Cooking appliance

Abstract

An oven according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cavity that forms a cooking space therein. The oven may comprise a convection assembly disposed on the rear wall of the cavity. The convection assembly may include: a convection fan that generates air flow in the cooking space; a convection motor that generates driving force for the convection fan; and a motor cover surrounding at least a portion of the convection motor. The motor cover may be made of a magnetic material to induce a magnetic flux that is generated when the convection motor is driven.

Description

cooking appliances

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cooking appliance including a cooktop or oven.

[0002] A cooking appliance is an appliance installed in a kitchen and used to cook food. A cooking appliance may include, for example, a cooktop or an oven.

[0003] As an example of a cooking appliance, an oven is a device that cooks food by heating it in a cooking chamber provided inside.

[0004] Ovens can be categorized as electric, gas, or electronic based on their heating method (or source). For example, electric ovens use electric heaters as their heat source, while gas ovens and microwave ovens use gas-generated heat and the frictional heat of water molecules caused by high-frequency waves, respectively.

[0005] Typically, an oven includes a cooking chamber where food is cooked, a heating device that supplies heat to the cooking chamber, a circulation fan that circulates the heat generated by the heating device within the cooking chamber, and a fan motor that provides driving force to the circulation fan.

[0006] When the circulation fan and fan motor are driven, the magnetic field generated from the fan motor may pass through the structure adjacent to the fan motor, causing the structure itself to vibrate, which may generate electromagnetic noise inside the oven.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a motor cover made of a magnetic material, which surrounds a convection motor disposed on a rear wall of a cavity.

[0008] An oven according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cavity forming a cooking space therein. The oven may include a convection assembly disposed on a rear wall of the cavity. The convection assembly may include a convection fan for forming air flow within the cooking space, a convection motor for providing driving force to the convection fan, and a motor cover surrounding at least a portion of the convection motor. The motor cover may be formed of a magnetic material to induce a magnetic flux generated when the convection motor is driven.

[0009] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooktop disposed on an upper portion of the cooking appliance. The cooking appliance may include an oven disposed on a lower portion of the cooking appliance. The oven may include a cavity forming a cooking space therein. The oven may include a convection assembly disposed on a rear wall of the cavity. The convection assembly may include a convection fan for forming air flow within the cooking space, a convection motor for providing driving force to the convection fan, and a motor cover surrounding at least a portion of the convection motor. The motor cover may be formed of a magnetic material to induce a magnetic flux generated when the convection motor is driven.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in a convection assembly including a convection fan, a convection fan motor, and a motor cover, the motor cover surrounds the convection fan motor and is made of a magnetic material, thereby blocking a magnetic field generated when the convection fan motor is driven from flowing into a structure made of a magnetic material such as a cavity, thereby reducing noise caused by self-vibration of the cavity.

[0011] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance with its door open, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of a cooking appliance with an enlarged view of the interior of a cooking chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a magnetic circuit between a peripheral structure and a convection fan motor according to a comparative example of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating a magnetic circuit between a peripheral structure and a convection fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 12 is a graph comparing the vibration amount of one embodiment of the present disclosure and a comparative example.

[0025] Figure 13 is a graph comparing noise of one embodiment of the present disclosure and a comparative example.

[0026] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. For example, the expression "at least one of A, B, and C" can include any of the following: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A and B and C.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0032] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0033] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0035] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0036] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance with its door open, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view of a cooking appliance with an enlarged view of the interior of a cooking chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment may include an oven (10) and a cook top (20). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cooking device (1) may include both an oven (10) and a cook top (20), but alternatively, the cooking device (1) may be configured with only an oven (10) without the cook top (20). The cooking device (1) may be provided as a built-in or non-built-in type.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the oven (10) may be placed at the bottom of the cooking appliance (1). In one embodiment, the oven (10) may be configured to receive food (e.g., food) in a cooking chamber (110a) provided therein and heat the received food.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the oven (10) may include a case (110), a door (120), a drawer (130), a display unit (140), an operating unit (150), a cavity (160), a plurality of supports (170), a lighting unit (180), a heating device (190), and a convection assembly (200).

[0042] In one embodiment, the case (110) may constitute the exterior of the oven (10). In one embodiment, the case (110) may have a hexahedral shape with a portion of the front surface (e.g., the surface facing the +x axis) open. In one embodiment, a cavity (160) may be provided inside the case (110).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the case (110) may include a front panel (111) forming the front of the oven (10), a side panel (113) forming the side of the oven (10) (e.g., the side facing the ±y-axis), a back panel (115) forming the back of the oven (10) (e.g., the side facing the -x-axis), a base panel (117) forming the bottom surface of the oven (10) (e.g., the side facing the -z-axis), and a control panel (119) on which a display unit (140) and an operation unit (150) are arranged.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the door (120) may be rotatably coupled to the front panel (111) of the case (110). In one embodiment, the door (120) may be configured to rotate and open and close the front of the open door (110). The cooking chamber (110a) may be opened and closed by the rotational motion of the door (120). According to one embodiment, the door (120) may include a handle (121) configured to be grippable by a user and a transparent panel (123) configured to allow the interior of the oven (10) to be visually confirmed when the door (120) is in a closed state.

[0045] In one embodiment, the drawer (130) may be provided at the bottom of the oven (10). For example, the drawer (130) may be provided at the bottom of the cavity (160). In one embodiment, the drawer (130) may form a storage compartment capable of storing cooking containers or the like therein. In one embodiment, the drawer (130) may be configured to be slidably inserted / withdrawn from the oven (10). The storage compartment may be opened and closed by the sliding motion of the drawer (130).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the display unit (140) may be disposed on the control panel (119). For example, the display unit (140) may be disposed on the front center portion of the control panel (119). In one embodiment, the display unit (140) may include a display device such as an LCD panel or a touch panel. The display unit (140) may provide information regarding the operating status of the oven (10) and / or the cooktop (20) to the user through the display device.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the operation unit (150) may be configured to receive a command regarding the operation of the oven (10) and / or the cooktop (20) from the user. In one embodiment, the operation unit (150) may include a first controller (151) for operating the oven (10) and at least one second controller (153) for operating the cooktop (20). The controllers (151, 153) may be implemented in the form of a dial or a knob, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the operation unit (150) may be arranged on the control panel (119). For example, the first controller (151) may be located at the center of the display unit (140), and at least one second controller (153) may be located on one left or right side or on both left and right sides of the display unit (140).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cavity (160) may be provided inside the case (110). In one embodiment, the cavity (160) may form the inner exterior of the oven (10). In one embodiment, the cavity (160) may have a hexahedral shape with an open front overall. The cavity (160) may form a cooking chamber (110a) therein through a plurality of inner walls (161, 162, 163, 164, 165). For example, the cavity (160) may include an upper wall (161), a lower wall (162), a left wall (163), a right wall (164), and a rear wall (165). The open front of the cavity (160) may be opened and closed by the rotational motion of the door (120) described above. In relation to the aforementioned case (110), the aforementioned case (110) may be referred to as the exterior of the oven (10), and the aforementioned cavity (160) may be referred to as the interior of the oven (10). In addition, although not specifically illustrated in this drawing, an insulating material (not illustrated) for insulating the cooking chamber (110a) may be provided between the case (110) and the cavity (160) of the oven (10).

[0049] According to one embodiment, a plurality of supports (170) may be arranged on the left wall (163) and / or the right wall (164) of the cavity (160). In one embodiment, the plurality of supports (170) may protrude from the left wall (163) and / or the right wall (164) of the cavity (160). For example, the plurality of supports (170a, 170b) may protrude from the left wall (163) and the right wall (164) of the cavity (160) with a vertical gap therebetween, and the supports (170a, 170b) formed on each of the left wall (163) and the right wall (164) may be arranged to face each other. In this case, a plurality of racks (not shown) containing food may be detachably mounted on the plurality of supports (170).

[0050] According to one embodiment, a plurality of supports (170) may be detachably mounted with dividers (not shown) that can divide the cooking chamber (110a). The dividers are mounted horizontally in the cooking chamber (110a) to partition the cooking chamber (110a) into independent upper and lower cooking spaces. The dividers may be made of an insulating material and may insulate each of the divided upper and lower cooking spaces from the outside.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the lighting unit (180) may be arranged on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). In one embodiment, the lighting unit (180) may be configured to provide light to the interior of the cavity (160), for example, the interior of the cooking chamber (110a). In one embodiment, a plurality of lighting units (180a, 180b) may be provided, and may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). When the lighting unit (180) operates while the cooking chamber (110a) is shielded from the outside by the door (120), the user can observe the interior of the cooking chamber (110a) (or food inside the cooking chamber (110a)) in detail with the naked eye through the transparent panel (123) described above.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the heating device (190) may be disposed on the upper wall (161) of the cavity (160). In one embodiment, the heating device (190) may be configured to supply heat to the interior of the cavity (160), for example, to the cooking chamber (110a). In one embodiment, the heating device (190) may include a heater that uses electricity or a gas burner that uses gas, but the driving method of the heating device (190) is not limited thereto.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the convection assembly (200) may be disposed on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). In one embodiment, a plurality of convection assemblies (200a, 200b) may be provided, and may be disposed spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). In one embodiment, the convection assembly (200) may be configured to convect air inside the cavity (160), for example, inside the cooking chamber (110a). For example, the convection assembly (200) may convect air inside the cooking chamber (110a) heated by the heating device (190) to make the temperature inside the cooking chamber (110a) uniform.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the convection assembly (200) may include a convection fan (not shown) configured to form an air flow inside the cooking chamber (110a), a fan housing (250) covering the convection fan, and a convection fan motor (210 and 220 of FIG. 3) configured to provide driving force to the convection fan. The fan housing (250) may be disposed on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). The fan housing (250) may include a plurality of holes for air inflow and outflow. Hereinafter, a specific structure of the convection assembly (200) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the cook top (20) may be placed on top of the cooking appliance (1). In one embodiment, the cook top (20) may be configured to heat a container containing food (e.g., food). The cook top (20) may be implemented in the form of, for example, an electric range that heats a container containing food using electricity or a gas range that heats a container containing food using gas.

[0056] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 2.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIGS. 3 to 6 are drawings showing a convection assembly (300) with the fan housing (e.g., the fan housing (250) of FIG. 2) and the convection fan (not shown) removed.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a convection assembly (200) according to one embodiment may include a rotor (or, rotator) (210), a stator (or, stator) (220), a fixing member (230), and a motor cover (240). Here, the rotor (210) and the stator (220) may be collectively referred to as a convection fan motor (210, 220).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the rotor (210) may be configured to rotate by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (220). In one embodiment, the rotor (210) may include a rotor core (211) including a plurality of magnets (not shown) and a shaft (213) penetratingly coupled to the rotor core (211). Although not specifically shown in the drawing, a convection fan (not shown) may be coupled to one end of the shaft (213) that does not penetrate the rotor core (211), and in this case, when the rotor (210) rotates, the convection fan may also rotate together with the shaft (213) to form an air flow.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the stator (220) may include a receiving portion (221) in which a hole (221a) into which a rotor core (211) is inserted is formed, and a coil portion (222) in which a coil (not shown) is wound. When current is applied to a coil wound in the coil portion (222), a plurality of magnets (not shown) of the rotor (210) interact with the magnetic field formed by the coil, thereby causing the rotor (210) to rotate.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the fixing member (230) may be provided to stably fix the convection assembly (200) to the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). According to one embodiment, the fixing member (230) may include a first fixing member (231) for fixing the convection fan motor (210, 220) to the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and a second fixing member (232) for supporting the rotation of the rotor (210).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first fixing member (231) may be fixed to a coupling portion (1651, 1652) provided on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). For example, although not specified in the drawing, the first fixing member (231) and the coupling portion (1651, 1652) may be coupled to each other through various coupling structures, such as a hook coupling structure or a direct coupling structure using a fastening member (e.g., a screw). The coupling portion (1652) may have a through hole (1652) provided on the inside for the shaft (213) to pass through.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the second fixing member (232) may be coupled to the stator (220) together with the motor cover (240) via a fastening member (P) at the rear of the stator (220). In one embodiment, the second fixing member (232) may be fittedly coupled to the shaft (213) of the rotor (210). The second fixing member (232) may include, for example, a bearing (not shown), through which the rotational movement of the rotor (210) may be stably supported.

[0067] As described above, when the convection fan motor (210, 220) is driven, a magnetic field (or magnetic flux) flowing outward from the convection fan motor (210, 220) may be formed. For example, the magnetic field generated in the convection fan motor (210, 220) may be transmitted to a surrounding structure (e.g., a structure adjacent to the convection fan motor (210, 220)), and when the magnetic field is transmitted to a structure made of a ferromagnetic material among the surrounding structures (e.g., the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160)), vibration and noise due to the magnetic field may occur in the structure.

[0068] In general, the electromagnetic force generated by a magnetic field can be expressed as in [Mathematical Formula 1] below, and it can be confirmed that the electromagnetic force is proportional to the square of the magnetic field.

[0069]

[0070] (Here, P represents electromagnetic force, B represents magnetic field, and μ0 represents vacuum permeability.)

[0071] If the convection fan motor (210, 220) is, for example, an AC motor type (however, the type of the convection fan motor (210, 220) is not limited thereto), the convection fan motor (210, 220) is driven by AC power that has a periodicity and changes over time (t), so the magnetic field can be expressed as a periodic function, and if the magnetic field includes a harmonic component, the strength of the magnetic field can be expressed as in [Mathematical Expression 2] below. Furthermore, using the aforementioned [Mathematical Expression 1] and the following [Mathematical Expression 2], the electromagnetic force can be expressed as in [Mathematical Expression 3] below.

[0072]

[0073] (Here, B is the magnetic field, B n is the amplitude of the magnetic field, and t represents time.)

[0074]

[0075] (Here, P is the electromagnetic force, P n is the amplitude of the electromagnetic force, and t represents time.)

[0076] Through the above mathematical equations, it can be confirmed that the electromagnetic force due to the magnetic field generated from the convection fan motor (210, 220) is generated at an even multiple frequency of the power frequency (or input frequency). Consequently, in order to reduce the electromagnetic peak noise generated by the magnetic field, the magnitude of the magnetic field generated from the convection fan motor (210, 220) must be reduced or the influence of the magnetic field on the surrounding structures adjacent to the convection fan motor (210, 220) must be reduced. However, since the former may cause a decrease in the performance of the motor, it is preferable to utilize a method capable of reducing electromagnetic noise, such as the latter. Hereinafter, a motor cover (240) for reducing electromagnetic noise will be described.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the convection fan motor (210, 220). For example, the motor cover (240) may surround or cover at least a portion of the convection fan motor (210, 220), thereby blocking a magnetic field generated when the motor (210, 220) is driven from flowing to the outside.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240) may include a pair of edge covers (240a, 240b) surrounding both edge portions (223, 224) of the convection fan motor (210, 220). In one embodiment, the pair of edge covers (240a, 240b) may be spaced apart from each other with the receiving portion (221) and / or the coil portion (222) of the stator (220) interposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the edge covers (240a, 240b) may extend in a vertical direction along the edge portions (223, 224) of the stator (220). In one embodiment, the edge covers (240a, 240b) may be bent to surround the front, rear, and / or side of the edge portions (223, 224) of the stator (220). According to one embodiment, the edge cover (240a, 240b) may include a first cover portion (241) covering the front surface of the edge portion (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover portion (242) covering the rear surface of the edge portion (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting portion (243) connecting the first cover portion (241) and the second cover portion (242). The connecting portion (243) may be arranged perpendicularly to the first cover portion (241) and the second cover portion (242). The connecting portion (243) may have, for example, a flat shape.

[0079] In one embodiment, the motor cover (240) may be disposed at least partially between the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and the convection fan motor (210, 220), as illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the motor cover (240) may be positioned between the convection fan motor (210, 220) and a peripheral structure (e.g., cavity (160)) adjacent to the convection fan motor (210, 220). In one embodiment, the motor cover (240) may be spaced apart from the peripheral structure (e.g., cavity (160)) adjacent to the convection fan motor (210, 220). The motor cover (240) may be positioned closer to the convection motor (210, 220) than to the peripheral structure.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240) may be formed of a magnetic material to induce a magnetic field (or magnetic flux) generated when the convection fan motor (210, 220) is driven. For example, the motor cover (240) may be formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, cobalt, or nickel. For example, the motor cover (240) may be formed of a ferromagnetic material having a permeability substantially equal to or greater than that of a surrounding structure (e.g., a cavity (160)) adjacent to the convection assembly (200).

[0081] In one embodiment, the thickness of the motor cover (240) may be designed taking into account noise reduction and ease of manufacturing. Generally, the thicker the motor cover (240), the greater the noise reduction effect, but the more difficult it is to manufacture. The thickness of the motor cover (240) may be designed to have a range of, for example, 0.1 mm to 5 mm. However, the thickness of the motor cover (240) is not limited thereto.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a convection assembly (300) with the fan housing (e.g., the fan housing (250) of FIG. 2) and the convection fan (not shown) removed.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, a convection assembly (300) according to one embodiment may be configured to be substantially identical in function, shape, and / or structure to the convection assembly (200) illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. For convenience of explanation below, in describing the convection assembly (300) illustrated in FIG. 7, components that are substantially identical to the aforementioned convection assembly (200) are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted, and only components that are different are specifically described.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the convection assembly (300) may include a rotor (210), a stator (220), a fixture (230), and a motor cover (340).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (340) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the convection fan motor (210, 220). For example, the motor cover (340) may surround or cover at least a portion of the convection fan motor (210, 220), thereby blocking a magnetic field generated when the motor (210, 220) is driven from flowing to the outside.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (340) may include a pair of edge covers (340a, 340b) surrounding both edge portions (223, 224 of FIG. 6) of the convection fan motor (210, 220). In one embodiment, the pair of edge covers (340a, 340b) may be spaced apart from each other with the receiving portion (221) and / or the coil portion (222) of the stator (220) interposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the edge covers (340a, 340b) may extend in the vertical direction along the edge portions (223, 224) of the stator (220). In one embodiment, the edge covers (340a, 340b) may be bent to surround the front, rear, and / or side of the edge portions (223, 224) of the stator (220). According to one embodiment, the edge cover (340a, 340b) may include a first cover portion (341) that covers the front surface of the edge portion (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover portion (342) that covers the rear surface of the edge portion (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting portion (343) that connects the first cover portion (341) and the second cover portion (342). The connecting portion (343) may extend convexly toward the outside of the convection fan motor (210, 220) with respect to the first cover portion (341) and the second cover portion (342). The connecting portion (343) may have, for example, a curved shape.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a convection assembly (400) with the fan housing (e.g., the fan housing (250) of FIG. 2) and the convection fan (not shown) removed.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, a convection assembly (400) according to one embodiment may be configured to be substantially identical in function, shape, and / or structure to the convection assembly (200) illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. For convenience of explanation below, in describing the convection assembly (400) illustrated in FIG. 8, components that are substantially identical to the aforementioned convection assembly (200) are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted, and only components that are different are specifically described.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the convection assembly (400) may include a rotor (210), a stator (220), a fixture (230), and a motor cover (440).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (440) may include a plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) surrounding corners of the convection fan motor (210, 220). In one embodiment, the plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) may be spaced apart from each other with the receiving portion (221) and / or the coil portion (222) of the stator (220) interposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) may be positioned at each corner of the stator (220). In one embodiment, the plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) may be bent to surround the front, rear, and / or side of the corners of the stator (220). According to one embodiment, the plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) may include a first cover portion (441) that covers the front side of the corner portion of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover portion (442) that covers the rear side of the corner portion of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting portion (443) that connects the first cover portion (441) and the second cover portion (442). The connecting portion (443) may extend convexly toward the outside of the convection fan motor (210, 220) with respect to the first cover portion (441) and the second cover portion (442). The connecting portion (443) may have, for example, a curved shape. However, unlike as illustrated in the present drawing, the connecting portion (443) may also have a flat shape, such as the connecting portion (243) illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a convection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a convection assembly (500) with the fan housing (e.g., the fan housing (250) of FIG. 2) and the convection fan (not shown) removed.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 9, a convection assembly (500) according to one embodiment may be configured to be substantially identical in function, shape, and / or structure to the convection assembly (200) illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. For convenience of explanation below, in describing the convection assembly (500) illustrated in FIG. 9, components that are substantially identical to the aforementioned convection assembly (200) are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted, and only components that are different are specifically described.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the convection assembly (500) may include a rotor (210), a stator (220), a fixture (230), and a motor cover (540).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (540) may have a plate shape. According to one embodiment, the motor cover (540) may include a first cover plate (540a) arranged to overlap with the front surface of the convection motor (210, 220), and a second cover plate (540b) arranged to be spaced apart from the first cover plate (540a) and to overlap with the rear surface of the convection motor (210, 220). In one embodiment, the first cover plate (540a) may include a through hole (541) through which the first fixing member (231) passes. Although not specifically illustrated in this drawing, the first cover plate (540a) may be sequentially arranged from the front to the rear with the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and the first fixing member (231) interposed therebetween. In addition, the motor cover (540) can cover the entire front / rear of the convection fan motor (210, 220) except for the portion where the first fixing member (231) passes through the through hole (541) of the first cover plate (540a).

[0098] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a magnetic circuit between a peripheral structure and a convection fan motor according to a comparative example of the present disclosure.

[0099] FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating a magnetic circuit between a peripheral structure and a convection fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Fig. 10a is a magnetic circuit of a convection fan motor (M) (e.g., convection fan motors (210, 220) of Fig. 3), air, and surrounding structures (e.g., rear wall (165) of cavity (160) of Fig. 3). Fig. 10b is a diagram schematically showing a path along which a magnetic field is transmitted in the magnetic circuit of Fig. 10a.

[0101] Fig. 11a is a magnetic circuit of a convection fan motor (M), a motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540), air, and a surrounding structure (165). Fig. 11b is a diagram schematically showing a path along which a magnetic field is transmitted in the magnetic circuit of Fig. 11 (a).

[0102] Referring to [Mathematical Formula 4] and [Mathematical Formula 5] below, it can be confirmed that in general, the magnetomotive force, magnetic flux, and magnetic resistance in a magnetic circuit correspond to voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit, respectively.

[0103]

[0104] (Here, F m is the magnetic force, Φ is the magnetic flux, R m means magnetic resistance.)

[0105]

[0106] (Here, B represents the magnetic field and S represents the area through which the magnetic force lines pass.)

[0107] Referring again to FIG. 3, the convection fan motor (M) is coupled with the stator (220) exposed to the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160), so that the magnetic field (or magnetic flux) generated from the convection fan motor (M) is transmitted to the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160), causing electromagnetic peak noise.

[0108] For example, as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, in the case of a comparative example in which a motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is not provided, when power is applied to the convection motor (M), a magnetic field is generated due to magnetism, and the magnetic field (or magnetic force lines) are transmitted to the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) through the air, thereby generating electromagnetic peak noise.

[0109] On the other hand, in the case of an embodiment of the present disclosure having a motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) as illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b, when power is applied to the convection motor (M), a magnetic field is transmitted to the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) made of a ferromagnetic material having a lower magnetic resistance (Rb) than the magnetic resistance (Ra) of air, thereby reducing the magnitude of the electromagnetic force acting on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160), and accordingly, the electromagnetic peak noise is also reduced. As a result, by providing the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) to the convection fan motor (M), noise can be reduced without affecting the performance of a cooking appliance (e.g., an oven).

[0110] Figure 12 is a graph comparing the vibration amount of one embodiment of the present disclosure and a comparative example.

[0111] Figure 13 is a graph comparing noise of one embodiment of the present disclosure and a comparative example.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, in the case of a comparative example without a motor cover (e.g., motor cover (240) of FIG. 3), when power is applied to the convection fan motor (e.g., 210, 220 of FIG. 3), a vibration amount of about 9 mg is detected on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (e.g., cavity (160) of FIG. 3), whereas in the case of one embodiment of the present disclosure having a motor cover (240), when power is applied to the convection fan motor (210, 220), a vibration amount of about 2 mg is detected, confirming that the vibration amount is reduced by about 7 mg compared to the comparative example.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 13, in the case of a comparative example without a motor cover (240), when power is applied to the convection fan motor (210, 220), noise of about 38.1 dB is measured at twice the power frequency (about 120 Hz), whereas in the case of an embodiment of the present disclosure having a motor cover (240), noise of about 31.7 dB is measured when power is applied to the convection fan motor (210, 220), confirming that it is about 6.4 dB less than the comparative example.

[0114] An oven (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cavity (160) forming a cooking space (110a) therein. The oven (10) may include a convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) disposed on a rear wall (165) of the cavity (160). The convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) may include a convection fan forming air flow within the cooking space (110a), a convection motor (210, 220) generating driving force for the convection fan, and a motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) surrounding at least a portion of the convection motor (210, 220). The above motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may be made of a magnetic material to induce magnetic flux generated when the convection motor (210, 220) is driven.

[0115] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may be positioned between the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and the convection motor (210, 220).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may be spaced apart from the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and positioned closer to the convection motor (210, 220) than the rear wall (165).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240, 340) may include at least one pair of edge covers (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) that surround both edge portions (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220).

[0118] According to one embodiment, each of the pair of edge covers (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) may include a first cover portion (241, 341) covering the front surface of the edge portion (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover portion (242, 342) covering the rear surface of the edge portion (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting portion (243, 343) connecting the first cover portion (241, 341) and the second cover portion (242, 342).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion (243) of the edge cover (240a, 240b) may have a flat shape.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion (343) of the edge cover (340a, 340b) may have a curved shape.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (440) may include a plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) that surround corners of the convection motor (210, 220).

[0122] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) may include a first cover portion (441) covering the front of the corner portion of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover portion (442) covering the rear of the corner portion of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting portion (443) connecting the first cover portion (441) and the second cover portion (442).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion (443) of the plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) may have a flat shape or a curved shape.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (540) may include a first cover plate (540a) arranged to overlap with the front surface of the convection motor (210, 220), and a second cover plate (540b) arranged to be spaced apart from the first cover plate (540a) and overlap with the rear surface of the convection motor (210, 220).

[0125] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first cover plate (540a) and the second cover plate (540b) may have a plate shape.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may be composed of a ferromagnetic material having substantially the same or greater permeability as the cavity (160).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may be composed of at least one of iron, cobalt, and nickel.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the convection motor (210, 220) may include a rotor (210) including a shaft (213) and a stator (220) including a first part (221) in which the rotor (210) is received and a second part (222) in which a coil is wound. The motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may cover at least a portion of the stator (220).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0130] A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cook top (20) disposed at an upper portion of the cooking appliance. The cooking appliance (1) may include an oven (10) disposed at a lower portion of the cooking appliance. The oven (10) may include a cavity (160) forming a cooking space (110a) therein. The above oven (10) may include a convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) disposed on the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160), which includes a convection fan that forms air flow within the cooking space (110a), a convection motor (210, 220) that generates driving force for the convection fan, and a motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) that surrounds at least a portion of the convection motor (210, 220). The motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) may be made of a magnetic material to induce magnetic flux generated when the convection motor (210, 220) is driven.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (240, 340) may include at least one pair of edge covers (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) that surround both edge portions (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (440) may include a plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) that surround corners of the convection motor (210, 220).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the motor cover (540) may include a first cover plate (540a) arranged to overlap with the front surface of the convection motor (210, 220), and a second cover plate (540b) arranged to be spaced apart from the first cover plate (540a) and overlap with the rear surface of the convection motor (210, 220).

Claims

1. In the oven (10), A cavity (160) forming a cooking space (110a) inside; and Contains a convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) arranged on the rear wall (165) of the above cavity (160), The above convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) A convection fan that forms air flow within the above cooking space (110a); A convection motor (210, 220) that generates driving force for the above convection fan; and A motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) surrounding at least a portion of the convection motor (210, 220) is included. An oven in which the above motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is made of a magnetic material to induce magnetic flux generated when the convection motor (210, 220) is driven.

2. In paragraph 1, An oven in which the above motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is disposed at least partially between the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and the convection motor (210, 220).

3. In paragraph 1, An oven in which the motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is spaced apart from the rear wall (165) of the cavity (160) and positioned closer to the convection motor (210, 220) than the rear wall (165).

4. In paragraph 1, The above motor cover (240, 340) is An oven comprising at least one pair of edge covers (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) covering both edge portions (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220).

5. In paragraph 4, Each of the above pair of edge covers (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) An oven comprising a first cover part (241, 341) covering the front side of an edge part (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover part (242, 342) covering the rear side of the edge part (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting part (243, 343) connecting the first cover part (241, 341) and the second cover part (242, 342).

6. In paragraph 5, The connecting portion (243) of the edge cover (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) has a flat or curved shape.

7. In paragraph 1, The above motor cover (440) is An oven comprising a plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) surrounding corners of the convection motor (210, 220).

8. In paragraph 7, Each of the above multiple corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) An oven comprising a first cover part (441) covering the front of a corner of the convection motor (210, 220), a second cover part (442) covering the rear of the corner of the convection motor (210, 220), and a connecting part (443) connecting the first cover part (441) and the second cover part (442).

9. In paragraph 1, The above motor cover (540) is An oven including a first cover plate (540a) arranged to overlap with the front of the convection motor (210, 220), and a second cover plate (540b) arranged spaced apart from the first cover plate (540a) and to overlap with the rear of the convection motor (210, 220).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is an oven made of a ferromagnetic material having substantially the same or greater investment rate as the cavity (160).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above convection motor (210, 220) a rotor (210) including a shaft (213); and It includes a stator (220) including a first part (221) in which the rotor (210) is received and a second part (222) in which a coil is wound, The above motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is an oven that covers at least a part of the stator (220).

12. In the cooking appliance (1), A cook top (20) placed on the upper part of the above cooking appliance; and Including an oven (10) placed at the bottom of the above cooking appliance, The above oven (10) is, A cavity (160) forming a cooking space (110a) inside; and Contains a convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) arranged on the rear wall (165) of the above cavity (160), The above convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) A convection fan that forms air flow within the above cooking space (110a); A convection motor (210, 220) that generates driving force for the above convection fan; and A convection assembly (200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) surrounding at least a portion of the convection motor (210, 220), A cooking appliance in which the above motor cover (240, 340, 440, 540) is made of a magnetic material to induce magnetic flux generated when the convection motor (210, 220) is driven.

13. In paragraph 12, The above motor cover (240, 340) is A cooking appliance comprising at least one pair of edge covers (240a, 240b, 340a, 340b) covering both edges (223, 224) of the convection motor (210, 220).

14. In paragraph 12, The above motor cover (440) is A cooking appliance including a plurality of corner covers (440a, 440b, 440c, 440d) surrounding corners of the convection motor (210, 220).

15. In paragraph 12, The above motor cover (540) is A cooking appliance including a first cover plate (540a) arranged to overlap with the front of the convection motor (210, 220), and a second cover plate (540b) arranged spaced apart from the first cover plate (540a) and to overlap with the rear of the convection motor (210, 220).

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