Hand-push type air blower

Abstract

A hand-push blower includes: a frame; one or more movable elements mounted to the frame to movably support the frame; a housing supported on the frame, the housing defining an airflow conduit extending therethrough between a first end and a second end; and a fan assembly disposed between the first end and the second end, the fan assembly including a blower fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the blower fan.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 591,854, filed on October 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to outdoor power equipment and, more particularly, to an improved debris collection tool, such as a walk-behind blower for collecting leaves and other outdoor debris. Background Art

[0004] It is desirable that the performance, durability and / or life of outdoor power equipment (especially debris collection tools) be improved. For example, blower tools have long been used to move large amounts of debris (especially leaves) in order to clean up everything. This can require considerable force to propel the leaves. In the case of handheld or backpack blower tools, it may be difficult to provide a tool that can reach a suitable power level, particularly a tool that is not bulky, cumbersome or expensive for many users. Some hand-push blower tools help to alleviate such problems. Existing tools typically rely on internal combustion engines that can provide power for the rotation of the centrifugal fan. Typically, such tools are still noisy, inefficient or difficult to operate.

[0005] Therefore, improvements that address the problems described above are desired in the art and would be advantageous. For example, it would be advantageous to provide a hand-push blower capable of delivering significant blast force (e.g., in a relatively compact form factor). Additionally or alternatively, a hand-push blower that is easy to maneuver may be useful. Still additionally or alternatively, it would be advantageous to provide a relatively quiet hand-push blower. Utility Model Content

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a walk-behind blower is provided. The walk-behind blower may include a frame, one or more running elements, a housing, and a fan assembly. The one or more running elements may be mounted to the frame to movably support the frame. The housing may be supported on the frame. The housing may define an airflow duct extending therethrough between a first end and a second end. The fan assembly may be disposed between the first end and the second end. The fan assembly may include an axial flow fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the axial flow fan.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a walk-behind blower is provided. The walk-behind blower may include a frame, one or more walking elements, a battery compartment, a housing, and a fan assembly. The one or more walking elements may be mounted to the frame to movably support the frame. The battery compartment may be attached to the frame to accommodate a battery pack. The housing may define an airflow duct extending therethrough between a first end and a second end. The fan assembly may be disposed between the first end and the second end. The fan assembly may include a blower fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the blower fan. The motor may be electrically connected to the battery pack to actuate rotation of the blower fan.

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

[0010] A complete and enabling disclosure of the present application, including the best mode of making and using the present system and method, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

[0012] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 a perspective view of a fan assembly of an exemplary walk-behind blower; and

[0013] Figure 3 Provided Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary fan assembly with cross-sectional portions of the fan assembly removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The word "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations. In addition, each example is provided by way of explanation and not as a limitation on 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, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The particular embodiments use numerical and alphabetical markings to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar markings in the drawings and the specification are used to refer to the same or similar parts of the present disclosure.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the various components. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like refer to direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any other variant thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or device that includes a series of features is not necessarily limited to such features, but may include other features that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or devices. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to inclusive or, not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: 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).

[0016] Approximate terms, such as "about," "substantially," "approximately," or "substantially," include values ​​within ten percent greater than or less than the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​within ten degrees greater than or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0017] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any (one or more) features that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more significant should not be construed as key, required, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0018] In summary, the present disclosure provides a user-friendly, push-type blower. Such a blower may include a fan assembly having an axial flow fan capable of generating significant blowing force (e.g., in a relatively compact or quiet package compared to existing blowers). Notably, the fan assembly may be battery-powered and relatively quiet during use.

[0019] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A perspective view of a walk-behind blower 100 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Generally speaking, the walk-behind blower 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T that are orthogonal to each other. The walk-behind blower 100 includes a frame 102, one or more motors 104 (e.g., a fan motor 104a or a wheel motor 104b), and a fan assembly 120. The fan assembly 120 may include an axial fan or a blower fan 106 ( Figure 3 ), the axial flow fan or blower fan 106 can be coupled or attached (eg, rotatably mounted) to the frame 102 (eg, disposed in a fan housing 108) for rotation about a defined motor axis AA.

[0020] As shown, the fan housing 108 can be supported on (e.g., mounted to) the frame 102 and define an airflow duct 130 extending (e.g., along a longitudinal axis AL) between a first end 132 (e.g., an air inlet end) and a second end 134 (e.g., an air outlet end). The axial length is defined as from the first end 132 to the second end 134. In some embodiments, the axial length can be between 10 inches and 20 inches (e.g., between 12 inches and 16 inches). In an alternative embodiment, the first end 132 is disposed higher relative to the vertical direction V (e.g., at a greater distance relative to the ground) than the second end 134.

[0021] Walk-behind blower 100 is generally configured to generate airflow along an airflow conduit 130 that extends between a first end 132 (eg, air inlet) and a second end 134 (eg, air outlet) of walk-behind blower 100. Airflow conduit 130 may comprise a tube as shown.

[0022] Now the overall turn Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 2 and Figure 3A perspective view of a fan assembly 120 of a walk-behind blower 100 is provided according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, a housing 108 (e.g., the main body of the walk-behind blower 100) can at least partially enclose components of the walk-behind blower 100 (such as the airflow generating assembly 120 including the fan 106 and the motor 104a that drives the fan 106, as well as various other components). For example, the airflow generating assembly 120 can be disposed between a first end 132 and a second end 134 of the airflow duct 130.

[0023] As shown, the elbow nozzle 136 can be attached to the housing. In particular, the elbow nozzle 136 can be attached to the second end 134, and the elbow nozzle 136 is in fluid communication with the downstream fluid of the airflow conduit 130. Therefore, the elbow nozzle 136 can be downstream of the second end 134 to guide the airflow from the downstream of the second end 134. In some embodiments, the elbow nozzle 136 defines an elbow outlet 138 that is not parallel to the second end 134. The angle of the elbow outlet 138 relative to the second end 134 (or the longitudinal axis AL of the airflow conduit 130) can be greater than 0° and less than 180° (e.g., approximately 90°). Alternatively, the angle of the elbow outlet 138 relative to the second end 134 can be fixed. In additional or alternative embodiments, the elbow outlet 138 is defined as being at a negative angle relative to the horizontal direction (e.g., the lateral direction L or the transverse direction T), such as between 1° and 30°. Optionally, the elbow nozzle 136 can be rotatably mounted to the housing. Thus, the angle of the elbow outlet 138 relative to the horizontal is variable. For example, the elbow nozzle 136 can be rotatably mounted to the housing to rotate about the longitudinal axis AL of the airflow conduit 130. In additional or alternative embodiments, the airflow from the housing 108 or the nozzle 136 can be selectively redirected (e.g., via rotation of the nozzle) by a separate remote control input that can be mounted to the handle assembly 110 (e.g., in mechanical or electrical communication with the assembly to rotate the nozzle 136).

[0024] The walk-behind blower 100 may also include a handle assembly 110 extending from the frame 102. As shown, the handle assembly 110 may extend in a generally vertical direction V from the rear end of the frame 102. The handle assembly 110 may include one or more controls associated with controlling operational aspects of the walk-behind blower 100. As a non-limiting example, the handle assembly 110 may include a power button 122 and one or more speed inputs (e.g., speed input 124) that are operably coupled to the controller 150. A battery compartment 112 may be attached to the frame 102 (e.g., separate from or rearward of the first end 132) to receive one or more batteries or battery packs 116 that may provide power to one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g., one or more electric motors). Thus, one or more of the motors 104 a , 104 b may be in electrical communication with the battery pack 116 to receive electrical current from the battery pack 116 , such as to actuate rotation of the fan 106 or actuate the travel element 114 .

[0025] The frame 102 or walk-behind blower 100 is generally supported by one or more traveling elements 114 (e.g., wheels or continuous tracks). In some embodiments, the traveling elements 114 include one or more front traveling elements 114 and one or more rear traveling elements 114. In certain embodiments, the one or more traveling elements 114 (e.g., rear traveling elements 114) define a wheel axis (e.g., parallel to the transverse direction L) about which the elements or wheels 114 rotate. The rear traveling element(s) 114 can be positioned rearward from the first end 132. Additionally or alternatively, the front traveling element 114 can be positioned forward (e.g., partially or completely) from the first end 132 and optionally rearward from the second end 134 (e.g., at the wheel axis of the front traveling element(s) 114). Further additionally or alternatively, the traveling element(s) 114 can be positioned rearward from the nozzle 136 (e.g., partially or completely).

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the wheels 114 include a pair of driven wheels that can be driven or rotated by a separate wheel motor 104b (e.g., separate from the fan motor 104a). As shown, the wheel motor 104b can be supported separately from the fan motor 104a on the frame 102. Although the driven wheels 114 can be actuated or rotated by the wheel motor 104b, the operator or user can selectively (e.g., manually) push the walk-behind blower 100.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to be in operative communication with one or more components of the walk-behind blower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, etc.). The controller 150 can include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc. (such as general-purpose or dedicated microprocessors) that are operable to execute programming instructions or microcontrol codes associated with the operation of the walk-behind blower 100. The memory can represent a random access memory (such as DRAM) or a read-only memory (such as ROM or FLASH). In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming instructions stored in the memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package that is configured to operate the walk-behind blower 100 or execute an operating program. The memory can be a component separate from the processor or can be included onboard the processor. Alternatively, the controller 150 can be constructed to rely on software to perform control functions without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, triggers, AND gates, etc.).

[0028] In some embodiments, the controller 150 is specifically configured (e.g., programmed) to direct the rotation of the fan motor 104a at a set or selected speed. Alternatively, the controller 150 can be configured to direct a progressive fan speed. The progressive fan speed can gradually increase the target rotational speed of the fan motor 104a (e.g., from a static state). Therefore, the progressive fan speed can determine that the fan motor 104a is in a static (e.g., stopped or not powered) state, so that the airflow at the blower fan 106 is not actuated. Subsequently, the controller 150 can receive an activation signal (e.g., from the power button 122, the speed input 124, or one or more other controls) and determine the operating target speed of the fan motor 104a. The controller 150 can then set one or more intermediate target speeds between 0 and the operating target speed. Subsequently, the fan motor 104a can be gradually directed to one or more intermediate target speeds (e.g., according to a predetermined pattern or interval), thereby increasing the target speed until the operating target speed is met. Once satisfied, motor 104a may continue operating at the target speed (e.g., indefinitely, such as until battery power is completely depleted, a stop rotation signal is received, or the user otherwise instructs fan assembly 120 to stop). Notably, a soft start speed ramp of fan assembly 120 may be implemented.

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

[0030] Optionally, the walk-behind blower 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 environment in which the walk-behind blower 100 operates. For example, the walk-behind blower 100 may include one or more lights (e.g., including one or more light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, incandescent bulbs, etc.) disposed on the fan housing 108. The lights may be disposed on the front portion of the fan housing 108 to illuminate the area in front of the walk-behind blower 100 (e.g., the area or debris to be processed by the walk-behind blower 100) during operation. Additionally or alternatively, the walk-behind blower 100 may include one or more lights or light units (e.g., including one or more light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, incandescent bulbs, etc.) configured to illuminate the path cleaned by the walk-behind blower 100. For example, light unit(s) may be mounted on the handle assembly 110 or any other suitable location to illuminate in a rearward direction of the path cleared by the fan assembly 120 .

[0031] Special References Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the fan assembly 120 can have an axial configuration including an axial flow fan 106. The motor 104a can be mounted within the housing 108. For example, the housing 108 can include a motor mount 140 that is configured to support the motor 104a between the first end 132 and the second end 134. The motor 104a is oriented along a motor axis AA. In some embodiments, the motor axis AA coincides with the longitudinal axis AL of the airflow duct 130. Rotation of the motor 104a causes rotation of a main motor shaft 142 extending along the motor axis AA. The motor shaft 142 is coupled to the fan 106 (e.g., rotatably connected to the fan 106). In this way, rotation of the motor shaft 142 causes rotation of the fan 106. The motor 104a can be configured to operate at a rotational speed ranging from approximately 21,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) to approximately 38,000 RPM.

[0032] In some embodiments, fan 106 includes a hub 144 and a plurality of blades 146. Hub 144 can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape and can extend along motor axis AA. Motor shaft 142 is coupled to hub 144 or fan drive shaft 148 to enable rotation to be transmitted from motor 104a to hub 144 or fan drive shaft 148 and ultimately to blades 146.

[0033] Generally speaking, each respective fan blade 146 extends radially away from the hub 144. Each blade 146 extends from a root and terminates at a distal end and has a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The root contacts the hub 144 of the fan 106.

[0034] The inventors have discovered that the fan assembly 120 of the present invention having the axial flow fan 106 can be optimized when the dimensionless flow coefficient Φ is in the range of about 0.2 to about 0.6. The size and speed of the fan assembly 120 are defined as a function of the optimal flow coefficient Φ. The flow coefficient is calculated by the following formula:

[0035]

[0036] Where q represents the flow rate (m 3 / s), A represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the fan (m 2 ), ω represents the speed (rad / s), and R represents the fan tip radius (m) measured at the blade tip. In other words, the numerator q / (A) is the axial speed of the fan (meters per second).

[0037] Based on the calculation of the flow coefficient Φ as shown above, the optimal size of the fan can be determined by rearranging the formula as shown below:

[0038]

[0039] By optimizing both the blade firmness and the flow coefficient of the fan assembly 120 during operation of the walk-behind blower 100, the inventors have discovered that the walk-behind blower 100 can generate less audible noise while maintaining optimal airflow characteristics, thereby improving the overall experience of the user during operation of the walk-behind blower 100. For example, reducing the audible noise generated by the walk-behind blower 100 may be highly desirable to users, particularly homeowners and other non-professional users. At the same time, maintaining optimal airflow characteristics can enable the walk-behind blower 100 to have an efficient battery life, reducing the need for users to charge or replace power supplies without reducing the power of the airflow generated during operation. Additionally or alternatively, the blower 100 can have a much higher air flow rate than known blowers.

[0040] Other aspects of the present disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0041] The hand-push blower may include: a frame; one or more movable elements mounted to the frame to movably support the frame; a housing supported on the frame, the housing defining an airflow duct extending therethrough between a first end and a second end; and a fan assembly disposed between the first end and the second end, the fan assembly including an axial fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the axial fan.

[0042] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further comprises an elbow nozzle attached to the housing at the second end, the elbow nozzle being in downstream fluid communication with the airflow conduit.

[0043] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the elbow nozzle is rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the airflow conduit.

[0044] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a handle assembly attached to the frame and extending rearwardly relative to the housing, wherein the one or more movable elements are disposed rearwardly from the elbow nozzle.

[0045] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a drive motor in mechanical communication with the one or more movable elements to propel the walk-behind blower apart from the fan assembly.

[0046] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further comprising a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured to direct a progressive fan speed to gradually increase a target rotational speed of the motor from a static state.

[0047] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein an axial length is defined from the first end to the second end, the axial length being between 10 inches and 20 inches.

[0048] The hand-push blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a battery compartment attached to the frame rearwardly from the first end to receive a battery pack, wherein the motor is electrically attached to the battery pack to actuate rotation of the axial fan.

[0049] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more movable elements include a front wheel rotatably mounted forwardly from the first end and a rear wheel rotatably mounted rearwardly from the first end.

[0050] The hand-push blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first end portion is disposed higher than the second end portion relative to a vertical direction.

[0051] A hand-push blower comprising: a frame; one or more movable elements mounted to the frame to movably support the frame; a battery compartment attached to the frame to receive a battery pack; a housing attached to the frame, the housing defining an airflow duct extending therethrough between a first end and a second end; and a fan assembly disposed between the first end and the second end, the fan assembly including a blower fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the blower fan, the motor being electrically connected to the battery pack to actuate rotation of the blower fan.

[0052] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes an elbow nozzle attached to the housing at the second end, the elbow nozzle being in downstream fluid communication with the airflow conduit.

[0053] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the elbow nozzle is rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the airflow conduit.

[0054] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a handle assembly attached to the frame and extending rearwardly relative to the housing, wherein the one or more movable elements are disposed rearwardly from the elbow nozzle.

[0055] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further includes a drive motor in mechanical communication with the one or more movable elements to propel the walk-behind blower apart from the fan assembly.

[0056] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments further comprising a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured to direct a progressive fan speed to gradually increase a target rotational speed of the motor from a static state.

[0057] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein an axial length is defined from the first end to the second end, the axial length being between 10 inches and 20 inches.

[0058] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first end defines an air inlet upstream from the airflow conduit, and wherein the battery compartment is attached to the frame rearwardly from the first end.

[0059] The walk-behind blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the one or more movable elements include a front wheel rotatably mounted forwardly from the first end and a rear wheel rotatably mounted rearwardly from the first end.

[0060] The hand-push blower according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first end portion is disposed higher than the second end portion relative to a vertical direction.

[0061] This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to disclose the present application and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hand-propelled blower, characterized in that: The hand-push blower comprises: frame; one or more movable elements mounted to the frame to movably support the frame; a housing supported on the frame, the housing defining an airflow conduit extending therethrough between a first end and a second end; and A fan assembly is disposed between the first end and the second end, the fan assembly including an axial flow fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the axial flow fan.

2. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes an elbow nozzle attached to the housing at the second end, the elbow nozzle being in downstream fluid communication with the airflow conduit.

3. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elbow nozzle is rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about a motor axis of the airflow duct.

4. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 2, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes a handle assembly attached to the frame and extending rearwardly relative to the housing, wherein the one or more movable elements are disposed rearwardly from the elbow nozzle.

5. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes a drive motor in mechanical communication with one or more movable elements to propel the walk-behind blower apart from the fan assembly.

6. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured to direct a progressive fan speed to gradually increase a target rotational speed at the motor from a static state.

7. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: An axial length is defined from the first end to the second end, the axial length being between 10 inches and 20 inches.

8. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower further includes a battery compartment attached to the frame rearwardly from the first end to receive a battery pack. The motor is electrically connected to the battery pack to drive the axial flow fan to rotate.

9. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more movable elements include a front wheel rotatably mounted forwardly from the first end and a rear wheel rotatably mounted rearwardly from the first end.

10. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end portion is disposed higher than the second end portion with respect to a vertical direction.

11. A hand-propelled blower, characterized in that: The hand-push blower comprises: frame; one or more movable elements mounted to the frame to movably support the frame; a battery compartment attached to the frame to receive a battery pack; a housing attached to the frame, the housing defining an airflow conduit extending therethrough between a first end and a second end; and A fan assembly is disposed between the first end and the second end, the fan assembly including a blower fan having a plurality of fan blades and a motor rotatably connected to the blower fan, the motor being electrically connected to the battery pack to actuate rotation of the blower fan.

12. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes an elbow nozzle attached to the housing at the second end, the elbow nozzle in downstream fluid communication with the airflow conduit.

13. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 12, characterized in that: The elbow nozzle is rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about a motor axis of the airflow duct.

14. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 12, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes a handle assembly attached to the frame and extending rearwardly relative to the housing, wherein the one or more movable elements are disposed rearwardly from the elbow nozzle.

15. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes a drive motor in mechanical communication with the one or more movable elements to urge the walk-behind blower apart from the fan assembly.

16. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, characterized in that: The walk-behind blower also includes a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured to direct a progressive fan speed to gradually increase a target rotational speed at the motor from a static state.

17. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, characterized in that: An axial length is defined from the first end to the second end, the axial length being between 10 inches and 20 inches.

18. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first end defines an air inlet upstream from the airflow conduit, and The battery compartment is attached to the frame rearwardly from the first end.

19. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, characterized in that: The one or more movable elements include a front wheel rotatably mounted forwardly from the first end and a rear wheel rotatably mounted rearwardly from the first end.

20. The hand-propelled blower according to claim 11, wherein: The first end portion is disposed higher than the second end portion with respect to a vertical direction.

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