Cooking appliance

Abstract

An invention relating to a cooking appliance is disclosed. The disclosed invention is characterized by comprising an air supply opening that forms a passage for external air to flow into the interior of a cooking chamber, and an opening / closing part that closes the air supply opening.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, and more specifically, to a cooking appliance capable of implementing a self-cleaning function. Background Technology

[0002] Cooking appliances are household appliances installed in a kitchen space to cook food according to the user's intentions. Such cooking appliances can be classified in various ways depending on the heat source or form used, or the type of fuel.

[0003] When classifying cooking appliances according to the form in which food is cooked, they can be classified into open and closed types based on the shape of the space where the food is placed. Closed cooking appliances include ovens and microwave ovens, while open cooking appliances include cooktops, hobs, and griddles.

[0004] A sealed cooking appliance is a cooking device that shields the space where food is placed and cooks the food by heating that shielded space. A sealed cooking appliance is provided with a cooking chamber, which is a space that is shielded when food is placed and cooked. This cooking chamber effectively becomes the space where the food is cooked.

[0005] A sealed cooking appliance is provided with a rotatable door that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber. The door is rotatably installed on the main body by means of a door hinge provided between the main body, which has a cooking chamber formed inside, and the door. By rotating the door around the part connected to the main body through the door hinge, the cooking chamber can be selectively opened and closed.

[0006] A heat source is provided to the interior space of the cooking chamber that is opened and closed by the above door to heat the cooking chamber. A gas burner or an electric heater may be used as such a heat source.

[0007] Meanwhile, when cooking meat or food containing meat using a sealed cooking device as described above, oils such as fat or oil from the food float inside the cooking chamber and adhere to the walls of the cooking chamber, contaminating the inner walls of the cooking chamber.

[0008] The oil attached to the walls of the kitchen in this way undergoes so-called polymerization, hardening and becoming difficult to clean.

[0009] Among the cooking appliances being released recently, there are some equipped with a self-cleaning function that automatically removes contaminants such as oil and grease as described above.

[0010] The self-cleaning function of the cooking appliance is a function that automatically removes contaminants such as oil attached to the walls of the cooking chamber.

[0011] Self-cleaning in cooking appliances is mainly carried out using a thermal decomposition method called pyrolysis, in which, when contaminants such as oil adhere to the walls of the cooking chamber, the interior of the cooking chamber is heated by a heat source such as a burner or heater to maintain the temperature inside the cooking chamber at a high temperature for a long time, thereby burning and removing the contaminants.

[0012] While the cooking appliance is performing self-cleaning, the temperature inside the cooking chamber rises to a high temperature, and as a result, the pressure inside the cooking chamber may rise to a high level. The cooking appliance may be provided with a door lock, and this door lock serves to prevent the door from opening unintentionally due to the rise in pressure inside the cooking chamber.

[0013] In other words, while the cooking appliance is performing self-cleaning, the door can remain closed by the door lock. Accordingly, while the cooking appliance is performing self-cleaning, the cooking chamber is sealed by the door, making it difficult for outside air to enter the cooking chamber.

[0014] If outside air is not sufficiently introduced into the cooking chamber, carbonization reactions will become dominant over combustion reactions. Since carbonization reactions require more thermal energy than combustion reactions, if outside air is not sufficiently introduced into the cooking chamber, the self-cleaning performance will inevitably be reduced relative to the thermal energy introduced into the cooking chamber. The problem to be solved

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a cooking appliance with an improved structure that can promote a combustion reaction when performing self-cleaning.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance that enables self-cleaning to be performed quickly and effectively.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance with an improved structure that allows external air to flow smoothly into the cooking chamber when self-cleaning is performed.

[0018] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance that can effectively provide both a self-cleaning function and a cooking function. means of solving the problem

[0019] A cooking device, which is an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective, is characterized by comprising an air supply opening that forms a passage for external air to flow into the cooking chamber, and an opening / closing part that closes the air supply opening.

[0020] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including an electric heater for heating a cooking chamber and an air supply port that forms a passage for external air to flow into the cooking chamber.

[0021] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including an air supply opening that forms a passage for external air to flow into the interior of the cooking chamber, and an opening / closing part that opens and closes the air supply opening according to the temperature of the cooking chamber heated by an electric heater.

[0022] A cooking device according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a cavity forming a cooking chamber inside; a heating unit heating the cooking chamber; an air supply port forming a passage in the cavity through which air from outside the cavity flows into the cooking chamber; and an opening / closing unit opening / closing the air supply port.

[0023] In addition, it is preferable that the heating unit includes an electric heater.

[0024] In addition, it is preferable that the above air intake be positioned on the bottom surface of the cavity.

[0025] In addition, the heating unit may include a convection device disposed on the back surface of the cavity.

[0026] In addition, it is preferable that the above air intake be positioned outside the convection device.

[0027] In addition, the above air intake port is preferably formed on the bottom surface of the cavity and positioned on the front side of the convection device.

[0028] In addition, the above air intake is preferably formed on the bottom surface of the cavity and positioned at a location offset towards the rear from the center in the front-to-rear direction of the cooking chamber.

[0029] In addition, it is preferable that the above opening / closing unit selectively opens the air supply port according to the operation mode of the heating unit or the temperature measurement result of the cooking chamber.

[0030] In addition, it is preferable that the heating unit operates in a first heating mode that heats the cooking chamber to a first set temperature, or in a second heating mode that heats the cooking chamber to a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature.

[0031] In addition, it is preferable that the above opening / closing unit closes the air supply port when the heating unit is operated in the first heating mode, and opens the air supply port for a set time or longer while it is operated in the second heating mode.

[0032] In addition, when the heating unit is operated in the second heating mode, it is preferable for the opening / closing unit to open the air supply port after closing the air supply port for a set time.

[0033] In addition, when the heating unit is operated in the second heating mode, it is preferable for the opening / closing unit to open the air supply port when the temperature of the cooking chamber rises above the opening reference temperature while the air supply port is closed.

[0034] In addition, the present invention may further include a supply case having an air supply passage formed inside that connects the outside of the cooking device and the air supply port.

[0035] In addition, the above opening / closing part may further include a flow path opening / closing member that opens / closes the above air supply flow path.

[0036] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned Euro opening / closing member be installed in the above-mentioned air supply case.

[0037] In addition, it is preferable that the above air supply case be detachably connected to the above cavity.

[0038] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned air supply opening / closing member closes the air supply passage when the heating unit is operated in the first heating mode, and opens the air supply passage for a set time or longer while it is operated in the second heating mode.

[0039] In addition, the above-mentioned air supply opening / closing member is preferably rotatably installed inside the air supply case, closes the air supply passage in a first position, and opens the air supply passage by rotating from the first position to a second position.

[0040] In addition, the present invention may further include an elastic support member that provides elastic force to change the posture of the above-mentioned opening / closing member from the second posture to the first posture.

[0041] In addition, it is preferable that the elastic force applied by the elastic support member to the flow path opening / closing member is smaller than the force applied to the flow path opening / closing member due to the pressure difference between the outside of the cooking appliance and the cooking chamber heated to the second set temperature. Effects of the invention

[0042] The present invention allows external air to be introduced into the cooking chamber through an air supply port during self-cleaning, thereby effectively promoting the combustion reaction inside the cooking chamber during the self-cleaning process.

[0043] In addition, the present invention allows the opening and closing part to appropriately open and close the air supply port according to the temperature or pressure state of the cooking chamber, thereby enabling external air to flow smoothly into the cooking chamber during self-cleaning.

[0044] In addition, the present invention can provide the effect of enabling self-cleaning to be performed quickly and effectively by closing the air supply opening at the beginning of the self-cleaning function to rapidly raise the temperature of the cooking chamber, and then opening the air supply opening to allow outside air to flow into the cooking chamber once the temperature of the cooking chamber has sufficiently risen to the temperature required for self-cleaning.

[0045] In addition, the present invention can effectively provide both a self-cleaning function and a cooking function by allowing the air supply port to be opened and closed according to the function to be implemented. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the "4" portion of Figure 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the air guide module illustrated in FIG. 4 separated. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the exploded state of the air guide module illustrated in FIG. 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a closed air supply path. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply path illustrated in FIG. 7 in an open state. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a closed air supply channel. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply path shown in FIG. 9 in an open state. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow conditions in the kitchen. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of an opening and closing part. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply path shown in FIG. 12 in an open state. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of an opening and closing part. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply port shown in FIG. 14 in an open state. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of a control process of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a conventional cooking appliance. Figure 20 is a graph showing the trend of carbon monoxide emissions from a conventional cooking appliance. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the air flow state in the cooking chamber of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the trend of carbon monoxide emissions from a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a table showing a comparison of carbon monoxide emissions between a conventional cooking appliance and a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a graph showing a comparison of carbon monoxide emissions between a conventional cooking appliance and a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0047] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0048] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0050] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0051] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0053] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0054] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0056] With the cooking appliance placed on the floor, the direction in which the door is installed is defined as the front relative to the center of the appliance. Therefore, the direction in which one opens the door and enters the interior of the appliance is the rear. For convenience, these directions facing forward and rear can be referred to as the first direction. Then, the front can be considered one side of the first direction, and the rear the other side of the first direction.

[0057] In addition, the direction of gravity can be defined as downward, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity as upward.

[0058] Furthermore, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the cooking appliance—that is, the width direction of the cooking appliance when viewed from in front of the door—can be called the left-right direction. For convenience, the left-right direction can be referred to as the second direction. Then, the right side can be considered one side of the second direction, and the left side the other side of the second direction.

[0059] In addition, the width direction of the above cooking device may also be referred to as the lateral direction. Then, the right side can be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side as the other side of the lateral direction.

[0060] And, the aforementioned up and down directions can be referred to as the third direction. Then, the upward direction can be referred to as one side of the third direction, and the downward direction as the other side of the third direction.

[0061] In addition, the aforementioned up-and-down direction can be referred to as the vertical direction. Then, the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction, can be referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0062] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0063] [Overall structure of the cooking appliance]

[0064] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior of the cooking device may be formed by a main body (10). The main body (10) may be provided in a shape including a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and may be formed of a material having a certain strength to protect a plurality of parts installed in its internal space.

[0066] The above main body (10) includes a cavity (11) that forms the skeleton of the main body (10). The cavity (11) may be formed in the shape of a cuboid with an open front, and a cooking chamber (12) is provided inside the cavity (11).

[0067] The cavity (11) can be formed in the shape of a cuboid with an open front, and the cooking chamber (12) can be formed inside the cavity (11). That is, the cooking chamber (12) can be formed as a space with a roughly cuboid shape placed inside the cavity (11), and can be formed as a space open to the front.

[0068] With the cooking chamber (12) sealed, food can be cooked while the inside of the cooking chamber (12) is heated. That is, in the cooking device of the present embodiment provided as a sealed cooking device, the cooking chamber (12) is substantially the space where food is cooked.

[0069] The cooking appliance is provided with a heating device for heating the cooking chamber (12). As an example, the heating device may be provided as an electric heater that uses electricity.

[0070] The heating device may include a convection device (20) positioned at the rear side of the cooking chamber (12). The convection device (20) draws in air from inside the cooking chamber (12), heats it, and then discharges it back into the cooking chamber (12) while circulating the air, thereby allowing the internal space of the cooking chamber (12) to be heated uniformly.

[0071] Additionally, the heating device may include a broil heater (15). The broil heater (15) is positioned above the cooking chamber (12) and can heat the interior space of the cooking chamber (12) from above the cooking chamber (12).

[0072] In the cooking appliance, a door (30) that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber (12) may be provided so as to be rotatable. As an example, the door (30) may be provided in a form that opens and closes the cooking chamber (12) in a pull-down manner, with the upper part rotating up and down around the lower part.

[0073] A cooktop section (40) may be provided on the upper part of the main body (10) to cook food by heating food or a container containing food. The cooktop section (40) may be provided with a top plate that closes the top of the main body (10) while forming an upper surface exterior.

[0074] At least one cooktop heating unit (41) for heating food to be cooked or a container containing food may be provided in the central part of the cooktop unit (40). For example, the cooktop heating unit may be provided as an induction heater that uses electricity. As another example, the cooktop heating unit may be provided as an induction heater that uses electricity. Thus, the structure of the cooktop heating unit may be changed depending on the type of heat source used.

[0075] A control panel (50) may be provided on the upper front of the cooking appliance, that is, on the upper front of the cavity (11). The control panel (50) may form part of the front exterior of the cooking appliance. The control panel (50) may be equipped with a knob (51) for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance and a display (52) for displaying the operating status of the cooking appliance.

[0076] An electrical room may be provided in the internal space of the main body (10), that is, the space between the cooktop unit (40) and the cooking room (12), to provide a space for electrical components to be located. The electrical room may be a space formed between the cooktop unit (40) and the cooking room (12), or it may be a space that combines the space formed between the cooktop unit (40) and the cooking room (12) with the space inside the cooktop unit (40). The front of the electrical room may be shielded by a control panel (50) or by a door (30).

[0077] [Structure of the heating device]

[0078] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the convection device illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are front cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the hot air flow pattern within the cooking chamber, and FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are side cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the hot air flow pattern within the cooking chamber.

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cooking device of the present embodiment may include a heating device for heating the inside of the cooking chamber (12). As an example, the heating device may include a broil heater (15) and a convection device (20).

[0080] The broil heater (15) may be installed on one side of the cavity (11) and positioned inside the cooking chamber (12). As an example, the broil heater (15) may be installed on the upper surface of the cavity (11) and positioned above the cooking chamber (12).

[0081] The broil heater (15) can heat the interior of the cooking chamber (12) from the top of the cooking chamber (12). That is, the broil heater (15) is provided to apply heat directly to the food being cooked from the top of the cooking chamber (12).

[0082] The convection device (20) may be installed on a side of the cavity (11) other than the side where the broil heater (15) is installed, and may be positioned inside or outside the cooking chamber (12). As an example, the convection device (20) may be installed on the back side of the cavity (11) and positioned behind the cooking chamber (12). Such a convection device (20) may include a fan cover (21), a convection heater (23), and a fan module (25).

[0083] The fan cover (21) is positioned on the side adjacent to the back of the cavity (11) in the cooking chamber (12) and can be installed on the back of the cavity (11). This fan cover (21) can form a space separated from the cooking chamber (12) inside the convection device (20).

[0084] For example, the fan cover (21) may be formed in a cuboid shape such that its front faces the door (30) and its side faces the side of the cavity (11). An intake port (21a) is positioned in the center of the front of the fan cover (21), and air inside the cooking chamber (12) can be introduced into the internal space of the convection device (20) through the intake port (21a).

[0085] A convection heater (23) and a fan module (25) may be disposed in the internal space of the convection device (20) formed by the fan cover (21). The convection heater (23) and the fan module (25) disposed in this manner may be installed on the back surface of the cavity (11).

[0086] A convection heater (23) is provided to heat the air introduced into the internal space of the convection device (20). This convection heater (23) may be provided as an electric heater or as a gas fuel burner.

[0087] Air heated by the convection heater (23) in the internal space of the convection device (20) can be discharged into the cooking chamber (12) by the fan module (25). That is, hot air is generated in the internal space of the convection device (20) by the convection heater (23) and the fan module (25), and this hot air can be discharged into the cooking chamber (12) through the discharge port (21b).

[0088] The discharge port (21b) is provided in the fan cover (21) and may be positioned on at least one of the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the fan cover (21). In this embodiment, the discharge port (21b) is exemplified as being positioned on both sides, the top surface, and the bottom surface of the fan cover (21), respectively.

[0089] Each discharge port (21b) may be formed to penetrate the side, top, or bottom surface of the fan cover (21). Hot air generated inside the convection device (20) may be discharged into the cooking chamber (12) through the discharge ports (21b).

[0090] The fan module (25) is positioned in the internal space of the convection device (20) enclosed by the fan cover (21) and is configured to rotate around a front-rear axis. The rotation axis of the fan module (25) may be positioned in a location that overlaps in the front-rear direction with the intake port (21a) located approximately in the center of the fan cover (21).

[0091] The fan module (25) can draw air from the cooking chamber (12) into the internal space of the convection device (20) through the intake port (21a) and discharge heated air from the internal space of the convection device (20) into the cooking chamber (12) through the discharge port (21b).

[0092] For example, the fan module (25) can move backward from the cooking chamber (12) toward the internal space of the convection device (20) and generate a flow of hot air that moves in a centrifugal direction within the internal space of the convection device (20).

[0093] [Intake port and opening / closing part]

[0094] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the "4" portion of FIG. 2.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, an exhaust port (13) may be provided in the main body (10). The exhaust port (13) is positioned above the cooking chamber (12) and may be connected to an exhaust duct (17). As an example, the exhaust port (13) may be formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction on the back surface of the cavity (11). As another example, the exhaust port (13) may be formed to penetrate in the up-down direction on the upper surface of the cavity (11).

[0096] The exhaust duct (17) may be positioned on the upper or rear side of the cavity (11) and connected to the exhaust port (13). In this embodiment, the exhaust duct (17) is illustrated as being connected to the exhaust port (13) at the upper rear side of the cavity (11). Inside the exhaust duct (17), a flow path may be formed to guide the high-temperature combustion gas generated in the cooking chamber (12) to be discharged to the outside of the cooking appliance.

[0097] Additionally, an air supply port (14) may be provided in the main body (10). The air supply port (14) may form a passage in the cavity (11) through which air from outside the cavity (11), that is, outside the cooking appliance, flows into the cooking chamber (12). Air from outside the cooking appliance may flow into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14).

[0098] For example, the air supply port (14) may be positioned at the bottom of the cooking chamber (12). This air supply port (14) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the cavity (11) and may be positioned at a location offset towards the rear from the center of the cooking chamber (12) in the front-rear direction.

[0099] Additionally, the air supply port (14) may be positioned outside the convection device (20). This air supply port (14) may be formed on the bottom surface of the cavity (11) and positioned on the front side of the convection device (20).

[0100] According to the present embodiment, the convection device (20) is installed on the back surface of the cavity (11), and the fan cover (21) can be positioned in a shape that protrudes forward from the back surface of the cavity (11). That is, the fan cover (21) is positioned at the very front of the convection device (20).

[0101] The air intake port (14) is positioned outside the convection device (20) and can be positioned on the front side of the convection device (20), more specifically on the front side of the fan cover (21).

[0102] For example, the air supply port (14) may be positioned between the door (30) and the fan cover (21), but may be positioned closer to the fan cover (21). For instance, the air supply port (14) may be positioned at a location where the distance between the air supply port (14) and the fan cover (21) is 50 mm or less, that is, at a location very close to the fan cover (21).

[0103] The air supply port (14) forms a passage on the cavity (11) necessary for air from outside the cooking appliance to flow into the cooking chamber (12), and can be positioned far from the exhaust port (13). This is to ensure that the distance between the air supply port (14) and the exhaust port (13) is sufficiently maintained so that the air flowing into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14) does not immediately get discharged through the exhaust port (13) but stays sufficiently inside the cooking chamber (12).

[0104] For example, the air supply port (14) may be positioned at the bottom of the cavity (11). This air supply port (14) may form a passage that allows air from outside the cooking appliance to flow into the cooking chamber (12) through the bottom of the cooking chamber (12).

[0105] According to the present embodiment, the lower region of the rear surface of the cavity (11) is occupied by the fan cover (21), and accordingly, the air supply port (14) can be placed on the bottom surface of the cavity (11) instead of the rear surface of the cavity (11). Additionally, the air supply port (14) can be formed in the shape of an elongated hole with a lateral length much longer than its front-to-back length.

[0106] This air supply port (14) is positioned in a location at the rear of the cooking chamber (12), such as a location very close to the bottom of the cavity (11) and the fan cover (21), thereby allowing it to be positioned in a location that is not easily visible and is difficult to come into contact with food. In this way, the air supply port (14) can contribute to supplying a sufficient amount of outside air into the cooking chamber (12) while preventing the air supply port (14) from affecting the appearance of the cooking appliance and the placement of food inside the cooking chamber (12).

[0107] Additionally, the cooking device of the present embodiment may include an opening and closing part. The opening and closing part is configured to open and close the air supply port (14). When the air supply port (14) is closed by the opening and closing part, air from outside the cooking device cannot flow into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14), and air from outside the cooking device can flow into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14) only when the opening and closing part is open.

[0108] For example, the cooking device of the present embodiment further includes an air guide module (100), and the opening / closing part may be provided in the air guide module (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the opening / closing part may be installed directly in the main body (10) instead of being provided in the air guide module (100), and the opening / closing part may be applied to the cooking device in various forms.

[0109] In this embodiment, the opening and closing part is exemplified as being provided in the air guide module (100). Below, the structure of the air guide module (100) and the opening and closing part provided therein is exemplified.

[0110] [Air Guide Module]

[0111] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the air guide module illustrated in FIG. 4 separated, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the disassembled state of the air guide module illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply passage in a closed state, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply passage in an open state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the air supply passage in a closed state, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply passage in an open state illustrated in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the air flow state in the cooking chamber.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the cooking device of the present embodiment may further include an air guide module (100). The air guide module (100) may be installed at the bottom of the main body (10) and may be detachably coupled to the main body (10).

[0113] For example, the air guide module (100) can be inserted into the interior of the main body (10) through a rearwardly open portion of the rear side of the main body (10). This air guide module (100) can be inserted into the interior of the main body (10) and connected to the air supply port (14), and can be withdrawn from the main body (10) to the rear and separated from the main body (10).

[0114] The air guide module (100) may include an air supply case (110). The air supply case (110) is provided to form the frame and exterior of the air guide module (100). As an example, the air supply case (110) may be formed in the shape of a cuboid with an internal space.

[0115] When the air guide module (100) is installed in the main body (10) and the air supply case (110) is inserted into the main body (10) accordingly, the rear surface of the air supply case (110) may be exposed to the rear of the main body (10), and the upper surface of the air supply case (110) may be positioned to face the lower surface of the cavity (11). At this time, at least a portion of the upper surface of the air supply case (110) may be positioned to face the air supply port (14) in the vertical direction.

[0116] An external air inlet (112) and an external air outlet (114) may be provided in the air supply case (110). The external air inlet (112) may form a passage in the air supply case (110) necessary for external air to flow into the interior of the air supply case (110). The external air outlet (114) may form a passage in the air supply case (110) necessary for air inside the air supply case (110) to be discharged to the outside of the air supply case (110).

[0117] For example, the outside air inlet (112) may be positioned on the back surface of the air supply case (110), and the outside air outlet (114) may be positioned on the top surface of the air supply case (110). In this case, the outside air inlet (112) may be formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction on the back surface of the air supply case (110), and the outside air outlet (114) may be formed to penetrate in the up-down direction on the top surface of the air supply case (110).

[0118] Preferably, a plurality of external air inlets (112) may be arranged vertically on the back surface of the air supply case (110), and the external air discharge port (114) may be formed in a shape that can cover the air supply port (14) from the outside in the horizontal direction.

[0119] The internal space of the air supply case (110) can be provided with an air supply passage (116) connecting the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114). That is, the outside air introduced into the interior of the air supply case (110) through the outside air inlet (112) can flow toward the outside air outlet (114) through the air supply passage (116), then flow toward the air supply port (14) through the outside air outlet (114), and then be introduced into the interior of the cooking room (12) through the air supply port (14).

[0120] According to the present embodiment, the air supply case (110) can be detachably connected to the cavity (11). For example, when the air guide module (100) is installed in the main body (10), the external air discharge port (114) of the air supply case (110) can be connected to the air supply port (14). And when the air guide module (100) is separated from the main body (10), the air supply case (110) is separated from the cavity (11), and the connection between the external air discharge port (114) and the air supply port (14) is also released.

[0121] According to the present embodiment, the opening / closing unit may include a flow path opening / closing member (120). The flow path opening / closing member (120) is configured to open / close the air supply path (116). As an example, the flow path opening / closing member (120) may be installed in the air supply case (110).

[0122] According to the present embodiment, the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114) are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction. The flow path opening / closing member (120) is positioned in the air supply path (116) and can be positioned between the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114). That is, with respect to the front-rear direction, the flow path opening / closing member (120) is positioned between the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114).

[0123] The flow path opening / closing member (120) can form a vertical barrier that blocks the space between the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114). For example, the flow path opening / closing member (120) can form a vertical planar barrier that is perpendicular to the front-rear axis. This flow path opening / closing member (120) can block the flow of air between the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114) through the air supply path (116), thereby preventing outside air from entering the cooking room (12) through the air supply port (14).

[0124] The air supply opening / closing member (120) can be installed in the air supply case (110) so as to be changeable in position, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. This air supply opening / closing member (120) can close the air supply passage (116) in a first position (see FIG. 7) and open the air supply passage (116) in a second position (see FIG. 8).

[0125] For example, the flow path opening / closing member (120) may be rotatably installed inside the air supply case (110). For instance, the flow path opening / closing member (120) may be installed in the air supply case (110) so as to be rotatable around a lateral axis or an up / down axis. The position of such a flow path opening / closing member (120) may change in conjunction with the rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120).

[0126] When the flow path opening / closing member (120) maintains a first position, the flow path opening / closing member (120) can form a barrier that blocks the space between the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114) in the air supply path (116). At this time, the upper end of the flow path opening / closing member (120) can be in contact with the upper surface of the air supply case (110), and the lower end of the flow path opening / closing member (120) can be in contact with the bottom surface of the air supply case (110). Additionally, both ends of the flow path opening / closing member (120) can also be in contact with both sides of the air supply case (110).

[0127] In this way, when the flow path opening / closing member (120) maintains the first position, the air supply path (116) can be blocked by the flow path opening / closing member (120). At this time, the air flow between the outside air inlet (112) and the outside air outlet (114) through the air supply path (116) can be blocked by the flow path opening / closing member (120).

[0128] Preferably, the air guide module (100) may further include a gasket (125). The gasket (125) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the edge of the flow path opening / closing member (120). By sealing the space between the flow path opening / closing member (120) and the air supply case (110), this gasket (125) may serve to improve the sealing power of the flow path opening / closing member (120) that blocks the air supply path (116).

[0129] In this embodiment, the flow path opening / closing member (120) is exemplified as being configured to rotate about a lateral axis. The flow path opening / closing member (120) can rotate about a lateral axis, and accordingly, the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) can change from a first position to a second position. In this case, at least one of the upper and lower parts of the flow path opening / closing member (120) is separated from the air supply case (110), and accordingly, the air supply path (116) can be opened.

[0130] As another example, the flow path opening / closing member (120) may be configured to rotate around an up-and-down axis. The position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) can be changed from a first position to a second position by the rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120) around the up-and-down axis. In this case, at least one of the two ends of the flow path opening / closing member (120) is separated from the air supply case (110), and accordingly, the air supply path (116) can be opened.

[0131] Additionally, the air guide module (100) of the present embodiment may further include an elastic support member (130). The elastic support member (130) is provided to provide elastic force to change the posture of the flow path opening / closing member (120) from a second posture to a first posture.

[0132] For example, the elastic support member (130) may be provided in the form of a coil spring, with one longitudinal end fixed to the air supply case (110) and the other longitudinal end fixed to the flow path opening / closing member (120). According to this, when the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) changes from a first position to a second position, the other end of the elastic support member (130) may move forward or backward along the flow path opening / closing member (120), and the elastic support member (130) extended accordingly may provide an elastic force to change the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) from the second position to the first position.

[0133] In addition, the air guide module (100) of the present embodiment may further include a stopper (115). The stopper (115) performs the function of supporting the flow path opening / closing member (120) so that the posture of the flow path opening / closing member (120) can be maintained in a first posture.

[0134] For example, the stopper (115) may be provided in the form of a projection protruding upward from the bottom surface of the air supply case (110). Such a stopper (115) is positioned on the front or rear side of the flow path opening / closing member (120) in the first position state and can support the flow path opening / closing member (120) on the front or rear side so that the flow path opening / closing member (120) in the first position state does not rotate further forward or backward.

[0135] In this embodiment, the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) is exemplified as changing from a first position to a second position by the forward rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120), and changing from a second position to a first position by the rearward rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120).

[0136] According to this, the elastic support member (130) is positioned on the rear side of the flow path opening / closing member (120), and may be provided in the form of a coil spring in which the rear end of the elastic support member (130) is fixed to the air supply case (110) and the front end of the elastic support member (130) is fixed to the flow path opening / closing member (120). This elastic support member (130) may be extended in conjunction with the forward rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120), and the elastic support member (130) extended in this way may provide an elastic force to rotate the flow path opening / closing member (120) backward.

[0137] Additionally, the stopper (115) may be positioned on the rear side of the flow path opening / closing member (120) in the first position state. This stopper (115) can support the flow path opening / closing member (120) on the rear side so that the flow path opening / closing member (120) in the first position state does not rotate further backward due to the elastic force applied to the flow path opening / closing member (120).

[0138] As another example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120a) may change from a first position to a second position by rearward rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120a) (see FIG. 10), and may change from a second position to a first position by forward rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120a) (see FIG. 9).

[0139] In this case, the elastic support member (130a) is positioned on the front side of the flow path opening / closing member (120a), and may be provided in the form of a coil spring in which the front end of the elastic support member (130a) is fixed to the air supply case (110) and the rear end of the elastic support member (130a) is fixed to the flow path opening / closing member (120). This elastic support member (130a) may be extended in conjunction with the rear rotation of the flow path opening / closing member (120a), and the elastic support member (130a) extended in this way may provide an elastic force to rotate the flow path opening / closing member (120a) forward (see FIG. 10).

[0140] Additionally, the stopper (125a) may be positioned on the front side of the flow path opening / closing member (120a) in the first position state. This stopper (125a) can support the flow path opening / closing member (120a) on the front side so that the flow path opening / closing member (120a) in the first position state does not rotate further forward due to the elastic force applied to the flow path opening / closing member (120a).

[0141] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2, 7, and 9, when the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) is maintained in the first position, the air supply path (116) is closed by the flow path opening / closing member (120). Accordingly, external air flowing into the air supply path (116) from outside the cooking appliance cannot flow into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14). That is, when the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) is maintained in the first position, the inflow of external air into the cooking chamber (12) is blocked.

[0142] As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, when the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) changes to a second position, the flow path opening / closing member (120) opens the air supply path (116). Accordingly, external air introduced into the air supply path (116) from outside the cooking appliance can be introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14). That is, when the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) is maintained in the second position, the inflow of external air into the cooking chamber (12) is allowed.

[0143] [Other examples of opening and closing parts]

[0144] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of an opening / closing part, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply passage shown in FIG. 12 in an open state. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing yet another example of an opening / closing part, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply port shown in FIG. 14 in an open state.

[0145] First, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the air guide module (200) may be provided in a form that includes a driving unit (240) instead of an elastic support member (130; see FIG. 7). Accordingly, the opening / closing unit may be provided in a form that includes a flow path opening / closing member (120) and a driving unit (240). The driving unit (240) can perform the function of changing the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) by rotating the flow path opening / closing member (120).

[0146] When the flow path opening / closing member (120) is provided to be rotatable around a lateral axis, the driving unit (240) may be provided in the form of a motor that rotates the rotation axis (121) of the flow path opening / closing member (120) in a forward or reverse direction. Such a driving unit (240) can rotate the flow path opening / closing member (120) forward or backward.

[0147] For example, the driving unit (240) can rotate the flow path opening / closing member (120) forward to change the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) from a first position to a second position (see FIG. 13). In addition, the driving unit (240) can rotate the flow path opening / closing member (120) backward to change the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) from a second position to a first position (see FIG. 12).

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the air guide module may be provided in a form that includes only a flow path opening / closing member (320) and a driving member (340) without a supply air case (110; see FIG. 7). According to this, the flow path opening / closing member (320) may be provided to directly open / close the supply port (14).

[0149] For example, the flow path opening / closing member (320) may be positioned outside the cavity (11) and may be rotatably installed on the bottom surface of the cavity (11). This flow path opening / closing member (320) may close the air supply port (14) in a first position (see FIG. 14) and open the air supply port (14) in a second position (see FIG. 15).

[0150] According to this, when the flow path opening / closing member (320) maintains the first position, the flow path opening / closing member (320) can form a barrier wall covering the air supply port (14) on the outside of the cavity (11). At this time, the flow path opening / closing member (320) can form a horizontal barrier wall parallel to the bottom surface of the cavity (11).

[0151] Additionally, the driving unit (340) can rotate the flow path opening / closing member (320) downward to change the position of the flow path opening / closing member (320) from a first position to a second position. When the position of the flow path opening / closing member (320) changes to a second position, external air can be introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the open air supply port (14).

[0152] [Operation and Effects of Cooking Devices]

[0153] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of a control process of a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, the cooking device of the present embodiment may include a control unit (90). It may be provided to control the operation of the cooking device. For example, the control unit (90) may control the operation of a heating device, such as a broil heater (15) and a convection device (20), according to an input signal input by a knob (51) or a switch, etc., provided on a control panel (50).

[0155] For example, the control unit (90) can control the operation of the broil heater (15) and the convection heater (21), and can also control the operation of the fan module (25). For instance, the control unit (90) can control the operation of the convection heater (21) by controlling the on / off of the convection heater (21).

[0156] Additionally, the control unit (90) may control the operation of the fan module (25) to perform at least one of the operation of changing the rotation direction of the fan (26) and the operation of changing the rotation speed of the fan (26). The control unit (90) may control the rotation direction of the fan (26) by adjusting the driving direction of the fan motor (27), and may control the rotation speed of the fan (26) by adjusting the output of the fan motor (27).

[0157] The user can select a function of the cooking appliance by operating a knob (51) or a switch, etc., provided on the control panel (50). When one of the various functions of the cooking appliance is selected, the cooking appliance can operate a heating device to provide the selected function.

[0158] According to the present embodiment, the heating unit may be operated in a first heating mode or in a second heating mode. Additionally, the heating unit may be operated in a heating mode other than the first heating mode and the second heating mode.

[0159] In the first heating mode, the heating unit can heat the cooking chamber (12) so that the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) becomes a first set temperature. Also, in the second heating mode, the heating unit can heat the cooking chamber (12) so that the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) becomes a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature.

[0160] For example, when the cooking appliance performs normal food cooking, the heating unit may be operated in a first heating mode. And when the cooking appliance performs a self-cleaning function, the heating unit may be operated in a second heating mode. In this case, the first set temperature may be a temperature in the range of 80 to 250°C, and the second set temperature may be 300°C or higher, more preferably 400°C or higher.

[0161] According to the present embodiment, the opening / closing unit may selectively open the air supply port (14) depending on the operation mode of the heating unit or the temperature measurement result of the cooking chamber (12). For example, the opening / closing unit may selectively open the air supply port (14) depending on whether the second heating mode of the heating unit is operated or whether the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) reaches the second set temperature.

[0162] For example, when a user selects an operating mode for implementing a normal cooking function by operating a knob (51) or a switch provided on the control panel (50), the heating unit may be operated in a first heating mode. At this time, the control unit (90) may drive at least one of the broil heater (15) and the convection device (20), and the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) may be maintained at a first set temperature.

[0163] In this way, when the heating unit is operated in the first heating mode, the opening / closing unit can close the air supply passage (116) or the air supply port (14) (S10). For example, the opening / closing unit can maintain the air supply port (14) closed while the heating unit is operated in the first heating mode (see FIG. 7). In this case, external air cannot be introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply passage (116).

[0164] While the heating unit is operating in the first heating mode, the inflow of external air is blocked by the opening and closing unit, so that the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) can be rapidly raised. That is, the opening and closing unit can contribute to enabling cooking to be performed quickly and effectively by blocking the inflow of external air when the cooking device performs cooking.

[0165] If the user selects an operating mode for implementing a self-cleaning function by operating a knob (51) or a switch provided on the control panel (50), the heating unit may be operated in a second heating mode. At this time, the control unit (90) may drive at least one of the broil heater (15) and the convection device (20), and the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) may be maintained at a second set temperature.

[0166] The opening / closing unit may open the air supply passage (116) or the air supply port (14) for a set time or longer while the heating unit is operating in the second heating mode (see FIG. 8). As an example, when the heating unit is operating in the second heating mode, the opening / closing unit may close the air supply port (14) for a first set time (S20), and then open the air supply port (14) for a second set time (S22).

[0167] In this embodiment, the first setting time may be defined as the time required for the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) to rise above the second setting temperature by the heating unit, and the second setting time may be defined as the time until the operation of the heating unit for implementing the self-cleaning function is completed after the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) has risen above the second setting temperature.

[0168] When the heating unit is operated in the second heating mode, the opening and closing unit closes the air supply port (14) for a first set time, thereby allowing the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) to be quickly and effectively raised to the temperature required for self-cleaning. That is, the opening and closing unit closes the air supply port (14) for a first set time to quickly raise the temperature of the cooking chamber (12), and then, when the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) has sufficiently risen to the temperature required for self-cleaning, opens the air supply port (14) so ​​that external air can be introduced into the cooking chamber (12).

[0169] As another example, when the heating unit is operated in the second heating mode, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 16, and FIG. 18, the opening / closing unit can open the air supply port (14) when the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) rises above the opening reference temperature (S32) while the air supply port (14) is closed (S30).

[0170] According to the present embodiment, the cooking device operates in a manner that implements self-cleaning, and accordingly, when the inside of the cooking chamber (12) is heated to a high temperature and the temperature and pressure of the cooking chamber (12) rise, the air supply port (14) can be opened by the pressure difference between the outside of the cooking device and the cooking chamber (12) heated above the second set temperature or opening standard temperature.

[0171] For example, as combustion gas generated inside the high-temperature cooking chamber (12) is discharged, the pressure inside the cooking chamber (12) decreases, and the pressure difference between the outside of the cooking device and the cooking chamber (12) caused by this may cause the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) to change to a second position (see FIG. 8). Due to this change in the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120), the air supply passage (116) and the air supply port (14) are opened, and external air can be introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14).

[0172] As another example, when the temperature and pressure inside the cooking chamber (12) rise as the inside of the cooking chamber (12) is heated to a high temperature of 400°C or higher, the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120) may change to a second position due to the pressure difference between the outside of the cooking device and the cooking chamber (12) caused by this (see FIG. 10). Due to this change in the position of the flow path opening / closing member (120), the air supply passage (116) and the air supply port (14) are opened, and external air can be introduced into the inside of the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14).

[0173] At this time, in order for the position change of the flow path opening / closing member (120) to occur, a force greater than the elastic force applied to the flow path opening / closing member (120) by the elastic support member (130) must be applied to the flow path opening / closing member (120). That is, the force applied to the flow path opening / closing member (120) due to the pressure difference between the outside of the cooking appliance and the cooking chamber (12) must be greater than the elastic force provided by the elastic support member (130).

[0174] Considering these points, in this embodiment, the elastic force applied by the elastic support member (130) to the flow path opening / closing member (120) can be set to be smaller than the force applied to the flow path opening / closing member (120) due to the pressure difference between the outside of the cooking appliance and the cooking chamber (12) heated to a temperature higher than the second set temperature or the opening reference temperature.

[0175] Accordingly, when the temperature inside the cooking chamber (12) rises to a temperature suitable for the cooking appliance to perform self-cleaning, the flow path opening / closing member (120) can open the air supply path (116) and the air supply port (14). Additionally, when the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) drops below a temperature suitable for performing self-cleaning, the flow path opening / closing member (120) can return to a state where the air supply path (116) and the air supply port (14) are closed.

[0176] As another example, the cooking device may further include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cooking chamber (12), and the operation of the opening / closing part may be controlled based on the temperature measurement result of the temperature sensor. For example, if the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) measured by the temperature sensor is above the second set temperature or the opening reference temperature, the control unit (90) may open the air supply port (14) by rotating the flow path opening / closing member (120) through the driving unit (240; see FIG. 13).

[0177] Additionally, when the air supply port (14) is open, if the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) drops below the second set temperature or the opening reference temperature, the control unit (90) can close the air supply port (14) by rotating the flow path opening / closing member (120) through the driving unit (240).

[0178] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a conventional cooking appliance, and FIG. 20 is a graph showing the trend of carbon monoxide emissions of a conventional cooking appliance. In addition, FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the air flow state in the cooking chamber of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a graph showing the trend of carbon monoxide emissions of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] In conventional cooking appliances, as illustrated in FIG. 19, there is no passage provided for introducing external air into the interior of the cooking chamber (12). When such a cooking appliance heats the interior of the cooking chamber (12) to a high temperature of 400°C or higher to perform self-cleaning, carbonization reactions occur predominantly within the sealed cooking chamber (12).

[0180] That is, when the cooking appliance operates in self-cleaning mode, an organic matter combustion reaction occurs inside the cooking chamber (12) when there is sufficient oxygen inside the cooking chamber (12) in the beginning, but a carbonization reaction occurs after all the oxygen inside the cooking chamber (12) is consumed. This is because oxygen cannot be supplied into the sealed cooking chamber (12) when the cooking appliance is operated in self-cleaning mode.

[0181] Carbonization is a reaction carried out by thermal decomposition using pure thermal energy, and requires more thermal energy than combustion. Therefore, if carbonization occurs predominantly instead of combustion inside the cooking chamber (12), the self-cleaning performance effect relative to the thermal energy introduced into the cooking chamber (12) will inevitably be significantly reduced.

[0182] Unlike combustion, where the products are carbon dioxide and water, carbonization is a product of carbon monoxide. In other words, as carbonization becomes more dominant than combustion, the amount of carbon monoxide generated increases; therefore, changes in carbonization activity can be verified by carbon monoxide emissions.

[0183] As a result of measuring the carbon monoxide emissions during the operation of the self-cleaning mode of a conventional cooking appliance, it was confirmed that when the cooking chamber (12) is heated to a temperature of about 300°C or higher, that is, when a pyrolysis reaction occurs in the cooking chamber (12), an amount of carbon monoxide exceeding 1000 ppm is emitted (see FIG. 20). Through this, it was confirmed that carbonization reactions occur predominantly during the operation of the self-cleaning mode of a conventional cooking appliance.

[0184] In contrast, the cooking device of the present embodiment is provided with an air supply port (14) as shown in FIG. 21, and the air supply port (14) can form a passage in the cooking device for introducing external air into the interior of the cooking chamber (12).

[0185] Accordingly, oxygen can be continuously supplied into the cooking chamber (12) by external air introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14). As oxygen can be continuously supplied into the cooking chamber (12) in this manner, the combustion reaction can occur at a higher rate in the cooking device of this embodiment compared to conventional cooking devices.

[0186] In addition, as an airflow is formed in which external air is continuously introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the air intake port (14), combustion gases generated inside the cooking chamber (12) do not remain inside the cooking chamber (12) but can be effectively discharged through the exhaust port (13) and exhaust duct (17). That is, the discharge of combustion gases from inside the cooking chamber (12) to the outside of the cooking appliance can be promoted.

[0187] In addition, as combustion gas discharge is promoted as described above, the inflow of external air into the cooking chamber (12) through the air intake port (14) can be more effectively achieved, and accordingly, the combustion reaction inside the cooking chamber (12) can occur more effectively.

[0188] As a result of measuring the carbon monoxide emissions during the self-cleaning mode operation of the cooking appliance of the present embodiment, it was confirmed that the carbon monoxide emissions were reduced by at least 40% compared to conventional cooking appliances (see FIG. 22). Through this, it was confirmed that the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can induce a combustion reaction more effectively during the self-cleaning function process compared to conventional cooking appliances.

[0189] FIG. 23 is a table showing a comparison of carbon monoxide emissions between a conventional cooking appliance and a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a graph showing a comparison of carbon monoxide emissions between a conventional cooking appliance and a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] Looking at the experimental results shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, it can be confirmed that the cooking device (B) according to the present embodiment emits a smaller amount of carbon dioxide during the self-cleaning process compared to the conventional cooking device (A). According to this, the carbon dioxide emissions of the cooking device (B) according to the present embodiment were reduced by 57% to 71% depending on the temperature compared to the conventional cooking device (A), and it was confirmed that the self-cleaning performance of the cooking device (B) according to the present embodiment was improved by about 9 to 21% compared to the conventional cooking device (A).

[0191] The cooking device of the present embodiment as described above can effectively promote a combustion reaction inside the cooking chamber (12) during the self-cleaning process by allowing external air to be introduced into the cooking chamber (12) through the air supply port (14) when performing self-cleaning.

[0192] In addition, the cooking device of the present embodiment can allow external air to flow smoothly into the cooking chamber during self-cleaning by enabling the opening and closing part to appropriately open and close the air supply port (14) according to the temperature or pressure state of the cooking chamber (12).

[0193] In addition, the cooking device of the present embodiment can provide the effect of enabling self-cleaning to be performed quickly and effectively by closing the air supply port (14) at the beginning of the self-cleaning function to rapidly raise the temperature of the cooking chamber (12), and then opening the air supply port (14) so ​​that external air can flow into the cooking chamber (12) once the temperature of the cooking chamber (12) has sufficiently risen to the temperature required for self-cleaning.

[0194] In addition, the cooking device of the present embodiment can effectively provide both self-cleaning and cooking functions by allowing the air supply port (14) to be opened and closed according to the function to be implemented, such as closing the air supply port (14) when cooking is performed and opening the air supply port (14) when self-cleaning is performed.

[0195] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims below. Explanation of the symbols

[0196] 10: Main body 11: Cavity 12: Kitchen 13: Exhaust pipe 14: Air intake 15: Broiler Heater 17: Exhaust duct 20: Convection device 21: Fan Cover 23: Convection heater 25: Fan 30: Door 40: Cooktop 50: Control Panel 100,200: Air guide module 110: Emergency case 112: Outside air inlet 114: Outdoor air outlet 115: Stopper 116: Sudden Euro 120: Euro opening / closing member 125: Gasket 130: Elastic support member 240: Drive unit 90: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A cooking device comprising: a cavity forming a cooking chamber inside; a heating unit heating the cooking chamber; an air supply opening forming a passage in the cavity through which air from outside the cavity flows into the cooking chamber; and an opening / closing unit opening / closing the air supply opening. Claim 2 In claim 1, the heating unit is a cooking appliance including an electric heater. Claim 3 In claim 1, the above air intake is a cooking device disposed on the bottom surface of the cavity. Claim 4 In claim 1, the heating unit includes a convection device disposed on the back surface of the cavity, and the air supply port is a cooking device disposed outside the convection device. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the above air intake is formed on the bottom surface of the cavity and is a cooking device positioned on the front side of the convection device. Claim 6 In claim 1, the above-mentioned air intake is formed on the bottom surface of the cavity and is a cooking device positioned at a location offset towards the rear from the center of the front-rear direction of the cooking chamber. Claim 7 In claim 1, the opening / closing part is a cooking device that selectively opens the air supply port according to the operation mode of the heating part or the temperature measurement result of the cooking chamber. Claim 8 In claim 1, the heating unit operates in a first heating mode to heat the cooking chamber so that the temperature of the cooking chamber becomes a first set temperature, or in a second heating mode to heat the cooking chamber so that the temperature of the cooking chamber becomes a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature, and the opening / closing unit closes the air supply port when the heating unit operates in the first heating mode, and opens the air supply port for a set time or longer while the heating unit operates in the second heating mode. Claim 9 A cooking device according to claim 8, wherein when the heating unit is operated in the second heating mode, the opening / closing unit closes the air supply port for a set time and then opens the air supply port. Claim 10 A cooking device according to claim 8, wherein when the heating unit is operated in the second heating mode, the opening / closing unit opens the air supply port when the temperature of the cooking chamber rises above the opening reference temperature while the air supply port is closed. Claim 11 A cooking appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a supply case having an air supply passage formed therein connecting the exterior of the cooking appliance and the supply port, and the opening / closing part further comprising a passage opening / closing member for opening and closing the air supply passage. Claim 12 In claim 11, the above-mentioned Euro opening / closing member is installed in the above-mentioned air supply case, and the above-mentioned air supply case is detachably connected to the above-mentioned cavity, a cooking device. Claim 13 In claim 11, the heating unit operates in a first heating mode to heat the cooking chamber so that the temperature of the cooking chamber becomes a first set temperature, or in a second heating mode to heat the cooking chamber so that the temperature of the cooking chamber becomes a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature, and the flow path opening / closing member closes the air supply path when the heating unit operates in the first heating mode, and opens the air supply path for a set time or longer while the heating unit operates in the second heating mode. Claim 14 In claim 11, the above-mentioned opening / closing member is rotatably installed inside the above-mentioned air supply case and closes the above-mentioned air supply passage in a first position and rotates from the first position to a second position to open the above-mentioned air supply passage. Claim 15 A cooking appliance according to claim 14, further comprising an elastic support member that provides elastic force to change the position of the above-mentioned Euro opening / closing member from the above-mentioned second position to the above-mentioned first position. Claim 16 A cooking device comprising: a cavity forming a cooking chamber inside; an electric heater heating the cooking chamber; an air supply port forming a passage in the cavity through which air from outside the cavity flows into the cooking chamber; and an opening / closing part that selectively opens the air supply port according to the operating mode of the electric heater or the temperature measurement result of the cooking chamber.

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