WO2012136226A1

WO2012136226A1 - Safety lever for a motorised apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012136226A1
Application number: PCT/DK2012/050117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Laetgaard
Original assignee: Texas A/S
Priority date: 2011-04-08
Filing date: 2012-04-10
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: DK201170168A

Abstract

The present invention concerns a safety grip (1) for operating a motorized apparatus with a drive mechanism and a power take-off, where the apparatus is adapted to via the power take-off to drive an implement, for example a soil cultivator knife, a brush, a ground auger, or a snow shoveller, where activation of the drive mechanism for forward or rearward operation and/or activation of power take-off and thereby of an implement occurs by activating the safety grip (1 ) as the safety grip is connected to the drive mechanism of the apparatus, where the safety grip includes at least one fixing member (9) for fixing the safety grip to the apparatus and a movable grip member (4). The new feature of the safety grip (1) according to the invention is that the safety grip (1) further includes a function selector (8) which can be set in a number of different positions for selecting one among several specific functions, where the function selector (8) is connected with a spring system (15) for biasing the function selector (8) such that when the safety grip (1) is not actuated, the function selector (8) is actuated to a predetermined position.

Description

SAFETY LEVER FOR A MOTORISED APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a safety grip for operating a motorised apparatus with a drive mechanism and a power take-off, where the apparatus is adapted to via the power take-off to drive an implement, for example a soil cultivator knife, a brush, a ground auger, or a snow shoveller, where activation of the drive mechanism for forward or rearward operation and/or activation of power take-off and thereby of an implement occurs by activating the safety grip as the safety grip is connected to the drive mechanism of the apparatus, where the safety grip includes at least one fixing member for fixing the safety grip to the apparatus and a movable grip member.

Background of the Invention

It is commonly known that a safety grip is fitted on motorised apparatuses such as rotary cultivators and road sweepers. Such apparatuses typically include a petrol or diesel engine or an electric motor and a power take-off (called a PTO) by which a tool or implement is driven. The purpose of such a safety grip is to ensure that the apparatus e.g. cannot run backwards at the same time as the PTO is activated, or to ensure that shifting directly between e.g. and forward and rearward driving is impossible. In other words there is to be a neutral position between these settings. In order to fulfil various statutory requirements it is therefore common to provide such an apparatus with two different and independent safety grips which are disposed for operation with the same hand. A safety grip is activated for forward driving and for activating the PTO, whereas a second safety grip is activated for rearward driving without activation of PTO. By distributing the two functions on each their safety grip it will be difficult to activate both safety grips at the same time. However, this is not impossible, adding to the reason why even greater demands are made to such safety grips.

The prior art types of safety grips are thus not safe enough, and moreover they are not very user-friendly either as it can be confusing to move the hand from one grip to another grip during use of the apparatus. In some cases there may even be more than two functions to be activated, thus demanding a third safety grip. This may e.g. be a grip for forward, a grip for back, and a grip which is engaged simultaneously with forward and which activates the PTO.

Thus there are some inexpediencies by existing and prior art solutions which do not appear user-friendly and purposeful as a user may be injured or damage the apparatus by faulty operation.

Object of the Invention

It is the object of the invention to indicate a safety grip for an apparatus as mentioned above where a secure and unambiguous operation of the apparatus can be effected by a single safety grip.

Description of the Invention

As mentioned in the introduction, the invention concerns a safety grip for operating a motorised apparatus with a drive mechanism and a power take-off, where the apparatus is adapted to via the power take-off to drive an implement, for example a soil cultivator knife, a brush, a ground auger, or a snow shoveller, where activation of the drive mechanism for forward or rearward operation and/or activation of power take-off and thereby of an implement occurs by activating the safety grip as the safety grip is connected to the drive mechanism of the apparatus, where the safety grip includes at least one fixing member for fixing the safety grip to the apparatus and a movable grip member. Such an apparatus can be a rotary cultivator, a lawnmower, or a so-called single-axle tractor which can be provided with various types of implements.

The new feature of the safety grip according to the invention is that the safety grip further includes a function selector which can be set in a number of different positions for selecting one among several specific functions, where the function selector is connected with a spring system for biasing the function selector such that when the safety grip is not actuated, the function selector is actuated to a predetermined position. Hereby it is ensured that activation of the movable grip member of the safety grip will cause a predictable activation if no actuation of the function selector has been performed. This is particularly suitable in the instance where the safety grip is activated inadvertently as an implement must not be capable of being activated by accident, for example. Alternatively, it can be a function of the safety grip to ensure that it is not possible to activate the PTO shaft of the machine simultaneously with backing with the apparatus. Another possibility is to ensure that a user does not activate a backing function together with the function allowing the machine to drive forward, which is some cases is effected by one and the same grip and which by simultaneous activation will cause damage to the apparatus, as well as it will typically be illegal according to current law rules. It is thus a safety grip with several functions incorporated in the same grip where a user is actively to make a choice as a function selector is to be activated and brought into a selected position in connection with activation of the safety grip. As soon as the safety grip is no longer activated, the selected functions are disengaged and the function selector is automatically brought into a predetermined position, for example a neutral position. By inadvertent actuation of the safety grip, nothing occurs at all as no engagement of either implement/PTO or of forward or reverse operation can occur without a previous positioning of the function selector.

In another situation the safety grip can be adapted with a function selector only allowing a certain function to occur when actuating the safety grip. This may e.g. be when a function selector is maintained in a position where forward operation is possible but where engagement of an implement requires active actuation of the function selector. Alternatively, it can be a lawnmower with the implement - in that case one or more rotating knives - which are constantly engaged, but where engagement of drive means is effected by activation of the function selector and the safety grip, causing the machine to run. In a particularly advantageous and preferred variant of a safety grip according to the invention, the function selector is fixed to the movable grip member. This can e.g. be in the form of a function selector which is adapted for finger operation which prior to activation of the safety grip is pressed or moved and kept in a given position while at the same time the safety grip is activated. The function selector may advantageously be incorporated in a movable grip member which by activation is gripped by one hand and pressed into contact with a handle of a motorised apparatus while at the same time engagement of the actual function takes place. In a preferred variant of safety grip according to the invention, the safety grip may include at least one movable cable arm, where the at least one movable cable arm is pivotably secured directly or indirectly to the apparatus and mechanically connected to the drive means and/or the power take-off of the apparatus itself via at least one activating means, e.g. a cable, a rod connection, and/or a hydraulic connection.

In principle, the cable arm is an arm hinged to a handle on a motorised apparatus wherein an activation means such as a cable is fixed to the cable arm. By actuating the cable arm, a pull is exerted in the actual activation means, and the function in question is engaged. Several such cable arms may readily be arranged on a motorised apparatus and in connection with a safety grip. These cable arms will typically each be connected to the drive means and/or PTO of the apparatus by a cable or similar and may be actuated for engagement or disengagement of a certain function, either individually or several at a time, depending on how the apparatus is constructed.

In one variant of the invention, a safety grip can be arranged with cable arms such that a cable arm includes a cutout with an access opening, the access opening arranged such that the function selector can engage the cutout in the actual cable arm via the access opening when the safety grip is not actuated. The function selector is thus brought into a position in the said cutout and kept in that position while the safety grip is actuated at the same time, whereby engagement of the actual function occurs.

In a particularly preferred variant of a safety grip according to the invention, one or more cable arms may include a cutout with oblong geometry with a first width and with an access opening with a second and lesser width, where the access opening is arranged such that the function selector can engage the cutout in the actual cable arm via the access opening when the safety grip is not actuated. By such a variant of the cutout is achieved the advantage that the function selector in principle is locked in the cutout since by activation of the safety grip it is pressed into the part of the cutout which is not immediately under the access opening. In this way there is greater certainty that the function selector remains engaged with a cable arm or similar, even if the apparatus is subjected to jolts and other sudden movements which otherwise would cause the function selector to disengage. In yet a preferred variant of a safety grip according to the invention, a cable arm may include a driver which by activation of the cable arm via the function selector and the movable grip member is brought into contact with a second movable cable arm, where the second movable cable arm is pivotably secured directly or indirectly to the apparatus and mechanically connected to the drive means and/or power take-off of the apparatus via at least one activation means, and such that both a first and a second activation means are activated. It is thus possible to activate more than one function at a time as the cable arm with which the function selector is engaged is adapted to draw one or more cable arms with it. The safety grip can hereby be adapted for performing an either/or actuation but also to perform a both/and actuation in the form of engagement or disengagement of one or more functions.

For example, a safety grip can be adapted with three different cable arms 1, 2 and 3, or similar, and the safety grip can then be provided with a function selector which can be positioned in neutral 0 or in one of the positions 1, 2, or 3. By an either/or-solution it is possible to put the function selector in four different positions with four different outcomes, namely 0 or 1 or 2 or 3. If the cable arms are provided with means for mutual actuation, another possibility will be that different outcomes can be obtained, namely (0) or (1 and 2) or (3); (0) or (1 and 3) or (2); (0) or (2 and 3) or (1); (0) or (1 and 2 and 3). Positions are provided in parentheses in order to make clear the various combinations that may be achieved by a 0/neutral position and by the positions 1, 2 and 3. Depending on how the safety grip and the respective cable arms or similar are designed, the various combination options can be obtained according to need. Safety grips with function selectors having two or more positions may of course occur, which obviously provide fewer or more combination options, respectively. However, often it can be a neutral position and two additional positions, which are either individual or continuous according to the model (0) or (1); or (0) or (1 and 2).

In yet a variant of a safety grip according to the invention, the function selector can be arranged adjustable on the movable grip member for direct engagement with one or more actuation means, e.g. a cable, a rod connection and/or a hydraulic connection to the drive means and/or power take-off of the apparatus. In this variant of the safety grip there is no cable arm but engagement between function selector and activation means occurs directly. For example, a number of cable ends can be arranged side by side, each appearing with a head, where the function selector can be brought to engage each of these heads or several heads at once. By such a variant the same advantages and options as when using one or more cable arms can be achieved. It is the function selector that transmits the movement of the safety grip to the respective activation means, thereby engaging or disengaging the various functions on the apparatus.

In the simplest variant of a safety grip according to the invention, the safety grip can be adapted with a function selector for activating at least one activation means and thereby an operational state, and for automatically being set to a neutral position when the safety grip is not actuated. Hereby, the apparatus can be started, and the not activated grip with the function selector is in neutral position. By moving the function selector to the active position where the function selector is directly or indirectly is brought to engage an activation means there is achieved the possibility of transmitting a movement to the activation means in question by actuating the safety grip. This variant can e.g. be used for a traditional rotary cultivator where the cultivator knives both perform the work and at the same time provide the propulsion. By such a safety grip, inadvertent engagement of the cultivator knives is avoided, and at the same time optimal safety is achieved together with meeting current legal provisions as PTO cannot be engaged without performing a positive act.

Description of the Drawing

The invention is described in the following with reference to the drawing, wherein: fig. 1 shows a safety grip on a handle on a motorised apparatus,

fig. 2 shows a safety grip without the movable grip member,

fig. 3 shows two cable arms for a safety grip,

fig. 4 shows the spring element acting on the function selector. In the explanation of the Figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different Figures. Therefore, an explanation of all details will not necessarily be given in connection with each single Figure/embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

In Fig. 1 is seen a safety grip 1 according to the invention fitted on a handle 2 for a motorised apparatus, e.g. a rotary cultivator or similar implement. A rubber grip 3 is mounted on the handle 2. The safety grip 1 includes a movable grip member 4 and a stationary body member 5 to which the movable grip member 4 is pivotably secured at an axle-line 6 in such a way that the moveable grip member 4 can press in direction against the rubber handle 3. A cutout 7 is provided in the movable grip member 4, and a function selector 8, here shown in active position, is provided in the cutout 7.

In Fig. 2 appears the same safety grip 1 as in Fig. 1, but here seen from the other side and without the movable grip member 4. On the stationary body member 5 which is fitted on the handle 2 by a bolt 9, the function selector 8 is seen provided in the not shown movable grip member 4. At each side of the stationary body member 5, a left cable arm 10 and a right cable arm 11 are mounted at the axle-line 6. When the function selector 8 is in the shown position, the right cable arm 11 will be actuated together with the not shown movable grip member 4. It appears that in both cable arms 10 and 11 there is a cutout 12 with an access opening 13 into which the function selector 8 is pivoted as the function selector 8 is actuated manually for pivoting around the bolt 14. Moreover, the resilient means 15 are seen as well, ensuring that the function selector 8 is always in a predetermined position when the safety grip 1 is not activated. In the shown variant of a safety grip 1, the function selector 8 will be in neutral position when the safety grip 1 is not activated. Here, this corresponds to the function selector 8 pointing upwards. On the stationary body member 5 appears furthermore two fastenings 16, each for a not shown cable, as the jacket of these cables is embedded in these fastenings 16 and the movable part itself of the cable 17 is disposed in a cable seat 18 on respective cable arms 10, 11. These details appear more clearly on Fig. 3. In Fig. 3 is only seen the two cable arms 10 and 11 and part of a cable 17 provided in the cable seat 18 on the cable arm 11. Such a cable 17 will be arranged in the cable seat 18 on the cable arm 10 as well. Moreover, the cutouts 12 with the narrower access openings 13 are seen whereby the not show function selector 8 is more easily kept in place in the cutout 12. In the shown variant on the cable arm 11 there is formed a driver 19 adapted for bearing on a surface 20 on the cable arm 10 and thereby force the latter to move simultaneously with moving the cable arm 11. The shown variant thus has three optional settings. Firstly, the function selector 8 can be in neutral position corresponding to not engaging either cable arms 10 or 11. Secondly, the function selector 8 can engage the cutout 12 in the cable arm 10 whereby this can be activated and exert a pull in a cable 17. Thirdly, the function selector 8 can engage the cutout 12 in the cable arm 11 whereby both cable arms 10 and 11 can be activated and exert a pull in both cables 17 arranged in the two cable seats 18. The variant shown here provides the presently mentioned options, but if the driver 19 did not exist the function selector could be in neutral position and it could be engaged and thereby activate one or the other of the cable arms 10 and 11.

Finally, in Fig. 4 appear elements of a safety grip 1 where particularly the bolt 14 around which the function selector 8 can pivot is seen surrounded by the resilient means 15. As mentioned above, the resilient means 15 ensure that the not shown function selector 8 is always set in a given position when the safety grip 1 is not actuated.

Claims

P A T E N T K R A V

1. A safety grip for operating a motorised apparatus with a drive mechanism and a power take-off, where the apparatus is adapted to via the power take-off to drive an implement or tool, for example a soil cultivator knife, a brush, a ground auger, or a snow shoveller, where activation of the drive mechanism for forward or rearward operation and/or activation of power take-off and thereby of an implement occurs by activating the safety grip as the safety grip is connected to the drive mechanism of the apparatus, where the safety grip includes at least one fixing member for fixing the safety grip to the apparatus and a movable grip member, characterised in that the safety grip further includes a function selector which can be set in a number of different positions for selecting one among several specific functions, where the function selector is connected with a spring system for biasing the function selector such that when the safety grip is not actuated, the function selector is actuated to a predetermined position.

2. A safety grip according to claim 1, characterised in that the function selector is fixed to the movable grip member.

3. A safety grip according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the safety grip includes at least one movable cable arm, where the at least one movable cable arm is pivotably fixed directly or indirectly to the apparatus and mechanically connected to the drive means and/or the power take-off of the apparatus itself via at least one activating means, e.g. a cable, a rod connection, and/or a hydraulic connection.

4. A safety grip according to claim 3, characterised in that the cable arm includes a cutout with an access opening, the access opening arranged such that the function selector can engage the cutout in the actual cable arm via the access opening when the safety grip is not actuated.

5. A safety grip according to claim 3 and 4, characterised in that the cable arm includes a cutout with oblong geometry with a first width and with an access opening with a second and lesser width, where the access opening is arranged such that the function selector can engage the cutout in the actual cable arm via the access opening when the safety grip is not actuated.

6. A safety grip according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that a cable arm includes a driver which by activation via the function selector and the movable grip member is brought into contact with a second movable cable arm, where the second movable cable arm is pivotably secured directly or indirectly to the apparatus and mechanically connected to the drive means and/or power take-off of the apparatus via at least one activation means, and such that both a first and a second activation means are activated.

7. A safety grip according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the function selector is arranged adjustable on the movable grip member for direct engagement with one or more actuation means, e.g. a cable, a rod connection and/or a hydraulic connection to the drive means and/or power take-off of the apparatus.

8. A safety grip according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the safety grip is adapted with a function selector for activating at least one activation means and thereby an operational state and for automatic setting into a neutral position when the safety grip is not actuated.