An oven with an airflow directing device

Abstract

The invention relates to an oven comprising a muffle (10) defining a cooking chamber (1 ) with opposing side walls (12) and a rear wall (14) extending between them, and a carrier element (20) provided on the opposing side walls (12) of the muffle (10) where at least one tray (30) is linearly guided onto the carrier element (20) in a working mode and discharged in a discharge mode. The oven has a flap (40) configured to direct airflow, mounted near a first end (422) to the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10) and provided with a manipulator extension (44) at the second end (424) of the carrier arm (42) that contacts a corresponding edge (32) of the tray (30) in a cooking mode.

Description

[0001] AN OVEN WITH AN AIRFLOW DIRECTING DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an oven that ensures the effective direction of hot air into the cooking chamber, specifically onto a tray provided within the cooking chamber.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In ovens where the cooking process is carried out by convection through at least one heater and a fan, the oven casing, formed by walls surrounding the cooking chamber where the cooking process occurs, is divided into two sections by a fan guard plate positioned in front of the rear wall. The fan and heater are placed in the compartment between the rear wall of the oven and the fan guard plate. The air heated by the heater and blown by the fan is transmitted to the cooking chamber through the blow openings in the fan guard plate, and the air transmitted to the cooking chamber is drawn back into the fan compartment between the fan guard plate and the oven’s rear wall through suction holes, thereby enabling the cooking of food. The hot air blown by the fan is subject to turbulence and edge losses between the fan guard plate and the oven’s rear wall before entering the cooking chamber. Therefore, the circulating airspeed decreases, leading to reduced cooking efficiency.

[0006] EP2370745B1 relates to a steam oven and a method for operating the steam oven. This invention concerns an oven comprising a casing, a cooking chamber within the casing, and a heater that heats the air in the cooking chamber while a tray containing food to be cooked is placed inside. It also has a fan located next to the rear wall of the casing, which carries the heated air, and a fan compartment provided for the fan. Additionally, there is a fan guard plate located between the cooking chamber and the fan compartment, with multiple openings on the fan guard plate through which the air carried by the fan is delivered to the cooking chamber. Inside the oven, air is delivered into the cooking chamber through the openings in the desired direction, providing uniform cooking. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an airflow within an oven that increases cooking efficiency and ensures uniform cooking.

[0008] In order to achieve the above objective, the invention relates to an oven comprising a muffle defining a cooking chamber with opposing side walls and a rear wall extending between them. The oven has a carrier element provided on the opposing side walls of the muffle, wherein at least one tray is guided linearly onto it in a working mode, and the tray is discharged in a discharge mode. The oven has a flap, which is mounted near a first end to the rear wall of the muffle, and the flap is configured to direct airflow by means of an extension arm that contacts a corresponding edge of the tray in the cooking mode. This way, the product placed on the tray during the cooking mode is evenly cooked due to the airflow forming an airflow corridor as a result of the contact between the tray and the extension arm of the flap. Additionally, the airflow corridor formed reduces turbulence effects and edge losses.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle between the extension arm of the flap and the carrier arm is adjusted to a narrow angle. Thus, the linear movement of the tray results in the upward movement of the extension arm upon contact, enabling airflow.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier arm is pivotally mounted to the rear wall of the muffle at a first end. This facilitates the transition between the positions in the cooking mode and the discharge mode.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end of the carrier arm has a hole, and the carrier arm is fastened to the rear wall of the muffle through the hole with a screw. This allows the carrier arm to be fixed to the rear wall without restricting rotational movement.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier arm has a diverter arm extending at an angle from a second end toward the rear wall of the muffle in a mounting position. This ensures a movable mechanism without using an additional part.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the carrier arm is adjusted to be greater than that of the diverter arm. As a result, the increased weight of the carrier arm, calculated using the weight formula, causes movement in the direction of gravity, allowing the tray to return to its original position when discharged. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the free end of the diverter arm rests against the rear wall in the discharge mode. This restricts the rotational movement of the flap, ensuring the stability of its position in the discharge mode.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap is manufactured as a single piece from a metal sheet, ensuring high structural durability and a long product lifespan.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the extension arm of the flap is in the form of a wing, allowing the direction of airflow with a winglet-like function.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the oven has a fan guard plate provided between the rear wall of the muffle and the fan, and the flap is aligned within an air opening between the fan guard plate and the side wall to direct airflow. This ensures that the air provided by the fan is homogeneously supplied into the tray by the flap, facilitating the cooking process of the food on the tray.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flap is configured to direct the airflow into the tray by positioning itself against the air outlet opening, enabling faster and more energyefficient cooking of the product to be cooked.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intermediate extension extends from the inner side of the muffle’s side wall between the extension arm and the carrier arm, helping to direct the airflow from the cooking chamber into the tray.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the intermediate extension is adjusted so that the free end of the extension arm touches a rear corner of the tray, ensuring airflow through an airflow corridor formed between the extension arm and the tray.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the discharge position where the tray is removed, the flap is configured to extend perpendicularly from the carrier arm toward the rear wall, reducing the volume occupied within the cooking chamber.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second end of the extension arm is adjusted to lift upward in the mounting position, providing airflow through the formed airflow corridor onto the tray. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] Figure 1 schematically shows the side view of the oven subject to the invention.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a side view of the oven subject to the invention in a mounting position.

[0024] Figure 3 shows the flap positioned within the oven subject to the invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In this detailed description, the subject matter invention is explained with reference to examples, without limitation, and solely for the purpose of better illustrating the concept.

[0027] In Figure 1 , the oven subject to the invention is shown schematically from the side. The oven has a muffle (10) defining a cooking chamber where the cooking process occurs. The muffle (10) has opposing side walls (12) and a rear wall (14) extending between the side walls (12). A carrier element (20) is secured to the side walls (12) of the muffle (10). The carrier element (20) is in the form of a grill, containing multiple support elements (22) aligned in parallel and in sequence to hold a tray (30) placed inside it. The trays (30) placed inside the carrier element (20) move linearly and come into contact with a flap (40) located on the rear wall (14) corresponding to the tray (30). Multiple identical flaps (40) are aligned one below the other on the rear wall (14). The flaps (40) are identical in structure and are made as a single piece by bending a metal sheet. The flaps (40) aligned one below the other are referred to as the first flap group, with the flap (40) at the top referred to as the first flap (40), and those underneath referred to as the second and third, respectively. A second flap group is symmetrically aligned on the rear wall (14) along the mirror axis relative to the first flap group. The second flap group shares the same characteristics as the first flap group and is similarly described as second and third in sequence. Trays (30) placed on the carrier element (20) in a mounting position enable the corresponding flap (40) to move vertically. In the structure shown in Figure 1 , three trays (30) are placed on the carrier element (20). The trays (30) move linearly on the carrier element (20), causing the corresponding flap (40) to move vertically upon contact. In the structure shown in Figure 1 , the first, third, and fifth flaps (40) in the first and second flap groups move vertically as they correspond to trays (30). The second and fourth flaps (40) in the first and second flap groups remain stationary as there are no corresponding trays (30). A fan (50) is positioned on the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10), provided in the center of the rear wall (14). A fan guard plate (60) surrounds the fan (50) entirely and encloses it within the cooking chamber. Figure 2 shows a side view of the oven subject to the invention in a mounting position. The linear movement of the tray (30) on the carrier element (20) causes the flaps (40) in the first and second flap groups, which are provided in alignment, to come into contact with a manipulator extension (44). The manipulator extension (44) extends at an angle, and the corresponding edge (32) of the tray (30) touches the free end (442) of the manipulator extension (44), causing the vertical movement of the flap (40). The manipulator extension (44) is connected from a second end (444) opposite the free end to an intermediate extension (48). A carrier arm (42) is fastened to a second end (424) of the intermediate extension (48). The carrier arm (42) is pivotally mounted to the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10) at a first end (422) by a screw (43) passing through a hole (426) on the first end (422). The flap (40) has a diverter arm (46) extending at an angle from the second end (424) of the carrier arm (42) toward the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10). The first end (462) of the diverter arm (46) is near the screw (43). In the mounting position, the diverter arm (46) maintains a distance from the rear wall (14), while in the discharge position, the free end (464) of the diverter arm (46) touches the rear wall (14). The flaps (40) are positioned above multiple airflow openings (62) provided on the fan guard plate (60). In the mounting position of the tray (30), the contact between the tray and the manipulator extension (44) causes the diverter arm (46) to move away from the rear wall (14). A triangular-like airflow corridor is formed between the diverter arm (46) and the rear wall (14), directing the airflow from the airflow opening (62) toward the tray (30).

[0028] Figure 3 shows the flap positioned within the oven subject to the invention. An angle is formed between the manipulator extension (44) and the carrier arm (42) of the flap (40). This angle is set to be a narrow angle. Additionally, the pre-determined length (L1) of the carrier arm (42) is set to be greater than the length (L2) of the diverter arm (46). The longer length of the carrier arm (42) causes the weight of the carrier arm (42) to be greater, calculated using the weight formula, resulting in movement in the direction of gravity, allowing the tray (30) to return to its original position when discharged. The intermediate extension (48), which connects the manipulator extension (44) to the carrier arm (42) at an angle, has a length (L3) adjusted so that the free end of the manipulator extension (44) touches a rear corner (34) of the tray (30) as shown in Figure 2. This length (L3) ensures the formation of an airflow corridor between the manipulator extension (44) and the tray (30), directing the airflow through this corridor. To improve airflow through the corridor, the manipulator extension (44) is designed in the form of a wing. The manipulator extension (44) functions similarly to a winglet, directing the airflow. REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0029] 10 Muffle

[0030] 12 Side Wall

[0031] 14 Rear Wall

[0032] 20 Carrier Element

[0033] 22 Support Element

[0034] 30 T ray

[0035] 32 Edge

[0036] 34 Corner

[0037] 40 Flap

[0038] 42 Carrier Arm

[0039] 43 Screw Element

[0040] 44 Manipulator Extension

[0041] 46 Diverter Arm

[0042] 48 Intermediate Extension

[0043] 50 Fan

[0044] 60 Fan Guard Plate

[0045] 62 Airflow Opening

[0046] 442 Free End

[0047] 444 Second End

[0048] 462 First End

[0049] 464 Free End

[0050] 422 First End

[0051] 424 Second End

[0052] 426 Hole

[0053] L1 Length

[0054] L2 Length

[0055] L3 Length

Claims

CLAIMS1. An oven comprising a muffle (10) defining a cooking chamber (1) and is having opposing side walls (12) and a rear wall (14) extending between them, and a carrier element (20) provided on the opposing side walls (12) of the muffle (10), where at least one tray (30) is linearly guided onto the carrier element (20) in a working mode and discharged in a discharge mode, characterized by a flap (40) configured to direct airflow, said flap (40) being mounted near a first end (422) to the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10) and has a carrier arm (42), with the second end (424) of the carrier arm (42) provided with a manipulator extension (44) that contacts a corresponding edge (32) of the tray (30) in a cooking mode.

2. The oven according to claim 1 , wherein the angle between the manipulator extension (44) of the flap (40) and the carrier arm (42) is set to a narrow angle.

3. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier arm (42) is pivotally mounted at a first end (422) to the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10).

4. The oven according to claim 3, wherein the first end (422) of the carrier arm (42) has a hole (426) and is fastened to the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10) by a screw (43) passing through the hole (426).

5. The oven according to claims 3-4, wherein the carrier arm (42) has a diverter arm (46) extending at an angle from a second end (424) of the carrier arm (42) toward the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10) in a mounting position.

6. The oven according to claim 5, wherein the length (L1) of the carrier arm (42) is adjusted to be greater than the length (L2) of the diverter arm (46).

7. The oven according to claim 6, wherein the free end (464) of the diverter arm (46) is arranged to rest against the rear wall (14) in a discharge mode.

8. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (40) is manufactured as a single piece from a metal sheet.

9. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the manipulator extension (44) is in the form of a wing.

10. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the muffle (10) has a fan (50) and a fan guard plate (60) provided between the fan (50) and the rear wall (14) of the muffle (10), and the flap (40) is aligned within an airflow opening (62) between the fan guard plate (60) and the side wall (12) to direct airflow.

11. The oven according to claim 10, wherein the flap (40) is configured to direct the airflow into the tray (30) by positioning itself against the airflow opening (62).

12. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an intermediate extension (48) extends between the manipulator extension (44) and the carrier arm (42) from the side wall (12) of the muffle (10).

13. The oven according to claim 12, wherein the length (L3) of the intermediate extension (48) is adjusted so that the free end (442) of the manipulator extension (44) touches a rear corner (34) of the tray (30).

14. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (40) in the discharge position, where the tray (30) is removed, is configured to extend perpendicularly from the carrier arm (42) toward the rear wall (14).

15. The oven according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (444) of the manipulator extension (44) is adjusted to lift upward in the mounting position.

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