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EP-4740727-A1 - DEVICE FOR GENERATING AN AIR FLOW

EP4740727A1EP 4740727 A1EP4740727 A1EP 4740727A1EP-4740727-A1

Abstract

A device (1), in particular hand-held, for generating an airflow is described, comprising a housing (2), a motor (3), a fan arrangement (4) mechanically interacting with the motor (3), and an outlet nozzle (5) for the airflow. It is proposed that the device (1) includes at least one adjusting element (6) with which a direction, in particular an outlet angle (7), of the airflow can be adjusted.

Inventors

  • THANNHUBER, MARKUS

Assignees

  • Einhell Germany AG

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20251104

Claims (15)

  1. Device (1), in particular hand-held, for generating an airflow, with - a housing (2), - a motor (3), - a fan arrangement (4) that is in mechanical interaction with the motor (3), and an outlet nozzle (5) for the airflow characterized by that the device (1) comprises at least one adjusting element (6) with which a direction, in particular an exit angle (7), of the airflow can be adjusted.
  2. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that an outlet opening (21) of the outlet nozzle (5) is designed in a slotted shape.
  3. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that long edges (8) of the outlet opening (21) are formed parallel to each other.
  4. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that a maximum distance (9) between the long edges (8) of the outlet opening (21) is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm and particularly preferably less than 0.5 mm.
  5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (5) is designed to be movable and interacts with the adjusting element (6).
  6. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (5) is pivotable, in particular about an axis (10) perpendicular to the airflow.
  7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an operating element (11) that interacts with the adjusting element (6).
  8. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the operating element (11) is arranged on a handle (12) of the device (1) or on the adjusting element (6).
  9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (11) is in a wired or wireless control connection with the adjustment element (6).
  10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (6) is designed as an actuator, in particular an electromechanical actuator.
  11. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the adjusting element (6) is designed to periodically change the direction of the airflow.
  12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet nozzle (5) comprises at least one rubber lip (13), in particular with reinforcing struts (14).
  13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (6) comprises a gear (15).
  14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fan arrangement (4) comprises an axial fan (16), radial fan (17) or diagonal fan (18).
  15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor (3) is designed as an electric motor and the device (1) in particular comprises at least one replaceable accumulator (19).

Description

The present invention relates to a device, in particular hand-held, for generating an airflow, comprising a housing, a motor, a fan arrangement mechanically interacting with the motor, and an outlet nozzle for the airflow. Devices of this type are used, for example, as leaf blowers for removing leaves, grass, and other light debris from lawns, paths, and other outdoor areas. They generate a targeted, powerful airflow that allows the user to move the material without physical contact. In practice, leaf blower users often face the challenge of not only removing dry, light debris but also moving damp, heavy, or stuck material. This requires a high-performance device, particularly with regard to the generated airflow. Increased performance can be achieved by enlarging the corresponding motors, fan arrangements, and possibly energy storage devices. However, this makes the device heavier and/or larger, and therefore less user-friendly. The object of the present invention is therefore to create a device for generating an airflow that is efficient and at the same time easy for a user to handle. The problem is solved by a device having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of this device are the subject of the corresponding dependent claims. The device according to the invention for generating an airflow is, in particular, hand-held. It is moved, for example, exclusively by the muscle power of a user and, in particular, carried by the user. The device can have a housing that encloses the components of the device. The housing can, for example, be made of plastic. The device can also include a motor and a fan assembly that interacts mechanically with the motor, wherein the motor can set the fan assembly in rotation. The rotation of the fan assembly, in particular, causes a directed movement of the air that comes into contact with the fan assembly. Due to the change in local pressure and local air density, an airflow can be generated. In order to be able to use the resulting airflow in a targeted manner for transporting material, the device can also have an outlet nozzle for the airflow. It is proposed that the device comprise at least one adjusting element with which a direction, in particular an outlet angle, of the airflow can be adjusted. This allows the airflow to be set to a direction preferred by the user and adapted to the specific task, particularly without requiring the user to exert additional muscular effort. For this purpose, the adjusting element can, for example, be actuated directly by the user during and/or outside of the regular operation of the device. In particular, the adjusting element can be operatively connected to one or more movable air guide elements. The device's airflow can be adjusted, for example, so that when the user moves in a straight line, the material moved by the device always lands on one side of the user, thus continuously collecting the material on that side. This allows even large areas to be cleaned efficiently. A common practice, suitable for the This may eliminate the potentially strenuous swinging motion of a leaf blower for the user. In an advantageous embodiment of the device, the outlet opening of the nozzle is slotted. This slotted design focuses the outgoing airflow into a flat shape. This increases the airflow velocity and simultaneously achieves a wider coverage of the area to be cleaned. This leads to improved efficiency in removing leaves and other materials, especially damp or heavy objects. The resulting "hard edge" of the airflow can potentially shear material such as leaves off a surface instead of simply carrying it along. The device can thus have a similar effect to an ice scraper on a car windshield. In the context of this invention, "slit-shaped" refers, for example, to an outlet opening whose length is significantly greater than its width. For example, the width-to-length ratio is at least 1:50, particularly 1:100, preferably 1:150, and most preferably 1:200. The slit-shaped outlet opening preferably has an elongated, rectangular shape. Alternatively, the outlet opening can also be, for example, semicircular. This allows for even better control of the direction in which the detached material is transported by the airflow. In this context, it is advantageous if the long edges of the outlet opening are parallel to each other. The parallelism of the long edges ensures a uniform flow characteristic along the entire length of the outlet opening. This creates, for example, a homogeneous, laminar airflow, which allows for precise control of the airflow. The parallel arrangement also minimizes turbulence at the the edges, which leads to increased airflow efficiency. Additionally, the parallel edge design can enhance the structural integrity of the outlet. This is particularly advantageous for devices subjected to frequent stress or vibration. The uniform stress distribution along the parallel edges can extend the service life of the out