WO2024065078A1

WO2024065078A1 - Snowthrower

Info

Publication number: WO2024065078A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/121252
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshinari Yamaoka; Siyuan CHEN; Huixing Fu
Original assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-09-26
Filing date: 2022-09-26
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

Disclosed is a snowthrower. The snowthrower includes: a shaft configured to rotate around a first axis, a first auger connected to the shaft, an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft, and a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing. The scraping assembly includes a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and the bottom edge is disposed frontward of the first axis.

Description

SNOWTHROWER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the technical field of outdoor power equipment, for example, a snowthrower.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor tasks are commonly performed by various outdoor power equipment thanks to the continuous progress of society. As outdoor power equipment, snowthrowers are widely used for snow removal. When snow falls, the snowthrowers, are used in outdoor environment to clean the snow on walkways, driveways, pavements and other ground surfaces. When a snowthrower encounters heavy snowbank along a road during use, the front of the snowthrower may be lifted off the ground and remove less snow, which is annoying and inconvenient to many users, and results in low snow removal efficiency.

SUMMARY

A snowthrower includes a shaft configured to rotate around a first axis, a first auger connected to the shaft, an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft, and a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing. The scraping assembly includes a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and the bottom edge is disposed frontward of the first axis.

In an example, the intake housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall together substantially define a front end and a rear end of the intake housing.

In an example, the first sidewall has a first front edge, the second sidewall has a second front edge, at least a portion of the first front edge and at least a portion of the second front edge slopes rearward to an upper portion of the intake housing.

In an example, the scraping assembly is mounted to the intake housing along a second axis, a ratio of a front-rear distance from the front end to the second axis to a front-rear distance from the front end to the rear end is greater than or equal to 0 and smaller than or equal to 0.5.

In an example, the scraping assembly is fixedly mounted to the intake housing with a first fastening member and a second fastening member, and the first fastening member and the second fastening member are disposed along the second axis.

In an example, a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the rear end is longer than a front- rear distance from the first axis to the rear end.

In an example, a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the front end is shorter than a front-rear distance from the first axis to the front end.

In an example, the scraping assembly includes a scraping surface forming an angle greater than or equal to 0 degrees and smaller than or equal to 30 degrees to the ground.

In an example, the scraping assembly includes an integrated scraping board.

In an example, the first auger has a first outer edge, and the first outer edge is configured to contact the snow before the intake housing contacts the snow.

In an example, a second auger is connected to the shaft, the first auger and the second auger are arranged on the shaft along different axial positions, the second auger has a second outer edge, and the second outer edge is configured to contact the snow before the intake housing contacts the snow.

In an example, the snowthrower includes a support assembly connected to the intake housing, the support assembly is configured to elevate the intake housing from the ground and tocontact the ground with a first material or a second material selectively.

In an example, the support assembly has a supporting state and a storing state, when the support assembly is in the supporting state, the first material is selected to contact with the ground, when the support assembly is in the storing state, the second material is selected to contact with the ground.

In an example, the first material is a metal material, and the second material is a plastic material.

In an example, at least a portion of the support assembly is movably connected to intake housing.

A snowthrower includes a shaft configured to rotate around an axis, a first auger connected to the shaft, an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft, a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing, and an enclosure with a center of gravity consisting of the shaft, the first auger, the intake housing, and the scraping assembly. The first auger has a first inner edge defining a first inner circumference, the center of gravity is located within the first inner circumference, the scraping assembly includes a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and the bottom edge is disposed frontward of the center of gravity.

A snowthrower includes a shaft configured to rotate around a first axis, a first auger connected to the shaft, an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft, a wheel assembly configured to rotate around a wheel axis, and a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing. The scraping assembly includes a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and a ratio of a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the wheel axis to a front-rear distance from the first axis to the wheel axis is greater than or equal to 1 and smaller than or equal to 1.5.

In an example, the intake housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall define a front end and a rear end of the intake housing.

In an example, a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the rear end is longer than a front-rear distance from the center of gravity to the rear end.

In an example, a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the front end is shorter than a front-rear distance from the center of gravity to the front end.

A snowthrower includes a handle assembly mounted to a main body and a temperature regulation assembly configured to regulate the temperature of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip. The first trigger includes a first heating portion and a remainder portion, the first heating portion has better heat transferring ability than the remainder portion. The first trigger has a cooperation state, when the first trigger is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the first trigger extends along a first plane and a ratio of a projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to an projection area of the first grip on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.

In an example, a ratio of a width of the projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to a width of the projection area of the first grip on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.

In an example, a ratio of the projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to a projection area of the first trigger on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.

In an example, the first trigger substantially extends in a curve in a direction of a width of the first trigger, the ratio of the width of the first trigger to a depth of the first trigger is greater than or equal to 1 and smaller than or equal to 6.

In an example, the first grip is substantially cylindrical, a diameter of the first grip is greater than or equal to 15 mm and smaller than or equal to 50 mm.

In an example, a thickness of the first trigger is greater than or equal to 2 mm and smaller than or equal to 6 mm.

In an example, the first trigger is made of a first material and a second material.

In an example, the first material is a metal material and the second material is a plastic material.

In an example, the first trigger is made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 W/mK and smaller than or equal to 450 W/mK.

In an example, the first trigger includes a first recess, the first grip includes a first projection, and the first recess is configured to receive the first projection.

In an example, the first trigger has a first trigger surface, the first projection projects substantially flush with the first trigger surface when the first trigger is in the cooperation state.

In an example, the first projection projects from the first grip by a distance smaller than or equal to 10 mm.

In an example, the temperature regulation assembly includes a first resistance wire configured to warm the first grip, the first resistance wire is winded inside the first grip.

In an example, the handle assembly includes a second grip configured to be held by a user and a second trigger movably cooperated with the second grip, the second trigger includes a second heating portion, the second trigger has a cooperation state, when the second trigger is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the second trigger extends along a second plane and a ratio of a projection area of the second heating portion on the second plane to an projection area of the second grip on the second plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.

A handle assembly for a snowthrower includes a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip. The first trigger includes a first heating portion and a remainder portion, the first heating portion has better heat transferring ability than the remainder portion. The first trigger has a cooperation state, when the first trigger is in the cooperation state, the first heating portion allows a heat transfer from the first grip to the user who puts the first trigger into the cooperation state through the first heating portion.

A snowthrower includes a handle assembly mounted to a main body and a temperature regulation assembly configured to regulate the temperature of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip. The first trigger includes a window configured to receive heat transferred from the first grip, and the window may be hollow, may be solid, or may be any other form.

A snowthrower includes a handle assembly mounted to a main body, a chute assembly rotatably connected to the main body, and a temperature regulation assembly configured to regulate the temperature of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip. The first trigger includes a first heating portion and a remainder portion, the first heating portion has a better heat transferring ability than the remainder portion. The first trigger has a cooperation state, when the first trigger is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the first trigger extends along a first plane and a ratio of a projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to an projection area of the first grip on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.

In an example, the chute assembly includes a chute configured to rotate around a chute axis and a deflector configured to rotate around a deflector axis, the handle assembly includes an operating lever, the operating lever has a locked state and a unlocked state, when the operating lever is in the unlocked state, the operating lever enables rotation of the chute and the deflector, the operating lever includes a lock, the lock allows the operating lever to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state.

In an example, the lock has a locking end, and the locking end is substantially flat.

In an example, the operating lever is located in a middle-right portion of the handle assembly.

In an example, the handle assembly includes a strengthening member configured to strengthen the handle assembly, the operating lever is mounted on the strengthening member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snowthrower according to an example of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an intake housing, a sweeping assembly and a scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left view of the intake housing, the sweeping assembly and the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sweeping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left view of the sweeping assembly and the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1 of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a snowthrower in current technology;

FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of the snowthrower in current technology, particularly illustrating a moving direction of the snowthrower in current technology;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the snowthrower in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a moving direction of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is another schematic diagram of the snowthrower in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a rotational direction of a wheel assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a left view of the intake housing, the sweeping assembly, the scraping assembly and the wheel assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the intake housing and the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a left view of the intake housing, the sweeping assembly and the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating distances related to a rear end of the intake housing;

FIG. 13 is a left view of the intake housing, the sweeping assembly and the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating distances related to a front end of the intake housing;

FIG. 14 is a left view of the intake housing, the sweeping assembly and the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating distances related to a second axis;

FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view of the scraping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating an angle α;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the intake housing and the sweeping assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a right view of the intake housing and a support assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a left view of the intake housing and a support assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a handle assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1 without a housing;

FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of a first trigger and a first grip of the handle assembly in FIG. 19 under a standby state;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of projections of the first trigger and the first grip of the handle assembly in FIG. 19 on a first plane under a cooperation state, particularly illustrating a projection area of a first heating portion and a projection area of the first grip;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of projections of the first trigger and the first grip of the handle assembly in FIG. 19 on a first plane under a cooperation state, particularly illustrating a projection area of the first trigger and dimensions of the first trigger and the first grip;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a temperature regulation assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view of a second trigger and a second grip of the handle assembly in FIG. 19 under a cooperation state;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of projections of the second trigger and the second grip of the handle assembly in FIG. 19 on a second plane under a cooperation state with tracing lines;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a snowthrower according to an example of the present application without an intake housing, a sweeping assembly and a scraping assembly;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the snowthrower in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the snowthrower in FIG. 26 at a section line A-A;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of an operating lever of the snowthrower in FIG. 26, particularly illustrating a lock, an operating portion, a driving portion and a lever portion;

FIG. 30 is a partial exploded view of the operating lever and a chute assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 26 in one perspective;

FIG. 31 is a partial exploded view of the operating lever and the chute assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 26 in another perspective;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the snowthrower in FIG. 26 at a section line B-B;

FIG. 33 is a partial enlarged view of a gearbox in FIG. 32; and

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the chute assembly of the snowthrower in FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the components in examples of the present application, which are described and illustrated in the drawings herein, may be arranged and designed through various configurations.

It is to be noted that similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once a particular item is defined in one drawing, the item needs no further definition and explanation in subsequent drawings.

In the description of the present application, it is to be noted that orientations or position relations indicated by terms such as “upper” , “lower” , “left” , “right” , “vertical” , “horizontal” , “front” and “rear” are those based on the drawings or those in which products of the present application are usually placed when used. These orientations or position relations are intended only to facilitate and simplify the description of the present application and not to indicate or imply that an assembly or element referred to must have such particular orientations and must be configured or operated in such particular orientations. Thus, these orientations or position relations are not to be construed as limiting the present application. Moreover, terms such as “first” , “second” , and “third” are merely used for distinguishing the description and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the term “a plurality of” or “multiple” means two or more.

In the description of the present application, it is to be further noted that unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms “disposed” and “connected” are to be understood in a broad sense. For example, the term “connected” may refer to “securely connected” , “detachably connected” , or “integrated” , or may refer to “mechanically connected” or “electrically connected” . For those of ordinary skill in the art, specific meanings of the preceding terms in the present application may be understood based on specific situations.

In the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, when a first feature is described as “on” or “below” a second feature, the first feature and the second feature may be in direct contact or be in contact via another feature between the two features instead of being in direct contact. Moreover, when the first feature is described as “on” , “above” , or “over” the second feature, the first feature is right on, above, or over the second feature, the first feature is obliquely on, above, or over the second feature, or the first feature is simply at a higher level than the second feature. When the first feature is described as “under” , “below” , or “underneath” the second feature, the first feature is right under, below, or underneath the second feature, the first feature is obliquely under, below, or underneath the second feature, or the first feature is simply at a lower level than the second feature.

It is to be noted that quantities or conditions indicated by terms such as “about” , “approximately” , “substantially” are inclusive of the stated values and have meanings pertain to the context. The terms include at least errors, uncertainties or tolerances caused by manufacture, assembly, use, and etcetera associated with the measurement of the stated values. The terms should further be understood as disclosing ranges defined by the absolute values of two endpoints. The terms may refer to plus or minus a percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%or more) of the stated values. Quantities or conditions that are not indicated by the terms should further be understood as values with errors, uncertainties, or tolerances.

Examples of the present application are described in detail below, and examples are illustrated in the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The examples described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present application and not to be construed as limiting the present application.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a snowthrower 1 includes a housing 10 and a sweeping assembly 12. The housing 10 includes an intake housing 101 which houses at least a portion of the sweeping assembly 12. In some examples, the snowthrower 1 includes a handle assembly 19 and a wheel assembly 13. The sweeping assembly 12 and the intake housing 101 are located at the front of the handle assembly 19 and the wheel assembly 13. The handle assembly 19 is configured to be held by a user, and the handle assembly 19 is rotatable relative to the housing 10. The wheel assembly 13 is rotatable relative to the intake housing 101 around a wheel axis x9. When the snowthrower 1 is in use, the user holds the handle assembly 19 and moves the snowthrower 1 along a direction to clean the snow on the ground. In some examples, the snowthrower 1 is powered by batteries. In some examples, the snowthrower 1 is powered by power grid. In some examples, the snowthrower 1 is powered by fuel. The sweeping assembly 12 is driven by an engine. In some examples, the engine is an electric motor.

The sweeping assembly 12 includes a shaft 121 and an auger 123, and the shaft 121 and the auger 123 rotate to transport snow on the ground into the intake housing 101. The snow is then discharged to an open space through a chute assembly 14. In some examples, the auger 123 does not contact the ground directly during rotation to reduce wear and tear of the auger 123. The outer edge 124 of the auger 123 is elevated above the ground and therefore leaves some snow on the ground after rotation. The snowthrower 1 includes a scraping assembly 16. In some examples, the scraping assembly 16 is slightly elevated above the ground to reduce wear and tear of the scraping assembly 16. The scraping assembly 16 scrapes the remaining snow off the ground, and leaves a thin and flat layer of snow on the ground.

The shaft 121 is rotatably mounted to the intake housing 101, and at least a portion of the shaft 121 is received in the intake housing 101. In some examples, the sweeping assembly 12 includes a first auger 127 and a second auger 128. The first auger 127 and the second auger 128 are arranged on the shaft 121 along different axial positions. The first auger 127 and the second auger 128 collects the snow from the ground, and transport the snow from the left side and the right side of the intake housing 101 toward the center of the intake housing 101. The snowthrower 1 includes an impeller 171. The impeller 171 is set toward the center of the intake housing 101 to discharge the collected snow through the chute assembly 14. It is to be noted that the intake housing 101 does not include the portion of the housing 10 which houses the impeller 171.

The first auger 127 and the second auger 128 are fixedly connected to the shaft 121. The shaft 121 passes through the axial center of the first auger 127 and the second auger 128. The shaft 121 rotates around a first axis x1. When the shaft 121 rotates around the first axis x1, the first auger 127 and the second auger 128 rotate with the shaft 121 around the first axis x1. In some examples, the first auger 127 and the second auger 128 are substantially helical. The first auger 127 and the second auger 128 have opposite directions of helix, and the first auger 127 and the second auger 128 both spiral toward the center of the intake housing 101.

The scraping assembly 16 is mounted to the intake housing 101. The scraping assembly 16 includes a bottom edge 165. The bottom edge 165 is configured to contact the ground. In some examples, the bottom edge 165 is set to contact the ground. In some examples, the bottom edge 165 is set to be close to the ground when the snowthrower 1 moves on a level surface, and the bottom edge 165 will contact the ground sometimes when the snowthrower 1 vibrates or tilts forward. The scraping assembly 16 includes a scraping surface 166. When the scraping assembly 16 scrapes the snow off the ground, the snow first contact the bottom edge 165. The bottom edge 165 separates the snow from the ground surface. As the snowthrower 1 moves forward, the snow is then gathered toward the scraping surface 166, such that the scraping surface 166 holds the snow.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the bottom edge 165 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1. The snowthrower 1 includes an enclosure 11. The intake housing 101, the sweeping assembly 12, the scraping assembly 16 and other parts inside the intake housing 101 together forms the enclosure 11. It is to be noted that the impeller 171 and the portion of the housing 10 which houses the impeller 171 is not a portion of the enclosure 11. The enclosure 11has weight and has a center of gravity G. The center of gravity G is substantially defined by the weight of the intake housing 101, the sweeping assembly 12, the scraping assembly 16 and other parts inside the intake housing 101. The first auger 127 has a first inner edge 127a. As the first auger 127 rotates, the first inner edge 127a substantially traces a cylinder, and the first inner edge 127a defines a first inner circumference 126. The center of gravity G is located within the first inner circumference 126. It is to be noted that the first inner circumference 126 is not limited by the actual circumference of the cylinder traced by the first inner edge 127a.

The bottom edge 165 is disposed frontward of the center of gravity G. The shaft 121 rotates within the first inner circumference 126. The shaft 121 has a shaft circumference 122. In some examples, the center of gravity G is located within the shaft circumference 122.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the wheel assembly 13 includes a first wheel 131. The first wheel 131 includes a first contact portion 132. In some examples, the first contact portion 132 is made of rubber material. As the wheel assembly 13 rotates, at least a portion of the first contact portion 132 contacts the ground. The first contact portion 132 includes a first contact point 133. The position of first contact point 133 on the first contact portion 132 is constantly changing as the wheel assembly 13 rotates, such that the first contact point 133 always contact the ground when the snowthrower 1 moves on a level surface. The position of the first contact point 133 relative to the ground is fixed when the snowthrower 1 moves on a level surface.

A challenge with current technology for snowthrowers is that the front of the snowthrower 1 tilts upward when the snowthrower 1 encounters thick snow. In FIGS. 6 to 9, snow remained on the ground is denoted by S1, and snow cleaned by the snowthrower 1 is denoted by S2. As shown in FIG. 6, in current technology, as the first wheel 131 rolls, a friction f1 of the ground to the first contact point 133 drives the snowthrower 1 to move forward. As the snowthrower 1 moves forward to clean the snow, the snow exerts a resistance f2 to the snowthrower 1 rearward. Thicker snow exerts greater resistance to the snowthrower 1, and thinner snow exerts less resistance to the snowthrower 1. As shown in FIG. 7, in current technology, the bottom edge 165 is disposed rearward of the first axis x1. When the resistance f2 of the snow to the snowthrower 1 is greater than the friction f1 of the ground to the wheel assembly 13, the front of the snowthrower 1 has a tendency to tilt upward about the first contact point 133 in order to remove thinner snow to decrease the resistance. As the wheel assembly 13 continues to rotate about the wheel axis x9, the front of the snowthrower 1 tilts upward about the first contact point 133, the thickness of the snow that is to be cleaned by the snowthrower 1 decreases, and the wheel assembly 13 drives the snowthrower 1 to move along a tilted direction a. Under this circumstance, the snow removal efficiency is low, and the user has to redo the work, which is annoying and inconvenient.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the bottom edge 165 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1, the scraping assembly 16 is able to collect snow before the upward moving tendency of the snowthrower 1 occurs. After the auger draws the snow into the intake housing 101, as the snowthrower 1 moves forward, the scraping assembly 16 collects the snow and holds the snow on the scraping surface 166. The snow held by the scraping assembly 16 has a gravity Fg, such that the snow exerts a downward force on the snowthrower 1. The bottom edge 165 of the scraping assembly 16 is disposed frontward of the center of gravity G of the enclosure 11 to counteract the upward moving tendency of the snowthrower 1. Thus, the snowthrower 1 moves in a substantially horizontal direction b, and achieves high quality snow removal. In some examples, the size of the scraping assembly 16 is increased so that the bottom edge 165 of the scraping assembly 16 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1. In some examples, the installation position of the scraping assembly 16 is moved frontward so that the bottom edge 165 of the scraping assembly 16 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1. In some examples, the installation angle of the scraping assembly 16 is changed so that the bottom edge 165 of the scraping assembly 16 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1. In some examples, the bottom edge 165 is disposed frontward of the intake housing 101. The scraping assembly 16 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1, such that the snow removal efficiency of the snowthrower 1 is increased, the user experience is improved, and the manufacturing cost is not increased.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tilting motion of the snowthrower 1 about the first contact point 133 could be understood as lever motion. As the front of the snowthrower 1 tilts upward about the first contact point 133, it could be understood that the front of the lever tilts upward about the first contact point 133. When the resistance f2 is greater than the friction f1, the forward movement of the snowthrower 1 is hindered, but the wheel assembly 13 continues to rotate in a direction c. The continued rotation of the wheel assembly 13 exerts a downward force on the rear of the lever, and a total downward force FN acted on the rear of the lever becomes greater than a total downward force acted on the front of the lever. The front of the lever, which is the enclosure 11, begins to tilt about the first contact point 133. When the bottom edge 165 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1, atotal gravity Fgtotal of the enclosure 11 increases with the snow being held on the scraping surface 166. Due to the added weight of the snow collected by the scraping assembly 16, the total gravity Fgtotal of the enclosure 11 increases, which means the total downward force acted on the front of the lever increases. Thus, the total downward force acted on the front of the lever becomes substantially equal the total downward force FN acted on the rear of the lever, and the upward movement of the front of the snowthrower 1is counteracted. As shown in FIG. 10, a ratio of a front-rear distance d1 from the bottom edge 165 to the wheel axis x9 to a front-rear distance d2 from the first axis x1 to the wheel axis x9 is greater than or equal to 1 and smaller than or equal to 1.5. In some examples, the ratio of the front-rear distance d1 from the bottom edge 165 to the wheel axis x9 to the front-rear distance d2 from the first axis x1 to the wheel axis x9 is greater than or equal to 1.05 and smaller than or equal to 1.45. In some examples, the ratio of the front-rear distance d1 from the bottom edge 165 to the wheel axis x9 to the front-rear distance d2 from the first axis x1 to the wheel axis x9 is greater than or equal to 1.2 and smaller than or equal to 1.4. In some examples, the ratio of the front-rear distance d1 from the bottom edge 165 to the wheel axis x9to the front-rear distance d2 from the first axis x1 to the wheel axis x9 is about 1.3. The distance d1 is longer than the distance d2, and the bottom edge 165 is disposed frontward of the first axis x1, such that the weight of the snow collected by the scraping assembly 16 is effectively utilized to counteract the upward movement of the front of the snowthrower 1.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in some examples, the intake housing 101 has a first sidewall 103 and a second sidewall 106. The second sidewall 106 is opposite the first sidewall 103. The first sidewall 103 and the second sidewall 106 together substantially define a front end 108 and a rear end 109 of the intake housing 101. In some examples, the first sidewall 103 and the second sidewall 106 are substantially flat. A font-rear distance d3 from the bottom edge 165 to the rear end 109 is longer than a front-rear distance d4 from the first axis x1 to the rear end 109. A front-rear distance d5 from the bottom edge 165 to the front end 108 is shorter than a front-rear distance d6 from the first axis x1 to the front end 108. A front-rear distance d7 from the bottom edge 165 to the rear end 109 is longer than a front-rear distance d8 from the center of gravity G to the rear end 109. A front-rear distance d9 from the bottom edge 165 to the front end 108 is shorter than a front-rear distance d10 from the center of gravity G to the front end 108. It is to be noted that the front-rear distance is a distance measured along the front-to-rear direction.

In some examples, the first sidewall 103 has a first front edge 104. The second sidewall 106 has a second front edge 107. At least a portion of the first front edge 104 and at least a portion of the second front edge 107 slopes rearward to an upper portion of the intake housing 101. The first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 both have a sloped portion 105a. In some examples, anangle α formed between the sloped portion 105a of the first front edge 104and a vertical line is greater than 0degrees and smaller than or equal to 40 degrees. The angle formed between the sloped portion 105a of the second front edge 107 and a vertical line has the same value with the angle α. When the snowthrower 1 moves forward, the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 would push the snow with their whole lengths if the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 were designed to be vertical along all their lengths. This means that the depth of the snow contacted by the intake housing 101 is deep, and the resistance f2 exerted by the snow to the intake housing 101 is high. At least a portion of the first front edge 104 and at least a portion of the second front edge 107 slopes rearward to an upper portion of the intake housing 101, such that the sloped portion 105a of the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 does not push the snow directly, thus the contact area between the snow and the intake housing 101 is decreased, and the resistance f2 exerted by the snow to the intake housing 101 is decreased.

In some examples, the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 both have a vertical portion 105b. When the snowthrower 1 moves forward, the vertical portion 105b of the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 contact the snow before the sloped portion 105a contact the snow. The vertical portion 105b of the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 push the snow first, so that the sloped portion 105a does not push the snow directly. The amount of the snow being contacted by the first front edge 104 and the second front edge 107 is decreased, so the resistance f2 of the snow exerted to the snowthrower 1 is decreased. The decreased resistance of the snow to the snowthrower 1 decreases the tendency of the front of the snowthrower 1 to tilt upward.

In some examples, the intake housing 101 has a width of about 28 inches and a height of about 21 inches. In some examples, the intake housing 101 has a width greater than or equal to about 18 inches and smaller than or equal to about 32 inches. In some examples, the intake housing 101 has a width greater than or equal to about 24 inches and smaller than or equal to about 28 inches. In some examples, the intake housing 101 has a height greater than or equal to about 16 inches and smaller than or equal to about 26 inches. In some examples, the intake housing 101 has a height greater than or equal to about 20 inches and smaller than or equal to about 21 inches. It is to be noted that the width of the intake housing 101 is measured from left to right, and the height of the intake housing 101 is measured from up to down.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the scraping assembly 16 is mounted to the intake housing 101 along a second axis x2. In some examples, the scraping assembly 16 substantially extends along a direction parallel to the second axis x2. A ratio of a front-rear distance L1 from the front end 108 to the second axis x2 to a front-rear distance L2 from the front end 108 to the rear end 109 is greater than or equal to 0 and smaller than or equal to 0.5. In some examples, a ratio of a front-rear distance L1 from the front end 108 to the second axis x2 to a front-rear distance L2 from the front end 108 to the rear end 109 is greater than or equal to0 and smaller than or equal to 0.4. The smaller the ratio of the distance L1 to the distance L2, the higher the strength of the intake housing 101. In some examples, the scraping assembly 16 is made of metal material. In some examples, the scraping assembly 16 is made of composite material.

In some examples, the scraping assembly 16 is fixedly mounted to the intake housing 101 with a first fastening member 167 and a second fastening member 168. The first fastening member 167 and the second fastening member 168 are disposed along the second axis x2. The first fastening member 167 mounts one end of the scraping assembly 16 to the first sidewall 103, and the second fastening member 168 mounts the other end of the scraping assembly 16 to the second sidewall 106. The intake housing 101 defines an opening 102 for the snow to enter the intake housing 101. In some examples, the opening 102 is deformable. The intake housing 101 tends to deform at the opening 102 when a large amount of snow is collected into the intake housing 101. The first sidewall 103 and the second sidewall 106 tend to move away from each other as the snow spreads in the intake housing 101. The scraping assembly 16 act as a strengthening member 21 of the intake housing 101. The closer the scraping assembly 16 is mounted to the opening 102, the less possible the intake housing 101 is going to deform at the opening 102, or the less deformation occurs at the opening 102. In some examples, the first fastening member 167 and the second fastening member 168 are screws. The scraping assembly 16 has a first mounting portion 161, a second mounting portion 162 and an extending portion 163. The first fastening member 167 fixedly mounts the first mounting portion 161 to the first sidewall 103, and the second fastening member 168 fixedly mounts the second mounting portion 162 to the second sidewall 106. In some examples, the extending portion 163 is fixedly mounted to the intake housing 101 with screws arranged at a regular interval. In some examples, the scraping assembly 16 includes an integrated scraping board 164. The first mounting portion 161, the second mounting portion 162, and the extending portion 163 integrally forms the scraping board. In some examples, the first mounting portion 161, the second mounting portion 162, and the extending portion 163 are detachably connected. In some examples, the first mounting portion 161 and the second mounting portion 162 extend substantially parallel to each other, and extend substantially upright to the extending portion 163.

As shown in FIG. 15, the scraping surface 166 is substantially defined by the extending portion 163. The scraping surface 166 forms an angle β greater than or equal to 0 degrees and smaller than or equal to 30 degrees to the ground. In some examples, the angle β is greater than or equal to 10 degrees and smaller than or equal to 20 degrees. The angle β is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and smaller than or equal to 30 degrees to the ground, so that the area of the scraping surface 166 that is configured to contact with the snow is smaller, and the resistance f2 the snow exerted to the scraping assembly 16 is smaller. The angle β is greater than or equal to 0 degrees and smaller than or equal to 30 degrees to the ground, so the gap between the scraping assembly 16 and the ground is narrower, and the snow is less possible to enter the gap between the scraping assembly 16 and the ground, thus the intake housing 101 is less possible to be lifted by the cumulated snow between the scraping assembly 16 and the ground.

As shown in FIG. 16, the first auger 127 has a first outer edge 127b. The first outer edge 127b is configured to contact the snow before the intake housing 101 contacts the snow. The first outer edge 127b is disposed frontward of the front end 108, so that when the snowthrower 1 moves on a level surface, the auger contacts the snow before the intake housing 101 contacts the snow. The first auger 127 contacts the snow before the intake housing 101 contacts the snow, such that a portion of the resistance the snow exerts to the intake housing 101 is counteracted by the rotating first auger 127. The resistance is reduced, so the tendency of the front of the snowthrower 1 to tilt upward is decreased. In some examples, a second auger 128 is connected to the shaft 121. The second auger 128 has a second outer edge 129, and the second outer edge 129 is configured to contact the snow before the intake housing 101 contacts the snow. The first auger 127 and the second auger 128 contact the snow before the intake housing 101 contacts the snow, such that a portion of the resistance the snow exerts to the intake housing 101 is counteracted by the rotating first auger 127 and the rotating second auger 128. The resistance is reduced, so the tendency of the front of the snowthrower 1 to tilt upward is decreased.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the snowthrower 1 includes a support assembly 18 connected to the intake housing 101. The support assembly 18 is set to contact the ground directly. When the snowthrower 1 moves on the ground, the support assembly 18elevates the intake housing 101 from the ground to reduce friction. The contact area between the support assembly 18 and the ground is set to be smaller than the contact area between the intake housing 101 and the ground. In some examples, the support assembly 18 includes a first support member 181 and a second support member 184, and each of the support members is installed on the two sidewalls of the intake housing 101 respectively.

The support assembly 18 is configured to contact the ground with a first material or a second material selectively. The user can select to use the first material to contact the ground or to use the second material to contact the ground according to the operating environment. In some examples, the support assembly 18 has a supporting state and a storing state. When the support assembly 18 is in the supporting state, the user can select to use the first material to contact the ground. When the support assembly 18 is in the storing state, the user can select to use the second material to contact the ground. In some examples, the first material is a metal material, and the second material is a plastic material. When the user would like the snowthrower 1 to move on the ground, the user could select to use the metal material to contact the ground because metal material is wear resistant. When the user would like to store the snowthrower 1, the user could select to use the plastic material to contact the ground because plastic material is moisture resistant, and would not get rusty in a humid storing environment. When the user would like the snowthrower 1 to move on a wooden deck or on a marble floor, the user could select to use the plastic material to contact the ground because plastic material would not scratch the ground surface.

At least a portion of the support assembly 18 is movably connected to intake housing 101. The first support member 181 includes a first support portion 182 and a second support portion 183, and the first support portion 182 and the second support portion 183 are substantially symmetrically arranged up and down. The second support member 184 includes a third support portion 185 and a fourth support portion 186, and the third support portion 185 and the fourth support portion 186 are substantially symmetrically arranged up and down. The first support portion 182 and the third support portion 185 are made of the first material, and the second support portion 183 and the fourth support portion 186 are made of the second material. In some examples, the first support portion 182 is fixedly connected to the second support portion 183, and the third support portion 185 is fixedly connected to the fourth support portion 186. The support assembly 18 is detachably mounted to the intake housing 101 with fastening members. When the user would like to change the material where the support assembly 18 contacts the ground, the user can detach the support assembly 18 from the intake housing 101 by unscrewing the fastening members, and change the direction of the support assembly 18 contacting the ground.

In some examples, the first support portion 182 is detachably connected to the second support portion 183, and the third support portion 185 is detachably connected to the fourth support portion 186. The connecting method between the support portions includes snap fit, thread fit and so on, as long as the support portions are detachable form each other. The support assembly 18 is fixedly mounted to the intake housing 101. When the user would like to change the material where the support assembly 18 contacts the ground, the user can detach the first support portion 182 form the second support portion 183, and detach the third support portion 185 from the fourth support portion 186. The support portions can reattach to each other. In some examples, after the first support portion 182 is detached from one side of the second support portion 183, the first support portion 182 can be re-attached to the other side of the second support portion 183 for storage. After the third support portion 185 is detached from the fourth support portion 186, the third support portion 185 can be re-attached to the other side of the fourth support portion 186 for storage. The user can easily select the material of the support assembly 18 to contact the ground, such that it is more convenient to use the snowthrower 1 under different working environments. In some examples, the support assembly 18 and the scraping assembly 16 are mounted to the intake housing 101 with the same fastening members, so the structure is compact and effective.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 19 and 23, the snowthrower 1 includes a handle assembly 19. The handle assembly 19 is mounted to the main body 22 of the snowthrower 1. The user holds the handle assembly 19 to move the snowthrower 1 on the ground. In some examples, the position of the handle assembly 19 relative to the main body 22 is adjustable. The user adjusts the position of the handle assembly 19 according to the height of the user. The snowthrower 1 includes a temperature regulation assembly 23. The temperature regulation assembly 23 is configured to regulate the temperature of the handle assembly 19 such that the user could hold the handle assembly 19 at a comfortable temperature. In some examples, the temperature regulation assembly 23 increases the temperature of the handle assembly 19 such that when the user holds the handle assembly 19 in winter, the handle assembly 19 keeps the user’s hands warm. The handle assembly 19 includes a supporting frame 191. The supporting frame 191 extends from a connecting end 191a that is mounted to the rear of the main body 22 to an operating end 191b that is away from the main body 22 when the snowthrower 1 is in use. The handle assembly 19 includes a first grip 192 and a first trigger 194. The first grip 192 is connected to the supporting frame 191, and is located close to the operating end 191b of the supporting frame 191. The first grip 192 is configured to be held by a user. The user grasps around the first grip 192 to push or pull the snowthrower 1. The first trigger 194 is movably connected to the first grip 192. In some examples, the first trigger 194 is rotatable around a first trigger axis x5. When the user holds the handle assembly 19 to move the snowthrower 1, a portion of the hand of the user is placed on the first grip 192, and a portion of the hand of the user is placed on the first trigger 194. The user presses or releases the first trigger 194 such that the first trigger 194 rotates around the first trigger axis x5.

The first trigger 194 has a standby state and a cooperation state. When the first trigger 194 is in the standby state, the first trigger 194 is able to be moved toward the first grip 192. When the user would like to operate the snowthrower 1, the user moves the first trigger 194 toward the first grip 192 and transfers the first trigger 194from the standby state to the cooperation state. In some examples, the user presses the first trigger 194 so that the first trigger 194 rotates around the first trigger axis x5 toward the first grip 192.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, when the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the first trigger 194 extends along a first plane P1. It is to be noted that the first plane is defined by the first trigger 194. As the first trigger 194 moves, the first plane moves with the first trigger 194. When the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state, the first trigger 194 is not allowed to move toward the first grip 192 or the movement of the first trigger 194 toward the first grip 192 is limited. In some examples, the first grip 192 stops the rotation of the first trigger 194 toward the first grip 192. In some examples, a stopping member stops the rotation of the first trigger 194 toward the first grip 192.

The first trigger 194 includes a first heating portion 195and a first remaining portion 196. The first heating portion 195 has better heat transferring ability than the first remaining portion 196. The first heating portion 195 allows a heat transfer from the first grip 192 to the user who puts the first trigger 194 into the cooperation state through the first heating portion 195. The ratio of the projection area A1of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to the projection area A2of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to1. In some examples, the ratio of the projection area A1of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to the projection area A2of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is greater than or equal to 0.3and smaller than or equal to0.8. In some examples, the ratio of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is about 0.5. In some examples, when the user presses the first trigger 194, the first trigger 194 transfers from the standby state to the cooperation state. The projection area A1of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 increases. The projection area A1of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 reaches the maximum when the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state. When the user releases the first trigger 194, the first trigger 194 transfers from the cooperation state to the standby state. A resilient member drives the first trigger 194 to transfer from the cooperation state to the standby state. The projection area A1of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 decreases. In some examples, when the first trigger 194 transfers between the standby state and the cooperation state, the projection areaA1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 is unchanged.

When the first grip 192 is heated, the heat can be transferred to the hand of the user through the first heating portion 195. Since the first trigger 194 is under the hand of the user, the larger area of the first heating portion 195, the larger area of the hand of the user where the user can receive the heat transferred through the first heating portion 195. The ratio of the projection area A1of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1, such that the first heating portion 195 covers a portion of the surface area of the first grip 192when the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state. The ratio of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is greater than or equal to 0.3 and smaller than or equal to 0.8, such that the most part of the hand of the user can be warmed by the first grip 192, and the snowthrower 1 is comfortable to use.

In some examples, the ratio of the width W1 of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to a width W2 of the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1. In some examples, the ratio of the width W1 of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to a width W2 of the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is greater than or equal to 0.3 and smaller than or equal to 0.8. It is to be noted that the width W1 of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 is the total effective width of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1, and the width W2 of the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1 is the total effective width of the projection area A2 of the first grip 192 on the first plane P1. In some examples, the width W1 of the first heating portion 195 is measured at the maximum width of the first heating portion 195, and the width W2 of the first grip 192 is measured at the maximum width of the first grip 192where the user holds. In some examples, the first heating portion 195 has a regular shape such as rectangle, circle, triangle, and etcetera. In some examples, the first heating portion 195 has an irregular shape such as parallelogram, shape of letters, shape of multiple objects, etcetera.

In some examples, the ratio of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to a projection area A3 of the first trigger 194 on the first plane P1 is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1. In some examples, the ratio of the projection area A1 of the first heating portion 195 on the first plane P1 to a projection area A3 of the first trigger 194 on the first plane P1 is greater than or equal to 0.2 and smaller than or equal to 0.5. The first heating portion 195 takes up a relatively large area of the first trigger 194, such that the temperature of the first grip 192 can be transferred to a relatively large area of the first trigger 194.

In some examples, the first trigger 194 substantially extends in a curve in the direction of a width W3 of the first trigger 194. The ratio of the width W3 of the first trigger 194 to a depth D1 of the first trigger 194 is greater than or equal to 1 and smaller than or equal to 6. In some examples, the ratio of the width W3 of the first trigger 194 to the depth D1 of the first trigger 194 is about 2. The first grip 192 is substantially cylindrical. A diameter D2 of the first grip 192 is greater than or equal to 15 mm and smaller than or equal to 50 mm. In some examples, the diameter D2 of the first grip 192 is about 30 mm.

The first trigger 194 curves toward the direction away from the first grip 192, and the first grip 192 is cylindrical, such that the first trigger 194 and the first grip 192fits with each other. When the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state, the user holds the first trigger 194 and the first grip 192 at the same time, and the first trigger 194 and the first grip 192fits into the palm of the hand of the user as a whole. The first trigger 194 and the first grip 192 together forms a roundish shape, which matches the shape of the hand of the user, so the user can comfortably hold the first trigger 194 and the first grip 192 at the same time.

The first trigger 194 includes a window 195a. The window 195a receives heat transferred from the first grip 192, and the window 195a may be hollow, may be solid, or may be any other form. In some examples, the first heating portion 195 is solid. It is to be noted that the word solid is used to describe a solid substance. A hard substance and a flexible substance are both considered solid. The thickness T1 of the first trigger 194 is greater than or equal to 2 mm and smaller than or equal to 6 mm. The thickness of the first trigger 194 is relatively thin, such that the heat loss of the heat passes through the first trigger 194 is limited. The first trigger 194 is made of a first material and a second material. The first heating portion 195 is made of the first material, and the first trigger 194 is made of the second material. In some examples, the first material is a metal material, and the second material is a plastic material. The first material has better thermal conductivity than the second material, such that when the heat transfers from the first grip 192through the first trigger 194 to the hand of the user, most of the heat is transferred through the first heating portion 195made of the first material with better thermal conductivity. The heat is concentrated to the first heating portion 195, and the material cost can be decreased. In some examples, the first trigger 194 is made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 W/mK and smaller than or equal to 450 W/mK. In some examples, the first trigger 194 is made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 50W/mK and smaller than or equal to 410 W/mK. In some examples, the first trigger 194 is made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 200W/mK and smaller than or equal to 400 W/mK.

In some examples, the first heating portion 195 is hollow. The window 195a includes a first recess 195b. The first grip 192 includes a first projection 193. The first recess 195b is configured to receive the first projection 193. In some examples, the first recess 195b is meshed. In some examples, the first recess 195b is a hole. As the first trigger 194 moves toward the first grip 192, the first projection 193 gradually passes through the first recess 195b. The first trigger 194 has a first trigger surface 194a. When the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state, the first recess 195b receives the first projection 193, and the first projection 193 projects substantially flush with the first trigger surface 194a.

The first projection 193 projects substantially flush with the first trigger surface 194a, such that the first projection 193 and the first recess 195b forms a substantially smooth surface for the user to hold. When the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state, the hand of the user contacts both the first trigger 194 and the first projection 193. The first projection 193 contacts the hand of the user, and the heat is transferred directly to the hand of the user, such that the heat is transferred from the first grip 192 to the hand of the user with little heat loss. In some examples, the first projection 193 projects from the first grip 192 by a distance h smaller than or equal to 10 mm. The distance h the first projection 193 projects from the first grip 192 is relatively small, such that the heat loss within the first projection 193 is minimized, and the heat can be transferred to the surface of the first projection 193 to warm the hand of the user within a short time.

As shown in FIG. 23, the temperature regulation assembly 23 includes a first resistance wire 231. The first resistance wire 231 is configured to warm the first grip 192. When the resistance wire is heated, the heat is transferred to the first grip 192, then the heat is transferred through the first heating portion 195 to the hand of the user. In some examples, the first resistance wire 231 is winded around the first grip 192. In some examples, the first resistance wire 231 is winded inside the first grip 192, and the first grip 192 is made of plastic material, such that the user touches the plastic material but not the resistance wire directly when holding the first grip 192, so the first grip 192 is safe and comfortable to hold.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in some examples, the handle assembly 19 includes a second grip 197 and a second trigger 198. The second grip 197 is connected to the supporting frame 191, and is located close to the operating end 191b of the supporting frame 191. The second grip 197 is configured to be held by a user. The user grasps around the second grip 197 to push or pull the snowthrower 1. The second trigger 198 is movably connected to the second grip 197. In some examples, the second trigger 198 is rotatable around a second trigger axis x6. When the user holds the handle assembly 19 to move the snowthrower 1, a portion of the hand of the user is placed on the second grip 197, and a portion of the hand of the user is placed on the second trigger 198. The user presses or releases the second trigger 198 such that the second trigger 198 rotates around the second trigger axis x6.

The second trigger 198 has a standby state and a cooperation state. When the second trigger 198 is in the standby state, the second trigger 198 is able to be moved toward the second grip 197. When the user would like to operate the snowthrower 1, the user moves the second trigger 198 toward the second grip 197 and transfers the second trigger 198 from the standby state to the cooperation state. In some examples, the user presses the second trigger 198 so that the second trigger 198 rotates around the second trigger axis x6 toward the second grip 197.

When the second trigger 198 is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the second trigger 198 extends along a second planeP2. It is to be noted that the second plane is defined by the second trigger 198. As the second trigger 198 moves, the second plane moves with the second trigger 198. When the second trigger 198 is in the cooperation state, the second trigger 198 is not allowed to move toward the second grip 197 or the movement of the second trigger 198 toward the second grip 197 is limited. In some examples, the second grip 197 stops the rotation of the second trigger 198 toward the second grip 197. In some examples, a stopping member stops the rotation of the second trigger 198 toward the second grip 197.

The second trigger 198 includes a second heating portion 199 and a second remaining portion 199a. The second heating portion 199 has better heat transferring ability than the second remaining portion 199a. The second heating portion 199 allows a heat transfer from the second grip 197 to the user who puts the second trigger 198 into the cooperation state through the second heating portion 199. The ratio of the projection area A4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 to the projection area A5 of the second grip 197 on the second plane P2 is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1. In some examples, the ratio of the projection area A4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 to the projection area A5 of the second grip 197 on the second plane P2 is greater than or equal to 0.3 and smaller than or equal to 0.8. In some examples, the ratio of the projection area A4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 to the projection area A5 of the second grip 197 on the second plane P2 is about 0.5. In some examples, when the user presses the second trigger 198, the second trigger 198 transfers from the standby state to the cooperation state. The projection areaA4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 increases. The projection area A4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 reaches the maximum when the second trigger 198 is in the cooperation state. When the user releases the second trigger 198, the second trigger 198 transfers from the cooperation state to the standby state. A resilient member drives the second trigger 198 to transfer from the cooperation state to the standby state. The projection area A4of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 decreases. In some examples, when the second trigger 198 transfers between the standby state and the cooperation state, the projection areaA4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 is unchanged.

When the second grip 197 is heated, the heat can be transferred to the hand of the user through the second heating portion 199. Since the second trigger 198 is under the hand of the user, the larger area of the second heating portion 199, the larger area of the hand of the user where the user can receive the heat transferred through the second heating portion 199. The ratio of the projection area A4of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 to the projection area A5of the second grip 197 on the second plane P2 is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1, such that the second heating portion 199 covers a portion of the surface area of the second grip 197when the second trigger 198 is in the cooperation state. The ratio of the projection area A4 of the second heating portion 199 on the second plane P2 to the projection area A5 of the second grip 197 on the second plane P2 is greater than or equal to 0.3 and smaller than or equal to 0.8, such that the most part of the hand of the user can be warmed by the second grip 197, and the snowthrower 1 is comfortable to use. In some examples, the handle assembly 19 includes a first grip 192, a first trigger 194, a second grip 197and a second trigger 198, and the movement of the first trigger 194 is not always associated with the movement of the second trigger 198, such that the first trigger 194 and the second trigger 198 can be moved at different time. The handle assembly 19 includes a first heating portion 195 and a second heating portion 199, such that both hands of the user can be warmed when the first trigger 194 is in the cooperation state and when the second trigger 198 is in the cooperation state. The handle assembly 19 is safe and flexible to operate, and both of the hands of user can be warmed.

The detailed structures and of the second grip 197 and the second trigger 198 are substantially the same with the detailed structures of the first grip 192 and the first trigger 194, so the detailed structures of the second grip 197 and the second trigger 198will not be described in this application to avoid repetition.

As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the chute assembly 14 is rotatably connected to the main body 22. After the snow is taken into the intake housing 101, the snow is discharged through the chute assembly 14. The chute assembly 14 forms a passage 141 for the snow to be discharged. In some examples, the passage 141 is a through hole. The chute assembly 14 includes a chute 142 and a deflector 143. After the snow is thrown into the chute 142, the snow first moves along the chute 142 toward the deflector 143, then the snow is guided by the deflector 143 to be discharged to the surroundings. The chute 142 is configured to rotate around a chute axis x3, and the deflector 143 is configured to rotate around a deflector axis x4. When the chute 142 rotates around the chute axis x3, the direction of the snow being discharged can be changed. When the deflector 143 rotates around the deflector axis x4, the height of the snow being discharged can be changed.

The handle assembly 19 includes an operating lever 20. The operating lever 20 has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the operating lever 20 is in the unlocked state, the operating lever 20 enables the rotation of the chute 142 and the deflector 143. When the lever is in the unlocked state, both the chute 142 and the deflector 143 can rotate relative to the main body 22, such that when the operating lever 20 is unlocked, the user can adjust both the chute 142 and the deflector 143. The user can change both the direction of the snow being discharged and the height of the snow being discharged when the lever is in the unlocked state, such that the operation process is fast and convenient.

As shown in FIGS. 28 to 31, the operating lever 20 includes a lock 201. The lock 201 allows the operating lever 20 to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state. The lock 201 has a locking end 202 and a mounting end 204. In some examples, the lock 201 slides substantially along a locking direction y to unlock 201 the operating lever 20.

The operating lever 20 includes an operating portion 205, a driving portion 206 and a lever portion 207. The operating portion 205 is configured to be operated by the user. The driving portion 206 is connected to the operating portion 205. The lever portion 207 is connected to the driving portion 206 and the lock 201. The operating portion 205 is configured to rotate along a first lever axis x7. The direction of the rotation can be horizontal or vertical. The driving portion 206 is fixedly connected to the operating portion 205. When the operating portion 205 rotates around the first lever axis x7, the driving portion 206 rotates around the first lever axis x7 with the operating portion 205. The lever portion 207 includes a driven end 208, and the lever portion 207 is configured to rotate around a second lever axis x8. The mounting end 204 of the lock 201 is fixedly connected to the lever portion 207. The lever portion 207 includes a mounting hole 209 away from the driven end 208. At least a part of the mounting end 204 is located inside the mounting hole 209. In some examples, the mounting hole 209 is a through hole. The lock 201 passes through the though hole with the locking end 202 on one side of the lever portion 207 and the mounting end 204 on the other side of the lever portion 207. A resilient member is mounted to the mounting end 204. When the user presses the operating portion 205, the operating portion 205 rotates around the first lever axis x7. The driving portion 206 rotates around the first lever axis x7, and contacts the driven end 208 to drive the lever portion 207 to rotate. The lever portion 207 rotates around the second lever axis x8, and drives the lock 201 to move substantially along the locking direction y to unlock 201 the operating lever 20. The resilient member is under compressive deformation. When the user releases the operating portion 205, the operating portion 205 rotates around the first lever axis x7. The driving portion 206 rotates around the first lever axis x7, and tends to move away from the driven end 208. The resilient member recovers from the deformation and drives the lock 201 to move substantially along the locking direction y to lock 201 the operating lever 20.

The chute assembly 14 includes a receiving portion 144. The receiving portion 144 is configured to engage with the locking end 202. When the receiving portion 144 is engaged with the locking end 202, the operating lever 20 is in the locked state. When the receiving portion 144 is not engaged with the locking end 202, the operating lever 20 is in the unlocked state. In some examples, the receiving portion 144 is toothed. In some examples, the receiving portion 144 is an irregularly-shaped hole. In some examples, the lock 201 is a pin. The locking end 202 is substantially flat. The locking end 202 has a corner 203, and the corner 203 has a radius greater than or equal to 1mm and smaller than or equal to 5mm. The locking end 202 is substantially flat and has a round corner 203, such that the contact area between the locking end 202 and the receiving portion 144 during the engagement process and the disengagement process is reduced, and the friction between the locking end 202 and the receiving portion 144 is reduced.

The operating lever 20rotates left and right to control the rotation of the chute 142, and the operating lever 20 rotates front and rear to control the rotation of the deflector 143. When the operating lever 20 is in the locked state, the lock 201 is engaged with the receiving portion 144, the operating lever 20 is not allowed to rotate either left and right or front and rear. The operating lever 20 is not allowed to rotate, so neither the chute 142 nor the deflector 143 is allowed to rotate. When the operating lever 20 is in the unlocked stated, the locked is disengaged with the receiving portion 144, the operating lever 20 is allowed to rotate left and right and front and rear. The operating lever 20 is allowed to rotate, so the chute 142 and the deflector 143 are allowed to rotate.

In some examples, when the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the left, the chute 142 rotates around the chute axis x3to the left. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the right, the chute 142 rotates around the chute axis x3to the right. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the back, the deflector 143 rotates upward around the deflector axis x4. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the front, the deflector 143 rotates downward around the deflector axis x4.

As shown in FIGS. 30 to 34, the chute assembly 14 includes a gearbox 145 and a motion transmitting device 154 configured to transmit the motion of the operating lever 20 to the gearbox 145, the chute 142, and the deflector 143. The gearbox is supported by a supporting bar 149. The motion transmitting device 154is flexible. In some examples, the motion transmitting device 154includes a first flexible member 155, a second flexible member 156, a third flexible member 157 and a fourth flexible member 158. The first flexible member 155 and the second flexible member 156 are configured to transmit the left and right rotation of the operating lever 20.The third flexible member 157 is configured to transmit the front and rear rotation of the operating lever 20. The fourth flexible member 158 is configured to transmit the movement of the lock 201. In some examples, the first flexible member 155, the second flexible member 156, the third flexible member 157 and the fourth flexible member 158 are wire ropes. In some examples, the motion transmitting device 154 can include belts, chains or flexible shaft 121s. The motion transmitting device 154can adapt to different shapes, such that packaging space of the snowthrower 1is reduced. Packaging space is reduced, so the motion transmitting device 154can be installed on the snowthrower 1 before shipping, and the user do not need to install the motion transmitting device 154 by themselves. As shown in FIG. 26, the motion transmitting device 154 extends substantially around the outer shape of the snowthrower 1, so the snowthrower 1looks compact. The gearbox 145 locates close to the chute 142, such that the transmission of motion of the operating lever 20 via the gearbox 145 to the chute 142 is accurate.

The gearbox 145 includes a reel 146, a clutch 147, a first gear 151, a second gear 152 and a third gear 153. The reel 146 and the first gear 151 are fixedly connected. The second gear 152 and the third gear 153 are fixedly connected. The clutch 147is configured to engage with the third gear 153.

The fourth flexible member 158 is connected to the clutch 147 and the lock 201. When the lock 201 disengages from the receiving portion 144 and moves away from the gearbox 145, the fourth flexible member 158 moves away from the gearbox 145. The fourth flexible member 158 drives the clutch 147 to move away from the third gear 153 and disengage from the third gear 153. In some examples, the clutch 147 is toothed, and the clutch 147 is configured to rotate around an axis. When the clutch 147 is engaged with the third gear 153, the teeth of the clutch 147engages with the teeth of the third gear 153, and the third gear 153 is not allowed to rotate. When the clutch 147 rotates away from the third gear 153, the teeth of the clutch 147 disengages from the third gear 153, and the third gear 153 is allowed to rotate. The second gear 152 is configured to engage with the first gear 151. The second gear 152 has a first lug 152a and a second lug 152b. The first lug 152a and the second lug 152b are connected to the chute 142. The first flexible member 155 and the second flexible member 156 are winded on the reel 146 with opposite winding directions. In some examples, one end of the first flexible member 155 is connected to the reel 146, and the other end of the first flexible member 155 is connected to the operating lever 20. One end of the second flexible member 156 is connected to the reel 146, and the other end of the second flexible member 156 is connected to the operating lever 20. Whenthe user rotates the operating lever 20 to the left, the operating lever 20 drives the first flexible member 155 to rotate the reel 146 to the left. The first gear 151 rotates with the reel 146, and drives the second gear 152 to rotate. The first lug 152a and the second lug 152bdrive the chute 142 to rotate to the left. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the right, the operating lever 20 drives the second flexible member 156 to rotate the reel 146 to the right. The first gear 151 rotates with the reel 146, and drives the second gear 152 to rotate. The first lug 152a and the second lug 152b drive the chute 142 to rotate to the right.

One end of the third flexible member 157 is connected to the deflector 143, and the other end of the third flexible member 157 is connected to the operating lever 20. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the front, the operating lever 20 drives the third flexible member 157 to drive the deflector 143 to rotate downward. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the back, the operating lever 20 drives the third flexible member 157 to drive the deflector 143 to rotate upward. In some examples, the chute assembly 14 includes a resilient member 148. One end of the resilient member 148 is connected to the deflector 143, and the other end of the resilient member 148 is fixedly connected to the chute 142. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the front, the operating lever 20 drives the third flexible member 157 to drive the deflector 143 to rotate downward, and the resilient member148 is stretched by the deflector 143 and stores elastic energy. When the user rotates the operating lever 20 to the back, the operating lever 20loosens the tension of the third flexible member 157, and the resilient member148 springs back to its normal shape, and drives the deflector 143 to rotate upward.

As shown in FIG. 27, the operating lever 20is located in the middle-right portion of the handle assembly 19. It is to be noted that the middle-right portion of the handle assembly 19 includes the middle portion of the handle assembly 19 and the right portion of the handle assembly 19. In some examples, the operating lever 20 locates in the middle of the handle assembly 19. The operating lever 20 locates in the middle-right portion of the assembly, such that the user can comfortably operate the operating lever 20 with right hand. In some examples, the location of the operating lever 20 is adjustable, such that the user can customize the location of the operating lever 20 to comfortably operate the operating lever 20.

As shown in FIG. 19, the handle assembly 19 includes a strengthening member 21. The strengthening member 21 strengthens the handle assembly 19. The strengthening member 21 is located close to the operating end 191b of the handle assembly 19. The operating lever 20 is mounted on the strengthening member 21. In some examples, the strengthening member 21 is integrated with the supporting frame 191. In some examples, the strengthening member 21 is flat. In some examples, the strengthening member 21 is cylindrical. In some examples, the strengthening member 21 is made of metal material.

Claims

A snowthrower, comprising:

a shaft configured to rotate around a first axis, wherein a first auger is connected to the shaft;

an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft; and

a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing;

wherein the scraping assembly comprises a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and the bottom edge is disposed frontward of the first axis.
The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein the intake housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall together substantially define a front end and a rear end of the intake housing.
The snowthrower of claim 2, wherein the first sidewall has a first front edge, the second sidewall has a second front edge, at least a portion of the first front edge and at least a portion of the second front edge slopes rearward to an upper portion of the intake housing.
The snowthrower of claim 2, wherein the scraping assembly is mounted to the intake housing along a second axis, a ratio of a front-rear distance from the front end to the second axis to a front-rear distance from the front end to the rear end is greater than or equal to 0 and smaller than or equal to 0.5.
The snowthrower of claim 4, wherein the scraping assembly is fixedly mounted to the intake housing with a first fastening member and a second fastening member, and the first fastening member and the second fastening member are disposed along the second axis.
The snowthrower of claim 2, wherein a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the rear end is longer than a front-rear distance from the first axis to the rear end.
The snowthrower of claim 2, wherein a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the front end is shorter than a front-rear distance from the first axis to the front end.
The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein the scraping assembly comprises a scraping surface forming an angle greater than or equal to 0 degrees and smaller than or equal to 30 degrees to the ground.
The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein the scraping assembly comprises an integrated scraping board.
The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein the first auger has a first outer edge, and the first outer edge is configured to contact snow before the intake housing contacts the snow.
The snowthrower of claim 10, wherein a second auger is connected to the shaft, the first auger and the second auger are arranged on the shaft along different axial positions, the second auger has a second outer edge, and the second outer edge is configured to contact the snow before the intake housing contacts the snow.
The snowthrower of claim 1, wherein the snowthrower comprises a support assembly connected to the intake housing, the support assembly is configured to elevate the intake housing from the ground and to contact the ground with a first material or a second material selectively.
The snowthrower of claim 12, wherein the support assembly has a supporting state and a storing state, when the support assembly is in the supporting state, the first material is selected to contact with the ground, when the support assembly is in the storing state, the second material is selected to contact with the ground.
The snowthrower of claim 12, wherein the first material is a metal material, and the second material is a plastic material.
The snowthrower of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the support assembly is movably connected to intake housing.
A snowthrower, comprising:

a shaft configured to rotate around an axis, wherein a first auger is connected to the shaft;

an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft;

a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing; and

an enclosure with a center of gravity consisting of the shaft, the first auger, the intake housing, and the scraping assembly;

wherein the first auger has a first inner edge defining a first inner circumference, the center of gravity is located within the first inner circumference, the scraping assembly comprises a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and the bottom edge is disposed frontward of the center of gravity.
The snowthrower of claim 16, wherein the intake housing has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall define a front end and a rear end of the intake housing.
The snowthrower of claim 17, wherein a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the rear end is longer than a front-rear distance from the center of gravity to the rear end.
The snowthrower of claim 17, wherein a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the front end is shorter than a front-rear distance from the center of gravity to the front end.
A snowthrower, comprising:

a shaft configured to rotate around a first axis, wherein a first auger is connected to the shaft;

an intake housing configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft;

a wheel assembly configured to rotate around a wheel axis; and

a scraping assembly mounted to the intake housing;

wherein the scraping assembly comprises a bottom edge configured to contact a ground, and a ratio of a front-rear distance from the bottom edge to the wheel axis to a front-rear distance from the first axis to the wheel axis is greater than or equal to 1 and smaller than or equal to 1.5.
A snowthrower, comprising:

a handle assembly mounted to a main body; and

a temperature regulation assembly configured to regulate a temperature of the handle assembly;

wherein the handle assembly comprises a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip, the first trigger comprises a first heating portion and a first remaining portion, the first heating portion has a better heat transferring ability than the first remaining portion, and the first trigger has a cooperation state, when the first trigger is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the first trigger extends along a first plane and a ratio of a projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to an projection area of the first grip on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein a ratio of a width of the projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to a width of the projection area of the first grip on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein a ratio of the projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to an projection area of the first trigger on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the first trigger substantially extends in a curve in a direction of a width of the first trigger, the ratio of the width of the first trigger to a depth of the first trigger is greater than or equal to 1 and smaller than or equal to 6.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the first grip is substantially cylindrical, a diameter of the first grip is greater than or equal to 15 mm and smaller than or equal to 50 mm.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein a thickness of the first trigger is greater than or equal to 2 mm and smaller than or equal to 6 mm.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the first trigger is made of a first material and a second material.
The snowthrower of claim 27, wherein the first material is a metal material and the second material is a plastic material.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the first trigger is made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 W/mK and smaller than or equal to 450 W/mK.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the first trigger comprises a first recess, the first grip comprises a first projection, and the first recess is configured to receive the first projection.
The snowthrower of claim 30, wherein the first trigger has a first trigger surface, the first projection projects substantially flush with the first trigger surface when the first trigger is in the cooperation state.
The snowthrower of claim 31, wherein the first projection projects from the first grip by a distance smaller than or equal to 10 mm.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the temperature regulation assembly comprises a first resistance wire configured to warm the first grip, the first resistance wire is winded inside the first grip.
The snowthrower of claim 21, wherein the handle assembly comprises a second grip configured to be held by a user and a second trigger movably cooperated with the second grip, the second trigger comprises a second heating portion and a second remaining portion, the second heating portion has better heat transferring ability than the second remaining portion, and the second trigger has a cooperation state, when the second trigger is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the second trigger extends along a second plane and a ratio of a projection area of the second heating portion on the second plane to an projection area of the second grip on the second plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.
A handle assembly for a snowthrower, comprising:

a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip, the first trigger comprises a first heating portion and a first remaining portion, the first heating portion has a better heat transferring ability than the first remaining portion, and the first trigger has a cooperation state, when the first trigger is in the cooperation state, the first heating portion allows a heat transfer from the first grip to the user who puts the first trigger into the cooperation state through the first heating portion.
A snowthrower, comprising:

a handle assembly mounted to a main body; and

a temperature regulation assembly configured to regulate a temperature of the handle assembly;

wherein the handle assembly comprises a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip, the first trigger comprises a window configured to receive heat transferred from the first grip, and the window may be hollow, may be solid, or may be any other form.
A snowthrower, comprising:

a handle assembly mounted to a main body;

a chute assembly rotatably connected to the main body; and

a temperature regulation assembly configured to regulate a temperature of the handle assembly;

wherein the handle assembly comprises a first grip configured to be held by a user and a first trigger movably cooperated with the first grip, the first trigger comprises a first heating portion and a first remaining portion, the first heating portion has a better heat transferring ability than the first remaining portion, and the first trigger has a cooperation state, when the first trigger is in the cooperation state, at least a portion of the first trigger extends along a first plane and a ratio of a projection area of the first heating portion on the first plane to an projection area of the first grip on the first plane is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1.
The snowthrower of claim 37, wherein the chute assembly comprises a chute configured to rotate around a chute axis and a deflector configured to rotate around a deflector axis, the handle assembly comprises an operating lever, the operating lever has a locked state and a unlocked state, when the operating lever is in the unlocked state, the operating lever enables rotation of the chute and the deflector, the operating lever comprises a lock, the lock allows the operating lever to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state.
The snowthrower of claim 38, wherein the lock has a locking end, and the locking end is substantially flat.
The snowthrower of claim 38, wherein the operating lever is located in a middle-right portion of the handle assembly.
The snowthrower of claim 38, wherein the handle assembly comprises a strengthening member configured to strengthen the handle assembly, the operating lever is mounted on the strengthening member.