FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to power tools, such as snow blower
power tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Power tools are generally utilized to make working conditions easier. For example,
snow blowers eliminate the need for shoveling snow. Instead of manually lifting snow
from a surface (e.g., a driveway or sidewalk) to move the snow therefrom, the operator
can push or walk a snow blower through the snow. The snow blower lifts the snow and
discharges it a distance from the underlying surface. Typically, this involves moving
snow from a rotating auger to a downstream chute that can direct the moving snow away
from the snow blower. In this regard, snow blowers make snow removal easier than previous
manual operations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Although snow blowers can greatly reduce the amount of human effort to clear an area
of snow, existing appliances still maintain certain drawbacks during use. For instance,
it is common for the chute of existing snow blowers to become clogged especially over
extended use. Specifically, snow can become packed within the chute and restrict the
flow of snow from the rotatable auger. In certain cases, this can cause the entire
chute to become obstructed, which may prevent the passage of any snow therethrough.
If left untreated, this may cause snow agitated by the rotatable auger to fly forward
or otherwise flow to an undesired location. Damage to the snow blower may even occur.
In order to treat clog conditions, a user must typically stop the snow blower and
manually unpack or dislodge any clogged masses from the chute. This can be tedious
and obviously slows down any snow clearing operations.
[0004] Accordingly, snow blowers, features, or methods of operation are desired in the art.
In particular, systems or methods that prevent or discourage snow from clogging on,
within, or upstream of the chute would be advantageous.
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following
description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice
of the invention.
[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The
snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheel, a chute, and
an active heater. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame. The one or more
wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow
blower. The chute may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The active
heater may be supported on the frame in thermal communication with the chute to heat
a predefined area thereof.
[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided.
The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheel, a chute,
and an active heater. The frame may include an auger housing. The auger housing may
include a top wall and define a front opening permitting snow to the auger housing.
The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame and housed within the auger housing
below the top wall and rearward from the front opening. The one or more wheels may
be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower.
The chute may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The chute may include
a resilient chute body deformable about a chute axis perpendicular to an auger axis.
[0008] In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided.
The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheel, a chute,
an auger motor, and a controller. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame.
The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger
to support the snow blower. The chute may extend from the frame above the rotatable
auger. The auger motor may be supported on the frame in mechanical communication with
the rotatable auger to motivate rotation thereof. The controller may be in operative
communication with the auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation. The
blower operation may include receiving an operational sensor signal, determining a
motor output setting based on the received operational sensor signal, and directing
the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output
setting.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode
thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification,
which makes reference to the appended figures.
FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 provides a side elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 provides a side elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 provides a front perspective view of a portion of a snow blower according to
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 provides a front perspective view of a portion of a snow blower according to
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 provides a front elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 provides a front perspective view of a portion of a snow blower according to
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a snow blower according
to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended
to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more
examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way
of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used
with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended
that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within
the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0013] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably
to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location
or importance of the individual components. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms
"coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing,
or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more
intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein,
the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "bas," "having" or any
other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example,
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not
necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly
listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive-
or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is
true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and
B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0014] Terms of approximation, such as "about," "generally," "approximately," or "substantially,"
include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used
in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater
or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes
directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.
[0015] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard
to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems,
and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential
feature of any or all the claims.
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate a snow blower 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, snow
blower 100 defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction L,
and transverse direction T. The snow blower 100 includes a frame 102, one or more
motors 104 (e.g., element motor 104a or wheel motor 104b), an auger 106 coupled (e.g.,
rotatably mounted) to the frame 102, such as disposed in an auger housing 108, and
a handle assembly 110 extending from the frame 102. As illustrated, the handle assembly
110 can extend from a rear end of the frame 102 in a generally vertical direction.
A battery compartment 112 can be coupled to the frame 102 to receive one or more batteries
(not illustrated) which can provide power to the one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g.,
one more electric motors). In other embodiments, motors 104 can include an engine
powered by fuel. In such embodiments, the battery compartment 112 can be replaced
or supplemented with a fuel storage tank (not illustrated) which stores fuel for powering
the engine.
[0017] The snow blower 100 is supported by walking elements, e.g., wheels 114. In optional
embodiments, the wheels 114 are provided as a pair of driven wheels that can be driven
or rotated by a discrete wheel motor 104b (e.g., separate from element motor 104a).
As illustrated, the wheel motor 104b may be supported on the frame 102 apart from
the element motor 104a. Although the driven wheels 114 may be motivated or rotated
by wheel motor 104b, an operator or user may selectively push the snow blower 100
(e.g., manually).
[0018] It is noted that although the illustrated snow blower 100 is shown as a single-stage
snow blower, the present disclosure is not limited to the same and may be applicable
to any suitable snow blowing power tool, such as a dual-stage (e.g., impeller) snow
blower, self-propelled snow blower, manually propelled or push snow blower, etc.
[0019] In some embodiments, a controller 150 may be provided in operative communication
with one or more components of snow blower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, sensors 152a,
152b, 152c , etc.). The controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors,
CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute
programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of snow blower
100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory
such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming
instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a
software package configured to operate snow blower 100 or execute an operation routine
(e.g., the exemplary method 800 described below with reference to FIG. 8). The memory
may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the
processor. Alternatively, controller 150 may be constructed without using a microprocessor
(e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as
switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like)
to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
[0020] Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout snow blower
100. Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between controller 150 and various
operational components of snow blower 100. One or more components of snow blower 100
may be in operative communication (e.g., electric communication) with controller 150
via one or more conductive signal lines or shared communication busses.
[0021] In optional embodiments, one or more operational sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are provided
on snow appliance 100 in operative (e.g., wired or wireless) communication with controller
150. Generally, such operational sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are configured to detect
one or more operational conditions of the snow blower 100 and transmit signals corresponding
to the same (e.g., to controller 150). Such operational conditions may be related
to performance of the snow blower 100. As an example, a motor sensor 152a may be provided
(e.g., at controller 150) to detect a motor loading signal received from the auger
motor 104a according to an operational load (e.g., voltage draw) on the auger motor
104a. Such motor loading signals and sensors 152a, 152b, 152c for the same are generally
understood. As an additional or alternative, example, a speed sensor 152b may be mounted
on frame 102 and configured to detect a velocity of the snow blower 100. The detected
velocity may generally correspond to forward movement of the snow blower 100. For
instance, speed sensor 152b may detect velocity based on a rotational speed of one
or more wheels 114. To that end, and as would be understood the speed sensor 152b
may include a rotational sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor, inductive sensor, eddy-current
sensor, photodiode array, etc.) be configured to detect rotational movement at the
wheels 114 (or an axle thereof).
[0022] Separate from or in additional to performance of snow blower 100, operational conditions
may relate to the environment (e.g., ambient area or geographic location) that the
snow blower 100 is located in. As an example, a temperature sensor 152c may be provided
to detect an ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor
152c may be mounted to the frame 102 (e.g., apart from the motor(s) thereof). As would
be understood, the temperature may include a thermistor, thermocouple, or any other
suitable electric temperature sensing element.
[0023] Optionally, the snow blower 100 can include one or more lighting elements (e.g.,
one or more light emitting diodes, commonly referred to as LEDs) configured to illuminate
one or more areas of the environment in which the snow blower 100 is operating. For
example, the snow blower 100 can include a light 134 disposed on the auger housing
108.
[0024] The auger housing 108 generally houses the auger 106 (e.g., such that the auger 106
is housed below the top wall 108a and rearward from the front opening). Moreover,
auger housing 108 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with a chute
116. Moreover, the auger housing 108 can be connected with the chute 116 mechanically,
electrically, or both. The chute 116 can extend, for example, above the auger housing
108. The chute 116 can direct discharged snow in a desired direction. In an embodiment,
the chute 116 can rotate about a (e.g., vertical) chute axis A. The chute 116 can
include a moveable interface 118 configured to rotate the discharge direction about
a horizontal axis. In this regard, the direction and height of discharged snow can
be controlled. In certain instances, the direction of at least one of the chute 116
and moveable interface 118 can be controlled by the operator at the handle assembly
110. For instance, a chute lever 126 may be provided on the handle assembly 110 to
selectively rotate the chute 116. Additionally or alternatively, a movable flap lever
may be provided on the chute 116 to selectively rotate the movable interface 118.
[0025] In certain embodiments, handle assembly 110 include a top handle 110c (e.g., as an
unbroken unitary piece or having left and right portions to receive a user's left
and right hands, respectively). One or more inputs for controlling snow blower 100
may be provided on or proximal to top handle 110c. Although top handle 110c is shown
as a single-piece construction handle having left and right portions to receive a
user's left and right hands, respectively. In other instances, the handle assembly
110 can include a multi-piece construction (e.g., having multiple discrete handles
to receive a user's hands). The top handle 110c can be coupled to one or more additional
portions, which extend from the frame 102 to the first and second handles 110a and
110b (e.g., to support the top handle 110c or permit selective height adjustments
or storage configurations of the handle assembly 110).
[0026] The handle assembly 110 generally include one or more controls associated with controlling
operational aspect(s) of the snow blower 100. By way of non-limiting example, the
handle assembly 110 can include a power button 122 and one or more speed inputs (e.g.,
speed input 124) operably coupled to a controller 150. One or more position sensors
152a, 152b, 152c (e.g., a potentiometer, Hall effect sensor, infrared proximity sensor,
capacitive displacement sensor, inductive sensor, eddy-current sensor, photodiode
array, etc.) may be attached to or in operable communication with a speed input 124
to detect the relative position of an input (e.g., on handle assembly 110) and communicate
the same (e.g., to a controller 150).
[0027] Optionally, the speed input 124 may define a set range of motion (e.g., pivoting
motion) between a predefined maximum and minimum. For instance, the speed input 124
may define a range of motion corresponding to a range of rotational speeds between
a top speed (e.g., as defined by RPM or power draw) and a base speed (e.g., as defined
by RPM or power draw). The top speed of auger 106 may be set as the maximum of the
range of motion, while the base speed may be set as the minimum range of motion of
speed input 124.
[0028] In optional embodiments, snow blower 100 includes a fuel gauge (e.g., mounted on
a control panel or handle assembly) generally configured to display, for instance,
the level of charge of one or more batteries on snow blower 100 (e.g., within battery
compartment 112). For instance, as would be understood, a digital screen or LED array
may be provided to provide a visual indication of the relative charge level of the
connected batteries at a given moment (e.g., between a maximum level and a minimum
or depleted level). In certain embodiments, the fuel gauge is configured to adjust
or tune the display based on a detected temperature (e.g., at the temperature sensor
152c or another temperature sensor mounted on or within battery compartment 112).
Such adjustments or tunings may include changing the display of a default condition
of displaying the battery level. As an example, a predetermined color (e.g., blue)
may be presented (e.g., on a progress bar(s) indicating the battery level) based on
a detected temperature, such as in response to detecting a temperature below a set
threshold. As an additional or alternative example, a predetermined icon (e.g., timer
or pictorial thermometer) may be presented (e.g., on or in place of a progress bar(s)
indicating the battery level) based on a detected temperature, such as in response
to detecting a temperature below a set threshold. As another additional or alternative
embodiment, a temperature value (e.g., variable value) may be presented (e.g., on
or in place of a progress bar(s) indicating the battery level) based on a detected
temperature. Thus, a value (e.g., in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit) of the detected
temperature may be shown to a user. As yet another additional or alternative example,
an updated battery level may be calculated and presented (e.g., on a progress bar(s)
indicating the battery level) based on a detected temperature value, which may generally
affect the relative battery level or capacity according to a predetermined chart,
graph, lookup table or formula. Thus, the effects of temperature to the battery level
may be illustrated.
[0029] In certain embodiments, one or more active heaters 154 are provided. In particular,
an active heater 154 may be supported on the frame 102 in thermal communication with
at least a portion of the chute 116. The thermal communication may be defined or directed
at a predefined area 155 such that activation of the active heater 154 actively heats
the predefined area 155.
[0030] Turning especially to FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the active heater 154 includes
an electric heating element 156 (e.g., resistive heating wire or line configured to
generate heat from an electric current flowed through the element, as would be understood).
The electric heating element 156 may be conductive thermal communication with the
chute 116. For instance, when assembled, the electric heating element 156 may be defined
on the chute 116, such as at the predefined area 155. Optionally, the electric heating
element 156 may be mounted or secured onto the chute body 158 of the chute 116, such
as by embedding, encasing, or adhering the electric heating element 156 within or
on the chute body 158. During use, the electric heating element 156 may thus be selectively
activated (e.g., automatically without direct user intervention or, alternatively,
in response to a received input signal from a corresponding input engaged by a user).
[0031] Turning especially to FIG. 3, in additional or alternative embodiments, the active
heater 154 includes a convective assembly 160, which itself may include a motor (e.g.,
auger motor 104a) and one or more air channels or nozzles defined through the frame
102 (e.g., an outer shell of the frame 102, which encloses auger motor 104a). The
convective assembly 160 is generally configured to force or direct heated air to the
predefined area 155 of the chute 116. For instance, the frame 102 may define one or
more air inlets 162 upstream from the motor 104a and one or more exhaust outlets 164
downstream from the motor 104a. The motor 104a or the exhaust outlet 164 may be provided
or defined rearward from the chute 116. Additionally or alternatively, the exhaust
outlet 164 may be directed at the predefined area 155 in convective thermal communication
therewith. For instance, the exhaust outlet 164 may define an air path for a heated
airflow from the motor 104a that is aimed at and configured to flow to the predefined
area 155 (e.g., at a base of the chute 116). As shown, the exhaust outlet 164 may
be disposed above (e.g., at a higher height relative to the vertical direction V)
than the motor 104a or air inlet 162. Natural convective airflow may, at least in
part, motivate the heated airflow across the motor 104a and to the exhaust outlet
164. Additionally or alternatively, an active fan (not pictured) may be provided to
selectively force or further motivate the heated airflow across the motor 104a and
to the exhaust outlet 164.
[0032] Turning now generally to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, one or more vibrational
engagement elements 170 are provided. In particular, a vibrational engagement element
170 may be supported on the frame 102 in mechanical communication with at least a
portion of the rotatable auger 106 or chute 116 (e.g., to agitate or disrupt snow
to or within the chute 116).
[0033] Turning especially to FIG. 4, in optional embodiments, the vibrational engagement
element 170 includes a resilient contact flap 172. Generally, the resilient contact
flap 172 is formed, at least in part, by a resilient or elastic material, such as
a natural or synthetic polymer, such as rubber. When assembled, the resilient contact
flap 172 may extend from the frame 102 and into a rotational path of the rotatable
auger 106. As shown, resilient contact flap 172 may extend from a first end 172a to
a second end 172b. The first end 172a may be attached to the auger housing 108 (e.g.,
above the rotatable auger 106). In certain embodiments, the first end 172a is fixed
to the auger housing 108 (e.g., at the top wall 108a). Additionally or alternatively,
the first end 172a may be secured to the auger housing 108 proximal to the base of
the chute 116. Apart from the first end 172a, the second end 172b may be disposed
within a portion of the rotational path of the rotatable auger 106. Thus, as the rotatable
auger 106 selectively rotates, the resilient contact flap 172 may contact or strike
the rotatable auger 106. This contact may notably disrupt snow clumps or vibrate the
chute 116 or auger housing 108, which may itself agitate snow within the chute 116.
[0034] Turning especially to FIG. 5, in optional embodiments, the vibrational engagement
element 170 includes a secondary motor 174a. Generally, the secondary motor 174a is
mounted to the frame 102 (e.g., separate from the auger motor 104a) and is in mechanical
communication with the chute 116 (e.g., to generate vibrations thereon). In some embodiments,
an eccentric vibrating weight or vibration arm 174b is coupled to the secondary motor
174a. For instance, the vibration arm 174b may extend from the secondary motor 174a
to the chute 116 (e.g., to an outer portion or surface of the chute 116). Generally,
the secondary motor 174a and vibration arm 174b may be configured to transfer vibration-inducing
movement from the secondary motor 174a to the chute 116. Optionally, an eccentric
element within the secondary motor 174a (not pictured) may be motivated to shake or
vibrate the secondary motor 174a and, by extension, the vibration arm 174b. This vibration
may notably disrupt or vibrate the chute 116 or auger housing 108, which may itself
agitate snow within the chute 116.
[0035] Turning especially to FIG. 6, in optional embodiments, the rotatable auger 106 defines
a lateral gap 176 within which a breaker blade 178 is received. Generally, the breaker
blade 178 is formed, at least in part, by a rigid or sharpened material, such as a
rigid metal (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum, including alloys thereof). When assembled,
the breaker blade 178 may extend from the frame 102 and into a rotational path of
the rotatable auger 106. As shown, breaker blade 178 may extend from a first end 178a
to a second end 178b. The first end 178a may be attached to the auger housing 108
(e.g., above the rotatable auger 106). In certain embodiments, the first end 178a
is fixed to the auger housing 108 (e.g., at the top wall 108a). Additionally or alternatively,
the first end 178a may be secured to the auger housing 108 forward from the chute
116. Apart from the first end 178a, the second end 178b may be disposed within a portion
of the rotational path of the rotatable auger 106. Specifically, the second end 178b
may be seated within the lateral gap 176 (e.g., between a pair of laterally extending,
rotatable auger blades, as shown). Thus, as the rotatable auger 106 selectively rotates,
the breaker blade 178 may notably contact or disrupt clumped masses of snow upstream
form the snow (e.g., without contacting the rotatable auger 106).
[0036] Turning especially to FIG. 7, in optional embodiments, a transverse channel 180 is
provided. For instance, a transverse channel 180 may extend continuously rearward
from the front opening of auger housing 108 as an open channel (e.g., open along the
vertical direction V). The transverse channel 180 may extend (e.g., transversely)
all the way to a snow passage 182 defined by the chute 116, which extends (e.g., vertically)
above the top wall 108a. Thus, the transverse channel 180 may converge with the top
wall 108a on the base of chute 116. Notably, large snow clumps may be permitted to
gently escape the auger housing 108 or chute 116 (e.g., before a clog is able to form).
[0037] In additional or alternative embodiments, the chute 116 itself includes a resilient
chute body 158 that is deformable about the chute axis A. Generally, the resilient
chute body 158 is formed, at least in part, by a resilient or elastic material, such
as a natural or synthetic polymer, such as rubber. In certain embodiments, the resilient
chute body 158 has a static base 184. Specifically, the static base 184 may be non-rotatably
fixed to the frame 102 or auger housing 108 (e.g., at the top wall 108a). Thus, an
upper end 186 of the chute 116 is rotate, the resilient chute body 158 is generally
deformed while the static base 184 remains stationary (e.g., relative to the top wall
108a).
[0038] Now that the construction of a power tool (e.g., snow blower 100) according to exemplary
embodiments have been presented, exemplary methods (e.g., method 800) of operating
a power tool will be described. Although the above discussion is primarily directed
to the details of a single-stage snow blower, one skilled in the art will appreciate
that the exemplary method 800 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other
snow blowers, such as dual-stage snow blowers having a separate impeller element for
propelling snow downstream from a rotatable auger. In exemplary embodiments, the various
method steps as disclosed herein may be performed (e.g., in whole or part) by controller
150.
[0039] FIG. 8 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purpose of illustration
and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided
herein and except as otherwise indicated, will understand that the steps of the method
800 can be modified, adapted, rearranged, omitted, interchanged, or expanded in various
ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0040] Advantageously, methods in accordance with the present disclosure may account for
and mitigate or prevent clogging within the chute (e.g., caused by snow).
[0041] At 810, the method 800 includes receiving an operational sensor signal. Specifically,
one or more operational signals may be received from a corresponding electrical element
or sensor (e.g., attached to the frame of the snow blower or otherwise in communication
with the controller thereof). In some embodiments, the operational sensor signal includes
a motor loading signal (e.g., voltage draw) received from the auger motor. For instance,
as would be understood, the received motor loading signal may indicate the operational
load on the auger motor (e.g., resistance on the auger motor rotation caused by the
amount, volume, or mass of snow being engaged by the rotatable auger). Thus, the motor
loading signal may be received from the auger motor according to an operational load
on the auger motor. In additional or alternative embodiments, the operational sensor
signal includes a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor (e.g., as
described above). For instance, as would be understood, the received temperature signal
may indicate the temperature at a portion of the snow blower (e.g., at the chute or
frame). In further additional or alternative embodiments, the operational sensor signal
includes a velocity signal received from the speed sensor (e.g., as described above).
For instance, as would be understood, the received velocity signal may indicate the
speed of movement (e.g., at the wheels or generally along the transverse direction)
of the snow blower. Optionally, acceleration may be calculated (e.g., using multiple
velocity signals overtime) to provide an acceleration signal as a modified operational
sensor signal.
[0042] At 820, the method 800 includes determining a motor output setting based on the received
operational sensor signal. Specifically, a predetermined relationship may be established
between the input of the received operational signal and the motor output setting.
For instance, a predetermined formula, chart, look-up table, or graph may be established
(e.g., stored within the controller) for determining the motor output setting using
the received operational sensor signal. In turn, and as an example, in response to
receiving the operational sensor signal at 810, the motor output setting may be determined.
[0043] Generally, the motor output setting may provide a setting of power, speed, or torque
to which the auger motor is directed to apply or output to the rotatable auger. Thus,
the directed power, speed, or torque that the rotatable auger is rotated at (or at
least instructed to rotate at) may correspond to the motor output setting. In some
embodiments, the motor output setting generally increases based on or in response
to increased motor loading and generally decreases based on or in response to decreased
motor loading. In additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting
generally increases based on or in response to increased temperatures (e.g., in which
snow is relatively dense and "wet") and generally decreases based on or in response
to decreased temperatures (e.g., in which snow is relatively loose and "dry"). In
further additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting generally
increases based on or in response to increased velocities or acceleration (e.g., in
which the snow blower is moving or accelerating relatively quickly) and generally
decreases based on or in response to decreased velocities or acceleration (e.g., in
which the snow blower is moving or accelerating relatively slowly)
[0044] At 830, the method 800 includes directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable
auger according to the determined motor output setting. In other words, the rotatable
auger may be directed or instructed to rotate at the motor output setting (e.g., automatically
or without direct user input).
[0045] Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:
Embodiment 1. A snow blower comprising a frame; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame;
one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support
the snow blower; a chute extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; and an
active heater supported on the frame in thermal communication with the chute to heat
a predefined area thereof.
Embodiment 2. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the active
heater comprises an electric heating element disposed on the chute at the predefined
area in conductive thermal communication therewith.
Embodiment 3. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the active
heater comprises a motor disposed rearward from the chute and an exhaust outlet downstream
from the motor, the exhaust outlet being directed at the predefined area in convective
thermal communication therewith.
Embodiment 4. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame
comprises an auger housing within which the rotatable auger is housed, and wherein
the snow blower further comprises a resilient contact flap attached to the auger housing
extending therefrom and into a rotational path of the rotatable auger to selectively
contact the rotatable auger during rotation of the rotatable auger.
Embodiment 5. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising:
a secondary motor supported on the frame; and a vibration arm coupled to the secondary
motor in mechanical communication with the chute to selectively transfer vibration-inducing
movement from the secondary motor to the chute.
Embodiment 6. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the rotatable
auger defines a lateral gap, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing within which
the rotatable auger is housed, and wherein the snow blower further comprises a breaker
blade attached to the auger housing extending therefrom and into a rotational path
of the rotatable auger at the lateral gap.
Embodiment 7. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame
comprises an auger housing within which the rotatable auger is housed, the auger housing
comprising a top wall and defining a front opening permitting snow to the rotatable
auger, wherein the chute is attached to the frame at the top wall, wherein the chute
defines a snow passage extending above the top wall, and wherein the top wall defines
an open transverse channel extending continuously from the front opening to the snow
passage.
Embodiment 8. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame
comprises an auger housing within which the rotatable auger is housed, and wherein
the chute comprises a resilient chute body deformable about a chute axis perpendicular
to an auger axis, the resilient chute body have a static base non-rotatably fixed
to the auger housing.
Embodiment 9. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, an auger motor
supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to motivate
rotation thereof; and a controller in operative communication with the auger motor
and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving an operational sensor
signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operational sensor
signal, and directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the
determined motor output setting.
Embodiment 10. A snow blower comprising: a frame comprising an auger housing, the
auger housing comprising a top wall and defining a front opening permitting snow to
the auger housing; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame and housed within the auger
housing below the top wall and rearward from the front opening; one or more wheels
mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; and
a chute extending from the top wall above the rotatable auger, the chute comprising
a resilient chute body deformable about a chute axis perpendicular to an auger axis.
Embodiment 11. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the
snow blower further comprises a resilient contact flap attached to the auger housing
extending therefrom and into a rotational path of the rotatable auger to selectively
contact the rotatable auger during rotation of the rotatable auger.
Embodiment 12. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising:
a secondary motor supported on the frame; and a vibration arm coupled to the secondary
motor in mechanical communication with the chute to selectively transfer vibration-inducing
movement from the secondary motor to the chute.
Embodiment 13. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the
rotatable auger defines a lateral gap, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing
within which the rotatable auger is housed, and wherein the snow blower further comprises
a breaker blade attached to the auger housing extending therefrom and into a rotational
path of the rotatable auger at the lateral gap.
Embodiment 14. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the
chute defines a snow passage extending above the top wall, and wherein the top wall
defines an open transverse channel extending continuously from the front opening to
the snow passage.
Embodiment 15. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the
resilient chute body has a static base non-rotatably fixed to the auger housing.
Embodiment 16. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising:
an auger motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable
auger to motivate rotation thereof; and a controller in operative communication with
the auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving
an operational sensor signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received
operational sensor signal, and directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger
according to the determined motor output setting.
Embodiment 17. A snow blower comprising: a frame; a rotatable auger mounted to the
frame; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support
the snow blower; a chute extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; an auger
motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger
to motivate rotation thereof; and a controller in operative communication with the
auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving an operational
sensor signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operational
sensor signal, and directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according
to the determined motor output setting.
Embodiment 18. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the
operational sensor signal comprises a motor loading signal received from the auger
motor according to an operational load on the auger motor.
Embodiment 19. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising
a temperature sensor in operative communication with the controller, wherein the operational
sensor signal comprises a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor.
Embodiment 20. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising
a speed sensor mounted to the frame in operative communication with the controller
to detect a speed of the snow blower, wherein the operational sensor signal comprises
a velocity signal received from the speed sensor.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best
mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention,
including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include
other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended
to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
1. A snow blower comprising:
a frame;
a rotatable auger mounted to the frame;
one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support
the snow blower;
a chute extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; and
an active heater supported on the frame in thermal communication with the chute to
heat a predefined area thereof.
2. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the active heater comprises an electric heating
element disposed on the chute at the predefined area in conductive thermal communication
therewith.
3. The snow blower of any of claims 1-2, wherein the active heater comprises a motor
disposed rearward from the chute and an exhaust outlet downstream from the motor,
the exhaust outlet being directed at the predefined area in convective thermal communication
therewith.
4. The snow blower of any of claims 1-3, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing
within which the rotatable auger is housed, and wherein the snow blower further comprises
a resilient contact flap attached to the auger housing extending therefrom and into
a rotational path of the rotatable auger to selectively contact the rotatable auger
during rotation of the rotatable auger.
5. The snow blower of any of claims 1-4, further comprising:
a secondary motor supported on the frame; and
a vibration arm coupled to the secondary motor in mechanical communication with the
chute to selectively transfer vibration-inducing movement from the secondary motor
to the chute.
6. The snow blower of any of claims 1-5, wherein the rotatable auger defines a lateral
gap, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing within which the rotatable auger
is housed, and wherein the snow blower further comprises a breaker blade attached
to the auger housing extending therefrom and into a rotational path of the rotatable
auger at the lateral gap.
7. The snow blower of any of claims 1-6, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing
within which the rotatable auger is housed, the auger housing comprising a top wall
and defining a front opening permitting snow to the rotatable auger, wherein the chute
is attached to the frame at the top wall, wherein the chute defines a snow passage
extending above the top wall, and wherein the top wall defines an open transverse
channel extending continuously from the front opening to the snow passage.
8. The snow blower of any of claims 1-7, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing
within which the rotatable auger is housed, and wherein the chute comprises a resilient
chute body deformable about a chute axis perpendicular to an auger axis, the resilient
chute body have a static base non-rotatably fixed to the auger housing.
9. The snow blower of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:
an auger motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable
auger to motivate rotation thereof; and
a controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct
a blower operation comprising:
receiving an operational sensor signal,
determining a motor output setting based on the received operational sensor signal,
and
directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined
motor output setting.
10. A snow blower comprising:
a frame comprising an auger housing, the auger housing comprising a top wall and defining
a front opening permitting snow to the auger housing;
a rotatable auger mounted to the frame and housed within the auger housing below the
top wall and rearward from the front opening;
one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support
the snow blower; and
a chute extending from the top wall above the rotatable auger, the chute comprising
a resilient chute body deformable about a chute axis perpendicular to an auger axis.
11. The snow blower of claim 10, wherein the snow blower further comprises a resilient
contact flap attached to the auger housing extending therefrom and into a rotational
path of the rotatable auger to selectively contact the rotatable auger during rotation
of the rotatable auger.
12. The snow blower of any of claims 10-11, further comprising:
a secondary motor supported on the frame; and
a vibration arm coupled to the secondary motor in mechanical communication with the
chute to selectively transfer vibration-inducing movement from the secondary motor
to the chute.
13. The snow blower of any of claims 10-12, wherein the rotatable auger defines a lateral
gap, wherein the frame comprises an auger housing within which the rotatable auger
is housed, and wherein the snow blower further comprises a breaker blade attached
to the auger housing extending therefrom and into a rotational path of the rotatable
auger at the lateral gap.
14. The snow blower of any of claims 10-13, wherein the chute defines a snow passage extending
above the top wall, and wherein the top wall defines an open transverse channel extending
continuously from the front opening to the snow passage.
15. The snow blower of any of claims 10-14, wherein the resilient chute body has a static
base non-rotatably fixed to the auger housing.