Cooking appliance

Abstract

An embodiment of a cooking appliance may be provided with a cooktop comprising: a heating part for heating an object; an upper plate disposed above the heating part; and a top plate accommodating a portion of the heating part and having an upper surface on which the upper plate is disposed. The top plate includes: a cutout portion that is cut out of a region, in which the heating part is disposed, so that the upper plate and a heating coil face each other; and a bent extension portion that is bent at the edge of the cutout portion and extends downward, wherein an air gap for blocking heat conduction may be formed between a case and the bent extension portion.

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 in the lateral direction of the cooktop.

[0012] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having a structure capable of effectively suppressing heat transfer from a heating element to a top plate.

[0013] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having a structure capable of effectively suppressing heat transfer by radiation in the lateral direction of the cooktop.

[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 top plate includes a cutout portion cut so that the top plate and the heating coil face each other at the location where the heating unit is placed; and a folded extension portion that is folded from the edge of the cutout portion and extends downward, and an air gap that blocks heat transfer by conduction can be formed between the case and the folded extension portion.

[0017] The air gap can effectively prevent heat generated from the heating element from being transferred laterally to the cooktop by separating the heating element and the top plate laterally.

[0018] The case includes a bottom surface portion in which a heating coil is accommodated; and a ring-shaped cylindrical surface portion that surrounds the outside of the bottom surface portion and protrudes upward, and an air gap can be formed by the cylindrical surface portion and the folded extension portion being spaced apart laterally.

[0019] The heating unit is arranged on the upper side of the case and includes an insulating cover that suppresses heat generated from the heating coil from being transferred to the outside, and the air gap can be formed such that the bending extension is laterally spaced from the insulating cover and the cylindrical surface.

[0020] The heating element includes an insulating pad arranged on the lower side of the heating coil, and the case can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the bottom surface and side surface of the insulating pad.

[0021] Another embodiment of the cooking appliance may include an insulating layer disposed in the air gap and inhibiting lateral heat transfer.

[0022] The insulation layer fills the air gap, which can prevent heat generated in the heating element from being transferred to the top plate laterally through convection and radiation.

[0023] Another embodiment of the cooking appliance may include a reflective layer disposed in the air gap, disposed on the inside of the insulating layer, and reflecting heat radiated from the heating element.

[0024] The reflective layer can reflect heat transmitted by radiation from the heating element and suppress heat emission through the side of the cooktop.

[0025] The top plate includes a cutout portion cut so that the top plate and the heating coil face each other at the portion where the heating element is placed, and the cutout portion may have at least one integrated cutting portion that integrates and accommodates adjacent heating elements.

[0026] An air gap, an insulating layer, and a reflective layer can be placed along the edge of the integrated cutting section to suppress heat transfer to the top plate in the lateral direction of the cooktop.

[0027] In a cooking appliance according to the present invention, by laterally separating the bending extension of the top plate from the case and / or insulating cover of the heating unit to form an air gap between the top plate and the heating unit, heat transfer by contact is suppressed, thereby effectively improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop.

[0028] Additionally, in the cooking appliance according to the present invention, an insulating layer may be placed in a space where an air gap is formed. Accordingly, the insulating layer may be placed between the inner surface of the bending extension portion, the outer surface of the insulating cover, and the outer surface of the cylindrical surface portion.

[0029] Accordingly, the insulation layer fills the air gap, effectively suppressing heat generated in the heating section from being transferred to the top plate laterally through convection and radiation.

[0030] In addition, in the cooking appliance according to the present invention, an integrated cutting portion is provided, and an air gap, an insulating layer, and a reflective layer are provided along the edge of the integrated cutting portion to suppress heat transfer to the top plate in the lateral direction of the cooktop, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop.

[0031] In addition, in the cooking appliance according to the present invention, the reflective layer is arranged on the inner side of the insulating layer and can be fixed in position by being attached to the inner surface of the insulating layer. The reflective layer can reflect heat transmitted by radiation from the heating unit and return it to the heating unit.

[0032] Therefore, a reflective layer is provided at a position laterally facing the heating element to suppress heat transfer by lateral radiation, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view of a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a heating unit according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a cooktop according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop according to another embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a cooktop including the heating unit illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view of Figure 9.

[0044] Figure 11 is a drawing of Figure 9 viewed from a different direction.

[0045] Figure 12 is a perspective view of Figure 11.

[0046] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop according to another embodiment.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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 a cooktop according to one embodiment.

[0060] As illustrated, the cooktop (20) may include a top plate (21), a heating element (22), and a top plate (23).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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)

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the heating unit may include an insulating pad (222) and an insulating cover (226).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The insulation cover (226) can improve the heat efficiency of the cooktop by preventing the heat generated from the heating coil (223) from being transferred laterally to the cooktop and allowing it to be transferred upwardly to the cooktop.

[0093] 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).

[0094] In the embodiment, it is efficient for all heat generated from the heating coil (223) to pass through the top plate (23) and be transferred to the container placed on the top plate (23).

[0095] However, the heat generated from the heating coil (223) may be transferred laterally to the cooktop (20). For example, if the lower surface of the top plate (23) and the upper surface of the insulation cover (226) are not in complete contact with each other, a gap may occur between the lower surface of the top plate (23) and the upper surface of the insulation cover (226). Through this gap, heat may be transferred to the side of the cooktop (20) by convection or radiation.

[0096] In addition, heat can be transferred to the side of the cooktop (20) by conduction through the cylindrical surface (2211) of the case (221) or the insulating cover (226). Of course, since the insulating cover (226) is formed of an insulating material, it can somewhat suppress the lateral heat transfer of the cooktop (20). However, since the insulating cover (226) has a considerable length in the circumferential direction, the heat discharged in the lateral direction of the cooktop (20) through the insulating cover (226) can never be ignored.

[0097] Additionally, if the case (221) is made of, for example, a metal with high thermal conductivity, a significant amount of heat may be discharged laterally from the cooktop (20) through the cylindrical surface (2211).

[0098] The heat transmitted laterally from this cooktop (20) can be transferred to the top plate (21) surrounding the heating element (22). The top plate (21) can be formed of a metal material that is easy to roll to increase manufacturability.

[0099] A metal top plate (21) can be a very effective means of heat dissipation. Accordingly, the heat emitted laterally from the cooktop (20) is discharged to the outside from the metal top plate (21), and thus a significant amount of heat is not used to heat the container and may be released into the atmosphere.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The structure of a cooking appliance (1) according to an embodiment for this purpose is described in detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0102] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop (20) according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a cooktop (20) according to one embodiment.

[0103] The top plate (21) may include a bend extension portion (213) that is bent from the edge of the cutout portion (212) and extends downward. The bend extension portion (213) may extend downward when viewed in cross section from the edge of the cutout portion (212).

[0104] 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.

[0105] An air gap (AG) that blocks heat transfer by conduction may be formed between the case (221) and the bending extension (213). The case (221) and the bending extension (213) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the cooktop (20).

[0106] This spaced gap can become an air gap (AG). In addition, in a region where the bending extension (213) is not formed, the end of the top plate (21) forming the edge of the cutout portion (212) and the case (221) can be laterally spaced apart from each other to form an air gap (AG).

[0107] Accordingly, the size of the cutout portion (212) may be formed to be larger than the size of the case (221) of the heating portion (22), so that an air gap (AG) may be formed between the cutout portion (212) and the case (221). Meanwhile, an air gap (AG) may also be formed between the outer surface of the insulating cover (226) disposed on the upper side of the case (221) and the cutout portion (212).

[0108] An air gap (AG) is formed as a space through which air can flow. The heating element (22) and the top plate (21) are laterally separated by the air gap (AG), thus preventing them from contacting each other. Therefore, heat generated in the heating element (22) by contact can be effectively suppressed from being transferred to the top plate (21) by conduction.

[0109] If the top plate (21) and the heating element (22) are in lateral contact with each other without an air gap (AG), the top plate (21) made of metal, which is a material with high thermal conductivity, can be easily cooled by the atmosphere, so that heat can be smoothly transferred to the atmosphere.

[0110] Therefore, when the top plate (21) and the heating unit (22) come into contact with each other, a significant amount of heat generated from the heating unit (22) will be transferred laterally without passing through the top plate (23), and as a result, the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20) may be lowered.

[0111] In an embodiment, by laterally spacing out the bending extension (213) of the top plate (21) and the case (221) and / or the insulating cover (226) of the heating unit (22), an air gap (AG) is formed between the top plate (21) and the heating unit (22), thereby suppressing heat transfer by contact, and effectively improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20).

[0112] The air gap (AG) can be formed by laterally separating the cylindrical surface portion (2211) and the folded extension portion (213). In addition, the air gap (AG) can be formed by laterally separating the folded extension portion (213) from the insulating cover (226) and the cylindrical surface portion (2211).

[0113] Since the bending extension (213) is arranged to face the cylindrical surface (2211) and / or the insulating cover (226) laterally, an air gap (AG) can be formed by the bending extension (213) being laterally spaced apart from the cylindrical surface and / or the insulating cover (226).

[0114] The bending extension portion (213) may be provided in multiple pieces spaced apart from each other along the edge of the cutout portion (212). Accordingly, there may be a portion on the edge of the cutout portion (212) where the bending extension portion (213) is not formed.

[0115] In a region where the bending extension (213) is not formed, the edge of the cutout portion (212) may be spaced apart from the insulation cover (226) and the cooktop (20) in the lateral direction to form an air gap (AG). Accordingly, the air gap (AG) may be continuously formed along the edge of the cutout portion (212) in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cutout portion (212).

[0116] Meanwhile, air gaps (AG) can effectively suppress heat transfer through conductive contact between components. However, because air gaps (AG) are spaces through which air flows, it is difficult to suppress heat transfer through convection and radiation.

[0117] Therefore, below, a structure capable of effectively suppressing lateral heat transfer from the heating element (22) to the top plate (21) by convection and radiation is described.

[0118] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop (20) according to another embodiment. Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a cooktop (20) including a heating element (22) illustrated in Fig. 8. The cooking appliance (1) may include an insulating layer (25) disposed in an air gap (AG) and suppressing heat transfer in a lateral direction.

[0119] Since the air gap (AG) can be formed in all of the plurality of cutout portions (212), the insulation layer (25) can likewise be arranged in all of the plurality of cutout portions (212). The insulation layer (25) can be formed in a generally flat and long shape and arranged in the air gap (AG).

[0120] The insulating layer (25) may be formed of a material that is both heat-resistant and has a good insulating effect. For example, the insulating layer (25) 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 insulating properties. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] Since the insulation layer (25) is placed in the air gap (AG), it can be placed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cutout portion (212) at the edge of the cutout portion (212). The cutout portion (212) can be placed continuously along the cutout portion (212), or can be placed in a discontinuous shape with some portions spaced apart from each other.

[0122] This discontinuous shape may be to avoid overlapping with other parts where the air gap (AG) is placed, or to facilitate assembly of the insulation layer (25).

[0123] For example, referring to FIG. 9, since the insulating layer (25) is not disposed in the portion corresponding to the housing (2272) where the housing (2272) protrudes outward from the case (221), the insulating layer (25) may be disposed discontinuously along the edge of the cutout portion (212).

[0124] The insulating layer (25) can be placed in a space where an air gap (AG) is formed. Accordingly, the insulating layer (25) can be placed between the inner surface of the bending extension portion (213), the outer surface of the insulating cover (226), and the outer surface of the cylindrical surface portion (2211).

[0125] Accordingly, the insulation layer (25) fills the air gap (AG), effectively suppressing the heat generated in the heating unit (22) from being transferred to the top plate (21) laterally by convection or radiation.

[0126] The insulating layer (25) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the cutout portion (212). Accordingly, the insulating layer (25) may be provided in a circular shape corresponding to the circular cutout portion (212).

[0127] In addition, when the integrated cutting portion (2121) described later is formed, the insulation layer (25) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the integrated cutting portion (2121), for example, in the shape of a peanut or dumbbell formed by two circles joining together.

[0128] 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).

[0129] An air gap (AG) may be formed along the cutout portion (212) where the heating portion (27) is placed. However, since the amount of heat released from the heating portion (27) is much smaller than the amount of heat released from the heating portion (22), the amount of lateral heat transfer between the heating portion (27) and the top plate (21) may be significantly smaller than that of the heating portion (22).

[0130] Therefore, when the insulation layer (25) is placed in the cutout portion (212) where the heating portion (27) is placed, the insulation effect is relatively small, and considering the effort and cost of forming the insulation layer (25), the insulation layer (25) surrounding the heating portion (27) may not be provided.

[0131] The insulation layer (25) may be provided to be attached to at least one of the inner surface of the bending extension (213) or the lower surface of the upper plate (23). As a result, the position of the insulation layer (25) can be fixed.

[0132] In another embodiment, the insulation layer (25) may be provided to be attached to the outer surface of the heating unit (22), i.e., the insulation cover (226) and / or the cylindrical surface (2211). However, in this case, the heating unit (22) and the insulation layer (25) are in direct contact, so that heat generated in the heating unit (22) can be transferred to the insulation layer (25) by conduction.

[0133] Of course, the insulation layer (25) has a significantly low heat transfer effect, but when the insulation layer (25) is formed with a material having a relatively low insulation effect, heat loss due to conductive heat transfer to the insulation layer (25) may occur.

[0134] Therefore, it may be appropriate to attach the insulation layer (25) to the bending extension (213) and / or the top plate (23) so that heat transfer by conduction does not occur and to suppress heat loss by preventing the insulation layer (25) and the heating section (22) from contacting each other.

[0135] The insulation layer (25) may be formed in either a filled or hollow form. For example, if the material of the insulation layer (25) has a high insulation effect, it may be appropriate to use an insulation layer (25) with a filled interior.

[0136] In this case, there is almost no heat transfer by conduction in the insulation layer (25), and there is no heat transfer by convection within the insulation layer (25), so the insulation effect of the insulation layer (25) can be improved.

[0137] Meanwhile, in cases where the material of the insulation layer (25) has a relatively small insulation effect, heat transfer by conduction may occur in the insulation layer (25), which may cause heat loss in the heating part (22). In such cases, an insulation layer (25) with a hollow interior may be used.

[0138] In this case, since the inside of the insulation layer (25) is empty, heat transfer by conduction inside the insulation layer (25) can be effectively blocked.

[0139] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a view of Fig. 9 viewed from a different direction. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of Fig. 11.

[0140] The heating unit (22) may be provided in multiple numbers. The cutout portions (212) in which the heating units (22) are arranged may also be arranged spaced apart from each other on the top plate (21) in accordance with the number of heating units (22). However, the number of heating units (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).

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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).

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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.

[0145] In an embodiment, an integrated cutting portion (2121) is provided, and an air gap (AG), an insulating layer (25), and a reflective layer (26) described later are provided along the edge of the integrated cutting portion (2121) to suppress heat transfer to the top plate (21) in the lateral direction of the cooktop (20), thereby improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20).

[0146] That is, by forming an integrated cutting portion (2121) and removing 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).

[0147] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 11, the insulation layer (25) may be provided to surround adjacent heating parts (22) accommodated in the same integrated cutting part (2121), but not arranged in a position where the adjacent heating parts (22) face each other.

[0148] 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).

[0149] Accordingly, the insulating layer (25) and the reflective layer (26) described later may not be placed at positions where adjacent heating sections (22) face each other.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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.

[0153] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cooktop (20) according to another embodiment. Heat transfer by radiation may occur laterally from the heating element (22). Since such radiant heat transfer reduces the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20), a structure that suppresses radiant heat transfer is required. For this purpose, a reflective layer (26) may be provided in the embodiment.

[0154] A cooktop (20) according to an embodiment may be disposed in an air gap (AG), disposed on the inside of an insulating layer (25), and may include a reflective layer (26) that reflects heat radiated from a heating element (22). The reflective layer (26) may be disposed to face the insulating cover (226) and the cylindrical surface portion (2211).

[0155] The reflective layer (26) is placed on the inner side of the insulating layer (25) and can be fixed in position by being attached to the inner surface of the insulating layer (25). The reflective layer (26) can reflect heat transmitted by radiation from the heating unit (22) and return it to the heating unit (22).

[0156] The reflective layer (26) is formed in a plate shape with a thickness smaller than that of the insulating layer (25), and may be provided in a shape corresponding to the insulating layer (25) and / or the cutout portion (212) and / or the integrated cutting portion (2121).

[0157] The reflective layer (26) may be formed of a metal such as aluminum with high heat reflectivity and high corrosion resistance, for example. Alternatively, the reflective layer (26) may be formed of a non-metallic or metallic material with a mirror surface with high heat reflectivity formed on a portion facing the insulating cover (226) and the cylindrical surface (2211) of the heating unit (22).

[0158] For example, a cooktop (20) equipped with a reflective layer (26) and an insulating layer (25) can be easily manufactured by manufacturing a component in which a reflective layer (26) and an insulating layer (25) are attached to each other and placing the component in an air gap (AG) with the reflective layer (26) placed on the inside.

[0159] The reflective layer (26) may be arranged to be laterally spaced apart from the insulating cover (226) and the cylindrical surface portion (2211). If the reflective layer (26) comes into contact with the insulating cover (226) and the cylindrical surface portion (2211) of the heating unit (22), heat generated in the heating unit (22) may be transferred to the reflective layer (26) and the insulating layer (25) by conduction, resulting in unnecessary heat loss.

[0160] In particular, when the reflective layer (26) is formed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, heat loss in the lateral direction of the cooktop (20) due to conduction may increase. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, the reflective layer (26) and the heating unit (22) may be spaced laterally apart from each other to prevent them from contacting each other. Accordingly, heat loss in the lateral direction of the cooktop (20) can be effectively suppressed.

[0161] In an embodiment, a reflective layer (26) is provided at a position laterally facing the heating unit (22) to suppress heat transfer by lateral radiation, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop (20).

[0162] 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, 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, An air gap is formed between the case and the bending extension. Cooking appliances.

2. In paragraph 1, The above case is, A bottom surface portion in which the above heating coil is accommodated; and A ring-shaped cylindrical surface portion that surrounds the outer side of the above-mentioned bottom surface portion and protrudes upward Including, The above air gap is formed by the cylindrical surface portion and the bending extension portion being spaced apart laterally. Cooking appliances.

3. In paragraph 2, The above heating part, A heat insulating cover is disposed on the upper side of the case and includes an insulating cover that suppresses heat generated from the heating coil from being transferred to the outside. Cooking appliances.

4. In paragraph 3, The above air gap is, The above-mentioned bending extension portion is formed laterally spaced apart from the above-mentioned insulating cover and the above-mentioned cylindrical surface portion. Cooking appliances.

5. In paragraph 3, The above heating part includes an insulating pad placed on the lower side of the heating coil, The above case is arranged to surround at least a portion of the bottom surface and side surface of the above insulating pad. Cooking appliances.

6. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned bending extension portion is provided in multiple pieces spaced apart from each other along the edge of the above-mentioned cut-out portion. Cooking appliances.

7. In paragraph 3, A heat insulating layer disposed in the air gap and suppressing heat transfer in a lateral direction, Cooking appliances.

8. In paragraph 7, The above insulation layer is, It is arranged between the inner surface of the above-mentioned bending extension part, the outer surface of the above-mentioned insulating cover, and the outer surface of the above-mentioned cylindrical surface part. Cooking appliances.

9. In paragraph 7, The above insulation layer is, Equipped with a shape corresponding to the shape of the edge of the above cutout portion, Cooking appliances.

10. In paragraph 7, The above insulation layer is, Equipped to be attached to at least one of the inner surface of the above-mentioned bending extension or the lower surface of the above-mentioned upper plate, Cooking appliances.

11. In paragraph 7, The above insulation layer is, Formed in either a filled or empty form, Cooking appliances.

12. In paragraph 7, A reflective layer disposed in the air gap, disposed on the inner side of the insulating layer, and reflecting heat radiated from the heating unit, Cooking appliances.

13. In paragraph 12, The above reflective layer, The insulating cover and the cylindrical surface are arranged so as to face each other, and are arranged so as to be spaced laterally from the insulating cover and the cylindrical surface. Cooking appliances.

14. In paragraph 7, The above heating section is provided in multiples, 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 layer is, It is provided so that the adjacent heating sections are accommodated in the same integrated cutting section, but the adjacent heating sections are not arranged in a position where they face each other. Cooking appliances.

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