JP5011270B2 - Clutch operating device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a clutch operating device in which a clutch lever is connected to a clutch via a clutch connecting member, and the clutch can be switched to a connected state by moving the clutch lever to a clutch-on position and pulling the clutch connecting member.

In a clutch operating device of a walking type work machine, a clutch lever is usually provided so as to be swingable about a support shaft, and a main clutch is connected to the clutch lever via a clutch connecting member (hereinafter referred to as a clutch cable). .
Among these clutch operating devices, there is known one configured such that the clutch cable is arranged at the center of the support shaft in a state where the clutch lever is held at the clutch-on position with the support shaft as an axis (for example, patents). Reference 1).
JP 2003-336238 A

According to the clutch operating device of Patent Document 1, by disposing the clutch cable at the center of the support shaft, the reaction force of the clutch cable acts on the center of the support shaft.
Therefore, the reaction force of the clutch cable does not act as a force for returning the clutch lever from the clutch-on position to the clutch-off position.
Thereby, it is possible to reduce the holding force for holding the clutch lever in the clutch-on position.

Here, it is conceivable that the position of the clutch cable shifts due to the influence of manufacturing tolerances, assembly tolerances, and the like.
If the position of the clutch cable is shifted, the clutch cable may be shifted to the opposite side of the clutch-off position beyond the center of the support shaft (so-called fulcrum is exceeded) with the clutch cable placed at the center of the support shaft. There is.

When the clutch cable is shifted to the opposite side of the clutch off position, it is necessary to return the clutch cable from the opposite side of the clutch off position to the clutch off position when returning the clutch lever to the clutch off position.
For this reason, a large operating force is required when returning the clutch lever to the clutch-off position, and it may be difficult to quickly return the clutch lever from the clutch-on position to the clutch-off position.

  The present invention provides a clutch operating device that can reduce the holding force for holding the clutch lever in the clutch-on position, and can reliably and quickly return the clutch lever from the clutch-on position to the clutch-off position. Is an issue.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first clutch lever swingably provided via a support shaft at a clutch-on position where the clutch is engaged and a clutch-off position where the clutch is disengaged, and the first clutch A clutch connecting member that is pulled to the vicinity of the support shaft in a state in which the clutch is connected to the lever and the first clutch lever is disposed at the clutch-on position; and the first clutch lever is the clutch-on A second clutch lever that is swingably provided so that it can be placed in a holding position in a state of being placed in a position, and can be placed in a release position in a state of being placed in the clutch-off position. The first clutch lever in the clutch-on position is interlocked with the second clutch lever and the second clutch lever is disposed at the holding position. Engaging means that can be engaged with the second clutch lever, and urging the first clutch lever toward the clutch-off position when returning the second clutch lever to the release position. Biasing means, and the engaging means is capable of accommodating the first clutch lever, retractable so as to guide the first clutch lever to the accommodating recess, and from the accommodating recess. A ratchet mechanism capable of protruding so as to prevent the first clutch lever from coming out, and the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position in a state where the second clutch lever is disposed at the holding position. In doing so, the ratchet mechanism is retracted so that the first clutch lever can be introduced into the receiving recess, and the second clutch lever is disposed at the release position. The first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position, and when the second clutch lever is moved to the holding position in response to the movement of the first clutch lever, the first clutch lever is moved to the holding position. It is possible to engage with the engaging means .

In the invention according to claim 1, the clutch connecting member can be switched to the clutch-on state by pulling the clutch connecting member to the vicinity of the support shaft by the first clutch lever.
By pulling the clutch coupling member to the vicinity of the support shaft, the component force that attempts to return the clutch lever to the clutch-off position can be reduced among the reaction force of the clutch coupling member generated by the pulling.
Thereby, the holding force for holding the clutch lever in the clutch-on position can be reduced.

Furthermore, when the second clutch lever is returned to the release position, an urging means for urging (pressing) the first clutch lever toward the clutch off position is provided.
Thus, by energizing the first clutch lever by the energizing means so as to move to the clutch off position, the clutch lever can be reliably and quickly returned from the clutch on position to the clutch off position.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position in a state where the second clutch lever is disposed at the holding position, the ratchet mechanism is retracted to accommodate the first clutch lever. It was possible to introduce to.
Therefore, after the second clutch lever is moved from the release position to the holding position, the first clutch lever is in the clutch-on state in an operation procedure (hereinafter referred to as “first operation procedure”) in which the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position. Can be held in.

Further, when the second clutch lever is disposed at the release position, the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position, and when the second clutch lever is moved to the holding position in response to the movement of the first clutch lever, The first clutch lever can be engaged with the engaging means.
Therefore, after the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position, the first clutch lever is held in the clutch-on state in an operation procedure for holding the second clutch lever in the holding position (hereinafter referred to as “second operation procedure”). be able to.

Thus, when the first clutch lever is held in the clutch-on state, the operation procedure can be arbitrarily selected from the first and second operation procedures.
Therefore, when the first clutch lever is held in the clutch-on state, the operability of the clutch lever can be improved and the usability can be improved.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” indicate Fr as the front, Rr as the rear, L as the left, and R as the right according to the direction viewed from the operator.
In addition, in this Embodiment, although a self-propelled conveyance vehicle is illustrated as a walking type working machine, a walking type working machine is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a self-propelled transport vehicle according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the self-propelled transport vehicle according to the present invention.
The self-propelled transport vehicle 10 includes left and right crawler traveling devices 12 provided on the left and right sides of the body frame 11, a loading platform 13 provided on the upper portion of the body frame 11, and an engine 14 provided on the rear portion of the body frame 11. The transmission device 15, the left and right handles 16 and 17 extending upward from the transmission device 15 in the upward direction, the crossbar 18 provided across the left and right handles 16 and 17, and the left and right handles 16 , 17 include left and right grip portions 21, 22 provided at rear end portions 16a, 17a, respectively, and a clutch operating device (clutch operating device of a walking type work machine) 24 provided at the left and right handles 16, 17. ing.

  The clutch operating device 24 includes a main clutch operating mechanism (first clutch mechanism) 26 provided on the left and right handles 16 and 17, and a sub operating mechanism (second clutch mechanism) 28 provided on the crossbar 18. Yes.

  The main clutch operating mechanism 26 includes left and right mounting brackets 31 and 32 provided on the left and right handles 16 and 17, respectively, and left and right mounting brackets 31 and 32 via left and right main support shafts (support shafts) 33 and 34. A main clutch lever (first clutch lever) 35 provided rotatably and a main clutch operating means 36 (see also FIG. 3) provided on the main clutch lever 35 are provided.

The main clutch lever 35 is provided with bosses 41 and 42 at the left and right ends, and the left and right bosses 41 and 42 (see FIG. 3 for the left boss 41) are rotatably supported by the left and right main support shafts 33 and 34, respectively. Has been.
Therefore, the main clutch lever 35 is provided over the left and right handles 16 and 17 and is supported so as to be swingable in the vertical direction (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2) about the left and right main support shafts 33 and 34. Yes.

  The main clutch lever 35 includes a left L-shaped rod portion 43 provided on the left boss 41 (see FIG. 4), a right L-shaped rod portion 44 provided on the right boss 42, left and right L-shaped rod portions 43, And a clutch connecting portion 54 (see FIG. 4) provided on the left L-shaped rod portion 43.

The left L-shaped rod portion 43 has a left gripping portion 43a disposed substantially horizontally, and the right L-shaped rod portion 44 has a right gripping portion 44a disposed substantially horizontally.
The left and right grip portions 43a and 44a are portions that are gripped when the main clutch lever 35 is switched to the clutch-on position P1 and the clutch-off position P2 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 4, the clutch connecting portion 54 includes a leg portion 55 provided on the left L-shaped rod portion 43, and a horizontal extending portion extending from the end portion of the leg portion 55 toward the center of the body frame. 56 and a rod portion formed in a substantially L shape by the leg portion 55 and the horizontal extension portion 56.
As shown in FIG. 4, the clutch connecting portion 54 is formed such that a base portion (hereinafter referred to as “holding rod portion”) 56 a of a horizontal extending portion 56 can be engaged with the sub operation mechanism 28.

3 is a perspective view of the clutch operating device (first embodiment) according to the present invention.
The main clutch operating means 36 includes a brake operating portion 46 provided on the left boss 41 and a clutch operating portion 47 provided on the left L-shaped rod portion 43.
The brake operation unit 46 is provided in the substantially L-shaped brake connection portion 51 provided in the left boss 41, the brake spring holder 52 provided in the distal end portion of the brake connection portion 51, and the brake spring holder 52. A brake spring 53, a brake rod (not shown), and a brake cable 57 for connecting the brake rod to a brake (not shown) are provided.

  The clutch operating portion 47 is connected to the main return spring 58 provided at the clutch connecting portion 54 (specifically, the distal end portion of the horizontal extending portion 56) and the approximate center of the horizontal extending portion 56 via the cable holder 61. The clutch cable (clutch connecting member) 59 is provided.

The clutch cable 59 is connected to a main clutch 60 (see FIG. 1) as a clutch.
The clutch cable 59 is disposed substantially in parallel so as to overlap the main return spring 58 in a side view.

According to the main clutch operation mechanism 26, when the main clutch lever 35 is disposed at the clutch on position P1, the main clutch 60 can be switched to the on state by pulling the clutch cable 59.
On the other hand, when the main clutch lever 35 is disposed at the clutch-off position P2, the pulling of the clutch cable 59 can be released to switch the main clutch 60 to the off state.

  The sub operation mechanism 28 includes inner and outer support brackets 62 and 63 provided on the cross bar 18, and a sub support shaft 66 rotatably provided on the inner and outer support brackets 62 and 63 via inner and outer bushes 64 and 65. A collar 67 provided on the sub-support shaft 66, a connecting bar 68 provided on the collar 67, a sub-clutch lever (second clutch lever) 71 provided on the connecting bar 68, and a sub-support shaft 66. Engaging / biasing means 72 that interlocks with the sub clutch lever 71 and a sub return spring (elastic member) 74 that biases the sub clutch lever 71 to the release position P3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment.
The inner and outer support brackets 62, 63 are provided on the cross bar 18 at a predetermined interval, and mounting holes 62a, 63a are opened coaxially.
The collar 67 is a cylindrical body that is fitted into the sub spindle 66. With the collar 67 fitted into the sub spindle 66, the spring pin 76 is inserted into the mounting hole 67c of the collar 67 and the through hole 66c of the sub spindle 66, so that the collar 67 is integrally connected to the sub spindle 66. Has been.
The sub-support shaft 66 has an inner end portion 66 a protruding from an inner end portion 67 a of the collar 67 and an outer end portion 66 b protruding from an outer end portion 67 b of the collar 67.

The inner end portion 66 a protruding from the inner end portion 67 a of the collar 67 is rotatably supported by the mounting hole 62 a of the inner support bracket 62 via the inner bush 64.
The outer end portion 66 b protruding from the outer end portion 67 b of the collar 67 is rotatably supported by the mounting hole 63 a of the outer support bracket 63 via the outer bush 65.

Further, in the vicinity of the outer end portion 66 b of the sub support shaft 66, a lock pin 77 is penetrated in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the sub support shaft 66, and both end portions 77 a protrude from the sub support shaft 66.
Locking grooves 78 and 78 of the engaging / urging means 72 are engaged with both end portions 77 a of the lock pin 77, and the engaging / urging means 72 is connected to rotate together with the sub spindle 66.

A thrust washer 81 is disposed between the engagement / biasing means 72 and the collar 67 while being fitted to the sub-support shaft 66.
Further, a thrust washer 82 is disposed between the engagement / biasing means 72 and the outer bush 65 in a state of being fitted to the sub-support shaft 66.

Returning to FIG. 4, the connecting bar 68 has the connecting leg 84 raised upward from the substantially central part of the collar 67, and the connecting horizontal part 85 is bent from the upper end of the connecting leg 84 to above the left handle 16. It has been.
The connecting bar 68 is formed in a substantially L shape by the connecting leg portion 84 and the connecting horizontal portion 85.

A front end portion 71 a of the sub clutch lever 71 is provided at an end portion 85 a of the connecting horizontal portion 85.
The sub clutch lever 71 is formed in a substantially curved cross section along the outer periphery of the left grip portion 21 and is disposed above the left grip portion 21.
The sub-clutch lever 71 is movably supported by a release position P3 (see FIG. 3) above the left grip portion 21 and a holding position P4 (see FIG. 3) superimposed on the upper portion of the left grip portion 21. Yes.

The sub return spring 74 is fitted to the collar 67, one end 74a is locked to the inner support bracket 62, and the other end 74b is locked to the connecting bar 68 (specifically, the connecting leg 84). It is a coil spring.
By urging the connecting bar 68 forward by the sub return spring 74, the sub clutch lever 71 can be returned (retracted) to the release position P3 (see FIG. 3).

Here, the operation of the main clutch lever 35 and the sub clutch lever 71 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing a clutch-off state of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a side view showing a clutch-on state of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment.
The main clutch lever 35 swings as indicated by an arrow A from the clutch-off position P2 to the clutch-on position P1 about the left and right main support shafts 33 and 34 (see FIG. 2 for the right main support shaft 34).

As the main clutch lever 35 swings, the clutch cable 59 is pulled as shown by the arrow B, and the main clutch 60 (see FIG. 1) is switched to the ON state.
As shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1, the clutch cable 59 is pulled to a position near the center 33a of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, a position near the fulcrum). .

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the clutch cable 59 is disposed substantially in parallel so as to overlap the main return spring 58 in a side view.
Therefore, in a state where the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1, the main return spring 58 (see FIG. 3) is also pulled to a position near the center 33a of the left main spindle 33 (that is, a position near the fulcrum). The

On the other hand, the sub-clutch lever 71 swings from the release position P3 to the holding position P4 as indicated by the arrow C with the sub-support shaft 66 as an axis.
As the sub-clutch lever 71 swings, the engaging / biasing means 72 swings as indicated by an arrow D about the sub-support shaft 66.
With the sub-clutch lever 71 held at the holding position P4, the holding / rod portion 56a of the main clutch lever 35 is held by the engaging / biasing means 72 (see FIG. 7).
As a result, the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1.
Next, the configuration of the engaging / biasing means 72 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the engaging / biasing means according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the engaging / biasing means according to the first embodiment.
The engagement / biasing means 72 includes a hammer bracket 86 that can be engaged with the lock pin 77 while being fitted to the sub spindle 66, and a ratchet mechanism 88 provided on the hammer bracket 86.

The hammer bracket 86 includes a bracket body 91 having a base portion 91a fitted to the sub-support shaft 66, and a hammer portion (biasing means) 92 protruding from the base portion 91a of the bracket body 91.
The bracket body 91 has a fitting hole 94 formed in the base portion 91a, locking grooves 78, 78 formed in the fitting hole 94, and a stud bolt 95 and a stopper pin 96 provided on the distal end portion 91b.
The stud bolt 95 and the stopper pin 96 are respectively projected toward the center of the body frame.

The stopper pin 96 has a flat portion 96a that supports one end 102a of the lock spring 102, which will be described later.
The hammer portion 92 is a protruding portion that protrudes downward from the base portion 91 a of the bracket body 91.
The hammer portion 92 is a portion that urges (presses) the main clutch lever 35 toward the clutch-off position P2 when the sub-clutch lever 71 is returned to the release position P3.

The hammer portion 92 and the base portion 91a are formed with a substantially rectangular housing recess 98 capable of housing the main clutch lever 35 (holding rod portion 56a) shown in FIG.
In the hammer bracket 86, the fitting hole 94 of the bracket body 91 is fitted into the sub spindle 66, and the locking grooves 78 and 78 are engaged with both end portions 77 a of the lock pin 77.

  Here, in the locking groove 78, one end 78a and the other end 78b are formed with a predetermined angle θ1. The hammer bracket 86 is located within a predetermined angle θ2 about the sub support shaft 66 between the position where both end portions 77a of the lock pin 77 are in contact with the one end 78a, 78a and the position where the other end 78b, 78b is in contact. It is swingably attached.

  Further, when the sub-support shaft 66 rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow in a state where both end portions 77a of the lock pin 77 are in contact with the one ends 78a, 78a, the hammer bracket 86 is integrally formed with the sub-support shaft 66. It is attached so as to be able to rotate clockwise as indicated by an arrow.

  In this way, by attaching the hammer bracket 86 so as to be swingable within a range of the predetermined angle θ2, the main clutch lever 35 (holding rod portion 56a) is accommodated in the recessed portion of the hammer bracket 86 in the first and second operation procedures described later. 98 (see FIGS. 11A and 14B).

A ratchet mechanism 88 is rotatably attached to the tip end portion 91 b of the hammer bracket 86 via a stud bolt 95.
The ratchet mechanism 88 includes a ratchet 101 rotatably attached to the stud bolt 95 of the hammer bracket 86, a lock spring 102 that holds the ratchet 101 in the engagement position P5, a ratchet cover 103 that covers the lock spring 102, a stud A nut 104 screwed to the bolt 95 and a thrust washer 105 interposed between the ratchet 101 and the tip 91b are provided.

The ratchet 101 includes a ratchet main body 106 in which a stud fitting hole 107 and a spring accommodating portion 108 are formed, and a ratchet claw 109 protruding from the ratchet main body 106.
The ratchet body 106 is formed in a substantially triangular shape, a stud fitting hole 107 is formed in the top portion 106a, and a spring housing portion 108 is formed along a side 106b facing the top portion.

The spring accommodating portion 108 is an elongated hole-shaped opening formed so that the lock spring 102 and the stopper pin 96 can be accommodated, and one end portion 108a is formed in a curved shape so that the stopper pin 96 can be received, and the other end portion 108b is formed. The lock spring 102 is formed in a linear shape so as to support the other end 102b.
The ratchet pawl 109 protrudes from the vicinity of the other end 108 b of the spring housing portion 108 toward the hammer portion 92 of the hammer bracket 86 in the ratchet main body 106.

In the ratchet mechanism 88, the stopper pin 96 is inserted into the one end portion 108 a side of the spring accommodating portion 108 by fitting the thrust washer 105 and the ratchet 101 to the stud bolt 95.
Further, the lock spring 102 is stored in a state where the spring storage portion 108 is filled with grease.
The lock spring 102 is held in a state where one end 102 a is in contact with the flat portion 96 a of the stopper pin 96 and the other end 102 b is in contact with the other end portion 108 b of the spring housing portion 108.

When the ratchet cover 103 is fitted to the stud bolt 95, the ratchet cover 103 is overlaid on the ratchet body 106.
Therefore, the spring accommodating portion 108 (that is, the lock spring 102) is covered with the ratchet cover 103.
A nut 104 is screwed to a threaded portion 95 a of a stud bolt 95 protruding from the ratchet cover 103.

The ratchet mechanism 88 is supported so as to be capable of swinging (swinging) in the direction of arrow EF (see FIG. 8) about the stud bolt 95 as an axis.
Therefore, the ratchet mechanism 88 includes a retracted position P6 (see also FIG. 11A) where the holding rod portion 56a can be introduced into the housing recess 98, and an engagement position P5 where the holding rod portion 56a of the housing recess 98 cannot be pulled out. And can be moved to swing.

Hereinafter, the operation of the ratchet mechanism 88 will be described in detail.
The ratchet mechanism 88 is urged in the direction of arrow E by the urging force (spring force) of the lock spring 102, and the stopper pin 96 is in contact with one end portion 108 a of the spring housing portion 108. In this state, the ratchet pawl 109 is held in a state of protruding to the engagement position P5 (that is, a state of protruding to the side of the substantially concave housing 98).
Therefore, the tip end portion 109 a of the ratchet claw 109 is arranged to face the hammer portion 92 with a predetermined interval.

The front end portion 109a of the ratchet pawl 109 faces the hammer portion 92, so that the substantially concave U-shaped housing recess 98 and the front end portion 109a form an engagement groove portion 114 having a substantially U-shaped cross section.
The engagement groove portion 114 is a groove portion that can hold the holding rod portion 56a in the clutch-on position.
That is, by engaging the holding rod portion 56a with the engaging groove portion 114, the holding rod portion 56a can be held by the engaging means 113 so as not to come out from the engaging groove portion 114.
The engagement means 113 includes an accommodation recess 98 that can accommodate the holding rod portion 56 a and a ratchet mechanism 88 that forms a partial wall surface of the engagement groove 114.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip end surface 109 a of the ratchet pawl 109 is formed in an inclined shape so as to prevent the holding rod portion 56 a from coming out of the engaging groove portion 114. Therefore, the holding rod portion 56a can be supported better by the tip surface 109a of the ratchet claw 109.
Thereby, the engaging means 113 can prevent the holding rod part 56a from coming out of the engaging groove part 114, and can reliably engage (hold) the holding rod part 56a with the engaging groove part 114.

On the other hand, the ratchet mechanism 88 swings so that when the load F1 acts on the ratchet pawl 109 as shown by the arrow, the ratchet 101 moves away from the housing recess 98 as shown by the arrow F against the spring force of the lock spring 102. .
Therefore, the ratchet pawl 109 is disposed at the retracted position P6 where it overlaps the hammer bracket 86.
Thus, when the main clutch lever 35 is moved toward the clutch-on position P1, the ratchet pawl 109 is pressed by the holding rod portion 56a to be retracted to the retracted position P6, and the holding rod portion 56a is moved to the engagement groove portion 114. Can be introduced (introduced).

Returning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hammer portion 92 and the engaging means 113 will be described in detail.
When the sub clutch lever 71 swings (retracts) from the holding position P4 to the release position P3 by the spring force of the sub return spring 74, the hammer portion 92 is linked to the sub clutch lever 71 and moves to the arrow G (see FIG. 7). It is a part which swings like this.

When the hammer portion 92 swings as indicated by an arrow G, the holding rod portion 56 a can be pressed by the hammer portion 92.
Accordingly, the hammer portion 92 can assist (assist) the main clutch lever 35 at the clutch-on position P1 to swing to the clutch-off position P2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the engaging groove portion 114 of the engaging means 113 is used when the main clutch lever 35 swings to the clutch-on position P1 as indicated by an arrow A in a state where the sub-clutch lever 71 is disposed at the release position P3. Further, the holding rod portion 56a is configured to be capable of receiving (accommodating).

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the engaging groove portion 114 of the engaging means 113 swings the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch-on position P1 as indicated by an arrow A in a state where the sub clutch lever 71 is disposed at the holding position P4. At this time, the holding rod portion 56a presses the ratchet pawl 109 so that the ratchet pawl 109 can be retracted to the retracted position P6 against the spring force of the lock spring 102.
By retracting the ratchet pawl 109 to the retracted position P6, the holding rod portion 56a can be guided (introduced) into the housing recess 98.

Returning to FIG. 3, the clutch operating device 24 swings the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch-on position P1 to switch the main clutch 60 (see FIG. 1) to the on state.
Then, the sub clutch lever 71 is swung to the holding position P4, and the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch on position P1 by the engaging means 113.

Thus, by providing the clutch operating device 24 with the two levers of the main clutch lever 35 and the sub-clutch lever 71, it is possible to provide the levers 35 and 71 at positions where they can be easily operated.
Thereby, the operativity of the main clutch lever 35 and the sub clutch lever 71 can be improved.

In addition, the clutch operating device 24 includes a sub return spring 74 that retracts (biases) the sub clutch lever 71 from the holding position P4 to the release position P3.
Therefore, by releasing the operating force (holding force) from the sub clutch lever 71, the sub clutch lever 71 can be retracted from the holding position P4 to the release position P3 by the sub return spring 74.

By retracting the sub clutch lever 71 from the holding position P4, the holding of the main clutch lever 35 by the engaging means 113 is released, and the main clutch lever 35 can be released from the clutch on position P1.
Thereby, the operator can release the main clutch lever 35 from the clutch-on position P1 only by releasing the hand from the sub-clutch lever 71, so that the operability can be further improved.

Here, when the main clutch lever 35 is swung to the clutch-on position P1, it is necessary to strongly pull the clutch cable 59 that connects the main clutch 60 (see FIG. 1) to the main clutch lever 35.
Furthermore, it is necessary to pull the main return spring 58 to a position near the center 33a (see FIG. 7) of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, a position near the fulcrum).
For this reason, a relatively large operating force is required to swing the main clutch lever 35 from the clutch-off position P2 to the clutch-on position P1.

The left and right handles 16 and 17 are usually arranged at a height near the waist of the operator.
Here, in general, the operator can relatively easily apply a large pulling force when lifting the hand upward from the lower part of the waist.
Therefore, the main clutch lever 35 is provided below the left and right handles 16 and 17 and operated upward to the clutch-on position P1.

Therefore, the operator can lower the hand below the waist and grasp the main clutch lever 35 at the clutch-off position P2, and pull it up to the clutch-on position P1 by hand.
Thus, the operator can swing (pull up) the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch-on position P1 relatively easily, and the operability of the main clutch lever 35 can be improved.

On the other hand, it is necessary to hold the sub clutch lever 71 at the holding position P4 while driving the self-propelled transport vehicle 10 (that is, for a relatively long time).
For this reason, it is preferable that the sub clutch lever 71 can be held relatively easily at the holding position P4.
Therefore, the sub clutch lever 71 is provided above the left and right handles 16 and 17 and is operated downward to the holding position P4.

Therefore, the operator can hold the sub-clutch lever 71 at the holding position P4 with the hand placed on the sub-clutch lever 71.
Accordingly, the sub clutch lever 71 can be held relatively easily at the holding position P4, and the operability of the sub clutch lever 71 can be improved.

Next, an example in which the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1 while the sub-clutch lever 71 of the clutch operating device 10 is held at the holding position P4 will be described with reference to FIGS.
10 to 13, only the left main support shaft 33 of the left and right main support shafts 33, 34 is illustrated for easy understanding of the operation.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are views for explaining an example in which the sub clutch lever of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment is held at the holding position.
In (a), the main clutch lever 35 is disposed at the clutch-off position P <b> 2 by the spring force of the main return spring 58.
The sub clutch lever 71 is disposed at the release position P <b> 3 above the left grip portion 21 by the spring force of the sub return spring 74.

The operating force F2 is applied to the sub clutch lever 71 with the left hand of the operator. The sub clutch lever 71 swings as indicated by an arrow H toward the left grip 21 with the sub support shaft 66 as an axis.
As the sub clutch lever 71 swings, the sub return spring 74 is elastically deformed and the sub support shaft 66 rotates counterclockwise.
By rotating the sub spindle 66, the engaging / biasing means 72 swings forward from the lock release position P7 as indicated by the arrow I about the sub spindle 66.

In (b), the sub clutch lever 71 is held at the holding position P 4, and the sub clutch lever 71 is superimposed on the upper part of the left grip portion 21.
Further, the engagement / biasing means 72 is disposed at the lock position P8.
In this state, the operating force F3 is applied to the main clutch lever 35 with the right hand of the operator. The main clutch lever 35 swings backward about the left main support shaft 33 as indicated by an arrow J.
As the main clutch lever 35 swings, the main return spring 58 is elastically deformed and the clutch cable 59 (see FIG. 6) is pulled.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment is held in the clutch-on position.
In (a), the main clutch lever 35 continuously swings as indicated by an arrow J, so that the holding rod portion 56 a comes into contact with the ratchet pawl 109.
After the holding rod portion 56a abuts on the ratchet pawl 109, the holding rod portion 56a continuously moves as indicated by an arrow J together with the main clutch lever 35, whereby the ratchet pawl 109 is moved toward the bracket body 91 by the holding rod portion 56a. Press.

The ratchet pawl 109 retreats from the housing recess 98 as indicated by an arrow K around the stud bolt 95 against the spring force of the lock spring 102.
Here, the hammer bracket 86 is swingably attached within a range of a predetermined angle θ2 (see FIG. 8).
Therefore, by retracting the ratchet pawl 109 and swinging the hammer bracket 86 (that is, the engagement / biasing means 72), the holding rod portion 56a can be moved toward the housing recess 98 as indicated by the arrow J. .

In (b), the holding rod portion 56 a moves through the ratchet pawl 109 to the accommodation recess 98.
The ratchet pawl 109 protrudes toward the housing recess 98 as indicated by the arrow L by the spring force of the lock spring 102. An engaging groove portion 114 is formed by the protruding front end surface 109a of the ratchet claw 109 and the housing recess 98, and the holding rod portion 56a is engaged (held) in the engaging groove portion 114 so that it cannot be pulled out.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views for explaining an example in which the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment is held in the clutch-on position.
In (a), the holding rod portion 56a is held so as not to be pulled out from the engaging groove portion 114, so that the operating force F3 (see FIG. 11B) is removed from the main clutch lever 35 (main clutch lever). With the operator's right hand released from 35), the main clutch lever 35 is held in the clutch-on P1.
Therefore, the main clutch lever 35 can be held at the clutch-on position P1 simply by applying the holding force F2 to the sub-clutch lever 71 with the left hand of the operator.

In (b), with the main clutch lever 35 held at the clutch-on position P1, the clutch cable 59 is pulled to a position in the vicinity of the center 33a of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, a position in the vicinity of the fulcrum).
Therefore, among the reaction force F4 of the clutch cable 59 generated by traction, the component force F5 acting toward the center 33a of the left main spindle 33 is increased, and the main clutch lever 35 is moved from the clutch on position P1 to the clutch off position P2. The return component force F6 to be returned to (see FIG. 10A) can be kept small.

In this state, the main return spring 58 shown in FIG. 10 is also pulled to a position near the center 33a of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, a position near the fulcrum).
Thus, similar to the main clutch lever 35, of the return force of the main return spring 58, the main clutch lever 35 is returned from the clutch-on position P1 to the clutch-off position P2 (see FIG. 10A). The component force can be kept small.

  In this way, the holding force F2 for holding the main clutch lever 35 at the clutch-on position P1 (FIG. 12 (a)) by suppressing the return component force F6 of the main clutch lever 35 and the return component force of the main return spring 58 to be small. )) Can be reduced.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment is returned to the clutch-off position.
In (a), when the main clutch lever 35 is returned to the clutch-off position P2, the operating force F2 (see FIG. 12A) is removed from the sub-clutch lever 71.
The sub clutch lever 71 swings as indicated by an arrow M from the holding position P4 to the release position P3 by the spring force of the sub return spring 74.

As the sub clutch lever 71 swings, the sub spindle 66 rotates in the clockwise direction.
By rotating the sub spindle 66, both end portions 77a of the lock pin 77 abut against one ends 78a and 78a of the locking grooves 78 and 78 as shown in FIG.
From this state, when the sub-support shaft 66 continues to rotate, the engaging / biasing means 72 swings backward from the lock position P8 as indicated by the arrow N about the sub-support shaft 66.

As the hammer portion 92 of the engaging / biasing means 72 swings as indicated by an arrow O, the hammer portion 92 contacts the holding rod portion 56a.
As the hammer portion 92 continuously moves as indicated by the arrow O, the hammer portion 92 presses the holding rod portion 56a with the pressing force F7 as indicated by the arrow.

When the hammer portion 92 presses the holding rod portion 56a, the holding rod portion 56a can be reliably moved as indicated by the arrow P.
While the holding rod portion 56a is moved as indicated by the arrow P and the engagement / biasing means 72 is continuously moved as indicated by the arrow N, the opening portion of the engagement groove portion 114 is moved downward (that is, the holding rod portion 56a). (Direction of movement)

In (b), the holding rod portion 56a comes out from the opening of the engaging groove 114 and moves toward the clutch-off position P2 as indicated by an arrow Q.
When the holding rod portion 56a moves as indicated by the arrow Q, the clutch cable 59 (see FIG. 12B) is moved from the position near the center 33a of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, the position near the fulcrum) to the clutch-off position. It can be reliably separated to the P2 side.

  As a result, the main clutch lever 35 swings as indicated by an arrow Q to the clutch-off position P2 about the left main support shaft 33 by the return force of the main return spring 58.

In this way, by providing the hammer portion 92 in the engaging / biasing means 72, the hammer portion 92 so that the main clutch lever 35 moves to the clutch-off position P2 when the sub clutch lever 71 is returned to the release position P3. Can assist.
As a result, the main clutch lever 35 can be reliably and quickly returned from the clutch-on position P1 to the clutch-off position P2.

10-13, when the main clutch lever 35 is moved to the clutch-on position P1 with the sub-clutch lever 71 held at the holding position P4, the ratchet mechanism 88 (ratchet pawl 109) is retracted. Thus, the holding rod portion 56 a can be accommodated in the engaging groove portion 114.
Therefore, when the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1, an operation procedure (hereinafter referred to as “moving the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch-on position P1” after moving the sub-clutch lever 71 from the release position P3 to the holding position P4). , "First operation procedure") can be applied.

Next, an example in which the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1 while the sub-clutch lever 71 of the clutch operating device 10 is held at the release position P3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
14 to 15, only the left main support shaft 33 among the left and right main support shafts 33 and 34 is shown for easy understanding of the operation.
FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the sub clutch lever of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment is held at the holding position.
In (a), the main clutch lever 35 is disposed at the clutch-off position P <b> 2 by the spring force of the main return spring 58.
The sub clutch lever 71 is disposed at the release position P <b> 3 above the left grip portion 21 by the spring force of the sub return spring 74.

The operating force F3 is applied to the main clutch lever 35 with the right hand of the operator. The main clutch lever 35 swings backward about the left main support shaft 33 as indicated by an arrow R.
When the main clutch lever 35 swings, the main return spring 58 is elastically deformed and the clutch cable 59 (see FIG. 6) is pulled.

In (b), the holding rod portion 56 a comes into contact with the hammer portion 92.
Here, the hammer bracket 86 is swingably attached within a range of a predetermined angle θ2 (see FIG. 8).
Therefore, by swinging the hammer bracket 86 (that is, the engagement / biasing means 72) corresponding to the holding rod portion 56a, the holding rod portion 56a can be reliably brought into contact with the hammer portion 92.
In this state, by continuously swinging the main clutch lever 35 as indicated by the arrow R, the holding rod portion 56a presses the hammer portion 92 with the pressing force F9 as indicated by the arrow.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views for explaining an example in which the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device according to the first embodiment is held in the clutch-on position.
In (a), when the holding rod portion 56 a presses the hammer portion 92, the hammer portion 92 (that is, the engagement / biasing means 72) swings as indicated by an arrow S about the sub-support shaft 66.
Accordingly, the sub spindle 66 rotates, and the sub clutch lever 71 swings from the release position P3 toward the holding position P4 as indicated by the arrow T about the sub spindle 66.

In (b), the sub clutch lever 71 follows the main clutch lever 35 by swinging the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch on position P1.
That is, when the main clutch lever 35 swings, the sub clutch lever 71 is linked to the main clutch lever 35 to the holding position P4 (that is, the position where the sub clutch lever 71 is superimposed on the upper part of the left grip portion 21). Swing (swing).
By applying a holding force F2 to the sub-clutch lever 71 that has been swung to the holding position P4, the sub-clutch lever 71 is held at the holding position P4.

In this state, the holding rod portion 56a is engaged (accommodated) in the engagement groove portion 114 so as not to be extracted.
Therefore, even if the operating force F3 (see FIG. 15A) is removed from the main clutch lever 35, the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1 only by applying the holding force F2 to the sub-clutch lever 71. be able to.
In other words, the main clutch lever 35 can be held at the clutch-on position P1 simply by releasing the operator's right hand from the main clutch lever 35 and applying the holding force F2 to the sub clutch lever 71 with the operator's left hand.

In a state where the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1, the clutch cable 59 is pulled to a position near the center 33a of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, a position near the fulcrum).
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12B, the component force F5 acting toward the center 33a of the left main spindle 33 out of the reaction force F4 of the clutch cable 59 generated by traction increases, and the main clutch lever 35 The return component force F6 for returning the clutch from the clutch-on position P1 to the clutch-off position P2 can be kept small.

In this state, the main return spring 58 shown in FIG. 14A is also pulled to a position near the center 33a of the left main support shaft 33 (that is, a position near the fulcrum).
As a result, as with the main clutch lever 35, of the return force of the main return spring 58, the main clutch lever 35 is returned from the clutch-on position P1 to the clutch-off position P2 (see FIG. 14A). The component force can be kept small.

  Thus, the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1 by keeping the return component force F6 of the main clutch lever 35 (see FIG. 12B) and the return component force of the main return spring 58 small. The holding force F2 can be reduced.

Further, when the main clutch lever 35 is swung (swinged) to the clutch on position P1, the sub clutch lever 71 is interlocked to the holding position P4 following the main clutch lever 35.
Thereby, it is not necessary to swing (swing) the sub clutch lever 71 to the holding position P4 by the operator's hand, so that the operability can be further improved.

  The operation of returning the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch-off position P2 is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 13, and the description of the return operation of the main clutch lever 35 is omitted.

As described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 15, when the main clutch lever 35 is moved to the clutch-on position P <b> 1 in a state where the sub clutch lever 71 is disposed at the release position P <b> 3, the main clutch lever 35 is moved to the engagement groove portion 114. Engageable (accommodable).
Therefore, when the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1, the operation procedure for holding the sub-clutch lever 71 at the holding position P4 after moving the main clutch lever 35 to the clutch-on position P1 (hereinafter referred to as “second” Operation procedure ”) can be applied.

Thus, when the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1, the first operation procedure described in FIGS. 10 to 13 and the second operation procedure described in FIGS. 14 to 15 are arbitrarily selected. Can do.
Therefore, operability when the main clutch lever 35 is held at the clutch-on position P1 can be improved, and usability can be improved.

As described above, the clutch operating device 24 according to the present invention includes the main clutch operating mechanism 26 and the sub operating mechanism 28.
Therefore, for example, when the existing self-propelled transport vehicle 10 includes the main clutch operation mechanism 26, the clutch operation device 24 can be obtained only by including the sub operation mechanism 28.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a clutch operating device (second embodiment) according to the present invention.
The clutch operation device 120 according to the second embodiment is provided with a right sub-operation mechanism 121 in addition to the clutch operation device 24 according to the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. It is.
The right sub-operation mechanism 121 is a member that is bilaterally symmetrical to the sub-operation mechanism 28 of the first embodiment.

According to the clutch operating device 120 of the second embodiment, the left and right handles 16 and 17 are provided with the left and right side sub-clutch levers (second clutch levers) 71.
Therefore, the left sub-clutch lever 71 can be operated with the left hand, and the right sub-clutch lever 71 can be operated with the right hand.
This makes it possible to operate the sub-clutch lever 71 with either of the left and right hands, thereby improving operability.

The clutch operating device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed or improved as appropriate.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the self-propelled transport vehicle is exemplified as the walking work machine. However, the walking work machine is not limited to this, and is applied to other work machines such as a tillage machine and a lawn mower. It is also possible.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the clutch cable 59 was illustrated as a clutch connection member, not only a cable but other members, such as a clutch rod, can also be used.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the sub return spring (coil spring) 74 was illustrated as an elastic member which urges | biases the sub clutch lever 71 to the releasing position P3, it is not restricted to this, Other elastic members, such as a leaf | plate spring It is also possible to use.

  In the above embodiment, the engagement means 113 is provided with the ratchet mechanism 88 and the tip wall 109a of the ratchet claw 109 is formed as a partial wall surface of the engagement groove 114. However, the ratchet mechanism 88 is not provided. It is also possible to form the engaging groove portion 114.

  Further, the left and right main spindles 33 and 34, the main clutch lever 35, the holding rod portion 56a, the clutch cable 59, the main clutch 60, the sub-clutch lever 71, the ratchet mechanism 88, the hammer portion 92, and the storage shown in the above embodiment. The concave portion 98 and the engaging means 113 are not limited to the illustrated shapes, and can be changed as appropriate.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is suitable for application to a walking work machine having a clutch operating device that can switch a clutch to a connected state by moving a clutch lever and pulling a clutch coupling member.

It is a side view which shows the self-propelled conveyance vehicle which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the self-propelled conveyance vehicle which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of arrow 3 in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which shows the clutch operation apparatus (1st Embodiment) which concerns on this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the clutch operation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the clutch-off state of the clutch operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the clutch on state of the clutch operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the engagement / biasing means which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the engagement / biasing means which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example which hold | maintains the sub clutch lever of the clutch operation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a holding position. It is a figure explaining the example which hold | maintains the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a clutch-on position. It is a figure explaining the example which hold | maintains the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a clutch-on position. It is a figure explaining the example which returns the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment to a clutch-off position. It is a figure explaining the example which hold | maintains the sub clutch lever of the clutch operation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a holding position. It is a figure explaining the example which hold | maintains the main clutch lever of the clutch operating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment in a clutch-on position. It is a perspective view which shows the clutch operation apparatus (2nd Embodiment) which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Self-propelled conveyance vehicle (walking type working machine), 24 ... Clutch operating device (clutch operating device of walking type working machine), 33, 34 ... Left and right main spindles (supporting shafts), 35 ... Main clutch lever ( First clutch lever), 56a ... Holding rod portion, 59 ... Clutch cable (clutch connecting member), 60 ... Main clutch (clutch), 71 ... Sub clutch lever (second clutch lever), 88 ... Ratchet mechanism, 92 ... Hammer Numerals (biasing means), 98 ... accommodating recess, 113 ... engaging means, P1 ... clutch on position, P2 ... clutch off position, P3 ... release position, P4 ... holding position.

Claims (1)

A first clutch lever swingably provided via a support shaft at a clutch-on position for engaging the clutch and a clutch-off position for disengaging the clutch;
A clutch connecting member that connects the clutch to the first clutch lever, and is pulled to the vicinity of the support shaft in a state where the first clutch lever is disposed at the clutch-on position;
The first clutch lever can be placed in the holding position with the clutch on position and the first clutch lever can be placed in the release position with the first clutch lever placed in the clutch off position. A second clutch lever provided on the
Engagement means interlocking with the second clutch lever and engageable with the first clutch lever in the clutch-on position with the second clutch lever disposed at the holding position;
An urging means for urging the first clutch lever toward the clutch-off position when the second clutch lever is returned to the release position in conjunction with the second clutch lever ;
The engaging means includes
An accommodating recess capable of accommodating the first clutch lever;
A ratchet mechanism that can be retracted so as to guide the first clutch lever to the housing recess and can protrude so as to prevent the first clutch lever from coming out of the housing recess;
When the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position with the second clutch lever in the holding position, the ratchet mechanism can be retracted to introduce the first clutch lever into the receiving recess. age,
In a state where the second clutch lever is disposed at the release position, the first clutch lever is moved to the clutch-on position, and the second clutch lever is moved to the holding position in response to the movement of the first clutch lever. A clutch operating device characterized in that the first clutch lever can be engaged with the engaging means when moving .

Images