Snow blower

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a snow blower. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, and a chute body. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially defined about the chute axis. A rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening. One or more wheels may be mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame along a chute axis above the outlet opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to power tools, such as snowblower power tools. Background Art

[0002] Power tools are often used to make a working situation easier. For example, a snow blower eliminates the need for shoveling snow. Instead of manually shoveling snow from a surface (such as a driveway or sidewalk) to remove the snow from there, an operator can push or drag the snow blower through the snow. The snow blower lifts the snow from the surface below and discharges it a certain distance. Typically, this involves moving the snow from a rotating auger to a downstream chute that can direct the moved snow away from the snow blower. In this regard, snow blowers make snow removal easier than previous manual operations. Utility Model Content

[0003] Although snow blowers can greatly reduce the manpower required to clear snow from an area, existing tools still have certain disadvantages during use. For example, it is common for the chute of existing snow blowers to become blocked, especially when used for a long time. Specifically, snow may accumulate in the chute and restrict the flow of snow from the rotatable auger. In some cases, this may cause the entire chute to be blocked, thereby preventing any snow from passing through it. If not handled, this may cause the snow stirred by the rotatable auger to fly forward or otherwise flow to an undesirable location. The snow blower may even be damaged. In order to deal with the blockage, the user usually has to stop the snow blower and manually disassemble or remove any blocked material from the chute by hand or a separate tool. This can be a tedious job and significantly slows down any snow clearing operation. In addition, there is a risk of damaging the snow blower.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a snowblower, snowblowing feature, or method of operation. In particular, a system or method for preventing or removing snow accumulation that may become lodged on, in, or upstream of a chute would be advantageous.

[0005] Various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0006] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, a chute body and a clearing blade. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially defined around the chute axis. The rotatable auger is mounted to the frame from the inlet opening backward and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening. One or more wheels may be mounted on the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening. The clearing blade may selectively span at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, a chute body, an auger motor, and a controller. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially defined around the chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame from the inlet opening backward and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening. One or more wheels may be mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame above the outlet opening along the chute axis. The auger motor may be supported on the frame and mechanically communicated with the rotatable auger to drive the rotatable auger to rotate. The controller may be operatively communicated with the auger motor. The controller may be configured to instruct the snow blower to operate, including receiving an operation signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operation signal, and instructing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

[0008] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, and a chute. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame from the inlet opening backward and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening. One or more wheels may be mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute may extend from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening. The chute may include an elastic chute body that can be deformed relative to the chute axis.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The specification provides a comprehensive and enabling disclosure of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which is directed to those skilled in the art and includes the best mode for making and using the present system and method.

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of a snow blower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0012] Figure 2 A side view of a portion of a snowblower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0013] Figure 3 A front perspective view of a snow blower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0014] Figure 4 A perspective view of an auger housing and chute of a snowblower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0015] Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of a snowblower frame for receiving a breaker collar is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 6A , 6B and 6C provide a series of plan views of a cleanout blade across an exit opening according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 7A , 7B and 7C provide a series of plan views of a cleanout blade across an exit opening according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 A perspective view of a snow blower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0019] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a snow blower is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Like or similar marks in the drawings and the specification are used to refer to like or similar parts in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, each example is provided by way of explanation rather than limitation of the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made to the technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] As used herein, the terms "first", "second" and "third" can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, rather than to indicate the position or importance of a single component. The singular expressions "one", "an" and "the" also include plural cases, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "coupled", "fixed", "connected to" refer to direct coupling, fixing or connection, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or connection through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified in the text. The terms "include", "comprise", "compose", "have" or any other variants thereof herein are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article or device including a set of features is not necessarily limited to these features, but may include features that are not explicitly listed or other features inherent to such a process, method, article or device. In addition, unless there is a clear statement to the contrary, "or" is inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, any of the following satisfies conditions A or B: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0023] Terms indicating approximation, such as "about," "approximately," "approximately," or "substantially," include values ​​within 10% greater or less than the value being described. When used in the context of an angle or direction, these terms include values ​​within 10 degrees greater or less than the angle or direction being described. For example, "approximately perpendicular" includes directions that deviate from perpendicular within 10 degrees in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0024] The benefits, other advantages and solutions to the problems are described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems and any features that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more obvious should not be construed as key, required or essential features of any or all claims.

[0025] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8A snowblower 100 is shown in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally speaking, the snowblower 100 defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The snowblower 100 includes a frame 102, one or more motors 104 (e.g., element motors 104a or wheel motors 104b), and an auger 106 coupled (e.g., rotatably mounted) to the frame 102 (e.g., disposed in an auger housing 108) so as to traverse a defined auger axis A. A Rotation. The snowblower 100 may also include a handle assembly 110 extending from the frame 102. As shown, the handle assembly 110 may extend from the rear end of the frame 102 in a generally vertical direction. A battery compartment 112 may be coupled to the frame 102 to receive one or more batteries (not shown) that are capable of powering one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g., one or more electric motors). In other embodiments, the motor 104 may include an engine powered by fuel. In such embodiments, the battery compartment 112 may be replaced or supplemented by a fuel storage tank (not shown) that stores fuel to power the engine.

[0026] Snowblower 100 is supported by one or more traveling elements, such as wheels 114. Generally, one or more wheels 114 define a wheel axis A about which wheels 114 rotate. W (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L). In an alternative embodiment, wheels 114 are configured as a pair of driven wheels that can be driven or rotated by a discrete wheel motor 104b (e.g., separate from element motor 104a). As shown, wheel motor 104b can be supported on frame 102, separate from element motor 104a. Although driven wheels 114 can be driven or rotated by wheel motor 104b, an operator or user can selectively push snowblower 100 (e.g., manually).

[0027] It should be noted that although the illustrated snowblower 100 is shown as a single-stage snowblower, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but is applicable to any suitable snowblowing power tool, such as a two-stage (e.g., impeller) snowblower, a self-propelled snowblower, a manually driven or push-type snowblower, etc.

[0028] In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to be operatively connected to one or more components of the snowblower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, sensors 152a, 152b, 152c, etc.). The controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as general or special microprocessors, which are operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control codes associated with the operation of the snowblower 100. The memory may represent a random access memory (e.g., DRAM) or a read-only memory (e.g., ROM) or flash memory. In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming instructions stored in the memory. For some embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate the snowblower 100 or execute an operating program. The memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, the controller 150 may be constructed without a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; e.g., switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) to perform control functions, rather than relying on software.

[0029] Controller 150 may be disposed at various locations on snowblower 100. Input / output ("I / O") signals may be routed between controller 150 and various operating components of snowblower 100. One or more components of snowblower 100 may be in operative communication (e.g., electrical communication) with controller 150 via one or more conductive signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, one or more operation sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are provided on the snow removal tool 100 in operative communication (e.g., wired or wireless) with the controller 150. Generally, such operation sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are configured to detect one or more operating conditions of the snowblower 100 and send signals corresponding to the operating conditions (e.g., to the controller 150). Such operating conditions may relate to the performance of the snowblower 100. As an example, a motor sensor 152a (e.g., at the controller 150) may be provided to detect a motor load signal received from the auger motor 104a based on an operating load (e.g., voltage consumption) on the auger motor 104a. Such motor load signals and their sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are generally understood. As an additional or alternative example, a speed sensor 152b may be mounted on the frame 102 and configured to detect the speed of the snowblower 100. The detected speed may generally correspond to the forward movement of the snowblower 100. For example, the speed sensor 152b may detect speed based on the rotational speed of one or more wheels 114. To this end, it will be appreciated that the speed sensor 152b may include a rotation sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor, an inductive sensor, an eddy current sensor, a photodiode array, etc.) configured to detect rotational motion of the wheel 114 (or its shaft).

[0031] Independent of or in addition to the performance of snowblower 100, operating conditions may also relate to the environment (e.g., surrounding area or geographic location) in which snowblower 100 is located. As an example, temperature sensor 152c may be provided to detect ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 152c may be mounted to frame 102 (e.g., separate from its motor). It will be appreciated that the temperature may include a thermistor, a thermocouple, or any other suitable electronic temperature sensing element.

[0032] Optionally, snowblower 100 may include one or more lighting elements (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, commonly referred to as LEDs) configured to illuminate one or more areas of the operating environment of snowblower 100. For example, snowblower 100 may include lights 134 disposed on auger housing 108 of frame 102.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the handle assembly 110 includes a top handle 110c (e.g., as a complete unitary piece or having left and right portions for receiving a user's left and right hands, respectively). One or more input devices for controlling the snowblower 100 may be provided on or near the top handle 110c. Although the top handle 110c is shown as a one-piece construction handle having left and right portions for receiving a user's left and right hands, respectively, in other cases, the handle assembly 110 may include a multi-piece construction (e.g., having a plurality of discrete handles to receive a user's hands). The top handle 110c may be coupled to one or more additional portions that extend from the frame 102 to the first handle 110a and the second handle 110b (e.g., for supporting the top handle 110c or allowing for selective height adjustment or storage configuration of the handle assembly 110).

[0034] The handle assembly 110 generally includes one or more controls associated with controlling operational aspects of the snowblower 100. As a non-limiting example, the handle assembly 110 can include a power button 122 and one or more speed input devices (e.g., speed input device 124) operably coupled to the controller 150. One or more position sensors 152a, 152b, 152c (e.g., potentiometers, Hall effect sensors, infrared proximity sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, inductive sensors, eddy current sensors, photodiode arrays, etc.) can be attached to or in operative communication with the speed input device 124 to detect the relative position of the input device (e.g., on the handle assembly 110) and transmit it (e.g., to the controller 150).

[0035] Alternatively, the speed input device 124 may define a set range of motion (e.g., pivoting motion) between a predefined maximum and minimum value. For example, the speed input device 124 may define a range of motion corresponding to a range of rotational speeds between a top speed (e.g., defined by RPM or power consumption) and a base speed (e.g., defined by RPM or power consumption). The top speed of the auger 106 may be set as the maximum value of the range of motion, while the base speed may be set as the minimum range of motion of the speed input device 124.

[0036] The auger housing 108 generally houses the auger 106. As shown, the auger housing 108 may include a plurality of walls that house or at least partially surround the auger 106. For example, the auger housing 108 may include a top wall 108a that vertically defines the auger 106 or is disposed above the auger 106 (e.g., such that the auger 106 is contained below the top wall 108a), a pair of side walls 108b that laterally define the auger 106, and a rear wall 108c that laterally defines the auger 106 or is disposed behind the auger 106. Generally, the auger housing 108 defines two or more openings to allow snow to pass therethrough. For example, the auger housing 108 may define an inlet opening 160 (e.g., at the front of the auger housing 108) to allow snow to enter the rotatable auger 106. The inlet opening 160 can be defined in front of the rotatable auger 106, such as by a pair of side walls 108b and a top wall 108a. When assembled, the auger 106 can be mounted to the frame 102 and disposed behind the inlet opening 160. Independent of or in addition to the inlet opening 160, the auger housing 108 can define an outlet opening 162 to allow snow to flow from the rotatable auger 106 (e.g., driven by the rotatable auger 106) and out of the auger housing 108 through the outlet opening 162. In some embodiments, the outlet opening 162 is defined through the top wall 108a. In turn, the rotatable auger 106 can be mounted on the frame 102 below the outlet opening 162 to drive snow therethrough.

[0037] The auger housing 108 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the chute or chute body 116. In addition, the auger housing 108 can be mechanically connected, electrically connected, or both connected to the chute 116. The chute 116 can, for example, extend above the auger housing 108. Optionally, the chute 116 can include or be arranged along the chute axis A. C A solid, impermeable body (eg, a substantially vertical axis) extending upwardly or downstream from the outlet opening 162. Additionally or alternatively, the chute body 116 may define a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the chute axis A. C A non-enclosed slot extending from and along the outlet opening 162 (e.g., to the movable flap 118). Thus, the horizontal cross-section of the chute body 116 can generally form a U-shape. In some embodiments, the chute body 116 includes or is formed of a relatively durable or resilient material (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHP)).

[0038] Special Go to Figure 8In additional or alternative embodiments, the chute 116 itself includes a chute axis A C Deformed elastic chute body 158. In general, the elastic chute body 158 is at least partially formed of an elastic or resilient material, such as a natural or synthetic polymer, such as rubber. In some embodiments, the elastic chute body 158 has a base 184 that serves as a static base. Specifically, the static base 184 can be non-rotatably fixed to the frame 102 or the auger housing 108 (e.g., at the top wall 108a). Therefore, when the upper end 186 of the chute 116 rotates, the elastic chute body 158 is deformed as a whole, while the static base 184 (e.g., relative to the top wall 108a) remains stationary. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the elastic chute body 158 can be radially deformed (e.g., expandable and contractible) relative to the frame 102. For example, the base 184 can be perpendicular to the chute axis A. C The chute 116 selectively expands or contracts in the radial direction, so that at least a portion of the channel in the chute 116 is enlarged or reduced, thereby advantageously disintegrating or breaking up the snow in the chute 116.

[0039] Overall back to Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 8 During use, the chute 116 can direct the discharged snow in a desired direction. In one embodiment, the chute 116 can be oriented about a (eg, substantially vertical) chute axis A. CRotation. The chute 116 may include a movable interface 118, which is configured to rotate the discharge direction around a horizontal axis. Optionally, a movable flap rod may be provided on the chute 116 to selectively rotate the movable interface 118. In this regard, the direction and height of the discharged snow can be controlled. In some cases, the direction of at least one of the chute 116 and the movable interface 118 can be controlled by an operator at the handle assembly 110. For example, a chute rod 126 can be arranged on the handle assembly 110 to selectively rotate the chute 116. Additionally or alternatively, a chute motor 129 mechanically connected to the chute body 116 can be provided to selectively (e.g., automatically according to the user's instructions or without direct user input) rotate the chute body 116 or deform the chute body 116. In some such embodiments, the chute motor 129 is operatively connected to the controller 150, and the controller 150 can be configured to drive or rotate the chute 116. For example, the controller 150 can be configured to adjust the position of the chute 116 in response to user input. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 150 or a dedicated cam or gear assembly can be configured to automatically adjust the position (e.g., rotate or deform) of the chute 116, such as according to a set schedule or a set frequency, or variably in response to one or more received signals. It should be noted that adjusting the position of the chute can cause the snow within the chute 116 to disintegrate or break up (e.g., to prevent clogging).

[0040] Now specifically turn to Figure 3 The rotatable auger 106 generally defines an auger axis A A , about which the rotatable auger 106 rotates. In some embodiments, the auger axis A A Parallel to the lateral direction L or wheel axis A W In some embodiments, the rotatable auger 106 includes a plurality of independently rotatable discrete auger segments. Such auger segments may be axially separated (e.g., along the auger axis A). A Alternatively, such discrete auger segments may still be coaxial (e.g., able to be oriented about the same auger axis A). A106a). Optionally, at least first and second auger segments 106a, 106b are included and are movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to each other. For example, independent auger motors (e.g., from a plurality of auger motors), gear trains, or drive shafts may be provided to rotate first auger segment 106a relative to second auger segment 106b at independent times or at independent rotational speeds. In some embodiments, first auger segment 106a (or second auger segment 106b) is configured to overtake motion relative to second auger segment 106b (or first auger segment 106a), such as by selective or sliding gears, thereby reducing rotational resistance at the auger, or otherwise significantly making it easier for a user to turn snowblower 100 during use. In additional or alternative embodiments, rotatable auger 106 includes three discrete segments. Alternatively, the first auger segment 106a may be a middle segment disposed between a pair of second auger segments 106b. In some such embodiments, the first auger segment 106a is configured to rotate independently (eg, at a higher rotation speed) of the two second auger segments 106b.

[0041] Now go to Figures 5 to 7C , some embodiments include a breaker collar 170 disposed on the frame 102. Specifically, the breaker collar 170 is disposed upstream of the chute body 116. For example, the breaker collar 170 can be installed within the outlet opening 162 (e.g., to guide or interrupt the passage of snow therethrough). As shown, the breaker collar 170 includes one or more clearing blades 172 that selectively span at least a portion of the outlet opening 162. Thus, the clearing blades 172 can be movable (e.g., manually by a user or driven by an independent blade motor 175) to clear snow from the frame 102 or chute 116 without stopping the snow blowing operation. For example, the clearing blades 172 can be moved around the chute axis A C Alternatively, the cleaning blade 172 may be fixed relative to the crushing collar 174 (e.g., Figure 5 ), or alternatively, movable relative to a collar or frame portion defining the outlet opening 162 (e.g., as shown Figures 6A to 7C shown).

[0042] Special Go to Fig. 6A , 6B 6C, the cleaning blade 172 can be translated (e.g., horizontally) through the outlet opening 162. For example, the cleaning blade 172 can be mounted along a slide or guide rail to slide non-rotatably from one horizontal end of the collar 170 to the opposite horizontal end. When the cleaning blade 172 translates (e.g., passes through, reaches, or crosses the chute axis A C), snow within the outlet opening 162 may be broken up or fragmented (e.g., to prevent clogging).

[0043] Special Go to Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C The cleaning blade 172 can move toward the chute axis A in the outlet opening 162. C For example, the cleaning blade 172 can be mounted on the crushing collar 174 to move toward the chute axis A. C Optionally, the cleaning blade 172 may be formed in a vortex shape, for example, by providing one or more cleaning blades 172 as curved cantilever blades. C ), snow within the outlet opening 162 may be broken up or fragmented (e.g., to prevent clogging).

[0044] As described above, the clearing blade 172 may be moved manually (e.g., on a movable or removable tray), or alternatively, may be moved by a dedicated blade motor 175. For example, the blade motor 175 may be provided in operative communication with the controller and in mechanical communication with the clearing blade 172. Thus, the motor 175 may be configured to move or drive the clearing blade 172 across at least a portion of the exit opening 162 (e.g., based on one or more user inputs or detected sensor signals, or automatically based on a set schedule or rate).

[0045] Having presented the construction of a power tool (e.g., snow blower 100) according to an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary method (e.g., method 800) for operating the power tool is now described. Although the above discussion is primarily directed to the details of a single-stage snow blower, those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplary method 800 is applicable to the operation of various other snow blowers, such as a two-stage snow blower having an independent impeller element for propelling snow downstream from a rotatable auger. In an exemplary embodiment, the various method steps disclosed herein may be performed (e.g., in whole or in part) by controller 150.

[0046] For illustration and discussion purposes, Fig. 9 The steps are shown to be performed in a specific order. Except as otherwise indicated, using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps of method 800 may be modified, adjusted, rearranged, omitted, interchanged, or expanded in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Advantageously, methods according to the present disclosure can resolve and mitigate or prevent blockages within a chute (eg, caused by snow).

[0048] At step 810, method 800 includes receiving an operating signal (e.g., an input signal or a sensor signal). Specifically, one or more operating signals may be received from a corresponding electronic component, a user input device, or a sensor (e.g., attached to a frame of the snowblower or otherwise in communication with a controller thereof). In some embodiments, the operating signal includes a motor load signal (e.g., voltage consumption) received from an auger motor. For example, it will be appreciated that the received motor load signal may indicate an operating load on the auger motor (e.g., resistance to rotation of the auger motor caused by the amount, volume, or mass of snow engaged by the rotatable auger). Thus, the motor load signal may be received from the auger motor based on the operating load on the auger motor. In additional or alternative embodiments, the operating signal includes a temperature signal received from a temperature sensor (e.g., as described above). For example, it will be appreciated that the received temperature signal may indicate a temperature at a portion of the snowblower (e.g., at a chute or frame). In other additional or alternative embodiments, the operating signal includes a speed signal received from a speed sensor (e.g., as described above). For example, it will be appreciated that the received speed signal may indicate the speed of movement of the snow blower (e.g., at the wheels or generally in a lateral direction). Optionally, acceleration may be calculated (e.g., using multiple speed signals varying over time) to provide an acceleration signal as a modified operational signal.

[0049] At step 820, method 800 includes determining a motor output setting based on the received operating signal. Specifically, a predetermined relationship can be established between the input of the received operating signal and the motor output setting. For example, a predetermined formula, chart, lookup table, or graph (e.g., stored in a controller) can be established for determining the motor output setting using the received operating signal. Furthermore, and as an example, in response to the operating signal received at step 810, the motor output setting can be determined.

[0050] Generally speaking, the motor output setting may provide a setting that indicates the power, speed, torque, or direction that the auger motor applies or outputs to the rotatable auger. Thus, the power, speed, torque, or direction that the rotatable auger is instructed to rotate (or at least instructed to rotate at) may correspond to the motor output setting.

[0051] In some embodiments, the motor output setting is generally increased based on or in response to an increase in motor load, and is generally decreased based on or in response to a decrease in motor load. In additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting is generally increased based on or in response to an increase in temperature (e.g., at which the snow is relatively dense and "wet"), and is generally decreased based on or in response to a decrease in temperature (e.g., at which the snow is relatively loose and "dry"). In other additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting is generally increased based on or in response to an increase in speed or acceleration (e.g., where the snowblower moves or accelerates relatively quickly), and is generally decreased based on or in response to a decrease in speed or acceleration (e.g., where the snowblower moves or accelerates relatively slowly). In other additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting implements or increases a pulse rotation rate of a rotatable auger (e.g., based on a user input or detected signal threshold, such as for the motor load, temperature, or speed of the snowblower). In other additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output is configured to alternate or change the rotation direction of the auger, for example, within a set time period (e.g., based on user input or detected signal thresholds, such as motor load, temperature, or speed for the snowblower). Thus, the rotatable auger can selectively rotate forward (e.g., to push snow to the rear wall and outlet opening) or rotate backward (e.g., to push snow to the inlet opening).

[0052] The motor output setting may be for the entire auger, or may alternatively be for a specific segment (e.g., a first auger segment or a second auger segment). For example, the motor output setting may include a rotational speed of the first auger segment relative to the second auger segment. Thus, a plurality of discrete auger segment speeds or speed settings may be provided. Additionally or alternatively, the motor output setting may include a plurality of discrete torques (e.g., applied simultaneously to discrete corresponding auger segments).

[0053] At step 830, method 800 includes instructing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting. In other words, the rotatable auger may be instructed or commanded to rotate according to the motor output setting.

[0054] Other aspects of the present invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0055] Embodiment 1: A snowblower comprises: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially defined around a chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening; and a clearing blade selectively spanning at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

[0056] Embodiment 2: The snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a blade motor mechanically connected to the clearing blade and configured to selectively drive the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

[0057] Embodiment 3: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the clearing blade is capable of horizontal translation through the outlet opening.

[0058] Embodiment 4: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the clearing blade is rotatable within the outlet opening.

[0059] Embodiment 5: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes: an auger motor supported on a frame, mechanically connected to a rotatable auger to drive the rotatable auger to rotate; and a controller, operatively connected to the auger motor and configured to instruct the snowblower to operate, the operation including: receiving an operating signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operating signal, and instructing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

[0060] Embodiment 6: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the chute body comprises an elastic chute body capable of deforming relative to the chute axis.

[0061] Embodiment 7: A snowblower comprises: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the outlet opening is circumferentially defined around a chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening; an auger motor supported on the frame, mechanically connected to the rotatable auger to drive the rotatable auger to rotate; and a controller operatively connected to the auger motor and configured to instruct the snowblower operation, the operation comprising: receiving an operation signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operation signal, and instructing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

[0062] Embodiment 8: The snowblower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the operating signal comprises a motor load signal received from the auger motor based on an operating load on the auger motor.

[0063] Embodiment 9: The snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a temperature sensor in operative communication with the controller, wherein the operating signal comprises a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor.

[0064] Embodiment 10: The snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a speed sensor mounted to the frame, the speed sensor being operatively connected to the controller to detect the speed of the snowblower, wherein the operating signal comprises a speed signal received from the speed sensor.

[0065] Embodiment 11: The snowblower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotational auger speed or an auger torque.

[0066] Embodiment 12: The snowblower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a pulse rotation rate of the rotatable auger.

[0067] Embodiment 13: The snowblower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the determined motor output setting includes a rotational direction of the rotatable auger.

[0068] Embodiment 14: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the rotatable auger includes a first auger segment and a second auger segment capable of moving relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being separated from the first auger segment along the auger axis, wherein the determined motor output setting includes a rotational speed of the first auger segment relative to the second auger segment.

[0069] Embodiment 15: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a clearing blade that selectively crosses at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body; and a blade motor operatively connected to the controller and mechanically connected to the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively drive the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

[0070] Embodiment 16: A snowblower comprises: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; and a chute extending from the frame along a chute axis above the outlet, the chute comprising an elastic chute body capable of deforming relative to the chute axis.

[0071] Embodiment 17: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the resilient chute body is capable of radial expansion relative to the chute axis.

[0072] Embodiment 18: The snowblower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the resilient chute body has a static base that is non-rotatably fixed to the frame.

[0073] Embodiment 19: The snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a chute motor mechanically connected to the elastic chute body and configured to selectively deform the elastic chute body.

[0074] Embodiment 20: A snowblower according to any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a clearing blade that selectively crosses at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the elastic chute body; and a blade motor mechanically connected to the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively drive the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

[0075] This specification uses examples to disclose the utility model, including the best mode, and enables any technician in the field to practice the utility model, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patent scope of the utility model is defined by the claims and may include other examples that can be thought of by those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that are not different from the literal wording of the claims, or include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal wording of the claims, the scope of the claims covers these other examples.

Claims

1. A snow blower, characterized in that: The snow blower comprises: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about the chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearwardly from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening; and A clearing blade selectively spans at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

2. The snow blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snowblower also includes a blade motor in mechanical communication with the clearing blade and configured to selectively drive the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

3. The snow blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clearing blade is horizontally translatable through the exit opening.

4. The snow blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clearing blade is rotatable within the outlet opening.

5. The snow blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snow blower also includes: an auger motor supported on the frame, the auger motor being in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to drive the rotatable auger to rotate; and a controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct snowblower operations including: Receive operation signals, determining a motor output setting based on the received operating signal, and The auger motor is instructed to rotate the rotatable auger based on the determined motor output setting.

6. The snow blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide channel body comprises an elastic slide channel body which can be deformed relative to the slide channel axis.

7. A snow blower, characterized in that: The snow blower comprises: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about the chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearwardly from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; a chute body extending from the frame above the outlet opening along the chute axis; an auger motor supported on the frame, the auger motor being in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to drive the rotatable auger to rotate; and a controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct snowblower operations including: Receive operation signals, determining a motor output setting based on the received operating signal, and The auger motor is instructed to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

8. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operating signal includes a motor load signal received from the auger motor based on an operating load on the auger motor.

9. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The snowblower also includes a temperature sensor in operative communication with the controller, wherein the operating signal includes a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor.

10. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The snowblower further includes a speed sensor mounted to the frame, the speed sensor being in operative communication with the controller to detect a speed of the snowblower, wherein the operating signal includes a speed signal received from the speed sensor.

11. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The determined motor output setting includes a rotational auger speed or an auger torque.

12. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The determined motor output setting includes a pulse rotation rate of the rotatable auger.

13. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The determined motor output setting includes a rotational direction of the rotatable auger.

14. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotatable auger includes a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being separated from the first auger segment along an auger axis, Wherein the determined motor output setting includes a rotational speed of the first auger segment relative to the second auger segment.

15. The snow blower according to claim 7, characterized in that The snow blower also includes: a clearing blade that selectively spans at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body; and A blade motor is in operative communication with the controller and in mechanical communication with the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively drive the clearing blade across at least a portion of the exit opening.

16. A snow blower, characterized in that: The snow blower comprises: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearwardly from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to drive snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; and A slide groove extends from the frame above the outlet along a slide groove axis, and the slide groove includes an elastic slide groove body that can be deformed relative to the slide groove axis.

17. The snow blower according to claim 16, characterized in that The elastic slide groove body can expand radially relative to the slide groove axis.

18. The snow blower according to claim 16, characterized in that The resilient channel body has a static base that is non-rotatably fixed to the frame.

19. The snow blower according to claim 16, characterized in that The snowblower also includes a chute motor in mechanical communication with the resilient chute body and configured to selectively deform the resilient chute body.

20. The snow blower of claim 16, wherein: The snow blower also includes: a clearing blade that selectively spans at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the resilient chute body; and A blade motor is in mechanical communication with the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively drive the clearing blade across at least a portion of the exit opening.

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