Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines

摘要

Variable speed control systems and methods for walk-behind working machines, such as lawnmowers and similar powered machines, can include a control lever with a lever arm that is selectively pivotable with respect to a machine handle between a first angular position at which a grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle by a first angle and a second angular position at which the control lever is proximate to the handle to control the working machine to be in one of a range of operating states corresponding to the angular position of the control lever. A control lever adjustment system is configured to selectively adjust the first angle to adjust a total possible angular travel of the control lever between the first angular position and the second angular position. In this way, an operator can set a range of operating states of the working machine.

主权项

1. A variable speed control system for a walk-behind working machine, comprising:
a control system base; a handle; a control lever comprising a lever arm having a first end that is pivotably attached to the control system base and a second end substantially opposing the first end that comprises a grip portion, the control lever being selectively pivotable with respect to the control system base between an adjustable first angular position at which the grip portion of the control lever is spaced apart from the handle by a first angle and a second angular position at which the control lever is proximate to the handle, the handle comprising a stop that prevents the control lever from pivoting beyond the second angular position; a control connector in communication between the control lever and a machine component, wherein the control connector is configured to control the machine component to be in one of a range of operating states corresponding to the angular position of the control lever with respect to the control system base; and a control lever adjustment system configured to selectively adjust the first angle by which the control lever is spaced apart from the handle when the control lever is in the first angular position to adjust a total angular travel of the control lever between the first angular position and the second angular position; wherein the control lever adjustment system comprises a control knob that is rotatable with respect to the control lever, wherein rotation of the control knob causes adjustment of the first angle by which the control lever is spaced apart from the handle when the control lever is in the first angular position.