WO2024162616A1

WO2024162616A1 - Cooking appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2024162616A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/021605
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이상진; 권명근; 김상진; 칸카심
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2023-02-01
Filing date: 2023-12-26
Publication date: 2024-08-08
Also published as: KR20240121100A

Abstract

The present invention comprises: an outer cabinet; an inner cabinet forming a cooking chamber inside the outer cabinet; and a convection assembly installed on one side of the inner cabinet and configured to heat the air inside the cooking chamber, wherein the convection assembly includes: a cover case which is located inside the inner cabinet, has a suction hole and a discharge hole so as to allow air to flow, and at least a portion of which is spaced a predetermined distance from one side of the inner cabinet; a fan provided inside the cover case to suck air through the suction hole and discharge air through the discharge hole; a heater that heats the air sucked into the cover case; and a glass member provided in the cover case so as to transmit heat emitted from the heater.

Description

Cooking appliances

The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance, and more particularly, to a cooking appliance including a convection assembly.

In general, an oven is a device that cooks food by having a cooking chamber, a heating device that applies heat to the cooking chamber, and a circulation fan that circulates the heat generated by the heating device within the cooking chamber.

Ovens are appliances that seal and heat food to cook, and can generally be categorized into electric, gas, and electronic types based on their heat sources. Electric ovens use electric heaters as their heat sources, while gas ovens and microwave ovens use heat from gas and frictional heat from water molecules due to high frequency, respectively, as their heat sources.

In general, an oven comprises a main body having an exterior appearance and an open front to form a cooking chamber into which food to be cooked is placed, a door installed on the front of the main body to selectively open and close the cooking chamber, and a control panel installed on the front of the main body to set a desired cooking mode or various conditions necessary for cooking.

In order to cook food inside the cooking chamber, high temperature heat is generated. The generated heat is mainly used to heat the air inside the cooking chamber and increase the cooking chamber temperature, but it can also be transferred to cover cases, cabinets, etc. around the heater.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance with improved energy efficiency.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance capable of reducing heat loss generated from a heater.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance in which some of the heat generated from a heater can be transferred to food.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

A cooking appliance according to the invention comprises an outer cabinet, an inner cabinet forming a cooking chamber inside the outer cabinet, and a convection assembly installed on one surface of the inner cabinet for heating air inside the cooking chamber. The convection assembly comprises a cover case positioned inside the inner cabinet and having suction holes and discharge holes formed therein to allow air to flow, a fan provided inside the cover case and configured to suck air into the suction holes and discharge air through the discharge holes, a heater for heating air sucked into the cover case, and a glass member provided in the cover case for allowing heat emitted from the heater to be transmitted therethrough.

A cooking appliance according to the invention comprises an inner cabinet forming a cooking chamber and having an open front, and a convection assembly installed on one side of the inner cabinet and configured to heat air within the cooking chamber. The convection assembly comprises a cover case, at least a portion of which is positioned with a predetermined gap between the cover case and one side of the inner cabinet so that air can flow therebetween, a fan provided inside the cover case and configured to circulate air within the cooking chamber, a heater for heating air sucked into the cover case, and a glass member provided in the cover case so that heat emitted from the heater is transmitted therethrough.

A cooking appliance according to the invention comprises: an inner cabinet having an open front and forming a cooking chamber in which food is placed; and a convection assembly installed on the rear of the inner cabinet for heating air inside the cooking chamber. The convection assembly comprises: a cover case having a suction hole and a discharge hole formed therein, at least a portion of which is positioned at a predetermined distance from the rear of the inner cabinet so that air can flow therebetween; a fan provided inside the cover case and arranged to circulate air through the suction hole and the discharge hole; a heater provided inside the cover case and arranged to surround the fan so as to heat air sucked into the suction hole; and a glass member provided on the cover case so that heat emitted from the heater is transmitted therethrough, wherein the glass member has a shape corresponding to the heater and is provided at a position corresponding to the heater.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the rear side of the internal cabinet of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing the cooking appliance of Figure 1 cut in the front-back direction.

Figure 4 is a drawing showing the movement of air and heat flowing inside a cooking appliance by enlarging the 'A' portion of Figure 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating a convection assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a combined structure of a convection assembly and an internal cabinet in one embodiment.

Figure 7 is a drawing showing another joint structure of the convection assembly and the inner cabinet.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a convection assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover case of the convection assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a convection assembly according to one embodiment.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of the present application.

Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments, and is not intended to limit and/or restrict the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "has" and the like are intended to specify that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification is present, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Also, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and/or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

Meanwhile, the terms "up-down direction", "downward", and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may mean front and back in the X direction with respect to the drawing, respectively. The terms "upper", "upper side", "downward", and "lower side" below may mean upper or upper in the Z direction, and lower or lower in the Z direction, respectively, with respect to the drawing. The terms "left" and "right" below may mean left in the Y direction, and right in the Y direction, respectively, with respect to the drawing.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the rear side of the internal cabinet of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the cooking appliance of FIG. 1 cut in the front-back direction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooking chamber (20), a main body (10) forming the cooking chamber (20), and a door (30) for opening and closing the cooking chamber (20).

The main body (10) may include an inner cabinet (11) in which a cooking chamber (20) is formed inside. The inner cabinet (11) may be provided inside an outer cabinet (12) of the main body (10) described later.

The inner cabinet (11) can form a cooking chamber (20). The inner cabinet (11) can include an upper plate, a lower plate, a side plate, a front plate, and a rear plate (11b). The upper plate, the lower plate, the side plate, the front plate, and the rear plate (11b) can be provided as separate configurations and then combined with each other. Alternatively, the upper plate, the lower plate, the side plate, the front plate, and the rear plate (11b) can be formed integrally.

The rear plate (11b) of the inner cabinet (11) can form the rear of the inner cabinet (11). The rear of the inner cabinet (11) can include a recessed portion (11c) that is recessed toward the rear. The convection assembly (100) described below can be installed in the recessed portion (11c).

The cooking room (20) may be formed to have an open front so that food can be brought in and out. The inner cabinet (11) may include an opening (not shown) formed to be open so that food can be brought in and out of the cooking room (20). One side of the main body (10) where the opening (not shown) is formed may be defined as the front of the main body (10).

For example, the inner cabinet (11) may have a box shape with an open front.

The inner wall of the inner cabinet (11) may be coated to prevent corrosion of the inner wall of the inner cabinet (11) due to condensation that may occur during the condensation process of water vapor or moisture contained in the food itself. The inner wall of the inner cabinet (11) may be dried by heat generated during the food cooking process.

Inside the cooking chamber (20), a plate (25) capable of receiving food and a rack (26) supporting the plate (25) may be provided. The plate (25) and the rack (26) may be provided so that they can be introduced into or withdrawn from the cooking chamber (20) through an opening (not shown) of the inner cabinet (11). For example, the rack (26) may be provided so that it can be introduced into or withdrawn from the cooking chamber (20) by sliding relative to the inner cabinet (11).

In addition, a heater (not shown) provided to supply heat for cooking food, a cooking fan (not shown) provided to allow air heated by the heater to flow smoothly within the cooking room (20), etc. may be provided within the cooking room (20). However, this is not limited thereto, and various configurations may be provided within the cooking room (20) depending on the purpose and function of the cooking device (1).

The cooking device (1) may include a separate cooking compartment (20). The cooking compartment may be provided inside the main body (10). An internal cabinet (11) may partition the cooking compartment (20) and the cooking compartment (not shown).

The pantry may be formed to surround the inner cabinet (11). The pantry may insulate between the cooking chamber (20) and the outer case of the main body (10) to prevent heat inside the cooking chamber (20) from being directly released to the outside of the main body (10). Air may flow in the pantry for insulation. A separate insulating material (not shown) may be provided in the pantry to surround the inner cabinet (11) for insulation. The insulating material may be composed of materials such as glass fiber and asbestos.

Various electrical components such as a printed circuit board (not shown) that controls the operation of the cooking device (1) may be placed inside the electrical compartment. According to an embodiment, a steam generating device (not shown) that generates steam may be provided in the electrical compartment. According to an embodiment, an automatic opening/closing device (not shown) that automatically opens and closes the door (30) may be provided in the electrical compartment.

A cooling fan module (not shown) may be provided inside the battle room to cool the heat generated from various battle components.

The main body (10) may include an outer cabinet (12) provided to form at least a portion of the exterior of the cooking appliance (1). The cooking chamber (20) and the power chamber may be arranged inside the outer cabinet (12) of the main body (10).

The outer cabinet (12) of the main body (10) may include an upper panel (12a) forming the upper surface of the cooking appliance (1). The upper panel (12a) may cover the upper part of the main chamber.

The outer cabinet (12) of the main body (10) may include a side panel (12b) forming the left side and right side of the cooking appliance (1). For example, a heat dissipation hole (12h) formed to dissipate heat inside the electric heating chamber may be provided in the side panel (12b).

The outer cabinet (12) of the main body (10) may include a rear panel (12c) forming the rear of the cooking appliance (1). For example, a heat dissipation hole (not shown) formed to dissipate heat inside the cooking chamber may be provided in the rear panel (15).

The outer cabinet (12) of the main body (10) may include a base (12d) forming the bottom surface of the cooking appliance (1).

The upper panel (12a), side panel (12b), rear panel (12c), and base (12d) may each be formed to have a substantially flat plate shape, but the shape of each is not limited thereto.

The main body (10) may include a front frame (12e) forming at least a portion of the front of the main body (10). The front frame (12e) may be provided at the front portion of the main body (10). The front frame (12e) may be covered by the door (30) when the door (30) is closed.

The front frame (12e) can be formed in the shape of a frame having an opening. The front frame (12e) can be formed along the perimeter of the opening (not shown) of the inner cabinet (11).

For example, the inner cabinet (11) can be coupled to the front frame (12e), and a portion adjacent to the opening (not shown) of the inner cabinet (11) can be coupled to the front frame (12e).

The front frame (12e) can be coupled to the upper panel (12a). The front frame (12e) can be coupled to the left side panel and the right side panel of the side panel (12b), respectively. The front frame (12e) can be coupled to the base (12d). The front frame (12e) can be coupled to the control panel bracket (42) described below.

The front frame (12e), the upper panel (12a), the side panel (12b), the rear panel (12c), and the base (12d) may be detachably coupled to each other. However, this is not limited thereto, and only some of the front frame (12e), the upper panel (12a), the side panel (12b), and the base (12d) may be detachable, while other parts may be formed integrally with each other.

The cooking device (1) may include a control panel (41). The control panel (41) may include a display unit that can display various operation information of the cooking device (1) and an input unit that can input an operation command by a user. The input unit may be formed of a touch panel. The input unit may include a button or a knob.

For example, the control panel (41) may be provided on the upper front side of the cooking appliance (1).

The cooking appliance (1) may include a control panel bracket (42) for mounting a control panel (41). The control panel bracket (42) may be coupled to the main body (10). Specifically, the control panel bracket (42) may be coupled to the front of the main body (10). The control panel bracket (42) may be coupled to the upper portion of the front frame (12e).

The control panel (41) can be mounted on a control panel bracket (42). The control panel (41) can be mounted on the front of the control panel bracket (42). The control panel bracket (42) can include an opening (not shown) so that at least a portion of the back surface of the control panel (41) can be cooled by a cooling fan module provided in the electrical compartment.

The cooking device (1) may include a door (30) provided to open and close the cooking chamber (20). The door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close the cooking chamber (20). For example, the door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the lower portion of the main body (10) and may be provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis provided at the lower portion of the cooking device (1).

The door (30) may include a transparent portion (32) formed transparently so that a user can see into the interior of the cooking chamber (20) even when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20). The transparent portion (32) may include various transparent materials such as glass.

The door (30) may include a handle (33) provided so that a user can manually open and close the door (30). In order for a user to easily open and close the door (30), the handle (33) may be provided adjacent to a part of the door (30) opposite to the rotation axis of the door (30). In FIG. 1, an embodiment in which the handle (33) is provided on the front side of the door (30) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The 'front side of the door (30)' referred to herein means one side of the door (30) in the X direction when the door (30) is closing the cooking chamber (20).

The cooking device (1) may include a convection assembly (100) for heating the air inside the cooking chamber (20). The convection assembly (100) may suck in the air inside the cooking chamber (20), heat the sucked air with a heater (130) to be described later, and then discharge the air by a fan (140) to heat and circulate the air inside the cooking chamber (20).

In this city, the convection assembly (100) is shown as one, but two or more may be provided. That is, the number of convection assemblies (100) may be varied in various ways.

The convection assembly (100) may be installed inside the cooking chamber (20). Specifically, the convection assembly (100) may be installed on one side of the inner cabinet (11). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the convection assembly (100) may be installed on the rear side of the inner cabinet (11). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the convection assembly (100) may also be installed on the upper surface of the inner cabinet (11).

Referring to FIG. 2, the rear of the inner cabinet (11) may include a recessed portion (11c) that is recessed rearward. The convection assembly (100) may be installed in the recessed portion (11c). Since the convection assembly (100) is installed inside the cooking chamber (20), it may be positioned so as to protrude from the rear of the inner cabinet (11). That is, the convection assembly (100) may occupy a certain amount of space inside the cooking chamber (20).

Since the cooking chamber (20) must be able to position a plate (25) for placing food on it, it is necessary to position the convection assembly (100) further back so as not to interfere with the position of the plate (25) even if it protrudes. Accordingly, the convection assembly (100) can be positioned in the recessed portion (11c). That is, the space inside the cooking chamber (20) can be secured by positioning the convection assembly (100) in the recessed portion (11c).

The convection assembly (100) may include a cover case (110) that covers a heater (130) and a fan (140). The cover case (110) may accommodate the heater (130) and the fan (140) inside. The cover case (110) may be formed of a metal material to prevent deformation due to heat. The cover case (110) may be provided on the inside of the cooking chamber (20) while covering the heater (130) and the fan (140). That is, since the cover case (110) does not form one side of the cooking chamber (20), it may have a relatively small size and thus a small heat capacity that can be absorbed.

The convection assembly (100) can form a path through which the air being sucked in and the air being discharged pass. Since the heater (130) described below is arranged to surround the fan (140), it is preferable that the path be formed so that all of the air being sucked in can be heated by the heater (130) before being discharged. That is, it is preferable that the fan (140) is arranged close to the upstream side of the path, and the heater (130) is arranged close to the downstream side of the path.

The convection assembly (100) may include a heater (130) that generates heat to heat the air inside the cooking chamber (20). Additionally, the heater (130) may heat food inside the cooking chamber (20). The heater (130) may be installed on one side of the inner cabinet (11).

The convection assembly (100) may include a fan (140) that circulates air inside the cooking chamber (20). The fan (140) may circulate air by drawing air into the inside of the cover case (110) and discharging the air outside the cover case (110).

The fan (140) can suck in air from the front of the fan (140) and discharge the air in the radial direction of the fan (140). The heater (130) can be located on the outside of the fan (140) so as to heat the air sucked in by the fan (140) before it is discharged.

In this embodiment, the heater (130) has a roughly circular or spiral structure surrounding the outside of the fan (140), but is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a roughly square shape or a plurality of bar shapes surrounding the outside of the fan (140). In addition, the structure and arrangement of the heater (130) and the fan (140) may be modified in various ways.

When the heater (130) is arranged in a circular shape and is installed on the outside of the fan (140) to surround the fan (140), the air flows in a radial direction by the rotation of the fan (140), so that it can be heated evenly.

The fan (140) can be rotated by the rotation of the motor (142) installed on one side of the internal cabinet (11). A motor shaft (141) extending from the motor (142) can be coupled to the center of the fan (140). The rotational power of the motor (142) can be transmitted to the fan (140) through the motor shaft (141). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the motor (142) may be built into the fan (140) so that the fan (140) can be rotated.

The convection assembly (100) may include a glass member (150) through which heat generated from a heater (130) provided therein may be transmitted. The glass member (150) may be positioned on the front side (1111) of the cover case (110) so that heat transmitted through the glass member (150) may be transferred to food inside the cooking chamber (20).

The heater (130) can emit heat, i.e., infrared rays. The infrared rays generated from the heater (130) can be irradiated toward food inside the cooking chamber (20) through the glass member (150), and the food can be heated by the irradiated infrared rays. Through this, the heat loss of the cooking device (1) can be reduced, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

The glass member (150) may be formed of a transparent material that allows light to pass through. For example, the glass member (150) may be formed of heat-resistant glass.

If the glass member (150) of the convection assembly (100) is formed of the same material as the cover case (110), heat may not be transmitted to the food by penetrating the cover case (110). In addition, since the cover case (110) absorbs a certain portion of the heat, it may not be used to heat the internal air of the cooking chamber (20). In other words, heat loss may occur.

By providing a glass member (150) in the convection assembly (100), heat loss can be prevented and energy efficiency can be increased. The glass member (150) can be provided to have a shape corresponding to the heater (130) in order to increase heat transmission efficiency. In addition, the glass member (150) can be provided at a position corresponding to the heater (130).

The glass member (150) is provided with a shape corresponding to a position corresponding to the heater (130), thereby optimizing the amount of heat radiated.

The cover case (110) is installed on one side of the inner cabinet (11), but at least a portion of the cover case (110) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from one side of the inner cabinet (11) so that air may flow between the cover case and one side of the inner cabinet (11). Specifically, at least a portion of the cover case (110) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from one side of the inner cabinet (11).

The cover case (110) may be fixed or fastened by a fixing or fastening means so as to be installed on one side of the inner cabinet (11). At this time, heat generated from the heater (130) inside the cover case (110) may be conducted to the inner cabinet (11) through a portion that comes into contact with one side of the inner cabinet (11).

The heat conducted to the inner cabinet (11) may not be used to heat the air inside the cooking chamber (20). That is, heat loss may occur by being conducted to the inner cabinet (11).

Therefore, in order to increase energy efficiency, it is necessary to minimize the contact area between the cover case (110) and one side of the inner cabinet (11). The joining structure between the cover case (110) and one side of the inner cabinet (11) will be described later.

Below, the configuration and structure of the convection assembly (100) are described in detail.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part 'A' of FIG. 3, showing the movement of air and heat flowing inside the cooking appliance. FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the disassembled convection assembly according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the convection assembly (100) may include a cover case (110) that accommodates a heater (130) and a fan (140). The cover case (110) may include a front cover (111) and a rear cover (112) that can be coupled to each other.

The front cover (111) may include a front surface (1111) in which a suction hole (1111a) is formed, and a peripheral surface (1112) in which a discharge hole (1112a) is formed. The front surface (1111) and the peripheral surface (1112) may be arranged vertically.

The front (1111) is depicted as having a roughly rhombus shape, but the shape may be provided in various forms. For example, the front (1111) may be provided in a roughly circular shape to correspond to the shapes of the heater (130) and the fan (140).

A suction hole (1111a) may be provided on the front surface (1111) of the front cover (111). A plurality of suction holes (1111a) may be provided. The suction hole (1111a) may be provided at the center of the front surface (1111). That is, the suction hole (1111a) may be provided at a position corresponding to a fan (140) provided inside the cover case (110). More specifically, it may be provided in an area corresponding to a rotation area of the fan (140).

The suction hole (1111a) can form a predetermined pattern in which a shape that is curved in a certain direction is repeated, as shown. In addition, any shape that does not interfere with the flow of air, such as a porous mesh, may be used.

A discharge hole (1112a) may be provided on the peripheral surface (1112) of the front cover (111). The peripheral surface (1112) may be provided in various ways depending on the shape of the front surface (1111).

The discharge holes (1112a) may be formed in multiple numbers spaced apart at a predetermined interval on the circumferential surface (1112). In this illustration, the discharge holes (1112a) are shown as having an approximately rectangular shape, but are not limited thereto and may be formed in various shapes.

The fan (140) provided inside the cover case (110) can suck in air through the suction hole (1111a) and then discharge the air through the discharge hole (1112a). That is, the discharge hole (1112a) can be arranged along the circumferential surface (1112) so that the air sucked in through the suction hole (1111a) is discharged in the radial direction of the fan (140). When the front surface (1111) and the circumferential surface (1112) are arranged vertically, the air can be discharged in the radial direction of the fan (140) through the discharge hole (1112a).

Air inside the cooking chamber (20) is sucked into the suction hole (1111a) provided on the front (1111) of the front cover (111), passes through the inside of the cover case (110), and is discharged through the discharge hole (1112a) provided on the peripheral surface (1112) of the front cover (111), so that a path is formed to allow the air to circulate efficiently.

The rear cover (112) can form the rear of the cover case (110). The rear cover (112) can be combined with one side of the inner cabinet (11). The rear cover (112) can be fixed or combined with one side of the inner cabinet (11) through point contact. For example, it can be fastened through a screw.

The rear cover (112) may include a guide portion (1122) provided to allow air discharged from the discharge hole (1112a) of the front cover (111) to move in the opposite direction to one side of the inner cabinet (11). In other words, the discharged air may be guided to move toward the center of the cooking chamber (20). In other words, the air may be guided to move toward food placed in the cooking chamber (20).

The guide portion (1122) may be positioned outside the circumferential surface (1112) to guide the air discharged through the discharge hole (1112a). In addition, the guide portion (1122) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the circumferential surface (1112). Specifically, the guide portion (1122) may be formed to be inclined so as to be further from the circumferential surface (1112) as it approaches the front surface (1111) of the front cover (111). By virtue of the guide portion (1122), the discharged air does not flow along the inner cabinet (11), so that heat loss can be reduced. In addition, the air inside the cooking chamber (20) can be efficiently heated by being directed toward the center of the cooking chamber (20).

The guide part (1122) may be provided in various shapes other than those illustrated. Any shape may be provided as long as it can guide the air discharged toward the discharge hole (1122a) forward.

Referring to Figure 4, the solid arrows represent the movement of air, and the dotted arrows represent the movement of heat.

Air sucked in through the suction hole (1111a) can be heated by the heater (130) and discharged back into the cooking chamber (20) through the discharge hole (1112a). At this time, the discharged air can be guided back toward the center of the cooking chamber (20) by the guide part (1122).

Some of the heat generated from the heater (130) can be radiated toward food within the cooking chamber (20) through the glass member (150). By the glass member (150), the radiated heat is not absorbed by the cover case (110) but is transferred to the food, thereby heating the food.

In addition, since the cover case (110) is spaced apart from one side of the inner cabinet (11) by a predetermined distance, the area where heat is conducted to the inner cabinet (11) can be significantly reduced. Heat can be conducted only through the portion where the cover case (110) comes into contact to be fixed or coupled to the inner cabinet (11). Accordingly, the surface area where heat is conducted can be reduced, so that heat loss can be reduced.

In addition, since the thermal conductivity of air is very small, the amount of heat transferred from the rear cover (112) of the cover case (110) to one side of the internal cabinet (11) may be very small. In this way, the heat absorbed by the cover case (110) may hardly be transferred to the internal cabinet (11).

The front cover (111) and the rear cover (112) can be joined to each other via hooks or screws. For example, the right sides of the front cover (111) and the rear cover (112) can be joined to one side of the internal cabinet (11) by being joined via screws.

The left side of the front cover (111) and the rear cover (112) can be joined via a hook, and the rear cover (112) and one side of the inner cabinet (11) can be joined via a screw. However, this is not limited to this, and both the left and right sides can be joined via screws or joined via a hook.

In this city, the cover case (110) is illustrated as having a separable configuration of a front cover (111) and a rear cover (112), and the guide portion (1122) is illustrated as being a configuration of the rear cover (112). However, the guide portion (1122) may be provided on the front cover (111), and the rear cover (112) may be comprised of only the rear portion (1121).

Meanwhile, the peripheral surface (1112) of the front cover (111) may also be configured as provided in the rear cover (112). In this case, the front cover (111) may be configured only with the front surface (1111) provided with a suction hole (1111a).

Although not shown, the cover case (110) may be formed integrally. When formed integrally, a portion of the discharge hole (1122a) formed on one side of the peripheral surface (1122) may be provided in the form of an opening. A heater (130) and a fan (140) may be accommodated through the opening.

Fig. 6 is a drawing illustrating a joint structure of a convection assembly and an inner cabinet in one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating another joint structure of a convection assembly and an inner cabinet.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover case (110) can be coupled or fixed to one side of the inner cabinet (11) via the rear cover (112). Specifically, the rear side (1121) of the rear cover (112) can be coupled or fixed to one side of the inner cabinet (11). The rear side (1121) of the rear cover (112) can be provided in a roughly flat shape.

A protrusion (14) may be provided on one side of the inner cabinet (11). Specifically, the protrusion (14) may be provided in the recess (11c). The protrusion (14) may come into contact with the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112) when the cover case (110) is coupled to one side of the inner cabinet (11). Except for the portion where the protrusion (14) comes into contact with the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112), the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112) may be provided to be spaced apart from one side of the inner cabinet (11). That is, the cover case (110) may be positioned with a predetermined distance apart from the surface except for the protrusion (14).

The protrusion (14) is shown as being formed in a roughly circular shape, but it may be formed in various shapes as long as it protrudes to a predetermined length and allows the cover case (110) and one side of the internal cabinet (11) to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

The smaller the contact area between the protrusion (14) and the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112), the less heat conduction occurs, which can reduce heat loss. However, since the rear cover (112) is supported by the protrusion (14), shaking due to air flow by the fan (140) can be prevented. Therefore, it is preferable that the area of the protrusion (14) be set to an appropriate size.

Referring to Fig. 6, the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112) can be screw-joined through a joining portion (13) formed on one side of the inner cabinet (11). A fastening hole (1121a) can be provided at a position corresponding to the joining portion (13) on the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112).

By being fastened through a screw, the contact area of the inner cabinet (11) from the cover case (110) can be narrowed. That is, the contact area can be brought closer to a point contact method. Accordingly, the heat conduction area can be reduced, thereby reducing heat loss.

A fastening hole (1121a) and a connecting portion (13) may be provided on the left and right sides of the cover case (110) respectively to support the left and right sides of the cover case (110).

The fastening hole (1121a) may be provided so as to protrude from one side of the inner cabinet (11). By protruding the fastening hole (1121a), air can flow between the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112) and one side of the inner cabinet (11). Through this, the amount of heat loss caused by heat of the cover case (110) being conducted to the inner cabinet (11) can be reduced.

Conversely, a fastening hole (1121a) provided on the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112) may be formed protrudingly, and a joining portion (13) provided on one surface of the inner cabinet (11) may be provided flat.

As in the present embodiment, among the fastening holes (1121a) provided on the rear side (1121) of the rear cover (112) so that the rear side (1121) of the rear cover (112) is spaced apart from one side of the internal cabinet (11), the fastening hole (1121a) provided on the right side may be provided on a flat surface, and the fastening hole (1121b) on the left side may be provided on a protruding surface.

However, it is not limited to this, and both the fastening hole (1121a) and the joining portion (13) may be formed to protrude.

In this way, as long as at least a part of the cover case (110) can be positioned at a predetermined distance from one side of the inner cabinet (11) so that air can flow between one side of the inner cabinet (11) and the rear side (1121) of the rear cover (112), it may be provided in any shape.

Referring to FIG. 7, the convection assembly (200) may include a cover case (210) having slots (2121a, 2121b) provided on the rear surface (2121) of the rear cover (212). In addition, hooks (23a, 23b) may be formed on one surface of the inner cabinet (11). The hooks (23a, 23b) may be inserted into the slots (2121a, 2121b) of the rear cover (212) to support the cover case (210).

As described above, the slot (2121a) provided on the right side of the cover case (210) so that the rear side (2121) of the rear cover (212) is spaced apart from one side of the internal cabinet (11) may be provided on a flat surface, and the slots (2121b) provided on the left side may be provided on a protruding surface. However, this is not limited thereto, and both sides may be protruded.

The method of joining through hooks (23a, 23b) can also reduce the amount of heat lost by narrowing the contact area between the cover case (210) and one surface of the internal cabinet (11).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the screws and hooks (23a, 23b) are shown as being combined in two on the left side of the cover case (110, 210) and in one on the right side, but this is not limited thereto.

In addition, screws and hooks (23) may be provided on the upper and lower sides of the cover case (110, 210), and it is sufficient if the cover case (110, 210) can be joined to one side of the inner cabinet (11), and may be provided in various forms.

Hereinafter, a convection assembly according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. A detailed description of the same configuration as that described in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a convection assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a cover case of the convection assembly of FIG. 7 from a side view.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the convection assembly (300) may include a cover case (310) having a slanted peripheral surface (3112) with respect to the front surface (1111). That is, the peripheral surface (3112) may be formed to be slanted with respect to the front surface (1111) of the cover case (310) so that air is discharged toward food in the cooking chamber (20).

Specifically, the peripheral surface (3112) may be inclined toward the outside of the cover case (310) as it moves from the front surface (1111) toward the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112). In other words, the angle formed by the peripheral surface (3112) and the front surface (1111) may be an obtuse angle. In another word, the peripheral surface (3112) may be inclined toward the rear surface (1121) of the rear cover (112) as it moves away from the radial direction of the fan (140).

Since the peripheral surface (3112) is formed to be inclined with respect to the front surface (1111), the discharge hole (3112a) provided in the peripheral surface (3112) can also be formed to be inclined. The air discharged through the inclined discharge hole (3112a) can be discharged inclinedly. Accordingly, the discharged air can be discharged toward the food side of the cooking chamber (20). That is, the heated air can be discharged toward the direction opposite to one side of the inner cabinet (11).

If the cover case (310) is installed at the rear of the inner cabinet (11), air can be discharged toward the front.

In this way, by forming the peripheral surface (3112) to be inclined with respect to the front surface (1111), air can be discharged in a direction opposite to one side of the inner cabinet (11) without a separate guide part.

The convection assembly (400) may include a glass member (450) forming the front surface (4111) of the cover case (410). At this time, a suction hole (4111a) may be formed on the glass member (450).

Since the glass member (450) forms the front surface (4111) of the cover case (410), a greater portion of the heat generated from the heater (130) can be radiated to the food within the cooking chamber (20).

If the front surface (4111) of the cover case (410) is formed of a metal material or the like, the amount of heat absorbed may increase, resulting in heat loss. In this way, if the front surface (4111) of the cover case (410) is formed of a glass member (450), the amount of heat loss may be reduced, and energy efficiency may be increased.

Although not illustrated, the cover case may also include a combination of the glass member (450) of FIG. 10 and the peripheral surface (3122) of FIG. 8, and a combination of the guide member (1122) of FIG. 5 and the glass member (450) of FIG. 10 is also possible.

A cooking appliance according to one embodiment includes an outer cabinet (12), an inner cabinet (11) forming a cooking chamber (20) inside the outer cabinet (12), and a convection assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) installed on one side of the inner cabinet (11) and configured to heat air inside the cooking chamber (20). The convection assembly may include a cover case (110, 210, 310, 410) positioned inside the inner cabinet and having suction holes (1111a) and discharge holes (1112a) formed therein to allow air to flow, a fan (140) provided inside the cover case and configured to suck air into the suction holes and discharge air through the discharge holes, a heater (130) for heating air sucked into the cover case, and a glass member (150, 450) provided in the cover case to allow heat emitted from the heater to be transmitted therethrough. According to the present disclosure, the energy efficiency of a cooking appliance can be improved. According to the present disclosure, heat loss generated from a heater of a cooking appliance can be reduced. According to the present disclosure, some of the heat generated from a heater of a cooking appliance can be transferred to food.

The cover case may be positioned so that at least a portion of the cover case is spaced apart from one surface of the inner cabinet by a predetermined distance so that air can flow between the cover case and one surface of the inner cabinet. According to the present disclosure, heat loss to the inner cabinet can be prevented.

One side of the inner cabinet may include a joining portion (13) that protrudes to allow the cover case to be joined. The cover case may be joined to the joining portion. According to the present disclosure, heat loss to the inner cabinet can be prevented.

The above cover case can be screw-connected to one side of the inner cabinet.

The above glass member has a shape corresponding to the heater and can be provided at a position corresponding to the heater. According to the present disclosure, heat radiation efficiency can be optimized.

The cover case may include a front surface (1111) in which the suction hole is formed. The glass member may be positioned on the front surface of the cover case so that heat passing through the glass member is transferred to food inside the cooking chamber. According to the present disclosure, heat passing through the glass member can be used to heat food.

The above heater may be provided on the outside of the fan so as to surround the fan.

The above heater and the glass member may be provided in a circular shape. The glass member may be provided to surround the suction hole. According to the present disclosure, flowing air can be evenly heated, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

The cover case may further include a peripheral surface (1112) in which the discharge hole is formed. The discharge hole may be arranged along the peripheral surface so that air sucked into the suction hole is discharged in the radial direction of the fan. According to the present disclosure, the efficiency of air circulation in the cooking chamber can be increased.

The above cover case may further include a guide portion (1122) provided to allow air discharged from the discharge hole to move in the opposite direction to one side of the inner cabinet. According to the present disclosure, the efficiency of heating air in the cooking chamber may be increased.

The above guide portion may be positioned outside the circumferential surface and may be formed to be inclined so as to move away from the circumferential surface as it approaches the front surface.

The above-mentioned peripheral surface (3122) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the front surface of the cover case so that the air discharged from the discharge hole moves in the opposite direction to one surface of the inner cabinet. According to the present disclosure, the efficiency of heating air in the cooking chamber may be increased.

The rear of the inner cabinet may be formed with a recessed portion (11c) that is sunken backwards. The convection assembly may be installed in the recessed portion. According to the present disclosure, it may be possible to secure space within the cooking chamber.

The above glass member can form the front side (4111) of the cover case. The suction hole (4111a) can be formed in the glass member.

A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment includes an inner cabinet (11) forming a cooking chamber (20) and having an open front, and a convection assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) installed on one side of the inner cabinet to heat air in the cooking chamber. The convection assembly may include a cover case (110, 210, 310, 410) at least a portion of which is positioned at a predetermined distance from one side of the inner cabinet so that air can flow therebetween, a fan (140) provided inside the cover case and arranged to circulate air in the cooking chamber, a heater (130) for heating air sucked into the cover case, and a glass member (150) provided in the cover case so that heat emitted from the heater is transmitted. According to the present disclosure, the energy efficiency of the cooking appliance can be improved. According to the present disclosure, the heat loss generated from the heater of the cooking appliance can be reduced. According to the present disclosure, a portion of the heat generated from the heater of the cooking appliance can be transferred to food. Can be.

The above cover case may include a front surface (1111) in which an intake hole (1111a) for sucking air is formed. The glass member has a shape corresponding to the heater and may be provided on the front surface (1111) of the cover case, but may be positioned to correspond to the heater.

The above cover case may further include a peripheral surface (1112) in which a discharge hole (1112a) for discharging heated air is formed. The discharge hole may be arranged along the peripheral surface so that air sucked into the suction hole is discharged in the radial direction of the fan.

A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment includes an inner cabinet (11) having an open front and forming a cooking chamber (20) in which food is placed, and a convection assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) installed at the rear of the inner cabinet and for heating air inside the cooking chamber. The convection assembly may include a cover case (110, 210, 310, 410) in which at least a portion is positioned with a predetermined gap between the rear surface of the inner cabinet so that air can flow, and in which a suction hole (1111a) and a discharge hole (1112a) are formed, a fan (140) provided inside the cover case and arranged to circulate air through the suction hole and the discharge hole, a heater (130) provided inside the cover case to heat air sucked into the suction hole and arranged to surround the fan, and a glass member provided in the cover case so that heat emitted from the heater can be transmitted, wherein the glass member has a shape corresponding to the heater and may include a glass member (150) provided at a position corresponding to the heater. According to the present disclosure, the energy efficiency of a cooking appliance can be improved. According to the present disclosure, heat loss generated from a heater of a cooking appliance can be reduced. According to the present disclosure, some of the heat generated from a heater of a cooking appliance can be transferred to food.

The cover case may further include a front surface (1111) in which the suction hole is formed. The glass member may be positioned on the front surface of the cover case so that the transmitted heat is transferred to the food inside the cooking chamber.

The above cover case may further include a peripheral surface (1112) in which the discharge hole is formed. It may further include a guide portion (1122) that guides air discharged from the discharge hole to move toward the front.

The present disclosure can improve the energy efficiency of a cooking appliance.

The present disclosure can reduce heat loss generated from a heater of a cooking appliance.

The present disclosure provides that some of the heat generated from a heater of a cooking appliance can be transferred to food.

The effects according to the idea of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

The above has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments. However, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various changes and implementations without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims below.

Claims

external cabinet;

an inner cabinet forming a cooking space inside the outer cabinet; and

A convection assembly installed on one side of the inner cabinet and configured to heat the air inside the cooking chamber;

The above convection assembly,

A cover case located on the inside of the inner cabinet and having intake holes and exhaust holes formed to allow air to flow;

A fan provided inside the cover case and configured to suck in air into the suction hole and discharge air out of the discharge hole;

A heater for heating the air sucked into the cover case; and

A cooking appliance including a glass member provided in the cover case to allow heat emitted from the heater to pass through.
In the first paragraph,

A cooking appliance in which at least a portion of the cover case is positioned at a predetermined distance from one surface of the inner cabinet so that air can flow between the cover case and one surface of the inner cabinet.
In the second paragraph,

One side of the inner cabinet includes a protruding joint to which the cover case is joined,

A cooking appliance in which the above cover case is connected to the above connecting part.
In the third paragraph,

A cooking appliance in which the above cover case is screw-connected to one side of the above inner cabinet.
In the first paragraph,

A cooking device in which the glass member has a shape corresponding to the heater and is provided at a position corresponding to the heater.
In paragraph 5,

The above cover case includes a front surface in which the suction hole is formed,

The above glass member is a cooking appliance positioned at the front of the cover case so that heat passing through the glass member is transferred to food inside the cooking chamber.
In Article 6,

A cooking appliance in which the heater is provided on the outside of the fan so as to surround the fan.
In Article 7,

The above heater and the glass member are provided in a circular shape,

A cooking appliance wherein the glass member is arranged to surround the suction hole.
In Article 6,

The above cover case further includes a peripheral surface in which the discharge hole is formed,

A cooking appliance in which the discharge hole is arranged along the circumference so that air sucked into the suction hole is discharged in the radial direction of the fan.
In Article 9,

A cooking appliance wherein the cover case further includes a guide portion configured to allow air discharged from the discharge hole to move in the opposite direction to one side of the inner cabinet.
In Article 10,

A cooking appliance in which the guide portion is positioned outside the circumferential surface and is formed to be inclined so as to move away from the circumferential surface as it approaches the front surface.
In Article 9,

A cooking appliance in which the above circumferential surface is formed to be inclined with respect to the front surface of the cover case so that air discharged from the above discharge hole moves in the opposite direction to one surface of the internal cabinet.
In the first paragraph,

The rear of the above inner cabinet is formed with a recessed portion that sinks backwards,

The above convection assembly is a cooking appliance installed in the above recessed portion.
In the first paragraph,

The above glass member forms the front of the cover case,

A cooking appliance wherein the above suction hole is formed in the above glass member.