WO2016044268A1 - Souffleur de débris électrique portatif - Google Patents

Souffleur de débris électrique portatif Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016044268A1
WO2016044268A1 PCT/US2015/050175 US2015050175W WO2016044268A1 WO 2016044268 A1 WO2016044268 A1 WO 2016044268A1 US 2015050175 W US2015050175 W US 2015050175W WO 2016044268 A1 WO2016044268 A1 WO 2016044268A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blower
power
electric
axial fan
debris blower
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/050175
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Guan SU
Carlos Miralles
David KOPLOW
Original Assignee
Alare Technologies, Llc
The Green Station Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alare Technologies, Llc, The Green Station Llc filed Critical Alare Technologies, Llc
Priority to CN201580049420.1A priority Critical patent/CN106714642A/zh
Priority to US15/100,854 priority patent/US20160298635A1/en
Publication of WO2016044268A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016044268A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G20/00—Cultivation of turf, lawn or the like; Apparatus or methods therefor
    • A01G20/40—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface
    • A01G20/43—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface for sweeping, collecting or disintegrating lawn debris
    • A01G20/47—Vacuum or blower devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B5/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow
    • B08B5/02—Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08—Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • E01H1/0809—Loosening or dislodging by blowing ; Drying by means of gas streams
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
    • F04D19/002—Axial flow fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F04D25/0673—Battery powered
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/001—Testing thereof; Determination or simulation of flow characteristics; Stall or surge detection, e.g. condition monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/004—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids by varying driving speed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/26—Rotors specially for elastic fluids
    • F04D29/32—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps
    • F04D29/325—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps for axial flow fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
    • F04D29/52—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps
    • F04D29/522—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for removing debris and more particularly to an improved portable electrically powered debris blower apparatus.
  • an portable, electrically-powered debris blower that includes a noise reducing and power efficient design, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the debris blower being used by an operator, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 illustrate a perspective view of the blower, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the blower, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the blower, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the inside of the blower, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the inside of the blower, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7A illustrates a first example of an inlet design for the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7B illustrates a second example of an inlet design for the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7C illustrates a third example of an inlet design for the blower, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 7D illustrates a fourth example of an inlet design for the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the measured power efficiency the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the debris blower being used by an operator, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the blower, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the inside of the blower, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 12 illustrates a cross sectional view of the axial fan assembly 9', according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a detailed cross sectional view of the inside of the blower, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 14 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the inside of the blower, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 15 A illustrates an exploded view of the inside of the blower, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 15B illustrates a view of the inside of the blower, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 16 illustrates an example of an inlet design for the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 17 illustrates a power control board for use with the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 18 illustrates a power control board for use with the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 19 illustrates a process flow for operation of the blower and data collection according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a debris blower 100 being used by an operator, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the debris blower of Figure 1 includes power supply 50, blower 1, and power cord 8.
  • Blower 1 includes an air intake 2, air inlet guide duct 4, and an air exhaust tube 7.
  • Power supply 50 is used to provide electrical power to blower 1, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5.
  • power supply 50 may be configured to be carried on the operator's back using one or more straps 51.
  • the straps 51 may be connected to one or more of the operator's shoulders and/or waist as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the straps 51 are constructed out of heavy duty materials as is known in the art.
  • the straps 51 may be constructed out of nylon.
  • the power supply 50 may be configured to be carried on the operator's waist, for example attached to an operator's belt.
  • the power supply 50 may be detached from the operator and carried, pushed, or pulled on a moveable platform. Power supply 50 may be contained in a single unit as illustrated in the embodiment in Figure 1, or may be distributed in multiple separate units.
  • blower 1 When distributed as multiple separate packs, power supply 50 may be configured to be carried on multiple locations on the operator.
  • blower 1 is held in the operator's hand. Blower 1 may be used by the operator to discharge air at a high rate of speed when electrical power is supplied from power supply 50 to blower 1 via power cord 8. In order to discharge air at a high rate of speed, the air first enters air intake 2, accelerates through air inlet guide duct 4, and is then discharged out through air exhaust tube 7, which is explained in greater detail below. As such, the operator is able to direct the air discharged from blower 1 by pointing air exhaust tube 7 in any desired direction.
  • Power supply 50 includes a housing 52 and one or more energy storage units 54.
  • Housing 52 is used to contain the one or more energy storage units 54.
  • Energy storage unit 54 may consist of various types of systems, including batteries and fuel cells.
  • energy storage unit 54 may include a rechargeable battery containing electrochemical cells.
  • the electrochemical cells may be a lithium ion battery.
  • Power supply 50 may be the sole power source for blower 1, or may be used in conjunction with other power sources.
  • Power supply 50 may be used in conjunction with electromechanical power generation systems, such as a generator, solar power converter, or thermoelectric converter.
  • the debris blower 100 may be used without power supply 50 by connecting power cord 8 to a standard power socket being supplied by a building. In such embodiments, power cord 8 may be attached to an extension cord (not shown) in order to provide a larger proximity of use for the debris blower.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the blower 1, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Blower 1 of Figure 2 includes air intake 2, integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4, handle 5, trigger switch 6, exhaust tube 7, and power cord 8.
  • blower 1 includes handle 5 which is used by the operator to hold blower 1 in his or her hand during operation of the debris blower. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, handle 5 is placed on the top of blower 1 to give the operator control of the air that is discharged from blower 1 during operation. As further illustrated in Figure 2, handle 5 includes trigger switch 6. Trigger switch 6 is used to adjust the amount of power that is supplied to blower 1 from the power supply 50 or an alternate power source via power cord 8 by adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the trigger switch 6. For example, an operator can fully depress trigger switch 6 to supply blower 1 with the maximum amount of power, thus causing the greatest rate and volume of air to be discharged from blower 1.
  • the operator can partially depress trigger switch 6 to supply less than maximum power to blower 1, thus causing a lower rate and volume of discharged air as compared to fully depressing trigger switch 6.
  • the input from the operator on trigger switch 6 is interpreted using power control board 13, 13'.
  • blower 1 includes integrated stand 3.
  • Integrated stand 3 of blower 1 is used when the operator places blower 1 on the ground or another surface.
  • integrated stand 3 includes a lip that is positioned beneath air inlet guide duct 4. The lip of integrated stand 3 thus protects air inlet guide duct 4 from hitting the ground, which can cause damage to air inlet guide duct 4. Furthermore, the lip of integrated stand 3 also keeps blower 1 in an upright position while blower 1 is resting on the ground or another surface.
  • FIG 3 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the blower 1, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Blower 1 of Figure 3 includes air intake 2, integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4, handle 5, trigger switch 6, air exhaust tube 7, and power cord 8.
  • air intake 2 of blower 1 can include curved edges 62.
  • the curved edges 62 of air intake 2 can be flared outward to increase the amount of air that enters air inlet guide duct 4 during operation of blower 1. Furthermore, the curved edges 62 around the air intake 2 allow ambient air to enter the guide duct smoothly, minimizing flow separation around the curved edges 62.
  • air intake 2 may include a grate that can be used to prevent debris (such as leaves or other material) from entering blower 1 during operation.
  • the grate may include perpendicular elements that cross each other to form rectangular openings for the air.
  • the grate may include circular, triangular, or other shaped openings.
  • the openings of the grate can be large to maximize the amount of air that enters air intake 2, or the openings of the grate can be smaller to keep even small debris from entering air intake 2.
  • the cross-section of air intake 2 of blower 1 may take many different shapes. As illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 3, the cross-section of air intake 2 includes a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Blower 1 includes this shape for the cross-section of air intake 2 in order to maximize the amount of air that enters air intake 2. In some embodiments, the cross-section of air intake 2 may include, but is not limited to, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a square shape with rounded corners.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the blower 1, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Blower 1 of Figure 4 includes air intake 2, integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4, handle 5, trigger switch 6, and air exhaust tube 7.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of blower 1, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Blower 1 of Figure 5 includes air intake 2, integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4, handle 5, trigger switch 6, air exhaust tube 7, power cord 8, axial fan assembly 9, inlet absorbing material 10, exhaust absorbing material 11, isolation mounts 12, and power control board 13, 13'.
  • blower 1 includes axial fan assembly 9 housed inside air inlet guide duct 4.
  • Axial fan assembly 9 may be located proximate to the location where air inlet guide duct 4 is attached to air exhaust tube 7.
  • Axial fan assembly 9 is used by blower 1 to accelerate the air that enters air intake 2 through air inlet guide duct 4 and out air exhaust tube 7.
  • a fan rotor of axial fan assembly 9 starts to rotate causing air to enter through air intake 2.
  • the air is then accelerated by axial fan assembly 9 up through air inlet guide duct 4 and air exhaust tube 7 where it is discharged.
  • a measure of the efficiency of the blower can be considered as a ratio of the output air flow rate (e.g., in cubic feet per minute) to the power consumed (e.g., in watts).
  • air inlet guide duct 4 includes a cross-section that gradually tapers from air intake 2 towards the direction of air flow (i.e., towards axial fan assembly 9).
  • the gradually tapering air inlet guide duct 4 allows the air to gradually accelerate with minimal drag, therefore increasing the overall blower efficiency.
  • the cross-section of air intake 2 may be approximately 125% to 500% larger than the cross-section of air inlet guide duct 4 where axial fan assembly 9 is located.
  • axial fan assembly 9 may be mounted within blower 1 using isolation mounts 12.
  • Isolation mounts 12 are used to mount axial fan assembly 9 within blower 1 in a manner that reduces the noise of blower 1 during operation.
  • isolation mounts 12 may include springs or other mounting elements that absorb the vibrations made by axial fan assembly 9 while blower 1 is in use.
  • axial fan assembly 9 may be mounted within blower 1 using a number of springs located around axial fan assembly 9. In such an example, the springs will absorb the vibrations made by axial fan assembly 9 while blower 1 is being used, thus reducing the noise made by blower 1.
  • blower 1 includes inlet absorbing material 10 mounted within air inlet guide duct 4 and exhaust absorbing material 11 mounted within air exhaust tube 7.
  • inlet absorbing material 10 and exhaust absorbing material 11 may include a material placed within blower 1 that is used to reduce the noise of blower 1 and/or the vibrations of blower 1 while blower 1 is being used.
  • each of inlet absorbing material 10 and exhaust absorbing material 11 may include, but are not limited to, rubber, foam, or any other sound reducing and/or dampening material that can be placed within blower 1 to reduce the sound and/or vibrations made by blower 1 while in use.
  • the inlet absorbing material 10 may be made of open-cell and/or closed-cell foam.
  • open-cell foam may be made with micro open pores located on the surface of the foam that trap sound energy.
  • the surface of closed-cell foam may be molded with a textured surface that traps sound energy, such as wedges, pyramids, an egg crate shape, or other geometric shapes that include peaks and valleys.
  • the textured open-cell or closed-cell foam can create a small layer of stagnant air bubbles at the surface of the foam to help maintain laminar (steady) air flow within air inlet guide duct 4.
  • the entire surface of the inlet absorbing material 10 may be textured.
  • only a portion of the inlet absorbing material 10 may be textured.
  • only a rear surface 10a of the inlet absorbing material 10 facing the axial fan assembly 9 is textured ( Figure 5).
  • blower 1 includes power control board 13, 13' .
  • Power control board 13, 13' may include electronic control circuitry that controls the amount of power that is provided to blower 1 during operation, collects data corresponding to the operation of blower 1, and transmits the data to other electronic devices. Power control board 13, 13' will be discussed in greater detail below with regard to Figures 17 and 18.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of inside the blower 1, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Blower 1 of Figure 6 includes air intake 2, integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4, handle 5, trigger switch 6, air exhaust tube 7, power cord 8, axial fan assembly 9, inlet absorbing material 10, exhaust absorbing material 11, isolation mounts 12, and power control board 13, 13'.
  • Figures 7A-7D illustrate different configurations that may be used for blower 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the configurations for blower 1 as illustrated in Figures 7A-7D include different angles for air intake 2 relative to the axis of axial fan assembly 9, and angles for the inlet plane of air intake 2 relative to inlet flow direction of the air.
  • the configuration as illustrated in Figure 7D is preferred as it provides the best noise reduction and energy efficiency of any of the configurations shown in Figures 7A-7D.
  • blower la, air intake 2a, and axial fan assembly 9a of Figure 7 A correspond respectively to blower 1, air intake 2, and axial fan assembly 9 according to a first configuration.
  • Blower lb, air intake 2b, and axial fan assembly 9b of Figure 7B correspond respectively to blower 1, air intake 2, and axial fan assembly 9 according to a second configuration.
  • Blower lc, air intake 2c, and axial fan assembly 9c of Figure 7C correspond respectively to blower 1, air intake 2, and axial fan assembly 9 according to a third configuration.
  • blower Id, air intake 2d, and axial fan assembly 9d of Figure 7D correspond respectively to blower 1, air intake 2, and axial fan assembly 9 according to a fourth configuration.
  • Figure 7 A illustrates a first example of an inlet design for the blower la, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Blower la of Figure 7 A includes air intake 2a, axial fan assembly 9a, acoustic waves 20a (illustrated by the dashed curved lines), air flow direction arrows 21a, axis of axial fan assembly 22a (illustrated by the dashed straight line), and inlet plane 23 a.
  • blower la includes a configuration that includes air intake 2a and axial fan assembly 9a aligned along the axis of axial fan assembly 22a.
  • blower la includes the least restrictive air flow design as the air is able to travel unhindered through blower la, as indicated by air flow direction arrows 21a.
  • the configuration in Figure 7A requires the least amount of input power to achieve desired flow rates.
  • the configuration of Figure 7A results in the greatest amount of noise to the operator and the environment.
  • Axial fan assembly 9a produces acoustic waves 20a sent out to the operator and the environment during operation.
  • inlet plane 23a points towards the operator while blower la is in use, producing the most amount of undesirable noise while in operation.
  • Figure 7B illustrates a second example of an inlet design for the blower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Blower lb of Figure 7B includes air intake 2b, axial fan assembly 9b, acoustic waves 20b (illustrated by the dashed curved lines), air flow direction arrows 21b, axis of axial fan assembly 22b (illustrated by the dashed straight line), inlet plane 23b, and angle of inlet duct 24b.
  • blower lb includes a configuration where air intake 2b is oriented at an angle relative to the axis of axial fan assembly 22b, depicted as angle 24b.
  • air intake 2b is oriented at a downward angle relative to the axis of axial fan assembly 22b such that air inlet plane 23 b is oriented partially towards the ground during operation.
  • acoustic waves 20b are deflected towards the ground and away from the operator during operation. The result is a reduction in unwanted noise to the operator relative to the configuration in Figure 7A.
  • the configuration of Figure 7B has more restricted air flow than the configuration of Figure 7A. In the configuration of Figure 7B, the air must travel a longer distance and undergo a directional change from the intake. The result is a greater amount of input energy required for the configuration of Figure 7B to achieve the same air flow rates as the configuration of Figure 7A.
  • Figure 7C illustrates a third example of an inlet design for the blower, according some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Blower lc of Figure 7C includes air intake 2c, axial fan assembly 9c, acoustic waves 20c (illustrated by the dashed curved lines), air flow direction arrows 21c, axis of axial fan assembly 22c, (illustrated by the dashed straight line), inlet plane 23c, and angle of inlet duct 24c.
  • blower lc includes a configuration that has an increased angle of inlet duct 24c relative to the embodiments of Figures 7A and 7B.
  • the configuration of Figure 7C orients air intake 2c more parallel to the ground relative to the axis of axial fan assembly 22c than the embodiments of Figures 7 A and 7B.
  • the orientation in Figure 7C results in greater noise reduction than the embodiments in Figures 7 A and 7B as acoustic waves 22c are directed substantially towards the ground and away from the operator during operation.
  • the configuration of Figure 7C however, has yet more restricted air flow than the configurations of Figures 7A and 7B.
  • Figure 7D illustrates a fourth example of an inlet design for the blower, according some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Blower Id of Figure 7D includes air intake 2d, axial fan assembly 9d, acoustic waves 20d, (illustrated by the dashed curved lines), air flow direction arrows 2 Id, axis of axial fan assembly 22d, (illustrated by the dashed straight line), inlet plane 23d, angle of inlet duct 24d, and angle of inlet plane 25d.
  • blower Id includes a configuration that has an increased angle of inlet duct 24d relative to the embodiments of Figures 7A and 7B, but less than the angle of inlet duct 24c in the embodiment of . Figure 7C.
  • the orientation in Figure 7D results in greater noise reduction than the embodiments in Figures 7A and 7B, but it has less noise reduction than the embodiment in Figure 7C.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the measured power efficiency of the debris blower 100 according to some embodiments compared to an existing off-the-shelf battery-powered leaf blower.
  • the new design consumes approximately 240W of power vs. the existing design that uses 560W.
  • the table below presents the operating sound pressure levels of some embodiments, measured per ANSI B 157.2 at various angles from the nozzle. At half throttle, the average sound pressure level is 56.4 dB(A), which is significantly less than the
  • the average sound pressure level of the preferred embodiment is 62.5 dB(A).
  • the angle of inlet plane 25d includes an angle that is less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the angle of inlet duct 24d may include an angle between 0-59 degrees, with a preferred angle of 50 degrees.
  • a second embodiment of the debris blower will be described with reference to Figures 9-15B. Parts which are similar to those of the first embodiment of the debris blower have the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will not be repeated.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a debris blower 100' being used by an operator, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the debris blower 100' of Figure 8 includes a power supply 50, blower , and a power cord 8.
  • the blower includes an air intake 2', air inlet guide duct 4', and an air exhaust tube 7'.
  • the power supply 50 is used to provide electrical power to blower 1 ' .
  • the blower 1 ' can include a harness 14.
  • the harness 14 can be used to carry the weight of the blower 1 ' .
  • the harness 14 can be used to allow the weight of the blower 1 ' to be carried by certain parts of the operator's body to enable all-day operation of the blower 1 ' by a single operator with minimal or no fatigue (e.g., 8 hours or more of continuous use).
  • the harness 14 can be worn and carried by a user's back, shoulder(s), arm(s), and/or waist.
  • the harness 14 can be worn by more than one body part.
  • the harness 14 can be carried by an operator's shoulders and waist.
  • the harness 14 can be attached to a user's belt.
  • the blower ⁇ can be held in the operator's hand.
  • a portion of the weight of blower 1 ' can be carried by a harness and a portion of the weight of blower 1 ' can be carried by a user's hand.
  • the harness 14 can be used by the operator to direct the air discharged from blower by pointing the air exhaust tube 7' in any desired direction. In some embodiments, the operator can direct the direction of the air discharged from the blower 1 ' using their hand.
  • the harness 14 can be attached to the blower using one or more mounting tabs 15.
  • two mounting tabs 15 are shown. In some embodiments, more than two mounting tabs 15 can be used or a single mounting tab 15 may be used.
  • the mounting tabs 15 can be attached to the air inlet guide duct 4 and can be attached to an upper surface of the air inlet guide duct 4. In some embodiments, the mounting tabs 15 can be attached to different components of the blower and/or can be attached to different surfaces of the blower 1 ' .
  • the mounting tabs 15 are attached to the blower such that the harness 14 does not tangle when the user changes the direction of the air discharged from blower .
  • the harness 14 can be attached to blower using a different connector than the mounting tabs 15.
  • the harness 14 can be attached to the blower using snaps, pins, clips, or the like.
  • the harness 14 can be attached to the blower using a sleeve that fits around blower .
  • the harness 14 can be attached to the blower using multiple types of connectors.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the blower , according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the blower of Figure 10 includes an air intake 2', integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4', handle 5, trigger switch 6, exhaust tube 7', power cord 8, and harness 14.
  • FIG 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of blower , according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the blower includes an air intake 2', integrated stand 3, air inlet guide duct 4', handle 5, trigger switch 6, air exhaust tube 7', power cord 8, axial fan assembly 9', inlet absorbing material 10', outlet absorbing material 11 ', isolation mounts 12', and power control board 13, 13'.
  • the air inlet guide duct 4' includes a proximal end 4a' and a distal end 4b' .
  • the proximal end 4a' of the air inlet guide duct 4' is located at the back of the air inlet guide duct 4' relative to the working position of the blower , proximate the air intake 2' where air enters the air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the distal end of the air inlet guide duct 4' is located at the front of the air inlet guide duct 4' relative to the working position of the blower , proximate the location where the air inlet guide duct 4' is attached to the air exhaust tube 7'.
  • the blower includes an axial fan assembly 9'.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' is used by the blower to accelerate the air that enters the air intake 2' through the air inlet guide duct 4' and out the air exhaust tube 7' .
  • a fan rotor 17 of axial fan assembly 9' (shown in Figure 12) starts to rotate causing air to enter through the air intake 2' .
  • the air is then accelerated by the axial fan assembly 9' up through the air inlet guide duct 4' and the air exhaust tube 7' where it is discharged.
  • air intake 2' is oriented at a downward angle relative to the axis of axial fan assembly 9' such that the air intake 2' is oriented partially towards the ground during operation.
  • the power cord 8 is used to transfer electrical power from the power supply 50 or an alternate power source to the blower 1 ' .
  • the power cord 8 can include a connector 8a that plugs into a receptacle 8b in the proximal end 4a' of the air inlet guide duct 4', as shown in Figure 11.
  • the blower 1 ' can include internal electrical cabling (not illustrated) that connects the receptacle 8b to power control board 13, 13'. As described more fully with respect to Figure 12, power control board 13, 13' can be electrically connected to the motor 16.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can constitute a significant portion of the weight of the blower and the location of the axial fan assembly 9' inside the blower can provide a desired center of gravity and balance to the blower . As will be described more fully below, the location of the axial fan assembly 9' inside the blower can additionally provide sound dampening properties.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can be located inside the air inlet guide duct 4' and can be located proximate to the distal end 4b' of the air inlet guide duct 4'. In some embodiments, the axial fan assembly 9' can be located closer to the distal end 4b' of the air inlet guide duct 4' than the location where the handle 5 is mounted. In other words, the handle 5 can be located closer to a rear end of the blower 1 ' than the axial fan assembly 9'.
  • FIG 12 illustrates a cross sectional view of the axial fan assembly 9', according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can include a motor 16, a rotor 17, an intake funnel 18, a motor fairing 19, and a fan housing 26.
  • the motor 16 causes the fan rotor 17 to rotate, thereby moving a column of air through the blower .
  • the motor 16 can be a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) electric motor as is known in the art.
  • the motor 16 can be a three-phase AC electric motor.
  • the fan rotor 17 contains one or more fan blades and is connected to the motor 16 by a shaft 42 that is connected to a collet at the center of the fan rotor 17.
  • the fan housing 26 contains the motor 16 and the fan rotator 17.
  • the motor 16 can be connected to the fan housing 26 via one or more fasteners, clamps, epoxy, adhesive, and/or other connectors.
  • a rear surface 45 of the motor 16 can include threaded holes for connecting the motor 16 to the fan housing 26.
  • the fan housing 26 is stationary such that it does not rotate with the fan rotor 17.
  • the fan housing 26 can be positioned in the blower 1 ' via one or more tabs 43.
  • the fan housing 26 can be made out of a thermoplastic material, polymer, or any other suitable material that can withstand the elevated temperatures of the motor 16 in operation, as well as the moisture, ultraviolet rays, and wear and tear of an outside operating environment.
  • the fan housing 26 can include an intake funnel 18. As illustrated in Figure 12, the intake funnel 18 is positioned at the rear end of the fan housing 26 behind the fan rotor 17, upstream of the fan rotor 17 relative to the air flow path. The intake funnel 18 provides a transition for the air flow from the air inlet guide duct 4' into the fan housing 26. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the intake funnel 18 is flared outward towards the inlet absorbing material 10' in the interior of the air inlet guide duct 4'. The maximum outer diameter of the intake funnel 18 can be sized to accommodate and be received by the inlet absorbing material 10' with little to no air gaps between the intake funnel 18 and the adjacent section of the inlet absorbing material 10'.
  • the inner surface of the intake funnel 18 can have a smooth surface finish and the outer surface of the intake funnel 18 can have a tight fit with the inlet absorbing material 10' to maximize the amount of air flow that enters the fan housing 26 and minimize undesired parasitic losses of air flow.
  • the intake funnel 18 can press into the inlet absorbing material 10' to yield a tight seal that minimizes disturbance to the accelerating air flow. Such a configuration can provide a smooth air transition from the air inlet duct 4' into the fan housing 26.
  • intake funnel 18 can be attached to the fan housing 26 via one or more fasteners, clamps, epoxy, adhesive, and/or other connectors.
  • the intake funnel 18 can be integrally formed with the fan housing 26 as a monolithic piece.
  • the intake funnel 18 can be made out of a thermoplastic material, polymer, or any other suitable material that can withstand the elevated temperatures of the motor 16 in operation, as well as the moisture, ultraviolet rays, and wear and tear of an outside operating environment.
  • the fan housing 26 can include one or more stator vanes 27 as shown in Figures 12 and 15B. As illustrated in Figure 12, the stator vanes 27 are positioned at the front end of the fan housing 26 and in front of the fan rotor 17, downstream of the fan rotor 17 relative to the air flow path, such that the air accelerated by the fan rotor 17 is forced through the stator vanes 27.
  • the stator vanes 27 are stationary during operation of the blower such that they do not rotate with the fan rotor 17.
  • the rotating force of fan rotor 17 can cause the accelerated air flow to swirl in a direction of the rotating blades, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise.
  • stator vanes 27 can be angled relative to fan housing 26 at a direction opposite to that of the rotation of the fan rotor 17. In other words, the angled orientation of the stator vanes 27 can make the outlet column of air adjust from a substantially swirled flow to a substantially straight flow.
  • the stator vanes 27 can additionally provide stability to the air accelerated by the fan rotor 17 and smooth out turbulent flow.
  • the stator vanes 27 can be integrally formed with the fan housing 26 as a monolithic piece.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can include a motor heat sink 28.
  • the motor heat sink 28 can have a tight fit around the motor 16 to prevent the motor 16 from overheating.
  • the motor heat sink 28 is configured to draw heat out away from the motor 16 and transfer heat out of the air exhaust tube 7' through the air flow.
  • the motor heat sink 28 can be attached to the motor 16 by set screws and can be a metal material or any other thermally conductive material.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can include a motor fairing 19 as illustrated in Figures 12 and 15A-B.
  • the motor fairing 19 is positioned in front of the fan housing 26 and in front of the fan rotor 17, downstream of the fan rotor 17 relative to the air flow path, such that the air accelerated by the fan rotor 17 flows past the motor fairing 19.
  • the motor fairing 19 tapers towards the air exhaust tube 7' to maintain laminar and/or attached air flow as the accelerated air exits the air exhaust tube 7' .
  • the motor fairing 19 can be cone shaped.
  • the pylon 29 includes a low profile that is substantially parallel to the air flow.
  • the motor fairing 19 can be mounted to the motor 16 and/or can be mounted to the motor heat sink 28 using one or more fasteners, clamps, epoxy, adhesive, and/or other connectors.
  • the motor fairing 19 and the heat sink 28 can be integrally formed as a monolithic piece.
  • the motor fairing 19 can be made out of a thermoplastic material, polymer, or any other suitable material that can withstand the elevated temperatures of the motor in operation, as well as the moisture, ultraviolet rays, and wear and tear of an outside operating environment.
  • the motor fairing 19 can include a pylon 29 containing a motor power transfer board 29a.
  • the motor power transfer board 29a serves to connect electrical signals sent from power control board 13 and/or a separate electronic speed controller circuit 59 (not illustrated) to the motor 16.
  • the motor power transfer board 29a contains terminals at the top end to connect electrical wires 46a to power control board 13 and/or speed controller circuit 59.
  • the motor power transfer board 29a additionally contains terminals at the bottom to connect electrical wires 46b to the motor 16.
  • Figures 13-15B illustrate views of the inside of the blower , all according to the second embodiment.
  • the blower can include the axial fan assembly 9', isolation mounts 12', inlet absorbing material 10', and exhaust absorbing material 11 '.
  • the air inlet guide duct 4' can be a two piece construction made out of two separable sections with mounting holes 49 to join the sections together.
  • the air exhaust tube 7' can be positioned in an overlapping section 55 of the inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the outer diameter of the air exhaust tube 7' can be sized to fit within the overlapping section 55 such that when the sections of the air inlet guide duct 4' are joined, the air exhaust tube 7' is press fit into the air inlet guide duct 4'.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can be located within the blower using the isolation mounts 12'.
  • the isolation mounts 12' can be attached to the axial fan assembly 9' using epoxy and/or adhesive.
  • the isolation mounts 12' can be used to support the axial fan assembly 9' within blower such that the axial fan assembly 9' is not rigidly affixed to blower .
  • isolation mounts 12' can surround at least a portion of the outer surface of axial fan assembly 9' and the isolation mounts 12' can be press fit into a cavity in the air inlet guide duct 4'.
  • the air inlet guide duct 4' Adjacent the isolation mounts 12', the air inlet guide duct 4' can include a series of ribs 47 (see Figure 15 A) that project from an inner wall of the inlet guide duct 4' and receive the isolation mounts 12' .
  • the isolation mounts 12' can be sized such that the series of ribs 47 contacts the isolation mounts 12' with a press fit or friction fit. The friction fit helps prevent axial translation of the axial fan assembly 9' along the length of the air inlet guide duct 4'.
  • the series of ribs 47 can press into and deform the material of the isolation mounts 12'.
  • the isolation mounts 12' can reduce both the noise of the blower 1 ' and dampen vibrations while in operation because the isolation mounts 12' are not rigidly affixed to blower .
  • the isolation mounts 12' can be a ring-shaped foam rubber elastomeric material.
  • the isolation mounts 12' can take the shape of strips or longitudinal spaced rings.
  • the isolation mounts 12' can be steel springs.
  • FIG. 15A-B The location and placement of the axial fan assembly 9' within blower is depicted in Figures 15A-B. Because the axial fan assembly 9' is not rigidly affixed to blower , the axial fan assembly 9' may be subject to rotational and translational forces during operation. To prevent movement of the axial fan assembly 9' inside blower while in operation, the axial fan assembly 9' includes tab 43.
  • Figure 15B depicts the tab 43 in a configuration where the axial fan assembly 9' is unmated to the right half of air inlet guide duct 4' and also in a configuration where the axial fan assembly 9' is mated to the right half of air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the tab 43 projects from top of the axial fan assembly 9' and includes an elongate body 43a with two side ribs 43b.
  • the tab 43 is substantially rigid. Shown adjacent the tab 43 are two ribs 47 in the air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the side ribs 43b of the tab 43 are spaced apart and are wider than the spacing of the ribs 47 such that the ribs 47 can sit between the side ribs 43b.
  • sidewalls 47a of the ribs 47 sit between the side ribs 43b to prevent translation of the motor assembly.
  • the two ribs 47 each contain a slot 48 to receive the tab 43 in the mated configuration.
  • the slot 48 is sized to have a depth such that the tab 43 can fit inside the slot 48.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' can include multiple tabs 43 and a different number of ribs 47.
  • the width of the tab 43 between the side ribs 43 b may be sized to receive only one rib 47 or multiple ribs 47.
  • the axial fan assembly 9' may be installed in blower as follows.
  • the tab 43 of the axial fan assembly 9' is aligned and placed inside the slot 48 of the right half of the air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the tab 43 is placed such that the ribs 47 are located inside of the side ribs 43 b of the tab 43.
  • the tab 43 is also placed such that the front surface of the tab 43 c is flush with the front surface 47b of the ribs 47 of the right half of the air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the left half of the air inlet guide duct 4' (not shown) is placed such that ribs of the left half press against the front surface of the tab 43c and the front surface 47b of the right half of the air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the separate halves of the air inlet guide duct 4' are joined together via mounting holes 49.
  • Axial fan assembly 9' is therefore installed in such a manner that it is not rigidly affixed to either the left half or the right half of the air inlet guide duct 4' .
  • the blower can include inlet absorbing material 10' and exhaust absorbing material I V .
  • the inlet absorbing material 10' and the exhaust absorbing material 11 ' can each be a two piece construction made out of two separable sections (e.g., a left section and a right section).
  • the inlet absorbing material 10' and the exhaust absorbing material 11 ' can be sized and shaped to match the shape of the inner surface of the inlet guide duct 4' and can be attached to the inlet guide duct 4' using epoxy and/or adhesive.
  • the use of the inlet absorbing material 10' and the exhaust absorbing material 11 ' can reduce both the noise of the blower and dampen vibrations while in operation.
  • the inlet absorbing material 10' and the outlet absorbing material 11 ' can be a foam rubber elastomeric material.
  • the inlet absorbing material 10' and the outlet absorbing material 11 ' can be open-cell and/or close- cell foam and can be textured as described above.
  • Figure 16 illustrates an example of an intake design for the blower , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the blower of Figure 16 includes an air intake 2', axial fan assembly 9', center axis of inlet duct 21 ', axis of axial fan assembly 22', inlet plane 23', angle of the inlet duct 24' relative to the axis of the axial fan assembly, and angle of the inlet plane 25' relative to the axis of the axial fan assembly.
  • the angle of the inlet duct 24' and the angle of the inlet plane 25' may be independently set such that the inlet plane 23 ' is not perpendicular to the center axis of the inlet duct 21 '.
  • the angle of the inlet duct 24' may be between 1 to 59 degrees.
  • the angle of the inlet plane 25' may be any angle less than 90 degrees.
  • FIG 17 illustrates a power control board 13 for use with the blower 1, , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Power control board 13 of Figure 17 may include a processor 30, display 31, input interface 32, clock 34, memory 35, and communication interface 36.
  • Power control board 13 may further include a power controller 37, programmable timer 38, and data collection 39.
  • Also illustrated in Figure 17 is an operator device 40 in communication with power control board 13.
  • Operator device 40 includes debris blower software application 41 and a wired or wireless communication interface (not shown) to communication with power control board 13 and other external devices.
  • Processor 30 may be configured to access memory 35 to store received input or to execute commands, processes, or programs stored in memory 35.
  • Processor 30 may correspond to a microprocessor, a controller, or a similar hardware processing device, or a plurality of hardware devices.
  • Memory 35 is a sufficient memory capable of storing commands, processes, and programs for execution by processor 30.
  • memory 35 may be instituted as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and/or any sufficient memory capable of storing a set of commands.
  • memory 35 may correspond to a plurality of memory types or modules. As described more fully below, memory 35 may also store data corresponding to operational characteristics of the blower, such as sensor data measured from one or more sensors.
  • power control board 13 includes display 31 and input interface 32.
  • Input interface 32 may comprise any device capable of accepting operator input for use with power control board 13 of blower 1, .
  • Display 31 may comprise any type of display hardware built into power control board 13, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. In some embodiments, display 31 may also be touch sensitive and may serve as input interface 32.
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • power control board 13 includes communication interface 36.
  • communication interface 36 includes any device that is capable of both transmitting data with a transmitter and receiving data with a receiver as is known in the art.
  • processor 30 of power control board 13 is thus configured to control communication interface 36 to communicate with other electronic devices, such as operator device 40.
  • communication interface 36 may utilize one or more of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), ZigBee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Algorithm Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long term Evolution (LTE), and other types of wired or wireless technology.
  • communication interface 36 may include a universal serial bus (USB) port.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • blower 1, ⁇ may utilize communication interface 36 of power control board 13 to communicate with operator device 40.
  • Operator device 40 may include a computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, or any other device capable of executing debris blower software application 41 to communicate with blower 1, 1 ' .
  • An operator may thus be able to use debris blower software application 41 on operator device 40 to transmit and receive data with power control board 13 of blower 1.
  • an operator in possession of operator device 40 may utilize debris blower software application 41 via the processor 30 to connect to power control board 13 of blower 1, ⁇ in order to perform different activities, such as, but not limited to, data retrieval, system diagnostics, trouble shooting, performance parameter adjustment, and system software updates.
  • power control board 13 include a power controller 37.
  • power controller 37 may be implemented as a hardware power control circuit.
  • power controller 37 may be implemented as a software process operating on processor 30 as is known in the art.
  • power controller may include an electronic speed controller circuit 59.
  • Power control board 13 may utilize power controller 37 to control the operations of blower 1, 1 ' via the electronic speed controller circuit 59. For example, and as discussed above, an operator of blower 1 may adjust the power supplied to blower 1, 1 ' from the power supply 50 via trigger switch 6.
  • Power controller 37 is thus configured to determine how much power to supply to blower 1 based on how far the operator of blower 1, 1 ' presses down on trigger switch 6. For example, in some embodiments, the further the operator presses down on trigger switch 6, the more power that power controller 37 will supply to blower 1, 1 '.
  • Power controller 37 may further be configured to prevent damage to blower 1, 1 ' .
  • processor 30 may utilize power controller 37 to monitor one or more of battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature. In such embodiments, if one or more of battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature exceeds a pre-determined range, power controller 37 (e.g., under control of the processor 30) may attenuate the power to, or turn off the power to, blower 1, 1 ' to prevent damage.
  • power controller 37 may be configured to maximize the operational life of the power supply 50 of the debris blower.
  • power controller 37 may include a software process that is tailored to maximize the battery life of the power supply 50 by limiting the battery discharge profile based on an operator selectable battery chemistry. In such embodiments, the operator is able to use blower 1, for longer time periods since the power controller 37 is limiting the battery discharge profile of the battery.
  • the power controller 37 may receive data from a voltage sensor monitoring the voltage of the battery cells. As is known in the art, the voltage of the battery cells for a given battery type is correlated to the current charge capacity of the cell.
  • the power controller 37 may limit the battery discharge profile of a battery to a given range, for example 30% to 80% of the capacity of the battery, by monitoring and limiting the voltage of the battery cells. If the battery cell voltage falls outside of a set range while discharging, the power controller 37 may cut off power to prevent battery over-discharge.
  • power control board 13 includes a programmable timer 38.
  • Power control board 13 may utilize programmable timer 38 to put blower 1, in a "sleep" modes to conserve energy and unwanted battery drain.
  • programmable timer 38 may use clock 34 to determine that blower 1 has been operating longer than a predefined time period, where clock 34 includes a timer built into power control board 13.
  • programmable timer 38 may automatically put blower in a "sleep" mode by shutting blower 1, 1 ' off.
  • power control board 13 can include a data collection device 39.
  • Power control board 13 may utilize data collection device 39 to collect data corresponding to the operations of blower 1, .
  • power control board 13 may utilize data collection device 39 to collect data corresponding to cumulative energy usage, battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature.
  • power control board 13 may utilize clock 34 to record times that correspond to the data collection. Power control board 13 may then compare the cumulative energy use of blower 1, 1 ' with gasoline counterparts to determine the efficiency of blower 1, via power controller 37.
  • power control board 13 may use battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature levels for diagnostic purposes.
  • Data collection device 39 may include various known sensors or equivalent circuits such as temperature sensors, power sensors, current sensors, and/or voltage sensors for various data collection purposes.
  • the data collection device 39 may be implemented as a hardware control circuit or may be implemented as a software process as is known in the art.
  • blower 1 may use power control board 13 to transmit and receive data with operator device 40.
  • blower 1, 1 ' may utilize power control board 13 to transmit data within data collection device 39 to operator device 40.
  • the operator may then utilize debris blower application 41 of operator device 40 to monitor the performance of blower 1, 1 ' based on the data.
  • the operator may further utilize debris blower software application 41 of operator device 40 to change the controls of blower 1 to increase the performance of blower 1, based on the data.
  • Figure 18 illustrates a power control board 13' for use with the blower 1, , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Parts which are similar to those of the embodiment of Figure 17 have the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will not be repeated.
  • Power control board 13' of Figure 18 may include processor 30, current sensor 56, voltage sensor 57, clock 34', memory 35, temperature sensor 58', power controller 37, internal user interface 60a, and a communication interface 36a. Also illustrated in Figure 18, an operator device 40' is in communication with power control board 13'. Operator device 40' includes a communication interface 36b, an external user interface 60b, and a debris blower software application 41 ' .
  • power control board 13' includes an internal user interface 60a.
  • the internal user interface 60a can be used to perform various functions locally on board the blower, including: data retrieval, system diagnostics, trouble shooting, performance parameter adjustment, and system software updates.
  • the internal user interface 60a can include a display 31a and an input interface 32a.
  • the input interface 32a can be any type of input hardware built into power control board 13', such as a keyboard or joystick.
  • the display 31a can be any type of display hardware built into power control board 13', such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
  • the display 3 may also be touch sensitive and may serve as an input interface 32' .
  • the internal user interface 60a can be part of power control board 13' .
  • the internal user interface 60a can be separate components wired to power control board 13' .
  • power control board 13' also includes communication interface 36a.
  • communication interfaces 36a, 36b include any device that is capable of both transmitting data with a transmitter and receiving data with a receiver as described with respect to Figure 17.
  • the blower 1, may utilize communication interface 36a of power control board 13' to communication with the communication interface 36b of the operator device 40' and to other devices, as described with respect to Figure 17.
  • Power control board 13' can include an interface to trigger switch 6. As described above, trigger switch 6 is used to adjust the amount of power that is supplied to blower 1, 1 ' from the power supply 50 via power cord 8 by adjusting the amount of pressure applied to trigger switch 6.
  • trigger switch 6 can be a potentiometer and/or voltage divider circuit with a push button or level that allows an operator to select a speed of the motor 16 corresponding to a desired air flow volume.
  • trigger switch 6 can output a proportional controlled analog signal.
  • trigger switch 6 can output digital signals.
  • the power controller 37 may include an electronic speed controller circuit 59.
  • Trigger switch 6 may be electrically wired to the electronic speed controller circuit 59, which generates the electrical signals sent to the motor 16 to control the speed of the motor 16.
  • the electronic speed controller circuit 59 can operate using pulse width modulation (PWM) digital control.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the electronic speed controller circuit 59 can be part of power control board 13' .
  • the electronic speed controller circuit 59 can be a separate component wired to power control board 13'.
  • power control board 13' can include one or more sensors 61 or sensor inputs 61a, including a current sensor 56, a voltage sensor 57, temperature sensors 58, and the outputs from the electronic speed controller circuit 59.
  • the current sensor 56 can be used to measure the current flowing from the power supply 50 to the blower 1, , and can be measured off of the electrical wires entering power control board 13'.
  • the current sensor 56 can be a hall effect sensor, an in-line current measurement, or the like.
  • the voltage sensor 57 can be used to measure the voltage from the power supply 50 to the blower 1, 1 ', and can be measured off of the electrical wires entering power control board 13'.
  • the voltage sensor 57 can be a voltage divider circuit or the like.
  • the temperature sensors 58 can be placed on various components in blower 1, and can be used to measure the temperature of various components, including the motor temperature, power supply temperature, and the electronic speed controller temperature.
  • the temperature sensors can be thermocouples, thermistors, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), or the like.
  • the sensors 61 and sensor inputs 61a described above can be part of power control board 13' .
  • the sensors 61 and sensor inputs 61a can be separate components wired to power control board 13'.
  • power control board 13' can include a clock 34'.
  • the clock 34' can be used to keep track of the current time and coordinate the actions of power control board 13', such as the desired frequency for obtaining sensor 61 data and for sending data over the communication interface 36a.
  • the clock 34' can include an oscillator, such as a 32 khz oscillator, and can be fed into a real-time clock circuit.
  • the clock 34' can include its own backup battery independent of the power supply 50.
  • the clock 34' can act as a timer.
  • Power control board 13 ' can include hardware circuitry or software processes configured to prevent damage to the blower 1, 1 ' via the power controller 37.
  • processor 30 can utilize the sensors 61 or sensor inputs 61 via a software process on power controller 37 to monitor one or more of battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature.
  • power control board 13' via the power controller 37 may attenuate the power to, or turn off the power to, blower 1, to prevent damage.
  • Power control board 13' may be configured to maximize the operational life of the power supply 50 of the debris blower via power controller 37.
  • power control board 13' may include a software process that is tailored to maximize the battery life of the power supply 50 by limiting the battery discharge profile based on an operator selectable battery chemistry. In such embodiments, the operator is able to use blower 1 for longer time periods since the power control board 13' is limiting the battery discharge profile of the battery.
  • the power control board 13' may receive data from a voltage sensor monitoring the voltage of the battery cells. As is known in the art, the voltage of the battery cells for a given battery type is correlated to the current charge capacity of the cell.
  • a lithium-ion battery cell may charge up to 4.2V/cell at 100% capacity.
  • Power control board 13' can limit the battery discharge profile of a battery to a given range, for example 30% to 80% of the capacity of the battery, by monitoring and limiting the voltage of the battery cells via power controller 37. If the battery cell voltage exceeds a given threshold while charging, power control board 13' via power controller 37 can cut off power to prevent the battery from overcharging. Similarly, if the battery cell voltage falls below a given threshold while discharging, power control board 13 ' via power controller 37 can cut off power to prevent battery over-discharge.
  • Power control board 13' can include a programmable timer 38.
  • Power control board 13' may utilize programmable timer 38 to put blower 1, in a "sleep" modes to conserve energy and unwanted battery drain.
  • programmable timer 38 may use clock 34' to determine that blower 1, has been operating longer than a pre-defined time period, where clock 34' includes a timer built into power control board 13'.
  • programmable timer 38 may automatically put blower in a "sleep" mode by shutting blower 1 off.
  • power control board 13' may collect data corresponding to cumulative energy usage, battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature.
  • power control board 13 may utilize clock 34 to record the running time of blower 1, 1 ' via power controller 37.
  • Power control board 13 may then compare the cumulative energy use of blower 1 with gasoline counterparts to determine the efficiency of blower 1.
  • power control board 13 may use battery voltage, current flow, motor temperature, and electronic speed controller temperature for diagnostic purposes.
  • Figure 19 illustrates a process flow for operation of the blower and data collection according to some embodiments.
  • the power control board can monitor one or more operational characteristics of the debris blower 100, 100', store the characteristics in memory, report and display the characteristics using internal user interface 60a, and transmit the characteristics to an operator device 40, 40' or other external device.
  • the operational characteristics can include the voltage supplied from the power supply 50, the current supplied from the power supply 50, the power supplied, cumulative energy usage, the electric motor temperature, the battery temperature, and/or the temperature of the electronic speed controller circuit 59.
  • the system is initialized, which may occur when the system is powered on.
  • the system runs a main system loop while the system is powered on.
  • the main system loop can be run as parallel and/or sequential operations as depicted in Figure 19. As illustrated in Figure 19, in some embodiments, the main system loop can broken down into three parallel branches. In some embodiments, all of the blocks in the main system loop can be run sequentially. When operations are run in parallel, the parallel operations may be run at different frequencies to minimize energy consumption of the power supply 50 and to maximize the operation time of the blower. For example, block 270 may be run less frequently than block 220.
  • communications over communication interfaces 36, 36a, and/or 36b can be processed.
  • the communications process can include external commands received by an operator device 40, 40' and/or internal commands received by internal user interface 60a.
  • sensor data from the one or more sensors 61 or sensor inputs 61a can be obtained.
  • current, voltage, and/or temperature can be measured using the onboard current sensor 56, voltage sensor 57, and temperature sensors as described above.
  • the clock 34, 34' can obtain time information that corresponds to the gathered sensor measurements and this time information can stored in memory 35.
  • the history of sensor data for the time that the blower is in operation can be obtained, recalled, and displayed using the internal user interface 60a.
  • the sensor data can also be transmitted to the operator device 40, 40' or other external device and displayed using external user interface 60b or other user interface.
  • power supplied from power supply 50 to the blower 1 can be measured.
  • the measured power supplied may be calculated by multiplying the voltage supplied by the current supplied as is known in the art.
  • the measured power supplied can be stored in memory 35.
  • Time information that corresponds to the measured power supplied may be the same time information that corresponds to the respective current and sensor measurements.
  • the measured power supplied for the time that the blower is in operation can be recalled and displayed using the internal user interface 60a.
  • the measured power supplied can also be transmitted to the operator device 40, 40' or other external device and displayed using external user interface 60b or other user interface, and/or external user interface 60b.
  • the electronic speed controller 59 can process throttle inputs from the trigger switch 6 and send control signals to the motor 16 as described above.
  • the blower 1 can be powered off if an error or fault code is detected. For example, as described above, voltage, current, and temperature measurements are obtained while the blower is in operation. If one of these measured sensor values falls outside of a predefined range in memory, the blower 1, can be powered off and a fault code can be recorded in a log. For example, if the measured temperature exceeds a set threshold, power to blower 1, 1 ' via power controller 37 can be turned off.
  • cumulative energy usage can be determined in watt hours.
  • the power supplied to the blower 1, and the time information corresponding to the power supplied can be obtained as described with respect to block 240.
  • Energy supplied over a given time period e.g., every second
  • the energy supplied in watt hours may be calculated by multiplying the power supplied over this period by 1/3600.
  • Cumulative energy usage of the blower 1, can be determined by summing the energy supplied over a specified time period (e.g., one hour or one day). Cumulative energy usage can be stored in memory 35.
  • energy usage can be calculated every second while the blower 1, is in operation and cumulative energy usage since the blower 1, was initialized at block 200 can be determined.
  • the cumulative energy usage for the time that the blower is in operation can be recalled and displayed using the internal user interface 60a.
  • the cumulative energy usage can also be transmitted to the operator device 40, 40' or other external device and displayed using external user interface 60b or other user interface.
  • blower 1,1 ' may use power control board 13' to transmit and receive data with operator device 40 or other devices.
  • blower 1 may utilize power control board 13' to transmit data stored in memory to operator device 40.
  • An operator may utilize debris blower application 41 of operator device 40 to monitor the performance of blower 1, 1 ' based on the data.
  • An operator may utilize internal user interface 60a of power control board 13' to monitor the performance of blower 1, 1 ' based on the data.
  • the operator may further utilize debris blower software application 41 of operator device 40 and/or internal user interface 60a to change the controls of blower 1, to modify the performance of blower 1 based on the data.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un souffleur de débris électrique portable qui comprend une conception écoénergétique et de réduction de bruit. Le souffleur de débris comprend un souffleur qui est alimenté par un bloc d'alimentation portable, tel que des cellules de batterie électrochimiques. Le souffleur comprend une admission d'air, un boîtier de souffleur incurvé qui agit en tant que tube de guidage d'entrée d'air, un ventilateur axial, et un échappement d'air. Pour réduire le bruit et les vibrations provenant du souffleur, le souffleur comprend en outre un matériau réducteur de bruit et de vibration recouvrant les parois intérieures du souffleur, des montants antivibrations et à isolation de bruit supportant le ventilateur axial à l'intérieur du souffleur, et l'entrée d'air est inclinée vers le sol par rapport à l'axe du ventilateur axial.
PCT/US2015/050175 2014-09-15 2015-09-15 Souffleur de débris électrique portatif WO2016044268A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201580049420.1A CN106714642A (zh) 2014-09-15 2015-09-15 便携式电动碎屑鼓风机设备
US15/100,854 US20160298635A1 (en) 2014-09-15 2015-09-15 Portable electrically powered debris blower apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201462050385P 2014-09-15 2014-09-15
US62/050,385 2014-09-15

Publications (1)

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WO2016044268A1 true WO2016044268A1 (fr) 2016-03-24

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WO2019206581A1 (fr) * 2018-04-27 2019-10-31 Husqvarna Ab Souffleuse à débris
WO2021178606A1 (fr) * 2020-03-04 2021-09-10 Black & Decker, Inc. Souffleuse comprenant un système de décharge électrostatique
WO2022147300A1 (fr) * 2020-12-30 2022-07-07 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Souffleuse portative
RU2821369C1 (ru) * 2019-09-05 2024-06-21 Самсунг Электроникс Ко., Лтд. Устройство очистки, имеющее пылесос и пылесборную станцию, и способ управления им

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WO2019206581A1 (fr) * 2018-04-27 2019-10-31 Husqvarna Ab Souffleuse à débris
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RU2821369C1 (ru) * 2019-09-05 2024-06-21 Самсунг Электроникс Ко., Лтд. Устройство очистки, имеющее пылесос и пылесборную станцию, и способ управления им
WO2021178606A1 (fr) * 2020-03-04 2021-09-10 Black & Decker, Inc. Souffleuse comprenant un système de décharge électrostatique
WO2022147300A1 (fr) * 2020-12-30 2022-07-07 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Souffleuse portative
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