Portable agricultural machinery usable as a blower and / or aspirator

Abstract

Agricultural machinery usable as a blower and / or aspirator comprises a flow body extending along an extension axis, a hub supporting the vanes and adapted to rotate them around the extension axis and a motor adapted to selectively rotate the hub according to a first rotation direction adapted to define a first or a second mutually opposite flow along the extension axis; the machinery comprises a first array of vanes defining a first multiplicity of concave portions which are concordant with respect to a first rotation direction and a second array of vanes defining a second multiplicity of concave portions which are concordant with respect to a second rotation direction.

Description

[0001] "PORTABLE AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY USABLE AS A BLOWER AND / OR ASPIRATOR"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to portable agricultural machinery such as a blower and / or aspirator.

[0005] In particular, the present invention finds application in the field of agricultural and gardening equipment. Even more in particular, the present invention finds application in the field of portable agricultural and gardening equipment. The present invention is used, for example, in the field of devices used for landscaping, leaf management and the maintenance of agricultural areas.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Blowers and aspirators are traditionally used in agriculture and gardening to remove leaves, debris and small plant residues. Their operation is based on the use of an impeller which generates a high-speed air flow, which can be used to move or collect the material of interest.

[0008] Generally, these devices are powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines that provide the energy needed to rotate the impeller. The impeller is fixed on the central hub and several radially arranged vanes are fixed thereto. Their profile and inclination are designed to optimise the air flow generated in terms of speed, delivery pressure and much more at least in a given flow direction (which can be "blowing" or "aspiration").

[0009] In blowers, the impeller is designed to increase air speed, creating a direct jet which allows to move leaves and debris. The vanes are generally curved or inclined so as to accelerate the air conveyed through the outlet duct.

[0010] In aspirators, the configuration of the impeller is instead optimised to create a vacuum which allows light materials to be aspirated. In these devices, the air is filtered before being expelled, separating the solidparticles.

[0011] Some models combine both functions, offering the possibility of switching from blower to aspirator mode by means of simple adjustments. In these latter cases, the system efficiency depends on the conformation of the vanes and the power of the motor, which influence the flow rate and speed of the air generated. An optimised aerodynamic design allows a reduction in energy losses and an improvement in overall performance, ensuring more effective aspiration and a more powerful air jet in "blower" mode. It is known that an optimal conformation and arrangement of the vanes on the impeller allows to improves the efficiency of the machinery, whether it is used for aspiration or in blower mode. Furthermore, the efficiency of the motor is crucial to maintain a constant speed even under load, avoiding drops in performance which could compromise the operation of the device. Some advanced models also include electronic regulation systems which automatically adapt motor power based on use conditions, further improving operating efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0012] The Applicant has noted that, even in their most modern implementations, the machinery described above have certain structural and functional disadvantages, and their use entails some drawbacks.

[0013] Object of the invention

[0014] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to provide portable agricultural machinery which is free of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] Nonetheless, the aim of the present invention is to provide portable agricultural machinery which is extremely performing in both possible operating modes (and therefore, which has a high efficiency in terms of generating and maintaining the air flow in both "blower" and "aspirator" mode, or in other words, which has a high fluid-dynamic efficiency combined with the possibility of reversing the air flow generated in order to obtain aspiration or blowing).

[0016] The specified technical task and the aims are substantially achieved by portable agricultural machinery which is the subject matter of the presentinvention, which is characterised by what is contained in the claims below and / or the contents of the present description.

[0017] Brief description of the drawings

[0018] The description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore nonlimiting purposes, wherein:

[0019] - Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the machinery which is the subject matter of the present description; - Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the machinery which is the subject matter of the present description; - Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of the machinery which is the subject matter of the present description; - Figure 4 shows an overall side view of the machinery which is the subject matter of the present description;

[0020] - Figure 5 shows an overall perspective view of the machinery which is the subject matter of the present description; and

[0021] - Figures 6A and 6B show a detail of a component of the machinery which is the subject matter of the present description.

[0022] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention The subject matter of the present description is portable agricultural machinery 1 usable as a blower and / or aspirator, which for the sake of simplicity of description will be referred to below as machinery 1.

[0023] The machinery 1 comprises a main flow body 2 extending along an extension axis "X": the main flow body 2 extends in particular between a first end 2a and a second end 2b and therefore has a substantially elongated conformation (e.g., the flow body 2 has a substantially tubular conformation).

[0024] The machinery 1 comprises at least one hub 3 supporting a plurality of vanes 4: such a hub 3 is configured to rotate the vanes 4 around the extension axis "X".

[0025] The machinery 1 comprises a motor 5 adapted to selectively rotate thehub 3. Therefore, the motor 5 is adapted to rotate the plurality of vanes 4 following the rotation of hub 3 itself.

[0026] According to an aspect of the present description, the motor 5 selectively rotates the hub 3 according to a first rotation direction or according to a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction.

[0027] When the hub 3 is rotated according to a first rotation direction, it defines a first air flow which passes through the flow body 2.

[0028] When the hub 3 is rotated according to a second rotation direction, opposite the first rotation direction, it defines a second air flow which passes through the flow body 2; wherein the second air flow is opposite the first flow.

[0029] According to an aspect, the first air flow and the second air flow correspond to an aspiration and a blowing of the machinery 1, respectively. Therefore, according to whether the machinery 1 operates so as to generate the first flow or the second flow, it makes the machinery 1 an aspirator or blower.

[0030] The machinery 1 comprises a first array 4a of vanes 4 defining a first multiplicity of concave portions; wherein the first multiplicity of concave portions is concordant with respect to a rotation direction of the first rotation.

[0031] The machinery 1 comprises a second array 4b of vanes 4 defining a second multiplicity of concave portions; wherein the second multiplicity of concave portions is discordant with respect to a rotation direction of the second rotation. In other words, the rotation direction of the first array 4a of vanes 4 is opposite the rotation direction of the second array 4b of vanes 4. Therefore, according to such an embodiment, the first array 4a of vanes 4 is concordant with a clockwise rotation and the second array 4b of vanes 4 is concordant with a counter-clockwise rotation.

[0032] According to an aspect of the present invention, the rotation direction of the first array 4a of vanes 4 is concordant with the rotation direction of the second array 4b of vanes 4.In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the machinery 1 comprises a single hub 3.

[0033] The single hub 3 simultaneously supports the first array of vanes 4a and the second array of vanes 4b.

[0034] The single hub 3 supports the first and second array of vanes 4a and 4b and defines a single impeller 6.

[0035] In such an embodiment, the rotation direction of the first array 4a of vanes 4 is concordant with the rotation direction of the second array 4b of vanes 4.

[0036] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the machinery 1 comprises at least a first hub 3 supporting the first array of vanes 4a and at least a second hub 3a supporting the second array of vanes 4b.

[0037] The first hub 3 and the second hub 3a each support a respective array of vanes, preferably the first array and the second array of vanes 4a and 4b, and cooperatively define two impellers 6a and 6b.

[0038] In other words, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first hub 3 and the second hub 3a define a first impeller 6 and a second impeller 6a. Each hub 3 and 3a supports a respective array of vanes 4a and 4b.

[0039] According to an aspect of the present description illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first array of vanes 4a and the second array of vanes 4b are adjacent to each other along the extension axis "X" of the flow body 2 of the machinery 1.

[0040] In accordance with a further embodiment shown for example in Figure 3, the first array of vanes 4a and the second array of vanes 4b are offset and / or spaced along the extension axis "X".

[0041] The first array of vanes 4a and the second array of vanes 4b are spaced apart from each other by means of a spacer element.

[0042] In other words, the first array of vanes 4a and the second array of vanes 4b are spaced apart from each other by means of an element which allows to maintain a fixed distance between the two components.The first array of vanes 4a defines a first multiplicity of concave portions c1. The second array of vanes 4b defines a second multiplicity of concave portions c2.

[0043] The first multiplicity of concave portions c1 and the second multiplicity of concave portions c2 are oriented, in each array of vanes 4a and 4b, according to a predetermined rotation direction around the extension axis "X".

[0044] Preferably, the first multiplicity of concave portions c1 of the first array of vanes 4a and the second multiplicity of concave portions c2 of the second array of vanes 4b are mutually oriented in discordant rotation directions with respect to the extension axis "X".

[0045] According to an aspect, the first multiplicity of concave portions c1 of the first array of vanes 4a and the second multiplicity of concave portions c2 of the second array of vanes 4b are mutually oriented in opposite rotation directions with respect to the extension axis "X".

[0046] The fact that the concave portions c1 and c2 of the first and second multiplicities of vanes 4a and 4b are oriented in discordant, preferably opposite, rotation directions with respect to the extension axis "X" allows the first and second multiplicities 4a and 4b to operate with different functions.

[0047] For example, if one array of vanes 4a is engaged in blowing a flow, the other array of vanes 4b is engaged in the aspiration thereof.

[0048] This configuration allows a controlled and optimised flow, exploiting the opposite arrangement of the concave surfaces to efficiently direct the air flow through the flow body 2 of the machinery 1.

[0049] The air flow will be directed along the axis "X" axis of the hub 3 of the flow body 2. If the machinery 1 is used as a blower, the air flow is pushed from the first and second multiplicity 4a and 4b of vanes 4 from the first end 2a of the flow body 2 to the second end 2b of the same body 2.

[0050] The second end 2b of the flow body 2 comprises a nozzle which allows such air flow to exit to the outside of the machinery 1.Alternatively, if the machinery 1 is used as an aspirator, the air flow moves from the second end 2b to the first end 2a.

[0051] According to a further aspect, the first multiplicity of concave portions c1 of the first array of vanes 4a and the second multiplicity of concave portions c2 of the second array of vanes 4b are mutually oriented in concordant rotation directions with respect to the extension axis "X".

[0052] Preferably, the first multiplicity of concave portions c1 of the first array of vanes 4a and the second multiplicity of concave portions c2 of the second array of vanes 4b are mutually oriented in common rotation directions with respect to the extension axis "X".

[0053] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 6A and 6B, at least one vane 4 of an array of vanes 4a or 4b comprises a leading edge 9a and a trailing edge 9b.

[0054] The leading edge 9a and trailing edge 9b are positioned at opposite ends along a string line of the vane 4.

[0055] Furthermore, the vane 4 comprises two curved surfaces extending between the leading edge 9a and the trailing edge 9b.

[0056] The two curved surfaces define a profile having two concavities, and wherein one concavity is opposite the other with respect to the string line of the vane 4.

[0057] String line is intended as the imaginary segment connecting the leading edge 9a to the trailing edge 9b of the vane 4 and serves as a reference to describe the shape thereof.

[0058] In other words, the two curved surfaces defining the profile of the vane 4 create a double curvature, viz., the vane 4 has a profile having two concavities. The two concavities are opposite with respect to the string line.

[0059] Preferably, one concavity is opposite the other with respect to this line, which means that one of the surfaces of the vane 4 curves inwards at a certain point, while the other surface curves in the opposite direction at another zone of the profile.Advantageously, this configuration can be adopted to improve the aerodynamic performance of the vane 4, for example to better control the air flow passing through it, reducing energy losses and optimising thrust or compression.

[0060] Even more advantageously, the double curvature allows to better manage pressure and speed variations of the air flow.

[0061] If the vane 4 has two concavities, a single hub 3 is used, defining a single impeller 6.

[0062] According to a further aspect, the machinery 1 further comprises selective mechanical power transmission means 7 interposed between at least one hub 3 of at least one impeller 6 and the motor 5.

[0063] The selective mechanical power transmission means 7 are preferably adapted to determine a mechanical gripping and dragging condition of the hub 3 on the drive shaft connected to the motor 5. Wherein the motor 5 imposes a first rotation direction on the hub 3, which is arranged along the extension axis X.

[0064] Furthermore, the selective mechanical power transmission means 7 are preferably adapted to determine a free rotation condition of the hub 3 on the drive shaft. Wherein the free rotation of the hub occurs in a second rotation direction.

[0065] Such a second rotation direction is opposite the first rotation direction. In other words, the hub 3 can assume two different operating conditions with respect to the drive shaft connected to the motor 5. These two conditions are managed by specific selective means 7, which regulate the interaction between the hub 3 and the drive shaft.

[0066] In the mechanical gripping and dragging condition, the selective means 7 determine a rigid coupling between the hub 3 and the drive shaft; this implies that the rotary motion generated by the motor 5 is fully transmitted to the hub 3, which rotates integrally with the shaft along the extension axis "X". Therefore, the array of vanes 4 supported by the hub 3 rotates in a specific rotation direction.In the free rotation condition, the selective means 7 allow the hub 3 to decouple from the drive shaft, allowing it to rotate freely in a rotation direction. This means that the hub 3 is no longer mechanically constrained to the shaft. Nevertheless, the hub 3, and consequently the vanes 4 supported by it, although not actively dragged by the shaft, can still be rotated, for example, due to an "aerodynamic drag" effect or in other words due to the effect of the pressure difference generated by the impeller actively driven by the drive shaft (which in turn takes mechanical power from an appropriate motor).

[0067] According to an aspect of the present description, the selective mechanical power transmission means 7 comprise elements, preferably of the freewheel type, respectively connected to a first hub 3 of a first impeller 6 and to a second hub 3a of a second impeller 6a.

[0068] The selective mechanical power transmission means 7 are configured to determine a mechanical gripping and dragging condition between said first hub 3 and the drive shaft, and simultaneously a free rotation condition of the second hub 3a on the drive shaft.

[0069] The selective mechanical power transmission means 7 are configured to determine a mechanical gripping and dragging condition between the second hub 3a and the drive shaft, and simultaneously a free rotation condition of the first hub 3 on the drive shaft.

[0070] In summary, the selective means 7 serve to determine whether the first hub 3 and / or the second hub 3a are dragged by the motor 5 integrally or whether they rotate freely, depending on the functional requirements of the machinery 1.

[0071] Advantageously, the present invention provides machinery 1 which automatically adapts the power of the motor based on use conditions, further improving the operating efficiency and reducing the energy consumption thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Portable agricultural machinery (1) usable as a blower and / or aspirator, comprising:- a main flow body (2) extending along an extension axis (X) between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b);- at least one hub (3) supporting a plurality of vanes (4) and adapted to rotate said plurality of vanes (4) around said extension axis (X); and - a motor (5) adapted to selectively rotate said hub (3) according to a first rotation direction adapted to define a first flow, in said flow body (2), or according to a second rotation direction opposite said first rotation direction and adapted to define a second flow, in said flow body (2), opposite said first flow;characterised in that the machinery (1) comprises:- a first array (4a) of vanes (4) defining a first multiplicity of concave portions (c1) which are concordant with respect to said first rotation direction; and- a second array (4b) of vanes (4) defining a second multiplicity of concave portions (c2) which are concordant with respect to said second rotation direction.

2. Machinery (1) according to claim 1, comprising a single hub (3) simultaneously supporting the first and second array of vanes (4a) and (4b), said single hub (3) supporting the first and second array of vanes (4a) and (4b) defining a single impeller (6).

3. Machinery (1) according to claim 1, comprising:- at least a first hub (3) supporting said first array of vanes (4a); and - at least a second hub (3a) supporting said second array of vanes (4b), said first (3) and second hub (3a) and said first and second array of vanes (4a), (4b) cooperatively defining two impellers.

4. Machinery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first array of vanes (4a) and said second array of vanes (4b) are adjacent to each other along the extension axis (X).

5. Machinery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein said first array of vanes (4a) and said second array of vanes (4b) are offset and / or spaced apart along said extension axis (X).

6. Machinery (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first array of vanes (4a) defines a first multiplicity of concave portions (c1) and wherein the second array of vanes (4b) defines a second multiplicity of concave portions (c2), said concave portions (c1, c2) being oriented, in each array of paddles (4a, 4b), according to a respective and predetermined rotation direction around the extension axis (X).

7. Machinery (1) according to claim 6, wherein said first multiplicity of concave portions (c1) of the first array of vanes (4a) and said second multiplicity of concave portions (c2) of the second array of vanes (4b) are mutually oriented in opposite or discordant rotation directions with respect to the extension axis (X).

8. Machinery (1) according to claim 6, wherein said first multiplicity of concave portions (c1) of the first array of vanes (4a) and said second multiplicity of concave portions (c2) of the second array of vanes (4b) are mutually oriented in common or concordant rotation directions with respect to the extension axis (X).

9. Machinery (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one vane (4) of at least one array of vanes (4a) or (4b) comprises:- a leading edge (9a) and a trailing edge (9b) positioned at opposite ends along a string line of said vane (4); and- two curved surfaces extending between said leading edge (9a) and said trailing edge (9b),said curved surfaces cooperatively defining a profile having two concavities, wherein one concavity is opposite the other with respect to said string line of said vane (4).

10. Machinery (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 3 to 8, further comprising selective mechanical power transmission means (7) interposed between at least one hub (3) of at least one impeller (6) and said motor (5), said selective mechanical power transmission means (7) preferably being adapted to:- determine a mechanical gripping and dragging condition between said hub (3) and a drive shaft connected to the motor (5) and arranged along the extension axis (X) in a first rotation direction; and- determine a free rotation condition of said hub (3) on the drive shaft in a second rotation direction opposite said first rotation direction.

11. Machinery (1) according to claim 10, wherein the selective mechanical power transmission means (7) comprise elements, preferably of the freewheel type, respectively connected to a first hub (3) of a first impeller (6) and to a second hub (3) of a second impeller (6a) and are adapted to: - determine a mechanical gripping and dragging condition between said first hub (3) and said drive shaft, and simultaneously a free rotation condition of said second hub (3a) on the drive shaft; or- determine a mechanical gripping and dragging condition between said second hub (3a) and said drive shaft, and simultaneously a free rotation condition of said first hub (3) on the drive shaft.

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