U.S. patent application number 12/968836 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for forced convection cooling of led lighting and electronics in a range hood appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Justin Tyler Brown, Howard James Oagley.
Application Number | 20120152227 12/968836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46232708 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120152227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oagley; Howard James ; et
al. |
June 21, 2012 |
FORCED CONVECTION COOLING OF LED LIGHTING AND ELECTRONICS IN A
RANGE HOOD APPLIANCE
Abstract
The use of forced convection or air currents to provide cooling
of LED lighting and/or other electronics in a range hood appliance
is provided. A channel provides for a flow of air over the
electronics to providing cooling to the same. Various
configurations are provided for causing air to flow through the
channel.
Inventors: |
Oagley; Howard James;
(Louisville, KY) ; Brown; Justin Tyler;
(Louisville, KY) |
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
46232708 |
Appl. No.: |
12/968836 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/299D |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/2064
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/299.D |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/20 20060101
F24C015/20 |
Claims
1. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking, the appliance comprising: a hood for
capturing the heated air and fumes; a vent duct positioned in fluid
communication with said hood, said vent duct having an inlet for
the receipt of the heated air and fumes generated during cooking; a
fan in communication with said vent duct, said fan configured for
creating a flow of the heated air and fumes into said hood and
through said vent duct; a channel for the flow of air, said channel
connected with said hood and having an air inlet and an air outlet,
and wherein said air outlet is positioned in the flow of air
created by said fan; and, an electronic component providing one or
more features for the kitchen appliance, said electronic component
placed at least partially into said channel such that air flowing
through said channel operates to provide cooling for said
electronic component.
2. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 1, wherein the air outlet for
said channel is positioned upstream of said fan such that air is
drawn through said channel by said fan.
3. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 2, wherein the air inlet for
said channel is positioned so as to draw air from a location
separate from the heated air and fumes captured by said hood.
4. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 2, wherein said electronic
component comprises an LED lamp module.
5. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 2, wherein said electronic
component comprises a PCB.
6. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 1, wherein the air outlet for
said channel is connected directly to said vent duct at a position
upstream of said fan such that air is drawn through said channel by
said fan.
7. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 1, wherein the air outlet for
said channel is positioned downstream of said fan such that air is
drawn through said channel by the flow of air past the air
outlet.
8. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 1, further comprising a Venturi
positioned at the air outlet for said channel, and wherein said
Venturi and the air outlet for said channel are positioned
downstream of said fan such that air is drawn through said channel
by said Venturi.
9. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 8, wherein the air inlet for
said channel is positioned so as to draw air from a location
separate from the heated air and fumes captured by said hood.
10. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 8, wherein said electronic
component comprises an LED lamp module.
11. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 8, wherein said electronic
component comprises a PCB.
12. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 1, further comprising a Venturi
positioned at the air outlet for said channel, and wherein said
Venturi and the air outlet for said channel are positioned upstream
of said fan such that air is drawn through said channel by said
Venturi.
13. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 12, wherein said electronic
component comprises an LED lamp module.
14. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 12, wherein said electronic
component comprises a PCB.
15. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 12, wherein the air inlet for
said channel is positioned so as to draw air from a location
separate from the heated air and fumes captured by said hood.
16. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 1, further comprising: an
auxiliary fan in communication with said channel, said auxiliary
fan configured for creating a flow of air through said channel so
as to provide cooling for said electronic components.
17. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 16, wherein said auxiliary fan
is configured for operation separate from said fan in communication
with said vent duct.
18. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking as in claim 16, wherein the air inlet for
said channel is positioned so as to draw air from a location
separate from the heated air and fumes captured by said hood.
19. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of cooking gases, the
appliance comprising: a hood configured for the receipt of the
cooking gases; a vent duct positioned with said hood, said vent
duct having an inlet for the receipt of the cooking gases moving
into said hood; a fan in communication with said vent duct, said
fan configured for creating a flow of the cooking gases through
said vent duct; a channel for the flow of air, said channel
connected with said hood and having an air inlet and an air outlet;
an electronic component providing one or more features for the
kitchen appliance, said electronic component placed at least
partially into said channel such that air flowing through said
channel operates to provide cooling for said electronic component;
and an auxiliary fan positioned within said channel and configured
for creating a flow of air through said channel.
20. A kitchen appliance for the treatment of cooking gases as in
claim 19, wherein the air outlet for said channel is positioned
away from said vent duct so as to vent outside of said hood.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the use of forced
convection or air currents to provide cooling of LED lighting
and/or other electronics in a range hood appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Range hoods provide for the treatment of heat and fumes
generated during cooking. These kitchen appliances are frequently
provided with various features that rely upon electronics for
operation. For example, a range hood may include a processing
device mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) and connected with
a touch panel or other device whereby the user may select various
options for operation of the appliance. For a range hood, such PCB
might include different, user selectable modes for the fan and/or
lighting provided by the range hood. The PCB typically associated
with such features is electrically-powered and generates heat
during operation. If the PCB becomes too hot, the electronics may
cease to operate properly or even become permanently damaged.
[0003] Range hoods may also be equipped with lighting features that
rely upon light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide illumination. For
example, a range hood or an over the range microwave oven with a
built in hood may include various LED bulbs to light up a cook top.
Such lighting may be important to the user as the cook top will
typically have several heating elements positioned on a horizontal
surface for the cooking of food contained in pots and pans.
[0004] For these applications, LED lighting has certain advantages
as compared to incandescent or other types of lights. These
advantages can include e.g., resistance to vibration, long life
expectancy, relatively low energy use, durability for repeated
on-off switching, and compactness. In addition, where more light is
needed, LED bulbs can be grouped together to increase the intensity
of the light output.
[0005] However, there are certain challenges to using LED lamps in
a kitchen appliance. As with a PCB, LED lamps can produce a
significant amount of heat and are susceptible to poor operation if
their temperature rises too high. More particularly, there is
generally a narrow range of temperatures at which LED lamps can
efficiently produce their maximum light output or most efficient
light output. In addition, if the temperature elevates above a
certain range, the LEDS can be damaged or even destroyed.
[0006] As such, a range hood must provide for properly cooling
electronics and LED lamps during operation. Such can be a difficult
task because of the heat that is generated from cooking. For
example, LED lamps are sometimes provided in a range hood to
provide lighting above the cook top. Heat coming from the cook top
and/or an associated oven will rise up and through the range hood.
Depending upon the placement of the LED lamps, this heat can
provide further temperature problems for LED lamps by advancing the
temperature increase. Similar problems can be created for a PCB or
other electronics if positioned where they can be affected by heat
from cooking.
[0007] Accordingly, a system for the effective cooling of LED lamps
or other electronics in a kitchen range hood would be useful. A
system that can use forced convection to accelerate such cooling
would be beneficial. Such a system that can be readily incorporated
within the overall design of a range hood would also be very
useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] 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
invention.
[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides
a kitchen appliance for the treatment of heated air and fumes
generated from cooking. The appliance includes a hood for capturing
the heated air and fumes. A vent duct is positioned in fluid
communication with the hood. The vent duct has an inlet for the
receipt of the heated air and fumes generated during cooking. A fan
is provided that is in communication with the vent duct. The fan is
configured for creating a flow of the heated air and fumes into the
hood and through the vent duct. The appliance includes a channel
for the flow of air. The channel is connected with the hood and has
an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is positioned in the
flow of air created by the fan. The appliance includes an
electronic component that provides one or more features for the
kitchen appliance. The electronic component is placed at least
partially into the channel such that air flowing through the
channel operates to provide cooling for the electronic
component.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a kitchen appliance for the treatment of cooking gases.
The appliance includes a hood configured for the receipt of the
cooking gases. A vent duct is positioned with the hood. The vent
duct has an inlet for the receipt of the cooking gases moving into
the hood. A fan is placed in communication with the vent duct. The
fan is configured for creating a flow of the cooking gases through
the vent duct. A channel provides for the flow of air. The channel
is connected with the hood and has an air inlet and an air outlet.
The appliance includes an electronic component providing one or
more features for the kitchen appliance. The electronic component
is placed at least partially into the channel such that air flowing
through the channel operates to provide cooling for the electronic
component. An auxiliary fan is positioned within the channel and is
configured for creating a flow of air through the channel.
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention 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 invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] 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, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a range hood according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a range hood according to the present invention in
which a cooling channel provides air flow into a vent duct upstream
of a fan.
[0015] FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a range hood according to the present invention in
which a cooling channel provides air flow into a vent duct
downstream of a fan and Venturi is used to draw air through the
channel.
[0016] FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of another exemplary
embodiment of a range hood according to the present invention in
which a cooling channel provides air flow into a vent duct
downstream of a fan in the vent duct. An auxiliary fan in the
cooling channel helps move air through the channel.
[0017] The use of identical reference numerals in the figures is
used to denote identical or similar features unless otherwise
described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to the use of forced
convection or air currents to provide cooling of LED lighting
and/or other electronics in a range hood appliance. A channel
provides for a flow of air over the electronics to provide cooling
to the same. Various configurations are provided for causing air to
flow through the channel as will be more fully described below.
[0019] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. 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 invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0020] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a range hood 10 as may be used with the present
invention. Range hood 10 is installed within cabinetry 12 of a
kitchen area typically over a cooking appliance such as a cook-top,
range, or oven appliance. A vent duct 14 provides for the removal
and exhaust of heated air and fumes created during the cooking
process. A filter screen 16 provides for the capture of grease and
other small particles entrained within the heated air and fumes
rising from the cooking surface.
[0021] LED lamp modules 20 provide for illumination of the cooking
appliance. Controls 18 provide for the operation of fans, LED lamp
modules, and/or other features as described herein. While only two
lamp modules 20 are shown, additional lighting may be included as
desired. In addition, rather than manual controls 18, other
controls such as touch panel may be used as well.
[0022] Thus, range hood 10 is provided by way of example only.
Other configurations may be used within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. For example, portions of range hood 10,
particularly vent duct 14, could be contained within cabinetry 12.
Also, range hood 10 could be part of a micro-wave or other cooking
appliance designed to be located over e.g., a cook-top. The canopy
24 of range hood 10 could also be provided with other shapes or
styles. Still other constructions may be used as well.
[0023] FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a range hood 10 according to the present invention.
As shown, range hood 10 includes a channel 28 that extends between
in air inlet 22 and an air outlet 30. Channel 28 is created by
walls 29 that define a path for the flow of air.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, air inlet 22 is positioned at a location
on canopy 24 such that air drawn into inlet 22 (arrows A) is
separate from air drawn into vent duct 14 (arrows V). In this
manner, air drawn into the channel has not been heated and/or
affected by cooking fumes. Although shown on the front of canopy
24, air inlet 22 could be position on any exterior surface of
canopy 24 including e.g., the sides of canopy 24, on a covering
surrounding the upper portion of vent duct 14, and other locations
as well. In still another alternative embodiment, air inlet 22 may
be positioned at a location inside or under canopy 24 preferably at
a location where cooler air can be drawn from inside the range
hood.
[0025] Air outlet 30 is positioned in the flow of air (arrows V)
created by fan 32. More particularly, fan 32 operates to draw air
from the cooking surface through filter screen 16. Such air will
include air than has been heated by cooking and/or its fumes. This
flow of air moves upward into the canopy 24 of range hood 10 and
into vent duct 14. Eventually, such air is pushed out of the range
hood to an exhaust. By positioning the air outlet 30 of channel 28
upstream of fan 32, the suction of fan 32 will also draw air into
air inlet 22 and through channel 28 as shown by arrows A.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, LED lamp module 20 is placed into the
air flow channel 28. LED lamp module 20 includes cooling fins 26
positioned on the rear of the lighting module. As air flows past
LED lamp module 20 and across cooling fins 26, module 20 will be
cooled by forced convection from the cooler air flowing from the
exterior of range hood 10. This air flow, heated from light module
20, is exhausted through vent duct 14 along with heated air and
fumes from the cooking surface.
[0027] Preferably, air outlet 30 is positioned upstream of fan 32
as shown in FIG. 2 and may be connected directly to the side of
vent duct 14 as shown or placed into vent duct 14 so that outlet 30
is directly in the flow of air and opening towards fan 32.
Alternatively, air outlet 30 may be positioned downstream of fan 32
and directly in the flow of air with the outlet 30 opening in a
direction downstream and away from fan 32. In this alternative
configuration, air outlet 30 is positioned such that the flow of
air (arrows V) can entrain parts of the air at air outlet 30,
thereby causing a flow through channel 28. While such a
configuration may be used, it is believed such will not provide as
much air flow as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 3 provides another exemplary embodiment of a range hood
10 of the present invention. As with FIG. 2, a fan 32 is used to
draw heated air and fumes from the cooking appliance, through
filter screen 16, and into vent duct 14 for exhaust. A channel 28
defined by walls 29 provides for a flow of air from the exterior of
range hood 10 as shown by arrows A. More particularly, air is drawn
into air inlet 22, through channel 28, and passes out through air
outlet 30. In the same manner as previously described, the flow of
air provides cooling for LED lamp module 20.
[0029] However, different from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2,
the air outlet of the range hood 10 of FIG. 3 is equipped with a
Venturi 36 and is positioned downstream of fan 32. Venturi 36 is a
cone or other constriction into which some of the air flow created
by fan 32 will flow. As air passes into and through this
constriction, its local velocity will increase while its local
pressure will decrease. This effect, known as the Venturi effect,
will cause air to flow through channel 28 and exit air outlet 30
and thereby provide cooling for LED lamp module 20. In an
alternative embodiment, Venturi 36 and air outlet 30 may be
positioned upstream of fan 32. However, it is believed that such
configuration may by not be as effective as the positioning shown
in FIG. 3.
[0030] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the air inlet 22 for
FIG. 3 is located at a position in canopy 24 that will draw air
from the exterior of range hood 10. Other positions may be used as
well. For example, air inlet 22 may be located within or below
range hood 22--preferably at a location that will allow air to be
drawn into channel 28 that is cooler than the air drawn into filter
screen 16.
[0031] Still another exemplary embodiment of a range hood 10
according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. As with the
embodiment of FIG. 3, a channel 30 for the flow of air extends
between air inlet 22 and air outlet 30. Air outlet 30 is positioned
downstream of fan 32.
[0032] An auxiliary fan 34 is positioned within channel 28 and
moves air through channel 28 as illustrated by arrows A. As with
previous embodiments, this air provides cooling for LED lamp module
20 as it passes over cooling fins 26. This air is then exhausted
into vent duct 14, downstream of fan 32, along with the heated air
and fumes drawn into vent duct 14 by fan 32. Alternatively, air
outlet 30 may be positioned upstream of fan 32. In still other
configurations, air outlet 30 may exhaust to the exterior of range
hood 10 through another opening in canopy 24 or may even exhaust
such air downwardly within range hood 10 where the air may be drawn
into vent duct 14 if fan 32 is operating.
[0033] The exemplary embodiment of range hood 10 as illustrated in
FIG. 4 can offer the user certain advantages. For example, because
auxiliary fan 34 is likely smaller than fan 32, auxiliary fan 34
does not create as much noise as fan 32 during operation. This may
preferable to certain consumers who use LED lamp module 30 at times
when fan 32 is not needed. Also, due to its smaller size, auxiliary
fan 34 will likely use less power than fan 32 and is, therefore,
preferable to operating fan 32 when only cooling of LED lamp module
20 is needed instead of the intake of heated air or fumes by fan
32.
[0034] The previous exemplary embodiments have been described with
reference to the cooling of LED lamp module. However, using the
teachings disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that the present invention may also be used to cool a
PCB or other electronics that may have sensitivity to heat and,
therefore, a need for cooling. As such, the PCB or other
electronics are located along channel 28 as previously described to
provide for a cooling effect.
[0035] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
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. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *