Magnetically locked drawer assembly with a removable water tank for a steam-assisted oven

Abstract

The invention relates to a drawer assembly for a steam-assisted oven comprising a water tank (10) that passes through an opening (4) provided in the front panel (2) of an enclosure (1) into an inner chamber defined by the enclosure (1), engaging from an outlet (17) in a mounting position within the inner chamber to a transfer chamber (44) within the inner chamber, and a valve (60) adapted to the outlet (17) to control the fluid transmission to the transfer chamber (44). The drawer assembly comprises a magnetic coupling assembly (70) when being activated, secure the water tank (10) into a slot (40) when the water tank (10) is positioned within the inner chamber in the mounting position.

Description

[0001] MAGNETICALLY LOCKED DRAWER ASSEMBLY WITH A REMOVABLE WATER TANK FOR A STEAM-ASSISTED OVEN

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a drawer assembly with a removable water tank for a steam-assisted oven.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] During cooking in the oven cooking chamber, the water inside the food evaporates. For some foods (such as bread, cakes), it is undesirable for them to lose water and dry out during cooking. In such cases, water is additionally added to the oven to increase the humidity inside the oven and prevent the food from drying out. A steam cooking mode is activated in the oven, and steam is conveyed to the cooking chamber of the oven with the help of a steam generator, and the cooking process is carried out in a cooking chamber enriched with steam. In these types of ovens, known as steam-assisted ovens, water is conveyed to the oven from a container placed on the oven with the help of a mechanism. This ensures that dough products cooked at high temperatures rise well. To provide steam to the cooking chamber, the steam generator is equipped with a water tank that conveys water to the oven. The tank is necessary for conveying water to the oven and must be removable by the user for easy filling.

[0006] EP2550902 describes a water drawer for an oven, comprising a housing element and a drawer element. The drawer element is movably guided within the housing element and wherein water can be filled into a water receiving space of the drawer element, wherein the drawer element can be moved in a translational movement between a first inner position and a second outer position, characterized in that the water drawer further comprises at least one driving element for providing a driving force for driving the drawer element to move into the second outer position.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to ensure the mounting safety of the water tank that supplies water to the steam-assisted oven. To achieve the above objective, the invention relates to a drawer assembly for a steam- assisted oven, which includes a water tank that passes through an opening provided in the front panel of an enclosure into an inner chamber defined by the enclosure. The water tank engages from an outlet in a mounting position within the inner chamber to a transfer chamber within the inner chamber, and a valve adapted to the outlet controls the fluid transmission to the transfer chamber. The drawer assembly features a magnetic coupling assembly that, when activated, secures the water tank into a slot when the water tank is positioned within the inner chamber in the mounting position. The magnetic coupling assembly ensures the water tank remains in the mounting position, thereby preventing accidental removal. The components used in the magnetic coupling assembly may include one or several magnetically interacting elements such as electromagnets, permanent magnets, or ferromagnetic materials.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a pushing mechanism that, when activated in a draining position, applies a draining force from the rear end of the water tank, pushing it outward from the opening by a predetermined stroke distance in a direction opposite to the entry direction. This enables axial pushing of the water tank from the rear towards the exit, facilitating its removal from the front panel for purposes such as refilling or maintenance. The pushing from the rear of the water tank by the pushing mechanism ensures its ejection in the exit direction without deviation from the axis of advancement and without jamming, eliminating the need for expensive linear guide systems that would otherwise assist in the axial advancement of the water tank within the slot.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a push-push mechanism that activates by the pushing of the water tank from the opening during the transition from the mounting position to the draining position by the pushing mechanism. Such a mechanism produces a reactive force in the opposite direction in response to an applied pushing force. The pushing element, as the force-applying component of the push-push mechanism, provides a reactive force in the exit direction when a user pushes the water tank towards the slot in the entry direction from the mounting position, thereby pushing the water tank in the exit direction within the slot and extracting its front part from the opening. The push-push mechanism can be a simple spring-loaded telescopic arm or a piston driven by electronic control or other means.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic coupling assembly comprises a first connecting element fixed to the water tank on one side and a second connecting element fixed within the inner chamber on the other side, which magnetically attaches to the first connecting element in the mounting position. This arrangement allows the magnetic coupling assembly to perform a detachable magnetic locking with the second connecting element positioned within the inner chamber out of sight while the water tank is in the mounting position. Preferably, the first and / or second connecting elements are magnets, enabling the water tank to automatically reach its final position due to the magnetic field as it approaches the mounting position, without the need for external force.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a slot set within the inner chamber to define the transfer chamber and into which the water tank is positioned in the mounting position from a rear end. The transfer chamber facilitates the direction of water from the water tank to the outside during the valve opening.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a pin provided on the slot that activates the valve by pushing it in the mounting position, thus enabling the transfer of water from the tank to the outside through the opening without the need for a different mechanism. Preferably, the valve includes a valve spring set to open when pushed by the pin, and the position of the magnetic coupling assembly is adjusted to counteract the pressure force generated by the pin pushing through the valve spring, especially in the same direction. This setup aligns the magnetic pulling force generated by the magnetic coupling assembly to counteract the pushing force of the spring when pushing the pin while the water tank is positioned within the inner chamber, supporting the magnetic coupling assembly's pulling force against the spring's pushing force and preventing the valve spring from pushing the water tank out of the inner chamber.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a drawer channel on the slot that supports at least part of the periphery of the water tank to facilitate telescopic insertion of the water tank into the slot. The drawer channel creates a linear guide structure, allowing the user to easily and precisely position the water tank in the mounting position.

[0015] Preferably, the pin and valve are coaxially aligned within the opening groove structure. This alignment ensures that during the axial movement of the water tank in the entry and exit directions within the slot, the pin sequentially pushes and opens the valve within the groove and closes it upon exit.

[0016] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a cover provided at the front part of the water tank that extends parallel to cover the opening on the front panel when the water tank is positioned in the mounting position. The cover prevents external contaminants such as dust and steam from entering the opening.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the water tank of an oven with an integrated drawer assembly for water, as described in the invention, with the water tank shown outside.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the water tank shown in Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the disassembly of a pushing mechanism located at the rear part of the slot in a representative implementation of the water drawer.

[0021] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly position of a representative implementation of the water drawer mounted on the top part of the oven body.

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly showing the placement of the connection elements of the magnetic coupling assembly of the water drawer.

[0023] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 5.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] This detailed description illustrates the subject matter with references to examples without any limitation, solely for a better understanding the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an integrated oven featuring a representative configuration of the drawer assembly subject to the invention. The oven comprises a hinged door (3) located on an enclosure (1 ) that surrounds a cooking chamber, and a front panel (2) extending transversely at the top of the door (3), where control elements related to the cooking function are situated. A circular opening (4) in the form of a cut-out is created in the front panel (2) to access the interior of the enclosure (1 ). A hollow plastic slot (40) adjusted to the diameter of the circle is mounted from one end into the inside of the opening (4). A water tank (10) extending longitudinally inside the enclosure (1) passes through the slot (40) guided linearly in an entry direction (g). When removal of the water tank (10) is desired, it is axially pulled out from the enclosure (1) in an exit direction (g). The water tank (10) is a hollow, one- piece cylinder and a circular front cover (20) is mounted on its front part (12). When the water tank (10) is fully positioned in the opening (4) in the mounting position, the front cover (20) extends in the same plane as the front panel (2) without protruding.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a close-up perspective view of the water tank (10) by itself. The water tank (10) is a leak-proof, extended cylindrical hollow body obtained by plastic injection molding, with its top part flattened to form an indicator (11 ). The indicator (11 ) features a volume scale in sequence and is partially transparent to show the position of the water inside. A circular, expandable front cover (20) is removably and leak-proof fitted to the front part (12) of the water tank. At the rear end (14) opposite the front part (12), a guide (15) in the form of a transverse axial protrusion is located on the lateral wall. Below, at the rear end, there is a support extension (16) in a cylindrical form and below it, an outlet (17) in a groove structure.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a pushing mechanism, a push-push mechanism (30), supporting from its rear end (14) with the support extension (16) when the water tank (10) is positioned in the enclosure (1) in a mounting position. The pushing mechanism (30) comprises an outer mounting ring (34) and a cylindrical pushing element (32) telescopically mounted inside it. The pushing element (32) is linearly movable within the mounting ring (34) across a stroke distance (L) limited by the transverse extension of the mounting ring (34). A locking mechanism (5) is adapted to the opposing flat areas created on the top part of the outer ring (34) and the inner ring (32) within the pushing mechanism (30). The locking mechanism (5) locks the pushing element (32) in position within the mounting ring (34) by inserting it through an entrance (35) along with the axial push of the support extension (16) against a front wall (33) of the pushing element (32) in the mounting position. When a pushing force is applied again to the pushing element (32) in the mounting position, the locking mechanism (5) releases the pushing element (32) to allow it to return to its original position. The locking mechanism (5) includes a follower arm (37) made of a bent metal wire, one end passing through a hole (31) on the top part of the pushing element (32) and the other end engaging a heart-shaped guide (36) on the top edge of the mounting ring (34). An omega-like clamp (38), twisted to prevent the radial movement and dislodgement of the follower arm (37), passes over it from the lateral wall of the mounting ring (34) without restricting the forward movement of the follower arm (37).

[0029] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear part of the drawer assembly with the water tank (10) in the mounting position. A locking mechanism (5) is mounted inside a rear chamber (42) surrounded by the rear part of the slot (40). A pressure spring (50) is placed inside the inner chamber of the mounting ring (34). One end of the pressure spring (50) leans against the rear wall in the rear chamber (42), and the other end applies a spring pressure force defining a draining force (F) to the pushing element (32) from the rear. The pushing mechanism (30) extends coaxially with the support extension (16) parallel to the extending axis of the slot (40). The pressure spring (50) is coaxial with the pushing mechanism (30). A flange (39) is formed at the rear end of the pushing element (32). The flange (39) stops against a protrusion located at the entrance (35) of the mounting ring (34) as the pushing element (32) advances in the exit direction (g) within the mounting ring (34). Thus, the pushing element (32) can move within the inner chamber of the mounting ring (34) for a predetermined stroke distance (L).

[0030] Below the rear chamber (42), there is a transfer chamber (44) where the outlet (17) in the groove structure is freely provided. A pin (46) is formed on the rear wall of the transfer chamber (44), extending concentrically with the cylindrical outlet. The pin (46) tapers towards its free end in a truncated cone shape. In the mounting position, the pin (46) enters from the front end of the outlet (17) and pushes a pressure plate (64) located at the front part of a valve (60) seated in the outlet (17). The valve (60) opens with axial advancement, allowing the transfer of water from an inner chamber (18) of the water tank (10) through the outlet (17) to the transfer chamber (44). The valve (60) is a piston assembly for this purpose. The pressure plate (64) facing the pin (46) at the outlet (17) is connected to a seal (62) that snugly fits into a throat (19) at the opposite end of the outlet (17) by an arm. Thus, when the pin (46) pushes the pressure plate (64) in the mounting position, the seal (62) opens the throat (19), allowing the water from the inner chamber (18) to pass through the outlet (17) to the transfer chamber (44) under hydrostatic pressure.

[0031] In this case, the user fills the water tank (10) by removing the cap (3) and checking the fill level through the indicator (11). Then, starting with the rear end (14), the water tank is telescopically and linearly guided into the slot (40) through the opening (4) and pushed in the entry direction (g) to the mounting position. At this point, the front cover (3) of the water tank (10) fits into the plane of the opening (4) on the front panel (2) without protruding and covers the opening (4). During the transition to the mounting position, the support extension (16) at the rear end (14) of the water tank (10) presses against the front wall (33) of the pushing element (32), compressing the pressure spring (50). The pushing force of the support extension (16) overcomes the spring pressure force, pushing the pushing element (32) inside the mounting ring (34). At this time, the follower arm (36), which is freely rotatable and inserted into the hole (31) of the pushing element (32) at one end, locks into the heartshaped guide (36) at the opposite end as it advances. Thus, when the force applied in the entry direction (g) to the pushing element (32) is removed, the pushing element (32) resists the force of the pressure spring (50) in the exit direction (g) and locks in place. During this movement of the pushing element (32) within the mounting ring (34) for the stroke distance (L), the pin (46) pushes the corresponding pressure plate (64), and the seal (62) advances into the inner chamber (18), opening the throat (19). The water from the inner chamber (18) then passes through the throat (19), the outlet (17), and into the transfer chamber (44) under hydrostatic pressure, from where it is transferred to the cooking chamber of the oven via transfer elements (not shown).

[0032] When the user wants to empty the water tank (10) to check the remaining water level or for refilling, they apply pressure in the entry direction (g) to the cap (3). The follower guide (36) disengages, releasing the follower arm (37) to move for the stroke distance (L), allowing the pressure spring (50) to exert its pressure force on the pushing element (32) as a draining force (F), pressing the support extension (16) from the front wall (33) of the pushing element (32). The pushing element (32) then pushes the support extension (16), extracting the water tank (10), which is linearly guided within the slot (40), outwards by the stroke distance (L) from the front, creating a distance for gripping. The user then grasps the water tank (10) from the front part (12) and pulls it out in the exit direction (g), removing it through the opening (4).

[0033] Figure 5 shows the placement of the rear end (14) of the water tank (10) and the pushing mechanism (30) within the slot (40). The water tank (10) is guided into the mounting position within a drawer channel (41 ) extending towards the end of the slot (40) facing the opening (4). In this way, a radially inward protruding holder (43) near the transfer chamber (44) in the drawer channel (41 ) supports the water tank (10), providing a concentric telescopic structure. The rear end (14) of the water tank (10) is locked in the mounting position with the pushing mechanism (30) through a magnetic coupling assembly (70) provided between the pushing element (32) and the water tank. A first connecting element (72) of the magnetic coupling assembly (70), made of magnet, is fixed to the end of the support extension (16) at the rear end (14). On the other hand, a corresponding second connecting element (74), made of ferromagnetic metal material, is fixed to the front wall (33) of the pushing mechanism (30). Thus, in the mounting position, the first and second connecting elements (72, 74) touch each other at their facing surfaces and couple magnetically, generating a magnetic force in opposite directions against the exit direction of the water tank (10). Figure 6 shows the connection details of the magnetic coupling assembly (70). The first connecting element (72) is a ring-shaped magnet, whose central hole allows the passage of a countersunk screw, a fastening element (71). The outer diameter of the ring shape is compatible with the inner diameter of the tube-shaped support extension. A screw hole (161) is provided in the center of the support extension (16), allowing the first connecting element (72) to be seated inside the support extension (16) and secured with the countersunk screw. The fastening element (71) is made of ferromagnetic metal material. When fixed in the center, the first connecting element (72) forms a flat magnetic connection wall. Conversely, the second connecting element (74) is a metal pin with a T-like shape, featuring a cap (741 ) in the form of a washer and a stem (742) extending from its center. As shown in Figure 5, the stem (742) is fixed to the center of the pushing element (32), forming its ferromagnetic front wall. The support extension (16) extends adjacently and atop the tube-shaped outlet (17) at the rear end (14). The pressure plate (64) of the valve (60) tightly seals the outlet (17) hole. As seen in Figure 5, in the mounting position, the first and second connecting elements (72, 74) adhere to each other with magnetic force, while the pin (46) pushes the pressure plate (64) against the force of the valve spring (66) behind it. At this time, the locking mechanism (5) of the pushing mechanism (30) being activated, does not apply pressure to the rear end (14) of the water tank (10) from behind; rather, the magnetic coupling assembly (70) locks the water tank (10) to the pushing mechanism (30) magnetically by pulling the first connecting element (72) towards the stationary and locked second connecting element (74) on the front wall (33) of the pushing element (32). When retraction of the water tank (10) is desired, pressure is applied to the front wall (33) of the pushing mechanism (30) by pushing the cap (3) towards the opening (5), further compressing the pressure spring (50) and disengaging the locking mechanism (5), allowing the water tank (10) to be pushed in the exit direction (g) by the force of the pressure spring (50). Since the magnetic coupling assembly (70) does not disengage, the water tank (10) does not exit the opening (5) uncontrollably but advances only as far as the stroke of the pushing element (32), remaining largely stationary within the drawer channel (41) in the inner chamber. The user then grasps the water tank (10) from the front part (12) and pulls it out, overcoming the magnetic force and separating the first connecting element

[0034] (72) from the second connecting element (74).

[0035] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0036] 1 Enclosure 37 Follower arm

[0037] 2 Front panel 38 Mounting wire

[0038] 3 Cap / Cover 39 Flange

[0039] 4 Opening 40 Slot

[0040] 5 Locking mechanism 41 Drawer channel

[0041] 6 Steam inlet 42 Rear chamber

[0042] 10 Water tank 43 Holding protrusion

[0043] 11 Indicator 44 Transfer chamber

[0044] 12 Front part 46 Pin

[0045] 14 Rear end 50 Pressure spring Guide 60 Valve Support extension 62 Seal Screw hole 64 Pressure plate Outlet 66 Valve spring Inner chamber 70 Magnetic coupling assembly Throat 71 Fastening element Front cover 72 First connecting element Pushing mechanism 74 Second connecting element Hole 741 Head / Cap Pushing element 742 Stem Front wall L Stroke distance Mounting ring F Draining force Entrance g Entry direction Follower guide Exit direction

Claims

CLAIMS A drawer assembly for a steam-assisted oven, comprising a water tank (10) that, passing through an opening (4) provided in the front panel (2) of an enclosure (1 ), engages from an outlet (17) in a mounting position within an inner chamber defined by the enclosure (1) to a transfer chamber (44) within the inner chamber, and a valve (60) adapted to the outlet (17) to control the fluid transmission to the transfer chamber (44), wherein a magnetic coupling assembly (70) when being activated secure the water tank (10) into a slot (40) when the water tank (10) is positioned within the inner chamber in the mounting position. A drawer assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a pushing mechanism (30) is having a pushing element (32) that, when activated in a draining position, pushes the water tank (10), which is positioned within the inner chamber, outward from the opening (4) by a predetermined stroke distance (L) in a direction opposite to the entry direction (g), applying a draining force (F) from the rear end (14). A drawer assembly according to claim 3, wherein a push-push mechanism is activated by the pushing of the water tank (10) from the opening (4) at least partially during the transition from the mounting position to the draining position by the pushing mechanism (30). A drawer assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a magnetic coupling assembly (70) has a first connecting element (72) fixed to the water tank (10) on one side and a second connecting element (74) that magnetically attaches to the first connecting element (72) in the mounting position and is fixed within the inner chamber on the other side. A drawer assembly according to claim 4, wherein either or both the first and / or second connecting elements (72, 74) are magnets. A drawer assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a slot (40) set within the inner chamber to define the transfer chamber (44) and into which the water tank (10) is positioned in the mounting position from a rear end (14). A drawer assembly according to claim 5, wherein a pin (46) is provided on the slot (40) that, when activated by pushing in the mounting position, passes to the outlet (17) and activates the valve (60).A drawer assembly according to claim 6, wherein a valve spring (66) set to open the valve (60) when pushed by the pin (46) and the magnetic coupling assembly (70) is set in such a way that its position forms a force component in the direction of the spring's advancement, especially in the same direction. A drawer assembly according to claims 5-7, wherein a drawer channel (41) on the slot (40) supports at least part of the periphery of the water tank (10) to facilitate telescopic insertion of the water tank (10) into the slot (40). A drawer assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cover (3) is provided at the front part of the water tank (10) that extends parallel to cover the opening (4) on the front panel (2) when the water tank (10) is positioned within the inner chamber in the mounting position.

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