Snowblower

Abstract

Traditionally, large, engine-powered snowplows for wide areas and smaller, walk-operated snowplows for relatively small areas have been available. However, currently, there are no snowplows available that are designed for even smaller areas, are inexpensive, easy to operate, maneuverable for use around private homes, and can be operated manually. [Solution] This snow removal machine requires virtually no operating skill, is inexpensive due to its simple and lightweight structure compared to currently available equipment, is highly maneuverable allowing for snow removal in confined spaces, and throws the removed snow to designated locations, eliminating the closure of pathways and damage to plants. It also has the ability to throw snow directly into snow melting tanks as well as onto transport sleds and snow removal trucks to snow disposal sites, freeing snow removal workers from the arduous work traditionally performed by hand. [Summary Diagram] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a snow remover for small-scale snow removal for general households, which is equipped with a self-propelled device for traveling, or travels and changes direction manually, moves without omission within the range to be snow-removed to perform snow-removal work, and is related to an electric snow remover with simple operation, small size, light weight and low cost.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional snow-removal work is carried out by engine-driven rotary snow-removal vehicles or tire shovels for large-scale snow-removal work such as roads and parking lots. Furthermore, in recent years, as a generally provided snow remover, a small snow remover that uses the power of an engine to perform snow-removal work for the purpose of performing relatively small-scale snow-removal work manually has begun to spread. However, for snow-removal work around individual houses in a smaller area, there are places where snow-removal is impossible depending on the terrain and size of the snow-removal area with these snow removers. Therefore, the snow-removal work in such places is carried out manually using a scoop or a tool called a so-called snow dump. At present, there is no generally provided household snow-removing tool that is inexpensive, can be safely used by women, has light labor, and has simple operation for the purpose of snow-removal work.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] In the past documents of the patent information platform, there are no documents with the same purpose or similar purposes described.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In snowy regions, snow removal around homes is essential, but especially in areas with heavy snowfall, it is extremely hard work for workers. While this is often done by the elderly and housewives who spend more time indoors, currently available small, engine-driven snowblowers require some piloting skill to operate. Furthermore, their exposed rotating parts make them dangerous for the elderly and housewives to use, and they are expensive and unsuitable for snow removal in confined spaces. Additionally, the arduous task of loading the removed snow onto transport equipment or trucks and transporting it to disposal sites is also involved. This invention was created to solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention essentially miniaturizes the rotary mechanism of the snow removal unit, which is based on conventionally available designs, and replaces the engine drive with an electric motor drive. The snow removal mechanism, travel mechanism, and snow discharge mechanism are attached to the snow removal machine body, and the machine is moved within the area to be cleared using the power of the electric motor or by human power. The removed snow is discharged from the top of a chute, which is provided on the top of the snow removal machine and whose rotation direction and elevation angle can be freely adjusted, and is equipped with a mechanism to land in a predetermined location or a location determined on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, if necessary, a snow melting tank is installed, and the snow discharged from the snow removal machine is directly fed into the snow melting tank. The melted snow in the snow melting tank is then guided from the snow melting tank to the sewer, thereby eliminating the need to transport the discharged snow to a snow disposal site. The present invention is a snow removal machine with the above configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] Except when installing a snow melting tank, snowplows themselves can be acquired with a small investment, freeing snowplow workers from heavy labor and eliminating the risk of slipping and falling that is common when snowplow workers are working on snow in unstable postures.

[0007] Since snow removal is basically only carried out in designated areas, it is possible to prevent damage to plants and other vegetation caused by excessive weight from accumulated snow by visually assessing the amount of snow piled up while driving, without blocking pathways or excessively piling up snow on plants.

[0008] When a snow melting tank is installed, priority is given to depositing snow from the snowblower into the tank. However, if the amount of snow exceeds the capacity of the tank, the snowblower's operation is temporarily stopped, or if continuous operation is required, the snow is dumped into a designated snow disposal area. In this case, a function that limits the landing location allows the snow to be dumped directly into a predetermined location or onto the bed of a snow-throwing sled or snow-throwing truck, thus freeing snow removal workers from the arduous task of loading snow onto sleds or trucks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing one embodiment of a self-propelled snowblower using wheels. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the snowblower shown in Figure 1, as seen from arrow AA. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a rear view of the snowblower, seen from the right side. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing one embodiment of a self-propelled snowplow with caterpillar tracks. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a plan view of the snowblower shown, as seen from arrow BB. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a rear view of the snowblower as seen from the right side. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing one embodiment of a wheeled, push-type snowblower. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a plan view of the snowblower shown, as seen from arrow CC. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a rear view of the snowblower, seen from the right side. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing one embodiment of a hand-pushed snowplow using a sled. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a plan view of the snowblower shown, as seen from arrow DD. [Figure 12] It is a rear view seen from the right side of the snow remover shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] It is a plan view showing an example of the positional relationship among the snow remover, the receiving hopper of the present invention, and the snow discharging and transporting sole. [Figure 14] It is a front view of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a plan view showing the state where the snow throwing and transporting sole depicted in FIG. 13 is removed. [Figure 16] It is a front view of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] It is a plan view showing an example of the positional relationship between the snow remover and the snow discharging and transporting truck. [Figure 18] It is a front view of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] It is a plan view showing an example of the relationship between the snow melting tank and the snow remover. [Figure 20] It is a front view of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a side view of the snow melting tank in FIG. 20 seen from the left side. [Figure 22] It is an enlarged view of part a showing the rotation and pitching mechanism of the chute in FIG. 1. [Figure 23] It is a plan view of FIG. 22 seen from the arrow view E - E. [Figure 24] It is a plan view showing an example of the site range of a house, the arrangement of buildings, the snow removal range, and the snow throwing position.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. The snow remover 1 of the present invention is mainly composed of attaching a snow removing mechanism 2, a traveling mechanism 3, and a snow discharging mechanism 4 to a snow remover main body 5, and further, the functions of the snow remover are exerted by the attached auxiliary parts performing their respective functions. The snow removing mechanism 2 is composed of an auger 6, an impeller 7, a motor pulley 8 having a rotational force for performing snow removing work by rotating these, and accessory parts such as bearings at both ends. In the self-propelled version, the running mechanism 3 consists of a combination of running wheels 9 and a running motor 11, and a combination of caterpillar tracks 14, caterpillar drive wheels 15, and a running motor 11. In the hand-pushed version, the running mechanism consists of running wheels 9, skids 28, and auxiliary parts to ensure smooth operation of each component. Furthermore, the snow removal mechanism 4 is composed of an intermediate chute 12, an upper chute 13, a chute rotation motor 35 for rotating the intermediate chute 13, an elevation cylinder 17 for raising and lowering the upper chute 13, and auxiliary parts necessary to achieve the ability to discharge the snow toward the target point.

[0011] Regarding Claim 1 The snow removal mechanism 2 is basically the same as the auger 6 and impeller 7 used in snowplows currently on the market, differing only in size, and its general shape and function are almost identical. However, the present invention replaces the rotary shaft to which these components are attached with a motor preamplifier 8. Conventional snowplows required transmission components such as gears or chains to transmit the engine's rotation to the rotor shaft. However, in these cases, the transmission components were exposed, posing a risk of harm to the operator, requiring measures such as attaching covers. This resulted in an increase in protruding parts, the need for maintenance such as lubrication, and the need for measures to address noise generation.

[0012] By replacing the power engine and rotary shaft with a motor-pre-8, it becomes possible to omit covers that protect the transmission parts and hazardous areas, resulting in a simpler appearance with fewer protrusions. Furthermore, it eliminates engine noise and other noises, making it possible to provide a lightweight and inexpensive snowblower to the general public.

[0013] Details of the snow removal mechanism 4 are currently pending in Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-106478, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here. The intermediate chute 12, which is cylindrical and open at both ends, maintains a posture that is always directed toward a stored snow-throwing point, according to computer instructions, along with the upper chute 13, which is also open at both ends and has a shape resembling a halved cylinder. Furthermore, the upper chute 13 has a function that allows it to control the elevation angle so that the snow released from its top traces a parabolic trajectory and lands at the target point, also according to computer instructions.

[0014] In this case, the orientation and positional relationship between the snowblower 1 and the landing point are constantly changing, but the snowblower 1 must constantly be aware of the positional relationship between the snowblower 1 and the landing point in response to these changes. One way to determine this is to attach transmitters 20, 21, 22, and 23, each emitting radio waves of different frequencies, to four points on the upper surface of the snow-receiving hopper 31, as shown in Figures 13 and 15. In this case, it is easy to imagine that even with only three transmitters, it would be possible to confirm the position and direction of the snowblower 1 and the landing point, the hopper 31, but four transmitters are shown to account for the possibility of one of the four transmitters failing.

[0015] On the other hand, by attaching receivers 24 and 25, as shown in Figures 1 and 13, to the snowblower 1 and transmitting and receiving signals, the relative positions and orientations of the other party can be confirmed. This method is an application of a system already used by ships to confirm their position using communication satellites, and attempts to confirm position and direction by transmitting and receiving weak radio waves below the legally defined limits. Conventional snowblowers randomly released snow without selecting a designated landing point, sometimes picking up chunks of ice or paving stones mixed in with the snow, causing damage to plants, house exteriors, or windows. However, by using this method, such incidents can be avoided.

[0016] Figures 13 and 14 show a snow removal and transport sled 26 positioned below the receiving hopper 31, allowing snow to be loaded directly from the snow removal machine 1 without human intervention. As another example, Figure 18 shows the snow being loaded onto a transport truck 32. The four transmitters 37, 38, 39, and 40 can be secured using magnets or adhesive tape. Figures 15 and 16 show the state after the snow removal sled 26 has been removed.

[0017] Claim 2 relates to a receiving hopper 31 equipped with transmitters 20, 21, 22, and 23 that can confirm the relative positions of the snowblower 1 and the receiving hopper. The receiving hopper is located near the center of a frame with four legs, and a snow removal sled 26 can be installed at the lower part of the hopper, which is the discharge port. The snow removal worker visually determines the loading status of the snow removal sled 26, and when an appropriate amount of snow has been loaded, stops the snowblower 1 and pulls the snow removal sled 26 to the snow disposal site to release the snow. These actions free the snow removal worker from the task of loading snow onto the snow removal sled 26. The snow removal sled 26 can be replaced with a tool such as a so-called "mama-san dump" to achieve the same purpose.

[0018] Regarding the distance and shape from the snowblower 1 to the snow discharge point, snow cannot be discharged only to the pre-programmed snow discharge area 58 and snow discharge point 59. Instead, depending on the differences in the area to be cleared and the locations where snow can be discharged, the number of snow discharge points can be increased as needed, for example, to a linear position 1 meter to the right or left of the snowblower 1. Furthermore, since the snow melting tank 42, snow discharge area 58, and snow discharge point 59 are fixed points, their respective positions and orientations relative to the origin can be memorized in advance. In addition, if the snowblower 1 is equipped with a function that allows it to confirm its own position relative to the origin while moving, there is no need to attach transmitters to the fixed points.

[0019] Regarding the running mechanism 3. Since these are essential related functions for carrying out the present invention, existing technologies will also be explained. As for the movement method of the snowblower 1, self-propelled and manually pushed are conceivable. For the self-propelled type, wheeled types shown in roughly Figure 1 and the plan views in Figures 2 and 3, and caterpillar types shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 are conceivable. For changing direction, for example, the ON / OFF switches for the left and right drive motors 11 can be mounted in a position that is easy to operate on the handle 10. When moving straight, the left and right switches are kept ON, and when you want to change direction, you press the switch on the side you want to change direction, and the switch on the pressed side changes from ON to OFF. This temporarily stops the wheels 9 or caterpillar tracks 14 on the side you want to turn, and changes direction are conceivable. Also, since the snowblower 1 is relatively lightweight, when changing direction, the handle 10 can be operated manually to change its direction.

[0020] Regarding the hand-pushed driving mechanism. The hand-pushed type can be broadly categorized into the wheeled type shown in Figure 7 and related Figures 8 and 9, and the sled type shown in Figure 10 and related Figures 11 and 12. Forward and backward movement and direction changes are performed manually by operating the handle 10.

[0021] A brief explanation of snow release mechanism 4 will be provided. As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the pinion gear 34 attached to the output shaft of the chute rotation motor 35 and the large gear 33 attached to the intermediate chute 12 are meshed together. Since the chute rotation motor 35 is fixed to the snowblower body 5, when the chute rotation motor 35 is rotated forward or backward according to the computer's instructions, the intermediate chute 12 and the upper chute 13, which is connected to it by a shaft 30 so as to be able to move up and down, also rotate simultaneously. This operation is performed to keep the chute always facing the snow-throwing direction while the snowblower 1 is in operation.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper shoot 13, under instructions from the memory device, extends and retracts the elevation cylinder 17, also under instructions from the computer, to elevate the snow released from it around the axis 30, so that the snow can accurately land at a predetermined landing point by following a parabolic trajectory as shown in Figures 14 and 18.

[0023] Furthermore, while currently available small snow blowers use gasoline or mixed oil as a power source, Figures 1 and 2 show a snow blower that uses either a household power supply or a rechargeable battery 16 used in vacuum cleaners or electric screwdrivers. However, the snow blower 1 can perform the same function even if multiple batteries are prepared and their remaining charge is checked and replaced as needed to allow for continuous use, or even if it is used by connecting it to a household power supply via a cord without installing a battery.

[0024] Regarding Claim 3 Regarding the snow melting tank 42, existing tanks that are currently available to the public will be used with some modifications, such as adding dampers as needed. Conventionally, snow was put into the snow melting tank manually using shovels or dump trucks through an opening at the top. The present invention aims to directly discharge snow released from the upper chute 13 shown in Figure 20 into the snow discharge port of the upper cover 43 of the snow melting tank 42. The snow discharged into the input port and temporarily accumulated on the damper 44, the standby snow 50, falls into the tank as the damper 44 rotates due to the contraction of the damper rotation cylinder 46. The fallen snow is melted in the tank and drained through the water conduit 48 to the existing public sewer pipe 47. Snow removal workers can reduce the time required for snow removal simply by operating the snow removal machine 1, and are also freed from heavy labor and the risk of falling.

[0025] Regarding claim 4. Conventional snow melting tanks typically have a lid that is either manually removed or hinged to open when snow is being dumped into them, and the lid is usually returned to the closed position once snow removal is complete.

[0026] However, with this system, the upper input port remains open while snow is being shoveled manually, so the heat generated by electricity, gas, or kerosene that should be added to the snow for melting in the snow melting tank 42 is continuously dissipated into the atmosphere during this time. Therefore, dampers 44 are installed in the positions shown in Figures 19 and 20, and when the conditions for receiving the discharged snow in the snow melting tank 42 are met, the damper rotation cylinder 46 is retracted and rotated around the damper rotation center axis 45 to the damper rotation end position 41 in Figure 19, allowing the waiting discharged snow 50 to fall into the tank, and when the cylinder is fully retracted, the damper rotation cylinder 46 is extended again to return to its original position. Furthermore, the determination of whether the conditions for receiving snow into the snow melting tank 42 are met is made by detecting the height of the remaining amount of snow thrown into the tank using the in-tank snow discharge detection sensor 61, and reporting this to the computer. Upon receiving the report, the computer opens and closes the damper 44. This mechanism reduces the unnecessary release of heat. After the damper 44 returns to its original position, the computer notifies the snow removal worker by emitting a sound or other means. The worker operates the snow removal machine 1 and continues to throw snow into the upper cover 43 of the snow melting tank above the damper 44 until the standby snow discharge detection sensor 62 detects the upper limit of the standby snow discharge 50 and similarly notifies the worker by emitting a sound or other means.

[0027] Figure 20 also shows the state in which the snowblower 1 has piled up standby snow 50 on top of the damper 44 on the snow melting tank 42. At this point, the snowblower 1 has either stopped working or is continuing to throw snow to another snow disposal area 58 or snow disposal point 59. When the top surface of the standby snow 50 inside the snow melting tank upper cover 43 is detected by the standby snow detection sensor 62 attached to the side, this is reported to the computer. At this point, the computer notifies the worker with an alarm or other means. The worker who intercepts the alarm stops the snowblower 1 or changes the snow disposal point and continues working.

[0028] It is essential to have a function that allows the damper 44 to be opened and closed manually in case, for any reason, a snow removal worker wants to put snow into the snow melting tank 42 when the conditions for accepting snow into the snow melting machine 42 are met during snow removal work. Furthermore, replacing the snow melting tank with a portable snow melting machine would yield the same effect.

[0029] In Figure 19, the upper cover 43 of the snow melting tank has a truncated cone shape. This is because if it had the same diameter as the snow melting tank 42, there was a concern that the standby snow removal 50 might adhere to the inner surface of the upper cover 43 and not fall into the tank even when the damper 44 was activated. With this shape, the possibility of the outer circumference of the standby snow removal 50 adhering to the inner surface of the upper cover 43 and not falling into the tank is low. With this shape, when the damper 44 rotates, the standby snow removal 50 is blocked by the inner wall of the upper cover 43 of the snow melting tank and reliably falls into the tank.

[0030] Currently, small snowplows available to the general public are expensive and have heavy snow removal mechanisms, so they are equipped with a drive system and a steering system, and employ a method of driving the snowplow through the area to be cleared by a human operator. However, this requires some skill to operate, and there is a risk of contact or collision with existing walls, buildings, or plants due to operator error.

[0031] Based on the above explanation, including the existing technology, it is easy to predict that the present invention is feasible for practical use. The present invention solves the shortcomings of snowplows currently available on the market, and not only is it simple in structure and inexpensive, but it also has fewer parts, resulting in fewer malfunctions, and is small and lightweight with fewer exposed parts such as dangerous rotating parts, thereby freeing snowplow operators from heavy labor and providing a safe snowplow for the general public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 1 Snow blower 2 Snow removal mechanism 3. Driving mechanism 4. Snow removal mechanism 5. Snowblower body 6. Auger 7 Impeller 8 Motor pulley 9 Running wheel 10 Handle 11. Driving motor 12. Intermediate chute 13 Upper chute 14 Caterpillar tracks 15 Caterpillar drive wheels 16 Battery 17. Elevation cylinder 18. Plug 19 Electrical wiring 20 Transmitter 1 21 Transmitter 2 22 Transmitter 3 23 Transmitter 4 24 Receiver 1 25 Receiver 2 26 Snow removal and transport sled 27 Sled towing rope 28 Sled 29 ground 30 axis 31 Receiving hopper 32 Snow removal and transport truck 33 Large gear 34 Pinion gear (small gear) 35 Motor for rotating the shooter 36 Protective cover for the rotating gear 37 Transmitter 5 38 Transmitter 6 39 Transmitter 7 40 Transmitter 8 41 Damper rotation end position 42 Snow melting tank 43 Snow melting tank upper cover 44 Damper 45 Damper rotation center axis 46 Damper rotation cylinder 47 Existing public sewer pipes 48 Water conduits 49 Snow removal from snow melting tanks 50 Standby snow removal 51 Outline of the property 52 Main building 53 Garage 54 Storage shed 55 Origin confirmation transmitter 1 56 Origin confirmation transmitter 2 57 Area to be cleared of snow 58 Area to be used for snow disposal 59 Snow removal input point 60 Road 61 In-tank snow removal detection sensor 62 Standby snow removal detection sensor 63 Sensor wiring 1 64 Sensor wiring 2

Claims

1. A snow removal mechanism characterized by replacing the rotating shaft to which the impeller and auger used for snow removal are attached with a motor pulley.

2. A receiving hopper characterized by having four legs and a hopper that receives snow released from a snowblower, and supplying the released snow to transport equipment such as snow removal sleds from the outlet at the bottom of the hopper.

3. A snow disposal mechanism characterized by directly feeding the snow removed from the snowblower's chute into a snow melting tank, and then discharging the melted water into an existing sewer pipe.

4. A snow melting tank characterized by the inclusion of a heat dissipation prevention damper.

Images