WO2018177625A1

WO2018177625A1 - Crank-handle assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018177625A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/052558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias Schlegel; Reiner Frey
Original assignee: Husqvarna Ab
Priority date: 2017-03-27
Filing date: 2018-02-01
Publication date: 2018-10-04
Also published as: AU2018246882A1; RU2719514C1; CN110352172B; EP3601129A1; CN110352172A; TW201837328A; AU2018246882B2; PL3601129T3; TWI749190B; EP3601129B1

Abstract

A crank-handle assembly (100) includes an arm (102) having a first end (104) and a second end (106). An axle (108) is fixedly coupled to the first end (104) of the arm (102) along a first axis X-X'. The first axis X-X' is angularly oriented to the arm (102) and parallel to the axle (108). A handle (110) is pivotally coupled to the arm (102) at the second end (106). The crank-handle assembly (100) is characterized in that the handle (110) is adapted to pivot between an operational position and a folding position. The handle (110) is parallel to the first axis X-X' in the operational position. The handle (110) is parallel to the arm (102), and folded on a side of the arm (102), in the folded position.

Description

CRANK-HANDLE ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a crank-handle assembly. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for the crank- handle assembly.

BACKGROUND

Crank-handle assemblies are used for various applications. One such application may be, for example, a hose reel assembly. Hose reel assemblies are devices structured to assist in transporting and using hoses, typically garden hoses for dispensing water. A hose reel may be used in order to facilitate storage of a long, flexible hose, when the hose is not in use. For example, a crank-handle may be rotated by a user in order to cause the flexible hose to rotate around a central spool of the hose reel, thereby winding or coiling the flexible hose around the spool and forming a spiral or coiled entity which may be stored more efficiently than a stretched or unfolded flexible hose.

The crank-handle typically extends away from the hose reel, and requires additional room in the shipping container and/or storage box. Thus, it is desirable to have a solution having a foldable crank-handle. However, on the other hand, the crank-handle is a functional element which has to take forces and torques in almost every direction. Therefore, a foldable solution generally compromises on strength of the crank-handle as there is relative movement between parts of the crank-handle in order to provide a foldable solution.

Thus, there is need for an improved crank-handle assembly which may overcome the problems discussed above, and provide a crank-handle assembly which is foldable to save storage space, and be structurally strong enough to take various forces and torques.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a crank-handle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The crank-handle assembly includes an arm having a first end and a second end. An axle is fixedly coupled to the first end of the arm along a first axis. The first axis is angularly oriented to the arm, and parallel to the axle. A handle is pivotally coupled to the arm at the second end. The crank-handle assembly is characterized in that the handle is adapted to pivot between an operational position and a folding position. The handle is parallel to the first axis in the operational position. The handle is parallel to the arm, and folded on a side of the arm, in the folded position. The folded configuration provides for a compact configuration while storing the crank-handle assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle further includes a first handle portion pivotally coupled to the second end of the arm along a second axis. The first handle portion includes a projection having a first blocking surface extending along the second axis. The handle further includes a second handle portion fixedly coupled to the first handle portion. The second handle portion extends parallel to the first axis.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the crank-handle assembly further includes a locking mechanism which biases the handle in the operational position. The locking mechanism prevents the crank-handle assembly from switching configurations while the crank-handle assembly is operating.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a button coupled to the second end of the arm. The button is located between the arm and the handle. The button includes a second blocking surface which extends along the second axis. A spring biases the button such that the first blocking surface of the first handle portion engages the second blocking surface of the button to keep the handle in the operational position. The locking mechanism biases the crank-handle assembly in the operational position when the crank-handle assembly is in use. Further, the button of the locking mechanism may be pressed to change the configuration of the crank-handle assembly to the folded position. The locking mechanism provides intuitive and easy means to switch between the operational and folded positions of the crank-handle assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the button is pressed against the spring force to switch the position of the handle from the operational position to the storage position. The spring biases the button of the locking mechanism to keep the crank-handle assembly in the operational position when the crank-handle assembly is in use.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle is coupled to the arm by inserting the first handle portion in an opening in the second end of the arm. Thus, the handle is coupled to the arm in an efficient manner ensuring the handle does not get uncoupled with the arm while the crank- handle assembly is in use.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first handle portion is coupled to the second end of the arm through a snap fit arrangement. The snap-fit arrangement provides a cost effective and efficient means to couple the handle to the arm.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle further includes a cover over the second handle portion such that the cover can rotate over the second handle portion. The cover ensures a user need not switch grip on the handle while rotating the handle of the crank-handle assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle rotates by an angle of 90 degrees between the operational position and the storage position. The handle may pivot between the operational and the folded position by rotating in an angular range of 90 degrees.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arm further includes a protrusion at the second end of the arm.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first handle portion further includes a recess adapted to receive the protrusion at the second end of the arm. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion at the second end of the arm and the recess in the first handle portion engage to limit angular movement of the handle. The protrusion and the recess ensure that the handle of the crank-handle assembly does not rotate past the angular range defined between the operational position and the folded position of the crank- handle assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arm is designed as a molded plastic part. In another embodiment, the arm is designed as a die cast metal part. The design of the arm ensures a stable configuration for the crank-handle assembly in the operational position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first axis X-X' is perpendicular to the arm. An angle of 90 degrees between the first axis and the arm provides ergonomic advantages to the design of the crank-handle assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first handle portion further includes a curved surface opposite the first blocking surface. The curved surface ensures the crank-handle assembly automatically returns to the folded position even after the button is released by a user after pressing the button once as the second blocking surface, under the effect of the spring force, abuts against the curved surface and biases the crank-handle assembly towards the folded position.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a crank-handle assembly in an operational position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the crank-handle assembly in a folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the crank-handle assembly in the operational position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the crank-handle assembly in the folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the crank-handle assembly in the folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a crank-handle assembly 100. The crank-handle assembly 100 may be used in various applications, for example, a hose cart (not shown). The crank-handle assembly 100 includes an arm 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106. The arm 102 may have a hollow structure to accommodate various other parts of the crank-handle assembly 100. The arm 102 may include means to couple various other parts of the crank-handle assembly 100 at the first end 104 and the second end 106. The arm 102 may be designed as a molded plastic part or a die cast metal part as per application requirements.

An axle 108 is coupled to the arm 102 at the first end 104 of the arm 102 along a first axis X-X'. The first axis X-X' is angularly oriented to the arm 102. In an embodiment, the first axis X-X' is perpendicular to the arm 102. Further, the first axis X-X' is parallel to the axle 108. The axle 108 extends away from the first end 104 of the arm 102 along the first axis X-X'. The axle 108 may be fixedly coupled to the arm 102 through any suitable coupling mechanism known in the art. The axle 108 may have a circular cross-section which may be received by the arm 102. For example, the arm 102 may include an opening at the first end 104 to receive the axle 108 at the first end 104 of the arm 102. The axle 108 may be used to couple the crank-handle assembly 100 to any other equipment such as a hose cart etc. based on the application area for which the crank-handle assembly 100 is being used.

The crank-handle assembly 100 includes a handle 110 coupled to the arm 102 at the second end 106 of the arm 102. The handle 110 includes a first handle portion 112 and a second handle portion 114. The first handle portion 112 is coupled to the second end 106 of the arm 102 along a second axis Y-Y'. The second axis Y-Y' is perpendicular to the first axis X-X', and also perpendicular to the arm 102. The first handle portion 112 may be coupled to the second end 106 of the arm 102 through a pivot connection, such that the handle 110 may rotate about the pivot connection.

In an embodiment, the first handle portion 112 may be inserted into an opening provided at the second end 106 of the arm 102. In another embodiment, the first handle portion 112 is coupled to the second end 106 of the arm 102 through a snap fit arrangement. It should be contemplated that the first handle portion 112 may also be coupled to the second end 106 of the arm 102 in any other suitable manner as well as per application requirements. The second handle portion 114 is fixedly coupled to the first handle portion 112 such that the second handle portion 114 extends perpendicularly to the second axis Y-Y'.

The second handle portion 114 further includes a handle cover 116. The handle cover 116 may be coupled to the second handle portion 114 through any suitable mechanical joining means. The handle cover 116 may rotate relative to the handle 110 so that a user may easily rotate the handle 110 of the crank-handle assembly 100 without switching grips.

The handle 110 is coupled to the second end 106 of the arm 102 such that the handle 110 can rotate about the second end 106 of the arm 102. More specifically, the handle 110 can pivot about the second end 106 of the arm 102 between an operational position and a folded position. The handle 110 is illustrated in the operational position in FIG. 1. The operational position is defined as a configuration in which the handle 110 remains to operate the crank- handle assembly 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates the handle 110 in the folded position. In the folded position, the handle 110 is parallel to the arm 102, and folded on a side of the arm 102. The folding of the handle 110 on the side of the arm 102 provides a better storage configuration for the crank-handle assembly 100. A compact configuration in the folded position ensures better and efficient packaging as the crank-handle assembly 100 looks clean and does not block any other parts of the equipment with which the crank-handle assembly 100 is being used as per application requirements.

With combined reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the crank-handle assembly 100 further includes a locking mechanism 118. The locking mechanism 118 locks the handle 110 of the crank-handle assembly 100 in the operational position while the crank-handle assembly 100 is in use. The locking mechanism 118 includes a button 120. The button 120 may be pressed to change the position of the handle 110 from the operational position to the folded position. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the crank-handle assembly 100 in the operational position taken along a plane A-A' (shown in FIG. 2). The first handle portion 112 extends inside the arm 102 at the second end 106. The first handle portion 112 may have a generally cylindrical cross- section. Further, the first handle portion 112 includes a first blocking surface 302 extending from the generally cylindrical cross-section such that the first blocking surface 302 extends along the second axis Y-Y'. It should be contemplated that cross- sectional shape of the first handle portion 112 is merely exemplary in nature, and any other shape of the cross-section may also be provided as per the need of the present disclosure.

The button 120 includes a first surface 304 which may be pressed to push the button 120 such that the button 120 slides inside the arm 102. The button 120 includes a second surface 306 opposite to the first surface 304 in a direction away from the second end 106 of the arm 102. A spring 308 contacts the second surface 306 and pushes the button 120 in an upwards direction. The spring 308 may be any conventional spring known in the art which may be suitable as per the need of the present disclosure. The spring 308 is connected to the second surface 306 at one end, and the arm 102 at the other end. The second surface 306 may include means to couple the spring 308 to the second surface 306. In one embodiment, the spring 308 is connected to the first end 104 of the arm 102 at the other end.

The button 120 further includes a second blocking surface 310 which extends along the second axis Y-Y'. In the operational position of the crank- handle assembly 100, the second blocking surface 310 of the button 120 abuts against the first blocking surface 302 of the first handle portion 112. When the first blocking surface 302, and the second blocking surface 310 abut against each other, the handle 110 remains in the operational position as any rotational movement is not possible.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the crank-handle assembly 100 in the folded configuration along the plane A-A'. To change the configuration of the crank-handle assembly 100 from the operational position to the folded position, the button 120 is pressed at the first surface 304 against the biasing force of the spring 308. On pressing the first surface 304, against the biasing force of the spring 308, the button 120 moves downward and slides inside the arm 102. As the button 120 moves downwards against the biasing force of the spring 308, the second blocking surface 310 of the button 120 moves out of abutment with the first blocking surface 302. The button 120 further includes a cavity 404 so that the first handle portion 112 may rotate without any obstructions inside the button 120.

As the first blocking surface 302 does not encounter any opposing force, the first handle portion 112 tends to rotate anti-clockwise such that the handle 110 rotates to change the configuration of the handle 110 from the operational position to the folded position. The first handle portion 112 further includes a curved surface 402 opposite to the first blocking surface 302. As the first handle portion 112 moves out of abutment with the button 120, and rotates anticlockwise, the second blocking surface 310 contacts the curved surface 402 as the button 120 is biased by the spring 308 in the upwards direction. The spring 308, thus, facilitates an automatic return of the handle 110 to the folded position from the operational position even if the button 120 is released after being pressed once to move the first blocking surface 302 and the second blocking surface 310 out of alignment.

With combined reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the crank-handle assembly 100 provides an efficient distribution of forces and torques experienced by the crank-handle assembly 100 on various parts. The button 120 may take up any forces which may act on the crank-handle assembly 100 while the crank-handle assembly 100 in in use to fold the crank-handle assembly 100. The first blocking surface 302 and the second blocking surface 310 may be designed accordingly so as not to fail under such forces. This provides for a cost efficient design of the crank-handle assembly 100 as only certain parts need to be designed with higher structural strengths instead of the whole crank-handle assembly 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the crank-handle assembly 100 showing contact surfaces between the first handle portion 112 and the arm 102. The arm 102 includes a protrusion 502 extending away from the second end 106 of the arm 102 along the second axis Y-Y'. The first handle portion 112 includes a recess 504 which receives the protrusion 502. The handle 110 rotates in an angular range of 90 degrees between the operational position and the folded position. Engagement of the protrusion 502 and the recess 504 ensures that the angular range of motion of the handle 110 does not exceed 90 degrees. This ensures that the handle 110 does not rotate past the operational position and the folded position while switching between the two positions.

It should be contemplated that shapes of the protrusion 502 and the recess 504 are only exemplary in nature. Further, the arrangement of the protrusion 502 and the recess 504 are also exemplary in nature, and any other such arrangement may also be provided to limit the motion of the handle 110 between the operational position and the folded position.

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

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Crank-handle assembly

102 Arm

104 First end of the arm

106 Second end of the arm

108 Axle

110 Handle

112 First handle portion

114 Second handle portion

116 Handle cover

118 Locking mechanism

120 Button

302 First blocking surface

304 First surface of the button

306 Second surface of the button

308 Spring

310 Second blocking surface

402 Curved surface

404 Cavity

502 Protrusion

504 Recess

X X' First axis

Y-Y' Second axis

A-A' Plane

Claims

1. A crank-handle assembly (100) comprising: an arm (102) having a first end (104) and a second end (106); an axle (108) fixedly coupled to the first end (104) of the arm (102) along a first axis X-X', wherein the first axis X-X' is angularly oriented to the arm (102), and parallel to the axle (108); and a handle (110) pivotally coupled to the arm (102) at the second end (106); characterized in that: the handle (110) is adapted to pivot between an operational position and a folding position; wherein the handle (110) is parallel to the first axis X-X' in the operational position; and wherein the handle (110) is parallel to the arm (102), and folded on a side of the arm (102), in the folded position.

2. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the handle (110) further comprises: a first handle portion (112) pivotally coupled to the second end (106) of the arm (102) along a second axis Y-Y'; wherein the first handle portion (112) includes a projection having a first blocking surface (302) extending along the second axis Y-Y'; and a second handle portion (114) fixedly coupled to the first handle portion (112), the second handle portion (114) extending parallel to the first axis X-X'.

3. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 2, further characterized in that: the crank-handle assembly (100) further includes a locking mechanism (118) adapted to bias the handle (110) in the operational position.

4. The crank-handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism (118) includes: a button (120) coupled to the second end (106) of the arm (102), and disposed between the arm (102) and the handle (110), the button (120) including a second blocking surface (310) extending along the second axis Y-Y'; and a spring (308) adapted to bias the button (120) such that the first blocking surface (302) of the first handle portion (112) engages the second blocking surface (310) of the button (120) to keep the handle (110) in the operational position.

5. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the button (120) is pressed against the spring (308) to switch position of the handle (110) from the operational position to the storage position.

6. The crank handle assembly (100) of claims 1-5, wherein the handle (110) is coupled to the arm (102) by inserting the first handle portion (112) in an opening in the second end (106) of the arm (102).

7. The crank handle assembly (100) of claim 1-6, wherein the first handle portion (112) is coupled to the second end (106) of the arm (102) through a snap fit arrangement.

8. The crank handle assembly (100) of claims 1-7, wherein the handle (110) further includes a handle cover (116) over the second handle portion (114) such that the handle cover (116) can rotate over the second handle portion (114).

9. The crank handle assembly (100) of claims 1-8, wherein the handle (110) rotates by an angle of 90 degrees between the operational position and the storage position.

10. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 1-9, wherein the arm (102) further includes a protrusion (502) at the second end (106) of the arm (102).

11. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 10, wherein the first handle portion (112) further includes a recess (504) adapted to receive the protrusion (502) at the second end (106) of the arm (102).

12. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 11, wherein the protrusion (502) at the second end (106) of the arm (102) and the recess (504) in the first handle portion (112) engage to limit angular movement of the handle (110) between the operational position and the folded position.

13. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 1-12, wherein the arm (102) is designed as at least one of a molded plastic part and a die cast metal part.

14. The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 1-13, wherein the first axis X- X' is perpendicular to the arm (102). The crank-handle assembly (100) of claim 2-14, wherein the first handle portion (112) further includes a curved surface (402) opposite the first blocking surface (302).