not in contact with the surface 52c, that is, in a state where there is no interference, and the elastic member 53 is not engaged with the opposing contact surface 51c and the opposing contact surface 52c.

  On the other hand, the handle main body 17 is rotated about the vertical rotation axis P as an axis. For example, when the handle main body 17 is in a substantially vertical position, as shown in FIGS. Along with the difference in thickness between the members 51 and 52, the opposing contact surface 51c of the sliding member 51 and the opposing contact surface 52c of the sliding member 52 face each other so that the elastic member 53 is engaged, The substantially vertical state position can be firmly maintained.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the shaft portion 17a in the shaft support recessed portion 16a is provided with a substantially cylindrical packing 54. The outer diameter of the packing 54 is the inner diameter of the shaft support recessed portion 16a. By making the diameter smaller than that, the handle body 17 and the handle cover 16 are configured not to interfere with each other when the handle body 17 is in a substantially horizontal position.

1 is a side view of the inside of an outboard motor to which an outboard motor handle support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a top view of the principal part of the outboard motor which applied the handle support structure of the outboard motor concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows the handle | steering-wheel support structure of the outboard motor which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The steering wheel main body substantially horizontal position in the handle | steering-wheel support structure of the outboard motor which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, (A) is sectional drawing of the principal part, (B) is a top view of the principal part. The steering wheel main body in the handle | steering-wheel support structure of the outboard motor which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, (A) is sectional drawing of the principal part, (B) is a top view of the principal part. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows the modification 1 in the handle | steering-wheel support structure of the outboard motor which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 shows a third modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. It is a top view of the principal part. 7 shows a third modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. It is a top view of the principal part. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a third modification of the handle support structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows the handle | steering-wheel support structure of the conventional outboard motor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Outboard motor 12 ... Engine main body 15 ... Handle bracket 16 ... Handle cover 17 ... Handle main body 20 ... Friction generator C ... Clearance

Claims (5)

A handle bracket provided on the engine body side of the outboard motor, a handle cover that is detachably held by the handle bracket, and is pivotally supported by the handle bracket and the handle cover so as to be substantially vertical from a substantially horizontal position. A handle support structure for an outboard motor comprising a handle body that is rotatable up and down to a position,
A predetermined clearance is formed between the handle body and the handle bracket and the handle cover when the handle body is in a substantially horizontal state, and at least one of the handle body and the handle bracket or the handle cover A friction generating device that is disposed between the handle main body and the handle main body to generate friction between the handle main body and at least one side of the handle bracket or the handle cover when the handle main body is in a substantially vertical position. A handle support structure for an outboard motor, comprising: The friction generating device is provided with a pair of sliding members disposed between at least one side of the handle bracket or the handle cover and the handle body, the pair of sliding members each other, the handle body when in a substantially horizontal state position without contact, and the handle support structure of the outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the benzalkonium to generate friction when the handle body is in a substantially vertical state position.   The sliding member has an arc shape concentric with the vertical rotation shaft of the handle body, and when the handle body is rotated from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, friction is gently applied. The outboard motor handle support structure according to claim 2, wherein the inclination is set so as to be generated.   4. The handle support for an outboard motor according to claim 2, wherein the sliding member is disposed on each of the handle body and the handle bracket, and at least one of them is elastic. 5. Construction. The outboard according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sliding member is provided in each of the handle body and the handle bracket, and an elastic member is interposed between the sliding members. Machine handle support structure.

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