SNOW BLOWER AND NON-CLOGGING CHUTE

Abstract

A 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 bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart 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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to power tools, such as snow blower power tools.

Power tools are generally utilized to make working conditions easier. For example, snow blowers eliminate the need for shoveling snow. Instead of manually lifting snow from a surface (e.g., a driveway or sidewalk) to move the snow therefrom, the operator can push or walk a snow blower through the snow. The snow blower lifts the snow and discharges it a distance from the underlying surface. Typically, this involves moving snow from a rotating auger to a downstream chute that can direct the moving snow away from the snow blower. In this regard, snow blowers make snow removal easier than previous manual operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although snow blowers can greatly reduce the amount of human effort to clear an area of snow, existing appliances still maintain certain drawbacks during use. For instance, it is common for the chute of existing snow blowers to become clogged especially over extended use. Specifically, snow can become packed within the chute and restrict the flow of snow from the rotatable auger. In certain cases, this can cause the entire chute to become obstructed, which may prevent the passage of any snow therethrough. If left untreated, this may cause snow agitated by the rotatable auger to fly forward or otherwise flow to an undesired location. Damage to the snow blower may even occur. In order to treat clog conditions, a user must typically stop the snow blower and manually unpack or dislodge any clogged masses from the chute with a hand or separate tool. This can be tedious and obviously slows down any snow clearing operations. Moreover, it risks damage to the snow blower

Accordingly, snow blowers, features, or methods of operation are desired in the art. In particular, systems or methods that prevent or dislodge snow buildups that might otherwise clog on, within, or upstream of the chute would be advantageous.

Aspects and advantages of the invention 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 invention.

In one 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 bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart 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 extend across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

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 bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart 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 auger motor may be supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to motivate rotation thereof.

The controller may be in operative communication with the auger motor. The controller may be configured to direct a blower operation including receiving an operational signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operational signal, and directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

In yet 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 rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute may extend from the frame along a chute axis above the outlet opening. The chute may include a resilient chute body deformable relative to the chute axis.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention 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 invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a front perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an auger housing and chute of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a portion of a frame of a snow blower to receive a breaker collar according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C provide a series of plan views of clearing blades across an outlet opening according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C provide a series of plan views of clearing blades across an outlet opening according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 3 and 8 illustrate a snow blower 100 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, snow blower 100 defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. The snow blower 100 includes a frame 102, one or more motors 104 (e.g., element motor 104a or wheel motor 104b) and an auger 106 coupled (e.g., rotatably mounted) to the frame 102 (e.g., disposed in auger housing 108) to rotate about a defined auger axis AA. Snow blower 100 may further include a handle assembly 110 extending from the frame 102. As illustrated, the handle assembly 110 can extend from a rear end of the frame 102 in a generally vertical direction. A battery compartment 112 can be coupled to the frame 102 to receive one or more batteries (not illustrated) which can provide power to the one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g., one more electric motors). In other embodiments, motors 104 can include an engine powered by fuel. In such embodiments, the battery compartment 112 can be replaced or supplemented with a fuel storage tank (not illustrated) which stores fuel for powering the engine.

The snow blower 100 is supported by one or more walking elements, e.g., wheels 114. Generally, one or more wheels 114 define a wheel axis A_W (e.g., parallel to the lateral direction L) about which the wheels 114 rotate. In optional embodiments, the wheels 114 are provided 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 illustrated, the wheel motor 104b may be supported on the frame 102 apart from the element motor 104a. Although the driven wheels 114 may be motivated or rotated by wheel motor 104b, an operator or user may selectively push the snow blower 100 (e.g., manually).

It is noted that although the illustrated snow blower 100 is shown as a single-stage snow blower, the present disclosure is not limited to the same and may be applicable to any suitable snow blowing power tool, such as a dual-stage (e.g., impeller) snow blower, self-propelled snow blower, manually propelled or push snow blower, etc.

In some embodiments, a controller 150 may be provided in operative communication with one or more components of snow blower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, sensors 152a, 152b, 152c, etc.). The controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of snow blower 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate snow blower 100 or execute an operation routine. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 150 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout snow blower 100. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 150 and various operational components of snow blower 100. One or more components of snow blower 100 may be in operative communication (e.g., electric communication) with controller 150 via one or more conductive signal lines or shared communication busses.

In optional embodiments, one or more operational sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are provided on snow appliance 100 in operative (e.g., wired or wireless) communication with controller 150. Generally, such operational sensors 152a, 152b, 152c are configured to detect one or more operational conditions of the snow blower 100 and transmit signals corresponding to the same (e.g., to controller 150). Such operational conditions may be related to performance of the snow blower 100. As an example, a motor sensor 152a may be provided (e.g., at controller 150) to detect a motor loading signal received from the auger motor 104a according to an operational load (e.g., voltage draw) on the auger motor 104a. Such motor loading signals and sensors 152a, 152b, 152c for the same are generally understood. As an additional or alternative, example, a speed sensor 152b may be mounted on frame 102 and configured to detect a velocity of the snow blower 100. The detected velocity may generally correspond to forward movement of the snow blower 100. For instance, speed sensor 152b may detect velocity based on a rotational speed of one or more wheels 114. To that end, and as would be understood the speed sensor 152b may include a rotational sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor, inductive sensor, eddy-current sensor, photodiode array, etc.) be configured to detect rotational movement at the wheels 114 (or an axle thereof).

Separate from or in additional to performance of snow blower 100, operational conditions may relate to the environment (e.g., ambient area or geographic location) that the snow blower 100 is located in. As an example, a temperature sensor 152c may be provided to detect an ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 152c may be mounted to the frame 102 (e.g., apart from the motor(s) thereof). As would be understood, the temperature may include a thermistor, thermocouple, or any other suitable electric temperature sensing element.

Optionally, the snow blower 100 can 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 snow blower 100 is operating. For example, the snow blower 100 can include a light 134 disposed on the auger housing 108 of frame 102.

In certain embodiments, handle assembly 110 include a top handle 110c (e.g., as an unbroken unitary piece or having left and right portions to receive a user's left and right hands, respectively). One or more inputs for controlling snow blower 100 may be provided on or proximal to top handle 110c. Although top handle 110c is shown as a single-piece construction handle having left and right portions to receive a user's left and right hands, respectively. In other instances, the handle assembly 110 can include a multi-piece construction (e.g., having multiple discrete handles to receive a user's hands). The top handle 110c can be coupled to one or more additional portions, which extend from the frame 102 to the first and second handles 110a and 110b (e.g., to support the top handle 110c or permit selective height adjustments or storage configurations of the handle assembly 110).

The handle assembly 110 generally include one or more controls associated with controlling operational aspect(s) of the snow blower 100. By way of non-limiting example, the handle assembly 110 can include a power button 122 and one or more speed inputs (e.g., speed input 124) operably coupled to a controller 150. One or more position sensors 152a, 152b, 152c (e.g., a potentiometer, Hall effect sensor, infrared proximity sensor, capacitive displacement sensor, inductive sensor, eddy-current sensor, photodiode array, etc.) may be attached to or in operable communication with a speed input 124 to detect the relative position of an input (e.g., on handle assembly 110) and communicate the same (e.g., to a controller 150).

Optionally, the speed input 124 may define a set range of motion (e.g., pivoting motion) between a predefined maximum and minimum. For instance, the speed input 124 may define a range of motion corresponding to a range of rotational speeds between a top speed (e.g., as defined by RPM or power draw) and a base speed (e.g., as defined by RPM or power draw). The top speed of auger 106 may be set as the maximum of the range of motion, while the base speed may be set as the minimum range of motion of speed input 124.

The auger housing 108 generally houses the auger 106. As shown, auger housing 108 may include multiple walls, which house or at least partially enclose auger 106. For instance, auger housing 108 may include a top wall 108a vertically bounding or disposed above auger 106 (e.g., such that the auger 106 is housed below the top wall 108a), a pair of side walls 108b laterally bounding auger 106, and a rear wall 108c transversely bounding or disposed rearward from auger 106. Generally, auger housing 108 defines two or more openings to permit snow therethrough. For instance, auger housing 108 may define an inlet opening 160 (e.g., at a front portion of auger housing 108) to permit snow to the rotatable auger 106. The inlet opening 160 may be defined in front of the rotatable auger 106, such as by a pair of side walls 108b and top wall 108a. When assembled, auger 106 may be mounted to frame 102 and disposed rearward from the inlet opening 160. Separately from or in addition to inlet opening 160, auger housing 108 may define an outlet opening 162 to permit snow to flow from rotatable auger 106 (e.g., as motivated by the same) and out of auger housing 108 through outlet opening 162. In some embodiments, outlet opening 162 is defined through top wall 108a. In turn, rotatable auger 106 may be mounted to frame 102 below outlet opening 162 to motivate snow therethrough.

Auger housing 108 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with a chute or chute body 116. Moreover, the auger housing 108 can be connected with the chute 116 mechanically, electrically, or both. The chute 116 can extend, for example, above the auger housing 108. Optionally, chute 116 can include or be provided as a solid, nonpermeable body extending along a chute axis A_C (e.g., generally vertical axis), upward or downstream from outlet opening 162. Additionally or alternatively, chute body 116 may define a unenclosed slot extending perpendicular to the chute axis A_C and therealong from the outlet opening 162 (e.g., to a movable flap 118). Thus, a horizontal cross-section of chute body 116 may generally form a U-shape. In some embodiments, chute body 116 includes or is formed from a relatively durable or resilient material, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UMHP).

Turning especially to FIG. 8, in additional or alternative embodiments, the chute 116 itself includes a resilient chute body 158 that is deformable about the chute axis A. Generally, the resilient chute body 158 is formed, at least in part, by a resilient or elastic material, such as a natural or synthetic polymer, such as rubber. In certain embodiments, the resilient chute body 158 has a base 184 that is a static base. Specifically, the static base 184 may be non-rotatably fixed to the frame 102 or auger housing 108 (e.g., at the top wall 108a). Thus, as an upper end 186 of the chute 116 is rotated, the resilient chute body 158 is generally deformed while the static base 184 remains stationary (e.g., relative to the top wall 108a). Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the resilient chute body 158 may be radially deformable (e.g., expandable and contractable) relative to the frame 102. For instance, base 184 may be selectively expanded or contracted in a radial direction perpendicular to chute axis Ac such that at least a portion of the passageway within chute 116 is enlarged or reduced, such as to advantageously disrupt or break up snow to or within the chute 116.

Returning generally to FIGS. 1 through 4 and 8, during use, the chute 116 can direct discharged snow in a desired direction. In an embodiment, the chute 116 can rotate about a (e.g., generally vertical) chute axis A_C. The chute 116 can include a movable interface 118 configured to rotate the discharge direction about a horizontal axis. Optionally, a movable flap lever may be provided on the chute 116 to selectively rotate the movable interface 118. In this regard, the direction and height of discharged snow can be controlled. In certain instances, the direction of at least one of the chute 116 and moveable interface 118 can be controlled by the operator at the handle assembly 110. For instance, a chute lever 126 may be provided on the handle assembly 110 to selectively rotate the chute 116. Additionally or alternatively, a chute motor 129 may be provided in mechanical communication with chute body 116 to selectively rotate or deform the same (e.g., as directed by a user or automatically without direct user input). In some such embodiments, chute motor 129 is in operative communication with controller 150, which may be configured to motivate or rotate chute 116. For instance, controller 150 may be configured to adjust a position of chute 116 in response to a user input. Additionally or alternatively, controller 150 or a dedicated cam or gearing assembly may be configured to automatically adjust a position of chute 116 (e.g., rotate or deform), such as according to a set schedule, set rate, or variably in response to one or more received signals. Notably, adjusting the position of the chute may cause snow within the chute 116 to be disrupted or broken up (e.g., to prevent clogs).

Turning now especially to FIG. 3, rotatable auger 106 generally defines an auger axis A_A about which rotatable auger 106 rotates. In some embodiments, auger axis A_A is parallel to the lateral direction L or wheel axis A_W. In some embodiments, rotatable auger 106 includes multiple discrete auger segments that are separably rotatable. Such auger segments may be axially spaced apart (e.g., spaced apart from each other along the auger axis A_A). Optionally, such discrete auger segments may still be coaxial (e.g., rotatable about the same auger axis A_A). Optionally, at least a first auger segment 106a and a second auger segment 106b may be included and movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to each other. For instance, a separate auger motor (e.g., from multiple auger motors), gear system, or driveshaft may be provided to rotate the first auger segment 106a at a separate time or at a separate rotational velocity relative to second auger segment 106b. In some embodiments, first auger segment 106a (or second auger segment 106b) is configured to overrun relative to second auger segment 106b (or first auger segment 106a), such as by a selective or slip gear, and thereby reduce turning resistance at the auger or otherwise notably make it easier for a user to turn snow blower 100 during use. In additional or alternative embodiments, rotatable auger 106 includes three discrete segments.

Optionally, first auger segment 106a may be a middle segment axially disposed by a pair of second auger segments 106b. In some such embodiments, first auger segment 106a is configured to separately rotate (e.g., at a higher rotational speed) than the two second auger segments 106b.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 through 7C, some embodiments include a breaker collar 170 disposed on the frame 102. Specifically, breaker collar 170 is disposed upstream from chute body 116. For instance, breaker collar 170 may be mounted within outlet opening 162 (e.g., to direct or interrupt snow therethrough). As shown, breaker collar 170 includes one or more clearing blades 172 that selectively extend across at least a portion of the outlet opening 162. Thus, the clearing blades 172 may be movable (e.g., manually by a user or separate blade motor 175) to clear snow from frame 102 or chute 116 without stopping snow blowing operations. For instance, the clearing blades 172 may be rotated about chute axis A_C. Optionally, the clearing blades 172 may be fixed relative to a breaker collar 174 (e.g., as illustrated at FIG. 5) or, alternatively, movable relative to a collar or frame portion bounding outlet opening 162 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 7C).

Turning especially to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the clearing blades 172 may be (e.g., horizontally) translatable through the outlet opening 162. For instance, clearing blades 172 may be mounted along a sliding rail or guide to non-rotatably slide from one horizontal end of the collar 170 to an opposite horizontal end. As the clearing blades 172 translate (e.g., through, to, or across the chute axis A_C), snow within the outlet opening 162 may be disrupted or broken up (e.g., to prevent clogs).

Turning especially to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the clearing blades 172 may be (e.g., horizontally) pivotable or rotatable within the outlet opening 162 toward chute axis A_C). For instance, clearing blades 172 may be mounted on breaker collar 174 to rotate toward chute axis A_C. Optionally, the clearing blades 172 may be formed according to a vortex shape, such as to provide one or more of the clearing blades 172 as a curved cantilever blade. As the clearing blades 172 rotate (e.g., through, to, or across the chute axis A_C), snow within the outlet opening 162 may be disrupted or broken up (e.g., to prevent clogs).

As noted above, the clearing blades 172 may be manually movable (e.g., on a movable or removable tray) or, alternatively, movable by a dedicated blade motor 175. For instance, a 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 motivate the clearing blades 172 across at least a portion of the outlet opening 162 (e.g., according to one or more user inputs, detected sensor signals, or automatically based on a set schedule or rate).

Now that the construction of a power tool (e.g., snow blower 100) according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, exemplary methods (e.g., method 800) of operating a power tool will be described. Although the above discussion is primarily directed to the details of a single-stage snow blower, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 800 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other snow blowers, such as dual-stage snow blowers having a separate impeller element for propelling snow downstream from a rotatable auger. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed (e.g., in whole or part) by controller 150.

FIG. 9 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purpose of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein and except as otherwise indicated, will understand that the steps of the method 800 can be modified, adapted, rearranged, omitted, interchanged, or expanded in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Advantageously, methods in accordance with the present disclosure may account for and mitigate or prevent clogging within the chute (e.g., caused by snow).

At 810, the method 800 includes receiving an operational signal (e.g., input signal or sensor signal). Specifically, one or more operational signals may be received from a corresponding electrical element, user-input device, or sensor (e.g., attached to the frame of the snow blower or otherwise in communication with the controller thereof). In some embodiments, the operational signal includes a motor loading signal (e.g., voltage draw) received from the auger motor. For instance, as would be understood, the received motor loading signal may indicate the operational load on the auger motor (e.g., resistance on the auger motor rotation caused by the amount, volume, or mass of snow being engaged by the rotatable auger). Thus, the motor loading signal may be received from the auger motor according to an operational load on the auger motor. In additional or alternative embodiments, the operational signal includes a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor (e.g., as described above). For instance, as would be understood, the received temperature signal may indicate the temperature at a portion of the snow blower (e.g., at the chute or frame). In further additional or alternative embodiments, the operational signal includes a velocity signal received from the speed sensor (e.g., as described above). For instance, as would be understood, the received velocity signal may indicate the speed of movement (e.g., at the wheels or generally along the transverse direction) of the snow blower. Optionally, acceleration may be calculated (e.g., using multiple velocity signals overtime) to provide an acceleration signal as a modified operational signal.

At 820, the method 800 includes determining a motor output setting based on the received operational signal. Specifically, a predetermined relationship may be established between the input of the received operational signal and the motor output setting. For instance, a predetermined formula, chart, look-up table, or graph may be established (e.g., stored within the controller) for determining the motor output setting using the received operational signal. In turn, and as an example, in response to receiving the operational signal at 810, the motor output setting may be determined.

Generally, the motor output setting may provide a setting of power, speed, torque, or direction to which the auger motor is directed to apply or output to the rotatable auger. Thus, the directed power, speed, torque, or direction that the rotatable auger is rotated at (or at least instructed to rotate at) may correspond to the motor output setting.

In some embodiments, the motor output setting generally increases based on or in response to increased motor loading and generally decreases based on or in response to decreased motor loading. In additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting generally increases based on or in response to increased temperatures (e.g., in which snow is relatively dense and “wet”) and generally decreases based on or in response to decreased temperatures (e.g., in which snow is relatively loose and “dry”). In further additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting generally increases based on or in response to increased velocities or acceleration (e.g., in which the snow blower is moving or accelerating relatively quickly) and generally decreases based on or in response to decreased velocities or acceleration (e.g., in which the snow blower is moving or accelerating relatively slowly). In still further additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting implements or increases a pulsed rotation rate for the rotatable auger (e.g., based on a user input or detected signal threshold, such as for motor loading, temperature, or velocity of the snow blower). In still yet further additional or alternative embodiments, the motor output setting alternates or changes rotation direction of the auger, such as for a set period of time, (e.g., based on a user input or detected signal threshold, such as for motor loading, temperature, or velocity of the snow blower). Thus, the rotatable auger may be selectively rotated either forwards (e.g., to propel snow to back wall and outlet opening) or backwards (e.g., to propel snow to inlet opening).

The motor output setting may be for auger overall or, alternatively, to specific segments (e.g., first auger segment or second auger segment). For instance, the motor output setting may include a rotation speed of the first auger segment relative to the second auger segment. Thus, multiple discrete auger segment speeds or speed settings may be provided. Additionally or alternatively, the motor output setting may include multiple discrete torques (e.g., to be simultaneously applied to discrete corresponding auger segments).

At 830, the method 800 includes directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting. In other words, the rotatable auger may be directed or instructed to rotate at the motor output setting.

Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

Embodiment 1. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening; and a clearing blade selectively extending across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

Embodiment 2. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a blade motor in mechanical communication with the clearing blade and configured to selectively motivate the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

Embodiment 3. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the clearing blade is horizontally translatable through the outlet opening.

Embodiment 4. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the clearing blade is rotatable within the outlet opening.

Embodiment 5. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: an auger motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to motivate rotation thereof; and a controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving an operational signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operational signal, and directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

Embodiment 6. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, the chute body comprising a resilient chute body deformable relative to the chute axis.

Embodiment 7. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening; an auger motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to motivate rotation thereof; and a controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving an operational signal, determining a motor output setting based on the received operational signal, and directing the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

Embodiment 8. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the operational signal comprises a motor loading signal received from the auger motor according to an operational load on the auger motor.

Embodiment 9. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a temperature sensor in operative communication with the controller, wherein the operational signal comprises a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor.

Embodiment 10. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a speed sensor mounted to the frame in operative communication with the controller to detect a speed of the snow blower, wherein the operational signal comprises a velocity signal received from the speed sensor.

Embodiment 11. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotational auger speed or auger torque.

Embodiment 12. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a pulsed rotation rate for the rotatable auger.

Embodiment 13. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotation direction for the rotatable auger.

Embodiment 14. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, the rotatable auger comprising a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being spaced apart from the first auger segment along an auger axis, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotation speed of the first auger segment relative to the second auger segment.

Embodiment 15. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a clearing blade selectively extending across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body; and a blade motor in operative communication with the controller and in mechanical communication with the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively motivate the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

Embodiment 16. A snow blower comprising: 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 motivate snow to the outlet opening; one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; and a chute extending from the frame along a chute axis above the outlet opening, the chute comprising a resilient chute body deformable relative to the chute axis.

Embodiment 17. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the resilient chute body is radially expandable relative to the chute axis.

Embodiment 18. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, the resilient chute body have a static base non-rotatably fixed to the frame.

Embodiment 19. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising: a chute motor in mechanical communication with the resilient chute body and configured to selectively deform the resilient chute body.

Embodiment 20. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a clearing blade selectively extending across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the resilient chute body; and a blade motor in mechanical communication with the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively motivate the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis;a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening;one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower;a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening; anda clearing blade selectively extending across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body.

2. The snow blower of claim 1, further comprising: a blade motor in mechanical communication with the clearing blade and configured to selectively motivate the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

3. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the clearing blade is horizontally translatable through the outlet opening.

4. The snow blower of claim 1, wherein the clearing blade is rotatable within the outlet opening.

5. The snow blower of claim 1, further comprising: an auger motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to motivate rotation thereof; anda controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving an operational signal,determining a motor output setting based on the received operational signal, anddirecting the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

6. The snow blower of claim 1, the chute body comprising a resilient chute body deformable relative to the chute axis.

7. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being circumferentially bounded about a chute axis;a rotatable auger mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening;one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower;a chute body extending from the frame along the chute axis above the outlet opening;an auger motor supported on the frame in mechanical communication with the rotatable auger to motivate rotation thereof; anda controller in operative communication with the auger motor and configured to direct a blower operation comprising: receiving an operational signal,determining a motor output setting based on the received operational signal, anddirecting the auger motor to rotate the rotatable auger according to the determined motor output setting.

8. The snow blower of claim 7, wherein the operational signal comprises a motor loading signal received from the auger motor according to an operational load on the auger motor.

9. The snow blower of claim 7, further comprising: a temperature sensor in operative communication with the controller, wherein the operational signal comprises a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor.

10. The snow blower of claim 7, further comprising: a speed sensor mounted to the frame in operative communication with the controller to detect a speed of the snow blower, wherein the operational signal comprises a velocity signal received from the speed sensor.

11. The snow blower of claim 7, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotational auger speed or auger torque.

12. The snow blower of claim 7, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a pulsed rotation rate for the rotatable auger.

13. The snow blower of claim 7, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotation direction for the rotatable auger.

14. The snow blower of claim 7, the rotatable auger comprising a first auger segment and a second auger segment movable relative to the first auger segment, the second auger segment being spaced apart from the first auger segment along an auger axis, wherein the determined motor output setting comprises a rotation speed of the first auger segment relative to the second auger segment.

15. The snow blower of claim 7, further comprising: a clearing blade selectively extending across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the chute body; anda blade motor in operative communication with the controller and in mechanical communication with the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively motivate the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.

16. A snow blower comprising: 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 motivate snow to the outlet opening;one or more wheels mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; anda chute extending from the frame along a chute axis above the outlet opening, the chute comprising a resilient chute body deformable relative to the chute axis.

17. The snow blower of claim 16, wherein the resilient chute body is radially expandable relative to the chute axis.

18. The snow blower of claim 16, the resilient chute body have a static base non-rotatably fixed to the frame.

19. The snow blower of claim 16, further comprising: 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, further comprising a clearing blade selectively extending across at least a portion of the outlet opening to disperse snow from the rotatable auger to the resilient chute body; anda blade motor in mechanical communication with the clearing blade, the blade motor being configured to selectively motivate the clearing blade across at least a portion of the outlet opening.