Work machine with burst mode

Abstract

A work machine including a power supply having a plug adapted to plug into a supply of power provided by a power outlet. A stored energy device is operatively connected to the power supply and is configured to store power. A motor under control of a motor control is configured to receive power from the outlet and to received power from the power supply. A work device, operatively connected to the motor, is configured to perform a work task in response to a supply of power provided by the power outlet during a normal operating mode and to perform the work task in response to the stored power in a boost mode. The work machine includes a power washer or a log splitter.

Description

WORK MACHINE WITH BURST MODECross-Reference to Related Patent Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 596,344, titled "WORK MACHINE WITH BURST MODE," filed November 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a work machine, and more particularly to a work machine having a power supply couplable to a power source and to a stored energy device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Work machines include pressure washers and log splitters. Pressure washers may deliver pressurized water through a hand-held wand to clean surfaces of dirt and debris. The pressure of the water is capable of cleaning hard to clean surfaces such as concrete and home sidings. Log splitters may support a piece of wood such as a log placed between a ram or material holding device and a splitting wedge or blade for splitting the wood. Both pressure washers and log splitters may be configured as commercial products for use by a business. Such work machines may also be configured for home use. In either a commercial application or a home application, pressure washers or log splitters may be electric corded work machines. Such work machines may be powered by 120 volt AC power provided by a 120 volt outlet. These work machines, however, may lack sufficient power for achieving a desired result. Work machines that avoid drawbacks associated with such configurations remain an area of interest.SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, there is provided a work machine including a power supply having a plug adapted to plug into an outlet and a motor control operatively connected to the power supply. A stored energy device is operatively connected to the power supply and to the motor control. A motor is operatively connected to the motor control and a pump is operatively connected to the motor. A work device, operatively connected to the pump, is configured to perform a work task.

[0005] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the stored energy device includes an ultra-capacitor.

[0006] In some embodiments the work machine includes a boost mode switch operatively connected to the motor control to deliver a power boost to the motor with a stored power provided by the stored energy device.

[0007] In some embodiments the work machine includes an on / off switch to turn the work machine on or off.

[0008] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the work device is one of a log splitting device to split wood or a spraying device to deliver pressurized water.

[0009] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the work device is a spraying device.

[0010] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the pump is a water pump configured to deliver pressurized water.

[0011] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the spraying device includes a spray wand having a boost mode switch to increase the water pressure of water delivered by the spray wand.

[0012] In some embodiments the work machine includes a user motor control, wherein the user motor control is configured to adjust revolutions per minute of the motor.

[0013] In some embodiments the work machine includes an indicator to indicate an amount of stored energy of the ultra capacitor.

[0014] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the work device is a log splitting device.

[0015] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the log splitting device includes a log splitter and a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to motor, the hydraulic cylinder configured to move a log towards the log splitter.

[0016] In some embodiments the work machine includes a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the motor control and to the hydraulic motor, wherein the hydraulic motor is operatively connected to the ultra-capacitor and the power supply.

[0017] In some embodiments the work machine includes a user actuated boost mode switch, wherein actuation of the boost mode switch causes the motor control to deliver stored energy from the ultra-capacitor to provide a burst mode.

[0018] In some embodiments the work machine includes further comprising a pressure sensor configured to identify a splitting pressure that exceeds the splitting pressure capable of being provided by a 120 volt outlet.

[0019] In some embodiments the work machine includes wherein the identified splitting pressure is transmitted to the motor control and the motor control in response to the identified splitting pressure provides power provided by the ultra capacitor to the motor.

[0020] In another embodiment there is provided a method of enabling a work machine to temporarily increase a power applied to a work device to perform a work task. The method includes operating the work device to perform the work task with a power provided by a wall outlet; identifying an inadequate completion of the work task; applying a power boost provided by a stored energy device based on the identifying of the inadequate completion of the work task; and completing the work task based on the power provided by the wall outlet and the power provided by the stored energy device.

[0021] In some embodiments the method includes wherein the applying the power boost includes receiving a power boost signal from one of a boost mode switch or a pressure sensor.

[0022] In some embodiments the method includes wherein the boost mode switch includes a user actuatable switch.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the implementations of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] FIG. l is a schematic diagram for a work machine configured as a pressure washer.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a work machine configured as a log splitter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the novel invention, reference will now be made to the implementations described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the novel invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and methods, and such further applications of the principles

[0027] In one embodiment of a work machine 100 as seen in FIG. 1, there is provided power washer 102 with a burst mode. The power washer 102 includes a plug 104 to plug into a standard 120 volt outlet, such as available at an individual’s home or from a 120 volt generator. The standard 120 volt outlet generally provides a maximum of 1500 watts to the washer 102, which may be considered a standard operating mode for the power washer 102. The power washer 102 with the burst mode includes a power supply 106 providing power to a motor 108 which drives a pump 110 for delivering pressurized water from a source of water (not shown) to a work device, such as a spray wand 112. Other spraying devices are contemplated. The spray wand 112 is configured to complete a work task of spraying pressurized water using the spray wand 112.

[0028] In one embodiment, the motor 108 is a brushless DC motor. Other types of motors are contemplated. The spray wand 112 includes a hand operated on / off valve 114. The valve 114 is configured to release pressurized water from a wand nozzle provided by the pump 110.

[0029] In the standard operating mode, pressurized water is delivered from the wand 112 based on the 1500 watt power available at the 120 volt outlet. In a burst mode, also known as a boost mode, or hybrid mode, energy stored in an ultra-capacitor 116 is used to increase the water pressure delivered by the spray wand 112. In one embodiment, the ultra-capacitor 116 provides 2500 watts of power. Depending on the type and size of the ultra-capacitor 116, the 2500 watts of power may be provided for up to 20 minutes, or more in the burst mode. While running in the 1500 watt power mode, also known as a low power mode, the ultra-capacitor 116 recharges. While running in the low power mode, the ultra-capacitor 116 may be recharged after a time period of approximately 15 minutes. In other embodiments, other types of stored energy devices are possible including a battery used in place of the ultra-capacitor 116. The burst mode is considered to be temporary and may depend on the length of time the burst mode switch is moved to the burst mode and may depend on a recharge time of the ultra-capacitor.

[0030] In the event the work task may not be completed as desired, or inadequately, a boost mode switch 118, which may be located on the wand 112, for instance, is used to increase power to improve completion of the work task. The boost mode switch 118 enables the user to transition between the 1500 watt normal mode and the 2500 watt boost mode. In one implementation, the boost mode switch 118 is operatively connected to a motor control 120 which enables the ultra-capacitor 116 to deliver a power boost to the motor 108 to provide the boost mode. Motor revolutions per minute (RPM) can also be controlled with a user actuatable motor control 122. The motor control 120 provides for controlling the transition between the standard mode and the burst mode. In one embodiment, the user motor control 122 is operatively connected to the motor control 120 to provide for control of motor RPMs by the user. A pressure washer on / off switch 124 is provided to turn the pressure washer ON or OFF. In one embodiment, a user indicator when illuminated, such as an LED 126, indicates to a user that the energy status of stored energy of the ultra-capacitor 116. In one embodiment, when the LED 126 is illuminated, the amount of stored energy of the capacitor 116 is depleted or insufficient to provide the burst mode.

[0031] The stored charge in the ultra-capacitor 116 may also be used to drive the pressure washer for a time period of about 10 minutes, when no external power is applied. In this mode, when the charge is depleted, the pressure washer will stop completely, instead of going to low power mode in the plugged in mode.

[0032] In another embodiment as seen in FIG. 2, there is provided a work machine 200 configured as a log splitter 202 to split logs. The log splitter 202 includes a burst mode and a plug 204 to plug into a standard 120 volt outlet. The standard 120 volt outlet generally provides a maximum of 1500 watts, which may be considered a standard operating mode for the log splitter 202. The log splitter 202 with burst mode includes a power supply 206 providing power to a motor 208 to drive a hydraulic pump 210 for driving a hydraulic motor 212 which in turn drives a hydraulic cylinder 214. In some embodiments the hydraulic cylinder 214 includes a ram, a plate, or drives a ram or plate. Upon actuation of a power on / off switch 216, operating power is supplied to the log splitter 202 for splitting logs. The on / off switch 216 is operatively connected to a motor control 218 which controls power to the motor 208. In one embodiment, a log splitting switch 220 is included to actuate the motor 208, the hydraulic pump 210, and the hydraulic motor 212 to move the hydraulic cylinder 214 in the direction of an arrow 222. In response, a log 224 is moved toward a splitter, such as a splitting wedge 226, for splitting wood. In one or more embodiments, the hydraulic cylinder 214 and the wedge 226 act as a work device, i.e. a log splitting device, to complete a work task of splitting wood. In other embodiments, the log splitting device may include an actuator coupled to a movable wedge, or a material holding device for the log when being split.

[0033] In the standard operating mode, a splitting power is provided based on the 1500 watt power available at the 120 volt outlet. In a burst mode, also known as a boost mode, or hybrid mode,energy stored in an ultra-capacitor 230 is used to increase the splitting power delivered by the hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment, the ultra-capacitor 230 provides 2500 watts of power. Depending on the type and size of the ultra-capacitor 230, the 2500 watts of power may be provided for up to 20 minutes, or more in the burst mode. The increased power provided by the ultra-capacitor 230 is delivered to the hydraulic cylinder 214 to split the log 224.

[0034] In one embodiment, the log splitter 202 includes a boost mode switch 232 which is operable by a user. For instance, if the user finds that a log or logs are particularly difficult to split, the user actuates the boost mode using the boost mode switch 232 while splitting the log to insure a complete splitting of the log 224. The boost mode switch transmits a signal to direct the motor control 218 to provide the power stored by the ultra capacitor 230 to the motor 208. With the increased power provided in the boost mode, splitting of difficult to split wood is improved. In another embodiment, the log splitter 202 includes a pressure sensor 234 that identifies a splitting pressure experienced by the hydraulic cylinder 214 that may exceed a pressure that can be delivered in the standard operating mode. When this pressure is exceeded, the power available from the ultra-capacitor 230 may be provided to operate the log splitter in the burst mode. In different embodiments, the pressure sensor 234 may provided at one or more of the hydraulic cylinder 214, the hydraulic motor 212, the hydraulic pump 210, or other devices included in the log splitter. In one embodiment, the motor control 218 may be coupled to the pressure sensor 234 and in response to identifying the pressure received from the pressure sensor, enables the ultracapacitor 230 to supply its stored energy for the boost mode. In another embodiment, identification of the excess pressure causes the motor control to provide an alert to the operator. In one or more embodiments, the alert may include an illuminated alert such as provided by an illumination device or an audible alert sufficient to be heard by the user.

[0035] While running in the 1500 watt power mode, also known as the low power mode, the ultracapacitor 230 charges or recharges. While running in the lower power mode, i.e. the 1500 wat power mode, the ultra-capacitor 230 may be charged after a time period of approximately 15 minutes. As described herein, the lower power mode utilizes power supplied by the wall outlet and the burst mode, a higher power mode, utilizes power supplied by the ultra-capacitor.

[0036] The on-off switch 216, is used to turn the log splitter 202 on and off. In other embodiments, the on / off switch 216 is used to provide the power boost and the boost mode switch is not needed. In this case, the on / off switch may transition between the 1500 watt mode and the 2500 watt mode.

[0037] The motor control 218 provides for controlling the transition between the standard mode and the burst mode. In one embodiment, a user indicator when lit, such as an LED, indicates to a user that the stored energy of the ultra-capacitor 230 is depleted or insufficient to provide the burst mode.

[0038] In other embodiments, a battery is used in place of an ultra-capacitor 230.

[0039] The stored energy in the ultra-capacitor 230 may also be used to drive the log splitter 202 for a time period, perhaps 10 minutes, while no external power is applied with the power cord 204. In this mode, when the charge is depleted, the log splitter 202 will stop completely, instead of going to the low power mode provided by the plugged in mode.

[0040] While exemplary implementations incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been described hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the described implementations. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A work machine comprising: a power supply including a plug adapted to plug into an outlet; a motor control operatively connected to the power supply; a stored energy device operatively connected to the power supply and to the motor control; a motor operatively connected to the motor control; a pump is operatively connected to the motor; and a work device, operatively connected to the pump, configured to perform a work task.

2. The work machine of claim 1 wherein the stored energy device includes an ultra-capacitor.

3. The work machine of claim 2 further comprising a boost mode switch operatively connected to the motor control to deliver a power boost to the motor with a stored power provided by the stored energy device.

4. The work machine of claim 3 further comprising an on / off switch to turn the work machine on or off.

5. The work machine of claim 3 wherein the work device is one of a log splitting device to split wood or a spraying device to deliver pressurized water.

6. The work machine of claim 5 wherein the work device is a spraying device.

7. The work machine of claim 6 wherein the pump is a water pump configured to deliver pressurized water.

8. The work machine of claim 6 wherein the spraying device includes a spray wand having a boost mode switch to increase the water pressure of water delivered by the spray wand.

9. The work machine of claim 8 further comprising a user motor control, wherein the user motor control is configured to adjust the revolutions per minute of the motor.

10. The work machine of claim 9 further comprising an indicator to indicate an amount of stored energy of the ultra capacitor.

11. The work machine of claim 5 wherein the work device is a log splitting device.

12. The work machine of claim 11 wherein the log splitting device includes a log splitter and a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to motor, the hydraulic cylinder configured to move a log towards the log splitter.

13. The work machine of claim 12 further comprising a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the motor control and to the hydraulic motor, wherein the hydraulic motor is operatively connected to the ultra-capacitor and the power supply.

14. The work machine of claim 13 further comprising a user actuated boost mode switch, wherein actuation of the boost mode switch causes the motor control to deliver stored energy from the ultracapacitor to provide a burst mode.

15. The work machine of claim 14 further comprising a pressure sensor configured to identify a splitting pressure that exceeds the splitting pressure capable of being provided by a 120 volt outlet.

16. The work machine of claim 15 wherein the identified splitting pressure is transmitted to the motor control and the motor control in response to the identified splitting pressure provides power provided by the ultra capacitor to the motor.

17. A method of enabling a work machine to temporarily increase a power applied to a work device to perform a work task, the method comprising: operating the work device to perform the work task with a power provided by a wall outlet; identifying an inadequate completion of the work task;applying a power boost provided by a stored energy device based on the identifying of the inadequate completion of the work task; and completing the work task based on the power provided by the wall outlet and the power provided by the stored energy device.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the applying the power boost includes receiving a power boost signal from one of a boost mode switch or a pressure sensor.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the boost mode switch includes a user actuatable switch.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the pressure sensor identifies an excess splitting pressure of a log splitter.

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