Control assembly coupled to handle of an implement

A handle is configured to be coupled to an implement to guide the implement during operation. The handle includes a first member configured to be coupled to a main body of the implement, a second member movably coupled to the first member between a retracted position and an extended position, and a locking mechanism coupled between the first member and the second member. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position, in which the second member is fixed relative to the first member, and an unlocked position, in which the second member is movable relative to the first member. The handle also includes a control assembly configured to allow operation of the implement in response to the locking mechanism being moved into the locked position.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an implement including a handle (e.g., a telescoping handle), and more particularly to a control assembly coupled to the telescoping handle that controls operation of the implement.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an implement is configured to be supported on a surface. The implement includes a main body, a working member coupled to the main body, and a motor coupled to the main body. The motor is operable to move the working member. The implement also includes a handle configured to guide the implement during operation. The handle includes a first member coupled to the main body, a second member movably coupled to the first member between a retracted position and an extended position, and a locking mechanism coupled between the first member and the second member, the locking mechanism moveable between a locked position, in which the second member is fixed relative to the first member, and an unlocked position, in which the second member is movable relative to the first member. The implement further includes a control assembly configured to allow operation of the implement in response to the locking mechanism being moved into the locked position.

In another aspect, a handle is configured to be coupled to an implement to guide the implement during operation. The handle includes a first member configured to be coupled to a main body of the implement, a second member movably coupled to the first member between a retracted position and an extended position, and a locking mechanism coupled between the first member and the second member. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position, in which the second member is fixed relative to the first member, and an unlocked position, in which the second member is movable relative to the first member. The handle also includes a control assembly configured to allow operation of the implement in response to the locking mechanism being moved into the locked position.

In yet another aspect, a handle is configured to be coupled to an implement to guide the implement during operation. The handle includes a first member configured to be coupled to a main body of the implement, a second member movably coupled to the first member between a retracted position and an extended position, and a locking mechanism coupled between the first member and the second member. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position, in which the second member is fixed relative to the first member, and an unlocked position, in which the second member is movable relative to the first member. The handle also includes a control assembly having a control processor configured to detect when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, disable operation of the implement when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, detect when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and allow operation of the implement when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates an implement (e.g., a self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower10) including a main body15supported above a surface20by wheels25coupled to the main body15. The main body15also includes a motor housing30that supports an electric motor and at least one battery pack operable to drive the electric motor. In particular, the electric motor and the battery pack are electrically coupled to a control processor35coupled to the main body15(e.g., the motor housing30) for the control processor35to selectively control the electric motor. The main body15further includes a working member (e.g., a rotatable blade40) that is driven by the electric motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor can also drive at least one of the wheels25for the lawnmower10to be self-propelled. In other embodiments, the implement can be different (e.g., a snow thrower, ground tiller, etc.) such that the working member can be, for example, a snow thrower auger, a ground tilling blade, etc.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, the lawnmower10includes a telescoping handle45pivotably coupled to the main body15about an axis50between an operating position (shown inFIGS.1and2) and a storage position (not shown, but where the telescoping handle45is pivoted towards the main body15about the axis50to be positioned above the main body15). Specifically, the telescoping handle45includes a lower portion55having two outer members (e.g., outer tubes60) coupled to the main body15about the axis50. The telescoping handle45also includes an upper portion65having two inner members (e.g., inner tubes70) each received within one of the outer tubes60such that the telescoping handle45is slidable between a retracted position (FIG.1) and an extended position (FIG.2). The upper portion65also includes at least one actuation member (e.g., an actuation bail75) electrically coupled to the control processor35. In other embodiments, the control processor35can be coupled to the telescoping handle45rather than the main body15. In further embodiments, the inner tubes70can be pivotably coupled to the main body15and the outer tubes60can include the bail75. In yet further embodiments, the outer and inner tubes60,70can be pivotably coupled to each other to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position.

As shown inFIG.3, the telescoping handle45includes a locking mechanism80coupled between the lower portion55and the upper portion65of the telescoping handle45. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescoping handle45includes two locking mechanisms80each associated with one pair of the outer and inner tubes60,70. In other embodiments, the telescoping handle45can include one locking mechanism80associated with one pair of the outer and inner tubes60,70. Both locking mechanisms80are substantially similar, as such, only one locking mechanism80is discussed in detail below.

With reference toFIGS.4and5, the locking mechanism80includes a housing85fixed to the outer tube60and supports an actuation member (e.g., a lever90), a cam member95, a sleeve100, and a biasing member105(e.g., a coil spring). The lever90is rotatable about an axis110between a locked position (illustrated in solid lines withinFIG.3) and an unlocked position (illustrated in broken lines withinFIG.3). The housing85supports the lever90to inhibit the lever90from linear movement along the axis110. The illustrated lever90includes a post115received within an aperture120of the cam member95and protrusions125extending toward the cam member95. The protrusions125engage raised surfaces130of the cam member95when the lever90is in the locked position, and the protrusions125engage recessed surfaces135of the cam member95when the lever90is in the unlocked position. The cam member95also includes tabs140received within slots145of the housing85(FIG.6) to inhibit rotation of the cam member95about the axis110, but allow axial movement of the cam member95along the axis110.

With continued reference toFIGS.4and5, the cam member95includes a pin150received within a bore155of the sleeve100and ribs160received within slots165of the sleeve100. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve100is coupled to the cam member95(e.g., by the engagement between the ribs160and the slots165) such that the sleeve100moves with the cam member95axially along the axis110. In other embodiments, the cam member95can move relative to the sleeve100. The illustrated biasing member105abuts the outer tube60to bias the cam member95towards the lever90. In addition, the axis110extends through (e.g., is concentric) with an aperture170formed in the outer tube60, and the pin150of the cam member95extends through the aperture170. In other embodiments, the lever90can be a push-button actuator moveable along the axis110, a pivotable actuator moveable transverse to the axis110, a slidable actuator moveable transverse to the axis110, etc. operable to move the pin150.

With continued reference toFIGS.4and5, the lawnmower10includes a control assembly175in communication with one locking mechanism80. The illustrated control assembly175includes a position sensor180coupled to an inner surface185of the inner tube70such that the position sensor180aligns with a lower aperture190formed in the inner tube70. As such, the position sensor180moves with the inner tube70as the telescoping handle45moves between the extended position and the retracted position. The position sensor180is electrically coupled to the control processor35by wires routed internally through the outer and inner tubes60,70. In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor180is a push-button contact switch including a plunger195moveable between a first state (e.g., an extended state;FIG.7) and a second state (e.g., a retracted state;FIG.8) with the plunger195biased into the extended state. In other embodiments, the position sensor180can be a different type of switch or sensor (e.g., toggle switch, slide switch, infrared sensor, etc.) that is actuated by direct contact or by proximity of an object. In further embodiments, the lawnmower10can include two control assemblies175, each associated with one locking mechanism80.

As shown inFIGS.6-8, the illustrated control assembly175enables operation of the lawnmower10(e.g., the control processor35enables the electric motor to drive the blade40) when the locking mechanism80is in the locked position (FIG.8) and the telescoping handle45is in the extended position (FIG.2). Conversely, the control assembly175disables operation of the lawnmower10(e.g., the control processor35disables the electric motor) when the locking mechanism80is unlocked (FIG.7) allowing movement of the telescoping handle45between the extended position and the retracted position. In addition, the control assembly175also disables operation of the lawnmower10when the locking mechanism80is in the locked position (FIG.6) and the telescoping handle45is in the retracted position (FIG.1).

In particular, when the telescoping handle45is in the retracted position (FIG.1), the lever90can move into the locked position (FIG.6) such that the protrusions125of the lever90engage the raised surfaces130of the cam member95. In turn, the cam member95is axially moved inwardly toward the outer and inner tubes60,70against the force of the biasing member105. As shown inFIG.6, the pin150of the cam member95extends through an upper aperture200(FIG.2) formed in the inner tube70to lock the telescoping handle45in the retracted position. As the position sensor180is associated with the lower aperture190—and not the upper aperture200—of the inner tube70, the pin150does not actuate the position sensor180. As a result, the control assembly175disables operation of the lawnmower10(e.g., actuation of the bail75will not actuate rotation of the blade40). In other words, when the locking mechanism80is in the locked position and the telescoping handle45is in the retracted position, the control processor35disables operation of the lawnmower10.

Once the lever90is moved into the unlocked position (FIG.7), the protrusions125slide on the cam member95to be received within the recessed surfaces135of the cam member95. In turn, the cam member95is axially moved outwardly by the force of the biasing member105and the pin150is then spaced from the inner tube70. The telescoping handle45can then move from the retracted position (FIGS.1and6) to the extended position (FIGS.2and7) such that the pin150aligns with the lower aperture190of the inner tube70and the position sensor180. As the pin150still does not contact the position sensor180when the locking mechanism80is in the unlocked position (FIG.7), the control processor35continues to disable operation of the lawnmower10.

With reference toFIG.8, the lever90is then moved back into the locked position to move the protrusions125back into engagement with the raised surfaces130of the cam member95. In turn, the cam member95is axially moved inwardly for the pin150to be received within the lower aperture190of the inner tube70. The pin150also moves to actuate the position sensor180by engaging the plunger195. Accordingly, the control processor35detects the telescoping handle45is locked in the extended position to enable operation of the lawnmower10once the bail75is actuated. The control assembly175ensures the telescoping handle45is in the extended position, which provides a safe distance between the operator of the lawnmower10and the blade40during operation.

FIGS.9-12illustrate a control assembly375according to another embodiment for interfacing with the locking mechanism80. The control assembly375is similar to the control assembly175; therefore, similar components are designated with similar references numbers each incremented by 200. At least some differences and/or at least some similarities between the control assemblies175,375will be discussed in detail below. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein.

The illustrated control assembly375is coupled to the locking mechanism80such that the inner tubes70move relative to the control assembly375when the telescoping handle45moves between the extended position and the retracted position. In particular, the control assembly375includes a position sensor380having a first sensor405fixed relative to the outer tube60. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sensor405is coupled to the sleeve100, which is fixed to the outer tube60. In other embodiments, the first sensor405can be spaced from the sleeve100. The position sensor380also includes a second sensor410coupled to the pin150, which moves axially relative to the sleeve100and the first sensor405. Accordingly, the position sensor380is a hall effect sensor that detects a position of the second sensor410relative to the first sensor405. The position sensor380is electrically coupled to the control processor35by wires routed externally relative to the outer and inner tubes60,70.

When the telescoping handle45is in the retracted position (FIG.1), the locking mechanism80can move into the locked position (FIG.10) in which the pin150extends through the upper aperture200of the inner tube70to lock the telescoping handle45in the retracted position. With reference toFIG.10, the second sensor410is positioned relative to the first sensor405(e.g., misaligned with the first sensor405along the axis110) such that the control assembly375detects the locking mechanism80is in the locked position. In other embodiments, the second sensor410can be positioned in alignment with the first sensor405when the locking mechanism80is in the locked position. In some embodiments, another position sensor can detect when the locking mechanism80is in the locked position while the telescoping handle45is in the retracted position to disable operation of the lawnmower10. For example, the control assembly375can include a separate position sensor (similar to the position sensor180) associated with the upper aperture200in which the pin150engages to disable operation of the lawnmower10. In further embodiments, the locking mechanism80can be moved into a second locked position (different than the locked position shown inFIG.12) associated with when the telescoping handle45is in the retracted position to disable operation of the lawnmower10.

Once the locking mechanism80is moved into the unlocked position (FIG.11), the second sensor410is moved relative to the first sensor405(e.g., in alignment with the first sensor405along the axis110) such that the control assembly375detects the locking mechanism80is in the unlocked position. In other embodiments, the second sensor410can be positioned out of alignment with the first sensor405when the locking mechanism80is in the unlocked position. As a result, the control assembly375disables operation of the lawnmower10.

With reference toFIG.12, the locking mechanism80can move into the locked position in which the pin150extends through the lower aperture190of the inner tube70to lock the telescoping handle45in the extended position. The second sensor410is then positioned relative to the first sensor405(e.g., misaligned with the first sensor405along the axis110) such that the control assembly375detects the locking mechanism80is in the locked position. Again, in other embodiments, the second sensor410can be positioned in alignment with the first sensor405when the locking mechanism80is in the locked position. Accordingly, the control assembly375detects the telescoping handle45is locked in the extended position to enable operation of the lawnmower10once the bail75is actuated.

In other embodiments, the position sensor380can be a contact switch or a proximity sensor between the cam member95and the sleeve100/the outer tube60. For example, the position sensor380can be coupled to an outboard surface415of the sleeve100(FIG.11). As such, the control assembly375enables operation of the lawnmower10when an inboard surface420of the cam member95(FIG.11) engages or is positioned at a determined distance from the position sensor380on the outboard surface415. The control assembly375then disables operation of the lawnmower10when the inboard surface420of the cam member95disengages or is positioned away from the determined distance relative to the position sensor380on the outboard surface415. In further embodiments, the position sensor380can be coupled to the cam member95(e.g., the inboard surface420).

In other embodiments, the position sensor380can be a contact switch or surface switch positioned between the lever90and the cam member95to detect relative movement (e.g., rotational relative movement) of the lever90and the cam member95. For example, the position sensor380can be coupled to an inboard surface of the lever90(in one embodiment, the position sensor380can replace at least one of the protrusions125) such that engagement of the position sensor380and the raised surface130of the cam member95is detected as the locked position of the locking mechanism80to allow operation of the lawnmower10. Conversely, disengagement of the position sensor380and the raised surface130disables operation of the lawnmower10. In some embodiments, the position sensor380can be coupled to an outboard surface of the cam member95(e.g., coupled to the raised surface130or the recessed surface135). In further embodiments, the position sensor380can be between the cam member95and the housing85of the locking mechanism80to detect a position of the cam member95relative to the housing85. In yet further embodiments, the locking mechanism80can include a clip latch with the position sensor380between two opposing contact surfaces of the clip latch.