DE102019101077A1 - leaf blower - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a leaf blower (1) comprising a housing (3) with an inlet (5) and an outlet (7), a fan (9) arranged in the housing (3), one for driving the blower (9) Generation of an air flow from the inlet (5) to the outlet (7) configured motor (11) and an inlet (5) arranged in the air inlet screen (13). The air inlet screen (13) is formed by metal grids (15) delimiting openings (17), the openings (17) forming more than 70% of a surface of the air inlet screen (13).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a leaf blower, such as a hand-held leaf blower and a backpack leaf blower.

BACKGROUND

A leaf blower is a tool that drives air out of an outlet to move debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, dust, and the like. Leaf blowers include a fan driven by a motor, such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. Leaf blowers are usually stand-alone, hand-held units or backpack-mounted units with a hand-held exit nozzle. Leaf blowers typically include an air inlet screen disposed at the inlet to prevent objects from entering the fan. Leaf blowers comprising an internal combustion engine also include a fuel tank. Such a fuel tank must be carried by a user and must be refilled when emptied. Leaf blowers comprising an electric motor typically include one or more batteries that must therefore be worn by the user and that must be recharged or replaced when deflated. The weight of a leaf blower is a problem because a heavy leaf blower may be cumbersome to use and may stress the arms and / or shoulders of the user.

The drive of the blower of a leaf blower requires a lot of energy. There are therefore conflicting requirements with regard to the available operating time of a leaf blower and the weight of the leaf blower. That is, the available operating time of a leaf blower comprising an electric motor may be increased by increasing the dimensions of the battery or batteries, but the weight of the leaf blower will consequently increase. Likewise, the available operating time of the leaf blower comprising an internal combustion engine can be increased by increasing the dimensions of the fuel tank. However, the weight of the leaf blower will increase as a result.

The fan of a leaf blower works at a high level of performance, and, as mentioned, the drive of the fan blower requires a lot of energy. Therefore, air pollution and noise pollution associated with leaf blowers are problems. The noise pollution, that is, the noise level of a leaf blower during operation, is caused by the engine and the pumping of air through the blower from the inlet to the outlet of the leaf blower. Air pollution and noise caused by a leaf blower can have negative health consequences for people and animals that are near the leaf blower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to overcome or at least mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a leaf blower comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a blower disposed in the housing, an engine configured to drive the blower to generate an air flow from the inlet to the outlet, and an inlet arranged air inlet screen comprises. The air inlet screen is formed by an apertured metal grid, the openings forming more than 70% of a surface of the air inlet screen.

Because the air inlet screen is formed by an apertured metal grid and because the apertures form more than 70% of a surface of the air inlet screen, a slight pressure drop is achieved during operation of the leaf blower at the inlet of the leaf blower. As a result, a low flow resistance of the air flowing through the inlet of the leaf blower air is provided. This can reduce the energy consumption of the engine, which improves the available operating time and provides conditions for obtaining a lighter leaf blower by providing the leaf blower with a smaller fuel tank, a smaller engine and / or a smaller battery or smaller batteries.

In addition, since a low pressure drop is obtained at the inlet of the leaf blower, the noise pollution caused by the leaf blower can be reduced. This is because the motor and blower can operate at a reduced airflow through the outlet of the housing at a reduced power level. Further, because the engine and blower can operate at a reduced power level, a leaf blower is provided which can potentially operate at reduced air emission levels.

Further, because the air inlet screen is formed by a metal grid, a sturdy air inlet screen is provided that can prevent objects from entering the fan.

Accordingly, there is provided a leaf blower comprising at least some of the above Overcome or at least mitigate problems and disadvantages. As a result, the above object is achieved.

Optionally, the openings are distributed substantially evenly across the air inlet screen. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen, and despite the fact that the apertures form a large portion of the surface of the air inlet screen, the air inlet screen can be provided with a high ability to inhibit the passage of objects through the air inlet screen.

Optionally, the width of the parts of the metal grid between adjacent openings is substantially uniform throughout the metal grid. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen, and despite the fact that the apertures form a large portion of the surface of the air inlet screen, the air inlet screen can be provided with a high ability to inhibit the passage of objects through the air inlet screen.

Optionally, the width is in the range of 0.7 - 1.5 mm. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen while ensuring that the air inlet screen can prevent objects from entering the fan.

Optionally, the thickness of the metal grid is in the range of 0.3 - 0.8 mm. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen while ensuring that a low pressure drop across the air inlet screen is obtained during operation of the leaf blower. It is also ensured that the air inlet screen can prevent the entry of objects into the fan.

Optionally, the metal grid is a steel grid. This provides a leaf blower with a robust air inlet screen.

Optionally, the openings are polygonal shaped. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen. Further, in view of the low pressure drop obtained during operation of the leaf blower via the air inlet screen, the air inlet screen is provided with improved particle inhibiting capabilities.

Optionally, the openings are hexagonally shaped. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen. Further, in view of the low pressure drop obtained during operation of the leaf blower via the air inlet screen, the air inlet screen is provided with improved particle inhibiting capabilities.

Optionally, the metal grid is honeycomb. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen. Further, in view of the low pressure drop obtained during operation of the leaf blower via the air inlet screen, the air inlet screen is provided with improved particle inhibiting capabilities.

Optionally, each of the plurality of openings includes two parallel sides that are longer than the remaining sides. This provides an air inlet screen with potentially enhanced particle retardant capabilities in view of the low pressure drop obtained during operation of the leaf blower via the air inlet screen. Optionally, the metal grid is created by a metal sheet, and wherein the openings are configured as through holes in the metal sheet. This provides a sturdy air inlet screen. Further, during operation of the leaf blower, a small pressure drop is obtained across the air inlet screen. In addition, an air intake screen is provided with conditions for low cost manufacturing.

Optionally, the openings are created by etching portions of the metal sheet. This allows the apertures to be arranged in a complex pattern, thereby providing high stiffness and robustness of the air inlet screen and low pressure drop across the air inlet screen during operation of the leaf blower.

Optionally, the openings are created by punching out parts of the metal sheet. This provides an air intake screen with conditions for low cost manufacturing.

Optionally, the metal grid comprises metal wires woven into the metal grid. This provides an air intake screen with conditions for low cost manufacturing.

Optionally, each orifice is provided with dimensions which ensure that the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of more than 7 mm through the air inlet strainer is prevented. Thereby, a leaf blower is provided which has a low pressure drop at the inlet of the leaf blower during operation, while the air inlet strainer of the leaf blower can simultaneously inhibit passage of objects with a width of more than 7 mm.

Optionally, the motor is an electric motor. This provides an environmentally friendly leaf blower that can produce low levels of air emissions and noise during operation. Because the leaf blower includes an air inlet screen that provides a small pressure drop at the inlet of the leaf blower, conditions for using a smaller electric motor than otherwise would be provided, which may reduce the weight of the leaf blower. Furthermore, a leaf blower with a potentially longer available operating time is provided. In addition, conditions for using a smaller battery or smaller batteries than otherwise would be provided, which may reduce the weight of the leaf blower.

Optionally, the leaf blower comprises at least one battery configured to drive the electric motor. Because the leaf blower includes an air inlet screen that provides a low pressure drop at the leaf blower inlet, the potentially available battery time is increased and conditions are provided for using a smaller battery or smaller batteries than would otherwise be the case. which can reduce the weight of the leaf blower.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a more detailed reading of the appended claims and the following detailed description.

list of figures

• 1 einen Laubbläser gemäß einigen Ausführungsformen veranschaulicht,
• 2 ein Lufteinlasssieb des in 1 veranschaulichten Laubbläsers veranschaulicht,
• 3 einen Teil der in 2 veranschaulichten Lufteinlasssiebeinheit veranschaulicht und
• 4 eine Lufteinlasssiebeinheit gemäß einigen weiteren Ausführungsformen veranschaulicht.

Various aspects of the invention, including its specific features and advantages, will be readily apparent from the embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and in the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 illustrates a leaf blower according to some embodiments,
• 2 an air intake strainer of the 1 illustrated leaf blower illustrates
• 3 a part of in 2 illustrated air inlet screen unit illustrated and
• 4 illustrates an air intake screen unit according to some other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail for the sake of brevity and / or clarity.

1 illustrates a leaf blower 1 according to some embodiments. The leaf blower 1 includes a housing 3 with an inlet 5 and an outlet 7 , The leaf blower 1 further includes a housing 3 arranged fan 9 and a motor 11 , which is to drive the fan in order to generate a flow of air from the inlet 5 to the outlet 7 is configured. According to the illustrated embodiments, the leaf blower comprises 1 one with the outlet 7 of the housing 3 connected outlet nozzle 2 , The outlet nozzle 2 is with a flexible bellows part 4 Provided. Furthermore, the leaf blower includes 1 according to the illustrated embodiments, a handle portion 6 at an upper part of the leaf blower 1 , The handle part 6 facilitates the transport of the leaf blower 1 when the leaf blower is not in use. According to the illustrated embodiments, the engine is 11 an electric motor. The leaf blower 1 includes a second housing 8th that is a battery 37 picks up, and a frame 10 that's the case 3 and the second housing 8th supports. The battery 37 is a rechargeable battery configured to power the electric motor 11 during the operation of the leaf blower 1 drive. According to the illustrated embodiments, the leaf blower 1 a backpack-mounted leaf blower and can thus be referred to as a backpack leaf blower. The leaf blower 1 includes with the frame 10 connected shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are in 1 not visible. The shoulder straps allow a user, the leaf blower 1 to wear on the back of the user. That is, in the use of the leaf blower 1 According to the illustrated embodiments, the housing 3 and the second housing 8th holding frame 10 rest on the back of the user, and the user can use the outlet nozzle 2 with one hand grasp the out of the outlet nozzle 2 to direct outflowing air to move debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, dust and the like.

Furthermore, the leaf blower comprises an air inlet screen unit 12 at the inlet 5 is arranged. The air intake screen unit 12 includes an air inlet screen 13 , The air intake strainer 13 is arranged to allow the entry of objects exceeding certain dimensions into the housing 3 to inhibit. Would an object in the housing 3 enter, the object could be the blower 9 and / or the engine 11 to damage.

2 illustrates the in 1 illustrated air inlet screen unit 12 of the leaf blower 1 , The air intake screen unit 12 includes a frame 14 and one on the frame 14 attached air inlet strainer 13 , The air intake screen unit 12 may also include a gasket or gasket between the air inlet screen 13 and the frame 14 include. The frame 14 can be provided from a polymeric material and can, as in 2 illustrated is one or more mounting arrangements 16 configured to be configured to attach the air inlet screen unit 12 to facilitate the inlet of a leaf blower. The air intake strainer 13 is through a metal grid 15 formed, the openings 17 , ie through holes, limited. According to the illustrated embodiments, the openings form 17 75% of a surface of the air inlet strainer 13 , The surface of the air inlet strainer 13 is substantially perpendicular to an intended Air flow direction through the air inlet strainer 13 , According to further embodiments, the openings 17 70% - 90%, 75% - 90% or 80% - 90% of the surface of the air inlet strainer 13 form. Thus, the openings form 17 According to these embodiments, a large proportion of the surface of the air inlet screen 13 , As a result, during the operation of the leaf blower 1 a small pressure drop across the air inlet strainer 13 receive. Since the air intake screen unit 12 through a metal grid 15 is formed, in spite of the fact that the openings 17 a large proportion of the surface of the air intake screen 13 form a sturdy air intake strainer 13 provided. As in 2 to see are the openings 17 substantially evenly across the air inlet screen 13 distributed.

3 illustrates a part of the in 2 illustrated air inlet strainer 13 , According to the illustrated embodiments, the width is w Of the parts 23 of the metal grid 15 between adjacent openings 17 ' . 17 " . 17 ''' over the entire metal grid 15 essentially uniform. As a result, a sturdy air intake screen 13 provided and the air inlet strainer 13 despite the fact that the openings 17 a large proportion of the surface of the air intake screen 13 form, with a high ability, the passage of objects through the air inlet screen 13 to inhibit provided. According to the illustrated embodiments, the width w is 1 mm. According to further embodiments, the width w of the parts 23 of the metal grid 15 between adjacent openings 17 ' . 17 " . 17 ''' in the range of 0.7 - 1.5 mm or 0.85 - 1.15 mm, which, despite the fact that the openings 17 a large proportion of the surface of the air intake screen 13 form a sturdy air intake strainer 13 with a high ability to pass objects through the air inlet screen 13 to inhibit.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the openings are 17 also hexagonal shaped and that is the hexagonal shaped openings 17 limiting metal mesh 15 honeycombed. As a result, despite the fact that the openings 17 a large proportion of the surface of the air intake screen 13 form a sturdy air intake strainer 13 provided and can the air inlet strainer 13 with an improved ability to pass objects through the air inlet screen 13 to inhibit.

According to the illustrated embodiments, as well as in FIG 2 In addition, most openings include 17 two parallel pages 25 that last longer than the remaining pages 27 are. This may cause the air intake screen 13 a further improved ability to pass objects through the air inlet screen 13 to inhibit, and / or provide a further lowered flow resistance. According to the illustrated embodiments, the distance between two parallel longer sides 25 5.5 mm. That is, the width of an opening 17 , measured in the in 3 shown direction d1, is 5.5 mm. The width of one in the in 3 shown direction d2 measured opening 17 is 19 mm. Thus, the metal grid 15 according to the in 2 and 3 illustrated embodiments having dimensions that ensure inhibiting the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of more than 5.5 mm. According to further embodiments, each opening 17 be provided with dimensions which inhibit the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of more than 6.35 mm or more than 7 mm, through the air inlet screen 13 guarantee.

According to further embodiments, the openings 17 a polygonal shape other than a hexagonal shape, such as a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, a pentagonal shape, a heptagon shape, or an octagonal shape.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the thickness of the metal grid is 15 about 0.5 mm. According to further embodiments, the thickness of the metal grid 15 in the range of 0.3 - 0.8 mm or 0.4 - 0.6 mm. This will create a rigid and sturdy air intake screen 13 provided, and there is a low flow resistance through the air inlet screen 13 guaranteed. Because the air intake strainer 13 through a metal grid 15 is formed, the air intake screen 13 Furthermore, be provided with a small thickness, the flow resistance through the air inlet screen 13 reduced. The thickness of the metal grid 15 is in the intended direction of flow of air through the metal mesh 15 that is, in a direction perpendicular to the directions of extension of d1, d2 of the metal grid 15 extending direction, measured. The surface of the air inlet strainer 13 runs along the directions of extension d1, d2 of the metal grid 15 , According to some embodiments, the metal grid is 15 a steel grid, that is steel, such as stainless steel, for example SS-EN 10151 X10CrNi18-8 1.4310, manufactured. The metal grid 15 may include a protective coating, such as a paint and / or a varnish.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the metal mesh becomes 15 through a metal sheet 29 generated, and the openings 17 are as through holes in the metal sheet 29 configured. That is, the metal grid 15 is by removing parts 31 a metal sheet 29 generated. According to some embodiments, the openings become 17 by etching parts 31 of the metal sheet 29 generated. This allows the openings 17 be arranged in a complex pattern, whereby a high rigidity and robustness of the air inlet screen 13 and a small pressure drop across the air inlet screen 13 is provided during the operation of the leaf blower. According to further embodiments, the openings 17 by punching out parts 31 of the metal sheet 29 generated.

4 illustrates an air inlet screen unit 12 according to some other embodiments. The air intake screen unit 12 includes a frame 14 and one on the frame 14 attached air inlet strainer 13 , According to these embodiments, a metal grid comprises 15 of the air intake strainer 13 in the metal grid 15 woven metal wires 33 , According to the illustrated embodiments, the metal wires limit 33 openings 17 that means through holes. The air intake screen unit 12 may also include a gasket or gasket between the air inlet screen 13 and the frame 14 include. The frame 14 can be provided from a polymeric material and can, as in 4 illustrated is one or more mounting arrangements 16 configured to be configured to attach the air inlet screen unit 12 to facilitate an inlet of a leaf blower.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the metal wires are 33 so in the metal grid 15 woven in that the openings are formed as squares. According to further embodiments, most of the openings 17 include two parallel pages that are longer than the remaining pages. According to such embodiments, the metal wires 33 so in the metal grid 15 be woven, that the openings are formed as rectangles.

According to the illustrated embodiments, each metal wire 33 a width of 0.5 mm, and the distance between two adjacent metal wires 33 which extend in the same direction is 5 mm. According to the illustrated embodiments, the width of the openings is 17 measured in the extension directions d1, d2 of the metal wires 33 . 5 mm. According to the illustrated embodiments, accordingly, each opening is 17 provided with dimensions that inhibit the passage of a spherical object 35 , which has a diameter of more than 5 mm, through the air inlet screen 13 guarantee. According to further embodiments, each metal wire 33 have a width in the range of 0.3 - 0.8 mm or 0.4 - 0.6 mm, which, despite the fact that the openings 17 a large proportion of the surface of the air intake screen 13 form a sturdy air intake strainer 13 with a high ability to pass objects through the air inlet screen 13 to inhibit. Further, the distance between two adjacent metal wires 33 which extend in the same direction are in the range of 3 - 7 mm or 4 - 6 mm. Thus, the width of the openings 17 measured in the extension directions d1, d2 of the metal wires 33 , in the range of 3 - 7 mm or 4 - 6 mm.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the openings form 17 80% of a surface of the air intake screen 13 , The surface of the air inlet strainer 13 is substantially perpendicular to an intended direction of air flow through the air inlet screen 13 , Furthermore, the surface of the air inlet screen runs 13 along the directions of extent d1 . d2 the metal wires 33 , According to further embodiments, the openings 17 70% - 90%, 75% - 90% or 80% - 90% of the surface of the air inlet strainer 13 form. Thus, the openings form 17 According to these embodiments, a large proportion of the surface of the air inlet screen 13 , As a result, there will be a small pressure drop across the air inlet screen 13 during the operation of the leaf blower 1 receive. Since the air intake screen unit 12 in the metal grid 15 woven metal wires 33 includes, despite the fact that the openings 17 a large proportion of the surface of the air intake screen 13 form a sturdy air intake strainer 13 provided.

It should be understood that the foregoing is an exemplification of various embodiments, and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. One skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be modified and that various features of the embodiments may be combined to provide embodiments other than those described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. According to the in 1 Illustrated embodiments is the leaf blower 1 a backpack-mounted leaf blower. According to further embodiments, the leaf blower 1 to which reference is made herein to be a hand-held leaf blower. The term "leaf blower" as referred to herein is intended to include a tool configured to move debris through an outlet by generating an airflow. Thus, the main field of application of the "leaf blower" may be an application other than moving leaves. For example, the leaf blower as referred to herein may be marketed and marketed as a blower configured to move debris, such as dust. Therefore, the term "leaf blower" throughout the disclosure may be replaced by the term "blower" or by the term "tool configured to move debris by creating an airflow through an outlet configured tool".

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprising" is an open concept and includes one or more of the cited features, elements, steps, components or functions, but excludes the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components , Functions or groups of these are not enough.

Claims (17)

A leaf blower (1), comprising: - a housing (3) having an inlet (5) and an outlet (7), - a fan (9) arranged in the housing (3), - one for driving the fan (9) Generating an air flow from the inlet (5) to the outlet (7) configured engine (11) and - an inlet (5) arranged air inlet screen (13), characterized in that the air inlet screen (13) through an openings (17) delimiting metal grid ( 15), the openings (17) forming more than 70% of a surface of the air inlet screen (13). Leaf blower (1) after Claim 1 wherein the openings (17) are distributed substantially uniformly over the air inlet screen (13). Leaf blower (1) after Claim 1 or Claim 2 in that the width (w) of the parts (23) of the metal grid (15) between adjacent openings (17 ', 17 ", 17"') is substantially uniform over the entire metal grid (15). Leaf blower (1) after Claim 3 , wherein the width (w) is in the range of 0.7 - 1.5 mm. Leaf blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the metal grid (15) is in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Leaf blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal grid (15) is a steel grid. Leaf blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (17) are polygonal in shape. Leaf blower (1) after Claim 7 , wherein the openings (17) are hexagonally shaped. Leaf blower (1) after Claim 8 , wherein the metal grid (15) is honeycomb-shaped. Leaf blower (1) after one of Claims 7 - 9 wherein each of the plurality of openings (17) comprises two parallel sides (25) longer than the remaining sides (27). A leaf blower (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal grid (15) is made of a metal sheet (29), and wherein the openings (17) are configured as through holes in the metal sheet (29). Leaf blower (1) after Claim 11 in that the openings (17) are produced by etching parts (31) of the metal sheet (29). Leaf blower (1) after Claim 11 in that the openings (17) are produced by punching out parts (31) of the metal sheet (29). Leaf blower (1) after one of Claims 1 - 10 wherein the metal grid (15) comprises metal wires (33) woven into the metal grid (15). A leaf blower (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each opening (17) is provided with dimensions which inhibit the passage of a spherical object (35) having a diameter of more than 6 mm, in particular 6.35 mm or more 7 mm through the air inlet strainer (13). Leaf blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (11) is an electric motor. Leaf blower (1) after Claim 16 wherein the leaf blower (1) comprises at least one battery (37) configured to drive the electric motor (11).

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