Snow blower and heat exchanger assembly

Abstract

A snow blower includes a frame, a rotatable twist drill, one or more walking elements, a slot, and a heat sink. The chassis may define a snow flow path. A rotatable twist drill may be mounted to the rack. One or more walking elements may be mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. A slot may extend from the frame above the rotatable twist drill. The heat sink may include a cold side disposed along a snow flow path in fluid communication with the snow flow path; and a hot side disposed separately from the snow flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to power tools, such as snowblower power tools. Background Art

[0002] Power tools are often used to make working conditions easier. For example, a snowblower eliminates the need for a shovel. Instead of manually lifting snow from a surface (e.g., a driveway or sidewalk) to remove it, the operator can push or walk the snowblower through the snow. The snowblower lifts the snow and discharges it a certain distance from the underlying surface. Typically, this involves moving the snow from a rotating auger to a downstream chute that guides the moving snow away from the snowblower. In this respect, snowblowers make snow removal easier than previous manual operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] While snow blowers can significantly reduce the labor required to clear snow-covered areas, existing devices still present certain drawbacks during use. For example, while snow blowers are typically configured to operate in cold or low-temperature environments, heat management can be problematic. This can be particularly noticeable with components that generate heat and are typically not tolerant to moisture. Such components can include motors or electronic control boards. While increased airflow can mitigate heat generation (and the resulting problems), it can be difficult to do so while maintaining separation between the components and snow and other moisture sources.

[0004] Accordingly, snow blowers, features, or methods of operation are desired in the art. In particular, a system or method for significantly mitigating heat from one or more heat-generating elements (eg, while preventing moisture interference) would be advantageous.

[0005] 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.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a snowblower is provided. The snowblower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more traveling elements, a trough, and a heat sink. The frame may define a snow flow path. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame. The one or more traveling elements may be mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower. The trough may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The heat sink may include a cold side disposed along the snow flow path and in fluid communication with the snow flow path; and a hot side disposed separately from the snow flow path.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a snow blower is provided. The snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more traveling elements, a trough, a control panel, and a heat sink. The frame may define a snow flow path. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame. The one or more traveling elements may be mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The trough may extend from the frame above the rotatable auger. The control panel may be attached to the frame separately from the snow flow path. The heat sink may include a cold side and a hot side. The cold side may be disposed behind the rotatable auger along the snow flow path and in fluid communication with the snow flow path. The hot side may be disposed separately from the snow flow path and in thermal communication with the control panel to extract heat from the control panel.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be 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

[0009] The specification sets forth a comprehensive and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including its best mode, for those skilled in the art, and includes the accompanying drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of a snowblower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0011] Figure 2 A side elevation view of a portion of a snowblower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0012] Figure 3 A front elevation view of a portion of a snowblower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0013] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a portion of a snowblower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided;

[0014] Figure 5 A front elevation view of a portion of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is provided;

[0015] Figure 6 provides a perspective view of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 A perspective view of a portion of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is provided;

[0017] Figure 8 A portion of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is provided;

[0018] Figure 9 A front elevation view of a portion of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is provided;

[0019] Figure 10 A perspective view of a portion of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is provided;

[0020] Figure 11 A front elevation view of a portion of a snowblower according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is provided;

[0021] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In addition, each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the technology. Indeed, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made to the technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Numerical and alphabetical designations are used in the specific embodiments to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to the same or similar parts of the present invention.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "first", "second" and "third" can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to specify the position or importance of each component. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "connect", "fix", "attach to" and the like refer to both direct connection, fixation or attachment, and indirect connection, fixation or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "include", "have" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, product or device that includes a series of features is not necessarily limited to those features, but may include other features that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or device. Further, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied when any of the following situations occurs: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0024] Unless expressly indicated otherwise, references to a singular processing element (e.g., a "controller," "processor," "microprocessor," etc.) should be understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, a "processing element" should generally be understood to refer to "one or more processing units." Furthermore, unless specifically stated to the contrary, any step or function recited as being performed by "the processing unit" or "the processing unit" should generally be understood to be capable of being performed by "any of the one or more processing elements." Thus, a first step or function performed by "the processing element" may be performed by "any of the one or more processing elements," and a second step or function performed by "the processing element" may be performed by "any of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same processing element of the one or more processing elements that performed the first step or function." Furthermore, it should be understood that a reference to "the processing element" or "the processing element" performing multiple steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each of the multiple steps or functions.

[0025] Approximate terms such as "about," "substantially," "approximately," or "substantially" include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0026] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with respect to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any one or more features that may make any benefit, advantage, or solution apparent should not be construed as key, required, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0027] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A snowblower 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Generally, snowblower 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T that are orthogonal to each other. Snowblower 100 includes: a frame 102; one or more motors 104 (e.g., an element motor 104a or a wheel motor 104b); an auger 106 coupled (e.g., rotatably mounted) to frame 102, such as disposed in an auger housing 108; and a handle assembly 110 extending from frame 102. As shown, handle assembly 110 can extend from a rear end of frame 102 in a generally vertical and rearward direction. A battery compartment 112 can be coupled to frame 102 to receive one or more batteries (not shown), which can provide power to one or more motors 104a, 104b (e.g., one or more electric motors). In other embodiments, motor 104 can be powered by an AC connection. In other implementations, motor 104 can include a fuel-powered engine. In such an embodiment, the battery compartment 112 may be replaced or supplemented with a fuel tank (not shown) that stores fuel for powering the engine.

[0028] Snowblower 100 is supported by a travel element (e.g., a continuous pedal or wheel 114). In an alternative embodiment, wheels 114 are configured as a pair of driven wheels that can be driven or rotated by a separate wheel motor 104b (e.g., separate from element motor 104a). As shown, wheel motor 104b can be supported on frame 102 separately from element motor 104a. Although driven wheels 114 can be actuated or rotated by wheel motor 104b, an operator or user can additionally or alternatively (e.g., manually) propel snowblower 100.

[0029] It should be noted that although the snowblower 100 shown is shown as a single-stage snowblower, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be applicable to any suitable snowblowing power tool, such as a two-stage (e.g., impeller) snowblower, a self-propelled snowblower, a hand-propelled or push-type snowblower, etc.

[0030] In some embodiments, controller 150 can be configured to be in operative communication with one or more components of snowblower 100 (e.g., motors 104a, 104b, etc.). Controller 150 can include memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc. (e.g., mounted on or including a control board), such as general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, that are operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontrol code associated with the operation of snowblower 100. Memory can represent random access memory, such as DRAM, or read-only memory, such as ROM or flash memory (FLASH). In some embodiments, the processor executes non-transitory programmed instructions stored in the memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate snowblower 100 or perform an operating routine. Memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included onboard the processor. Alternatively, controller 150 can be constructed without a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) to perform control functions, rather than relying on software.

[0031] Controller 150 can be located in various locations throughout snowblower 100 (e.g., as described in more detail below). Input / output ("I / O") signals can be sent between controller 150 and the various operating components of snowblower 100. One or more components of snowblower 100 can be in operative communication (e.g., electrically) with controller 150 via one or more conductive signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0032] Optionally, snowblower 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 snowblower 100 operates. For example, snowblower 100 can include a light 134 disposed on auger housing 108.

[0033] The auger housing 108 generally houses the auger 106 (eg, such that the auger 106 is housed below the top wall 108a). Figure 3) and behind the front opening 130). In addition, the auger housing 108 can be in communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the groove 116. In addition, the auger housing 108 can be mechanically connected, electrically connected, or both mechanically and electrically connected to the groove 116. The groove 116 can, for example, extend above the auger housing 108. Specifically, the top wall 108a of the auger housing 108 can define a groove channel, on or around which the groove 116 is mounted, and from which the groove 116 extends. The groove 116 can guide the discharged snow in a desired direction. The auger housing 108 and the groove 116 can individually or collectively define a snow flow path 120 along which the snowblower 100 moves so that snow is collected in and discharged from the snowblower 100. Thus, snow entering the snowblower 100 at the front opening 130 can travel along the snow flow path 120 through the auger housing and then upward (e.g., urged by the auger 106) through the slot 116 before being discharged from the snowblower 100 and its snow flow path 120. Furthermore, snow passing from the front opening 130 outward along the auger housing 106 (e.g., along an exterior panel of the auger housing) can move along the snow flow path 120 as urged by the exterior surface of the auger housing 106.

[0034] In some embodiments, the trough 116 can rotate about a (e.g., vertical) trough axis A. The trough 116 can include a movable deflector 118 configured to rotate the discharge direction about a horizontal axis. In this manner, the direction and height of the discharged snow can be controlled. In some cases, the direction of at least one of the trough 116 and the movable deflector 118 can be controlled by an operator at the handle assembly 110. For example, a trough lever 126 can be provided on the handle assembly 110 to selectively rotate the trough 116. Additionally or alternatively, a movable flap lever can be provided on the trough 116 to selectively rotate the movable deflector 118.

[0035] In some embodiments, the handle assembly 110 includes a top handle 110c (e.g., as a complete, unitary piece or having left and right portions for receiving a user's left and right hands, respectively). One or more inputs for controlling the snowblower 100 can be disposed on or near the top handle 110c. Although the top handle 110c is shown as a one-piece construction handle having left and right portions for receiving a user's left and right hands, respectively, in other cases, the handle assembly 110 can include a multi-piece construction (e.g., having multiple separate handles to receive a user's hands). The top handle 110c can be coupled to one or more additional portions that extend from the frame 102 to the first handle 110a and the second handle 110b (e.g., to support the top handle 110c or to allow for selective height adjustment or a storage configuration of the handle assembly 110).

[0036] The handle assembly 110 generally includes one or more controls associated with controlling operational aspects of the snowblower 100. By way of non-limiting example, the handle assembly 110 may include a power button 122 and one or more speed inputs (e.g., speed input 124) operably coupled to the controller 150.

[0037] Alternatively, the speed input 124 may define a range of motion (e.g., pivotal motion) between predefined maximum and minimum values. For example, the speed input 124 may define a range of motion corresponding to a range of rotational speeds between a maximum speed (e.g., defined by RPM or power consumption) and a base speed (e.g., defined by RPM or power consumption). The maximum speed of the auger 106 may be set as the maximum value of the range of motion, while the base speed may be set as the minimum range of motion for the speed input 124.

[0038] Now let’s turn to Figures 2 to 11 , provides several different views of a portion of the snowblower 100, including the auger housing 108. As shown, a heat exchange assembly (HEA) 300 can be provided to advantageously cool one or more heat-generating components. Typically, the HEA includes a heat sink 310 (e.g., formed from or including a suitable conductive metal, such as steel or aluminum, including alloys thereof). For example, the heat sink 310 can include or be configured as a conductive block or multiple conductive elements. As described further below, the heat sink can include multiple metal fins. When assembled, the heat sink 310 is attached to the frame 102. Specifically, the heat sink 310 can be attached to the frame 102 along at least a portion of the snow flow path 120. For example, the heat sink 310 can be positioned above at least a portion of the rotatable auger 106 (e.g., at a vertically higher position than the at least a portion). In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink 310 is positioned above the horizontal axis of the auger's rotation. Furthermore, the heat sink 310 is positioned above the entire auger 106 (e.g., including its spiral blades). In additional or alternative embodiments, the heat sink 310 (eg, the cold side 320 thereof) is disposed downstream of the rotatable auger 106. The heat sink 310 may be further disposed rearward of the rotatable auger 106.

[0039] Alternatively, the heat sink 310 can be positioned below the trough 116 (e.g., at a lower vertical position than the trough). In particular, the heat sink 310 (e.g., its cold side 320) can be positioned upstream of the trough 116 along the snow flow path 120 (e.g., relative to the snow flow path 120). However, it should be noted that even in embodiments including the heat sink 310 positioned upstream of the trough 116, snow may not necessarily pass through the heat sink 310 before reaching or passing through the trough 116. For example, during use, some snow may accumulate on the heat sink 310, causing other snow to flow over the accumulated snow. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the snow may flow to the trough 116 from a portion of the snow flow path 120 that is spaced apart from the heat sink 310.

[0040] In some embodiments, a heat sink 310 is mounted on or within the auger housing 108. As shown, the auger housing 108 can include a plurality of side walls below the top wall 108a (e.g., formed as separate wall members, or alternatively, formed as a continuous unit defining individual side walls at one or more integral wall bends). In the illustrated embodiment, the auger housing 108 extends from the front opening 130 in a transverse direction T to a rear wall 312. The rear wall 312 is disposed between a pair of shoulder guides or lateral sidewalls 314. Thus, the auger housing 108 can extend rearward from the front opening 130 to the rear wall 312. Furthermore, the auger housing 108 can extend laterally between the pair of lateral sidewalls 314.

[0041] In some such embodiments, the heat sink 310 is disposed behind the auger 106. For example, the heat sink 310 may be mounted on or at one of the plurality of side walls. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the heat sink 310 can be disposed on the rear wall 312. As an additional or alternative example, and as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the heat sink 310 can be disposed on one of the pair of lateral sidewalls 314. For example, and as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 11 As shown, the heat sink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on the inner panel 314A of the corresponding lateral sidewall 314. Additionally or alternatively, and as shown Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the heat sink 310 can extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an outer panel 314B of a corresponding lateral sidewall 314. Thus, the heat sink can contact air or snow that is disposed in the snow flow path outside the cavity of the auger housing 106. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, and as Figure 11 As shown, two or more heat sinks 310 may be provided, such as on opposite sides of a heat-generating component (e.g., 350). For example, a first heat sink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an inner panel 314A of a corresponding lateral sidewall 314, while a second heat sink 310 may extend to, extend through, or otherwise be disposed on an outer panel 314B of a corresponding lateral sidewall 314.

[0042] Generally, the heat sink 310 includes a cold side 320 and a hot side 322 (e.g., heat is conducted from the hot side). The cold side 320 can be retained within the snow flow path 120 or otherwise interface with the snow flow path. For example, the cold side 320 can be disposed within the auger housing 108 (e.g., on one of the sidewalls). The hot side 322 can be retained separate from the snow flow path 120 or located external to the snow flow path. During use, such as a snow movement operation to move snow along the snow flow path 120, heat can be conducted from the hot side 322 to the cold side 320 and then to the snow flow path, where the heat can be dissipated or absorbed (e.g., by snow or relatively cool air within the snow flow path 120).

[0043] In general, the heat sink 310 can be formed according to any suitable shape or pattern. One or more portions of the heat sink 310 can be provided with a high surface area texture or face. In some embodiments, the heat sink 310 includes one or more extension members. For example, the heat sink 310 can include a plurality of fins 324 (e.g., formed on the cold side 320 or otherwise disposed within the auger housing 108). As shown, the plurality of fins 324 can extend generally from the bottom of the heat sink 310 to the top of the heat sink 310 (i.e., generally in a vertical direction V). Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of fins 324 can be spaced apart parallel to each other or in other suitable configurations (e.g., horizontally).

[0044] Outside the snow flow path 120, one or more heat-generating (e.g., electronic) components 350 can be coupled to or otherwise interfaced with the heat sink 310. As an example, a motor or a control board 350 having one or more electrical components or a processor can be in thermal communication (e.g., conductive thermal communication) with the heat sink 310. When assembled, the heat-generating components 350 can be in conductive thermal communication (e.g., in contact) with the heat sink 310 at the hot side 322. For example, the heat-generating components 350 can be enclosed within a compartment 360 (e.g., defined by the auger housing 108) while being in conductive thermal communication with the hot side 322 directed toward the compartment 360 (or at least partially disposed within the compartment).

[0045] As described above, during use of snowblower 100, heat can be conducted from hot side 322 to cold side 320. Thus, heat can be directed from heat-generating components to cold side 320. Furthermore, snow or air within snow flow path 120 can advantageously help dissipate heat from heat-generating components (e.g., control board 350). Additionally or alternatively, heat generated at the heat-generating components can be efficiently applied to the snow flow path, which can advantageously prevent obstruction of snow flow path 120, such as might be caused by snow accumulation or refreezing within the snow flow path (e.g., without increased power consumption or additional heat-generating components 350).

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, a control board 350 (e.g., including or configured as the controller 150) is mounted in conductive thermal communication with the heat sink 310. The control board 350 is mounted within a compartment 360 (e.g., an electronics compartment) that is external to and fluidly isolated from the snow flow path 120 defined by the auger housing 108 (i.e., the enclosed portion thereof in which the auger 106 is disposed). Thus, the control board 350 is enclosed within the compartment 360 defined by the chassis and separate from the snow flow path 120. Nevertheless, the control board 350 is in conductive thermal communication with the hot side 322 of the heat sink 310, allowing heat to be conducted from the control board 350 and to the cold side 320 (e.g., thereby to the snow or relatively cooler air within the snow flow path). In an optional embodiment, an inner panel cover 362 is disposed on or above at least a portion of the heat-generating component 350. For example, the inner panel cover 362 can enclose the heat-generating component within the compartment 360. In some embodiments, such as Figures 6 to 11 As shown, the inner panel cover 362 is secured against a panel (e.g., lateral sidewall 314) of the auger housing 108, thereby covering the heat-generating component 350 and otherwise enclosing it within the compartment 360. In some such embodiments, the heat sink 310 is in conductive thermal communication with the heat-generating component 350 through the walls of the inner panel cover 362.

[0047] Other aspects of the present disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0048] A snowblower comprises: a frame defining a snow flow path; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame; one or more traveling elements mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; a trough extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; and a heat sink comprising: a cold side disposed along the snow flow path and in fluid communication with the snow flow path; and a hot side disposed separately from the snow flow path.

[0049] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the heat sink is disposed above at least a portion of the rotatable auger.

[0050] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the cold side is disposed downstream of the rotatable auger.

[0051] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the cold side is positioned upstream of the trough.

[0052] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the radiator is positioned below the trough.

[0053] The snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises a top wall supporting the trough and an auger housing in which the rotatable auger is mounted, wherein the heat sink is mounted to the auger housing.

[0054] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the auger housing includes a plurality of side walls below the top wall, wherein the radiator is mounted to one of the plurality of side walls.

[0055] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a heat producing component in conductive thermal communication with the heat sink at the hot side.

[0056] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the heat generating components are mounted in an electronics compartment that is external to and fluidly isolated from the snow flow path.

[0057] The snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments further comprising an inner panel cover enclosing the heat generating components within the compartment defined by the auger housing.

[0058] A snowblower comprises: a frame defining a snow flow path; a rotatable auger mounted to the frame; one or more traveling elements mounted to the frame separately from the rotatable auger to support the snowblower; a trough extending from the frame above the rotatable auger; a control panel attached to the frame separately from the snow flow path; and a heat sink comprising a cold side and a hot side, the cold side being disposed behind the rotatable auger along the snow flow path and in fluid communication with the snow flow path and the hot side being disposed separately from the snow flow path and in thermal communication with the control panel to extract heat from the control panel.

[0059] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the heat sink is disposed above at least a portion of the rotatable auger.

[0060] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the cold side is disposed downstream of the rotatable auger.

[0061] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the cold side is positioned upstream of the trough.

[0062] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the radiator is positioned below the trough.

[0063] The snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the frame comprises a top wall supporting the trough and an auger housing in which the rotatable auger is mounted, wherein the heat sink is mounted to the auger housing.

[0064] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the auger housing includes a plurality of side walls below the top wall, wherein the radiator is mounted to one of the plurality of side walls.

[0065] A snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the control board is mounted in an electronics compartment that is external to and fluidly isolated from the snow flow path.

[0066] The snowblower as in any one or more of the embodiments further comprising an inner panel cover enclosing the control panel within a compartment defined by the auger housing.

[0067] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, then these other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 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 traveling members (114) mounted to the frame (102) separately from the rotatable auger (106) to support the snowblower (100); a trough (116) extending from the frame (102) above the rotatable auger (106); as well as A heat sink (310), the heat sink comprising: a cold side (320), the cold side disposed along the snow flow path (120) and in fluid communication with the snow flow path; and a hot side (322) disposed separately from the snow flow path (120).

2. The snowblower (100) of claim 1, wherein: The heat sink (310) is disposed above at least a portion of the rotatable auger (106).

3. The snowblower (100) of claim 1, wherein: The cold side (320) is disposed downstream of the rotatable auger (106).

4. The snowblower (100) of claim 1, wherein: The cold side (320) is disposed upstream of the slot (116).

5. The snowblower (100) of claim 4, wherein: The heat sink (310) is disposed below the groove (116).

6. The snowblower (100) of claim 1, wherein: The frame (102) includes a top wall (108a) supporting the trough (116); and an auger housing (108) in which the rotatable auger (106) is mounted. Wherein, the radiator (310) is mounted on the auger housing (108).

7. The snowblower (100) of claim 6, wherein: The auger housing (108) includes a plurality of side walls below the top wall (108a), wherein the heat sink (310) is mounted on one side wall (314) of the plurality of side walls.

8. The snowblower (100) of claim 1, further comprising: A heat-generating component is in conductive thermal communication with the heat sink (310) at the hot side (322).

9. The snowblower (100) of claim 8, wherein: The heat-generating components are mounted within an electronics compartment (360) that is external to and fluidly isolated from the snow flow path (120).

10. The snowblower (100) of claim 9, further comprising: An inner panel cover (362) encloses the heat-generating components within a compartment (360) defined by the auger housing (108).

11. A heat exchange assembly (300) for a snowblower (100) defining a snow flow path (120), the heat exchange assembly comprising: a control panel (350) attached to the frame (102) separate from the snow flow path (120); as well as A heat sink (310) includes a cold side (320) and a hot side (322), wherein the cold side (320) is disposed behind the rotatable auger (106) along the snow flow path (120) and is in fluid communication with the snow flow path, and the hot side (322) is disposed separately from the snow flow path (120) and is in thermal communication with the control board (350) to extract heat from the control board.

12. The heat exchange assembly (300) of claim 11, further comprising an auger housing (108) in which the rotatable auger (106) is mounted. in, The heat sink (310) is mounted on the auger housing (108).

13. The heat exchange assembly (300) according to claim 12, wherein: The auger housing (108) includes a plurality of side walls below the top wall (108a), wherein the heat sink (310) is mounted on one side wall (314) of the plurality of side walls.

14. The heat exchange assembly (300) according to claim 11, wherein: The control board (350) is mounted within an electronics compartment (360) that is external to and fluidly isolated from the snow flow path (120).

15. The heat exchange assembly (300) of claim 14, further comprising: An inner panel cover (362) encloses the control panel (350) within a compartment (360) defined by the auger housing (108).

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