OVEN WITH CONVENTIONAL FAN UNIT

Description

[0001] The innovation concerns an oven with a circulating air unit.

[0002] Ovens in general are well known. Ovens specifically designed for preparing convenience foods, such as ready-to-cook frozen meals, especially pizzas and baguettes, are particularly well known. Such ovens are used, for example, in fast-food restaurants.

[0003] The document CN 110 754 965 A discloses a hot air fryer with a baking chamber, an upper and a lower heating device and a circulating air unit.

[0004] The publication CN 1 146 704 C teaches an oven with a circulating air unit.

[0005] The document US 2014 / 0245897 A1 discloses a convection oven with a rotating drum.

[0006] A pizza oven with a circulating air unit has become known from the internet publication: https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=h9GRRuZGEaU.

[0007] Finally, the document US 2 491 420 A discloses an oven with a recirculation unit.

[0008] The problem with conventional ovens is that they often simply have uneven heat distribution throughout the oven, resulting in uneven heating of the food. This often results in the food being heated having an uneven degree of browning, which is undesirable.

[0009] Based on this, the aim of the innovation is to provide an oven that enables improved heating of food despite its compact design.

[0010] The object is achieved by an oven according to the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0011] The innovation relates to an oven. The oven is, in particular, a compact oven with a height less than the width of the oven. In particular, the oven is designed as a freestanding oven, i.e., the oven has a housing that is not intended for installation in a piece of furniture, in particular a kitchen cabinet. The housing can, for example, be a stainless steel housing.

[0012] A baking chamber is provided within the oven housing. The oven has a first heating device located in the upper area of ​​the oven for supplying top heat to the food being prepared. The oven also has a second heating device located in the lower area of ​​the oven for supplying bottom heat to the food being prepared. Furthermore, a recirculation unit is provided. The recirculation unit is located on a side wall of the baking chamber. The fan motor is integrated into a side area of ​​the oven housing next to the baking chamber, with the side area being located behind an oven control unit.

[0013] The main advantage of the oven is that it is a compact oven which, despite limited installation space, particularly in terms of depth, has a circulating air function and thus enables a more even heat distribution in the baking chamber, which leads to better cooking results.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an intake opening and an exhaust opening for the recirculation unit are provided in the first side wall of the baking chamber. This allows air to flow through the baking chamber only from one side, resulting in a more compact design.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the intake opening and the exhaust opening are offset from each other in the depth direction of the baking chamber. This allows the recirculation unit to draw in air, for example, from a rear area of ​​the side wall and discharge it from a front area of ​​the side wall. This ensures good air circulation throughout the baking chamber, resulting in improved temperature distribution.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the intake opening is located deeper in the baking chamber than the exhaust opening. In an alternative embodiment, the exhaust opening can also be located deeper in the baking chamber than the intake opening.

[0017] According to the invention, the recirculation unit comprises a flow duct and a fan impeller driven by the fan motor, with the fan impeller being provided in the flow duct. This creates a locally confined space in which the fan impeller is arranged, which contributes to the high efficiency of the recirculation unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the flow channel extends longitudinally in the depth direction of the baking chamber. This creates a channel that connects the intake opening with the exhaust opening, which is spaced apart in the depth direction. This, in turn, increases the efficiency of the recirculation unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the recirculation unit has a fan wheel configured for radial intake and axial discharge of air. This makes it possible to position the fan wheel in the area of ​​the discharge opening and to convey the air radially from the intake opening, despite the offset arrangement of the intake opening relative to the discharge opening in the depth direction of the baking chamber.

[0020] According to the invention, the recirculation unit has a partition wall, with a circumferential wall section projecting from the partition wall, which defines the flow channel in the radial direction. The partition wall makes it possible to form a thermal barrier between the fan motor and the baking chamber, which, on the one hand, defines the flow channel and, on the other hand, limits the heat input into the fan motor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the partition wall is attached to the first side wall of the baking chamber in such a way that the partition wall, together with the surrounding wall section and the first side wall of the baking chamber, form the flow channel. Thus, the interaction of the partition wall with the side wall of the baking chamber forms an at least substantially closed flow channel, which enables effective flow through the baking chamber with the air moved by the fan wheel.

[0022] According to the invention, a layer of insulating material is provided between the first side wall of the baking chamber and the partition wall. This allows heat transfer toward the fan motor to be limited.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the recirculation unit has a supporting wall to which the fan motor is attached. The supporting wall preferably extends across the entire height and depth of the oven. It is preferably connected directly to the oven housing to securely fix the fan motor. Furthermore, by fixing the fan motor to the supporting wall instead of the intermediate wall, the heat input into the fan motor can be reduced.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the supporting wall is provided on the side of the partition wall facing away from the baking chamber. The partition wall is spaced apart from the supporting wall and fixed to it. This sandwich-like design of the recirculation unit reduces the heat input into the fan motor and also into the housing wall.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a layer of insulating material is provided between the supporting wall and the partition wall. This further reduces heat loss from the oven chamber and heat input to the fan motor.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a recirculation control unit is provided for controlling the recirculation function of the oven. The recirculation control unit has a separate control board, which is arranged separately from a main control board that controls the remaining oven functions. This creates a modular design, making it possible to retrofit ovens with the recirculation unit.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor is arranged in the oven chamber, which is provided on a second side wall of the oven chamber, opposite the circulating air unit. This allows the temperature measurement to be performed on the side opposite the circulating air unit, enabling improved temperature control of the oven.

[0028] The terms "approximately", "substantially" or "about" mean, in the sense of the invention, deviations from the exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0029] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the innovation will also become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject of the innovation, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0030] The innovation is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an oven according to the invention with the baking chamber open in a first perspective view; Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an oven according to the invention with the baking chamber open in a second perspective view; Fig. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the circulating air unit of the oven in a first perspective exploded view; Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the circulating air unit of the oven in a second perspective exploded view; Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the circulating air unit of the oven in the assembled state in a first perspective view; Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the circulating air unit of the oven in the assembled state in a second perspective view; and Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an oven according to the invention with the housing partially opened in a top perspective view.

[0031] The Figures 1 and 2show an oven 1 according to the invention in different perspective views. The oven 1 is designed as a freestanding appliance and is, in particular, a compact oven designed for heating convenience food in restaurants or snack bars, i.e., for example, ready-to-prepare meals such as frozen ready meals, etc. In particular, the oven 1 is configured to bake frozen pizzas or frozen baguettes.

[0032] The oven 1 has a housing 2, which includes an opening at the front for a baking chamber 3. The baking chamber can be loaded with the food to be prepared through this opening. In particular, the oven may not have a hinged door, but may instead be provided with a slide-in drawer 1.2 (see FIG. Fig. 7), which has a closing panel and a support surface or a rack for the food to be prepared. The closing panel is designed to close the opening of the baking chamber 3 after the insert 1.2 has been inserted into the baking chamber 3. A handle can also be provided on the closing panel of the insert 1.2, via which the insert 1.2 can be pulled out of the baking chamber 3 and by means of which the insert 1.2 can be lifted and transported after being pulled out of the baking chamber. The handle can, for example, be designed as a stick-like handle that projects vertically from the closing panel. The handle can be detachably fixed to the closing panel by means of a quick-connector mechanism.

[0033] The oven 1 also has a control unit 1.1, by means of which the oven's baking programs can be selected. In particular, the oven 1 has preprogrammed programs for preparing pizza and baguettes. The control unit 1.1 is designed such that the baking function can be activated by pressing a button or a combination of buttons, thus greatly simplifying operation. After the predefined program has been selected and started, it is carried out automatically, i.e. the operator has no influence on the control of heating devices and / or the circulating air unit. The temperature selection and temperature control of the oven 1 also preferably take place fully automatically without any influence from the operator.

[0034] The baking oven 1 has a first heating device 4 and a second heating device 5, by means of which the baking chamber 3 is heated. The first and second heating devices 4, 5 can in particular be resistance heating devices, in particular heating coils.

[0035] In addition, the baking oven 1 has a recirculation unit 6, by means of which air circulation can be generated in the baking chamber 3. The recirculation unit 6 is provided on the first side wall 3.1 of the baking chamber 3, which laterally delimits the baking chamber 3. In particular, the recirculation unit 6 is provided on the outside of the first side wall 3.1 such that the fan motor 6.1 and the recirculation control unit 6.10 of the recirculation unit 6 are accommodated in a side region 2.1 of the housing 2 of the baking oven 1, which is located behind the control unit 1.1.

[0036] The structure of the recirculation unit 6 is described in more detail below. An intake opening 6.2 and an exhaust opening 6.3 are provided on the first side wall 3.1 of the baking chamber 3. The intake opening 6.2 and the exhaust opening 6.3 are spaced apart from one another in the depth direction TR of the baking chamber 3, for example, such that the intake opening 6.2 is located in a rear region of the side wall 3.1 and the exhaust opening 6.3 is located in a front region of the side wall 3.1. Thus, the exhaust opening 6.3 is provided closer to the opening of the baking chamber 3 than the intake opening 6.2. In principle, an inverse arrangement of the intake opening 6.2 and the exhaust opening 6.3 is also conceivable. The exhaust opening 6.3 is preferably provided in the area, in particular in the direction of air flow, in front of a fan wheel 6.1.1, which is driven by the fan motor 6.1 and which serves to generate the air flow through the baking chamber 3.

[0037] Figures 3 and 4show the recirculation unit 6 in exploded views from different perspectives. As previously explained, the recirculation unit 6 is directly connected to the rear of the first side wall 3.1. It comprises a first insulating material layer 6.7, an intermediate wall 6.5, a second insulating material layer 6.9, a supporting wall 6.8, and a fan motor 6.1.

[0038] The first insulating material layer 6.7 is provided on the rear side of the first side wall 3.1. Directly adjacent to the first insulating material layer 6.7 is the intermediate wall 6.5, which, when assembled, is arranged parallel to the first side wall 3.1. The intermediate wall 6.5 has a wall section 6.6, which is preferably designed to be closed all the way around. The wall section 6.6 can, for example, consist of a flat material that has been bent or folded several times and is welded to the intermediate wall 6.5.

[0039] The insulating material layer 6.7 has a cutout that is adapted to the circumferential contour of the wall section 6.6, so that when the wall section 6.6 and the insulating material layer 6.7 are joined congruently, the wall section 6.6 extends through the cutout in the insulating material layer 6.7. This allows the wall section 6.6 to be positioned on the first side wall 3.1 such that the free-end edge of the wall section 6.6, which faces away from the intermediate wall 6.5, rests against the outside of the first side wall 3.1. As a result, the intermediate wall 6.5, the wall section 6.6, and the first side wall 3.1 define a flow channel 6.4 in which the fan wheel 6.1.1 is provided and through which the air flow can be directed by means of the fan wheel 6.1.1.

[0040] The fan wheel 6.1.1 is configured to suck in the air from the side of the intake opening 6.2 and to blow it out through the exhaust opening 6.3.

[0041] A supporting wall 6.8 is provided to support the fan motor 6.1. When assembled, the supporting wall 6.8 is aligned parallel to the intermediate wall 6.5 and the first side wall 3.1. Preferably, the supporting wall 6.8 is formed by a piece of sheet metal with a folded edge, which is sized to extend along the entire depth and height of the interior of the housing 2 and can be fixed to the outside of the housing wall.

[0042] Preferably, the partition wall 6.5 is not itself fixed directly to the housing 2 of the oven 1, but is held by the supporting wall 6.8. For example, press-in sleeves 6.5.1, each having an internal thread, can be provided on the partition wall 6.5. The supporting wall 6.8 has several holes, which, when the recirculation unit 6 is assembled, each coincide with a correspondingly positioned press-in sleeve of the partition wall 6.5, so that the supporting wall 6.8 can be screwed to the partition wall 6.5 through the holes.

[0043] For thermal shielding of the fan motor 6.1, a second layer of insulating material 6.9 is preferably provided between the intermediate wall 6.5 and the supporting wall 6.8.

[0044] A connection point for the fan motor 6.1 is provided on the rear of the supporting wall 6.8. The fan motor 6.1 is flange-mounted there, for example. The shaft of the fan motor 6.1 extends through the supporting wall 6.8, the second layer of insulating material 6.9, and the intermediate wall 6.5 into the flow channel 6.4, so that the fan wheel 6.1.1 can be fixed to the shaft. The fan motor 6.1 preferably has an additional fan wheel 6.1.2, which cools the fan motor itself. The additional fan wheel 6.1.2 is, for example, attached to the shaft of the fan motor 6.1 and is preferably located between the supporting wall 6.8 and the fan motor 6.1 itself. When the shaft rotates, the fan wheel 6.1.2 generates an air flow away from the baking chamber 3 and over the fan motor 6.1 in order to cool it.

[0045] As particularly in Fig. 6As can be seen, the recirculation unit 6 has a circuit board that forms the recirculation control unit 6.10. The recirculation control unit 6.10 implements functions required for controlling and operating the ventilation motor 6.1. The recirculation control unit 6.10 can, for example, be connected to a main control board of the oven 1 by means of spacers and electrically coupled to it via a cable connection.

[0046] A temperature sensor is provided in a second side wall 3.2 opposite the first side wall 3.1 and thus on the side of the baking chamber 3 opposite the circulating air unit 6. The temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature in the baking chamber 3. The temperature information determined by the temperature sensor is used to control the baking oven 1 in order to maintain a predefined temperature profile for the respective selected program.

[0047] As previously mentioned, after selecting and starting a predefined program, this program is executed automatically, so the operator has no influence on the control of heating devices and / or the recirculation unit. In particular, the recirculation unit does not run continuously but is switched on and off according to the program. The user therefore has no influence on whether the recirculation unit is activated or not. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 Oven 1.1 Control unit 1.2 Tray 2 Housing 2.1 Side area 3 Baking chamber 3.1 First side wall 3.2 Second side wall 4 First heating device 5 Second heating device 6 Recirculation unit 6.1 Fan motor 6.1.1 Fan wheel 6.1.2 Fan wheel 6.2 Intake opening 6.3 Exhaust opening 6.4 Flow channel 6.5 Partition wall 6.5.1 Press-in sleeve 6.6 Circumferential wall section 6.7 Insulating material layer 6.8 Supporting wall 6.9 Insulating material layer 6.10 Recirculation control unit TRDepth direction

Claims

1. Baking oven for preparing food, comprising a housing (2) in which a baking chamber (3) is provided, a first heating device (4), which is provided in the upper region of the baking chamber (3), a second heating device (5), which is provided in the lower region of the baking chamber (3), and a circulating air unit (6), the circulating air unit (6) being provided at a first side wall (3.1) of the baking chamber (3), a fan motor (6.1) of the circulating air unit (6) being integrated into a side region (2.1) of the housing (2), which is disposed behind a control unit (1.1) of the baking oven (1), the circulating air unit (6) having a flow channel (6.4) and a fan wheel (6.1.1) driven by the fan motor (6.1), and the fan wheel (6.1.1) being provided in the flow channel (6.4), characterized in that the circulating air unit (6) has an intermediate wall (6.5), a circumferential wall portion (6.6) projecting from the intermediate wall (6.5), by means of which the flow channel (6.4) is delimited, and in that an insulating material layer (6.7) is provided between the first side wall (3.1) of the baking chamber (3) and the intermediate wall (6.5).

2. Baking oven according to claim 1, characterized in that an intake opening (6.2) and an exhaust opening (6.3) of the circulating air unit (6) are provided in the first side wall (3.1) of the baking chamber (3).

3. Baking oven according to claim 2, characterized in that the intake opening (6.2) and the exhaust opening (6.3) are arranged offset from one another in the depth direction (TR) of the baking chamber (3).

4. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intake opening (6.2) is arranged deeper in the baking chamber (3) than the exhaust opening (6.3).

5. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow channel (6.4) extends, with regard to its longitudinal extension, in the depth direction (TR) of the baking chamber (3).

6. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulating air unit (6) has a fan wheel (6.1.1), which is designed for radial intake and for axial exhaust of the air.

7. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate wall (6.5) is attached to the first side wall (3.1) of the baking chamber (3) in such a way that the intermediate wall (6.5) with the circumferential wall portion (6.6) and the first side wall (3.1) of the baking chamber (3) form the flow channel (6.4).

8. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circulating air unit (6) has a support wall (6.8) to which the fan motor (6.1) is attached.

9. Baking oven according to claim 8, characterized in that the support wall (6.8) is provided on the side of the intermediate wall (6.5) facing away from the baking chamber (3).

10. Baking oven according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the intermediate wall (6.5) is arranged at a distance from the support wall (6.8) and is fixed to the latter.

11. Baking oven according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that an insulating material layer (6.9) is provided between the support wall (6.8) and the intermediate wall (6.5).

12. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circulating air control unit (6.10) is provided to control the circulating air function of the baking oven (1), and in that the circulating air control unit (6.10) has a separate control board which is arranged separately from a main control board which performs the control of the other baking oven functions.

13. Baking oven according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature sensor is arranged in the baking chamber (3), the temperature sensor being provided on a second side wall (3.2) of the baking chamber (3) facing the circulating air unit (6).