US20080152487A1 - Portable blower/vacuum and impeller for use with same - Google Patents
Portable blower/vacuum and impeller for use with same Download PDFInfo
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- US20080152487A1 US20080152487A1 US11/645,141 US64514106A US2008152487A1 US 20080152487 A1 US20080152487 A1 US 20080152487A1 US 64514106 A US64514106 A US 64514106A US 2008152487 A1 US2008152487 A1 US 2008152487A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- impeller
- hub
- rotational axis
- degrees
- blades
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
- F04D25/084—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation hand fans
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G20/00—Cultivation of turf, lawn or the like; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G20/40—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface
- A01G20/43—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface for sweeping, collecting or disintegrating lawn debris
- A01G20/47—Vacuum or blower devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/14—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to hand-held, portable blower/vacuums and, more particularly, to air inlet covers, impellers, and motors for use with the same.
- Convertible blower/vacuum units are commonly used by homeowners and professionals alike for the removal of debris from yards, driveways, sidewalks, etc.
- a convertible blower/vac is a portable device which can be configured for use as either a debris blower or vacuum. When used as a vacuum, vacuum attachments coupled to a housing of the blower permit leaves or similar debris to be vacuumed into an attached bag or other debris container.
- blower/vacs When used in the blower configuration, blower/vacs provide a sweeping action created by the production of a fast moving stream of air generated by a rotating impeller located within the blower housing.
- the impeller draws air into the housing through an air inlet and exhausts an accelerated air stream through an air outlet.
- the air stream is typically channeled through a tapered, removable blower tube.
- the tapered blower tube In addition to providing a more precisely focused air stream, the tapered blower tube also contributes to an air stream of greater velocity.
- blower/vac units are designed for hand-held use, they are often made of lightweight materials and utilize lightweight power sources, e.g., small electric-(battery and corded) and gasoline-powered motors. While applicable to blower/vacs having most any power source, the present invention is particularly advantageous for use with corded electric blower/vacs and the remainder of this discussion will focus on the same.
- lightweight power sources e.g., small electric-(battery and corded) and gasoline-powered motors.
- blower/vac motor Although size and weight are criteria to consider in the selection of a blower/vac motor, available power is also a factor. Generally speaking, maximum electric current draw for these and other portable consumer devices may be restricted to ensure conformance with conventional household circuits and available electrical equipment (e.g., extension cords). For example, a typical blower/vac may be designed to operate, within acceptable margins, on a 120 volt (60 Hertz), 15 amp circuit.
- blower/vac motor designed to draw a particular current load under normal operating conditions, e.g., when operating in blower mode with the blower tube installed, may, under certain circumstances, exceed that load. For example, removal of the blower tube may reduce back pressure in and around the impeller, permitting the motor to spin faster and thus draw additional current.
- One solution that addresses this “tube removed” condition is to provide a motor that will produce maximum power, e.g., draw maximum current, when the blower tube is removed. However, such motors will inherently operate at a lower speed, and thus draw less current, when the blower tube is installed.
- Another solution is to provide a motor that is optimized for blower operation, e.g., operation with the blower tube installed. However, as mentioned above, motors optimized for maximum current draw during blower operation may exceed the maximum desired current load if the blower tube is removed.
- an impeller for a portable blower/vacuum includes: a base having a first side and a peripheral edge; and a hub located centrally on the first side of the base.
- the hub defines a rotational axis of the impeller, and further includes a face surface offset from the first side of the base.
- the blower/vacuum further includes a plurality of impeller blades disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally from the hub to the peripheral edge. Each of the impeller blades is arc-shaped when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller.
- each impeller blade includes a first edge surface extending outwardly from the hub and away from the first side of the base, wherein the first edge surface terminates at or near the face surface.
- Each of the impeller blades may also include: a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and away from the first side of the base; and an intermediate, third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface.
- Each of the impeller blades when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, defines an inlet angle of about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, wherein the inlet angle is measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface; and a second line that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
- a portable blower/vacuum in another embodiment, includes: a housing; an electric motor secured to the housing; and an impeller attached to a first end of an output shaft of the electric motor.
- the impeller includes a base having a first side and a peripheral edge, and a hub protruding from the first side of the base, wherein the hub includes a face surface offset from the base.
- An opening formed in the hub defines a rotational axis of the impeller.
- the impeller further includes a plurality of impeller blades each disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally between the hub and the peripheral edge, wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, is substantially arc-shaped.
- Each of the impeller blades includes a first edge surface extending outwardly from the hub and away from the first side of the base, wherein the first edge surface terminates at or near the face surface.
- Each impeller blade further includes: a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and away from the first side of the base; and an intermediate, third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface.
- each of the impeller blades when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, defines an inlet angle of about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, wherein the inlet angle is measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface; and a second line, coplanar with the first line, that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower/vac in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the blower/vac shown as configured in a blower mode with a blower tube and air inlet cover installed;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 with the blower tube and air inlet cover removed;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 with the blower tube and air inlet cover installed;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary air inlet cover shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side elevation view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 illustrating attachment, e.g., latching, of the air inlet cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 7A-7B are partial cut-away views of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 , wherein: FIG. 7A illustrates attachment of the air inlet cover to the blower tube and to a housing of the blower/vac; and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 with the air inlet cover shown prior to reaching a latched position;
- FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 as it may be optionally configured in a vacuum mode in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an upper vacuum tube for use with the blower/vac when the latter is in the vacuum mode of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a cut-away side elevation view of the blower/vac of FIG. 1 with the air inlet cover shown partially in section, wherein an impeller and motor in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention are clearly visible;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevation view of the motor of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the impeller of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the impeller of FIG. 11 .
- Relative terms such as left, right, forward, rearward, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, above, below, horizontal, vertical, and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective observed in the particular figure, or as observed when the blower/vacuum is in its typical operating position (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 6 ). These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable, electric blower/vacuum 100 (also referred to herein as “blower” or “blower/vac”) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. While embodiments of the present invention are perceived to be particularly advantageous for use with corded electric blower/vacs, those skilled in the art will appreciate that most any type of blower/vac, e.g., gas-engine powered units or battery-powered units, may benefit from the concepts described and/or illustrated herein. Furthermore, while described herein with application to combined blower/vac units, embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable to units configurable as blower-only or vacuum-only machines.
- blower/vac 100 may be configured to operate in either a blower mode or a vacuum mode.
- exemplary blower/vacs may typically include a blower housing 102 having one or more handles 104 , 105 , and 106 adapted to receive hands of an operator during use.
- the housing 102 may further include a power cord 110 for receiving external AC power.
- a switch 108 may also be provided.
- the switch 108 is coupled, e.g., in series, between the power cord 110 and the motor.
- the switch 108 may merely open or close the power delivery circuit or, alternatively, may rheostatically vary the power to the motor to provide adjustable motor speed.
- the blower/vac 100 When operating in blower mode, the blower/vac 100 preferably includes a blower tube 112 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the blower tube 112 has a proximal end which preferably removably couples to an air outlet 114 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of the housing 102 .
- the proximal end of the blower tube forms a female portion 117 (see FIG. 2 ) which slides over a male portion 115 formed by the air outlet 114 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- the blower tube 112 may taper from the proximal end to a blower tube outlet 116 located at a distal end.
- the tapered blower tube 112 is advantageous as it permits focusing of the high velocity air stream produced by the blower/vac 100 .
- an optional air concentrator nozzle insert 113 shown in FIG. 2 and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,199—may be provided.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the blower/vac 100 of FIG. 1 in an exploded perspective view.
- the housing 102 may preferably be formed from mating plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) halves 102 a and 102 b which, when assembled, define an interior cavity.
- the cavity may enclose a power source, e.g., an electric motor 300 .
- the electric motor 300 may be coupled to an impeller 400 via a first end of an output shaft 304 with connecting hardware, e.g., washer 302 and nut 306 .
- connecting hardware e.g., washer 302 and nut 306 .
- the curved blades or vanes 402 (also shown in FIG. 3 ), which may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the impeller, draw air into a plenum 132 (see FIG. 3 ) formed within the housing 102 .
- the air may be drawn into the housing 102 through an air inlet opening or air inlet 118 (see FIG. 3 ), where it may be accelerated and exhausted through the air outlet 114 and the blower tube 112 .
- the air inlet 118 resides within a first plane on a lower side of the housing 102 while the air outlet 114 generally forms a second plane that may be substantially perpendicular to the first plane.
- FIG. 2 further illustrates an air inlet cover 134 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the air inlet cover 134 may removably cover the air inlet 118 as further described below.
- the air inlet cover 134 may permit air to pass through the air inlet 118 (see FIG. 3 ) and into the housing 102 while, at the same time, restricting the entry of foreign objects, e.g., debris, as well as fingers of the operator.
- the air inlet cover 134 may include a grate or grill portion 136 which covers the air inlet 118 when the cover is installed (see FIG. 4 ).
- An interlock sensor e.g., a switch 135 , explained in more detail below, may also be contained within or otherwise associated with the housing 102 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the interlock switch 135 which may be wired in series with the motor 300 , may prevent operation of the motor (and thus movement of the impeller 400 ) unless the air inlet cover 134 is properly installed.
- FIGS. 4-8 An exemplary embodiment of the air inlet cover 134 is illustrated in FIGS. 4-8 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may removably couple to the blower/vac 100 , e.g., to the housing 102 and blower tube 112 , such that the grate portion 136 covers the air inlet 118 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may include stiffening members 130 to increase the rigidity of the grate portion 136 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may further include a first attachment member 138 and a second attachment member 140 which are shown in more detail in FIG. 5 .
- the first attachment member 138 is connected to the grate portion 136 by a pair of rails 139 (see FIG. 5 ).
- the second attachment member 140 may connect to the grate portion 136 by rails 141 .
- the first attachment member 138 may be received by a first attachment receiver 142 formed on, or otherwise attached to, the blower tube 112 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 , 6 , and 7 A).
- the second attachment member 140 may likewise be received by a second attachment receiver 144 formed on or otherwise attached to a rear portion of the housing 102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 , 6 , and 7 A- 7 B).
- the first attachment member 138 may be attachable to the blower tube 112
- the second attachment member 140 may be attachable to the housing 102 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may be configured such that engagement of both the first and second attachment members with the first and second attachment receivers 142 and 144 , respectively, securely attaches the air inlet cover 134 to both the blower tube 112 and the housing 102 .
- “Secure attachment,” “secure engagement,” and “secure coupling” are used herein to refer to engagement of components in such a way that unintended disengagement or decoupling during normal operation is generally prevented.
- the blower/vac 100 is configured such that secure coupling of the second attachment member 140 with the second attachment receiver 144 generally occurs only after proper engagement of the first attachment member 138 with the first attachment receiver 142 as further described below.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary air inlet cover 134 .
- the first attachment member 138 may have a shape that is generally cylindrical (or at least partially cylindrical), e.g., forming a transverse cylindrical member or pin, and spans between the rails 139 (a supporting rib 137 may also be included to strengthen the cover 134 ).
- the first attachment receiver 142 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7A ) may form a receiving or mating element, e.g., a J-shaped hook or open-sided hinge, adapted to receive the cylindrically-shaped first attachment member 138 .
- the first attachment receiver 142 may receive the first attachment member 138 with clearance or, alternatively, with a slight interference or snap fit.
- attachment “member” and attachment “receiver” are used herein only to simplify the description of the illustrated embodiments. Broadly speaking, the terms may include most any interconnecting structures.
- other embodiments of the invention may reverse the location of the first attachment member and the first attachment receiver, e.g., the first attachment member 138 could be located on the blower tube 112 while the first attachment receiver 142 could be located on the air inlet cover 134 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may be disengaged from the blower tube 112 (provided that the second attachment member 140 has not yet been engaged with the second attachment receiver 144 ) by sliding the cover in the forward direction (to the right in FIGS. 6 and 7A ) until the first attachment member disengages from, e.g., slides out of, the first attachment receiver 142 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may pivot, about the first attachment receiver, towards the housing 102 as indicated by arrow 145 in FIG. 6 .
- the second attachment member 140 may thus rotate towards the second attachment receiver 144 (as indicated by arrow 145 ), where it may ultimately be latched thereto.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cutaway views of the blower/vac 100 after the air inlet cover 134 is fully coupled to the blower/vac, e.g., after it is moved to a first operating or latched position ( FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7A ).
- the second attachment member 140 is preferably formed by a substantially rigid transverse lip 143 .
- the lip is preferably integrally formed with, or otherwise attached to, a rearward portion of the air inlet cover 134 .
- the second attachment receiver 144 may, at least in one embodiment, include one or more flexible, resilient tabs, e.g., cantilevered tabs 147 , such that the second attachment member (e.g., lip 143 ) may engage the second attachment receiver with a snap fit as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B .
- the second attachment member e.g., lip 143
- the term “snap fit,” as used herein, describes the joining of one resilient flexible member with another flexible or rigid member.
- the flexible member may deflect initially upon contact with the other member, but ultimately returns or “snaps back” to its undeflected, or to a partially deflected, position, thereby securing one member with respect to the other.
- the air inlet cover 134 and thus the blower tube 112 , are securely engaged with the housing 102 .
- an interlock engagement member e.g., protrusion 146
- an actuator button 148 associated with the interlock switch 135 .
- the protrusion 146 closes the interlock switch 135 , permitting operation of the electric motor 300 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the button 148 which is preferably biased outwardly, returns to its extended position.
- the interlock switch 135 returns to its normally open position, preventing operation of the electric motor 300 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may be bound by an aft surface 131 that is flush with a proximal aft surface 133 of the housing 102 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , such a configuration yields a relatively smooth shape or structure around the second attachment member 140 . In addition to a desired aesthetic appearance, this flush configuration provides other benefits including, for example, recessing of the flexible second attachment receiver 144 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may further be configured such that it is contained within a plan envelope defined by the housing 102 . For example, when viewed in a bottom plan view (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ), the air inlet cover (when in the latched position of FIGS. 4 and 7A ) may not extend generally beyond the footprint or perimeter of the housing 102 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the blower/vac 100 with the air inlet cover 134 in the unlatched position.
- the second attachment receiver 144 may include the two cantilevered, flexible tabs 147 (also visible in FIGS. 7A-7B ). These tabs 147 may be manipulated, e.g., pressed inwardly as indicated by the arrow 149 in FIGS. 7A-7B , to disengage the tabs from the lip 143 of the second attachment member after use.
- the first attachment member 138 of the air inlet cover 134 may then be disengaged from the first attachment receiver 142 as described above.
- the air inlet cover 134 may be separated from both the housing 102 and the blower tube 112 , after which the blower tube may be separated from the housing.
- the air inlet cover 134 may also include at least one retaining surface, e.g., vertical retaining surface 150 (see also, e.g., FIG. 5 ), that, in the illustrated embodiment, is located proximate, e.g., lateral to, the second attachment member 140 .
- the vertical retaining surface 150 may be configured in close proximity to one or more stop surfaces 152 formed on an outer surface of the housing 102 .
- the air inlet cover includes two spaced-apart and preferably parallel retaining surfaces 150 , each configured to contact, e.g., bear against, one of the stop surfaces 152 of the housing 102 .
- the surfaces 150 may be located at opposite ends of the second attachment receiver 144 .
- this configuration is not limiting as covers having more or less retaining surfaces are certainly possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
- a single retaining surface could be provided that could be received within a slot formed in the housing.
- the retaining surfaces 150 are illustrated herein as being generally vertical and planar, e.g., contained within a vertical plane, other embodiments may utilize retaining surfaces having other configurations and shapes, both planar and non-planar, without departing from the scope of the invention.
- Each of the retaining surfaces 150 may be configured to abut one of the stop surfaces 152 to resist forces that might displace the air inlet cover transversely to (e.g., to the side of) the housing. Such forces may result in higher than anticipated force on the interlock protrusion 146 , as well as on the second attachment member 140 and the second attachment receiver 144 .
- the blower tube 112 may first be coupled to the air outlet 114 (See, e.g., FIG. 3 ) of the housing 102 .
- the female portion 117 (see FIG. 2 ) of the proximate end of the blower tube 112 slides over the male portion 115 (see FIG. 3 ) of the air outlet 114 .
- the blower tube 112 may include small structural ribs that provide increased rigidity to the blower tube and may further assist with its attachment to the housing 102 .
- the shape of the both the blower tube 112 and the outlet 114 prevents coupling of the blower tube in any but the desired orientation, e.g., with the first attachment receiver 142 extending downwardly.
- the first attachment member 138 may be engaged with the first attachment receiver 142 as shown in broken lines in FIG. 6 and described above. Thereafter, the air inlet cover 134 may be pivoted in the direction 145 (see FIG. 6 ) about the first attachment member 138 until the second attachment member 140 engages the second attachment receiver 144 with a snap fit as already described above. As the second attachment member 140 and second attachment receiver 144 are engaged, the interlock protrusion 146 contacts the button 148 and closes the interlock switch 135 , thereby permitting operation of the motor 300 .
- blower/vac 100 may not operate in blower mode unless both the blower tube 112 and the air inlet cover 134 are installed as described herein. Accordingly, blower/vacs 100 of the present invention may utilize motors sized for maximum performance with the blower tube 112 installed without concern for potential electrical current overdraw when the blower tube is removed. Other advantages may also be realized. For example, attachment of the separate air inlet cover 134 and blower tube 112 may be detected with the use of a single interlock sensor, e.g., switch 135 .
- blower tube 112 may be further secured to the housing independent of the air inlet cover 134 .
- first attachment member 138 e.g., the pin
- first attachment receiver e.g., the hook element
- first and second attachment members and attachment receivers may be configured to couple in alternative ways. For instance, instead of pivoting about a transverse axis 154 (e.g., the axis of the first attachment member 138 as shown in FIG.
- the first attachment member 138 and first attachment receiver 142 may be configured to permit pivoting of the air inlet cover 134 about most any axis, e.g., about an axis generally parallel to the axis of the impeller 400 .
- the second attachment member 140 and second attachment receiver 144 could also be reconfigured to accommodate such alternative configurations without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the air inlet cover 134 could be attached via translational displacement instead of via pivotal movement as described herein. For instance, after engaging the first attachment member 138 with first attachment receiver 142 , the air inlet cover 134 could be displaced, e.g., pulled, rearwardly, preferably against a forwardly-biasing force, to engage a modified second attachment member 140 with a modified second attachment receiver 144 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates the blower/vac 100 as it may be configured for use as a vacuum.
- the air inlet cover is replaced with a vacuum tube assembly 206 including an upper tube 208 .
- the upper tube 208 may include attachment features that permit coupling to the housing 102 at the air inlet opening 118 as further described below.
- the vacuum tube assembly 206 may also include a lower tube (not shown) that forms a vacuum inlet.
- the blower tube and air inlet cover 134 may be removed and a vacuum collection container, e.g., a collection bag 202 , may be attached or coupled to the air outlet 114 via a vacuum bag collar 204 or the like.
- a vacuum collection container e.g., a collection bag 202
- the bag 202 and collar 204 are permanently or semi-permanently coupled, i.e., they are not intended to be separated by the operator.
- the vacuum tube assembly 206 may also be attached to the housing 102 , in place of the air inlet cover, as further described below.
- the impeller 400 may draw air and entrained debris through the vacuum tube assembly 206 .
- the impeller 400 may, in addition to generating vacuum air flow, mulch or shred the debris before expelling it out of the air outlet 114 and into the vacuum collection bag 202 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates the attachment features of the upper tube 208 .
- the upper tube 208 of the vacuum tube assembly 206 may include a first vacuum attachment member 212 , similar in most respects to the first attachment member 138 , for attachment of the vacuum tube assembly to a forward portion of the housing 102 . It may further include a second vacuum attachment member 214 , similar in most respects to the second attachment member 140 , for attachment of the vacuum tube assembly to a rear portion of the housing 102 .
- the first vacuum attachment member 212 may engage a first vacuum attachment receiver 216 located on the forward portion of the housing 102 .
- the first vacuum attachment receiver 216 may be similar in most respects to the first attachment receiver 142 (see FIG. 7A ), except that it may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the housing 102 instead of the blower tube 112 . If desired, the first vacuum attachment receiver 216 could be formed integral with, or otherwise connected to, the bag 202 .
- the first vacuum attachment receiver 216 may be located in the same vicinity as (e.g., immediately to the rear of) the first attachment receiver 142 described above when the blower tube 112 is installed. In fact, in one embodiment, the first attachment receiver 142 of the blower tube 112 may nest within the first vacuum attachment receiver 216 of the housing when the blower tube 112 is coupled to the air outlet 114 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7A .
- the upper tube 208 may pivot about the receiver 216 in the direction 218 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ) until the second vacuum attachment member 214 , e.g., a second transverse lip, engages the second attachment receiver 144 of the housing 102 .
- the engagement of the second vacuum attachment member 214 with the second attachment receiver 144 may be via a snap fit as the second vacuum attachment member may be substantially similar to the second attachment member 140 already described herein.
- an interlock protrusion 246 may be provided on the upper tube 208 (see, e.g., FIG. 10 ) to engage the interlock switch 135 in a manner similar to that already described above with respect to the protrusion 146 .
- the upper tube 208 may also include retaining surfaces, e.g., vertical retaining surfaces 219 , similar to the corresponding surfaces 150 of the air inlet cover 134 (e.g., the surfaces 219 may be located immediately outboard of stop surfaces 152 (see FIG. 8 ) of the housing 102 ). Accordingly, the upper tube 208 may attach to the housing 102 in a manner similar to that of the air inlet cover 134 described above.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a cut-away side elevation view of the blower/vac 100 with the air inlet cover 134 partially illustrated in section.
- the halves (e.g., the half 102 b ) of the housing 102 may include provisions for receiving and securing the motor 300 .
- the impeller 400 may attach to the output shaft 304 of the motor 300 . When the motor is activated, the impeller 400 rotates, whereby the impeller blades 402 draw air in through the air inlet 118 and expel it through the air outlet 114 of the housing and through the blower tube 112 .
- the air inlet cover 134 may define a frusto-conical surface 128 proximate the impeller blades 402 .
- each impeller blade 402 is configured with an outer surface having an arc of rotation that closely corresponds to the frusto-conical surface 128 .
- the impeller 402 is described in more detail below.
- An opposite, e.g., outer side, of the air inlet cover 134 may also form a frusto-conical surface.
- frusto-conical surfaces other shapes are certainly possible. For example, bell-mouth and arc-shaped surfaces could be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.
- An opposite, e.g., upper, side of the impeller 400 may include cooling vanes or blades 406 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 11 .
- the cooling blades 406 may, when the impeller is rotated, draw air through openings 120 formed in the housing 102 . This air is pulled through the motor 300 and exhausted through the air outlet 114 . As a result, the motor 300 may be air cooled during operation.
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevation view of the motor 300 .
- the motor may include two electrical leads 308 that permit connection to electrical power.
- the motor is a 12 Amp, E-frame motor configured as further described below.
- motors of other sizes/configurations are also contemplated.
- the blower/vac motor 300 may include a commutator 310 and brushes 312 .
- the motor 300 may locate the commutator 310 and brushes 312 at a lower end, e.g., proximate the impeller 400 , of the motor.
- This configuration offers several advantages. For example, cooling air 314 flowing into the motor 300 (via the openings 120 shown in FIG. 11 ) is not blocked by the commutator and brushes as would potentially be the case with locating these components near the top of the motor.
- brush dust produced during motor operation is not pulled over the internal motor parts as it may be with a conventional blower/vac motor. As a result the cooling air 314 may pass through the motor housing with potentially less interference, and may further reduce the distribution of brush dust onto internal motor parts.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the exemplary impeller 400 , wherein FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view and FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view.
- the impeller 400 which may be configured as a centrifugal fan, may include a central hub 408 , a circular base 410 , and the plurality of the air flow generating impeller blades 402 .
- the hub 408 and blades 402 may be disposed upon a first, e.g., lower, side 418 of the base 410 as shown.
- the impeller may further include one or more shortened members 412 disposed upon the first side of the base 410 , e.g., positioned between adjacent groupings of blades 402 .
- the impeller 400 has an intended direction of rotation indicated by arrow 416 .
- the hub 408 which permits mounting of the impeller 400 to the output shaft 304 of the motor 300 , may include an opening 409 that defines a rotational axis 438 of the impeller.
- the opening 409 may include one or more receiving surfaces, e.g., two opposite flat surfaces, to receive corresponding surfaces of the output shaft 304 .
- the hub 408 may protrude from the first side 418 of the base 402 .
- the hub may form a face surface 413 offset from the base (e.g., from the first side 418 ), and an outer (e.g., generally cylindrical) surface 415 that both intersect at an outer hub edge 417 .
- each blade 402 and each shortened member 412 may be characterized by a radial line extending from a center of the hub 408 to an outermost trailing edge of the respective blade.
- one blade may be characterized as a reference blade at a zero (0) degree position, wherein an adjacent blade would be at a 40 degree position, a first shortened member 412 would be at an 80 degree position, etc.
- angular interval or offset may be defined as the difference between the angular positions of adjacent blades/shortened members.
- the blades 402 may be disposed upon the first side 418 of the base 410 in three spaced groups of two blades each for a total of six blades. Each of the three groups of blades may be symmetrically spaced upon the base 410 about the rotational axis 438 of the impeller, e.g., the three groups of blades may be disposed at angular intervals of approximately 120 degrees.
- each blade 402 may be curved outwardly away from the direction of rotation 416 , e.g., each of the blades may be generally arc-shaped when viewed along (parallel to) the rotational axis 438 as generally illustrated in FIG. 14 .
- the blades 402 are approximately identical in configuration and are, in general, radially disposed relative to the central hub 408 . That is, each blade 402 may extend from the hub to a peripheral edge 411 of the base.
- a shortened member 412 is positioned between two or more of the groups of blades, e.g., there are three shortened member disposed at 120 degree increments.
- the shortened members 412 may function as debris-engaging elements that act to break apart lawn debris into smaller portions during operation of the blower/vacuum when it is used in a vacuum configuration. As a result, the mulched lawn debris may be finer and occupy less volume in the vacuum collection bag 202 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ).
- each blade 402 may not be substantially uniform around the impeller 400 circumference, e.g., each blade 402 may have adjacent blades that are disposed at different angular intervals relative to the impeller center.
- each of the blades 402 has a first neighboring blade displaced at an angular interval of about 40 degrees, and a second neighboring blade disposed at an angular interval of about 80 degrees.
- alternative angular intervals are also possible.
- Each blade 402 may include an inner or first edge surface 420 adjacent the central hub 408 .
- each first edge surface 420 extends outwardly from the hub 408 and away from the first side 418 of the base 410 .
- the first edge surface 420 may terminate at or near the face surface 413 of the hub 408 .
- the first edge surface 420 may extend outwardly from a first location that is at or near the outer hub edge 417 , to a second location intermediate the hub 408 and the peripheral edge 411 , wherein the second location is at an elevation below an elevation of the face surface 413 (e.g., when the blower/vacuum is positioned as shown in FIG. 11 ).
- Each of the blades 402 may further include a second edge surface 422 extending inwardly from the peripheral edge 411 of the base 410 and away from the first side 418 of the base.
- the second edge surface 422 may extend inwardly from the peripheral edge to a third location intermediate the hub 408 and the peripheral edge, wherein the third location is at substantially the same elevation as that of the second location.
- the third edge surface 424 may, in one embodiment, be contained within a plane that is parallel to one or both of: the first side 418 of the base 410 ; and the face surface 413 of the hub 408 .
- Each of the edge surfaces 420 , 422 , and 424 may be generally smooth as shown.
- each member 412 may be curved or arc-shaped when viewed parallel to the rotational axis 438 of the impeller (e.g., as represented in FIG. 14 ).
- Each member 412 may include a relative smooth inside edge 426 (the edge adjacent the central hub 408 ) and a serrated or toothed outer edge 428 .
- serrations are formed on at least a portion of the outer edge 428 of each shortened member 412 by a plurality of serrations 430 . While particular configurations are illustrated herein, other embodiments of the impeller may not include shortened members 412 (or may utilize shortened members lacking serrations) without departing from the scope of the invention.
- Each blade 402 when viewed parallel to the rotational axis 438 of the impeller 400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14 ), may be defined by an inlet angle 432 and an outlet angle 434 .
- the inlet angle 432 may, in general, correspond to an inlet or approach angle of the blade, while the outlet angle 434 may similarly correspond to an outlet or departure angle of the blade.
- the inlet angle 432 may be determined by measuring the angle between: a first line 436 extending orthogonally from the rotational axis 438 of the impeller to a first point 440 located on the third edge surface 424 (e.g., located along a centerline of the impeller blade); and a second line 442 that is tangent to the impeller blade 402 (e.g., tangent to the centerline of the impeller blade) at the first point 440 .
- the second line may, in one embodiment, be coplanar with the first line.
- the first point 440 is located along the blade at an elevation that is farthest from the face surface 418 .
- the first point 440 may be located along the centerline of the blade 402 (e.g., along a curved line that bisects the blade) at an outermost portion of the third edge surface 424 (at or near the intersection with the second edge surface 422 ) as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
- This location of the first point 440 may define what is referred to herein as a transition diameter 442 .
- the transition diameter 442 (as defined by the first point 440 ) may be selected to be generally equal in diameter to a cylindrical air entry portion of the air inlet cover 134 (see, e.g., FIG. 11 ).
- the impeller 400 may be configured such that the outermost portion of the third edge surface 424 is located proximate an inside (e.g., lower) edge 151 of the frusto-conical surface 128 of the air inlet cover 134 as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the inlet angle 432 may, in one embodiment, be about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, and more preferably, about 28 degrees to about 32 degrees, e.g., about 30 degrees.
- each of the impeller blades 402 when viewed parallel to the rotational axis 438 of the impeller 400 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14 ), may further define the outlet angle 434 .
- the outlet angle 434 may be measured between: a third line 444 that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis 438 to a second point 446 ; and a fourth line 448 that is tangent to the impeller blade (e.g., tangent to the centerline of the impeller blade) at the second point 446 .
- the second point 446 may be defined by the intersection of the impeller blade 402 (e.g., of the centerline of the impeller blade) with the peripheral edge 411 of the impeller.
- the outlet angle 434 may, in one embodiment, be about 46 degrees to about 54 degrees, and more preferably, about 48 degrees to about 52 degrees, e.g., about 50 degrees.
- the second line 442 is coplanar with the first line 436
- the third line 444 is coplanar with the fourth line 448 .
- the pairs of lines could be offset, e.g., non-intersecting. In the case of the latter, those of skill in the art will realize that, for purposes of determining the inlet and outlet angles, each line could be projected onto a plane that is orthogonal to the rotational axis 438 to yield a common point of intersection. Similarly, those of skill in the art will realize that other intersections described herein (e.g., the intersection of the impeller blade 402 with the peripheral edge to define the second point 446 ) may be determined through similar projecting of the components to a common plane.
- the impeller 400 may, in one embodiment, be configured with a peripheral edge 411 defining a base having a diameter of about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches, e.g., about 4.7 inches.
- the transition diameter 442 (the diameter on which the first point 440 is located) may be about 2.7 inches to about 3.3 inches (e.g., about 3.03 inches), such that the first point is radially offset from the rotational axis of the impeller a distance of about 1.35 inches to about 1.65 inches.
- each blade 402 may, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis 438 of the impeller, be defined by an arc having a radius of about 1.3 inches to about 1.7 inches and, more preferably, about 1.5 inches to about 1.6 inches, e.g., about 1.56 inches.
- the impeller 400 and/or portions thereof may be constructed from plastic (e.g., nylon) or, alternatively, a metal such as aluminum or magnesium to promote operational longevity.
- Blower/vacs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may provide several benefits. For instance, embodiments of the present invention may yield a blower/vacuum having the desired electrical current draw, i.e., having the maximum desired motor speed, with the blower tube installed while preventing excessive current draw should the blower tube be removed. Moreover, impellers constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may provide a blower/vac with increased performance (e.g., greater air flow and reduced slip) for a given motor size and current load. Still further, blower/vacs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may utilize a motor that minimizes air flow impediments through the motor, while decreasing accumulation of brush dust on motor components.
Abstract
A blower/vacuum and an impeller for use with generating air flow in a blower/vacuum. The impeller may include a hub for mounting the impeller on a rotatable output shaft of a motor of the blower/vacuum. The impeller may further include a plurality of air-flow generating blades that define a particular range of inlet and outlet angles. Additional features of the impeller may include a plurality of shortened member that facilitate mulching of air-entrained debris.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to hand-held, portable blower/vacuums and, more particularly, to air inlet covers, impellers, and motors for use with the same.
- Convertible blower/vacuum units (also referred to herein as “blower/vacs”) are commonly used by homeowners and professionals alike for the removal of debris from yards, driveways, sidewalks, etc. As used herein, a convertible blower/vac is a portable device which can be configured for use as either a debris blower or vacuum. When used as a vacuum, vacuum attachments coupled to a housing of the blower permit leaves or similar debris to be vacuumed into an attached bag or other debris container.
- When used in the blower configuration, blower/vacs provide a sweeping action created by the production of a fast moving stream of air generated by a rotating impeller located within the blower housing. The impeller draws air into the housing through an air inlet and exhausts an accelerated air stream through an air outlet. The air stream is typically channeled through a tapered, removable blower tube. In addition to providing a more precisely focused air stream, the tapered blower tube also contributes to an air stream of greater velocity.
- Because many blower/vac units are designed for hand-held use, they are often made of lightweight materials and utilize lightweight power sources, e.g., small electric-(battery and corded) and gasoline-powered motors. While applicable to blower/vacs having most any power source, the present invention is particularly advantageous for use with corded electric blower/vacs and the remainder of this discussion will focus on the same.
- Although size and weight are criteria to consider in the selection of a blower/vac motor, available power is also a factor. Generally speaking, maximum electric current draw for these and other portable consumer devices may be restricted to ensure conformance with conventional household circuits and available electrical equipment (e.g., extension cords). For example, a typical blower/vac may be designed to operate, within acceptable margins, on a 120 volt (60 Hertz), 15 amp circuit.
- Nonetheless, a blower/vac motor designed to draw a particular current load under normal operating conditions, e.g., when operating in blower mode with the blower tube installed, may, under certain circumstances, exceed that load. For example, removal of the blower tube may reduce back pressure in and around the impeller, permitting the motor to spin faster and thus draw additional current.
- One solution that addresses this “tube removed” condition is to provide a motor that will produce maximum power, e.g., draw maximum current, when the blower tube is removed. However, such motors will inherently operate at a lower speed, and thus draw less current, when the blower tube is installed. Another solution is to provide a motor that is optimized for blower operation, e.g., operation with the blower tube installed. However, as mentioned above, motors optimized for maximum current draw during blower operation may exceed the maximum desired current load if the blower tube is removed.
- While either option is acceptable, a solution that yields the desired current draw, i.e., produces the maximum desired motor speed, with the blower tube installed while preventing excessive current draw when the blower tube is removed, would be advantageous. Moreover, a blower/vacuum that utilizes components (e.g., motor and impeller) configured to provide increased air flow, for a given motor size, would be advantageous.
- Embodiments of the present invention may overcome these and other issues with prior art blower/vacuums. For example, in one embodiment, an impeller for a portable blower/vacuum is provided that includes: a base having a first side and a peripheral edge; and a hub located centrally on the first side of the base. The hub defines a rotational axis of the impeller, and further includes a face surface offset from the first side of the base. The blower/vacuum further includes a plurality of impeller blades disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally from the hub to the peripheral edge. Each of the impeller blades is arc-shaped when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller. In this embodiment, each impeller blade includes a first edge surface extending outwardly from the hub and away from the first side of the base, wherein the first edge surface terminates at or near the face surface. Each of the impeller blades may also include: a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and away from the first side of the base; and an intermediate, third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface. Each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, defines an inlet angle of about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, wherein the inlet angle is measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface; and a second line that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
- In another embodiment, a portable blower/vacuum is provided that includes: a housing; an electric motor secured to the housing; and an impeller attached to a first end of an output shaft of the electric motor. The impeller includes a base having a first side and a peripheral edge, and a hub protruding from the first side of the base, wherein the hub includes a face surface offset from the base. An opening formed in the hub defines a rotational axis of the impeller. The impeller further includes a plurality of impeller blades each disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally between the hub and the peripheral edge, wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, is substantially arc-shaped. Each of the impeller blades includes a first edge surface extending outwardly from the hub and away from the first side of the base, wherein the first edge surface terminates at or near the face surface. Each impeller blade further includes: a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and away from the first side of the base; and an intermediate, third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface. Further, each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, defines an inlet angle of about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, wherein the inlet angle is measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface; and a second line, coplanar with the first line, that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
- The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Rather, a more complete understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing.
- The present invention will be further described with reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower/vac in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the blower/vac shown as configured in a blower mode with a blower tube and air inlet cover installed; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 with the blower tube and air inlet cover removed; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 with the blower tube and air inlet cover installed; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary air inlet cover shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side elevation view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 illustrating attachment, e.g., latching, of the air inlet cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 7A-7B are partial cut-away views of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 , wherein:FIG. 7A illustrates attachment of the air inlet cover to the blower tube and to a housing of the blower/vac; andFIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 with the air inlet cover shown prior to reaching a latched position; -
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 as it may be optionally configured in a vacuum mode in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an upper vacuum tube for use with the blower/vac when the latter is in the vacuum mode ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a cut-away side elevation view of the blower/vac ofFIG. 1 with the air inlet cover shown partially in section, wherein an impeller and motor in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention are clearly visible; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevation view of the motor ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the impeller ofFIG. 11 ; and -
FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the impeller ofFIG. 11 . - The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale.
- In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- This application is related to design patent application no. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 206.00490101) filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,790 (Svoboda et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,818 (Svoboda) are also incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.
- It is noted that the terms “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanying description and claims. Further, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably herein.
- Relative terms such as left, right, forward, rearward, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, above, below, horizontal, vertical, and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective observed in the particular figure, or as observed when the blower/vacuum is in its typical operating position (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 1 and 6 ). These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way. - With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable, electric blower/vacuum 100 (also referred to herein as “blower” or “blower/vac”) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. While embodiments of the present invention are perceived to be particularly advantageous for use with corded electric blower/vacs, those skilled in the art will appreciate that most any type of blower/vac, e.g., gas-engine powered units or battery-powered units, may benefit from the concepts described and/or illustrated herein. Furthermore, while described herein with application to combined blower/vac units, embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable to units configurable as blower-only or vacuum-only machines. - As the name suggests, embodiments of the blower/
vac 100 may be configured to operate in either a blower mode or a vacuum mode. Regardless of the operating mode, exemplary blower/vacs may typically include ablower housing 102 having one ormore handles housing 102 may further include apower cord 110 for receiving external AC power. - To selectively control delivery of electrical power to a motor (described in more detail below) located within the housing, a switch 108 (also shown in
FIG. 2 ) may also be provided. In one embodiment, theswitch 108 is coupled, e.g., in series, between thepower cord 110 and the motor. Theswitch 108 may merely open or close the power delivery circuit or, alternatively, may rheostatically vary the power to the motor to provide adjustable motor speed. - When operating in blower mode, the blower/
vac 100 preferably includes ablower tube 112 as shown inFIG. 1 . Theblower tube 112 has a proximal end which preferably removably couples to an air outlet 114 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) of thehousing 102. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the blower tube forms a female portion 117 (seeFIG. 2 ) which slides over amale portion 115 formed by the air outlet 114 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ). - The
blower tube 112 may taper from the proximal end to ablower tube outlet 116 located at a distal end. The taperedblower tube 112 is advantageous as it permits focusing of the high velocity air stream produced by the blower/vac 100. To further reduce the cross-sectional size of theblower tube outlet 116, an optional airconcentrator nozzle insert 113—shown inFIG. 2 and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,199—may be provided. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the blower/vac 100 ofFIG. 1 in an exploded perspective view. As depicted herein, thehousing 102 may preferably be formed from mating plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) halves 102a and 102b which, when assembled, define an interior cavity. The cavity may enclose a power source, e.g., anelectric motor 300. Theelectric motor 300 may be coupled to animpeller 400 via a first end of anoutput shaft 304 with connecting hardware, e.g.,washer 302 andnut 306. When external electrical power is provided to themotor 300, theoutput shaft 304, and thus theimpeller 400, may rotate. - As the
impeller 400 rotates, the curved blades or vanes 402 (also shown inFIG. 3 ), which may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the impeller, draw air into a plenum 132 (seeFIG. 3 ) formed within thehousing 102. The air may be drawn into thehousing 102 through an air inlet opening or air inlet 118 (seeFIG. 3 ), where it may be accelerated and exhausted through theair outlet 114 and theblower tube 112. In some embodiments, theair inlet 118 resides within a first plane on a lower side of thehousing 102 while theair outlet 114 generally forms a second plane that may be substantially perpendicular to the first plane. -
FIG. 2 further illustrates anair inlet cover 134 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theair inlet cover 134 may removably cover theair inlet 118 as further described below. Theair inlet cover 134 may permit air to pass through the air inlet 118 (seeFIG. 3 ) and into thehousing 102 while, at the same time, restricting the entry of foreign objects, e.g., debris, as well as fingers of the operator. To achieve this function, theair inlet cover 134 may include a grate orgrill portion 136 which covers theair inlet 118 when the cover is installed (seeFIG. 4 ). - An interlock sensor, e.g., a
switch 135, explained in more detail below, may also be contained within or otherwise associated with thehousing 102 as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Theinterlock switch 135, which may be wired in series with themotor 300, may prevent operation of the motor (and thus movement of the impeller 400) unless theair inlet cover 134 is properly installed. - An exemplary embodiment of the
air inlet cover 134 is illustrated inFIGS. 4-8 . As stated above, theair inlet cover 134 may removably couple to the blower/vac 100, e.g., to thehousing 102 andblower tube 112, such that thegrate portion 136 covers theair inlet 118 as shown inFIG. 4 . Theair inlet cover 134 may include stiffeningmembers 130 to increase the rigidity of thegrate portion 136. - In addition to the
grate portion 136, theair inlet cover 134 may further include afirst attachment member 138 and asecond attachment member 140 which are shown in more detail inFIG. 5 . In one embodiment, thefirst attachment member 138 is connected to thegrate portion 136 by a pair of rails 139 (seeFIG. 5 ). Similarly, thesecond attachment member 140 may connect to thegrate portion 136 byrails 141. Although described herein as interconnected byrails - The
first attachment member 138 may be received by afirst attachment receiver 142 formed on, or otherwise attached to, the blower tube 112 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 4 , 6, and 7A). Thesecond attachment member 140 may likewise be received by asecond attachment receiver 144 formed on or otherwise attached to a rear portion of the housing 102 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1 , 6, and 7A-7B). As a result, thefirst attachment member 138 may be attachable to theblower tube 112, while thesecond attachment member 140 may be attachable to thehousing 102. - The
air inlet cover 134, including the first andsecond attachment members second attachment receivers air inlet cover 134 to both theblower tube 112 and thehousing 102. “Secure attachment,” “secure engagement,” and “secure coupling” are used herein to refer to engagement of components in such a way that unintended disengagement or decoupling during normal operation is generally prevented. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower/vac 100 is configured such that secure coupling of thesecond attachment member 140 with thesecond attachment receiver 144 generally occurs only after proper engagement of thefirst attachment member 138 with thefirst attachment receiver 142 as further described below. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplaryair inlet cover 134. As illustrated in this view, thefirst attachment member 138 may have a shape that is generally cylindrical (or at least partially cylindrical), e.g., forming a transverse cylindrical member or pin, and spans between the rails 139 (a supportingrib 137 may also be included to strengthen the cover 134). The first attachment receiver 142 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 6 and 7A ) may form a receiving or mating element, e.g., a J-shaped hook or open-sided hinge, adapted to receive the cylindrically-shapedfirst attachment member 138. Thefirst attachment receiver 142 may receive thefirst attachment member 138 with clearance or, alternatively, with a slight interference or snap fit. - The terms attachment “member” and attachment “receiver” are used herein only to simplify the description of the illustrated embodiments. Broadly speaking, the terms may include most any interconnecting structures. For instance, other embodiments of the invention may reverse the location of the first attachment member and the first attachment receiver, e.g., the
first attachment member 138 could be located on theblower tube 112 while thefirst attachment receiver 142 could be located on theair inlet cover 134. - Once the
first attachment member 138 is in place, it may bear against a corresponding interior surface of thefirst attachment receiver 142 as represented inFIGS. 6 and 7A . As one can appreciate, theair inlet cover 134 may be disengaged from the blower tube 112 (provided that thesecond attachment member 140 has not yet been engaged with the second attachment receiver 144) by sliding the cover in the forward direction (to the right inFIGS. 6 and 7A ) until the first attachment member disengages from, e.g., slides out of, thefirst attachment receiver 142. - With the
first attachment member 138 engaged with thefirst attachment receiver 142, theair inlet cover 134 may pivot, about the first attachment receiver, towards thehousing 102 as indicated byarrow 145 inFIG. 6 . Thesecond attachment member 140 may thus rotate towards the second attachment receiver 144 (as indicated by arrow 145), where it may ultimately be latched thereto. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cutaway views of the blower/vac 100 after theair inlet cover 134 is fully coupled to the blower/vac, e.g., after it is moved to a first operating or latched position (FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 7A ). As shown in both FIGS. 5 and 7A-7B, thesecond attachment member 140 is preferably formed by a substantially rigidtransverse lip 143. The lip is preferably integrally formed with, or otherwise attached to, a rearward portion of theair inlet cover 134. Thesecond attachment receiver 144, on the other hand, may, at least in one embodiment, include one or more flexible, resilient tabs, e.g., cantileveredtabs 147, such that the second attachment member (e.g., lip 143) may engage the second attachment receiver with a snap fit as shown inFIGS. 7A-7B . - The term “snap fit,” as used herein, describes the joining of one resilient flexible member with another flexible or rigid member. The flexible member may deflect initially upon contact with the other member, but ultimately returns or “snaps back” to its undeflected, or to a partially deflected, position, thereby securing one member with respect to the other. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, once the
second attachment member 140 andsecond attachment receiver 144 are completely engaged (e.g., via snap fit), theair inlet cover 134, and thus theblower tube 112, are securely engaged with thehousing 102. - As the
air inlet cover 134 is pivoted in thedirection 145 from an unlatched position (shown in broken lines inFIG. 6 ) to the latched position (shown in solid lines inFIGS. 6 and 7A ), an interlock engagement member, e.g.,protrusion 146, located on the air inlet cover may protrude into thehousing 102 and engage anactuator button 148 associated with theinterlock switch 135. When theair inlet cover 134 is in the latched position, e.g., when thelip 143 of thesecond attachment member 140 latches with thetab 147 of thesecond attachment receiver 144 as shown inFIG. 7B , theprotrusion 146 closes theinterlock switch 135, permitting operation of the electric motor 300 (seeFIG. 2 ). When thesecond attachment member 140 is disengaged, e.g., unlatched, from thesecond attachment receiver 144, thebutton 148, which is preferably biased outwardly, returns to its extended position. As a result, theinterlock switch 135 returns to its normally open position, preventing operation of theelectric motor 300. - In the illustrated embodiment (see, e.g.,
FIG. 6 ), theair inlet cover 134 may be bound by anaft surface 131 that is flush with a proximalaft surface 133 of thehousing 102. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 6 , such a configuration yields a relatively smooth shape or structure around thesecond attachment member 140. In addition to a desired aesthetic appearance, this flush configuration provides other benefits including, for example, recessing of the flexiblesecond attachment receiver 144. In addition, theair inlet cover 134 may further be configured such that it is contained within a plan envelope defined by thehousing 102. For example, when viewed in a bottom plan view (see, e.g.,FIG. 4 ), the air inlet cover (when in the latched position ofFIGS. 4 and 7A ) may not extend generally beyond the footprint or perimeter of thehousing 102. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the blower/vac 100 with theair inlet cover 134 in the unlatched position. As shown in this view, thesecond attachment receiver 144 may include the two cantilevered, flexible tabs 147 (also visible inFIGS. 7A-7B ). Thesetabs 147 may be manipulated, e.g., pressed inwardly as indicated by thearrow 149 inFIGS. 7A-7B , to disengage the tabs from thelip 143 of the second attachment member after use. Thefirst attachment member 138 of theair inlet cover 134 may then be disengaged from thefirst attachment receiver 142 as described above. Thus, theair inlet cover 134 may be separated from both thehousing 102 and theblower tube 112, after which the blower tube may be separated from the housing. - As further shown in
FIG. 8 , theair inlet cover 134 may also include at least one retaining surface, e.g., vertical retaining surface 150 (see also, e.g.,FIG. 5 ), that, in the illustrated embodiment, is located proximate, e.g., lateral to, thesecond attachment member 140. Thevertical retaining surface 150 may be configured in close proximity to one or more stop surfaces 152 formed on an outer surface of thehousing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet cover includes two spaced-apart and preferably parallel retainingsurfaces 150, each configured to contact, e.g., bear against, one of the stop surfaces 152 of thehousing 102. Thesurfaces 150 may be located at opposite ends of thesecond attachment receiver 144. However, this configuration is not limiting as covers having more or less retaining surfaces are certainly possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, a single retaining surface could be provided that could be received within a slot formed in the housing. Moreover, while the retainingsurfaces 150 are illustrated herein as being generally vertical and planar, e.g., contained within a vertical plane, other embodiments may utilize retaining surfaces having other configurations and shapes, both planar and non-planar, without departing from the scope of the invention. - Each of the retaining
surfaces 150 may be configured to abut one of the stop surfaces 152 to resist forces that might displace the air inlet cover transversely to (e.g., to the side of) the housing. Such forces may result in higher than anticipated force on theinterlock protrusion 146, as well as on thesecond attachment member 140 and thesecond attachment receiver 144. - To operate the blower/
vac 100 in blower mode, the blower tube 112 (FIG. 1 ) may first be coupled to the air outlet 114 (See, e.g.,FIG. 3 ) of thehousing 102. In one embodiment, the female portion 117 (seeFIG. 2 ) of the proximate end of theblower tube 112 slides over the male portion 115 (seeFIG. 3 ) of theair outlet 114. As indicated inFIG. 2 , theblower tube 112 may include small structural ribs that provide increased rigidity to the blower tube and may further assist with its attachment to thehousing 102. Preferably, the shape of the both theblower tube 112 and theoutlet 114 prevents coupling of the blower tube in any but the desired orientation, e.g., with thefirst attachment receiver 142 extending downwardly. - Once the
blower tube 112 is in place, thefirst attachment member 138 may be engaged with thefirst attachment receiver 142 as shown in broken lines inFIG. 6 and described above. Thereafter, theair inlet cover 134 may be pivoted in the direction 145 (seeFIG. 6 ) about thefirst attachment member 138 until thesecond attachment member 140 engages thesecond attachment receiver 144 with a snap fit as already described above. As thesecond attachment member 140 andsecond attachment receiver 144 are engaged, theinterlock protrusion 146 contacts thebutton 148 and closes theinterlock switch 135, thereby permitting operation of themotor 300. - Engagement of the
second attachment member 140 with thesecond attachment receiver 144 alone is preferably incapable of retaining theair inlet cover 134 to the blower/vac 100. As a result, theair inlet cover 134, in one embodiment, may not be fully coupled to thehousing 102, nor may theinterlock switch 135 be securely engaged, without first engaging thefirst attachment member 138 with thefirst attachment receiver 142. Stated another way, the blower/vac 100 generally may not operate in blower mode unless both theblower tube 112 and theair inlet cover 134 are installed as described herein. Accordingly, blower/vacs 100 of the present invention may utilize motors sized for maximum performance with theblower tube 112 installed without concern for potential electrical current overdraw when the blower tube is removed. Other advantages may also be realized. For example, attachment of the separateair inlet cover 134 andblower tube 112 may be detected with the use of a single interlock sensor, e.g.,switch 135. - Although not depicted, additional mechanisms for securing the
blower tube 112 to thehousing 102 may also be provided such that theblower tube 112 may be further secured to the housing independent of theair inlet cover 134. - Still other embodiments are possible. For example, as mentioned above, the
first attachment member 138, e.g., the pin, could be located on theblower tube 112 while the first attachment receiver, e.g., the hook element, could be located on theair inlet cover 134. Moreover, the first and second attachment members and attachment receivers may be configured to couple in alternative ways. For instance, instead of pivoting about a transverse axis 154 (e.g., the axis of thefirst attachment member 138 as shown inFIG. 4 ), thefirst attachment member 138 andfirst attachment receiver 142 may be configured to permit pivoting of theair inlet cover 134 about most any axis, e.g., about an axis generally parallel to the axis of theimpeller 400. Thesecond attachment member 140 andsecond attachment receiver 144 could also be reconfigured to accommodate such alternative configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. - In still other embodiments, the
air inlet cover 134 could be attached via translational displacement instead of via pivotal movement as described herein. For instance, after engaging thefirst attachment member 138 withfirst attachment receiver 142, theair inlet cover 134 could be displaced, e.g., pulled, rearwardly, preferably against a forwardly-biasing force, to engage a modifiedsecond attachment member 140 with a modifiedsecond attachment receiver 144. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the blower/vac 100 as it may be configured for use as a vacuum. In this configuration, the air inlet cover is replaced with avacuum tube assembly 206 including anupper tube 208. Theupper tube 208 may include attachment features that permit coupling to thehousing 102 at the air inlet opening 118 as further described below. Thevacuum tube assembly 206 may also include a lower tube (not shown) that forms a vacuum inlet. - To collect vacuumed debris, the blower tube and
air inlet cover 134 may be removed and a vacuum collection container, e.g., acollection bag 202, may be attached or coupled to theair outlet 114 via avacuum bag collar 204 or the like. In some embodiments, thebag 202 andcollar 204 are permanently or semi-permanently coupled, i.e., they are not intended to be separated by the operator. Thevacuum tube assembly 206 may also be attached to thehousing 102, in place of the air inlet cover, as further described below. - During operation, the
impeller 400 may draw air and entrained debris through thevacuum tube assembly 206. Theimpeller 400 may, in addition to generating vacuum air flow, mulch or shred the debris before expelling it out of theair outlet 114 and into thevacuum collection bag 202. -
FIG. 10 illustrates the attachment features of theupper tube 208. As clearly illustrated in this view, theupper tube 208 of thevacuum tube assembly 206 may include a firstvacuum attachment member 212, similar in most respects to thefirst attachment member 138, for attachment of the vacuum tube assembly to a forward portion of thehousing 102. It may further include a secondvacuum attachment member 214, similar in most respects to thesecond attachment member 140, for attachment of the vacuum tube assembly to a rear portion of thehousing 102. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , the firstvacuum attachment member 212 may engage a firstvacuum attachment receiver 216 located on the forward portion of thehousing 102. The firstvacuum attachment receiver 216 may be similar in most respects to the first attachment receiver 142 (seeFIG. 7A ), except that it may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to thehousing 102 instead of theblower tube 112. If desired, the firstvacuum attachment receiver 216 could be formed integral with, or otherwise connected to, thebag 202. - The first
vacuum attachment receiver 216 may be located in the same vicinity as (e.g., immediately to the rear of) thefirst attachment receiver 142 described above when theblower tube 112 is installed. In fact, in one embodiment, thefirst attachment receiver 142 of theblower tube 112 may nest within the firstvacuum attachment receiver 216 of the housing when theblower tube 112 is coupled to theair outlet 114 as shown, for example, inFIG. 7A . - Once the first
vacuum attachment member 212 is engaged with the firstvacuum attachment receiver 216, theupper tube 208 may pivot about thereceiver 216 in the direction 218 (see, e.g.,FIG. 9 ) until the secondvacuum attachment member 214, e.g., a second transverse lip, engages thesecond attachment receiver 144 of thehousing 102. The engagement of the secondvacuum attachment member 214 with thesecond attachment receiver 144 may be via a snap fit as the second vacuum attachment member may be substantially similar to thesecond attachment member 140 already described herein. - As with the
air inlet cover 134, aninterlock protrusion 246 may be provided on the upper tube 208 (see, e.g.,FIG. 10 ) to engage theinterlock switch 135 in a manner similar to that already described above with respect to theprotrusion 146. Theupper tube 208 may also include retaining surfaces, e.g., vertical retaining surfaces 219, similar to the correspondingsurfaces 150 of the air inlet cover 134 (e.g., thesurfaces 219 may be located immediately outboard of stop surfaces 152 (seeFIG. 8 ) of the housing 102). Accordingly, theupper tube 208 may attach to thehousing 102 in a manner similar to that of theair inlet cover 134 described above. - Having described various aspects of the air inlet (including the air inlet cover and the upper vacuum tube), attention is now directed to exemplary embodiments of the
motor 300 andimpeller 400.FIG. 11 illustrates a cut-away side elevation view of the blower/vac 100 with theair inlet cover 134 partially illustrated in section. As clearly shown in this view, the halves (e.g., thehalf 102 b) of thehousing 102 may include provisions for receiving and securing themotor 300. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , theimpeller 400 may attach to theoutput shaft 304 of themotor 300. When the motor is activated, theimpeller 400 rotates, whereby theimpeller blades 402 draw air in through theair inlet 118 and expel it through theair outlet 114 of the housing and through theblower tube 112. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , theair inlet cover 134 may define a frusto-conical surface 128 proximate theimpeller blades 402. Preferably, eachimpeller blade 402 is configured with an outer surface having an arc of rotation that closely corresponds to the frusto-conical surface 128. Theimpeller 402 is described in more detail below. An opposite, e.g., outer side, of theair inlet cover 134 may also form a frusto-conical surface. However, while illustrated as utilizing frusto-conical surfaces, other shapes are certainly possible. For example, bell-mouth and arc-shaped surfaces could be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. - An opposite, e.g., upper, side of the
impeller 400 may include cooling vanes orblades 406 as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 11 . Thecooling blades 406 may, when the impeller is rotated, draw air throughopenings 120 formed in thehousing 102. This air is pulled through themotor 300 and exhausted through theair outlet 114. As a result, themotor 300 may be air cooled during operation. -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevation view of themotor 300. As illustrated in this view, the motor may include twoelectrical leads 308 that permit connection to electrical power. In one embodiment, the motor is a 12 Amp, E-frame motor configured as further described below. However, motors of other sizes/configurations are also contemplated. - The blower/
vac motor 300 may include acommutator 310 and brushes 312. However, unlike conventional blower/vac motors, themotor 300 may locate thecommutator 310 and brushes 312 at a lower end, e.g., proximate theimpeller 400, of the motor. This configuration offers several advantages. For example, coolingair 314 flowing into the motor 300 (via theopenings 120 shown inFIG. 11 ) is not blocked by the commutator and brushes as would potentially be the case with locating these components near the top of the motor. Moreover, brush dust produced during motor operation is not pulled over the internal motor parts as it may be with a conventional blower/vac motor. As a result the coolingair 314 may pass through the motor housing with potentially less interference, and may further reduce the distribution of brush dust onto internal motor parts. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate theexemplary impeller 400, whereinFIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view andFIG. 14 is a bottom plan view. Theimpeller 400, which may be configured as a centrifugal fan, may include acentral hub 408, acircular base 410, and the plurality of the air flow generatingimpeller blades 402. Thehub 408 andblades 402 may be disposed upon a first, e.g., lower,side 418 of the base 410 as shown. The impeller may further include one or more shortenedmembers 412 disposed upon the first side of thebase 410, e.g., positioned between adjacent groupings ofblades 402. Theimpeller 400 has an intended direction of rotation indicated byarrow 416. - The
hub 408, which permits mounting of theimpeller 400 to theoutput shaft 304 of themotor 300, may include anopening 409 that defines arotational axis 438 of the impeller. Theopening 409 may include one or more receiving surfaces, e.g., two opposite flat surfaces, to receive corresponding surfaces of theoutput shaft 304. In one embodiment, thehub 408 may protrude from thefirst side 418 of thebase 402. The hub may form aface surface 413 offset from the base (e.g., from the first side 418), and an outer (e.g., generally cylindrical)surface 415 that both intersect at anouter hub edge 417. - The angular position of each
blade 402 and each shortenedmember 412 may be characterized by a radial line extending from a center of thehub 408 to an outermost trailing edge of the respective blade. In this regard, one blade may be characterized as a reference blade at a zero (0) degree position, wherein an adjacent blade would be at a 40 degree position, a first shortenedmember 412 would be at an 80 degree position, etc. Accordingly, angular interval or offset may be defined as the difference between the angular positions of adjacent blades/shortened members. - The
blades 402 may be disposed upon thefirst side 418 of the base 410 in three spaced groups of two blades each for a total of six blades. Each of the three groups of blades may be symmetrically spaced upon the base 410 about therotational axis 438 of the impeller, e.g., the three groups of blades may be disposed at angular intervals of approximately 120 degrees. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 13 and 14 , eachblade 402 may be curved outwardly away from the direction ofrotation 416, e.g., each of the blades may be generally arc-shaped when viewed along (parallel to) therotational axis 438 as generally illustrated inFIG. 14 . Theblades 402 are approximately identical in configuration and are, in general, radially disposed relative to thecentral hub 408. That is, eachblade 402 may extend from the hub to aperipheral edge 411 of the base. - In one embodiment, a shortened
member 412 is positioned between two or more of the groups of blades, e.g., there are three shortened member disposed at 120 degree increments. As described herein, the shortenedmembers 412 may function as debris-engaging elements that act to break apart lawn debris into smaller portions during operation of the blower/vacuum when it is used in a vacuum configuration. As a result, the mulched lawn debris may be finer and occupy less volume in the vacuum collection bag 202 (see, e.g.,FIG. 9 ). - Due to the presence of the shortened
members 412, the angular interval betweenadjacent blades 402 may not be substantially uniform around theimpeller 400 circumference, e.g., eachblade 402 may have adjacent blades that are disposed at different angular intervals relative to the impeller center. In the illustrated embodiment, each of theblades 402 has a first neighboring blade displaced at an angular interval of about 40 degrees, and a second neighboring blade disposed at an angular interval of about 80 degrees. However, it should be appreciated that alternative angular intervals are also possible. - Each
blade 402 may include an inner orfirst edge surface 420 adjacent thecentral hub 408. In one embodiment, eachfirst edge surface 420 extends outwardly from thehub 408 and away from thefirst side 418 of thebase 410. As shown in the figures, thefirst edge surface 420 may terminate at or near theface surface 413 of thehub 408. For example, thefirst edge surface 420 may extend outwardly from a first location that is at or near theouter hub edge 417, to a second location intermediate thehub 408 and theperipheral edge 411, wherein the second location is at an elevation below an elevation of the face surface 413 (e.g., when the blower/vacuum is positioned as shown inFIG. 11 ). - Each of the
blades 402 may further include asecond edge surface 422 extending inwardly from theperipheral edge 411 of thebase 410 and away from thefirst side 418 of the base. For example, thesecond edge surface 422 may extend inwardly from the peripheral edge to a third location intermediate thehub 408 and the peripheral edge, wherein the third location is at substantially the same elevation as that of the second location. - Connecting the
first edge surface 420 with thesecond edge surface 422 is an intermediate,third edge surface 424. Thethird edge surface 424 may, in one embodiment, be contained within a plane that is parallel to one or both of: thefirst side 418 of thebase 410; and theface surface 413 of thehub 408. Each of the edge surfaces 420, 422, and 424 may be generally smooth as shown. - Like the
blades 402, eachmember 412 may be curved or arc-shaped when viewed parallel to therotational axis 438 of the impeller (e.g., as represented inFIG. 14 ). Eachmember 412 may include a relative smooth inside edge 426 (the edge adjacent the central hub 408) and a serrated or toothedouter edge 428. In one embodiment, serrations are formed on at least a portion of theouter edge 428 of each shortenedmember 412 by a plurality ofserrations 430. While particular configurations are illustrated herein, other embodiments of the impeller may not include shortened members 412 (or may utilize shortened members lacking serrations) without departing from the scope of the invention. - An exemplary configuration of the
impeller 400 will now be described primarily with reference toFIG. 14 . Eachblade 402, when viewed parallel to therotational axis 438 of the impeller 400 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14 ), may be defined by aninlet angle 432 and anoutlet angle 434. Theinlet angle 432 may, in general, correspond to an inlet or approach angle of the blade, while theoutlet angle 434 may similarly correspond to an outlet or departure angle of the blade. In the illustrated embodiment, theinlet angle 432 may be determined by measuring the angle between: afirst line 436 extending orthogonally from therotational axis 438 of the impeller to afirst point 440 located on the third edge surface 424 (e.g., located along a centerline of the impeller blade); and asecond line 442 that is tangent to the impeller blade 402 (e.g., tangent to the centerline of the impeller blade) at thefirst point 440. The second line may, in one embodiment, be coplanar with the first line. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first point 440 is located along the blade at an elevation that is farthest from theface surface 418. For instance, thefirst point 440 may be located along the centerline of the blade 402 (e.g., along a curved line that bisects the blade) at an outermost portion of the third edge surface 424 (at or near the intersection with the second edge surface 422) as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . This location of thefirst point 440 may define what is referred to herein as atransition diameter 442. The transition diameter 442 (as defined by the first point 440) may be selected to be generally equal in diameter to a cylindrical air entry portion of the air inlet cover 134 (see, e.g.,FIG. 11 ). Stated alternatively, theimpeller 400 may be configured such that the outermost portion of thethird edge surface 424 is located proximate an inside (e.g., lower)edge 151 of the frusto-conical surface 128 of theair inlet cover 134 as shown inFIG. 11 . - The
inlet angle 432 may, in one embodiment, be about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, and more preferably, about 28 degrees to about 32 degrees, e.g., about 30 degrees. - In addition to the
inlet angle 432, each of theimpeller blades 402, when viewed parallel to therotational axis 438 of the impeller 400 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14 ), may further define theoutlet angle 434. Theoutlet angle 434 may be measured between: athird line 444 that extends orthogonally from therotational axis 438 to asecond point 446; and afourth line 448 that is tangent to the impeller blade (e.g., tangent to the centerline of the impeller blade) at thesecond point 446. Thesecond point 446 may be defined by the intersection of the impeller blade 402 (e.g., of the centerline of the impeller blade) with theperipheral edge 411 of the impeller. - The
outlet angle 434 may, in one embodiment, be about 46 degrees to about 54 degrees, and more preferably, about 48 degrees to about 52 degrees, e.g., about 50 degrees. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
second line 442 is coplanar with thefirst line 436, and thethird line 444 is coplanar with thefourth line 448. However, in other embodiments, the pairs of lines could be offset, e.g., non-intersecting. In the case of the latter, those of skill in the art will realize that, for purposes of determining the inlet and outlet angles, each line could be projected onto a plane that is orthogonal to therotational axis 438 to yield a common point of intersection. Similarly, those of skill in the art will realize that other intersections described herein (e.g., the intersection of theimpeller blade 402 with the peripheral edge to define the second point 446) may be determined through similar projecting of the components to a common plane. - While not wishing to be bound to any particular configuration, the
impeller 400 may, in one embodiment, be configured with aperipheral edge 411 defining a base having a diameter of about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches, e.g., about 4.7 inches. The transition diameter 442 (the diameter on which thefirst point 440 is located) may be about 2.7 inches to about 3.3 inches (e.g., about 3.03 inches), such that the first point is radially offset from the rotational axis of the impeller a distance of about 1.35 inches to about 1.65 inches. Moreover, eachblade 402, as well as each shortenedmember 412, may, when viewed parallel to therotational axis 438 of the impeller, be defined by an arc having a radius of about 1.3 inches to about 1.7 inches and, more preferably, about 1.5 inches to about 1.6 inches, e.g., about 1.56 inches. - The
impeller 400 and/or portions thereof may be constructed from plastic (e.g., nylon) or, alternatively, a metal such as aluminum or magnesium to promote operational longevity. - Blower/vacs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may provide several benefits. For instance, embodiments of the present invention may yield a blower/vacuum having the desired electrical current draw, i.e., having the maximum desired motor speed, with the blower tube installed while preventing excessive current draw should the blower tube be removed. Moreover, impellers constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may provide a blower/vac with increased performance (e.g., greater air flow and reduced slip) for a given motor size and current load. Still further, blower/vacs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may utilize a motor that minimizes air flow impediments through the motor, while decreasing accumulation of brush dust on motor components.
- The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents, and publications cited in the Background, the Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments, and elsewhere herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated.
- Illustrative embodiments of this invention are discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this invention. These and other variations, combinations, and modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and equivalents thereof.
Claims (23)
1. An impeller for a portable blower/vacuum comprising:
a base comprising a first side and a peripheral edge;
a hub located centrally on the first side of the base and defining a rotational axis of the impeller, wherein the hub comprises a face surface offset from the first side of the base; and
a plurality of impeller blades disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally from the hub to the peripheral edge, each of the impeller blades being arc-shaped when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, wherein each impeller blade comprises:
a first edge surface extending outwardly from the hub and away from the first side of the base, the first edge surface terminating at or near the face surface;
a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and away from the first side of the base; and
an intermediate, third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface,
wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, defines an inlet angle of about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, the inlet angle measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface; and a second line that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
2. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, further defines an outlet angle of about 46 degrees to about 54 degrees, the outlet angle measured between: a third line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a second point defined by an intersection of a centerline of the impeller blade with the peripheral edge; and a fourth line that is tangent to the impeller blade at the second point.
3. The impeller of claim 2 , wherein the outlet angle is about 48 degrees to about 52 degrees.
4. The impeller of claim 2 , wherein the outlet angle is about 50 degrees.
5. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the inlet angle is about 28 degrees to about 32 degrees.
6. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the inlet angle is about 30 degrees.
7. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the first point is located along a centerline of the impeller blade at or near an intersection of the second edge surface with the third edge surface.
8. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of impeller blades comprises three groups of impeller blades, each group of impeller blades comprising two impeller blades, and further wherein each of the three groups is symmetrically spaced about the rotational axis.
9. The impeller of claim 8 , further comprising a shortened member disposed between two of more of the three groups of impeller blades.
10. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein a centerline of the third edge surface is contained within a plane that is parallel to the first side of the base.
11. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein a centerline of the third edge surface is contained within a plane that is parallel to the face surface of the hub.
12. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the first point is radially offset from the rotational axis of the impeller a distance of about 1.35 to about 1.65 inches.
13. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral edge defines a cylinder having a diameter of about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches.
14. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a second side opposite the first side, the second side comprising a plurality of cooling blades.
15. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis, defines an arc having a radius of about 1.3 inches to about 1.7 inches.
16. The impeller of claim 15 , wherein the radius is about 1.5 inches to about 1.6 inches.
17. An impeller for a portable blower/vacuum comprising:
a base comprising a first side and a peripheral edge;
a hub protruding from the first side of the base, the hub comprising a face surface and an outer surface that intersect at an outer hub edge, wherein an opening formed in the hub defines a rotational axis of the impeller; and
a plurality of impeller blades each disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally between the hub and the peripheral edge, wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, is substantially arc-shaped, each of the impeller blades comprising:
a first edge surface extending outwardly from a first location that is at or near the outer hub edge, to a second location intermediate the hub and the peripheral edge, wherein the second location is at an elevation below an elevation of the face surface;
a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge to a third location intermediate the hub and the peripheral edge, the third location at substantially the same elevation as that of the second location; and
a third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface,
wherein each of the impeller blades defines an inlet angle of about 28 degrees to about 32 degrees, the inlet angle being measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface and along a centerline of the impeller blade; and a second line, coplanar with the first line, that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
18. The impeller of claim 17 , wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, further defines an outlet angle of about 48 degrees to about 52 degrees, the outlet angle measured between: a third line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a second point defined by an intersection of the centerline of the impeller blade with the peripheral edge; and a fourth line that is tangent to the impeller blade at the second point.
19. The impeller of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of impeller blades comprises six impeller blades.
20. The impeller of claim 18 , further comprising a shortened member disposed upon the first side of the base between at least two of the impeller blades.
21. A portable blower/vacuum comprising:
a housing;
an electric motor secured to the housing; and
an impeller attached to a first end of an output shaft of the electric motor, the impeller comprising:
a base comprising a first side and a peripheral edge;
a hub protruding from the first side of the base, the hub comprising a face surface offset from the base, wherein an opening formed in the hub defines a rotational axis of the impeller; and
a plurality of impeller blades each disposed upon the first side of the base and extending generally between the hub and the peripheral edge, wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, is substantially arc-shaped, and wherein each of the impeller blades comprises:
a first edge surface extending outwardly from the hub and away from the first side of the base, the first edge surface terminating at or near the face surface;
a second edge surface extending inwardly from the peripheral edge and away from the first side of the base; and
an intermediate, third edge surface connecting the first edge surface to the second edge surface,
wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the impeller, defines an inlet angle of about 26 degrees to about 34 degrees, the inlet angle measured between: a first line that extends orthogonally from the rotational axis of the impeller to a first point located on the third edge surface; and a second line, coplanar with the first line, that is tangent to the impeller blade at the first point.
22. The blower/vacuum of claim 21 , wherein each of the impeller blades, when viewed parallel to the rotational axis of impeller, further defines an outlet angle of about 48 degrees to about 52 degrees, the outlet angle measured between: a third line that extends orthogonally from the axis of the impeller to a second point defined by an intersection of a centerline of the impeller blade and the peripheral edge; and a fourth line tangent to the impeller blade at the second point.
23. The blower/vacuum of claim 21 , wherein the motor comprises a brush-commutator assembly, the brush-commutator assembly located proximate the first end of the output shaft.
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US11/645,141 US20080152487A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2006-12-22 | Portable blower/vacuum and impeller for use with same |
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US11/645,141 US20080152487A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2006-12-22 | Portable blower/vacuum and impeller for use with same |
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US20080152487A1 true US20080152487A1 (en) | 2008-06-26 |
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US11/645,141 Abandoned US20080152487A1 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2006-12-22 | Portable blower/vacuum and impeller for use with same |
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USD942718S1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2022-02-01 | Globe (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd | Blower |
USD926397S1 (en) * | 2019-12-27 | 2021-07-27 | The Toro Company | Debris blower |
US20210274725A1 (en) * | 2020-03-05 | 2021-09-09 | Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg | Hand-held Treatment System, Hand-held Treatment Device for a Hand-held Treatment System, and Attachment for a Hand-held Treatment System |
USD972796S1 (en) * | 2021-06-01 | 2022-12-13 | Shenzhen Lanhai Weiye Electronics Co., Ltd | Leaf blower |
CN114568320A (en) * | 2022-03-03 | 2022-06-03 | 贵州省草业研究所 | Device for collecting sheep excrement |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TORO COMPANY, THE, MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHAFFER, CHADWICK A.;SHEMON, DANIEL R.;REEL/FRAME:019022/0245 Effective date: 20070223 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |