EP2292979B1 - Cooling device for an induction hob - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cooling device for an Indusktionskochfeld having a channel for guiding the cooling air. Moreover, the invention also relates to an induction hob, which has a cooling device.

Domestic appliances such as cooktops and in particular induction cooktops have heating devices which are provided for generating heat for cooking zones on which food preparation containers can be placed. Induction hobs have to a carrier, on which the inductor is arranged. The inductor in the form of a coil can, for example, be spirally wound and arranged in a holder made of plastic, wherein the holder is arranged on the carrier. For cooling this inductor, a cooling device is provided. However, conventional cooling devices are limited in terms of their cooling options. Especially with regard to a cooling of the electronics of the hob, an additional cooling device is provided or the cooling with that cooling device, which is also provided for cooling the inductor is only very limited possible. In addition, by the direct flow of the electronics through the cooling air, these are also exposed to undesirable impurities in the form of dust particles or the like, which is located in the cooling air.

The EP 0 561 219 A1 discloses an inductive hotplate heating.

The WO 2008/064993 A1 discloses a heater assembly.

The DE 10 2005 005 527 A1 discloses an induction heater and hob with such an induction heater.

The EP 1 445 544 A1 discloses a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop.

The DE 199 35 835 A1 discloses an induction hob with cooling fan.

The JP 1 105489 A discloses an induction-heated cooking utensil.

The EP 1 628 342 A1 discloses a heat sink and a heat sink assembly.

Finally, the reveals EP 1 936 283 A2 a cooking appliance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling device for an induction hob, by means of which the improved cooling of components can be achieved and in particular the contamination of the electronics can be avoided by directly flowing cooling air.

This object is achieved by a cooling device having the features of claim 1, and an induction hob having the features of claim 12.

A domestic appliance cooling device according to the invention comprises a duct for guiding cooling air. The channel is formed open on one longitudinal side and on this open longitudinal side, a cooling body is arranged, which is designed for heat dissipation of electronic components and which closes the longitudinal side of the channel. The heat sink thus at the same time also forms a closing device of this open longitudinal side of the channel. By such a design of the cooling device, this can be made particularly compact and stable and also allows a much improved cooling of components. In particular, this avoids the avoidance of a direct flow of the electronic components through cooling air, which also prevents the application of dust or other dirt particles.

On an inner wall of an upper part of the channel and on an inner wall of a lower part of the channel at least one elevation is formed, which in a Gap in between the space between a second part of the heat sink and spaced therefrom arranged ribs of a first part of the heat sink. This also contributes positively to the positional fixation of the components relative to one another. In particular, a reliable attachment can thus be made possible by manufacturing technology simple yet robust and low-wear elements. This simplifies assembly, which also saves costs.

The channel is rectilinear and in cross-section U-shaped. Such a shape is particularly advantageous because the basic construction of the channel can be made stable and closed except for the already desired open longitudinal side over the entire length. The flow guidance can be optimized thereby.

It is preferably provided that the channel surrounds a first part of the heat sink which extends into the channel and is provided with cooling ribs, and the first part bears against an inner wall of the open longitudinal side of the opposite side part. The heat sink is therefore designed and locally positioned so that it is positioned in the flow of cooling air, so that a particularly effective heat dissipation is possible. In addition, it can be virtually arranged space-minimized and protected within the channel and positioned by the shape of the channel, in particular the U-shape inside. In addition, a mechanically stable design of the cooling device can be created by the mechanical contacting of this first part with the inner wall of the channel closing side part. Not least, this also ensures a position-stable attachment of the channel relative to the heat sink, so that undesirable relative movements can be avoided in this context.

Preferably, the heat sink extends over the entire open longitudinal side of the channel. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment, since thus over the entire Flow path of the cooling air in the channel this quasi flows along the heat sink and thereby a particularly advantageous cooling effect and a particularly large heat dissipation can be ensured.

Preferably, the heat sink is an elongated rail, which is connected to an upper part and a lower part of the channel, in particular at the exposed edges of the upper part and the lower part is connected thereto. Also by this positioning and attachment a stable attachment of the components can be ensured together and the cooling effect can be increased.

Preferably, the heat sink abuts with an upper edge of a second part on an inner wall of an upper part of the channel, and a lower edge of the second part of the heat sink is abutted against a front edge of the lower part of the channel. This mechanical contact is particularly advantageous in that the positionally stable fixation of the heat sink relative to the channel can be ensured in several spatial directions. In particular, in the spatial directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel thus positionally stable attachment can be achieved.

Preferably, the heat sink is non-destructively releasably connected to the channel. As a result, for assembly purposes, for maintenance purposes or other activities, a separation of these parts can be made, whereby also the accessibility to specific zones of the channel and / or the heat sink is improved. In addition, this assembly can be dismantled and dismantled several times by this non-destructive detachable arrangement.

Preferably, the heat sink is integrally formed and formed of a thermally conductive material, in particular of metal. Preferably, the channel is integrally formed, in particular made of plastic. The releasable connection of the heat sink to the channel can also be formed, for example, by a latching mechanism or a clipping or the like.

The channel preferably has a receiving flange at a first end, which in particular constitutes a circumferential receiving flange which widens away from the channel. At this mounting flange, a blower with a housing attachable. Preferably, the receiving flange is formed so that it limits the open longitudinal side viewed in the longitudinal direction of the channel. As a result, the receiving flange in the assembled state of the channel with the heat sink also forms a stop for the heat sink in the longitudinal direction of the channel, wherein in this context and thus also in the third spatial direction, a position fixation is ensured.

Preferably, the channel at a second end, which is opposite to the first end, on an air deflection, which has an inclined baffle and which is open to the inside. Also, this Luftumlenkelement is preferably designed so that it limits the open longitudinal side of the channel at this second end and is in particular designed so that it also considered the stop for the heat sink in the longitudinal direction of the channel represents. For this purpose, a further position fixation to avoid a relative movement of the heat sink and the channel is given in the longitudinal direction of the channel.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an induction hob, which has a cooling device according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The cooling device is arranged on an underside of a support for a heating device of the hob, in particular an inductor, and designed for cooling the heating device. In particular, the carrier has through holes, for example slots, through which the cooling air generated by the fan and guided by the cooling device can be conducted, and in particular can also be conducted through the inductor. The cooling device can be arranged by screw or by locking elements or the like on the underside of the carrier.

It is envisaged that reinforcing struts are mounted on the outside of the channel, so that the torsional stiffness of the channel is improved.

The cooling fins of the stiffening struts also serve as a support of the cooling device on the underside of the carrier, so that the channel is positioned at a distance to the underside of the carrier. In particular, the height of the stiffening strut is between 6 mm and 10 mm, so that the first part of the heat sink located in the channel is preferably located about 8 mm away from the underside of the carrier.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations and / or the features and feature combinations shown in the figures alone are not only in the respectively indicated combination but also also usable in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Kanals einer Kühlvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Kühlvorrichtung von oben;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Kühlvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 von unten;

Fig. 4

einen Teilausschnitt eines Induktionskochfelds von unten mit einer Kühlvorrichtung gemäß den Ausführungen in Fig. 2 und Fig. 3; und

Fig. 5

eine Schnittdarstellung durch das Induktionskochfeld mit einer montierten Kühlvorrichtung und einem montierten Schaltungsträger.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of a channel of a cooling device;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an embodiment of a cooling device from above;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the cooling device according to Fig. 2 from underneath;

Fig. 4

a partial section of an induction cooktop from below with a cooling device according to the embodiments in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 ; and

Fig. 5

a sectional view through the induction hob with a mounted cooling device and a mounted circuit board.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a channel 1 of a cooling device 2 ( Fig. 2 ). The channel 1 is designed and arranged for guiding cooling air for cooling inductors of an induction hob. The channel 1 is integrally formed and made of plastic. The channel 1 is also formed in a straight line and has an upper part 3, a lower part 4 and a side part 5 in the embodiment. The lateral part 5 opposite longitudinal side 6 is formed open in contrast. The channel 1 thus has a U-shape in cross section, which is laid laterally. On the outer side of the upper part 3, the lower part 4 and the side part 5 circumferential reinforcing struts 7, 8, 9 and 10 and 11 are formed. These serve to stiffen the channel 1 and beyond as supporting supports for mounting on a support 12 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) of the induction hob.

Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, the channel 1 has a first end 13, on which a frame-like, completely circumferential flange 14 is integrally formed. The receiving flange 14 is formed widened from the end 13 to the front edge facing away from the end 13. The receiving flange 14 is for receiving a housing of a blower 15 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) educated.

Due to the completely circumferential design and the special arrangement of the receiving flange 14, a side wall 16 is formed so that it viewed in the direction of the axis A as a stop for a heat sink 17 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) serves.

In addition, the channel 1 comprises, at an opposite second end 18, an air deflection element 19, which has an inclined deflection wall 20. The deflecting element 19 is designed to be open on its underside 21, so that the gaseous medium flowing through the channel 1 reaches the deflecting wall 20 and from there exits via the opening of the deflecting element 19 to the outside.

The deflecting element 19 furthermore has a side wall 22 which, like the side wall 16 of the receiving flange 14, delimits the longitudinal side 6 to the front and to the rear. In addition, the side wall 22 also serves as a stop for the heat sink 17, so that it can be fixed positionally stable in the direction of the longitudinal axis A.

In Fig. 2 is shown in a plan view of the cooling device 2, to which the heat sink 17 is connected to the channel 1. The heat sink 17 is designed so that it is designed to receive electronic components 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28. The heat generated by the electronic components 23 to 28 during operation is dissipated via the heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 is elongated and arranged on the channel 1, that the open longitudinal side 6 is closed by this heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 comprises a first part which extends into the channel 1, the first part 29 (FIG. Fig. 3 ) is formed with a plurality of in the direction of the longitudinal axis A and spaced from each other arranged cooling fins. The cooling fins extend both upwards and downwards. In addition, the heat sink 17 comprises a second part 30, which extends outside the channel 1, wherein this tapers away from the channel 1. That is, the second part 30 has an inclined one Surface 31, on which the electronic components 23 to 28 are mounted. The heat sink 17 is integrally formed and designed in particular of metal. The heat sink 17 is also releasably connected to the channel 1.

Preferably, the first part 29 extends over the entire width of the channel in the interior of this channel 1. This is in Fig. 1 as in Fig. 5 shown.

The heat sink 17 is designed in terms of its height at the junction with the channel 1 in the region of the open longitudinal side 6 so that it is contacted with the upper part 3 and the lower part 4.

The channel 1 thus engages in the assembled state, the first part 29 of the heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 is also elongated and extends over the entire open longitudinal side. 6

In Fig. 3 is a perspective view from below of the cooling device 2 is shown.

In the illustration according to Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the carrier 12 is shown, wherein the cooling device 2 is shown in the not yet mounted state on the support 12. The carrier 12 has slots 32 through which the cooling air flow generated by the fan 15 is transported to the opposite side of the carrier 12 and there, the inductors are cooled. In addition, it is achieved with the cooling air flow that the waste heat generated by the electronic components 23 to 28 is dissipated. Due to the specific positioning and arrangement of the heat sink 17 and its configuration, the cooling air flow flows over the entire length of the heat sink 17, whereby the cooling effect and the heat dissipation is particularly advantageous.

On the opposite side of the carrier 12, a holding element made of plastic is arranged, which is designed to receive the preferably spirally wound inductor coil.

In Fig. 5 is shown in a schematic sectional view of the induction hob 33. In this case, the cooling device 2 is shown in the assembled state. It is recognizable, the channel 1 completely accommodates the first part 29 with its cooling ribs. This first part 29 extends over the entire width (viewed in the x direction) of the channel 1 and abuts against an inner wall 34 of the side part 5. In addition, elevations 37 and 38 are formed on an inner wall 35 of the upper part 3 and on an inner wall 36 of the lower part 4 of the channel 1. These extend into intermediate spaces 39 and 40. The intermediate spaces 39 and 40 are arranged between the second part 30 and the first cooling fins 41 and 42 spaced therefrom. As a result, the positionally stable arrangement of the heat sink 17 can be ensured to the channel 1, so that an undesirable relative movement in the x-direction and y-direction between the channel 1 and the heat sink 17 can be avoided. This is further facilitated by the fact that an upper edge 43 of the second part 30 abuts against the inner wall 35 and a stop in the y-direction is formed. In addition, a lower edge 44 of the second part 30 abuts against a front edge 45 of the lower part 4, so that this front edge 45 serves as a quasi stop in the x-direction for the second part 17. The height of the stiffening element 8 is dimensioned so that the first part 29 of the heat sink 17 is spaced about 8 mm from the underside of the carrier 12.

In addition, a circuit carrier 46 is formed, which receives the electronic components 23 to 28, wherein moreover further electronic components are arranged thereon. The circuit carrier 46 is arranged with its underside about 6.5 mm from the underside of the carrier 12 spaced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

channel

2

cooler

3

top

4

lower part

5

side panel

6

long side

7, 8, 9, 10, 11

reinforcing struts

12

carrier

13

first end

14

receiving flange

15

fan

16

Side wall

17

heatsink

18

second end

19

Air redirecting

20

baffle

21

bottom

22

Side wall

23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

electronic components

29

first part

30

second part

31

inclined surface

32

slots

33 3

Induction hob

34, 35, 36

interior walls

37, 38

surveys

39, 40

interspaces

41, 42

cooling fins

43

upper edge

44

lower edge

45

front edge

46

circuit support

A

longitudinal axis

Claims (12)

1. Cooling device for an induction hob (33), having a channel (1) for guiding cooling air for cooling inductors of the inductor hob, wherein the channel (1) is embodied as open at a longitudinal side (6) and a cooling body (17) of the cooling device is arranged at said open side (6) and is embodied to dissipate heat from electronic components (24 to 28), and the longitudinal side (6) of the channel (1) is closed by the cooling body (17), characterised in that the channel (1) is embodied as integrally formed and straight and is made of plastic, wherein the channel (1) has a top part (3), a bottom part (4) and a side part (5), wherein a longitudinal side (6) opposite the side part (5) is in contrast embodied as open, so that in cross-section the channel (1) has a U-shape which is laid on its side, wherein circumferential reinforcing struts (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) are embodied on an exterior of the top part (3), of the bottom part (4) and of the side part (5), serving to reinforce the channel (1) and in addition acting as bracing supports for mounting on a support (12) of the induction hob, wherein embodied on an inner wall (35) of the top part (3) of the channel (1) and on an inner wall (36) of the bottom part (4) of the channel (1) in each case is at least one elevation (37, 38), which extend into an intermediate space (39, 40) between a second part (30) of the cooling body (17) and ribs (41, 42), arranged spaced apart therefrom, of a first part (29) of the cooling body (17).
2. Cooling device according to claim 1, characterised in that the channel (1) engages with the first part (29) of the cooling body (17) extending into the channel (1) and provided with cooling ribs (41, 42) and the first part (29) abuts an inner wall (34) of the side part (5) opposite the open longitudinal side (6).
3. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cooling body (17) extends across the whole longitudinal side (6) of the channel (1).
4. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cooling body (17) is an elongated rail which is connected to the top part (3) and the bottom part (4) of the channel (1).
5. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cooling body (17) with the first part (29) embodied with ribs (41, 42) extends in the channel (1), in particular across the whole width of the channel (1), and the second part (30) of the cooling body (17) located outside the channel (1) is embodied to taper from the end arranged on the channel (1) to the end facing away from the channel (1).
6. Cooling device according to claim 5, characterised in that the second part (30) of the cooling body (17) has an inclined receptive surface (31) on which electronic components (24 to 28) are arranged.
7. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cooling body (17) abuts, with a top edge (43) of the second part (30), an inner wall (35) of a top part (3) of the channel (1), and a bottom edge (44) of the second part (30) is arranged to abut a front edge (45) of the bottom part (4) of the channel (1).
8. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cooling body (17) is embodied as integrally formed and is made of a heat-conducting material, in particular metal.
9. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cooling body (17) is detachably arranged on the channel (1).
10. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel has, on a first end (13), a receiving flange (14), in particular a circumferential receiving flange (14) that expands towards the side facing away from the channel (1), on which a fan (15) can be mounted.
11. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel (1) has, at a second end (18), an air deflection element (19) which has an inclined deflection wall (20) and which is open downwards.
12. Induction hob (33) which has a cooling device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged on an underside of a support (12) for a heating device, in particular an inductor, and is embodied to cool the heating device.

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