Cooking apparatus

Abstract

An embodiment of a cooking apparatus may comprise a cooktop comprising: a heating portion which heats an object; an upper plate arranged above the heating portion; and a top plate accommodating part of the heating portion and having an upper surface on which the upper plate is arranged. The heating portion comprises: a heating coil which generates heat when applied with electricity; and a case accommodating the heating coil, and an air gap which blocks heat transfer through conduction may be formed between the upper plate and the top plate.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, and more particularly, to a cooking appliance having a structure with improved heating efficiency.

[0002] The material described in this section merely provides background information for the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Cooking appliances are a type of home appliance used for cooking food. They are installed in the kitchen and cook food according to the user's preferences. These cooking appliances can be categorized in various ways based on the heat source, form, or type of fuel used.

[0004] Among these cooking appliances, there is a cooktop that heats the food being cooked by placing it on top of a heat source below.

[0005] A cooktop may be equipped with a heating coil that generates heat when supplied with electricity, and a top plate that is placed above the heating coil and on which a container containing food is placed.

[0006] It's efficient for all heat generated by the heating coil to pass through the cooktop and onto the container placed on it. However, not all of the heat generated by the heating coil is transferred to the cooktop; it can be transferred to other areas or components of the cooktop.

[0007] The cooktop may be equipped with a top plate supporting the cooking surface, which may be positioned adjacent to the heating coil.

[0008] Typically, the top plate is formed from a metal material that is easily rolled to enhance manufacturability. Metal top plates can be highly effective heat dissipation devices.

[0009] Therefore, heat that is not transferred to the top plate but is dissipated through gaps between other components or components housing the heating coil may be dissipated outside the metal top plate. This results in a significant amount of heat not being used to heat the food container, but rather being released into the atmosphere.

[0010] This structure can degrade the performance of the cooktop and cooking appliance. Therefore, a structure is needed that can prevent the heating coil from being used to heat the container and from escaping into the atmosphere from other areas of the cooktop, rather than the top plate.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having a structure capable of suppressing heat transfer to the top plate of a cooktop.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having an air gap capable of suppressing heat transfer between a top plate and a cooking surface.

[0013] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cooking appliance having a structure in which an insulating plate capable of suppressing heat transfer is arranged between a top plate and a cooking surface.

[0014] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other purposes and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0015] One embodiment of the cooking appliance may include a cooktop including a heating unit that heats an object; a top plate disposed above the heating unit; and a top plate that accommodates a portion of the heating unit and has the top plate disposed on the upper surface.

[0016] The heating unit includes a heating coil that generates heat when electricity is applied; and a case that accommodates the heating coil, and an air gap that blocks heat transfer by conduction can be formed between the upper plate and the top plate.

[0017] One embodiment of the cooking appliance includes a spacer disposed between the cooking surface and the top plate and vertically separating the cooking surface and the top plate, wherein an air gap can be formed between the cooking surface and the top plate by the spacer.

[0018] The air gap can effectively suppress conductive heat transfer from the upper plate to the top plate.

[0019] The top plate is formed to be sunken into the upper surface and a top plate mounting portion is formed on which the top plate is mounted, and the spacer may include a first part disposed at an edge of the top plate mounting portion; and a second part spaced laterally from the first part and disposed on the inside of the first part.

[0020] Another embodiment of the cooking appliance may include an insulating plate positioned between the cooking surface and the top plate, filling at least a portion of the air gap and positioned to avoid the spacer.

[0021] The insulating plate may be arranged to be surrounded by the first part and may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the second part.

[0022] The insulation plate can at least partially fill the air gap formed between the upper plate and the top plate, thereby blocking heat transfer by convection and radiation from the upper plate to the top plate that may occur due to the air gap.

[0023] In a cooking appliance according to the present invention, an air gap may be formed between the cooking surface and the top plate to block heat transfer by conduction. A spacer may be provided to form the air gap.

[0024] A plurality of spacers may be provided laterally spaced apart from each other on the cooktop. Accordingly, an air gap is formed between the plurality of spacers, and the air gap effectively blocks conductive heat transfer by separating the top plate and the cooking surface.

[0025] Additionally, in the cooking appliance according to the present invention, an insulating plate may be provided to block heat transfer by convection and radiation from the cooking surface to the top plate. The insulating plate may fill an air gap formed between the cooking surface and the top plate by a spacer.

[0026] Heat transfer can occur through convection and radiation in the air gap, but the insulation plate fills the air gap, effectively suppressing heat transfer through the air gap and effectively increasing the heating efficiency of the cooktop and cooking appliance.

[0027] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a plan view of a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a cooktop according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining the purpose of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining heat transfer in the cooktop shown in Fig. 7.

[0039] Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a cooktop according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a cooktop according to another embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a cooktop according to another embodiment.

[0042] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical ideas of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0043] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0045] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0046] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0047] Throughout this specification, "up-down" refers to the up-down direction of the cooking appliance when installed for everyday use. "Left-right" refers to the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and "front-back" refers to the direction perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions. "Bilateral" or "lateral" has the same meaning as left-right, and these terms may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the cooking appliance (1) according to the embodiment may include a cooktop (20). For example, the cooking appliance (1) may be a composite cooking appliance (1) including a cooktop (20) and an oven section (10), and the cooktop (20) may be placed above the oven section (10). Of course, the cooking appliance (1) may be composed of a cooktop (20) alone, may be built-in to a piece of furniture such as a sink, or may be placed as a freestanding type.

[0049] Below, the structure of a composite cooking appliance in which a cooktop (20) is placed on the upper side of an oven section (10) is described in detail.

[0050] The oven section (10) may include a main body (11) having a cavity formed with an open front, and a door (12) connected to the main body (11) to open and close the cavity. The cavity forms a cooking space, and a heating source such as a heater or burner is placed to heat the cooking space and cook food.

[0051] And, a cooktop (20) can be placed on the upper side of the oven section (10). The cooktop (20) can have a container containing food for cooking placed on the upper plate (23), and the container can be heated by a heating section (22) placed on the lower side of the upper plate (23).

[0052] The cooking appliance (1) may include an operating unit (30). For example, the operating unit (30) may be composed of a plurality of knobs (31) and may control the operation of the oven unit (10) and the cooktop (20).

[0053] Depending on the need, the control unit (30) may be composed of buttons, switches, or touch control devices. The control unit (30) may be placed on the cooktop (20). In addition, a display (32) that displays the operating status of the cooking appliance (1) may be provided on one side of the control unit (30).

[0054] Below, the structure of the cooktop (20) will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the cooktop (20) according to one embodiment.

[0055] As illustrated, the cooktop (20) may include a top plate (21), a heating element (22), and a top plate (23).

[0056] The top plate (21) accommodates a portion of the heating element (22), and a top plate (23) can be placed on the upper surface. The top plate (21) is formed in a rectangular shape and can form the overall frame of the cooktop (20). In addition, the top plate (21) can provide a structure in which the heating element (22) and the top plate (23) can be mounted.

[0057] For example, the top plate (21) may be formed of a metal material and may form the lower part of the cooktop (20). In a structure in which the cooktop (20) is installed independently, the top plate (21) may form the exterior of the remaining part except for the upper surface of the cooktop (20).

[0058] A cutout (212) for mounting a heating element (22) may be formed in the cooktop (20). The cutout (212) may be formed so that the top plate and the heating coil (223) are cut to face each other at the location where the heating element is to be placed. The heating element (22) may be positioned inside the cutout (212).

[0059] A cooktop (20) may be equipped with a plurality of heating elements (22). Cutouts (212) may be formed in a number corresponding to the number of heating elements (22) on the top plate (21). As described later, when the cutouts (212) are integrated into one, two heating elements (22) may correspond to one integrated cutout (212).

[0060] The heating unit (22) can heat an object. Here, the object can be a container containing food to be cooked, which is placed on the upper surface of the top plate (23).

[0061] The heating unit (22) can be mounted on the inside of the cutout unit (212) and can be fixedly mounted on the top plate (21). The heating unit (22) can be configured in various ways depending on the type of heat source, and can be configured to heat a container placed on the upper surface of the top plate (23). Hereinafter, a heating unit (22) equipped with an electric resistance heating device, for example, will be described.

[0062] Meanwhile, a top plate (23) can be mounted on the upper surface of the cooktop (20). The top plate (23) forms the upper surface of the cooktop (20) and, when mounted, can shield the heating element (22) from the upper side.

[0063] In order to mount the top plate (23), a top plate mounting portion (211) that is sunken downward may be formed on the upper surface of the top plate (21). The top plate mounting portion (211) may be sunken to a size corresponding to that of the top plate (23). In addition, the sunken depth of the top plate mounting portion (211) may correspond to the thickness of the top plate (23). In addition, a plurality of cutout portions (212) may be located in the inner region of the top plate mounting portion (211).

[0064] The top plate (23) can be placed on the upper side of the heating element (22). The top plate (23) is formed in a flat shape to form the upper surface of the cooktop (20) and at the same time, a container for heating can be placed thereon. Accordingly, the top plate (23) can be formed from a material that can be molded into a plate shape with heat resistance and high flatness.

[0065] For example, the top plate (23) may be formed of heat-resistant glass, tempered glass, or ceramic glass. Furthermore, the top plate (23) may be formed to be transparent or opaque. Furthermore, the top plate (23) may be formed to have a smooth surface to prevent contamination and discoloration and maintain excellent cleanability.

[0066] In addition, a container guide may be formed on the top plate (23) at a position corresponding to the heating section (22). The container guide may be formed vertically above the heating section (22) and may be formed along the perimeter of the heating section (22).

[0067] For example, the container guide may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the heating element (22). In this case, the container guide may be formed, for example, by being printed on the upper surface of the top plate (23).

[0068] Meanwhile, the cooktop (20) may include a spring (24). The spring (24) may be provided to couple the heating unit (22) to the top plate (21). For example, the springs (24) may be arranged in a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the case (221) of the heating unit (22).

[0069] A portion of the spring (24) may be coupled to the heating portion (22), and a portion may be coupled to the top plate (21), so that the heating portion (22) may be placed in the cutout portion (212) of the top plate (22). The spring (24) may be formed in a “C” shape, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a heating unit according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a heating unit according to an embodiment. The heating unit (22) may include a heating coil (223), a case (221), and a thermistor (227). First, the thermistor (227) will be described. The thermistor (227) is provided in the heating unit and can measure the temperature of the heating coil (223).

[0071] The thermistor (227) may be provided with a thermostat (2271), a housing (2272), a terminal (2273), and a fixing bracket (2274). The thermostat (2271) measures the temperature of the heating coil (223) and may extend toward the center of the heating coil (223). The thermostat (2271)

[0072] The thermostat (2271) can detect the temperature of the heating coil (223) and measure the temperature of the upper side of the heating coil (223). Of course, the thermostat (2271) is not in contact with the heating coil (223) but is positioned slightly apart from it, so it can measure the temperature of the upper side of the heating coil (223).

[0073] The housing (2272) can be coupled with a thermostat (2271) and can accommodate a device for electrically connecting the heating coil (223) and an external power source. In addition, a switch device can be provided inside the housing (2272) to control the on / off of the heating coil (223) by connecting and short-circuiting the heating coil (223) and the power source.

[0074] If the temperature of the heating coil (223) measured from the thermostat (2271) exceeds the set temperature, this means that the heating coil (223) is overheated, so the switch device operates to turn off the heating coil (223).

[0075] The terminal (2273) is electrically connected to the heating coil (223) and can protrude outward from the case (221). An external power source is electrically connected to the terminal (2273), so that the heating coil (223) can be heated when electricity is applied.

[0076] The fixed bracket (2274) protrudes from the housing (2272) and has an end that can be coupled to the case (221). Accordingly, the housing (2272) is fixedly coupled to the case (221) by the fixed bracket (2274), so that the thermostat (2271) can maintain the designed position.

[0077] The heating coil (223) can generate heat when electricity is applied. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating coil (223) may be provided as a coil that is heated by electrical resistance. In this case, the heat generated from the heating coil (223) can pass through the top plate (23) and heat the container containing the food by radiation or conduction. The case (221) can accommodate the heating coil (223).

[0078] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a heating unit according to an embodiment. In Fig. 5, the thermistor (227) is omitted. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the case (221) may include a cylindrical surface portion (2211) and a bottom surface portion (2212).

[0079] The bottom surface portion (2212) forms the lower surface of the case (221), is generally formed in a circular shape, and can accommodate a heating coil (223). The cylindrical surface portion (2211) surrounds the outer side of the bottom surface portion (2212), protrudes upward, and can be formed in a ring shape.

[0080] Due to this structure, the bottom surface (2212) and the cylindrical surface (2211) can form a space that can accommodate a heating coil (223) and an insulating pad (222).

[0081] The cylindrical surface (2211) may include a first surface that is bent from the edge of the bottom surface and a second surface that is bent from the first surface and placed laterally. At this time, a plurality of fastening holes (2212h) for fastening a ring-shaped insulating member may be formed along the circumferential direction of the second surface on the bottom of the second surface.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the heating unit may include an insulating pad (222) and an insulating cover (226).

[0083] The insulating pad (222) is placed on the lower side of the heating coil (223), and the insulating pad (222) can be placed on the inner lower side of the case (221) of the heating unit (22), and can be formed of an insulating material. Accordingly, heat can be prevented from being transferred to the lower side when the heating coil (223) generates heat. In addition, the heating coil (223) can be placed on the upper side of the insulating pad (222).

[0084] The case (221) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the bottom surface and side surface of the insulation pad (222). Due to this structure, the insulation pad (222) can be stably accommodated in the case (221) and insulate the lower side of the heating coil (223).

[0085] The insulating cover (226) is placed on the upper side of the case (221) and can prevent heat generated from the heating coil (223) from being transferred to the outside. The insulating cover (226) can be formed of an insulating material, and the upper end of the insulating cover (226) can be provided to face the lower surface of the upper plate.

[0086] At this time, the upper surface of the insulation cover (226) and the lower surface of the upper plate may be in contact with each other or may be slightly spaced apart in the vertical direction depending on the design.

[0087] The insulation cover (226) can improve the thermal efficiency of the cooktop (20) by suppressing the heat generated from the heating coil (223) from being transferred laterally to the cooktop (20) and allowing it to be transferred upwardly to the cooktop (20).

[0088] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the heating coil (223) may be configured to be divided into, for example, an inner coil (224) and an outer coil (225). Accordingly, the amount of heat for heating the container (2) can be controlled and provided according to the combination of the on / off operations of the inner coil (224) and the outer coil (225).

[0089] The heat generated from the heating coil (223) can be transferred to the container by passing through the upper plate (23) located on the upper side of the heating part (22). Therefore, it is efficient for all the heat generated from the heating coil (223) to pass through the upper plate (23) and be transferred to the container placed on the upper plate (23).

[0090] However, the heat transferred to the top plate (23) can spread throughout the entire top plate (23) in addition to being transferred to the container. That is, the heat spreads throughout the entire top plate (23) by conduction.

[0091] Some of the heat spread on the top plate (23) may be transferred by conduction to other components other than the container placed on the top plate (23). Typically, the top plate (23) is mounted on the top plate mounting portion (211) of the top plate (21) and may come into contact with the top plate (21).

[0092] Since the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23) are in contact with each other, the heat of the upper plate (23) can be transferred to the top plate (21). The top plate (21) can be in contact with the upper plate (23) at a location other than the cutout portion (212), and thus, heat transfer by conduction can occur from the upper plate (23) to the top plate (21).

[0093] That is, some of the heat generated from the heating coil (223) of the heating unit (22) is transferred to the container through the top plate (23), but some of it is transferred to the top plate (21) through the top plate (23) and can be released into the atmosphere as a result.

[0094] Meanwhile, the top plate (21) may be formed of a metal material that is easy to roll to improve manufacturability. The metal top plate (21) can be a very effective heat dissipation means.

[0095] Accordingly, the heat transferred to the top plate (23) of the cooktop (20) is discharged to the outside from the metal top plate (21), and as a result, a significant amount of heat is not used to heat the container and may be released into the atmosphere.

[0096] This structure may deteriorate the performance of the cooktop (20) and the cooking appliance (1). Therefore, a structure is needed that can suppress the release into the atmosphere from other parts of the heating element (22) other than the top plate (23) so that the heating coil (223) is not used to heat the container.

[0097] In order to implement this structure, a structure capable of suppressing heat transfer between the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21) is required. The structure of a cooking appliance (1) according to an embodiment for this purpose is described in detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0098] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop (20) according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a cooktop (20) according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 is a drawing for explaining the purpose of the present invention. In Fig. 8, the direction of heat transfer is indicated by an arrow.

[0099] In an embodiment, an air gap (AG) may be formed between the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21) to suppress heat transfer. First, with reference to Fig. 8, the heat transfer tendency in the case of the embodiment without an air gap (AG) will be described.

[0100] As illustrated in Fig. 8, heat generated from the heating coil (223) can travel upwards through convection and radiation to reach the top plate (23). At this time, the heat generated from the heating coil (223) can be suppressed from being transferred laterally to the cooktop (20) by the heat dissipation cover.

[0101] A portion of the heat reaching the top plate (23) can pass through the top plate (23) and be transferred to a container placed on the top plate (23). Another portion of the heat reaching the top plate (23) can be spread throughout the top plate (23) by conduction.

[0102] Meanwhile, the upper plate (23) is placed on top of the top plate (21), and the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21) can come into contact with each other at a portion other than the cutout portion (212) where the heating portion (22) is placed. Conductive heat transfer can occur at this contact portion.

[0103] That is, a portion of the heat generated from the heating coil (223) can be released into the atmosphere from the top plate (21) via the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21). A portion of the heat generated from the heating coil (223) is lost without heating the container.

[0104] Since this heat loss reduces the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20), a means is needed to suppress heat loss by conduction between the top plate (23) and the top plate (21) to suppress heat loss, and such a means is an air gap (AG).

[0105] In an embodiment, an air gap (AG) that blocks heat transfer by conduction may be formed between the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21). A spacer (25) may be provided to form the air gap (AG). The spacer (25) may be placed on the upper plate mounting portion (211) of the top plate (21).

[0106] Accordingly, the cooktop (20) may be placed between the top plate (23) and the top plate (21), and may include a spacer (25) that vertically separates the top plate (23) and the top plate (21).

[0107] A plurality of spacers (25) may be provided spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the cooktop (20). Accordingly, an air gap (AG) is formed between the plurality of spacers (25), and the air gap (AG) can effectively block conductive heat transfer by spacing the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23).

[0108] Since the spacer (25) is in contact with the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21), some heat transfer by conduction may occur through the spacer (25). However, due to the arrangement of the spacer (25), an air gap (AG) is formed between the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21), so that the heat transfer by conduction between them may be significantly reduced. To further enhance the insulation effect, the spacer (25) may be formed of an insulating material.

[0109] An air gap (AG) is formed by the spacer (25), and the air gap (AG) can be formed by being surrounded by the spacer (25), the upper surface of the upper plate (23), and the lower surface of the top plate (21).

[0110] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a cooktop (20) according to one embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a cooktop (20) according to one embodiment. The spacer (25) may be generally provided in a shape that is narrow in width and long in length, and may include a first part (251) and a second part (252).

[0111] The first part (251) can be placed on the edge of the top plate mounting portion (211). Since the first part (251) is placed along the edge of the top plate mounting portion (211), it can be formed in a square shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the top plate mounting portion (211) which is formed in a square shape.

[0112] The first part (251) is arranged along the edge of the top plate mounting portion (211) to prevent the top plate (23) placed on its upper surface from tilting to one side, thereby allowing the top plate (23) to remain flat.

[0113] The second part (252) may be laterally spaced from the first part (251) and may be positioned on the inside of the first part (251). Accordingly, the first part (251) may be configured to surround the second part (252). The second part (252) may be manufactured in various non-standard shapes so as to avoid the cutout portion (212).

[0114] The top plate (21) may include a cutout portion (212) and a bending extension portion (213). As described above, the cutout portion (212) may be formed in a state where the top plate (23) and the heating coil (223) are cut to face each other at the location where the heating portion (22) is placed.

[0115] The bending extension portion (213) can be bent from the edge of the cutout portion (212) and extended downward. The bending extension portion (213) can be extended downward when viewed in cross section from the edge of the cutout portion (212).

[0116] Since the heating section (22) is arranged in the cutout section (212), the bending extension section (213) can be arranged to face the side surface of the cylindrical surface section (2211) of the insulating cover (226) and / or the case (221) laterally.

[0117] The bending extension section (213) and the heating section (22) can be arranged to be laterally spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the bending extension section (213) and the heating section (22) do not come into contact with each other, thereby suppressing heat generated in the heating section (22) from being transferred to the bending extension section (213), thereby suppressing unnecessary heat loss.

[0118] An air gap (AG) can be formed at a position where the upper surface of the top plate (21) and the lower surface of the upper plate (23) overlap at least partially in the vertical direction on the outside of the bending extension (213).

[0119] Since the top plate (21) faces the upper plate (23) in the vertical direction on the outside of the bending extension (213), an air gap (AG) is formed here, so that conductive heat transfer due to contact between the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23) can be effectively blocked.

[0120] In the embodiment, the spacer (25) is arranged between the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23) in a shape that is narrow and long, so the volume occupied by the spacer (25) in the space between the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23) is very small, and accordingly, the volume occupied by the air gap (AG) in this space is relatively very large.

[0121] Due to this structure, a large air gap (AG) is formed in the space between the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23), so that heat conduction from the upper plate (23) to the top plate (21) can be very effectively suppressed, and thus the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20) can be significantly improved.

[0122] Referring to Fig. 9, the cooktop (20) may include a heating element (27). The heating element (27) is a device for heating food contained in a container placed on its upper side or for maintaining the food's temperature. Accordingly, the heating element (27) may emit heat at a lower temperature than the heating element (22).

[0123] As in the case of the heating section (22), the second part (252) of the spacer (25) can be placed between the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23) to avoid the heating section (27).

[0124] A plurality of heating parts (22) may be provided, and a plurality of cutout parts (212) may be provided to correspond to each of the plurality of heating parts (22).

[0125] The cutout portions (212) where the heating portions (22) are arranged may also be arranged spaced apart from each other on the top plate (21) in accordance with the number of heating portions (22). However, the number of heating portions (22) and the number of cutout portions (212) may not necessarily match each other. This is because the cutout portions (212) may exist as an integrated cutting portion (2121).

[0126] In the cooktop (20) of the embodiment, the heating section (22) is provided in multiple numbers, and the cutout section (212) may be provided with at least one integrated cutting section (2121) that integrates and accommodates adjacent heating sections (22).

[0127] The integrated cutting portion (2121) may be provided in the shape of a peanut or dumbbell, which is a shape in which circular, spaced-apart cutout portions (212) are integrated with each other. The integrated cutting portion (2121) may be formed by cutting a piece that forms the upper portion of the top plate (21) between the spaced-apart cutout portions (212).

[0128] If there is a piece of the top plate (21) that separates adjacent cutout portions (212), heat transfer from the heating portion (22) to this piece can occur and spread throughout the entire top plate (21).

[0129] In this structure, the amount of heat transferred from the heating element (22) directly through the top plate (23) to the container can be reduced, and the amount of heat released to the atmosphere through the top plate (21) can be increased.

[0130] In an embodiment, by forming an integrated cutting portion (2121) to remove a part of the piece of the top plate (21), the heat dissipation area of ​​the upper part of the top plate (21) can be reduced, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20).

[0131] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining heat transfer in the cooktop (20) illustrated in Fig. 7. In Fig. 11, the direction of heat transfer is indicated by an arrow. The air gap (AG) can effectively suppress conductive heat transfer between the top plate (21) and the upper plate (23), but may have problems suppressing convection and radiation heat transfer.

[0132] Referring to Fig. 11, since the air gap (AG) is a space filled with air, heat transferred from the upper plate (23) to the air gap (AG) can spread throughout the air gap (AG) as shown by the arrows through radiation and convection.

[0133] Additionally, heat transferred from the top plate (23) by radiation and convection and heat spread throughout the air gap (AG) may be transferred to the lower portion of the top plate (21) and released into the atmosphere as shown by the arrow, which is unnecessary heat loss.

[0134] To suppress such unnecessary heat loss, a structure is required to suppress heat transfer by convection and radiation from the air gap (AG) to the top plate (21). To meet this need, an insulation plate (26) may be placed in the air gap (AG). The insulation plate (26) may be placed on the upper plate mounting portion (211) of the top plate (21).

[0135] Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a cooktop (20) according to another embodiment. Fig. 13 is an exploded view of a cooktop (20) according to another embodiment. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a cooktop (20) according to another embodiment.

[0136] The cooktop (20) of the embodiment may include an insulating plate (26) disposed between the top plate (23) and the top plate (21), filling at least a portion of the air gap (AG), and positioned to avoid the spacer (25).

[0137] The insulation plate (26) can be arranged so as to be surrounded by the first part (251). Since the first part (251) of the spacer (25) is arranged along the edge of the upper plate mounting portion (211), the insulation plate (26) can be arranged on the inside of the first part (251) and surrounded by the first part (251).

[0138] Additionally, the insulation plate (26) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the second part (252). The insulation plate (26) may be arranged to surround the second part (252) of the spacer (25) and be surrounded by the first part (251), thereby filling almost all of the air gap (AG) formed between the first part (251) and the second part (252).

[0139] Additionally, the insulating plate (26) may be arranged to surround each of the plurality of cutout portions (212). Accordingly, the insulating plate (26) may fill the air gap (AG) formed between the cutout portions (212) spaced apart from each other.

[0140] The insulating plate (26) may be formed of a material that is both heat-resistant and has good insulation properties. For example, the insulating plate (26) may be formed of Teflon, silicone resin, or a material containing at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, and TiO2, which have good heat resistance and insulation properties. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0141] In particular, when the insulating plate (26) is formed of a flexible material as described below, the insulating plate (26) may be provided with another material that ensures flexibility.

[0142] An insulating plate (26) may be provided to block heat transfer by convection and radiation from the upper plate (23) to the top plate (21). The insulating plate (26) may fill an air gap (AG) formed between the upper plate (23) and the top plate (21) by a spacer (25).

[0143] As described above, heat transfer can occur through convection and radiation in the air gap (AG), and the insulation plate (26) fills the air gap (AG) to effectively suppress heat transfer through the air gap (AG), thereby effectively increasing the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20) and the cooking appliance (1).

[0144] The insulating plate (26) may be formed of a flexible material so that it can seal at least a portion of the air gap (AG) by being deformed under pressure by the upper plate (23). The insulating plate (26) may be mounted on the upper plate mounting portion (211) together with a spacer (25), and the upper plate (23) may be mounted thereon.

[0145] In this case, since the insulation plate (26) is formed of a flexible material, it is deformed by being pressed by the upper plate (23), and as it deforms, it can effectively fill the air gap (AG). In this way, the insulation plate (26) can almost completely fill the air gap (AG) formed in the upper plate mounting portion (211), effectively suppressing convection and radiant heat transfer due to the air gap (AG).

[0146] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 13, the insulating plate (26) may be provided to surround adjacent heating parts (22) accommodated in the same integrated cutting part (2121), but not to be arranged in a position where adjacent heating parts (22) disposed in the integrated cutting part (2121) face each other.

[0147] Heat transfer between the adjacent heating elements (22) may occur at positions where they face each other, but the heat is not transferred to the top plate (21) at these positions and may ultimately be transferred to the container through the upper plate (23).

[0148] Therefore, the insulation plate (26) may not be placed at a position where adjacent heating sections (22) face each other.

[0149] Meanwhile, in order to increase heating efficiency, the more integrated cutting parts (2121), the more advantageous it is; however, as the number of integrated cutting parts (2121) increases, the area of ​​the cutout part (212) in the top plate (21) increases, and accordingly, the rigidity of the top plate (21) may be weakened.

[0150] If the rigidity of the top plate (21) is weakened, it may be difficult for the top plate (21) to support the upper plate (23) placed on the upper side of the top plate (21). Therefore, the top plate (21) requires appropriate rigidity to support the upper plate (23).

[0151] Accordingly, considering the increase in heating efficiency of the cooktop (20) and the rigidity of the top plate (21), the number of integrated cutting portions (2121) formed on the top plate (21) can be appropriately adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, considering this, in the cooktop (20) having four heating portions (22) and one heating portion (27), three cutout portions (212) and one integrated cutting portion (2121) are provided. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number of heating portions (22) and heating portions (27) and the number of cutout portions (212) and integrated cutting portions (2121) can be adjusted differently.

[0152] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A heating element that heats the object; A top plate placed on the upper side of the heating part; and A top plate that accommodates a portion of the above heating section and has the above top plate placed on the upper surface. In a cooking appliance having a cooktop including: The above heating part, A heating coil that generates heat when electricity is applied; and A case that accommodates the above heating coil Including, An air gap is formed between the upper plate and the top plate. Cooking appliances.

2. In paragraph 1, A spacer arranged between the upper plate and the top plate and vertically separating the upper plate and the top plate Including, Cooking appliances.

3. In paragraph 2, The above air gap is formed by being surrounded by the spacer, the upper surface of the upper plate, and the lower surface of the top plate. Cooking appliances.

4. In paragraph 2, The top plate is formed to be sunken into the upper surface, and a top plate mounting portion on which the top plate is mounted is formed. The above spacer, A first part arranged on the edge of the top plate mounting portion; and A second part laterally spaced from the first part and positioned on the inside of the first part Including, Cooking appliances.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first part is provided to surround the above second part, Cooking appliances.

6. In paragraph 4, The above top plate, A cutout portion cut so that the top plate and the heating coil face each other at the location where the heating portion is placed; and A folded extension portion that is folded from the edge of the above cutout portion and extends downward Including, Cooking appliances.

7. In paragraph 6, The above air gap is, The upper surface of the top plate and the lower surface of the upper plate are formed at a position where at least a portion overlaps in the vertical direction on the outer side of the above-mentioned bending extension portion. Cooking appliances.

8. In paragraph 4, Including an insulating plate disposed between the upper plate and the top plate, filling at least a portion of the air gap, and disposed at a position to avoid the spacer. Cooking appliances.

9. In paragraph 8, The above insulating plate is arranged so as to be surrounded by the first part, Cooking appliances.

10. In paragraph 8, The above insulating plate is arranged to surround at least a portion of the second part, Cooking appliances.

11. In paragraph 8, The above insulation plate is provided to block heat transfer by convection and radiation from the upper plate to the top plate. Cooking appliances.

12. In paragraph 8, The above insulating plate is formed of a flexible material so as to be pressurized and deformed by the top plate, thereby sealing at least a portion of the air gap. Cooking appliances.

13. In paragraph 8, The above heating section is provided in plurality, and the above cutout section is provided in plurality to correspond to each of the above heating sections. The above insulating plate is arranged to surround each of the plurality of cutout portions. Cooking appliances.

14. In paragraph 13, The above cutout portion has at least one integrated cutting portion that integrates and accommodates adjacent heating portions. Cooking appliances.

15. In paragraph 14, The above insulation board, The heating sections arranged adjacent to each other in the above integrated cutting section are arranged so that they do not face each other. Cooking appliances.

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