Cooking appliance

Abstract

A cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance comprises: a main body forming a cooking chamber; a door provided so as to open and close the cooking chamber and including a door lock; a latch disposed in the main body and provided to be movable between a first latch position engaged with the door lock and a second latch position disengaged from the door lock when the cooking chamber is closed; a slider connected to the latch and provided to be movable between a first slider position when the latch is positioned in the first latch position and a second slider position when the latch is positioned in the second latch position; and a locker disposed in the main body and provided to be movable between a locking position that restricts movement of the slider from the first slider position to the second slider position and an unlocking position that allows movement of the slider between the first slider position and the second slider position.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance.

[0002] A cooking appliance is a device that heats and cooks food or other objects, and can provide various functions related to cooking, such as heating, defrosting, drying, and sterilizing the object. Examples of such cooking appliances include ovens, such as gas ovens or electric ovens, microwave heating devices (hereinafter referred to as microwave ovens), gas ranges, electric ranges, microwave ovens that are combined with hoods (Over The Range, OTR), gas grills, or electric grills.

[0003] An oven is a device that cooks food by directly transferring heat to the food or by heating the interior of the cooking chamber using a heat source such as a heater. A microwave oven cooks food by using high-frequency waves as a heating source, disrupting the molecular arrangement of the food and generating intermolecular frictional heat.

[0004] A cooking appliance includes a cooking chamber for cooking food and a door for opening and closing the cooking chamber. Since the cooking appliance needs to be operated with the cooking chamber closed, it includes a latch device that secures the door in a closed position. The latch of the latch device rotates within the main body and can support or release the door.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance having an improved structure that allows the door to open automatically.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance having an improved structure that allows the door to be opened manually even when the driving module of the latch device is not operating.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance having an improved structure that allows the door to be firmly locked.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance having an improved structure in which a driving module and a locking module of a latch device save space occupied inside the main body and an assembly process of the parts can be performed efficiently.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a cooking chamber, a door configured to open and close the cooking chamber and including a door lock, a latch disposed on the main body and configured to be movable between a first latch position engaged with the door lock and a second latch position disengaged from the door lock when the cooking chamber is closed, a slider connected to the latch and configured to be movable between a first slider position when the latch is positioned at the first latch position and a second slider position when the latch is positioned at the second latch position, and a locker disposed on the main body and configured to be movable between a locking position that restricts movement of the slider from the first slider position to the second slider position and an unlocking position that allows movement of the slider between the first slider position and the second slider position.

[0011] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a cooking chamber, a door configured to open and close the cooking chamber and including a door lock, a latch disposed on the main body and rotatable relative to the main body so as to be engaged with or disengaged from the door lock when the cooking chamber is closed, a slider disposed on the main body, connected to the latch, and movable relative to the main body in conjunction with rotation of the latch, and a locker disposed on the main body and movable between a locking position that fixes the slider and an unlocking position that is spaced apart from the slider and allows the slider to move relative to the main body.

[0012] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a cooking chamber, a door provided to open and close the cooking chamber, a latch mounted on the main body and provided to be movable between a first latch position for supporting the door when the door closes the cooking chamber and a second latch position for releasing support so that the door can be opened, a driving source disposed on the main body and provided to generate power, and a locker disposed on the main body and provided to be movable between a locking position for receiving power from the driving source and restraining the latch from moving from the first latch position to the second latch position and an unlocking position for allowing the latch to move between the first latch position and the second latch position.

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

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the door of a cooking appliance opened according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a part of a latch and a door mounted on a main body of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a part of a main body of a cooking appliance and a latch mounted thereon as viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a driving module and a locking module of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the driving module and locking module of the latch device of the cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the configuration of a drive module, such as a slider, a connecting rod, and a pusher, of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the configuration of a locking module, such as a locker and cam, of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from below.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the appearance of a latch device when the door of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is closed.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a latch device that operates to open a door when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in an unlocked position.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the appearance of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the locker of the latch device is in the unlocked position and the door is forcibly opened while the drive module is not operating.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a state when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in an unlocked position.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a state when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a locking position.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a state when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a locking position.

[0028] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0029] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0030] In addition, the terminology used in this specification is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” etc. used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0032] Additionally, when it is said in this specification that a part is “connected” to another part, this includes not only cases where it is directly connected, but also cases where it is indirectly connected.

[0033] Meanwhile, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "upper" and "lower" below may be defined based on the Z direction shown in the drawings, respectively. The terms "front" and "rear" below may be defined based on the X direction shown in the drawings, respectively. The terms "left" and "right" below may be defined based on the Y direction shown in the drawings, respectively.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the door of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure open.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooking chamber (20), a main body (10) forming the cooking chamber (20), and a door (30) provided to open and close the cooking chamber (20).

[0037] The main body (10) may include an inner case (12) in which a cooking chamber (20) is formed inside. The inner case (12) may be provided inside an outer case (11) of the main body (10) described later. Specifically, the inner case (12) may be placed inside the outer case (11) and may be coupled to the outer case (11).

[0038] The cooking chamber (20) may be formed to have an open front so that food can be brought in and out. The inner case (12) may include a front opening (12a) formed to be open so that food can be brought in and out of the cooking chamber (20). One side of the main body (10) where the front opening (12a) is formed is defined as the front of the main body (10).

[0039] For example, the inner case (12) can be formed to have a box shape with an open front.

[0040] The inner wall of the inner case (12) may be coated to prevent corrosion of the inner wall of the inner case (12) due to condensation that may occur during the condensation process of water vapor or moisture contained in the food itself. The inner wall of the inner case (12) may be dried by heat generated during the food cooking process.

[0041] Inside the cooking chamber (20), a tray (22) on which food or a container containing food can be placed, and a rack (21) supporting the tray (22) may be provided. For example, the tray (22) may be provided so as to be detachable from the rack (21). For example, the rack (21) may be provided on the left inner wall or the right inner wall of the inner case (12).

[0042] The cooking appliance (1) may include a heater (26) configured to provide heat to the interior of the cooking chamber (20). For example, the heater (26) may include a gas burner configured to generate heat by burning gaseous fuel. However, the type of components included in the cooking appliance (1) to heat food inside the cooking chamber (20) is not limited thereto, and the cooking appliance (1) may include a magnetron (not shown) that emits electromagnetic waves into the interior of the cooking chamber (20) to generate heat by the rotation of water molecules inside the food.

[0043] The cooking appliance (1) may include a convection fan (25) provided to circulate air inside the cooking chamber (20). The convection fan (25) may receive rotational force from a fan motor and rotate to circulate air inside the cooking chamber (20). As the air inside the cooking chamber (20) is circulated by the convection fan (25), heat generated by the heater (26) may be evenly transferred inside the cooking chamber (20). For example, the convection fan (25) may be placed at the rear of the cooking chamber (20), but its location is not limited thereto.

[0044] The cooking appliance (1) may include an outer case (11). Various components of the cooking appliance (1) may be accommodated inside the outer case (11). The outer case (11) may form the exterior of the cooking appliance (1). The outer case (11) may be arranged to surround the upper surface, lower surface, rear surface, left surface, right surface, etc. of the inner case (12) from the outside.

[0045] An insulating material (not shown) may be provided between the inner case (12) and the outer case (11) to prevent heat inside the cooking chamber (20) from being released to the outside of the main body (10). For example, the insulating material may include materials such as glass fiber or asbestos.

[0046] The outer case (11) may include a front frame (11a). The front frame (11a) may be provided at the front portion of the main body (10). The front frame (11a) may form at least a portion of the front of the main body (10). When the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20), the front frame (11a) may be covered by the door (30).

[0047] The front frame (11a) can be formed in the shape of a frame having an opening. The front frame (11a) can be formed in the shape of a frame surrounding the front opening (12a).

[0048] For example, the inner case (12) can be coupled to the front frame (11a). A portion of the front side of the inner case (12) can be coupled to the front frame (11a).

[0049] In one embodiment, the latch hole (11h) described below may be formed in the front frame (11a).

[0050] The outer case (11) may include a rear panel (11b, see FIG. 3) disposed at the rear of the cooking appliance (1). The rear panel (11b) may form at least a portion of the rear exterior of the cooking appliance (1). Various components, including electrical components such as a gas supply pipe, a printed circuit board for control, a convection fan (25) to be described later, a driving module (200), and a locking module (300), may be mounted on the rear panel (11b).

[0051] The outer case (11) may include a rear cover (11c, see FIG. 3) that covers at least a portion of the rear panel (11b). The rear cover (11c) may cover at least a portion of the rear panel (11b) from the rear. The rear cover (11c) may form at least a portion of the rear exterior of the cooking appliance (1). The rear cover (11c) may be coupled to the rear of the rear panel (11b).

[0052] The rear cover (11c) can protect various components, such as a gas supply pipe, printed circuit board, convection fan (25), driving module (200), and locking module (300) mounted on the rear panel (11b), from external impact.

[0053] In addition, the outer case (11) may include a left panel forming the left side of the cooking appliance (1), a right panel forming the right side of the cooking appliance (1), a base forming the bottom of the cooking appliance (1), etc.

[0054] The cooking appliance (1) may include an electrical compartment (50, see FIG. 3) provided inside the main body (10) and in which various electrical components are arranged. The electrical compartment (50) may be formed to be separated from the cooking chamber (20). The electrical compartment (50) may be formed on the inside of the outer case (11). The electrical compartment (50) may be formed on the outside of the inner case (12). For example, the electrical compartment (50) may accommodate components such as a printed circuit board on which electronic components for controlling the operation of various components of the cooking appliance (1) are mounted, a cooling fan module, and a lever device to be described later. For example, the electrical compartment (50) may be provided on the upper portion of the main body (10).

[0055] The cooking appliance (1) may include a user interface (60). The user interface (60) may be configured to obtain user input or output information about the cooking appliance (1), such as a cooking mode. For example, the user interface (60) may include an input button (61) provided to obtain user input. For example, the user interface (60) may include a display (62) that displays operation information of the cooking appliance (1). For example, the user interface (60) may include a knob (63).

[0056] For example, the user interface (60) may be mounted on the main body (10). Specifically, the user interface (60) may be mounted on the upper portion of the main body (10). The user interface (60) may be mounted on the front portion of the main body (10). The location of the user interface (60) is not limited thereto, and the user interface (60) may be provided at various locations of the cooking appliance (1), such as the upper portion of the door (30).

[0057] A cooking appliance (1) may include a cooktop (90) on which a cooking vessel containing food may be placed and which is provided to heat the placed cooking vessel. The cooktop (90) may be mounted on a main body (10). Specifically, the cooktop (90) may be mounted on an upper portion of the main body (10). The cooktop (90) may form the upper surface of the cooking appliance (1). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the cooktop (90) may include an induction cooktop having a coil provided therein and configured to heat a cooking vessel with an induced electromagnetic field by flowing a high-frequency current through the coil. Alternatively, for example, the cooktop (90) may include a gas burner cooktop that generates heat by burning gas fuel.

[0058] The door (30) of the cooking appliance (1) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (10) to open and close the cooking chamber (20). For example, the door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the lower portion of the main body (10). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis located at the lower portion of the main body (10). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotation axis of the door (30) may extend in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0059] The door (30) may include a handle (32) that is provided so that a user can grip it to open and close the door (30). In order for the user to easily open and close the door (30), the handle (32) may be positioned adjacent to a part of the door (30) opposite to the rotation axis of the door (30). In FIG. 1, an embodiment in which the handle (32) is provided on the front side of the door (30) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the handle (32) may be provided at various locations on the door (30). The 'front side of the door (30)' referred to herein means one side of the door (30) in the X direction when the door (30) is closing the cooking compartment (20).

[0060] The door (30) may include a transparent portion (33) that is formed transparently so that a user can see into the inside of the cooking chamber (20) even when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20). The transparent portion (33) may include various transparent materials such as glass. For example, the transparent portion (33) may be configured to include a plurality of glass plates that are spaced apart from each other and form an insulating space therebetween so as to prevent heat inside the cooking chamber (20) from being transferred to the outside of the door (30) through the transparent portion (33).

[0061] The cooking appliance (1) may include a hinge (40) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30). The hinge (40) may support the door (30) so as to be rotatable. The hinge (40) may be respectively coupled to the main body (10) and the door (30). The door (30) may be coupled to the main body (10) by the hinge (40).

[0062] For example, the hinge (40) can be mounted on the lower part of the main body (10).

[0063] For example, the hinge (40) may include a pair of hinges (40).

[0064] The cooking appliance (1) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is only an example of a cooking appliance according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooking appliance may include various configurations.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a latch and a portion of a door mounted on a main body of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a latch device. The latch device may be configured to secure a closed door (30) or automatically open the door (30). The latch device may be configured to support the door (30) in a closed position or to release the door (30) from support and open the door (30).

[0067] In detail, the latch device of the cooking appliance (1) may include a latch (100) and a driving module (200) provided to drive the latch (100).

[0068] The latch (100) may be placed on the main body (10). Specifically, the latch (100) may be placed on the front of the main body (10). The latch (100) may be placed adjacent to the position of the door (30) when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20). The latch (100) may be placed on the upper portion of the main body (10).

[0069] A part of the latch (100) may be placed inside the main body (10). Another part of the latch (100) may be placed outside the main body (10). The latch (100) may be installed in the electrical compartment (50), and a part of the latch (100) may protrude outside the electrical compartment (50).

[0070] For example, the latch (100) may penetrate the front part of the main body (10). That is, the latch (100) may penetrate the front frame (11a) and a portion thereof may protrude outside the electrical compartment (50). The front frame (11a) may include a latch hole (11h) formed to be penetrated by the latch (100). The latch hole (11h) may be formed to connect the inside and the outside of the main body (10). The latch hole (11h) may be formed in a shape in which the front frame (11a) is penetrated in the front-back direction (X). When the door (30) closes the cooking compartment (20), the latch hole (11h) may face the door (30). In other words, when the door (30) closes the cooking compartment (20), the latch hole (11h) may be covered by the door (30).

[0071] For example, a latch hole (11h) may be formed on the upper part of the front frame (11a).

[0072] The latch (100) can be mounted on the main body (10). The latch (100) can be supported by the main body (10). The main body (10) can include a latch bracket (13) that supports the latch (100). The latch bracket (13) can be fixed to the main body (10).

[0073] A latch bracket (13) may be provided at the front of the main body (10). The latch bracket (13) may be arranged within the electrical compartment (50). The latch bracket (13) may be arranged adjacent to the front frame (11a). The latch bracket (13) may be arranged adjacent to the latch hole (11h). For example, the latch bracket (13) may be arranged at the rear of the latch hole (11h) and may be arranged at a height approximately corresponding to the latch hole (11h).

[0074] For example, the latch (100) can penetrate the latch bracket (13) and the latch hole (11h), respectively.

[0075] The detailed structure of the latch bracket (13) is described later.

[0076] The latch (100) may be provided to be movable with respect to the main body (10). The latch (100) may be provided to be movable with respect to the latch bracket (13). The latch bracket (13) may support the latch (100) so as to be movable.

[0077] The latch (100) may be configured to support the door (30) or not support the door (30). Specifically, the latch (100) may support the door (30) to prevent the door (30) from being opened when the cooking compartment (20) is closed by the door (30), or may release the door (30) so that the door (30) can be opened. The expression "the latch (100) releases the door (30)" means that the latch (100) is separated from the door (30) and does not support the door (30) that is closing the cooking compartment (20).

[0078] Hereinafter, the position of the latch (100) when the latch (100) supports the door (30) while the cooking chamber (20) is closed is referred to as a first latch position (LP1, see FIG. 5, FIG. 10, etc.). Hereinafter, the position of the latch (100) when the latch (100) releases the door (30) when the cooking chamber (20) is closed is referred to as a second latch position (LP2, see FIG. 11, FIG. 12, etc.). When the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20), the latch (100) located at the first latch position (LP1) can support the door (30) by being caught by the door (30). When the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20), the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2) and is separated from the door (30), thereby releasing the door (30) from its support, and the door (30) can be opened.

[0079] The latch (100) may be provided to be movable between a first latch position (LP1) and a second latch position (LP2).

[0080] The door (30) may include a door lock (31). When the door (30) closes the cooking compartment (20) and the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the door lock (31) may be arranged to engage with the latch (100). In other words, the latch (100) may engage with the door lock (31) when it is positioned at the first latch position (LP1) when the cooking compartment (20) is closed. When the latch (100) engages with the door lock (31), the door (30) may be supported by the latch (100) and fixed in a position for closing the cooking compartment (20).

[0081] When the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2), the latch (100) can be separated from the door lock (31). When the latch (100) is separated from the door lock (31), the latch (100) can release the door (30) from its support, and the door (30) can be opened.

[0082] The door lock (31) may include, for example, a door hole (31a) formed so that a part of the latch (100) can be inserted, and a lock pin (31b) formed so that the latch (100) can be caught. Specifically, when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20), a part of the latch (100) can be inserted into the inner space of the door (30) by penetrating the door hole (31a). A part of the latch (100) inserted into the inner space of the door (30) can be caught by the lock pin (31b) when the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), and can support the lock pin (31b). When the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2), the latch (100) can be separated from the lock pin (31b), and when the door (30) rotates in the opening direction, the latch (100) can be detached from the door hole (31a).

[0083] The door hole (31a) may be formed on the inner surface of the door (30), and the lock pin (31b) may be arranged in the inner space of the door (30). The 'inner surface of the door (30)' mentioned here means one surface of the door (30) that faces the main body (10) when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20). For example, the door hole (31a) may be provided on the upper portion of the inner surface of the door (30) so as to correspond to the latch hole (11h) provided in the main body (10).

[0084] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the locking pin (31b) may be formed to have a roughly cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto, and the locking pin (31b) may have various shapes.

[0085] Unlike the one illustrated in Fig. 4, the door lock (31) may have various structures. For example, the door lock (31) may include a catch structure formed on the edge side of the door hole (31a), and the latch (100) may be provided to catch on the catch structure and support the door (30).

[0086] Alternatively, the above has described an embodiment in which a part of the latch (100) protrudes outside the main body (10) and the door locking portion (31), particularly the locking pin (31b), is provided inside the door (30). However, alternatively, the door locking portion (31) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the door (30) toward the main body (10), and in this case, almost the entire latch (100) may be disposed inside the main body (10).

[0087] A detailed description of the structure and operation of the latch (100) will be described later.

[0088] The driving module (200) may be arranged to move the latch (100) relative to the main body (10). Specifically, the driving module (200) may be arranged to move the latch (100) from a first latch position (LP1) to a second latch position (LP2). Alternatively, the driving module (200) may be arranged to move the latch (100) from a second latch position (LP2) to a first latch position (LP1).

[0089] The drive module (200) may be placed in the main body (10). Specifically, the drive module (200) may be placed in the rear portion of the main body (10). For example, the drive module (200) may be mounted on the rear panel (11b) of the main body (10). In this way, when the drive module (200) is placed in the rear portion of the main body (10), a worker who wishes to perform work such as repair, inspection, or parts replacement on the drive module (200) can easily access the drive module (200) by separating the rear cover (11c) from the main body (10), and the convenience of the work may be improved.

[0090] The location of the drive module (200) is not limited thereto, and the drive module (200) may be placed in various locations within the main body (10). For example, the drive module (200) may be placed in the front part of the main body (10).

[0091] The drive module (200) may be placed on the upper part of the main body (10). At least a portion of the drive module (200) may be placed in the electrical compartment (50).

[0092] The drive module (200) can be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the drive module (200) can be fixed to the rear panel (11b) of the main body (10). For example, the drive module (200) can be fastened to the rear panel (11b) by a screw. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the drive module (200) can be coupled to various components within the main body (10) and can be fixed to the main body (10) in various ways.

[0093] For example, the drive module (200) may include a drive module bracket (210) that is arranged to be mounted on the main body (10). For example, the drive module bracket (210) may be coupled to the rear panel (11b) and fixed to the main body (10).

[0094] A detailed description of the structure and operation of the drive module (200) will be described later.

[0095] The latch device of the cooking appliance (1) may further include a connecting rod (400). The connecting rod (400) may connect the latch (100) and the driving module (200). Specifically, the connecting rod (400) may connect the latch (100) and a slider (240) of the driving module (200), which will be described later. The slider (240) and the latch (100) are connected by the connecting rod (400), and thus may move in conjunction with each other. The connecting rod (400) may transmit power generated in the driving module (200) to the latch (100).

[0096] For example, the connecting rod (400) may be formed in the shape of a long bar extending in approximately one direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connecting rod (400) may have various shapes that connect the latch (100) and the driving module (200) (specifically, the slider (240)).

[0097] For example, the latch (100) and the drive module (200) may be arranged approximately parallel to each other in a horizontal direction. In this case, the connecting rod (400) may extend in a direction approximately parallel to the horizontal direction between the latch (100) and the drive module (200).

[0098] The locking module (300) may be arranged to restrain the latch (100) from moving from a first latch position (LP1) to a second latch position (LP2), or to permit the latch (100) from moving from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2). For example, the locking module (300) may be arranged to restrain or permit the movement of the slider (240) of the drive module (200).

[0099] The locking module (300) can be placed on the main body (10). Specifically, the locking module (300) can be placed on the rear portion of the main body (10). For example, the locking module (300) can be mounted on the rear panel (11b) of the main body (10). In this way, when the locking module (300) is placed on the rear portion of the main body (10), a worker who wishes to perform work such as repair, inspection, or parts replacement on the locking module (300) can easily access the locking module (300) by separating the rear cover (11c) from the main body (10), and the convenience of the work can be improved.

[0100] The location of the locking module (300) is not limited thereto, and the locking module (300) may be placed in various locations within the main body (10). For example, the locking module (300) may be placed at the front of the main body (10). However, it is preferable that the locking module (300) be placed adjacent to the driving module (200).

[0101] The locking module (300) may be placed on the upper part of the main body (10). At least a portion of the locking module (300) may be placed in the main body (50).

[0102] The locking module (300) can be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the locking module (300) can be fixed to the rear panel (11b) of the main body (10). For example, the locking module (300) can be fastened to the rear panel (11b) by a screw. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the locking module (300) can be coupled to various configurations within the main body (10) and can be fixed to the main body (10) in various ways.

[0103] For example, the locking module (300) may include a locking module bracket (310) that is arranged to be mounted on the main body (10). For example, the locking module bracket (310) may be coupled to the rear panel (11b) and fixed to the main body (10).

[0104] For example, the drive module (200) and the locking module (300) may be arranged approximately vertically (Z) relative to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the locking module (300) may be arranged above the drive module (200). Alternatively, the locking module (300) may be arranged below the drive module (200). As the drive module (200) and the locking module (300) are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (Z), the space occupied by the drive module (200) and the locking module (300) within the main body (10) can be saved, and the assembly process of the components can be performed efficiently.

[0105] However, the arrangement of the drive module (200) and the locking module (300) is not limited thereto. Unlike the illustration, the locking module (300) and the drive module (200) are not arranged in a vertical direction (Z) with respect to each other, but may be arranged in various ways in the main body (10).

[0106] A detailed description of the structure and operation of the locking module (300) will be described later.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a part of a main body of a cooking appliance and a latch mounted thereon as viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5, a latch (100) of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be movably mounted on a main body (10). The latch (100) may be provided to be movable between a first latch position (LP1) and a second latch position (LP2, see FIGS. 11, 12, etc.).

[0109] In detail, the latch (100) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). The latch (100) may be provided to be rotatable between a first latch position (LP1) and a second latch position (LP2) about the rotation axis of the latch (100). Referring to FIG. 5, the latch (100) may rotate counterclockwise from the first latch position (LP1) about the rotation axis of the latch (100) to move to the second latch position (LP2). Conversely, the latch (100) may rotate clockwise from the second latch position (LP2) about the rotation axis of the latch (100) to move to the first latch position (LP1). However, the rotation direction of the latch (100) is merely an example, and the latch (100) may also rotate in a direction opposite to that described above. Hereinafter, the direction in which the latch (100) rotates from the first latch position (LP1) toward the second latch position (LP2) around the rotation axis is referred to as the first rotation direction, and the direction in which the latch (100) rotates from the second latch position (LP2) toward the first latch position (LP1) around the rotation axis is referred to as the second rotation direction. The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction are opposite directions.

[0110] The latch (100) may be arranged to be rotatable between a first latch position (LP1) and a second latch position (LP2) about a latch shaft (101). The rotation axis of the latch (100) may pass through the latch shaft (101).

[0111] For example, the latch shaft (101) can penetrate the latch (100). A hole is formed in the latch (100), and the latch shaft (101) can penetrate the hole formed in the latch (100).

[0112] For example, the latch shaft (101) may have a cylindrical shape having the rotational axis of the latch (100) as its central axis.

[0113] For example, the rotation axis of the latch (100) may be arranged parallel to the vertical direction (Z). The latch shaft (101) may extend in the vertical direction (Z).

[0114] The latch (100) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the latch bracket (13). The latch bracket (13) may rotatably support the latch (100). The latch (100) may be coupled to the latch bracket (13) by a latch shaft (101).

[0115] The latch bracket (13) may include a bracket body (13a) that supports a latch (100). The latch (100) may be mounted on the bracket body (13a). The latch (100) may be rotatably coupled to the bracket body (13a) by a latch shaft (101).

[0116] The bracket body (13a) can be mounted on the outer case (11). The bracket body (13a) can be placed inside the outer case (11). For example, the bracket body (13a) can be placed in the electrical compartment (50). For example, the bracket body (13a) can be coupled to the inner wall of the front frame (11a).

[0117] The latch (100) may include a door support (110) provided to support the door (30). Specifically, when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20) and the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the door support (110) may support the door (30). The door support (110) may support the door (30) by being caught by the door lock (31) of the door (30). The door support (110) may be positioned in front of the lock pin (31b) of the door lock (31) and may support the door (30) by being in contact with the lock pin (31b).

[0118] In contrast, when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20), the door support (110) can release the door (30) as the latch (100) rotates from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2). When the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2), the door support (110) can release the door (30) by being separated from the door lock (31). The door support (110) can release the door (30) by being separated from the lock pin (31b).

[0119] For example, the door support (110) may be provided at one end of the latch (100). Specifically, the door support (110) may be provided at one end on the front side of the latch (100).

[0120] For example, the door support (110) may have a hook shape formed to be caught on the door lock (31).

[0121] The latch (100) may include an inclined surface (120) that is arranged to contact the door lock (31) when the door (30) is closed. Specifically, the inclined surface (120) may be arranged to be pressed by the lock pin (31b) when the door (30) is closed.

[0122] When the door (30) is closed, the latch (100) can rotate by the inclined surface (120) being pressed by the locking pin (31b). Specifically, when the door (30) is closed, the latch (100) can rotate in the first rotational direction by the inclined surface (120) being pressed by the locking pin (31b), and by the latch (100) rotating in the first rotational direction, the locking pin (31b) can move without being restricted in its path by the latch (100), and the door (30) can be closed smoothly.

[0123] The inclined surface (120) may be provided on one end of the front side of the latch (100). Furthermore, the inclined surface (120) may be positioned forward of the door support (110). The inclined surface (120) may be a part of the latch (100) that first comes into contact with the lock pin (31b) when the door (30) is closed.

[0124] The latch device of the cooking appliance (1) may include an elastic spring (102) connected to a latch (100). The elastic spring (102) may be configured to move the latch (100) to a first latch position (LP1). In other words, the elastic spring (102) may be elastically biased to apply an elastic force to the latch (100) in a direction in which the latch (100) moves from the second latch position (LP2) to the first latch position (LP1). For example, when the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2), the elastic spring (102) may be deformed and accumulate an elastic force. When the force that positions the latch (100) at the second latch position (LP2) is removed after the latch (100) reaches the second latch position (LP2), the latch (100) can be restored to the first latch position (LP1) by the elastic force accumulated in the elastic spring (102).

[0125] For example, the elastic spring (102) may be a tensile spring. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and depending on the structure connected to the latch (100), the elastic spring (102) may have various structures such as a compression spring or a torsion spring.

[0126] The elastic spring (102) may have one end connected to the latch (100) and the other end connected to the main body (10). Accordingly, when the latch (100) moves relative to the main body (10), the elastic spring (102) may be deformed. For example, the elastic spring (102) may have one end connected to the latch (100) and the other end connected to the latch bracket (13). The latch bracket (13) may include a spring coupling portion (13d) to which the elastic spring (102) is connected. The elastic spring (102) may be deformed as the distance between the spring coupling portion (13d) and the latch (100) changes.

[0127] For example, the spring coupling portion (13d) can be formed by bending a portion of the bracket body (13a).

[0128] As the latch device includes an elastic spring (102), the latch (100) can move to the second latch position (LP2) and then return to the first latch position (LP1) when the force that positions the latch (100) at the second latch position (LP2) is removed.

[0129] The main body (10) may include a latch stopper (13b) provided to prevent the latch (100) from further rotating in a second direction from the first latch position (LP1) when the latch (100) reaches the first latch position (LP1). For example, the latch stopper (13b) may be provided on the latch bracket (13). For example, the latch stopper (13b) may be formed by bending a portion of the bracket body (13a).

[0130] The latch stopper (13b) may be arranged to be in contact with the latch (100) located at the first latch position (LP1). The latch stopper (13b) may be located on the side in which the latch (100) rotates in the second rotational direction with respect to the latch (100) located at the first latch position (LP1).

[0131] The latch (100) may include a stopper contact portion (130), and the stopper contact portion (130) may be arranged to contact a latch stopper (13b) when the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1). The latch stopper (13b) may be positioned on the second rotational direction side with respect to the stopper contact portion (130) when the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1). When the latch (100) rotates from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2), the stopper contact portion (130) can move away from the latch stopper (13b), and when the latch (100) rotates from the second latch position (LP2) to the first latch position (LP1), the stopper contact portion (130) can move closer to the latch stopper (13b).

[0132] In this way, since the latch stopper (13b) is provided in the main body (10), the first latch position (LP1) of the latch (100) can be guided, and when the latch (100) reaches the first latch position (LP1), it can be prevented from further rotating in the second rotational direction. As described above, since the elastic spring (102) can be elastically biased to rotate the latch (100) in the second rotational direction, the combination of the latch stopper (13b) and the elastic spring (102) allows the latch (100) to be stably positioned in the first latch position (LP1) unless a force is applied to position the latch (100) in the second latch position (LP2).

[0133] The latch (100) can be connected to a driving module (200) (more specifically, a slider (240) to be described later) by a connecting rod (400). The latch (100) can be coupled to the connecting rod (400). The latch (100) can be coupled to one end of the connecting rod (400).

[0134] For example, the latch (100) may be rotatably coupled to one end of the connecting rod (400). The latch (100) may be rotatable with respect to one end of the connecting rod (400), thereby preventing the connecting rod (400) from restricting the rotation or resisting the rotation.

[0135] For example, the connecting rod (400) can be coupled to the rear portion of the latch (100).

[0136] For example, the connecting rod (400) may pass through the latch (100) and be hooked to the latch (100). However, this is not limited thereto, and the latch (100) and the connecting rod (400) may be connected by various structures.

[0137] The structure of the latch (100) and the latch bracket (13) supporting the same described above with reference to FIG. 5 is only an example, and the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0138] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a driving module and a locking module of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded drawing illustrating a driving module and a locking module of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating components of a driving module, such as a slider, a connecting rod, and a pusher, of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating components of a locking module, such as a locker and a cam, of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from below.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a driving module (200) of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pusher (230) configured to move a latch (100) from a first latch position (LP1) to a second latch position (LP2). The driving module (200) may include a slider (240) configured to be movable in conjunction with the latch (100). The pusher (230) may be configured to move the slider (240), and by moving the slider (240), the latch (100) linked to the slider (240) may be moved.

[0140] In detail, the slider (240) may be provided to be movable relative to the main body (10). The slider (240) may be provided to be movable relative to the drive module bracket (210). The slider (240) may be provided to be movable between a first slider position (SP1, see FIG. 8) and a second slider position (SP2, see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0141] The slider (240) can be connected to the latch (100). The slider (240) is connected to the latch (100) and can be moved between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2) when the latch (100) moves between a first latch position (LP1) and a second latch position (LP2). Here, the first slider position (SP1) is defined as the position of the slider (240) when the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1). The second slider position (SP2) is defined as the position of the slider (240) when the latch (100) is positioned at the second latch position (LP2).

[0142] The slider (240) can be connected to the latch (100) via a connecting rod (400). The slider (240) can be coupled to the connecting rod (400). The slider (240) can be coupled to one end of the connecting rod (400).

[0143] For example, the connecting rod (400) can be coupled to the front portion of the slider (240).

[0144] For example, the connecting rod (400) may be hooked to the slider (240) by penetrating the slider (240). Alternatively, for example, the connecting rod (400) may be hooked to the slider (240) by a hook structure (see FIGS. 7 and 8) provided on the slider (240). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the slider (240) and the connecting rod (400) may be connected by various structures.

[0145] The slider (240) can be mounted on the drive module bracket (210). The slider (240) can be movably mounted on the drive module bracket (210). The slider (240) can be movably supported by the drive module bracket (210).

[0146] The drive module (200) may include a slider guide (212) provided to guide the movement of the slider (240). The slider guide (212) may guide the slider (240) when the slider (240) moves between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2).

[0147] For example, a slider rail (242) may be formed on the slider (240), and a slider guide (212) may be inserted into the slider rail (242) to guide the movement of the slider (240). For example, the slider rail (242) may be formed in the shape of a slot formed by cutting a portion of the slider (240).

[0148] Alternatively, as an example, a structure may be provided in which the slider guide (212) has the shape of a rail and a part of the slider (240) is inserted into the slider guide (212) so that the slider (240) is guided by the slider guide (212).

[0149] The slider guide (212) can be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the slider guide (212) can be provided on the drive module bracket (210).

[0150] The slider (240) may be provided to be linearly movable relative to the main body (10). The slider (240) may be provided to be linearly movable relative to the drive module bracket (210). That is, the slider (240) may be provided to be linearly movable between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2). The slider guide (212) may guide the slider (240) so that the slider (240) moves linearly.

[0151] However, the movement path of the slider (240) is not limited thereto, and for example, the slider (240) may be arranged to move along a curved path. In this case, a structure such as a slider rail (242) may have a curved shape corresponding to the movement path of the slider (240).

[0152] For example, the slider (240) can be coupled to the slider guide (212) of the drive module bracket (210). Specifically, the slider guide (212) can be inserted into the slider rail (242) of the slider (240) so that the slider (240) can be mounted on the drive module bracket (210). At this time, the slider (240) and the slider guide (212) can be firmly fastened to each other by a fastening member (e.g., a screw, etc.) penetrating the slider guide (212).

[0153] The pusher (230) may be arranged to pressurize the slider (240). The pusher (230) may be arranged to pressurize the slider (240) to move the slider (240) from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2).

[0154] The pusher (230) may be positioned at a first pusher position (PP1, see FIG. 8). Alternatively, the pusher (230) may be positioned at a second pusher position (PP2, see FIG. 11). The pusher (230) may be configured to be movable to the first pusher position (PP1) or the second pusher position (PP2).

[0155] The pusher (230) may not press the slider (240) when positioned at the first pusher position (PP1). That is, the first pusher position (PP1) is defined as a position where the pusher (230) releases the pressing of the slider (240). In other words, the pusher (230) may release the pressing of the slider (240) to the second slider position (SP2) when positioned at the first pusher position (PP1).

[0156] When the pusher (230) moves from the first pusher position (PP1) to the second pusher position (PP2), the pusher (230) may be arranged to move the slider (240) located at the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2). The pusher (230) may move from the first pusher position (PP1) to the second pusher position (PP2) and pressurize one end (241) of the slider (240) adjacent to the pusher (230) to move the slider (240) located at the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2). As a result, the latch (100) linked with the slider (240) may move from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2).

[0157] The pusher (230) can release the pressurization of the slider (240) to the second slider position (SP2) when moving from the second pusher position (PP2) to the first pusher position (PP1). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pusher (230) and the slider (240) may be configured separately without being coupled to each other. That is, the slider (240) may be provided to be movable with respect to the pusher (230). Therefore, as described below, even if the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1) and does not press the slider (240), the slider (240) does not necessarily have to be positioned at the first slider position (SP1), and the slider (240) may be positioned at the second slider position (SP2), and the latch (100) may also be positioned at the second latch position (LP2).

[0158] The first pusher position (PP1) is defined as a position where the pusher (230) does not press the slider (240), and the first pusher position (PP1) of the pusher (230) is not necessarily defined as a single specific position. The second pusher position (PP2) is defined as a position where the pusher (230) presses the slider (240), and the second pusher position (PP2) of the pusher (230) is not necessarily defined as a single specific position. For example, as described below, the pusher (230) may include a plurality of contact portions (231), and the plurality of contact portions (231) may be arranged to press the slider (240) one by one. Accordingly, the position at which any one of the plurality of contact portions (231) presses the slider (240) may be defined as the second pusher position (PP2). Here, the number of second pusher positions (PP2) may correspond to the number of contact portions (231). The first pusher position (PP1) may be defined as a position when none of the plurality of contact portions (231) press the slider (240), and the first pusher position (PP1) may be defined as a position between the second pusher positions (PP2). Here, the number of first pusher positions (PP1) may correspond to the number of areas between the plurality of contact portions (231).

[0159] The pusher (230) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). The pusher (230) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the driving module bracket (210). The pusher (230) may be provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis (230a) of the pusher (230). For example, the rotational axis (230a) of the pusher (230) may extend parallel to the vertical direction (Z), but the direction in which the rotational axis (230a) of the pusher (230) extends is not limited thereto. The pusher (230) may rotate from a first pusher position (PP1) to a second pusher position (PP2) around the rotational axis (230a). Alternatively, the pusher (230) may rotate from a second pusher position (PP2) to a first pusher position (PP1) around the rotational axis (230a).

[0160] For example, the pusher (230) may be arranged to rotate in one direction around the rotation axis (230a). That is, the direction in which the pusher (230) rotates from the first pusher position (PP1) toward the second pusher position (PP2) and the direction in which the pusher (230) rotates from the second pusher position (PP2) toward the first pusher position (PP1) may be the same. Hereinafter, the direction in which the pusher (230) rotates around the rotation axis (230a) is referred to as the “pusher rotation direction.”

[0161] The pusher (230) may include a contact portion (231) arranged to press the slider (240) when the pusher (230) rotates from a first pusher position (PP1) to a second pusher position (PP2). The contact portion (231) may be arranged to contact the slider (240) when the pusher (230) rotates from the first pusher position (PP1) to the second pusher position (PP2) and press the slider (240) from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2).

[0162] For example, the contact portion (231) may extend in the radial direction of the pusher (230) from the rotation axis (230a) of the pusher (230).

[0163] The pusher (230) may include a plurality of contact portions (231). When the pusher (230) rotates from a first pusher position (PP1) to a second pusher position (PP2), at least some of the plurality of contact portions (231) may come into contact with the slider (240) and press the slider (240) to the second slider position (SP2). For example, when the pusher (230) rotates from the first pusher position (PP1) to the second pusher position (PP2), the plurality of contact portions (231) may press the slider (240) to the second slider position (SP2) one by one. The plurality of contact portions (231) may be arranged along the rotational direction of the pusher (230). As the pusher (230) rotates in the pusher rotational direction, the plurality of contact portions (231) may come into contact with the slider (240) in the arranged order and press the slider (240).

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1) and the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1), the slider (240) can be positioned between a pair of adjacent contact portions (231) among the plurality of contact portions (231). When the pusher (230) rotates in the pusher rotation direction from the first pusher position (PP1) toward the second pusher position (PP2), one contact portion (231) among the plurality of contact portions (231) can press the slider (240) to the second slider position (SP2) (see FIG. 11). When the pusher (230) rotates again in the pusher rotation direction from the second pusher position (PP2) so that the pusher (230) reaches the second pusher position (PP2), and if the slider (240) returns to the first slider position (SP1), the slider (240) can be positioned between a pair of adjacent contact portions (231) among the plurality of contact portions (231) again as shown in FIG. 8.

[0165] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of contact portions (231) may be arranged at regular intervals from each other. In this case, the pusher (230) may rotate at a constant speed and move to a first pusher position (PP1) or a second pusher position (PP2). That is, the pusher (230) may rotate at a constant speed and pressurize or release the pressurization of the slider (240).

[0166] Although FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the pusher (230) includes three contact portions (231), the number of contact portions (231) included in the pusher (230) may be designed differently depending on the rotational speed (rpm) of the first driving source (220) connected to the pusher (230). Specifically, in order to maintain the operating time of the latch (100) within a predetermined range, it is preferable to design the number of contact portions (231) included in the pusher (230) to be larger as the rotational speed (rpm) of the first driving source (220) decreases, and correspondingly, the angle between a pair of adjacent contact portions (231) among the plurality of contact portions (231) may be smaller.

[0167] For example, a plurality of contact portions (231) may be connected to each other and formed as one piece. Alternatively, a plurality of contact portions (231) may be formed separately from each other.

[0168] By this configuration, the pusher (230) can move the slider (240) from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2).

[0169] Unlike the above description, the pusher (230) may be arranged to rotate in one direction from the first pusher position (PP1) toward the second pusher position (PP2) and in another direction opposite to the one direction from the second pusher position (PP2) toward the first pusher position (PP1).

[0170] In order to provide the pusher (230) with power to move relative to the main body (10), the drive module (200) may include a first drive source (220). The first drive source (220) may be configured to generate power. The first drive source (220) may be configured to provide the generated power to the pusher (230).

[0171] For example, the first driving source (220) may include a motor. The first driving source (220) may include various types of motors known in the art.

[0172] For example, the first driving source (220) can receive driving current from a motor driver through a wire or the like.

[0173] The first driving source (220) can be directly or indirectly connected to the pusher (230) to provide power to the pusher (230). For example, the first driving source (220) can be connected to the pusher (230) via the rotor shaft (221). The first driving source (220) can provide power to the pusher (230) via the rotor shaft (221). The pusher (230) can receive power from the rotor shaft (221) and rotate with respect to the main body (10).

[0174] For example, the first driving source (220) can be mounted on the driving module bracket (210).

[0175] The drive module (200) may include a pusher position detection sensor (250) configured to detect the position of the pusher (230). The pusher position detection sensor (250) may be configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the pusher (230).

[0176] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the pusher position detection sensor (250) may include a pusher switch (251) that generates an electrical signal depending on whether the pusher switch (251) is pressed. In other words, the electrical signal output from the pusher position detection sensor (250) when the pusher switch (251) is pressed and the electrical signal output from the pusher position detection sensor (250) when the pusher switch (251) is not pressed may be different from each other.

[0177] For example, the circuit of the pusher position detection sensor (250) may be turned ON when the pusher switch (251) is pressed and turned OFF when the pusher switch (251) is not pressed. Or, for example, the circuit of the pusher position detection sensor (250) may be turned ON when the pusher switch (251) is not pressed and turned OFF when the pusher switch (251) is pressed. This may vary depending on how the circuit of the pusher position detection sensor (250) is configured.

[0178] For example, the pusher position detection sensor (250) may include a micro switch.

[0179] The pusher (230) may pressurize the pusher switch (251) or may not pressurize the pusher switch (251) depending on its position. The pusher (230) may include a cam surface (232) formed along the outer circumference of the pusher (230). The cam surface (232) may pressurize the pusher switch (251) or may not pressurize the pusher switch (251) as the pusher (230) rotates around the rotation axis (230a). For example, the cam surface (232) may be arranged so as to not pressurize the pusher switch (251) when the pusher (230) is positioned at a first pusher position (PP1) and to pressurize the pusher switch (251) when the pusher (230) is positioned at a second pusher position (PP2). Conversely, the cam face (232) may be arranged so as to pressurize the pusher switch (251) when the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1), and so as not to pressurize the pusher switch (251) when the pusher (230) is positioned at the second pusher position (PP2).

[0180] In addition, the pusher position detection sensor (250) may include various types of sensors, such as a magnetic field sensor such as a hall sensor, a reed switch, and an optical sensor.

[0181] With this configuration, the pusher position detection sensor (250) can be arranged to detect whether the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1) or the second pusher position (PP2). The pusher position detection sensor (250) can output an electrical signal regarding the position of the pusher (230), and the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the first driving source (220) based on the electrical signal received from the pusher position detection sensor (250).

[0182] By this configuration, the driving module (200) can move the latch (100) from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2) by using the configuration of the first driving source (220), the pusher (230), the slider (240), etc., and the door (30) can be opened. Meanwhile, as described below, the slider (240) can move together with the latch (100) even when the first driving source (220) does not operate and the pusher (230) does not rotate, so that the door (30) can be opened when the user applies sufficient force to the door (30). However, in various cases for the safety of the user, the door (30) may need to be more firmly fixed in the closed position, and for this purpose, the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include a locking module (300) that is provided to completely lock the door (30) by restricting the movement of the latch (100) and the slider (240).

[0183] The locking module (300) may include a locker (340). Specifically, the locker (340) may be configured to restrict the latch (100) from moving from a first latch position (LP1) to a second latch position (LP2), or to permit the latch (100) from moving from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2). The latch (100) may be restricted or permitted to move depending on the position of the locker (340).

[0184] Specifically, the locker (340) may be provided to restrain or permit movement of the slider (240). The locker (340) may be provided to restrain the slider (240) from moving from a first slider position (SP1) to a second slider position (SP2), or to permit the slider (240) to move between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2). When the locker (340) restrains movement of the slider (240), the latch (100) connected to the slider (240) may also be restrained from moving. When the locker (340) permits movement of the slider (240), the latch (100) may also be permitted to move.

[0185] The locker (340) may be provided to be movable with respect to the main body (10). The locker (340) may be provided to be movable with respect to the locking module bracket (310). The locker (340) may restrict or allow the slider (240) to move from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2) depending on its relative position with respect to the main body (10). Hereinafter, the position of the locker (340) when the locker (340) restricts the movement of the slider (240) from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2) is referred to as a locking position (LK, see FIG. 14). In addition, hereinafter, when the locker (340) allows movement between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2) of the slider (240), the position of the locker (340) is referred to as an unlocking position (ULK, see FIGS. 6 and 9). The locker (340) may be provided to be movable between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) with respect to the main body (10). The locker (340) may be provided to be movable between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) with respect to the locking module bracket (310).

[0186] The locker (340) may be arranged to engage with the slider (240) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). When the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the locker (340) may engage with the slider (240) to secure the slider (240). When the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK), the locker (340) may be spaced from the slider (240) to allow the slider (240) to move relative to the main body (10).

[0187] The locker (340) may include a hook portion (342). The hook portion (342) may be arranged to be caught on the slider (240) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK).

[0188] The slider (240) may include a catch (243). The catch (243) may be provided to catch on the hook (342) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). The catch (243) may be provided to be spaced apart from the hook (342) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK).

[0189] The locker (340) may include a locker body (341). The hook portion (342) may protrude from the locker body (341).

[0190] The hook portion (342) may protrude from one end of the locker body (341). For example, the locker body (341) may extend in one direction, and the hook portion (342) may protrude from one end of the locker body (341) in a direction different from the one direction above. For example, the hook portion (342) may protrude horizontally from the front end of the locker body (341). Specifically, the hook portion (342) may protrude from the front end of the locker body (341) in a direction toward the engaging portion (243) of the slider (240).

[0191] The hook portion (342) may be provided at one end in the direction of movement from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK) of the locker (340). For example, the hook portion (342) may be provided at the front end of the locker (340). That is, the hook portion (342) may protrude from the front end of the locker body (341).

[0192] The catch (243) of the slider (240) may protrude vertically from the body portion of the slider (240). As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the locker (340) covers at least a portion of the slider (240) from above, the catch (243) may protrude upward from the body portion of the slider (240). Alternatively, when the locker (340) covers at least a portion of the slider (240) from below, the catch (243) may protrude downward from the body portion of the slider (240).

[0193] However, the shape of the hook portion (342) and the catch portion (243) is not limited to that described above, and the hook portion (342) and the catch portion (243) may have various structures that allow them to be interlocked with each other when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK).

[0194] The locker (340) can cover at least a portion of the slider (240). For example, the locker (340) can cover at least a portion of the slider (240) in a direction parallel to the vertical direction (Z) of the main body (10). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the locker (340) can cover at least a portion of the slider (240) from above. Alternatively, the locker (340) can cover at least a portion of the slider (240) from below. As the locker (340) covers at least a portion of the slider (240), the space occupied by the locker (340) and the slider (240) within the main body (10) can be saved. In addition, the assembly process of components such as the locker (340) and the slider (240) within the main body (10) can be efficiently performed.

[0195] The locker (340) can be mounted on the locking module bracket (310). The locker (340) can be movably mounted on the locking module bracket (310). The locker (340) can be movably supported by the locking module bracket (310). In other words, the locker body (341) can be movably mounted on the locking module bracket (310).

[0196] The locking module (300) may include a locker guide (312) provided to guide the movement of the locker (340). The locker guide (312) may guide the locker (340) when the locker (340) moves between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK).

[0197] For example, a locker rail (341b) may be formed in the locker (340), and a locker guide (312) may be inserted into the locker rail (341b) to guide the movement of the locker (340). For example, the locker rail (341b) may be formed in the shape of a slot formed by cutting a portion of the locker body (341).

[0198] Alternatively, as an example, a structure may be provided in which the rocker guide (312) has the shape of a rail and a part of the rocker body (341) is inserted into the rocker guide (312) so that the rocker (340) is guided by the rocker guide (312).

[0199] The locker guide (312) can be fixed to the main body (10). For example, the locker guide (312) can be provided on the locking module bracket (310).

[0200] The locker (340) may be configured to move back and forth between a locking position (LK) and an unlocking position (ULK). The locker guide (312) may guide the locker (340) to move back and forth between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK).

[0201] For example, the locker (340) can be coupled to the locker guide (312) of the locking module bracket (310). Specifically, the locker (340) can be mounted on the locking module bracket (310) by the locker guide (312) being inserted into the locker rail (341b). At this time, the locker (340) and the locker guide (312) can be firmly fastened to each other by a fastening member (e.g., a screw, etc.) penetrating the locker guide (312).

[0202] The locking module (300) may include a second driving source (320) configured to generate power. The second driving source may be configured to generate power for the locker (340) to move relative to the main body (10). Specifically, the second driving source (320) may be configured to provide the generated power to a locking cam (330) described below.

[0203] For example, the second driving source (320) may include a motor. The second driving source (320) may include various types of motors known in the art.

[0204] For example, the second driving source (320) can receive driving current from a motor driver through a wire or the like.

[0205] For example, the second driving source (320) may be mounted on the locking module bracket (310). For example, the second driving source (320) may be fixed to one side of the locking module bracket (310), and the locking cam (330) connected to the second driving source (320) may be arranged on the other side of the locking module bracket (310). The locking cam (330) may be connected to the second driving source (320) by the rotor shaft of the second driving source (320) passing through the rotor shaft penetration portion (311) formed in the locking module bracket (310).

[0206] Since a first driving source (220) for driving the latch (100), slider (240), and pusher (230) and a second driving source (320) for driving the locker (340) and locking cam (330) are respectively provided, the operations of the driving module (200) and the locking module (300) can be efficiently controlled. In addition, since the first driving source (220) and the second driving source (320) are respectively provided, even if either of the two driving sources is damaged or the wires or other components connected to either of the two driving sources are damaged, the other can still operate.

[0207] The locking module (300) may include a locking cam (330). The locking cam (330) may be configured to transmit power generated from the second driving source (320) to the locker (340). The locking cam (330) may be configured to move the locker (340) between a locking position (LK) and an unlocking position (ULK).

[0208] The locking cam (330) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10). The locking cam (330) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the locking module bracket (310). The locking cam (330) may be provided to be rotatable around a cam rotation axis (330a). For example, the cam rotation axis (330a) may extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction (Z). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cam rotation axis (330a) may extend in various directions.

[0209] The locking cam (330) can receive power generated from the second driving source (320). For example, the second driving source (320) can be connected to the locking cam (330) via a rotor shaft. The locking cam (330) can receive power by being connected to the rotor shaft of the second driving source (320). The locking cam (330) can be provided to be rotatable about a cam rotation axis (330a) by the power received from the second driving source (320).

[0210] The rotation axis of the locking cam (330) may be arranged parallel to the rotor shaft of the second driving source (320). Furthermore, the rotation axis of the locking cam (330) may be arranged approximately in a straight line with the rotor shaft of the second driving source (320).

[0211] The locker (340) may be connected to the lock cam (330). The locker (340) may be connected to the lock cam (330) and may be provided to be movable between a locking position (LK) and an unlocking position (ULK) when the lock cam (330) rotates. Specifically, the lock cam (330) may be connected to a locker body (341). The locker body (341) may include a connecting portion (341a) connected to the lock cam (330). The lock cam (330) may include a locker connecting shaft (331) connected to the connecting portion (341a). When the lock cam (330) rotates, the locker (340) may be moved by receiving power through the locker connecting shaft (331).

[0212] The locker (340) may be provided to be rotatable about the lock cam (330). The locker (340) may be provided to be rotatable about the locker connecting shaft (331). That is, the locker connecting shaft (331) may function as a rotational axis of the locker (340).

[0213] The rocker connecting shaft (331) may be parallel to the cam rotation axis (330a). For example, the rocker connecting shaft (331) may extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction (Z).

[0214] The rotational axis of the locker (340) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the cam rotational axis (330a). The locker connecting shaft (331) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the cam rotational axis (330a). Specifically, the locker connecting shaft (331) and the cam rotational axis (330a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. As a result, the rotational motion of the locking cam (330) may be converted into an approximately linear motion of the locker (340).

[0215] For example, the locker (340) and the locking cam (330) can be coupled to each other as the locker connecting shaft (331) is inserted into the connecting portion (341a).

[0216] For example, the locker connecting shaft (331) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. For example, the connecting portion (341a) may be formed in a roughly circular hole shape.

[0217] However, in contrast to this, a lock cam (330) may be provided with a groove formed so as to be spaced apart from the cam rotation axis (330a) and through which the rotation axis of the locker (340) passes, and the locker (340) may have a structure having a shaft passing through the groove.

[0218] The locking cam (330) may be arranged to rotate in one direction around the cam rotation axis (330a). In other words, when the locker (340) moves from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK), the direction in which the locking cam (330) rotates around the cam rotation axis (330a) may be the same as the direction in which the locker (340) rotates around the cam rotation axis (330a) when the locker (340) moves from the locking position (LK) to the unlocking position (ULK). The direction in which the locking cam (330) rotates around the cam rotation axis (330a) is referred to as the “cam rotation direction.” For example, as the locking cam (330) rotates in the cam rotation direction around the cam rotation axis (330a), the locker (340) positioned at the unlocking position (ULK) may move to the locking position (LK). Additionally, as the lock cam (330) rotates in the cam rotation direction around the cam rotation axis (330a), the locker (340) positioned at the locking position (LK) can move to the unlocking position (ULK).

[0219] In contrast, for example, when the locker (340) moves from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK), the direction in which the locking cam (330) rotates around the cam rotation axis (330a) and when the locker (340) moves from the locking position (LK) to the unlocking position (ULK) may be opposite to each other.

[0220] The locking module (300) may include a cam position detection sensor (350) configured to detect the position of the locking cam (330). The cam position detection sensor (350) may be configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the locking cam (330).

[0221] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the cam position detection sensor (350) may include a cam switch (351) that generates an electrical signal depending on whether the cam switch (351) is pressed. In other words, the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350) when the cam switch (351) is pressed and the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350) when the cam switch (351) is not pressed may be different from each other. As an example, the cam position detection sensor (350) may include a micro switch.

[0222] The locking cam (330) may pressurize the cam switch (351) or may not pressurize the cam switch (351) depending on its position. The locking cam (330) may include a cam surface (332) formed along the outer periphery of the locking cam (330). The cam surface (332) may pressurize the cam switch (351) or may not pressurize the cam switch (351) as the locking cam (330) rotates. For example, the cam surface (332) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the cam switch (351) when the locker (340) is positioned in the unlocking position (ULK), and to pressurize the cam switch (351) when the locker (340) is positioned in the locking position (LK). Conversely, the cam face (232) may be arranged to pressurize the cam switch (351) when the locker (340) is positioned in the unlocking position (ULK), and may be arranged to be spaced from the cam switch (351) so as not to pressurize the cam switch (351) when the locker (340) is positioned in the locking position (LK).

[0223] Since the position of the lock cam (330) is linked to the position of the locker (340), the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the second driving source (320) based on an electrical signal received from the cam position detection sensor (350).

[0224] In addition, the cam position detection sensor (350) may include various types of sensors, such as a magnetic field sensor such as a hall sensor, a reed switch, and an optical sensor.

[0225] Details on the feature of detecting the position of the lock cam (330) using the cam position detection sensor (350) will be described later.

[0226] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a latch device when a door of a cooking appliance is closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a latch device that operates to open a door when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in an unlocked position. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a latch device when a door is forcibly opened in a state where a driving module is not operating when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in an unlocked position. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a latch device is positioned in an unlocked position.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a slider (240) of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to be movable between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2) when a locker (340) is positioned in an unlocking position (ULK).

[0228] When the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK), the hook portion (342) of the locker (340) can be positioned to be spaced apart from the slider (240). Specifically, the hook portion (342) can be positioned to be spaced apart from the catch portion (243) of the slider (240). The hook portion (342) can be positioned on the side of the catch portion (243) in the direction in which the slider (240) moves from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2). With this structure, the slider (240) can be moved between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2) without being caught by the hook portion (342) of the locker (340).

[0229] For example, when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK), the hook portion (342) may be positioned in front of the catch portion (243).

[0230] As described above, the locking module (300) may be provided with a cam position detection sensor (350), and for example, the cam position detection sensor (350) may include a cam switch (351) that generates an electrical signal depending on whether it is pressed. The locking cam (330) may or may not press the cam switch (351) depending on its position. The locking cam (330) may or may not press the cam switch (351) while rotating around the cam rotation axis (330a). Specifically, while the locking cam (330) rotates around the cam rotation axis (330a), the cam surface (332) of the locking cam (330) may or may not press the cam switch (351).

[0231] For example, the circuit of the cam position detection sensor (350) may be turned ON when the cam switch (351) is pressed and turned OFF when the cam switch (351) is not pressed. Or, for example, the circuit of the cam position detection sensor (350) may be turned ON when the pusher switch (251) is not pressed and turned OFF when the cam switch (351) is pressed. This may vary depending on how the circuit of the cam position detection sensor (350) is configured.

[0232] The cam surface (332) of the cam (330) may include a first region (332a) and a second region (332b) having a radius from the cam rotation axis (330a) greater than that of the first region (332a). That is, the second region (332b) may protrude further outward from the radius of the cam (330) than the first region (332a).

[0233] The cam position detection sensor (350) can detect the position of the lock cam (330) when the locker (340) is in the unlocking position (ULK) using the cam switch (351). In addition, the cam position detection sensor (350) can detect the position of the lock cam (330) when the locker (340) is moving from the locking position (LK) to the unlocking position (ULK) using the cam switch (351).

[0234] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, when the locker (340) is positioned in the unlocking position (ULK), the cam (330) may not press the cam switch (351). When the locker (340) is positioned in the unlocking position (ULK), the cam (330) may be spaced apart from the cam switch (351). Specifically, when the locker (340) is positioned in the unlocking position (ULK), the first area (332a) of the cam surface (332) may face the cam switch (351), and the first area (332a) may be formed so as not to press the cam switch (351). Additionally, the cam surface (332) may be arranged so that the first area (332a) of the cam surface (332) faces the cam switch (351) while the locker (340) moves from the locking position (LK) to the unlocking position (ULK), and the first area (332a) may be formed so as not to press the cam switch (351).

[0235] The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) electrically connected to the cam position detection sensor (350) can identify the position of the locking cam (330) based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can identify that the locker (340) is located at the unlocking position (ULK) based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350). Alternatively, the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can identify that the locker (340) is moving from the locking position (LK) to the unlocking position (ULK) based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the second driving source (320) so that the locker (340) can be located at the set position based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350).

[0236] Below, the operation of the latch (100), slider (240), and pusher (230) when the locker (340) is in the unlocking position (ULK) will be described.

[0237] Referring to Fig. 10, when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20) and the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the latch (100) can support the door (30) from being opened. At this time, the latch (100) may be engaged with the door lock (31).

[0238] In detail, when the door (30) closes the cooking compartment (20) and the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the latch (100) can contact the locking pin (31b) of the door lock (31). When the door (30) closes the cooking compartment (20) and the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the latch (100) can contact the front side of the locking pin (31b).

[0239] For example, the door (30) may have a tendency to rotate in the direction in which it opens due to its own weight. Or, for example, the hinge (40) may include a structure (e.g., including an elastic spring, etc.) that applies a force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens so that the door (30) can be easily opened. By such a structure, the door (30) may have a tendency to rotate in the direction in which it opens. Accordingly, when the door (30) closes the cooking compartment (20), if the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the locking pin (31b) provided on the door (30) can come into contact with the latch (100), and thus the latch (100) can support the door (30).

[0240] As described above, when the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1), the slider (240) can be positioned at the first slider position (SP1). When the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1), the pusher (230) can be positioned at the first pusher position (PP1).

[0241] Referring to FIG. 11, when the locker (340) is positioned in the unlocking position (ULK), the cooking appliance (1) can be configured so that the door (30) can be automatically opened by the operation of the drive module (200) and the latch (100).

[0242] When the pusher (230) rotates from the first pusher position (PP1) to the second pusher position (PP2), the slider (240) is pressed by the pusher (230) and can move from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2).

[0243] For example, the slider (240) may be arranged to be linearly movable between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2).

[0244] For example, the second slider position (SP2) may be positioned forward relative to the first slider position (SP1), and the slider (240) at the first slider position (SP1) may move forward toward the second slider position (SP2).

[0245] For example, the slider (240) may move in a direction closer to the rotational axis of the latch (100) when moving from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2). Conversely, the slider (240) may move in a direction away from the rotational axis of the latch (100) when moving from the second slider position (SP2) to the first slider position (SP1).

[0246] However, the relative position between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2) may vary depending on the connection structure between the latch (100) and the slider (240). For example, depending on the connection structure between the latch (100) and the slider (240), the first slider position (SP1) may be positioned in front of the second slider position (SP2), or the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2) may be positioned parallel to each other in the left-right direction.

[0247] As the slider (240) moves from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2), the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2) and can be separated from the door lock (31). In this case, as described above, the door (30) may have a tendency to rotate in the opening direction due to its own weight or the like, and thus may open by itself even without a separate external force being applied. Alternatively, the cooking appliance (1) may have a separate structure that induces the opening of the door (30) when the latch (100) moves to the second latch position (LP2).

[0248] When the door (30) is opened and the pusher (230) moves from the second pusher position (PP2) to the first pusher position (PP1), the latch (100) can return from the second latch position (LP2) to the first latch position (LP1) by the restoring force of the elastic spring (102). The slider (240) connected to the latch (100) can return from the second slider position (SP2) to the first slider position (SP1).

[0249] The operation of automatically opening the door (30) described with reference to Fig. 11 (hereinafter referred to as the 'door opening operation') can be performed based on the input of a door opening signal, which is a user input for opening the door (30). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can drive the first driving source (220) based on the door opening signal.

[0250] For example, a door opening signal may be input through a user interface (60). The configuration of the user interface (60) capable of receiving the door opening signal may include, but is not limited to, the input button (61) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The user interface (60) may transmit the input door opening signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1).

[0251] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a microphone module capable of detecting sound, and a door opening signal may be input through the microphone module. The microphone module may detect various types of sounds that a user can make using their body, such as the user's voice. The microphone module may transmit the input door opening signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1).

[0252] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a motion detection module that detects the user's motion, and a door opening signal may be input through the motion detection module. The motion detection module may include various types of modules capable of detecting the user's motion, such as an infrared sensor, a light sensor, a camera module, etc. The motion detection module may transmit the input door opening signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1).

[0253] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a communication module that performs communication with an external electronic device. The communication module may perform communication with the external electronic device using wired communication or wireless communication. The external electronic device may include a user terminal such as a smartphone. The external electronic device may include a server device. The external electronic device may transmit a door opening signal to the communication module of the cooking appliance (1), and the communication module may process the received door opening signal and transmit it to the control unit.

[0254] For example, the door opening operation may be performed under the condition that the door (30) is closed. Specifically, the cooking appliance (1) may include a door opening detection sensor that detects whether the door (30) is open. The door opening detection sensor may output an electrical signal corresponding to the opening or closing of the door (30) and transmit the signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) may perform the door opening operation based on the input of the door opening signal and the closing of the door (30).

[0255] The control unit that receives and processes the door opening signal in this way may be configured as the same module as the control unit that drives the first driving source (220), or may be configured as a separate module.

[0256] Meanwhile, there may be cases where the door (30) must be opened even if the driving module (200) is not driven, simply by the user's intention or by the user's needs. For example, there may be cases where the driving module (200) does not operate due to damage to the first driving source (220) or components of the cooking appliance (1) required to control the first driving source (220), a power supply to the cooking appliance (1) being cut off, or components receiving the user's door opening signal being damaged. In such cases, the door (30) must be able to be opened even without repairing or replacing components. Therefore, in one embodiment, the slider (240) may be configured to be able to move from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2) even without the pressure of the pusher (230).

[0257] Referring to FIG. 12, the slider (240) may be provided to be movable relative to the pusher (230). Specifically, the slider (240) may be provided to be movable between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2) when the pusher (230) is positioned at a first pusher position (PP1). The pusher (230) and the slider (240) may be configured to be separate from each other and not coupled to each other, so that even when the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1) and does not press the slider (240), the slider (240) may be provided to be movable between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2).

[0258] The slider (240) may be provided to be movable between a first slider position (SP1) adjacent to the pusher (230) and a second slider position (SP2) spaced apart from the pusher (230) when the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1). The slider (240) may be moved away from the pusher (230) as the latch (100) moves from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2) when the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1).

[0259] For example, when a user grips the handle (32) and applies force to the door (30) in the direction in which the door (30) opens, the locking pin (31b) can press the door support (110) of the latch (100) as illustrated in FIG. 12. When the magnitude of the force applied to the door (30) in the direction in which it opens reaches a certain level or more, the latch (100) positioned at the first latch position (LP1) by the locking pin (31b) can rotate in the first rotational direction.

[0260] At this time, the slider (240) connected to the latch (100) can move from the first slider position (SP1) toward the second slider position (SP2) as the latch (100) rotates in the first rotational direction even though the pusher (230) is stopped. Therefore, the rotation of the latch (100) in the first rotational direction is not restricted by the slider (240), and the latch (100) can smoothly rotate to the second latch position (LP2). When the latch (100) reaches the second latch position (LP2), the latch (100) can be separated from the door lock (31), and the door (30) can be opened.

[0261] After the door (30) is opened and the latch (100) is completely separated from the door lock (31), the latch (100) can return from the second latch position (LP2) to the first latch position (LP1) by the restoring force of the elastic spring (102). The slider (240) connected to the latch (100) can return from the second slider position (SP2) to the first slider position (SP1).

[0262] In this way, since the slider (240) is configured separately from the pusher (230), even if the first driving source (220) is damaged or power is cut off, the slider (240) can move relative to the main body (10), and thus, the user can manually open the door (30) by applying a certain amount of force to the door (30).

[0263] In addition, since the slider (240) is configured separately from the pusher (230), the slider (240) can move more smoothly with respect to the main body (10), and the latch (100) can move its position more efficiently during the process of opening or closing the door (30).

[0264] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a state when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a locking position. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a state when a locker of a latch device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in a locking position.

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the slider (240) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be restricted from moving between a first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2) when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). In other words, the locker (340) may restrict the slider (240) from moving between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2) when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). The locker (340) may restrict the latch (100) from moving from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2) when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), and thus, the door (30) closing the cooking chamber (20) may be more firmly fixed in a locked state.

[0266] As described with reference to FIG. 12, even when the first driving source (220) is not operating, the slider (240) is movable, so that when the user applies sufficient force to the door (30), the latch (100) at the first latch position (LP1) rotates and the door (30) can be opened. However, there may be cases where it is desirable to prevent the door (30) from being opened arbitrarily by the user. For example, when the heater (26) performs an operation of heating the inside of the cooking chamber (20) to cook food inside the cooking chamber (20) (hereinafter referred to as a 'cooking operation'), when the heater (26) performs an operation of removing oil and other residues attached to the inner wall of the inner case (12) by heating the inside of the cooking chamber (20) to a certain temperature or higher (hereinafter referred to as a 'self-cleaning operation'), and in various other cases where the temperature inside the cooking chamber (20) is high above a certain temperature, it is desirable for the door (30) to be locked so that the user cannot open it arbitrarily.

[0267] Accordingly, the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform an operation of locking the movement of the latch (100) and the slider (240) using the locking module (300) (hereinafter referred to as a 'door locking operation').

[0268] When the second driving source (320) operates, the locking cam (330) can rotate in the cam rotation direction around the cam rotation axis (330a). When the locking cam (330) rotates in the cam rotation direction when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK), the locker (340) can move to the locking position (LK).

[0269] When the lock cam (330) rotates in the cam rotation direction and the locker (340) moves from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK), the hook portion (342) can move in a direction closer to the cam rotation axis (330a). That is, when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the distance between the hook portion (342) and the cam rotation axis (330a) can be shorter than the distance between the hook portion (342) and the cam rotation axis (330a) when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK).

[0270] The catch (243) may be arranged to catch on the hook (342) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). At this time, the hook (342) may be positioned in the direction in which the slider (240) moves from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2) with respect to the catch (243), and thus, the hook (342) may interfere with the catch (243) to restrain the slider (240) from moving to the second slider position (SP2).

[0271] For example, when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the hook portion (342) can contact the catch portion (243) in front of the catch portion (243) to restrict the movement of the slider (240).

[0272] For example, the second slider position (SP2) may be positioned forward relative to the first slider position (SP1), and the slider (240) at the first slider position (SP1) may move forward toward the second slider position (SP2). At this time, the locking position (LK) may be positioned rearward relative to the unlocking position (ULK). The locker (340) may move rearward from the unlocking position (ULK) and reach the locking position (LK). When the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the slider (240) at the first slider position (SP1) may be restricted from moving forward.

[0273] In this way, the locker (340) is arranged to be movable between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK), thereby restricting or allowing the movement of the slider (240). Accordingly, the locker (340) can restrict or allow the movement of the latch (100), and can restrict or allow the opening of the door (30).

[0274] In order for the locker (340) not to restrict the movement of the slider (240) in the unlocking position (ULK), the distance that the locker (340) moves between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) may be greater than the distance that the slider (240) moves between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2). If the distance that the locker (340) moves between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) is equal to the distance that the slider (240) moves between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2), when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK) and the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1), the hook portion (342) and the catch portion (243) may come into contact with each other. If the distance that the locker (340) moves between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) is greater than the distance that the slider (240) moves between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2), the hook portion (342) and the catch portion (243) may be spaced apart from each other when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK) and the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1).

[0275] The cam position detection sensor (350) can detect the position of the locking cam (330) when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK) using the cam switch (351). In addition, the cam position detection sensor (350) can detect the position of the locking cam (330) when the locker (340) is moving from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK) using the cam switch (351).

[0276] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the cam (330) can press the cam switch (351). Specifically, when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the second area (332b) of the cam surface (332) can face the cam switch (351), and the second area (332b) can be formed to press the cam switch (351). In addition, the cam surface (332) can be provided so that the second area (332b) of the cam surface (332) faces the cam switch (351) while the locker (340) moves from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK), and the second area (332b) can be formed to press the cam switch (351).

[0277] The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) electrically connected to the cam position detection sensor (350) can identify the position of the locking cam (330) based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can identify that the locker (340) is located at the locking position (LK) based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350). Alternatively, the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can identify that the locker (340) is moving from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK) based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the second driving source (320) so that the locker (340) can be located at the set position based on the electrical signal output from the cam position detection sensor (350).

[0278] The door locking operation described above can be performed based on the input of a door lock signal, which is a user input for locking the door (30).

[0279] For example, a door lock signal may be input through a user interface (60). The configuration of the user interface (60) capable of receiving a door lock signal may include, but is not limited to, an input button (61) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The user interface (60) may transmit the input door lock signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1).

[0280] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a microphone module capable of detecting sound, and a door lock signal may be input through the microphone module. The microphone module may detect various types of sounds that a user can make using their body, such as the user's voice. The microphone module may transmit the input door lock signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1).

[0281] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a motion detection module that detects the user's motion, and a door lock signal may be input through the motion detection module. The motion detection module may include various types of modules capable of detecting the user's motion, such as an infrared sensor, a light sensor, a camera module, etc. The motion detection module may transmit the input door lock signal to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1).

[0282] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a communication module that performs communication with an external electronic device. The communication module may perform communication with the external electronic device using wired communication or wireless communication. The external electronic device may include a user terminal such as a smartphone. The external electronic device may include a server device. The external electronic device may transmit a door lock signal to the communication module of the cooking appliance (1), and the communication module may process the received door lock signal and transmit it to the control unit.

[0283] The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the second driving source (320) to position the locker (340) at the locking position (LK) based on the door lock signal.

[0284] Alternatively, as an example, the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) may receive a user input for executing a self-cleaning operation through a user interface (60), a microphone module, a motion detection module, a communication module, etc. The control unit may control the second driving source (320) to position the locker (340) at the locking position (LK) to execute a door locking operation based on the user input for executing the self-cleaning operation.

[0285] Alternatively, as an example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a cooking chamber temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature inside the cooking chamber (20). The cooking chamber temperature sensor may be electrically connected to a control unit of the cooking appliance (1). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) may control the second driving source (320) to position the locker (340) at the locking position (LK) to perform a door locking operation based on the temperature inside the cooking chamber (20) being higher than a preset temperature.

[0286] For example, the door locking operation can be performed under the condition that the door (30) is closed. Specifically, the cooking appliance (1) can include a door opening detection sensor that detects whether the door (30) is open. The door opening detection sensor can output an electrical signal corresponding to the opening or closing of the door (30) and transmit it to the control unit of the cooking appliance (1). The control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can perform the door locking operation based on the door locking signal being input and the door (30) being closed.

[0287] The cooking appliance (1) can perform a door unlocking operation to unlock the door (30) under preset conditions.

[0288] For example, the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can receive a user input (hereinafter, a door unlock signal) for executing a door unlock operation through a user interface (60), a microphone module, a motion detection module, a communication module, etc. Based on the door unlock signal, the control unit can control the second driving source (320) to position the locker (340) at the unlocking position (ULK).

[0289] For example, the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the second driving source (320) to position the locker (340) in the unlocking position (ULK) to perform a door unlocking operation based on the end of the self-cleaning operation.

[0290] For example, the control unit of the cooking appliance (1) can control the second driving source (320) to position the locker (340) in the unlocking position (ULK) to perform a door unlocking operation based on the temperature inside the cooking chamber (20) being lower than a preset temperature.

[0291] In this way, the control unit that receives and processes the signal for the door locking operation or the door unlocking operation may be configured with the same module as the control unit that receives and processes the door opening signal described above, or may be configured with a separate module. In addition, the control unit that receives and processes the signal for the door locking operation or the door unlocking operation may be configured with the same module as the control unit that drives the second driving source (320), or may be configured with a separate module.

[0292] In the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, the locker (340) of the locking module (300) is arranged above the slider (240) to restrict or allow movement of the slider (240). However, in another embodiment, the locker (340) may be arranged in front of the slider (240) to restrict movement of the slider (240) by pressing the front end of the slider (240). In this case, the locker (340) can move to the unlocking position (ULK) by moving forward, and can allow movement of the slider (240).

[0293] Unlike what has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, in one embodiment, the locker (340) may be configured to interfere with the connecting rod (400) rather than the slider (240) to restrict movement of the slider (240), the connecting rod (400), and the latch (100). In this case, the locker (340) may be spaced apart from the connecting rod (400) to allow movement of the slider (240), the connecting rod (400), and the latch (100).

[0294] Unlike what has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, in one embodiment, the connecting rod (400) connecting the latch (100) and the slider (240) may not be provided, and the latch (100) and the slider (240) may be directly connected to each other.

[0295] Alternatively, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 15, the slider (240) is configured to transmit power from the pusher (230) to the latch (100), but in another embodiment, in addition to the slider (240), another structure capable of transmitting power from the pusher (230) to the latch (100) may be provided, or the pusher (230) may be configured to directly press the latch (100). That is, the latch (100) may have various structures in which it is moved from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2) when the pusher (230) moves from the first pusher position (PP1) to the second pusher position (PP2), and is provided to be movable between the first latch position (LP1) and the second latch position (LP2) when the pusher (230) is positioned at the first pusher position (PP1).

[0296] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 15, the pusher (230) is configured to rotate around a fixed rotation axis (230a) relative to the main body (10), but is not limited thereto, and the pusher (230) is configured separately from the slider (240) and may have various structures that can move to a position where the slider (240) is pressed or a position where the slider (240) is not pressed.

[0297] While the cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above as being an oven, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to various types of cooking appliances, such as microwave ovens. Furthermore, the concept of the present disclosure can be applied to various types of home appliances and other devices that can employ a latch device configured to support or release a closed door.

[0298] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance comprises: a main body (10) forming a cooking chamber (20); a door (30) provided to open and close the cooking chamber (20) and including a door locking part (31); a latch (100) arranged in the main body (10) and provided to be movable between a first latch position (LP1) engaged with the door locking part (31) and a second latch position (LP2) separated from the door locking part (31) when the cooking chamber (20) is closed; a slider (240) connected to the latch (100) and provided to be movable between a first slider position (SP1) when the latch (100) is positioned at the first latch position (LP1) and a second slider position (SP2) when the latch (100) is positioned at the second latch position (LP2); and a slider (240) arranged in the main body (10) and provided to be movable between a first slider position (SP1) when the latch (100) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and a second slider position (SP2) when the latch (100) is positioned at the second latch position (LP2). It may include a locker (340) that is provided to be movable between a locking position (LK) that restricts movement to the second slider position (SP2) and an unlocking position (ULK) that allows the slider (240) to move between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2).

[0299] The locker (340) may include a hook portion (342). The slider (240) may include a catch portion (243). The catch portion (243) may catch on the hook portion (342) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). The catch portion (243) may be provided to be spaced apart from the hook portion (342) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK).

[0300] The above hook portion (342) is positioned in the direction in which the slider (240) moves from the first slider position (SP1) to the second slider position (SP2) with respect to the catch portion (243) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), and can come into contact with the catch portion (243).

[0301] The above hook portion (342) can be formed at one end in the direction of movement from the unlocking position (ULK) of the locker (340) to the locking position (LK).

[0302] The above locker (340) can cover at least a portion of the slider (240) in a direction parallel to the vertical direction (Z) of the main body (10).

[0303] The above cooking appliance may further include a driving source (320) configured to generate power, and a locking cam (330) configured to receive power from the driving source (320) and rotate around a cam rotation axis (330a). The locker (340) may be connected to the locking cam (330) and configured to move between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) when the locking cam (330) rotates.

[0304] The above locker (340) may be arranged so that the lock cam (330) rotates in one direction to move from the unlocking position (ULK) to the locking position (LK), and the lock cam (330) may be arranged so that the lock cam (330) rotates in one direction to move from the locking position (LK) to the unlocking position (ULK).

[0305] The above locker (340) may be provided to be rotatable about the locking cam (330) around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the locker (340) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the cam rotation axis (330a).

[0306] The locker (340) may include a hook portion (342). The hook portion (342) may be formed to be caught by the slider (240) when the slider (240) is positioned at the first slider position (SP1) and the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). When the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK), the distance between the hook portion (342) and the cam rotation axis (330a) may be shorter than the distance between the hook portion (342) and the cam rotation axis (330a) when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK).

[0307] The above cooking appliance may further include a cam position detection sensor (350) provided to detect the position of the lock cam (330).

[0308] The cam position detection sensor (350) may include a switch (351) that generates an electrical signal depending on whether it is pressed. The locking cam (330) may include a cam surface (332) that is formed to press the switch (351) or to move away from the switch (351) as the locking cam (330) rotates.

[0309] The cam face (332) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the switch (351) when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK) and to press the switch (351) when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK).

[0310] The distance that the locker (340) moves between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) may be greater than or equal to the distance that the slider (240) moves between the first slider position (SP1) and the second slider position (SP2).

[0311] The above cooking appliance may further include a locker guide (312) that is fixed to the main body (10) and guides the locker (340) to move between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK).

[0312] The above cooking appliance may include a pusher (230) configured to press the slider (240) from the first slider position (SP1) toward the second slider position (SP2), a first driving source (220) configured to generate power for the pusher (230) to press the slider (240), and a second driving source (320) configured to generate power for the locker (340) to move between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK).

[0313] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance comprises: a main body (10) forming a cooking chamber (20); a door (30) provided to open and close the cooking chamber (20) and including a door locking part (31); a latch (100) disposed on the main body (10) and rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10) so as to be caught by or separated from the door locking part (31) when the cooking chamber (20) is closed; a slider (240) disposed on the main body (10), connected to the latch (100), and provided so as to be movable with respect to the main body (10) in conjunction with the rotation of the latch (100); and a slider (240) disposed on the main body (10) and movable between a locking position (LK) that fixes the slider (240) and an unlocking position (ULK) that is spaced apart from the slider (240) and allows the slider (240) to move with respect to the main body (10). It may include a locker (340).

[0314] The above cooking appliance may further include a driving source (320) configured to generate power, and a locking cam (330) configured to receive power from the driving source (320) and rotate around a cam rotation axis (330a). The locker (340) may be connected to the locking cam (330) and configured to move between the locking position (LK) and the unlocking position (ULK) when the locking cam (330) rotates.

[0315] The locker (340) may include a locker body (341) connected to the lock cam (330), and a hook portion (342) protruding from one side of the locker body (341). The hook portion (342) may be caught on the slider (240) when the locker (340) is positioned at the locking position (LK). The hook portion (342) may be provided to be spaced apart from the slider (240) when the locker (340) is positioned at the unlocking position (ULK).

[0316] The above cooking appliance (1) may further include a cam position detection sensor (350) provided to detect the position of the locking cam (330). The cam position detection sensor (350) may include a switch (351) that generates an electrical signal depending on whether it is pressed. The locking cam (330) may be formed to pressurize the switch (351) or move away from the switch (351) as the locking cam (330) rotates.

[0317] A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body (10) forming a cooking chamber (20); a door (30) provided to open and close the cooking chamber (20); a latch (100) mounted on the main body (10) and provided to be movable between a first latch position (LP1) that supports the door (30) when the door (30) closes the cooking chamber (20) and a second latch position (LP2) that releases support so that the door (30) can be opened; a driving source (320) disposed on the main body (10) and provided to generate power; and a locking position (LK) disposed on the main body (10) and receiving power from the driving source (320) to restrain the latch (100) from moving from the first latch position (LP1) to the second latch position (LP2); and a locking position (LK) that locks the latch (100) between the first latch position (LP1) and the second latch position (LP2). It may include a locker (340) that is arranged to be movable between unlocking positions (ULK) that allow movement between positions (LP2).

[0318] According to the invention of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance can provide a structure for automatically opening a door, including a slider connected to a latch and a pusher for pressing the slider.

[0319] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the cooking appliance is configured such that the slider is separate from the pusher, so that even if the drive module does not operate due to reasons such as damage to the drive source or power cut off, the slider can move relative to the main body, and thus the user can manually open the door even if the drive module does not operate.

[0320] According to the invention, the cooking appliance includes a locker configured to restrict or permit movement of the slider, so that the door can be firmly locked when in the locking mode.

[0321] According to the invention of the present disclosure, the cooking appliance has a drive module and a locking module arranged adjacent to each other, so that the space occupied by the drive module and the locking module inside the main body can be saved, and the assembly process of the parts can be performed efficiently.

[0322] The effects according to the idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0323] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. The main body forming the cooking room; A door provided to open and close the above cooking room and including a door lock; A latch disposed on the main body and configured to be movable between a first latch position engaged with the door lock and a second latch position disengaged from the door lock when the cooking chamber is closed; a slider connected to said latch and arranged to be moveable between a first slider position when said latch is positioned at said first latch position and a second slider position when said latch is positioned at said second latch position; and A cooking appliance comprising: a locker disposed on the main body and configured to be movable between a locking position that restricts the slider from moving from the first slider position to the second slider position and an unlocking position that allows the slider to move between the first slider position and the second slider position; 2. In paragraph 1, The above locker includes a hook portion, The above slider includes a catch, The above-mentioned catch is, A cooking appliance wherein the slider is caught by the hook portion when the slider is positioned at the first slider position and the locker is positioned at the locking position, and is spaced apart from the hook portion when the slider is positioned at the first slider position and the locker is positioned at the unlocking position.

3. In paragraph 2, The above hook part, A cooking appliance in which the slider is positioned in the first slider position and the locker is positioned in the locking position, and the slider is positioned in a direction in which the slider moves from the first slider position to the second slider position with respect to the catch portion and comes into contact with the catch portion.

4. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the above hook portion is formed at one end in the direction in which the locker moves from the unlocking position to the locking position.

5. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance in which the above rocker covers at least a portion of the above slider in a direction parallel to the vertical direction of the above main body.

6. In paragraph 1, A driving source provided to generate power; and It further includes a locking cam that is configured to rotate around a cam rotation axis by receiving power from the above driving source; A cooking appliance in which the locker is connected to the lock cam and is configured to move between the locked position and the unlocked position when the lock cam rotates.

7. In paragraph 6, The above locker, The above locking cam is arranged to rotate in one direction to move from the unlocking position to the locking position, A cooking appliance wherein the locking cam is arranged to rotate in the one direction to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

8. In paragraph 6, The above locker is provided to be rotatable about the above locking cam around the rotation axis, A cooking appliance in which the rotation axis of the above locker is positioned apart from the rotation axis of the cam.

9. In paragraph 6, The above locker includes a hook portion, The above hook part, The slider is formed to be caught by the slider when the slider is positioned at the first slider position and the locker is positioned at the locking position, A cooking appliance wherein the distance between the hook portion and the cam rotation axis when the locker is in the locked position is shorter than the distance between the hook portion and the cam rotation axis when the locker is in the unlocked position.

10. In paragraph 6, A cooking appliance further comprising a cam position detection sensor configured to detect the position of the lock cam.

11. In paragraph 10, The above cam position detection sensor includes a switch that generates an electrical signal depending on whether pressure is applied, The above locking cam, A cooking appliance comprising a cam surface formed to pressurize or move away from the switch as the lock cam rotates.

12. In paragraph 11, The above cam surface is, A cooking appliance wherein the locker is arranged to be spaced from the switch when the locker is in the unlocked position and to press the switch when the locker is in the locked position.

13. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance wherein the distance that the locker moves between the locking position and the unlocking position is greater than the distance that the slider moves between the first slider position and the second slider position.

14. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance further comprising a rocker guide fixed to the main body and guiding the rocker to move between the locking position and the unlocking position.

15. In paragraph 1, A pusher arranged to push the slider from the first slider position toward the second slider position; A first driving source provided so that the pusher generates power to press the slider; and A cooking appliance comprising a second driving source configured to generate power for moving the locker between the locked position and the unlocked position.

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