EP4600422A1

EP4600422A1 - Snow blower and heat exchanger assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4600422A1
Application number: EP25155802.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas James
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2024-02-06
Filing date: 2025-02-04
Publication date: 2025-08-13
Also published as: CN120443579A; AU2025200644A1; US20250250755A1; AU2025200816A1

Abstract

A snow blower includes a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more walking elements, a chute, and a heatsink. The frame may define a snow flow path. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame. The one or more walking elements may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The heatsink may include a cold-side face disposed along the snow flow path in fluid communication therewith and a hot-side face disposed apart from the snow flow path.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Although snow blowers can greatly reduce the amount of human effort to clear an area of snow, existing appliances still maintain certain drawbacks during use. For instance, although snow blowers are generally configured to operate in cold or low-temperature environments, heat management may cause issues. This may be especially pronounced in elements that generate heat while being generally intolerant of moisture. Such elements may include a motor or electronics control board. Although increased airflow may mitigate heat generation (and issues arising from the same), this may be difficult to provide while keeping the elements apart from snow and other sources of moisture.
Accordingly, snow blowers, features, or methods of operation are desired in the art. In particular, systems or methods that significantly mitigate heat (e.g., while preventing moisture interference) to one or more heat-generating element would be advantageous.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.
In accordance with one embodiment, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more walking elements, a chute, and a heatsink. The frame may define a snow flow path. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame. The one or more walking elements may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The heatsink may include a cold-side face disposed along the snow flow path in fluid communication therewith and a hot-side face disposed apart from the snow flow path.
In accordance with another embodiment, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more walking elements, a chute, a control board, and a heatsink. The frame may define a snow flow path. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame. The one or more walking elements may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The control board may be attached to the frame apart from the snow flow path. The heatsink may include a cold-side face and a hot-side face. The cold-side face may be disposed along the snow flow path in fluid communication therewith rearward from the rotatable auger. The hot-side face may be disposed apart from the snow flow path in thermal communication with the control board to draw heat therefrom.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 provides a side elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 provides a front elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 provides a front perspective view of a portion of a snow blower according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 provides a front elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a snow blower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a portion snow blower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 provides a portion snow blower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 provides a front elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to yet other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a portion snow blower according to yet other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 11 provides a front elevation view of a portion of a snow blower according to still other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.
As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., "a controller," "a processor," "a microprocessor," etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, "a processing element" is generally understood as "one or more processing element." Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by "the processing element" or "said processing element" are generally understood to be capable of being performed by "any one of the one or more processing elements." Thus, a first step or function performed by "the processing element" may be performed by "any one of the one or more processing elements," and a second step or function performed by "the processing element" may be performed by "any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed." Moreover, it is understood that recitation of "the processing element" or "said processing element" performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.
Terms of approximation, such as "about," "generally," "approximately," or "substantially," include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a snow blower 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, snow blower 100 defines a mutually orthogonal vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. The snow blower 100 includes a frame 102, one or more motors 104 (e.g., element motor 104a or wheel motor 104b), an auger 106 coupled (e.g., rotatably mounted) to the frame 102, such as disposed in an auger housing 108, and a handle assembly 110 extending from the frame 102. As illustrated, the handle assembly 110 can extend from a rear end of the frame 102 in a generally vertical and rearward direction. A battery compartment 112 can be coupled to the frame 102 to receive one or more batteries (not illustrated) which can provide power to the one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g., one more electric motors). In other embodiments, motors 104 can be powered by an AC connection. In other embodiments, motors 104 can include an engine powered by fuel. In such embodiments, the battery compartment 112 can be replaced or supplemented with a fuel storage tank (not illustrated) which stores fuel for powering the engine.
The snow blower 100 is supported by walking elements, e.g., continuous treads or wheels 114. In optional embodiments, the wheels 114 are provided as a pair of driven wheels that can be driven or rotated by a discrete wheel motor 104b (e.g., separate from element motor 104a). As illustrated, the wheel motor 104b may be supported on the frame 102 apart from the element motor 104a. Although the driven wheels 114 may be motivated or rotated by wheel motor 104b, an operator or user may additionally or alternatively selectively push the snow blower 100 (e.g., manually).
It is noted that although the illustrated snow blower 100 is shown as a single-stage snow blower, the present disclosure is not limited to the same and may be applicable to any suitable snow blowing power tool, such as a dual-stage (e.g., impeller) snow blower, self-propelled snow blower, manually propelled or push snow blower, etc.
In some embodiments, a controller 150 may be provided in operative communication with one or more components of snow blower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, etc.). The controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like (e.g., mounted on or included with a control board), such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of snow blower 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate snow blower 100 or execute an operation routine. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 150 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout snow blower 100 (e.g., as described in greater detail below). Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between controller 150 and various operational components of snow blower 100. One or more components of snow blower 100 may be in operative communication (e.g., electric communication) with controller 150 via one or more conductive signal lines or shared communication busses.
Optionally, the snow blower 100 can include one or more lighting elements (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, commonly referred to as LEDs) configured to illuminate one or more areas of the environment in which the snow blower 100 is operating. For example, the snow blower 100 can include a light 134 disposed on the auger housing 108.
The auger housing 108 generally houses the auger 106 (e.g., such that the auger 106 is housed below the top wall 108a -FIG. 3-and rearward from the front opening 130). Moreover, auger housing 108 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with a chute 116. Moreover, the auger housing 108 can be connected with the chute 116 mechanically, electrically, or both. The chute 116 can extend, for example, above the auger housing 108. Specifically, the top wall 108a of the auger housing 108 may define a chute passage on or about which the chute 116 is mounted and from which the chute 116 extends. The chute 116 can direct discharged snow in a desired direction. Separately or together, the auger housing 108 and chute 116 may generally define a snow flow path 120 along which the snow blower 100 moves such that snow is collected into and discharged from the snow blower 100. Thus, snow entering the snow blower 100 at the front opening 130 may travel along the snow flow path 120 through the auger housing and then upward (e.g., as motivated by the auger 106) through the chute 116 before being discharged from the snow blower 100 and snow flow path 120 thereof. Moreover, snow passing along the auger housing 106 outward from the front opening 130 (e.g., passing along an exterior panel of the auger housing) may move along the snow flow path 120 as pushed by the outer surface of the auger housing 106.
In some embodiments, the chute 116 can rotate about a (e.g., vertical) chute axis A. The chute 116 can include a moveable deflector 118 configured to rotate the discharge direction about a horizontal axis. In this regard, the direction and height of discharged snow can be controlled. In certain instances, the direction of at least one of the chute 116 and moveable deflector 118 can be controlled by the operator at the handle assembly 110. For instance, a chute lever 126 may be provided on the handle assembly 110 to selectively rotate the chute 116. Additionally or alternatively, a movable flap lever may be provided on the chute 116 to selectively rotate the moveable deflector 118.
In certain embodiments, handle assembly 110 include a top handle 110c (e.g., as an unbroken unitary piece or having left and right portions to receive a user's left and right hands, respectively). One or more inputs for controlling snow blower 100 may be provided on or proximal to top handle 1 10c. Although top handle 110c is shown as a single-piece construction handle having left and right portions to receive a user's left and right hands, respectively, in other instances, the handle assembly 110 can include a multi-piece construction (e.g., having multiple discrete handles to receive a user's hands). The top handle 110c can be coupled to one or more additional portions, which extend from the frame 102 to the first and second handles 110a and 110b (e.g., to support the top handle 110c or permit selective height adjustments or storage configurations of the handle assembly 110).
The handle assembly 110 generally includes one or more controls associated with controlling operational aspect(s) of the snow blower 100. By way of non-limiting example, the handle assembly 110 can include a power button 122 and one or more speed inputs (e.g., speed input 124) operably coupled to a controller 150.
Optionally, the speed input 124 may define a set range of motion (e.g., pivoting motion) between a predefined maximum and minimum. For instance, the speed input 124 may define a range of motion corresponding to a range of rotational speeds between a top speed (e.g., as defined by RPM or power draw) and a base speed (e.g., as defined by RPM or power draw). The top speed of auger 106 may be set as the maximum of the range of motion, while the base speed may be set as the minimum range of motion of speed input 124.
Turning now generally to FIGS. 2 through 11, various views are provided of a portion of snow blower 100, including auger housing 108. As shown, a heat exchange assembly (HEA) 300 may be provided to advantageously cool one or more heat-generating components. Generally, HEA includes a heatsink 310 (e.g., formed from or including a suitable conductive metal, such as steel or aluminum, including alloys thereof). For instance, the heatsink 310 may include or be provided as a conductive block or plurality of conductive elements. As further described below, the heatsink may include a plurality of metal fins. When assembled, heatsink 310 is attached to the frame 102. In particular, the heatsink 310 may be attached to frame 102 along at least a portion of the snow flow path 120. For instance, the heatsink 310 may be disposed above (e.g., at a higher vertical position than) at least a portion of the rotatable auger 106. In the illustrated embodiments, the heatsink 310 is disposed above the horizontal axis of auger rotation. Moreover, the heatsink 310 is disposed above the entirety of the auger 106 (e.g., including the flights thereof). In additional or alternative embodiments, the heatsink 310 (e.g., the cold-side face 320 thereof) is disposed downstream from the rotatable auger 106. The heatsink 310 may further be disposed rearward from the rotatable auger 106.
Optionally, the heatsink 310 may be disposed below (e.g., at a lower vertical position than) the chute 116. In particular, the heatsink 310 (e.g., the cold-side face 320 thereof) may be disposed upstream from the chute 116 (e.g., relative to the snow flow path 120) along the snow flow path 120. Nonetheless, it is noted that even embodiments including the heatsink 310 upstream from the chute 116, snow may not be required to pass over heatsink 310 prior to passing to or through chute 116. For instance, during use it may be possible for some volume of snow to accumulate on heatsink 310 such that other volumes of snow flow over the accumulated snow volume. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of snow may flow to chute 116 from a portion of snow flow path 120 that is spaced apart from the heatsink 310.
In some embodiments, the heatsink 310 is mounted on or within the auger housing 108. As shown, the auger housing 108 may include a plurality of sidewalls (e.g., formed as discrete wall members or, alternatively, as a continuous unit defining separate sidewalls at one or more integral wall bends) below the top wall 108a. In the illustrated embodiments, the auger housing 108 extends along the transverse direction T from the front opening 130 to a back wall 312. The back wall 312 is disposed between a pair of shoulder guides or lateral sidewalls 314. Thus, the auger housing 108 may extend rearward from the front opening 130 to the back wall 312. Moreover, the auger housing 108 may extend laterally between the pair of lateral sidewalls 314.
In some such embodiments, the heatsink 310 is disposed rearward from the auger 106. For instance, the heatsink 310 may be mounted on or at one of the plurality of sidewalls. As an example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4, the heatsink 310 may be disposed on the back wall 312. As additional or alternative examples, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 , the heatsink 310 may be disposed on one of the pair of lateral sidewalls 314. For instance, and as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, the heatsink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an interior panel 314A of the corresponding lateral sidewall 314. Additionally or alternatively, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the heatsink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an exterior panel 314B of the corresponding lateral sidewall 314. Thus, the heatsink may contact air or snow disposed in the snow flow path outside of the cavity of the auger housing 106. Further additionally or alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, two or more heatsinks 310 may be provided, such as on opposite sides of a heat-generating component (e.g., 350). For instance, a first heatsink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an interior panel 314A of the corresponding lateral sidewall 314 while a second heatsink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an exterior panel 314B of the corresponding lateral sidewall 314.
Generally, the heatsink 310 includes a cold-side face 320 and a hot-side face 322 (e.g., from which heat is conducted). The cold-side face 320 may be held within or otherwise interface with the snow flow path 120. For instance, the cold-side face 320 may be disposed within the auger housing 108 (e.g., on one of the sidewalls). The hot-side face 322 may be held apart from or outside of the snow flow path 120. During use, such as snow-moving operations in which snow is motivated along the snow flow path 120, heat may be conducted from the hot-side face 322 to the cold-side face 320 and, in turn, to the snow flow path wherein heat may be dissipated or absorbed (e.g., by the snow or relatively cold air within the snow flow path 120).
Generally, a heatsink 310 may be formed according to any suitable shape or pattern. A high-surface-area texture or face may be provided at one or more portions of the heatsink 310. In some embodiments, the heatsink 310 includes one or more extended members. For instance, the heatsink 310 may include a plurality of fins 324 (e.g., formed on the cold-side face 320 or otherwise disposed within the auger housing 108). As shown, the plurality of fins 324 may generally extend from the bottom of heatsink 310 to the top of heatsink 310 (i.e., generally in the vertical direction V). Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of fins 324 may be spaced apart from each other (e.g., horizontally) in mutual parallel, or in another suitable configuration.
Outside of the snow flow path 120, one or more heat-generating (e.g., electronic) components 350 may be engaged or otherwise interface with the heatsink 310. As an example, a motor or control board 350 having one or more electrical elements or processors may be in thermal communication (e.g., conductive thermal communication) with the heatsink 310. When assembled, the heat-generating component 350 may be in conductive thermal communication (e.g., contact) with the heatsink 310 at the hot-side face 322. For instance, the heat-generating component 350 may be enclosed within a compartment 360 (e.g., defined by the auger housing 108) while being in conductive thermal communication with the hot-side face 322 directed at (or disposed at least in part within) the compartment 360.
As noted above, heat may be conducted from the hot-side face 322 to the cold-side face 320 during use of the snow blower 100. Thus, heat may be directed from the heat-generating component to the cold-side face 320. Moreover, snow or air within the snow flow path 120 may advantageously aid in heat dissipation from the heat-generating component (e.g., control board 350). Additionally or alternatively, heat generated at the heat-generating component may be efficiently applied to the snow flow path, which may advantageously prevent the restriction of the snow flow path 120, such as might otherwise be caused by buildup or refreezing of snow within the snow flow path (e.g., without requiring an increased power draw or additional heat-generating component 350).
In the illustrated embodiments, a control board 350 (e.g., included with or provided as the controller 150) is mounted in conductive thermal communication with the heatsink 310. The control board 350 is mounted within a compartment 360 (e.g., electronics compartment) outside of and in fluid isolation from the snow flow path 120 defined by the auger housing 108 (i.e., the enclosed portion thereof in which auger 106 is disposed). Thus, the control board 350 is enclosed within a compartment 360 defined by the frame apart from the snow flow path 120. Nonetheless, the control board 350 is in conductive thermal communication with the hot-side face 322 of the heatsink 310 such that heat may be conducted from the control board 350 and to the cold-side face 320 (e.g., and thereby to the snow or relatively cold air within the snow flow path). In optional embodiments, an internal board casing 362 is provided on or over at least a portion of the heat-generating component 350. For instance, the internal board casing 362 may enclose the heat-generating component within the compartment 360. In certain embodiments, such as those illustrated at FIGS. 6 through 11, the internal board casing 362 is secured against a panel of the auger housing 108 (e.g., a lateral sidewall 314), covering the heat-generating component 350, further enclosed within the compartment 360. In some such embodiments, the heatsink 310 is in conductive thermal communication with the heat-generating component 350 through a wall of the internal board casing 362.

1. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining a snow flow path; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame; one or more walking elements mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; a chute extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; and a heatsink comprising a cold-side face disposed along the snow flow path in fluid communication therewith and a hot-side face disposed apart from the snow flow path.
2. The snow blower of embodiment 1, wherein the heatsink is disposed above at least a portion of the rotatable auger.
3. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the cold-side face is disposed downstream from the rotatable auger.
4. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the cold-side face is disposed upstream from the chute.
5. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the heatsink is disposed below the chute.
6. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the frame comprises a top wall supporting the chute and an auger housing within which the rotatable auger is mounted, wherein the heatsink is mounted on the auger housing.
7. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the auger housing comprises a plurality of sidewalls below the top wall, wherein the heatsink is mounted on one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.
8. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising: a heat-generating component in conductive thermal communication with the heatsink at the hot-side face.
9. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the heat-generating component is mounted within an electronics compartment outside of and in fluid isolation from the snow flow path.
10. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising: an internal board casing enclosing the heat-generating component within a compartment defined by the auger housing.
11. A snow blower comprising: a frame defining a snow flow path; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame; one or more walking elements mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower; a chute extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; a control board attached to the frame apart from the snow flow path; and a heatsink comprising a cold-side face and a hot-side face, the cold-side face being disposed along the snow flow path in fluid communication therewith rearward from the rotatable auger, the hot-side face being disposed apart from the snow flow path in thermal communication with the control board to draw heat therefrom.
12. The snow blower of embodiment 11, wherein the heatsink is disposed above at least a portion of the rotatable auger.
13. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 or 12, wherein the cold-side face is disposed downstream from the rotatable auger.
14. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the cold-side face is disposed upstream from the chute.
15. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 to 14, wherein the heatsink is disposed below the chute.
16. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 to 15, wherein the frame comprises a top wall supporting the chute and an auger housing within which the rotatable auger is mounted, wherein the heatsink is mounted on the auger housing.
17. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 to 16, wherein the auger housing comprises a plurality of sidewalls below the top wall, wherein the heatsink is mounted on one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.
18. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 to 17, wherein the control board is mounted within an electronics compartment outside of and in fluid isolation from the snow flow path.
19. The snow blower of any one or more of the embodiments 11 to 18, further comprising: an internal board casing enclosing the control board within a compartment defined by the auger housing.

Claims

A snow blower (100) comprising:
a frame (102) defining a snow flow path (120);

a rotatable auger (106) mounted to the frame (102);

one or more walking elements (114) mounted to the frame (102) apart from the rotatable auger (106) to support the snow blower (100);

a chute (116) extending from the frame (102) above the rotatable auger (106) ; and

a heatsink (310) comprising a cold-side face (320) disposed along the snow flow path (120) in fluid communication therewith and a hot-side face (322) disposed apart from the snow flow path (120).
The snow blower (100) of claim 1, wherein the heatsink (310) is disposed above at least a portion of the rotatable auger (106).
The snow blower (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cold-side face (320) is disposed downstream from the rotatable auger (106).
The snow blower (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cold-side face (320) is disposed upstream from the chute (116).
The snow blower (100) of claim 4, wherein the heatsink (310) is disposed below the chute (116).
The snow blower (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (102) comprises a top wall (108a) supporting the chute (116) and an auger housing (108) within which the rotatable auger (106) is mounted,
wherein the heatsink (310) is mounted on the auger housing (108).
The snow blower (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the auger housing (108) comprises a plurality of sidewalls below the top wall (108a), wherein the heatsink (310) is mounted on one sidewall (314) of the plurality of sidewalls.
The snow blower (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:
a heat-generating component in conductive thermal communication with the heatsink (310) at the hot-side face (322).
The snow blower (100) of claim 8, wherein the heat-generating component is mounted within an electronics compartment (360) outside of and in fluid isolation from the snow flow path (120).
The snow blower (100) of claim 9, further comprising:
an internal board casing (362) enclosing the heat-generating component within a compartment (360) defined by the auger housing (108).
A heat exchange assembly (300) for a snow blower (100) defining snow flow path (120), the heat exchange assembly comprising:
a control board (350) attached to a frame (102) apart from the snow flow path (120); and

a heatsink (310) comprising a cold-side face (320) and a hot-side face (322), the cold-side face (320) being disposed along the snow flow path (120) in fluid communication therewith rearward from the rotatable auger (106) , the hot-side face (322) being disposed apart from the snow flow path (120) in thermal communication with the control board (350) to draw heat therefrom.
The heat exchange assembly (300) of claim 11, further comprising an auger housing (108) within which a rotatable auger (106) is mounted,
wherein the heatsink (310) is mounted on the auger housing (108).
The heat exchange assembly (300) of claim 12, wherein the auger housing (108) comprises a plurality of sidewalls below the top wall (108a), wherein the heatsink (310) is mounted on one sidewall (314) of the plurality of sidewalls.
The heat exchange assembly (300) of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control board (350) is mounted within an electronics compartment (360) outside of and in fluid isolation from the snow flow path (120).
The heat exchange assembly (300) of claim 14, further comprising:
an internal board casing (362) enclosing the control board (350) within a compartment (360) defined by the auger housing (108).