Cooking appliance with thermal management

Abstract

A cooking appliance (100) is provided that includes a non-metallic structural wall (102) that at least partially defines a cooking chamber (104) in which food may be received. The cooking appliance also includes a heating module (106) for heating the cooking chamber. A non-metallic structural wall at least partially defining the cooking chamber helps protect parts, such as electrical components, from being damaged by heat emitted from the interior of the cooking chamber. As an alternative solution to the same problem, the present disclosure also provides a cooking appliance comprising a structural wall at least partially defining a cooking chamber in which food may be received, the cooking appliance having a bottom and a top when oriented for use, and a front side (150) and a rear side (152), the front side and the rear side each extend between the bottom and the top. The rear side is opposite the front side across the cooking chamber. The cooking appliance also includes a heating module for heating the cooking chamber, the heating module being disposed proximate the front side rather than the rear side. The cooking appliance also includes an outer housing (136). An air cooling channel (154) is arranged between the outer housing and the structural wall. The outer housing defines at least one ambient air inlet (156) through which ambient air can be delivered into the air cooling channel and at least one outlet (158) for discharging air. The at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet are arranged such that a cooling flow path is defined between the front side and the rear side, e.g., from the front side towards the rear side. This arrangement helps protect parts such as electrical components from being damaged by heat emitted from the interior of the cooking chamber, particularly when these parts are arranged on or near the front side of the cooking appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking appliance having a cooking chamber and a heating module for heating the cooking chamber. Background Art

[0002] Various different types of cooking appliances are known, such as tabletop cooking appliances that may be positioned by a consumer on a tabletop or kitchen countertop.

[0003] Examples of tabletop cooking appliances include air cookers, food steamers, and air fryers. For example, an air cooker can be considered a mini convection oven because it has a fan that circulates hot air in a cooking chamber of the cooking appliance across and through the food received therein.

[0004] Cooking appliances tend to include sensitive components, such as electrical components, which may be damaged by the heat radiated from the cooking chamber unless appropriate precautions are taken, such as spacing the sensitive components sufficiently far away from the cooking chamber and / or placing thermally insulating materials (such as fiberglass insulation) between the cooking chamber and such sensitive components.

[0005] However, such measures may impair the compactness of the cooking appliance design, and this may be particularly problematic in the case of tabletop cooking appliances. Furthermore, when measures for thermally isolating the cooking chamber are insufficient or inadequate, the effective operation of the cooking appliance is at risk of being impaired. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, a cooking appliance is provided, which includes: a non-metallic structural wall, which at least partially defines a cooking chamber in which food can be received; and a heating module, which includes a heater and a fan, and the fan is arranged to circulate gas in the cooking chamber; wherein the heating module is arranged in the cooking chamber at least partially defined by the structural wall.

[0008] This may help provide a more compact cooking appliance design and may also help improve the heating efficiency of the cooking chamber.

[0009] In at least some embodiments, the heating module is configured to heat the cooking chamber to a cooking temperature greater than 100°C.

[0010] In such an embodiment, the fan may circulate gas across the heater and back to the food received in the cooking chamber.Thus, the heating module may be considered a gas heating module.

[0011] The fan is arranged together with the heater in a cooking chamber at least partially defined by the structural wall. It has been found that arranging (e.g., mounting) the fan and heater in the cooking chamber in this manner improves heating of the cooking chamber and generally helps ensure efficient transfer and distribution of heat to food received in the cooking chamber.

[0012] It is desirable to protect sensitive parts arranged outside the cooking chamber, such as a fan motor and / or an electronic control unit, from being damaged by the heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber. In this respect, the problem is at least partially solved by a non-metallic structural wall, in other words, the structural wall is formed of a non-metallic material.

[0013] Such non-metallic structural walls can inhibit heat transfer through the structural walls.

[0014] Therefore, the non-metallic structural wall can help protect sensitive parts (such as the fan motor and / or the electronic control unit) disposed outside the cooking chamber from being damaged by heat radiated from inside the cooking chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, such non-metallic structural walls can help improve the efficiency of heating the cooking chamber because the non-metallic structural walls can retain the heat generated within the cooking chamber.

[0016] As such, the non-metallic structural walls can help to reduce the heat-up time, in other words, reduce the time required for the cooking chamber to reach a desired temperature (eg, a set temperature input by a user).

[0017] Therefore, the non-metallic material forming the structural wall may be a heat-insulating material.

[0018] Such insulating materials may be considered to have low heat transfer properties, such as lower thermal conductivity than steel and aluminum.

[0019] Heat isolation materials, such as fiberglass insulation or aluminum foil, can advantageously be avoided as the non-metallic structural walls themselves provide sufficient thermal insulation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance does not include thermally insulating material, such as fiberglass insulation, outside the cooking chamber.

[0021] Alternatively, only limited thermal insulation material (eg, fiberglass insulation and / or aluminum foil) may be included in the cooking vessel, for example wrapped around the structural walls.

[0022] The non-metallic structural wall may be formed of any suitable non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the non-metallic structural wall comprises, for example, is formed of, a plastic material.

[0023] Such plastics materials may have suitable thermal insulating properties.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plastic material is a non-sticky plastic material, such as a material comprising a fluoropolymer.

[0025] This plastic material can avoid the need to apply a non-stick coating to the walls of the structure.

[0026] Such non-stick coatings, such as fluoropolymer coatings, are often applied to metal structural walls to make such structural walls easier to clean after cooking and / or to facilitate removal of cooked food from the cooking chamber.

[0027] Non-metallic structural walls may mean that, in at least some embodiments, the cooking appliance does not include a non-stick coating, such as a fluoropolymer coating, applied to the surface of the structural wall exposed to the cooking chamber.

[0028] Any suitable type of plastic material may be considered for the structural wall. The plastic material may, for example, comprise or be a thermoplastic material.

[0029] In some embodiments, the plastic material is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer.

[0030] Thermoplastic fluoropolymers are particularly suitable for inclusion in, e.g. forming, structural walls due to their thermal stability. Furthermore, thermoplastic fluoropolymers can be processed directly enough to form the shape of the structural wall defining the cooking chamber, e.g. via molding techniques such as injection molding.

[0031] In embodiments where the structural wall comprises (eg, is formed from) a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, the surface of the thermoplastic fluoropolymer is preferably exposed to the cooking chamber.

[0032] This may avoid the need to apply a non-stick coating to the surface of the structure wall.

[0033] More generally, thermoplastic materials may enable the structural walls to be directly formed, for example via molding techniques such as injection molding.

[0034] In some embodiments, the structural wall is formed as a single piece, for example by molding (eg injection molding) as a single piece. This may help to minimize gas leakage from the cooking chamber.

[0035] Moulding (eg injection moulding) the structural wall as a single piece may also mean that the structural wall may be manufactured in a simple and cost effective manner.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a heat shield disposed between the heater of the heating module and the structural wall.

[0037] Thermal barriers can help enhance the distribution of heat across the walls of a structure and attenuate local temperature peaks on the walls of the structure.

[0038] The thermal barrier may have enhanced thermal conductivity properties compared to the non-metallic material forming the walls of the structure.

[0039] Additionally, the thermal barrier may help improve the operating efficiency of the cooking appliance by enhancing heat transfer to gases in the cooking chamber (eg, gases circulated in the cooking chamber by a fan).

[0040] In embodiments where the structural wall comprises (eg, is formed of) a plastic material, the thermal barrier can help ensure that the cooking appliance is operable under safe operating conditions. For example, the thermal barrier can help reduce the risk of melting and / or thermal decomposition of such plastic material.

[0041] The thermal barrier may be formed of any suitable material. Particular mention is made of metallic material, in other words metal (such as aluminium) and / or metal alloy (such as steel).

[0042] In some embodiments, the thermal barrier is formed from stainless steel.

[0043] Forming the thermal barrier from stainless steel may mean that the thermal barrier is strong and corrosion resistant, particularly in view of the humidity within the cooking chamber, such as when steam cooking is performed therein.

[0044] In at least some embodiments, a cooking appliance includes a thermal fuse assembly.

[0045] In such an embodiment, the thermal fuse assembly may be in thermal communication with the cooking chamber, such as via a heat guide to the cooking chamber.

[0046] This helps to minimize the delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly to interrupt power to the cooking appliance.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the thermal fuse assembly may be mounted near the top of the cooking chamber.

[0048] In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is disposed at an area of ​​the structural wall behind and aligned with a top of the heater, the top of the heater being proximate to a top of the cooking chamber.

[0049] Thus, the thermal fuse assembly may be arranged at a location identified as a hot spot.

[0050] In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is disposed (eg, mounted) outside the cooking chamber.

[0051] In addition to helping protect the thermal fuse assembly from moisture, locating the thermal fuse assembly outside the cooking chamber may avoid the need for wires or connectors for connection to the thermal fuse assembly to extend through a structural wall.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is mounted between the heater and the structural wall.

[0053] In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is mounted to the heat shield.

[0054] More generally, the cooking appliance may include a fuse housing for receiving a thermal fuse assembly. In such an embodiment, the fuse housing includes a thermally conductive portion arranged to thermally couple the thermal fuse assembly to the cooking chamber.

[0055] The thermally conductive portion may have enhanced thermal conductivity properties relative to a structural wall (eg, a plastic structural wall) and thus help to shorten any delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly to interrupt power to the cooking appliance.

[0056] The fuse housing may further include, for example, a heat-insulating portion opposite to the heat-conducting portion. Such a heat-insulating portion may be formed, for example, of a non-metallic material (eg, plastic).

[0057] The thermal isolation portion may help thermally isolate the thermal fuse assembly from a cooling air flow provided by a cooling fan included in the cooking appliance.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a fuse seal, such as a silicone rubber gasket, disposed between the thermally insulating portion and the thermally conductive portion to seal the thermal fuse assembly between the thermally insulating portion and the thermally conductive portion.

[0059] The thermally conductive portion may be defined by a fuse cover portion of the thermal barrier.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the thermal isolation portion may be defined by a fuse cover part of a structural wall, such as a plastic structural wall.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a partition wall arranged in the cooking chamber to divide the cooking chamber into a food receiving area for receiving food and a heating module area, and the heating module is arranged in the heating module area.

[0062] The dividing wall may be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy (eg, steel).

[0063] By forming the partition wall from a metal or metal alloy, the partition wall can help ensure efficient heat transfer from the heating module area to the food receiving area.Therefore, the metal partition wall can help the cooking performance of the cooking appliance.

[0064] In some embodiments, the dividing wall defines a plurality of gas delivery ports through which heated gas from the heating module zone can be delivered to the food receiving zone, and a gas inlet through which gas from the food receiving zone can be delivered to the heating module zone.

[0065] Due to its function in embodiments of conveying gas between the food receiving zone and the heating module zone, the dividing wall may be considered a gas directing member.

[0066] In some embodiments, the gas inlet is centrally arranged in the partition wall and the gas delivery openings are peripherally arranged in the partition wall. Thus, gas from the food receiving area can be supplied to the central part of the heating module, (re)heated, and the (re)heated gas is delivered back to the peripheral part of the food receiving area. This helps to provide the desired cooking result.

[0067] In some embodiments, a cooking appliance includes an outer shell and an air cooling passage disposed between the outer shell and a structural wall.

[0068] The cooling provided by the air cooling channels can help protect such sensitive parts from being damaged by heat radiating from inside the cooking chamber.

[0069] In such an embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a cooling fan arranged to displace air in the air cooling passage.

[0070] A cooling fan may enhance the cooling provided by the air cooling channels.

[0071] The rotation of the cooling fan can be driven in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the motor driving the fan to rotate is arranged to rotate the cooling fan.

[0072] For example, both the fan and the cooling fan may be mounted to the main shaft of a single motor, in other words, the shaft.

[0073] This may provide an advantageously simple, compact and cost-effective design.

[0074] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes an electronic control unit adjacent a portion of the air cooling passage.

[0075] Thus, the air cooling passages may help protect the electronic control unit from being damaged by heat radiated from inside the cooking chamber.

[0076] When oriented for use, the cooking appliance may include a bottom and a top, a front side extending between the bottom and the top, and a rear side extending between the bottom and the top, wherein the rear side is opposite the front side across the cooking chamber.

[0077] In such an embodiment, the outer housing may define at least one ambient air inlet through which ambient air may be delivered into the air cooling passage and at least one outlet for exhausting the air.

[0078] The at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet may be arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side and the rear side, for example from the front side towards the rear side (or from the rear side towards the front side).

[0079] For example, at least one ambient air inlet may be arranged on the front side and at least one outlet on the rear side.

[0080] In such an embodiment, the cooling fan may be arranged to draw air into the air cooling passage via the at least one ambient air inlet and to exhaust the air via the at least one outlet.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electronic control unit may be arranged at or close to the front side and remote with respect to the rear side.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the fan may be arranged close to the front side and away with respect to the rear side.

[0083] Thus, the electronic control unit and / or the motor may be arranged at or near the side (in other words, the front side) of the cooking appliance that receives fresh ambient air initially introduced into the air cooling passage. The accompanying enhanced cooling of the electronic control unit may help protect the electronic control unit from being damaged by heat radiated from within the cooking chamber.

[0084] According to another aspect, a cooking appliance is provided, comprising: a structural wall, which at least partially defines a cooking chamber, in which food can be received, wherein the cooking appliance has a bottom and a top when oriented for use, a front side extending between the bottom and the top, and a rear side extending between the bottom and the top, the rear side opposite the front side across the cooking chamber; a heating module for heating the cooking chamber, the heating module being arranged closer to the front side than to the rear side; an outer shell; and an air cooling channel, which is arranged between the outer shell and the structural wall, wherein the outer shell defines at least one ambient air inlet, ambient air can be delivered into the air cooling channel through the at least one ambient air inlet, and wherein the outer shell defines at least one outlet for exhausting air, the at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet being arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side and the rear side, for example from the front side toward the rear side (or from the rear side toward the front side).

[0085] The air cooling passages can help protect parts (e.g., electrical components) from being damaged by heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber, particularly when these parts are arranged at or near the front side of the cooking appliance. Therefore, the air cooling passages can be considered to provide an alternative solution to the above-mentioned problem, which is solved by the structural wall being a non-metallic structural wall.

[0086] In this regard, the structural wall may be metallic or non-metallic.

[0087] For example, the structural wall may be made of metal or a metal alloy, for example with a non-stick coating applied thereto.

[0088] The cooking appliance may comprise a cooling fan arranged to displace air in the air cooling channel, for example wherein the cooling fan is arranged to draw air into the air cooling channel via the at least one ambient air inlet and cause the air to be exhausted via the at least one outlet.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the heating module may be arranged in a cooking chamber which is at least partially delimited by the structural wall.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, the heating module may include a heater arranged in the cooking chamber.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance may comprise a thermal barrier arranged between the heater of the heating module and the structural wall.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance comprises a thermal fuse assembly, for example, the thermal fuse assembly is in thermal communication with the cooking chamber.Such a thermal fuse assembly may, for example, be mounted to a heat shield.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the heating module comprises a fan arranged to circulate the gas in the cooking chamber, eg the fan and the heater are arranged in the cooking chamber.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, a motor driving a fan in rotation may be arranged to rotate the cooling fan.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance comprises an electronic control unit, which is arranged at or close to the front side and distal with respect to the rear side, for example the electronic control unit is adjacent to a portion of the air cooling channel.

[0096] More generally, embodiments described herein with respect to the first aspect are applicable to the second aspect, except for the material used for the structural wall.

[0097] It should also be noted that, in a general sense, a cooking appliance according to aspects of the present disclosure may be a tabletop cooking appliance, such as a top-mounted tabletop cooking appliance.

[0098] Such tabletop cooking appliances may be positioned by a consumer on a tabletop or kitchen countertop.

[0099] The tabletop cooking appliance may be, for example, a so-called air cooker, a food steamer and / or an air fryer.

[0100] When oriented for use, the cooking chamber has a top and a bottom.

[0101] When the tabletop cooking appliance is an air fryer, the fan can be arranged to circulate gas upward in a top direction through food received in the cooking chamber (e.g., in the food receiving area), and / or downward in a bottom direction through food received in the cooking chamber.

[0102] When the tabletop cooking appliance is an air cooker, the fan can be arranged to direct gas laterally across and through food received in a cooking chamber (e.g. in a food receiving area), wherein the gas is directed laterally toward side portion(s) of a structural wall extending between a top and a bottom of the cooking chamber.

[0103] This lateral guidance of the gas may be achieved by gas delivery openings, for example defined by a partition wall, close to the top of the cooking chamber, for example above the gas inlet. In such an embodiment, the gas inlet may, for example, be centrally arranged in the partition wall.

[0104] In such a design, gas delivered into the cooking chamber via the gas delivery port(s) near the top of the cooking chamber may be directed over food received in the cooking chamber and back through and / or under the food toward the lower gas inlet.

[0105] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to more clearly show how the invention may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0107] Figure 1 An exploded view of a cooking appliance according to one example is provided;

[0108] Figure 2 An interior view of a cooking appliance according to one example is provided;

[0109] Figure 3 An interior view of a cooking appliance according to another example is provided, the cooking appliance including a thermal barrier in a cooking chamber of the cooking appliance;

[0110] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 2Fluid flow in the cooking appliance shown;

[0111] Figure 5 Provided Figure 4 A perspective view of the fluid flow shown;

[0112] Figure 6 providing a plot of temperature versus time at a cooking chamber location in the event of a simulated malfunction or failure of the cooking appliance;

[0113] Figure 7 providing a graph of temperature versus time at a cooking chamber location under another simulated fault or failure condition of the cooking appliance;

[0114] Figure 8 Shows Figure 3 A portion of a cooking appliance as shown;

[0115] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 3 The heat barrier of the cooking appliance shown;

[0116] Fig.10 Provided in Figure 3 a graph of temperature versus time at a cooking chamber location during normal operation of the cooking appliance shown, and a comparative graph of a cooking appliance that does not include a thermal barrier;

[0117] Fig.11 Provided in Figure 3 a graph of temperature versus time at a cooking chamber location during a simulated fault or failure condition of the illustrated cooking appliance, and a comparative graph of a cooking appliance that does not include a thermal barrier;

[0118] Fig.12 and 13 Shows Figure 3 The thermal fuse assembly of the cooking appliance shown; and

[0119] Figures 14 to 17 A method for installing a thermal fuse assembly in a cooking appliance is shown. Fig.12 and Fig.13 Optional arrangement in the cooking appliance shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0121] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the device, system and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the device, system and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0122] A cooking appliance is provided, the cooking appliance comprising a non-metallic structural wall, the non-metallic structural wall at least partially defining a cooking chamber in which food can be received. The cooking appliance also includes a heating module for heating the cooking chamber. The non-metallic structural wall at least partially defining the cooking chamber helps to protect parts such as electrical components from being damaged by heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber. As an alternative solution to the same problem, the present disclosure also provides a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance comprising a structural wall, the structural wall at least partially defining a cooking chamber in which food can be received, wherein the cooking appliance has a bottom and a top when oriented for use, and a front side and a rear side each extending between the bottom and the top. The rear side spans the cooking chamber and is opposite to the front side. The cooking appliance also includes a heating module for heating the cooking chamber, the heating module being arranged close to the front side and away from the rear side, in other words, closer to the front side than the rear side. The cooking appliance also includes an outer shell. An air cooling channel is arranged between the outer shell and the structural wall. The outer shell defines at least one ambient air inlet and at least one outlet, and ambient air can be delivered to the air cooling channel through the at least one ambient air inlet, and at least one outlet is used to exhaust air. The at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet are arranged such that a cooling flow path is defined between the front side and the rear side, e.g., from the front side toward the rear side. This arrangement helps protect parts, such as electrical components, from being damaged by heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber, particularly when such parts are arranged at or near the front side of the cooking appliance.

[0123] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a steam heater module in addition to the heating module.

[0124] Such a steam heater module may comprise a dedicated heater arranged to heat the water evaporation portion so as to promote evaporation of water received in the water evaporation region.For example, the water evaporation portion may be arranged in the cooking chamber.

[0125] Figure 1 An exploded view of a cooking appliance 100 according to one example is provided. Figure 2 A view of such a cooking appliance 100 when assembled is provided.

[0126] exist Figure 1 and 2Evident therein are structural walls 102 which at least partially define a cooking chamber 104 in which food (not visible) can be received. The cooking appliance 100 further comprises a heating module 106 for heating the cooking chamber 104.

[0127] The term “structural wall” refers to the function of the structural wall 102 to structurally define the shape of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0128] Thus, the term "structural wall" does not include, for example, the coating itself, since such a coating itself cannot structurally define the shape of the cooking chamber 104. Rather, it is the structural wall 102 to which such a coating is applied that structurally defines the shape of the cooking chamber 104.

[0129] The structural wall 102 may have a surface exposed to the cooking chamber 104 , the surface at least partially defining the cooking chamber 104 .

[0130] In such an embodiment, the surface may be a continuous surface, in other words a surface without sharp edges and dislocations.

[0131] Such a continuous surface may be relatively easy to clean and may also help minimize the accumulation of food debris, grease, etc. that may otherwise collect at sharp edge offsets on the surface of the structural wall 102 .

[0132] In some embodiments, the heating module 106 is disposed in a cooking chamber 104 that is at least partially defined by the structural wall 102 .

[0133] Placing the heating module 106 within the cooking chamber 104 may help provide a more compact design for the cooking appliance 100 , and may also help improve the heating efficiency of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0134] In at least some embodiments, heating module 106 is configured to heat cooking chamber 104 to a cooking temperature greater than 100°C.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the heating module 106 includes a heater 108 disposed in the cooking chamber 104. In other words, the heater 108 is disposed in the cooking chamber 104 at least partially defined by the structural wall 102.

[0136] The placement of the heater 108 in the cooking chamber 104 may help ensure that heat is efficiently transferred and distributed to food received in the cooking chamber 104 .

[0137] In such an embodiment, the heater connector (at Figure 1 and 2 108 ) may extend through the structural wall 102 to reach the heater 108 and be connected to the heater 108 .

[0138] Heater 108 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, for example Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the heater 108 includes or is in the form of a resistive heating element.

[0139] For example, such a resistive heating element may include coils spaced apart from one another to enable heating of gas passing through and between the coils. Figures 1 to 3 Such an example is shown in .

[0140] In some embodiments, and as in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best shown in the example depicted in , the cooking appliance 100 includes a partition wall 110 disposed in the cooking chamber 104 to separate the cooking chamber 104 into a food receiving area 104A for receiving food and a heating module area 104B in which a heater 108 is disposed.

[0141] The partition wall 110 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal or a metal alloy (eg, steel).

[0142] By forming the partition wall 110 from a metal or metal alloy, the partition wall 110 can help ensure efficient heat transfer from the heating module area 104B to the food receiving area 104 A. Thus, the metal partition wall 110 can help the cooking performance of the cooking appliance 100.

[0143] In some embodiments, and with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the non-limiting example depicted in FIG. 1 , the partition wall 110 defines a gas delivery port 112 through which heating gas from the heating module zone 104B can be delivered to the food receiving zone 104A, and a gas inlet 114 through which gas from the food receiving zone 104A can be delivered to the heating module zone 104B.

[0144] Due to its function in embodiments of conveying gas between the food receiving zone 104A and the heating module zone 104B, the dividing wall 110 may be considered a gas directing member.

[0145] The gas delivery port 112 and the gas inlet 114 can have any suitable design. Figure 3 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the gas inlet 114 is defined by gaps in a grid, in a non-limiting example a circular grid.

[0146] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance 100 includes shelf portions 115, wherein each shelf portion 115 extends to each of the gas delivery vents 112 (eg, Figure 2 ), and / or extending from each of the gas delivery vents 112 into the food receiving area 104A (not visible).

[0147] Such a shelf portion 115 can help direct the gas flow from the heating module area 104B to the food receiving area 104A.

[0148] At this point, it should be noted that the gas may include air, steam and / or smoke, or air, steam and / or smoke. The composition of the gas may depend on, for example, the food being cooked and the conditions within the cooking chamber 104.

[0149] In some embodiments, the gas inlet 114 is centrally arranged in the dividing wall 110 and the gas delivery ports 112 are peripherally arranged in the dividing wall 110. Thus, gas from the food receiving area 104A can be supplied to a central portion of the heating module 106, (re)heated, and the (re)heated gas is delivered back to one or more peripheral portions of the food receiving area 104A. This helps provide the desired cooking results.

[0150] The gas delivery ports 112 may be arranged, for example, along a first lateral side of the partition wall 110 and along a second lateral side of the partition wall 110 opposite the first lateral side.

[0151] More generally, the gas delivery ports 112 may be considered "lateral gas delivery ports 112" through which gas is delivered from the heating module region 104B into the food receiving region 104A at one or both lateral sides of the food receiving region 104A. Such lateral sides may each extend from a bottom of the cooking chamber 104 toward a top of the cooking chamber 104 when the cooking appliance is oriented for use.

[0152] In at least some embodiments, the heating module 106 includes a fan 116 that is arranged to circulate gas within the cooking chamber 104 .

[0153] In such an embodiment, the fan 116 can circulate the gas through the heater 108 and back to the food received in the cooking chamber 104. Thus, the heating module 106 can be considered a gas heating module 106.

[0154] The fan 116 together with the heater 108 may be arranged in the cooking chamber 104 at least partially defined by the structural wall 102. An example of this is shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 Shown in.

[0155] It has been discovered that arranging (eg, mounting) the fan 116 and the heater 108 in the cooking chamber 104 in this manner improves heating of the cooking chamber 104 and generally improves the energy efficiency of the cooking appliance 100 .

[0156] In an embodiment where the cooking chamber 104 is partitioned into the food receiving area 104A and the heating module area 104B by the partition wall 110 , the fan 116 may be disposed in the heating module area 104B together with the heater 108 .

[0157] Alternatively or additionally, the fan 116 may be arranged to draw air from the food receiving zone 104A across the heater 108 into the heating module zone 104B, and to exhaust air from the heating module zone 104B back into the food receiving zone 104A.

[0158] In such Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, in which the dividing wall 110 is defined by a centrally disposed gas inlet 114 and peripherally disposed gas delivery ports 112 , a fan 116 may be arranged to draw gas axially from the food receiving area 104A through the gas inlet 114 and to turn the gas radially in the direction of the gas delivery ports 112 through the heater 108 .

[0159] Thus, the placement of the fan 116 in combination with the configuration of the gas delivery ports 112 and the gas inlet 114 may help provide the desired gas circulation within the cooking chamber 104 .

[0160] The rotation of fan 116 can be driven in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, for example Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the cooking appliance 100 includes a motor 118 arranged to rotate a fan 116 .

[0161] In such an embodiment, the motor 118 is preferably arranged outside the cooking chamber 104. In other words, the structural wall 102 can be arranged between the cooking chamber 104 and the motor 118.

[0162] Thus, the motor 118 may be protected from cooking conditions within the cooking chamber 104, particularly heat and humidity conditions.

[0163] For this purpose, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the main shaft 120 (in other words, the fan shaft) can extend from the fan 116 inside the cooking chamber 104 (eg, in the heating module zone 104B) to the outside of the cooking chamber 104 in the direction of the motor 118 .

[0164] Therefore, the fan 116 can be driven to rotate by the motor 118 via the main shaft 120. Figure 1 , the structural wall 102 may correspondingly define an aperture 122 through which the spindle 120 may extend into the cooking chamber 104 .

[0165] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 includes an electronic control unit 124 arranged outside the cooking chamber 104. In other words, the structural wall 102 may be arranged between the cooking chamber 104 and the electronic control unit 124.

[0166] Such an electronic control unit 124 may be configured to control the heating module 106 , for example to control the rotation of the heater 108 and / or the fan 116 .

[0167] In such an embodiment, reference Figure 3 , the electronic control unit 124 may include a user interface 126. In such an embodiment, the electronic control unit 124 may be configured to control the heating module 106, such as the rotation of the heater 108 and / or the fan 116, based on one or more user inputs made via the user interface 126.

[0168] The user interface 124 may, for example, be configured to enable a user to input a set temperature for the cooking chamber 104 and / or a duration for heating the cooking chamber 104 at the set temperature, for example before activating an alarm signal and / or controlling the heating module 106 to stop heating or at least reduce the temperature of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0169] Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 126 may be configured to convey information to the user, such as cooking parameter information. To this end, the user interface 126 may include a display for displaying information.

[0170] The electronic control unit 124 may include a processor, such as a microcontroller, configured to control the cooking appliance 100 , such as the heating module 106 included in the cooking appliance 100 .

[0171] The processor(s) may, for example, be configured to receive data from the user interface 124 and / or from an external device (such as a smart phone or tablet computer) and control the cooking appliance 100 (eg, the heating module 106 ) based on the data.

[0172] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the electronic control unit 124 includes a printed circuit board assembly 124A.

[0173] The processor(s) may be mounted via the printed circuit board assembly 124A. Alternatively or additionally, the above-mentioned user interface 126 may be connected to the printed circuit board assembly 124A.

[0174] More generally, it is desirable to protect sensitive parts disposed outside the cooking chamber 104 (e.g., the motor 118 and / or the electronic control unit 124) from being damaged by heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber 104. One way to address this problem is for the structural wall 102 to be non-metallic, in other words, formed of a non-metallic material.

[0175] Such a non-metallic structural wall 102 may inhibit heat transfer through the structural wall 102 .

[0176] Therefore, such non-metallic structural wall 102 can help protect sensitive parts arranged outside the cooking chamber 104 (such as the motor 118 and / or the electronic control unit 124) from being damaged by heat emitted from the interior of the cooking chamber 104.

[0177] In addition, such non-metallic structural wall 102 can help improve the efficiency of heating the cooking chamber 104, especially when at least a portion of the heating module 106 (e.g., the heater 108) is received in the cooking chamber 104. This is because the non-metallic structural wall can keep the heat generated by the heating module 106 within the cooking chamber 104.

[0178] In this way, the non-metallic structural wall 102 can help shorten the heating time, in other words, shorten the time required for the cooking chamber 104 to reach a desired temperature (eg, the set temperature input by the user as described above).

[0179] Thus, the non-metallic structural wall 102 can help improve the primary function of the cooking chamber 104 while facilitating cooking / food results.

[0180] Therefore, the non-metallic material forming the structural wall 102 may be a thermally insulating material.

[0181] Such insulating materials may be considered to have low heat transfer properties, such as lower thermal conductivity than steel and aluminum.

[0182] Thermally insulating materials, such as fiberglass insulation or aluminum foil, may be advantageously avoided because the non-metallic structural wall 102 itself provides sufficient thermal insulation.

[0183] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance 100 does not include thermally insulating material, such as fiberglass insulation, outside of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0184] Alternatively, only limited thermal insulation material (eg, fiberglass insulation and / or aluminum foil) may be included in the cooking appliance 100 , for example wrapped around the structural wall 102 .

[0185] The non-metallic structural wall 102 may be formed of any suitable non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the non-metallic structural wall includes, for example, is formed of, a plastic material.

[0186] Such plastics materials may have suitable thermal insulating properties.

[0187] In some embodiments, the plastic material is a non-sticky plastic material, such as a material comprising a fluoropolymer.

[0188] Such a plastic material may avoid the need to apply a non-stick coating to the structural wall 102 .

[0189] Such non-stick coatings, such as fluoropolymer coatings, are preferably applied to the metal structural wall 102 to make such structural wall 102 easier to clean after cooking and / or to facilitate removal of cooked food from the cooking chamber 104.

[0190] A non-metallic structural wall 102 may mean that, in at least some embodiments, the cooking appliance 100 does not include a non-stick coating, such as a fluoropolymer coating, applied to the surface of the structural wall 102 that is exposed to the cooking chamber 104 .

[0191] Any suitable type of plastic material may be considered for the structural wall 102. The plastic material may, for example, include or be a thermoplastic material.

[0192] In some embodiments, the plastic material is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer.

[0193] Thermoplastic fluoropolymers are particularly suitable for inclusion in, e.g., forming, structural wall 102 due to their thermal stability. Furthermore, thermoplastic fluoropolymers can be processed directly enough to form the shape of structural wall 102 defining cooking chamber 104, e.g., via molding techniques such as injection molding.

[0194] It should also be noted that the thermoplastic fluoropolymer may provide non-stick properties to the structural wall 102 .

[0195] Thus, in embodiments where the structural wall 102 includes (eg, is formed of) a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, a surface of the thermoplastic fluoropolymer is preferably exposed to the cooking chamber 104 .

[0196] More generally, thermoplastic materials may enable the structural wall 102 to be directly formed, for example, via a molding technique such as injection molding.

[0197] Injection molding of the structural wall 102 may enable interface components to be mounted directly to the structural wall 102, eg, without protrusions that require sealing to prevent accidental leakage of fluids (eg, gases) from the cooking chamber 104 to which such interface components are mounted.

[0198] Openings in the structural wall 102 and interfaces with the structural wall 102 may generally be minimized.

[0199] In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the structural wall 102 is formed as a single piece, for example by molding (eg, injection molding) as a single piece. This can help minimize gas leakage from the cooking chamber 104.

[0200] Moulding (eg injection moulding) the structural wall as a single piece may also mean that the structural wall 102 may be manufactured in a simple and cost effective manner.

[0201] At this point, it should be noted that the measures described herein for helping to protect parts (e.g., electrical components) from being damaged by heat radiated from within the cooking chamber 104 (e.g., non-metallic structural walls 102) can be applied to any type of cooking appliance 100. However, the cooking appliance 100 specifically mentioned is a tabletop cooking appliance 100, such as a top-loading tabletop cooking appliance 100.

[0202] Such a tabletop cooking appliance 100 may be positioned by a consumer on a tabletop or kitchen countertop.

[0203] The tabletop cooking device 100 may be, for example, a so-called air cooker, a food steamer and / or an air fryer.

[0204] The compact design necessary for such a tabletop cooking appliance 100 can mean that sensitive parts (e.g., electrical components) can be placed closer to the cooking chamber 104 than other cooking appliance 100 designs (such as built-in ovens). Therefore, the measures described herein for helping to protect parts (e.g., electrical components) from being damaged by heat radiating from within the cooking chamber 104 (e.g., non-metallic structural walls 102) can be particularly advantageous in such a tabletop cooking appliance 100.

[0205] Alternatively or additionally, because the tabletop cooking appliance 100 is configured to consume less power than, for example, a built-in oven, the heat transfer / energy efficiency benefits obtained from the features included in at least some embodiments described herein may be particularly advantageous in such a tabletop cooking appliance 100.

[0206] The cooking device 100, such as a tabletop cooking device 100, may be powered in any suitable manner, such as by one or more batteries and / or via a mains power source. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, in which the cooking appliance 100 is mains powered, the cooking appliance 100 may include a plug 127 for connection to a mains power socket (not visible).

[0207] In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a lid 128 for closing and accessing the cooking chamber 104 .

[0208] When the cooking chamber 104 is closed by the cover 128 , the cooking chamber 104 is at least partially, and in some embodiments completely, defined by the cover 128 together with the structural wall 102 .

[0209] When the cooking appliance 100 is oriented for use, the cover 128 may be opposite the bottom of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0210] In such an embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 can be considered a top-loaded cooking appliance 100 because when the cooking appliance 100 is oriented for use, moving the lid 128 to access the cooking chamber 104 enables the cooking chamber 104 to be loaded from above, such as by placing the cooking appliance 100 on a tabletop or kitchen countertop with the bottom of the cooking appliance 100 close to the tabletop or kitchen countertop and the lid 128 away from the tabletop or kitchen countertop, thereby supporting the cooking appliance 100 during use.

[0211] In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cover 128 includes a handle 130 for assisting a user in moving the cover 128 to close or access the cooking chamber 104 .

[0212] The lid 128 can be removable to allow closing or access to the cooking chamber 104 in any suitable manner, such as by being mounted via a hinge so that pivoting of the lid 128 enables closing and access to the cooking chamber 104 and / or being removably mounted so that detaching the lid 128 enables access to the cooking chamber 104 and resetting the lid 128 enables closing of the cooking chamber 104.

[0213] In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cover 128 includes an outer cover portion 128A and an inner cover portion 128B spaced apart from the outer cover portion 128A.

[0214] In such an embodiment, the spatial separation of the outer cover portion 128A and the inner cover portion 128B can help to thermally isolate the outer cover portion 128A from the cooking chamber 104, thereby reducing the risk of discomfort or injury to the user due to contact with the outer surface of the cover 128. In addition, this design can help retain heat within the cooking chamber 104.

[0215] Such an outer surface of the cover 128 may be, for example, an outer surface of the outer cover portion 128A and / or an outer surface of the handle 130 .

[0216] In the case of the above-described top-loading cooking appliance 100, the outer cover portion 128A may be an upper cover portion 128A, and the inner cover portion 128B may be a lower cover portion 128B. Figures 1 to 3 Such an example is shown in .

[0217] The outer cover portion 128A can be coupled to the inner cover portion 128B such that movement of the cover 128 causes the outer cover portion 128A to move with the inner cover portion 128B.

[0218] To this end, the cover 128 may include one or more cover connectors 134 configured to connect the outer cover portion 128A and the inner cover portion 128B to each other.

[0219] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the cover 128 includes a sealing member 132, such as a sealing ring or a gasket, which is configured to seal the space between the outer cover portion 128A and the inner cover portion 128B.

[0220] This may help reduce heat conduction between the cooking chamber 104 and the outer cover member 128A because, for example, hot gases from the cooking chamber 104 may be restricted by the sealing member 132 or enter the space between the outer cover member 128A and the inner cover member 128B.

[0221] The seal 132, such as a sealing ring or gasket, may be formed from any suitable material, such as an elastomeric material, for example silicone rubber.

[0222] In some embodiments, cover 128 is at least partially made of a transparent material to provide a view of cooking chamber 104 .

[0223] In some embodiments, a cover 128 (eg, an at least partially transparent cover 128 ) is mounted to the cooking appliance 100 using one or more hinges.

[0224] In at least some embodiments, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes an outer shell 136 in which the structural wall 102 is housed.

[0225] The outer shell 136 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, metal alloy and / or plastic material. For reasons of weight saving, plastic material may be preferred for the outer shell 136.

[0226] Any suitable design for the outer shell 136 is contemplated. In some embodiments, as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the housing 136 includes a top housing portion 136A, a bottom housing portion 136B, and an intermediate housing portion 136C disposed between the top housing portion 136A and the bottom housing portion 136B. It should be noted that the terms "top housing portion 136A" and "bottom housing portion 136" may refer to the positioning of the respective housing portions 136A, 136B when the cooking appliance 100 is oriented for use.

[0227] In embodiments where the cooking appliance 100 includes a lid 128, the top housing portion 136A can be proximate to the lid 128, e.g., removably coupled to the lid 128, while the bottom housing portion 136B can be distal relative to the lid 128. The bottom housing portion 136B can also be proximate to a countertop and / or kitchen countertop, e.g., that supports the cooking appliance 100 during use.

[0228] In embodiments where the cooking device 100 includes a user interface 126, Figure 1 , the outer housing 136 can define one or more openings 138 in which the user interface 126 can be disposed. For example, the opening(s) 138 can be defined by a top outer housing portion 136A.

[0229] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a food support 140 , such as a food basket, receivable in the cooking chamber 104 .

[0230] The food support 140, such as a food basket, can be made of any suitable material. For example, the food support 140 (such as a food basket) includes a structure formed of a metal (such as aluminum) or a metal alloy (such as steel).

[0231] The food support 140, such as a food basket, may include a coating applied to such structure formed of a metal or metal alloy, such as a non-stick coating, for example a fluoropolymer coating.

[0232] In some embodiments, the food support 140 is a food basket having a steel mesh structure. In a non-limiting example, the food support 140 is a food basket having a steel mesh structure coated with a non-stick coating (eg, fluoropolymer).

[0233] In embodiments where the cooking chamber 104 is partitioned into a food receiving area 104A and a heating module area 104B, a food holder 140 (eg, a food basket) may be received in the food receiving area 104A.

[0234] Such a food holder 140 may be removed from the cooking chamber 104 , such as from the food receiving area 104A, such as by lifting the food holder 140 out of the cooking chamber 104 while moving the cover 128 to provide access to the cooking chamber 104 .

[0235] Thus, the food rack 140 can be removed from the cooking chamber 104 for cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, when the food rack 140 is removed from the cooking chamber 104, the food can be directly removed from the food rack 140 or placed on the food rack 140. Once the food is placed on the food rack 140, the food rack 140 together with the food can be received in the cooking chamber 104, for example, and then the cover 128 is moved to close the cooking chamber 104.

[0236] To this end, the food support 140 (eg, a food basket) may include a handle 142 for facilitating placement of the food support 140 in the cooking chamber 104 and removal of the food support 140 from the cooking chamber 104 .

[0237] As an alternative or in addition to the food support 140, and as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 can include a drip tray 144 receivable in the cooking chamber 104 (eg, receivable in the food receiving area 104A of the cooking chamber 104).

[0238] The drip tray 144 may collect oil and grease from the food in order to minimize contamination of the surface of the structural wall 102 by such oil and grease.

[0239] Similar to the food support 140 , such a drip tray 144 may be removable from the cooking chamber 104 , such as from the food receiving area 104A, such as by lifting the drip tray 144 out of the cooking chamber 104 when the cover 128 is moved to provide access to the cooking chamber 104 .

[0240] Thus, the drip tray 144 may be removed from the cooking chamber 104 for direct disposal of oil and grease, as well as for cleaning.

[0241] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a water evaporation portion 146 disposed at the bottom of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0242] In such an embodiment, the structural wall 102 may define a gap for receiving the water evaporation portion 146, such as in the form of a plate member made of a metal (such as aluminum) or a metal alloy (such as steel).

[0243] In such an embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 may include a further heater 148 , such as a flat heater 148 , arranged to heat the water evaporation portion 146 in order to promote evaporation of water received in the water evaporation region 146 .

[0244] The water evaporation portion 146 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, when viewed from a plane above the bottom of the cooking chamber 104, the water evaporation portion 146 is circular.

[0245] To operate the cooking appliance 100 for steam cooking, a user may fill the water evaporation portion 146 by supplying water to the bottom of the cooking chamber 104. The heater 108 and / or the further heater 148 may evaporate water to generate steam.

[0246] In embodiments where the heating module 106 includes a fan 116 , the cooking appliance 100 may be operated in an air / steam circulation mode, wherein air and steam generated thereby are circulated within the cooking chamber 104 .

[0247] As an alternative or in addition to a user manually supplying water to the bottom of the cooking chamber 104, the cooking appliance 100 may include a water dosing system (not shown) arranged to dose water into the cooking chamber 104 to generate steam.

[0248] Such a water dosing system may, for example, include a water pipe and a pump configured to pump water into the cooking chamber 104 , for example from a reservoir included in the cooking appliance 100 .

[0249] Alternatively, steam may be generated outside the cooking chamber 104 and supplied into the cooking chamber 104 by injection.

[0250] In other embodiments, the cooking appliance 100 does not include a dedicated steam cooking component. In other words, the present invention should not be considered limited to cooking appliances 100 having steam cooking capabilities, and accordingly is applicable to all kinds of cooking appliances 100, and in particular tabletop cooking appliances 100, such as tabletop, top-loading cooking appliances 100 having a fan 116 for gas circulation in the cooking chamber 104.

[0251] More generally, reference Figure 2 and 3 The cooking appliance 100 includes a top and a bottom, wherein a front side 150 and a rear side 152 each extend from the bottom to the top. The rear side 152 is opposite to the front side 150 across the cooking chamber 104.

[0252] In such an embodiment, and if Figure 3 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the heating module 106 may be arranged proximate to the front side 150 , wherein the heating module 106 is correspondingly arranged distally relative to the rear side 152 .

[0253] It should be noted that, in a general sense, as an alternative or in addition to the non-metallic structural wall 102, in order to help protect sensitive parts arranged outside the cooking chamber 104 (e.g., the motor 118 and / or the electronic control unit 124) from being damaged by heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber 104, an air cooling channel 154 can be arranged between the outer shell 136 and the structural wall 102, wherein the outer shell 136 defines at least one ambient air inlet 156, for example at the front side 150, through which ambient air can be delivered into the air cooling channel 154, and the outer shell 136 defines at least one outlet 158 ​​for exhausting air, for example at the rear side 152. In other words, the ambient air inlet 156 and the outlet 158 ​​are arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side 150 and the rear side 152, for example, from the front side 150 toward the rear side 152.

[0254] The cooling provided by the air cooling passages 154 may help protect these sensitive parts from being damaged by heat radiated from within the cooking chamber 104 , particularly when these components are disposed at or near the front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100 .

[0255] In some embodiments, this may be due at least in part to at least one ambient air inlet 156 being located at the front side 150 and the heating module 106 being close to the front side 150 .

[0256] Thus, with respect to the positioning of the heating module 106 , fresh ambient air is initially introduced into the air cooling passage 154 at the side of the cooking appliance 100 where more cooling is required (in other words, the front side 150 ).

[0257] In some embodiments, for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the at least one ambient air inlet 156 includes or is in the form of an inlet slot formed at the front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100 between the top outer housing portion 136A and the middle outer housing portion 136C.

[0258] The entry slot between the top outer housing portion 136A and the middle outer housing portion 136C may be at least partially hidden from the user, for example, by the top outer housing portion 136A (e.g., by a lip portion of the top outer housing portion 136A extending in a bottom direction of the cooking chamber 104).

[0259] The intermediate outer housing portion 136C may extend, for example, as a ring around the periphery of the cooking appliance 100 .

[0260] In some embodiments, the at least one outlet 158 ​​includes or is in the form of outlet slots distributed along the rear side 152 of the cooking appliance 100 and formed between the top outer housing portion 136A and the middle outer housing portion 136C.

[0261] In some embodiments, the outer shell 136 defines another outlet for exhausting air. In such embodiments, the additional outlet can include or be in the form of side outlet slots distributed along at least one side (e.g., along both sides) extending between the front side 150 and the rear side 152 of the cooking appliance 100.

[0262] The outlet slot and / or side outlet slot between the top outer shell portion 136A and the middle outer shell portion 136C can be at least partially hidden from the user, for example by the top outer shell portion 136A (for example, by a lip portion of the top outer shell portion 136A extending in the bottom direction of the cooking chamber 104).

[0263] In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 124 is disposed adjacent to the air cooling passage 154. Thus, the air cooling passage 154 can help protect the electronic control unit 124 from being damaged by heat emitted from the interior of the cooking chamber 104.

[0264] The electronic control unit 124 may be disposed at or near the front side 150 and correspondingly remote relative to the rear side 152. Thus, the electronic control unit 124 may be disposed at or near a side of the cooking appliance 100 that receives fresh ambient air that is initially introduced into the air cooling passage 154 (in other words, the front side 150). The accompanying enhanced cooling of the electronic control unit 124 may help protect the electronic control unit 124 from being damaged by heat radiated from within the cooking chamber 104.

[0265] In some embodiments, the PCB assembly 124A is disposed adjacent to the at least one ambient air inlet 156 such that air entering the outer housing 136 initially passes through the PCB assembly 124A.

[0266] This may help cool electrical components, such as processor(s), mounted via printed circuit board assembly 124A.

[0267] The cooled air may then pass through the cooking chamber 104 and be exhausted via at least one outlet 158 ​​, for example.

[0268] Alternatively or additionally, the motor 118 can be arranged near the front side 150, for example with the spindle 120 extending toward the rear side 152. Thus, the motor 118 can be arranged at or near a side of the cooking appliance 100 that receives fresh ambient air that is initially introduced into the air cooling passage 154 (in other words, the front side 150). The accompanying enhanced cooling of the motor 118 can help protect the motor 118 from being damaged by heat radiated from the interior of the cooking chamber 104.

[0269] For example, the electronic control unit 124 and the motor 118 are each located adjacent to inlet slot(s) that define at least one ambient air inlet 156 .

[0270] In some embodiments, the user interface 126 is disposed at or near the front side 150 , and correspondingly remote relative to the rear side 152 .

[0271] Thus, the front side 150 of the cooking device 100 may be the side where a user receives (eg, is displayed) information via the user interface 126 and / or conducts user input via the user interface 126 .

[0272] Alternatively or additionally, a power cord connected to the plug 127 may extend from the rear side 152 of the cooking appliance 100 .

[0273] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the electronic control unit 124 and the user interface 126 are arranged at or near the front side 150 , and the heating module 106 and the motor 118 are also arranged near the front side 150 .

[0274] In some embodiments, for example Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a cooling fan 160 arranged to displace air in the air cooling passage 154 .

[0275] The rotation of cooling fan 160 can be driven in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, for example Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown in , the motor 118 driving the fan 116 to rotate is further arranged to rotate the cooling fan 160. For example, both the fan 116 and the cooling fan 160 can be mounted on the main shaft 120, in other words, on the main shaft of a single motor 118.

[0276] This may provide an advantageously simple and cost-effective design.Such a design may also enable a compact design of the air cooling and gas circulation system at the front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100.

[0277] In at least some embodiments, the cooling fan 160 is arranged to draw air into the air cooling passage 154 via the at least one ambient air inlet 156 and cause the air to be exhausted via the at least one outlet 158 ​​.

[0278] Thus, humidity in the cooking chamber 104, and potential humidity leaking from the cooking chamber 104 via an inadequately sealed interface, can be pushed in the direction of the rear side 152 of the cooking appliance 100 by the airflow generated at least in part by the cooling fan 160. This can help keep such humidity away from the ambient air inlet(s) 156 and sensitive components (e.g., electronic components) disposed, for example, at or near the front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100.

[0279] The electronic control unit 124 , the motor 118 , and the cooling fan 160 may be arranged adjacent to each other, for example, at a front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100 .

[0280] In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cooking device 100 includes an air cooling duct housing portion 162 disposed between the cooling fan 160 and the motor 118 .

[0281] The air cooling passage housing portion 162 may help direct and / or contain air within the air cooling passage 154 .

[0282] In at least some embodiments, a structural wall 102 (eg, non-metallic, such as plastic) separates a heating module 106 (eg, heater 108 and fan 116 ) from a motor 116 and a cooling fan 160 disposed outside of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0283] This can help improve cooking and cooling efficiency, as well as help provide a simplified design for the cooking appliance 100. With respect to the latter, the cooking appliance 100 may not include thermally insulating materials outside the cooking chamber 104, such as fiberglass insulation or aluminum foil.

[0284] Alternatively, only limited thermal insulation material (eg, fiberglass insulation and / or aluminum foil) may be included in the cooking appliance 100 , for example wrapped around the structural wall 102 .

[0285] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Depicted are fluid flows and circulations in a cooking appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Ambient air (in other words, cooling air) enters the cooking appliance 100 at A via (multiple) ambient air inlets 156, such as via ambient air inlets 156 in the form of inlet slots formed at the front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100 between the top outer shell portion 136A and the middle outer shell portion 136C.

[0286] After entering the cooking appliance 100 , the airflow passes at B through an electronic control unit 124 , for example, connected to a user interface 126 , and at C through a motor 118 , for example, driving both a cooling fan 160 and a fan 116 to rotate.

[0287] The cooling fan 160 draws air through the air cooling duct housing portion 162 at D, and the airflow is directed at E toward the cooking chamber 104.

[0288] A guide element (not visible) may, for example, distribute the flow across the surface of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0289] Figure 4 Dashed line 164 in FIG. 1 represents the circulation of gas in cooking chamber 104 due to rotation of fan 116 and rotation of cooling fan 160 in such an embodiment.

[0290] The air eventually exits the cooking appliance 100 at F via at least one outlet 158, for example via at least one outlet 158 ​​in the form of an outlet slot distributed along the rear side 152 of the cooking appliance 100 and formed between the top outer shell portion 136A and the middle outer shell portion 136C.

[0291] Air may also exit the cooking appliance 100 at F via side outlet slots 165 distributed along at least one side extending between the front side 150 and the rear side 152 of the cooking appliance 100 .

[0292] It should be noted that the cooling flow path can be a relatively short flow path that does not require a lot of redirection of the flow. This helps to provide effective cooling.

[0293] A cold flow study was conducted to evaluate the air cooling design according to the embodiments described herein. Thermographic measurements clearly show favorable cooling, particularly at the front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100. Thus, sensitive parts such as the electronic controller 124 and the motor 118 can be protected from heat radiated from the cooking chamber 104, particularly when arranged at or near the cooling front side 150 of the cooking appliance 100.

[0294] Experiments were also conducted to determine the thermal behavior of the structure wall 102 adjacent to the heater 108 .

[0295] exist Figure 2 Temperature measurements were taken at four different locations on the structural wall 102 of the exemplary cooking appliance 100 depicted in FIG: the top back of the heater 108; the heater 108 connection point; the bottom back of the heater 108; and the bottom bottom of the heater.

[0296] The top back location of the heater 108 is the area of ​​the structural wall 102 behind and aligned with the top of the heater 108 , which is proximate to the cover 128 .

[0297] The connection point location of the heater 108 is the area of ​​the structural wall 102 where the heater 108 is connected (in other words, mounted) to the structural wall 102 .

[0298] The bottom back location of the heater 108 is an area of ​​the structural wall 102 behind and aligned with the bottom of the heater 108 , which is proximate to the bottom of the cooking chamber 104 and distal relative to the cover 128 .

[0299] Bottom of the heater 108 The bottom location is the area of ​​the structural wall 102 at the bottom of the cooking chamber 104 below the heater 108 .

[0300] In the test run 1 , the motor 118 was turned off to simulate a malfunction or failure of the cooking appliance 100 , and the cooking appliance 100 was heated according to a set temperature of 180° C. In this case, the set temperature was the air temperature in the cooking chamber 104 .

[0301] After 60 seconds, the temperature measured at the bottom of the heater 108 reaches about 100° C., and the temperature measured at the top back of the heater 108 reaches about 170° C. Figure 6 As shown, the difference increases over time.

[0302] In test run 2, motor 118 is turned on to rotate fan 116 and cooling fan 160. Cooking appliance 100 is heated to a set temperature > 250°C to simulate another fault or failure condition of cooking appliance 100. In this case, the set temperature is the air temperature in cooking chamber 104.

[0303] Although the temperature differences between the temperature measurement locations are smaller than those observed in Test Run 1, Figure 7 As shown, the top back position of heater 108 still represents a hot spot on structural wall 102. After approximately 100 seconds, the temperature difference between the temperatures measured at the top back position of heater 108 exceeds the temperature difference at each of the other three positions by approximately 20°C.

[0304] As a result, a non-uniform temperature distribution is observed on the structural wall 102. This non-uniform temperature distribution may lead to the occurrence of local hot spots.

[0305] During normal cooking operations, localized higher temperatures may result in uneven temperature loading on the material (eg, the non-metallic material described above) forming the cooking chamber 102. This may result in long-term deformation of the material and may make it more susceptible to other signs of aging, such as cracks.

[0306] When the cooking appliance 100 is in a fault state, for example when the cooking appliance 100 is operated without the fans 116, 160 rotating and / or at a temperature higher than a normal set temperature (e.g., >250°C), the temperature at the hot spot may even exceed the melting temperature of the material forming the cooking chamber 102 (e.g., the non-metallic material described above) before the power to the cooking appliance 100 is interrupted by the thermal fuse assembly.

[0307] Various factors may contribute to the uneven temperature distribution across the structural wall 102, such as uneven heat transfer from the heater 108 and interacting components such as mounting elements used to mount the heater 108 to the structural wall 102. While this potential contribution to the uneven temperature distribution across the structural wall 102 may be compensated to some extent, in other words balanced, by the material from which the structural wall 102 is formed, such compensation may be limited if the material has relatively poor thermal conductivity characteristics.

[0308] In some embodiments, Figure 3 , 8As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9 , the cooking appliance 100 includes a thermal barrier 166 disposed between the heater 108 and the structural wall 102 (eg, a non-metallic structural wall 102 ).

[0309] The thermal barrier 166 may help enhance the distribution of heat across the structural wall 102 and attenuate local temperature peaks on the structural wall 102 .

[0310] The thermal barrier 166 may have enhanced thermal conductivity properties compared to the material (eg, non-metallic material) forming the structural wall 102 .

[0311] In some embodiments, the thermal shield 166 may also help shield the above-described cooling system from the heating module 106, thereby helping to maintain each of these functional units in its desired / intended operating state.

[0312] Additionally, the thermal barrier 166 may help improve the operating efficiency of the cooking appliance 100 by enhancing heat transfer to gases within the cooking chamber 104 (eg, gases circulated within the cooking chamber 104 by the fan 116 ).

[0313] In embodiments where the structural wall 102 includes (eg, is formed of) a plastic material, the thermal barrier 166 can help ensure that the cooking appliance 100 is operable under safe operating conditions. For example, the thermal barrier 166 can help reduce the risk of melting and / or thermal decomposition of such plastic material.

[0314] The heat barrier 166 may be formed from any suitable material. Particular mention is made of metallic materials, in other words metals such as aluminium and / or metal alloys such as steel.

[0315] In an alternative embodiment, thermal barrier 166 is non-metallic.

[0316] Such a non-metallic heat shield 166 may be used, for example, in embodiments where the heat shield 166 itself is not used to transfer energy to the thermal fuse assembly.

[0317] In some embodiments, thermal barrier 166 is formed from stainless steel.

[0318] Forming the thermal barrier 166 from stainless steel may mean that the thermal barrier 166 is strong and corrosion resistant, particularly in light of the humidity within the cooking chamber 104, such as when steam cooking is performed therein.

[0319] In one non-limiting example, the structural wall 102 is a plastic structural wall 102 and the thermal barrier 166 is formed of steel (eg, stainless steel).

[0320] The thermal barrier 166 may have any suitable shape, so long as the thermal barrier 166 may be disposed between the heater 108 and the structural wall 102 and thereby help enhance the distribution of heat across the structural wall 102 .

[0321] In some embodiments, and as Figure 8 and 9 , the thermal barrier 166 includes a main portion 166A and another portion 166B extending from the main portion 166A. In such an embodiment, the main portion 166A is configured to be disposed between the heater 108 and a side portion of the structural wall 102 behind the heater 108, while the other portion 166B is configured to be disposed between the heater 108 and a bottom portion of the structural wall 102 below the heater 108.

[0322] Thus, the thermal barrier 166 may be disposed adjacent the heater 108 and on both side portions and a bottom portion of the structural wall 102 that at least partially defines the cooking chamber 104 .

[0323] In such an embodiment, the further portion 166B may extend curvedly from the main portion 166A, for example so as to follow the curvature of the surface of the structural wall 102 between the side portion and the bottom portion.

[0324] The thermal barrier 166 may be mounted such that a gap is provided between at least a portion of the thermal barrier 166 and the structural wall 102 .

[0325] Such a gap may provide some tolerance, for example, to accommodate different coefficients of thermal expansion of the structural wall 102 and the thermal barrier 166 relative to each other.

[0326] However, the gap may be chosen to be as small as possible in order to minimize the risk of food residues, grease etc. accumulating in the gap.

[0327] Thermal barrier 166 may be mounted in any suitable manner. Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the thermal barrier 166 includes (eg, defines) one or more fastening points 168 by which the thermal barrier 166 may be secured to the structural wall 102 .

[0328] The thermal barrier 166 may be secured to the structural wall 102 at each of the one or more fastening points 168 via one or more fasteners 170 , such as screws.

[0329] One or more fasteners 170, for example, may also help secure the heater 108 to the structural wall 102. For example, the fasteners 170 may secure both the thermal barrier 166 to the structural wall 102 and a mounting element 172 for mounting the heater 108 to the structural wall 102. An example of this is shown in FIG. Figure 8 is best shown in .

[0330] In e.g. Figure 3 and 8 In the illustrated embodiment, in which the fan 116 is disposed in the cooking chamber 104 along with the heater 108, the thermal barrier 166 (e.g., the main portion 166A thereof) may define an aperture 174 through which the spindle 120 of the motor 118 may extend to enable the motor 118 to drive rotation of the fan 116. Fig. 9 An example of providing such holes 174 in the thermal barrier 166 is shown in FIG.

[0331] Experiments were conducted to verify the improvements provided by the thermal barrier. In a cooking appliance 100 ( Fig.10 176 in FIG. 176 ) and a comparable cooking appliance 100 ( FIG. 176 ) without such a thermal barrier 166 Fig.10 During normal operation of the cooking appliance 100, temperature measurements are performed at the top back location of the heater 108 previously identified as a hot spot. These graphs 176, 178 show that during normal operation of the cooking appliance 100, the thermal barrier 166 helps to attenuate the temperature peak by 10°C to 30°C.

[0332] In the cooking appliance 100 ( Fig.11 180) and a comparable cooking appliance 100 ( Fig.11 Similar measurements are made during failure mode operation of the cooking appliance 100 (see graph 182 in FIG. 18A ). Failure mode operation is operation of the cooking appliance 100 with the fans 116 , 160 not rotating or at a higher than normal set temperature (e.g., >250° C.). These graphs 180 , 182 show the significant enhancement in safety resulting from the inclusion of the thermal barrier 166 .

[0333] In at least some embodiments, Figure 3 and 8 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a thermal fuse assembly 184 .

[0334] Such a thermal fuse assembly 184 may be configured to interrupt power to the cooking appliance 100 in response to a temperature exceeding a threshold value.

[0335] In other words, when an abnormally high temperature is detected, the thermal fuse assembly 184 may immediately interrupt the power supply to the cooking appliance 100 .

[0336] Thus, the thermal fuse assembly 184 may prevent damage to the cooking appliance 100 caused by a fault condition.

[0337] The thermal fuse assembly 184 may be configured (eg, selected) such that the threshold at which power to the cooking appliance 100 is interrupted is below a temperature at which critical components become overheated.

[0338] However, for cost-related and technical reasons, such as avoiding exposure of the thermal fuse assembly 184 to a humid / wet environment, it is not possible to place the thermal fuse assembly 184 directly at the location of each critical component. Therefore, the thermal fuse assembly 184 or fuse assembly 184 can be positioned at (multiple) other locations with derived (multiple) threshold temperatures. Since these locations can be spatially removed from the location of (multiple) critical components, there may be some delay before the threshold temperature of the thermal fuse assembly 184 at its location is exceeded. The farther the thermal fuse assembly 184 is from the location of the critical component, the lower the threshold temperature of the thermal fuse assembly 184.

[0339] Some locations spatially removed from the location of (multiple) critical components may also not exceed a certain steady-state temperature due to a fault. Therefore, the threshold temperature of the thermal fuse assembly 184 can be selected to interrupt the power supply of the cooking appliance 100 at a temperature below such a steady-state temperature.

[0340] As a result of these factors, the accuracy and timing of triggering the thermal fuse assembly 184 to interrupt power to the cooking appliance 100 to avoid overheating at the location of the critical component(s) deteriorates as the thermal fuse assembly 184 is located further away from the critical component(s).

[0341] Typically, the threshold temperature of the thermal fuse assembly 184 can be lower, but as close as possible to the temperature at which the critical component(s) become overheated. In the event of overheating, it may be necessary to expose the thermal fuse assembly 184 to its threshold temperature as quickly as possible to prevent fault switching and improve accuracy and reliability.

[0342] In a cooking appliance 100 such as an air cooker, where the heating module 106 includes a heater 108 and a fan 116, the fan 116 being arranged to circulate the gas heated by the heater 108 in the cooking chamber 104, a key fault condition may be a defective temperature regulation causing overheating of the heater 108. Another possibility is a defective motor 118 operation causing the fan 116 to not rotate or not rotate sufficiently, thereby impairing heat transfer from the heater 108. In certain embodiments, defective motor 118 operation may also cause the cooling fan 160 to not rotate or not rotate sufficiently, thereby impairing cooling. Both defects may cause overheating of the cooking chamber 104.

[0343] In at least some embodiments, thermal fuse assembly 184 is in thermal communication with cooking chamber 104 , such as via heat conduction to cooking chamber 104 .

[0344] This helps to minimize the delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly 184 to interrupt power to the cooking appliance 100 .

[0345] Alternatively or additionally, the thermal fuse assembly 184 may be mounted near the top of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0346] In some embodiments, thermal fuse assembly 184 is disposed at an area of ​​structural wall 102 behind and aligned with a top of heater 108 , which is proximate to cover 128 .

[0347] In other words, the thermal fuse assembly 184 may be disposed at the top back location of the heater 108 described above, which location is identified as a hot spot.

[0348] When the heater 108 is located in the cooking chamber 104, it may not be recommended to place the thermal fuse assembly 184 near the heater 108. Placing the thermal fuse assembly 184 in the cooking chamber 104 may risk exposing the thermal fuse assembly 184 to moisture, and it may also be undesirable to require wiring for connecting to the thermal fuse assembly 184 to extend through the structural wall 102.

[0349] Thus, in at least some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly 184 is disposed (eg, mounted) outside of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0350] In addition to helping to protect the thermal fuse assembly 184 from moisture, locating the thermal fuse assembly 184 outside of the cooking chamber 104 may avoid the need for wires or connectors for connecting to the thermal fuse assembly 184 to extend through the structural wall 102 .

[0351] One solution may be to arrange the thermal fuse assembly 184 at the structural wall 102 but outside the cooking chamber 104 .

[0352] However, in embodiments where the structural wall 102 is a non-metallic structural wall 102, due to the relatively low thermal conductivity of the non-metallic material (e.g., a plastic material), there may be an undesirably long delay for triggering the thermal fuse assembly 184. Furthermore, when a plastic material forms the structural wall 102, such plastic material itself may be sensitive to elevated temperatures, such as temperatures above 230°C.

[0353] In some embodiments, thermal fuse assembly 184 is mounted between heater 108 and structural wall 108 .

[0354] In some embodiments, thermal fuse assembly 184 is mounted to thermal shield 166 .

[0355] In such an embodiment, Fig.12 and 13 As shown, the fuse cover portion 166C of the thermal shield 166 may be disposed between the thermal fuse assembly 184 and the cooking chamber 104 .

[0356] Thus, the fuse cover portion 166C of the thermal barrier 166 may help protect the thermal fuse assembly 184 from conditions within the cooking chamber 104, particularly humidity.

[0357] In such an embodiment, the thermal fuse assembly 184 may be covered on a side opposite the fuse cover portion 166C of the thermal shield 166 .

[0358] Such covering helps to minimize cooling of thermal fuse assembly 184 by the cooling system described above.

[0359] More generally, thermal fuse assembly 184 may be thermally isolated from the cooling airflow provided by cooling fan 160 .

[0360] In some embodiments, thermal fuse assembly 184 is covered by a fuse cover part 102A of structural wall 102 (eg, a non-metallic, such as plastic, structural wall 102 ) on a side opposite fuse cover part 166C of thermal shield 166 .

[0361] In such an embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 may include a fuse seal 186, such as a silicone rubber gasket, disposed between the fuse cover portion 102A and the fuse cover portion 166C to seal the thermal fuse assembly 184 between the fuse cover portion 102A and the fuse cover portion 166C.

[0362] The fuse seal 186 may help protect the thermal fuse assembly 184 and the connector 188 connected to the thermal fuse assembly 184 from moisture.

[0363] It should be noted that the heat shield 166 itself may be positioned relatively close to the structural wall 102 , in other words, with only a small gap between the heat shield 166 and the structural wall 102 , as previously described. The gap may accommodate the fuse seal 186 .

[0364] More generally, the cooking appliance 100 can include a fuse housing 102A, 166C for receiving a thermal fuse assembly 184. In such an embodiment, the fuse housing 102A, 166C includes a thermally conductive portion 166C arranged to thermally couple the thermal fuse assembly 184 to the cooking chamber 104.

[0365] The thermally conductive portion 166C may have enhanced thermal conductivity properties relative to a structural wall 102 (eg, a non-metallic structural wall 102 , such as a plastic structural wall 102 ), and thus help shorten any delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly 184 to interrupt power to the cooking appliance 100 .

[0366] The fuse housing 102A, 166C may further include, for example, a thermally insulating portion 102A opposite the thermally conductive portion 166C. Such a thermally insulating portion 102A may be formed, for example, from a non-metallic material (eg, plastic).

[0367] The thermal isolation portion may help thermally isolate the thermal fuse assembly 184 from the cooling airflow provided by the cooling fan 160 .

[0368] A fuse seal 186 (eg, a silicone rubber gasket) disposed between the thermal isolation portion 102A and the thermally conductive portion 166C may seal the thermal fuse assembly 184 between the thermal isolation portion 102A and the thermally conductive portion 166C.

[0369] The thermal fuse assembly 184 may include any number of thermal fuses 184A, 184B, such as one, two, three, etc. Including multiple thermal fuses 184A, 184B in the thermal fuse assembly 184 may help mitigate the risks associated with the failure of a single thermal fuse.

[0370] To verify, Fig.12 and 13 The embodiment shown in is compared with a thermal fuse assembly 184 arranged in a metal box attached to the structural wall 102 and arranged in the upper left corner of the heater 108 inside the cooking chamber 104 (when the heater 108 is viewed from within the cooking chamber 104 along the axis of the spindle 120 of the motor 118).

[0371] When the cooking appliance 100 was operated in a simulated fault mode: the lid 128 was open and the motor 118 was off, the temperature measured at the top back of the heater 108 was 270° C. after 60 seconds, while the temperature at the thermal fuse assembly 184 in the metal box was only 40° C. Fig.12 and 13 In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the temperature measured at the top backside location of the heater 108 was 270°C, while the temperature at the thermal fuse assembly 184 was 305°C.

[0372] As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the following table provides temperature values ​​indicative of a deviation (eg, an optimized deviation) between the temperature of the thermal fuse assembly 184 and the temperature of the cooking chamber 104 .

[0373]

[0374] The thermal fuse assembly 184 in thermal communication with the cooking chamber 104 may be implemented in any suitable manner. Figures 14 to 17 Various thermal fuse assembly 184 installation concepts are shown, which can be used as Fig.12 and 13 An alternative to the thermal fuse assembly shown in .

[0375] In some embodiments, such as Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 includes a heat pipe 190 between the heater 108 and the metal housing in which the thermal fuse assembly 184 is disposed.

[0376] Such a heat pipe 190 helps to improve the heat transfer from the heater 108 to the metal outer casing.

[0377] In some embodiments, for example Fig.15 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 includes a thermal guide 192 that is disposed to protrude from the thermal fuse assembly 184 outside of the cooking chamber 104 into the cooking chamber 104 .

[0378] In such an embodiment, the heat guide 192 may protrude into the cooking chamber 104 to a location identified as a hot spot, such as an area of ​​the structural wall 102 behind and aligned with the top of the heater 108 , which is proximate to the cover 128 .

[0379] In such an embodiment, the thermal guide 192 may include or be in the form of a thermally conductive aluminum component.

[0380] Thus, heat transfer is provided to the thermal fuse assembly 184 mounted outside the cooking chamber 104 via the thermally conductive aluminum component.

[0381] In some embodiments, such as Fig.16 As shown, mounting elements 172 that mount the heater 108 to the structural wall 102 are configured to transfer heat to a thermal fuse assembly 184 .

[0382] Thus, the mounting elements 172 that secure the heater 108 to the structural wall 102 may additionally function as heat transfer components for transferring heat from the heater 108 to the thermal fuse assembly 184 .

[0383] In some embodiments, such as Fig.17 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a metal tube 194 in which the thermal fuses 184A, 184B of the thermal fuse assembly 184 may be disposed. In such an embodiment, the metal tube 194 may protrude into the cooking chamber 104.

[0384] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and effect variations to the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0385] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0386] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0387] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A cooking device (100), comprising: a non-metallic structural wall (102) at least partially defining a cooking chamber (104) in which food can be received; as well as a heating module (106) comprising a heater (108) and a fan (116) arranged to circulate gas in the cooking chamber (104); The heating module (106) is arranged in the cooking chamber (104).

2. The cooking appliance (100) of claim 1, wherein the non-metallic structural wall (102) comprises a plastic material.

3. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-metallic structural wall (102) is formed as a single piece.

4. The cooking appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a thermal barrier (166), wherein the thermal barrier is arranged between the heater and the structural wall (102).

5. The cooking appliance (100) of claim 4, comprising a thermal fuse assembly (184) in thermal communication with the cooking chamber (104), wherein the thermal fuse assembly is mounted between the heater (108) and the structural wall (102).

6. The cooking appliance (100) of claim 5, wherein the thermal fuse assembly (184) is mounted to the thermal barrier (166).

7. The cooking appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprises a partition wall (110), wherein the partition wall (110) is arranged in the cooking chamber (104) to divide the cooking chamber into a food receiving area (104A) for receiving the food and a heating module area (104B), wherein the heating module (106) is arranged in the heating module area.

8. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 7, wherein the partition wall (110) defines a gas delivery port (112) and a gas inlet (114), and the heating gas from the heating module area (104B) can be delivered to the food receiving area (104A) through the gas delivery port (112), and the gas from the food receiving area can be delivered to the heating module area through the gas inlet (114), wherein the gas inlet is centrally arranged in the partition wall and the gas delivery port is peripherally arranged in the partition wall.

9. The cooking appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: an outer shell (136); an air cooling passage (154) disposed between the outer shell and the structural wall (102); and A cooling fan (160) is arranged to displace air in the air cooling passage.

10. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 9, comprising a motor (118) arranged to drive rotation of the fan (116) and the cooling fan (160).

11. The cooking appliance (100) of claim 9, comprising an electronic control unit (124) adjacent a portion of the air cooling passage (154).

12. The cooking appliance (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising a bottom and a top when oriented for use; a front side (150) extending between the bottom and the top; and a rear side (152) extending between the bottom and the top, the rear side opposite the front side across the cooking chamber (104), wherein The outer shell (136) defines at least one ambient air inlet (156) through which ambient air can be delivered into the air cooling passage (154), and wherein the outer shell defines at least one outlet (158) for exhausting the air, the at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet being arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side and the rear side.

13. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 12, the heating module (106) being arranged closer to the front side than to the rear side.

Images