A mounting bracket

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connection bracket (B) suitable for use in a cooking device for connecting a thermostat (T) and a heating element (S) to an inner body (G) thereof, wherein the cooking device comprises at least one body; at least one inner body (G) located in the body; at least one heating element (S) provided in the inner body (G) and having at least one terminal arm (S1); at least one thermostat (T) provided as a rod in the inner body (G); and at least one door. The connection bracket (B) comprises: at least one bracket body (1) provided as a plate and having at least one front surface and at least one rear surface; at least one holding lug (2) provided on the front surface of the bracket body (1), forming a narrow angle with the horizontal axis, and having at least one thermostat aperture (2a) for inserting at least one portion of the thermostat (T); at least one holding protrusion (4) located on a portion of the front surface of the bracket body (1) away from the holding lug (2), the holding protrusion (4) having at least one slot (4a) at an upper portion thereof for receiving at least one portion of the thermostat (T); at least one support protrusion (3) located between the holding lug (2) and the holding protrusion (4) on the front surface of the bracket body (1) to support the thermostat (T) at an upper portion thereof; at least one heater aperture (5) in the bracket body (1) that is suitable for inserting the terminal arm (T); and at least one connection aperture (7) in the bracket body (1).

Description

[0001] A MOUNTING BRACKET

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a connection system used in a cooking device, such as an oven, for connecting a thermostat and a heating element to an inner body.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] A cooking device such as an oven comprises at least one body; at least one inner body provided in the body and forming at least one inner compartment; at least one heating element positioned in the inner body to heat the inner compartment; and at least one door controlling access into the inner compartment. Here, products to be cooked and / or heated are placed into the inner compartment and heated via the heating element.

[0006] In cooking devices, temperature-sensing components referred to as thermostats are also utilized to control the operation of the heating element and maintain the inner compartment at a desired temperature. Here, users determine a desired temperature for the inner compartment, for example, via a control panel, wherein the heating element is energized until the temperature in the inner compartment, as detected by the thermostat, reaches the user-determined temperature, and once the temperature in the inner compartment detected by thermostat reaches the user-determined temperature, operation of the heating element is ceased.

[0007] In oven-type cooking devices, said heating element comprises electrical connection terminals extending from a rear wall of the inner body to the outside of the inner body for energizing the heating element. The heating element is secured to the rear wall to ensure the safety of the electrical connection. Additionally, the thermostat must be connected to the inner body to ensure the accurate detection of the inner compartment’s temperature. Therefore, there is a need for connection structures that allow these components to be practically and securely attached to the inner body. Brief Description of the Invention

[0008] The present invention discloses a connection bracket suitable for use in a cooking device for connecting a thermostat and a heating element to an inner body thereof, wherein the cooking device comprises at least one body; at least one inner body located in the body; at least one heating element provided in the inner body and having at least one terminal arm; at least one thermostat provided as a rod in the inner body; and at least one door. The connection bracket comprises: at least one bracket body provided as a plate and having at least one front surface and at least one rear surface; at least one holding lug provided on the front surface of the bracket body, forming a narrow angle with the horizontal axis, and having at least one thermostat aperture for inserting at least one portion of the thermostat; at least one holding protrusion located on a portion of the front surface of the bracket body away from the holding lug, the holding protrusion having at least one slot at an upper portion thereof for receiving at least one portion of the thermostat; at least one support protrusion located between the holding lug and the holding protrusion on the front surface of the bracket body to support the thermostat at an upper portion thereof; at least one heater aperture in the bracket body that is suitable for inserting the terminal arm; and at least one connection aperture in the bracket body.

[0009] The connection bracket according to the present invention comprises components such as holding lug, support protrusion, and holding protrusion for connecting the thermostat, along with a heater aperture for attaching the heating element. Thus, the thermostat and heating element can be connected to the connection bracket in a reliable and practical manner. Moreover, since the connection aperture on the connection bracket allows the connection bracket to be connected to the inner body, connection of the thermostat and heating element to the inner body is ensured.

[0010] Object of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracket used in a cooking device, such as an oven, for connecting a thermostat and a heating element to an inner body thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide a practical and reliable mounting bracket.

[0012] Description of the Drawings

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the mounting bracket according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of an inner body using the mounting bracket according to the invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention before installation of the heating element.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention after installation of the heating element.

[0019] Figure 6 is a close-up view of Detail A illustrated in Figure 5.

[0020] Figure 7 is a view of an inner body using the mounting bracket according to the invention, during assembly of the thermostat to the mounting bracket.

[0021] Figure 8 is a detailed view of an inner body using the mounting bracket according to the invention, during assembly of the thermostat to the mounting bracket.

[0022] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket according to the invention, with the thermostat and heating element attached.

[0023] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0024] Inner body (G)

[0025] Heating element (S)

[0026] Terminal arm (S1)

[0027] Thermostat (T)

[0028] Connection bracket (B)

[0029] Bracket body (1)

[0030] Holding lug (2) Thermostat aperture (2a)

[0031] Support protrusion (3)

[0032] Recess (3a)

[0033] Holding protrusion (4)

[0034] Slot (4a)

[0035] Heater aperture (5)

[0036] Tab (5a)

[0037] Lateral protrusion (6)

[0038] Connection aperture (7)

[0039] Connecting element (8)

[0040] Detail (A)

[0041] Description of the Invention

[0042] Cooking devices such as ovens comprise at least one heating element for heating an inner compartment, and a thermostat for controlling operation of the heating element. Particularly in electric cooking devices, resistance-type heaters are used as heating elements, and it is necessary to ensure a reliable connection of these heating elements within an inner body forming the inner compartment for cooking safety. Therefore, the present invention provides a connection system used in a cooking device, such as an oven, for connecting a thermostat and a heating element to an inner body.

[0043] The connection bracket according to the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1-9, is suitable for use in a cooking device for connecting a thermostat (T) and a heating element

[0044] (S) to an inner body (G) thereof, wherein the cooking device comprises at least one body; at least one inner body (G) located in the body; at least one heating element (S) provided in the inner body (G) and having at least one terminal arm (S1); at least one thermostat

[0045] (T) provided as a rod in the inner body (G) (e.g. having a cylindrical body); and at least one door. The connection bracket (B) comprises: at least one bracket body (1) provided as a plate and having at least one front surface and at least one rear surface; at least one holding lug (2) provided on the front surface of the bracket body (1), forming a narrow angle with the horizontal axis, and having at least one thermostat aperture (2a) for inserting at least one portion of the thermostat (T); at least one holding protrusion (4) located on a portion of the front surface of the bracket body (1) away from the holding lug (2), the holding protrusion (4) having at least one slot (4a) at an upper portion thereof for receiving at least one portion of the thermostat (T); at least one support protrusion (3) located between the holding lug (2) and the holding protrusion (4) on the front surface of the bracket body (1) to support the thermostat (T) at an upper portion thereof; at least one heater aperture (5) in the bracket body (1) that is suitable for inserting the terminal arm (T); and at least one connection aperture (7) in the bracket body (1).

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection bracket (B) is used in a cooking device which may be an oven. The cooking device comprises at least one body; at least one inner body (G) provided in the body; at least one heating element (S) provided in the inner body (G) and having at least one terminal arm (S1); at least one thermostat (T) provided in the inner body (G); and at least one door. Here, the connection bracket (B) is used to attach the thermostat (T) and the heating element (S) to the inner body (G). The heating element (S) is connected to the connection bracket (B) by inserting at least one terminal arm (S1) contained in the heating element (S) into the heater aperture (5). The terminal arm (S1) comprises electrical connection terminals to power the heating element (S). Moreover, to attach the thermostat (T) to the connection bracket (B), one end of the thermostat (T) is first inserted through the thermostat aperture (2a). Due to the holding lug (2) forming a narrow angle with the horizontal axis, the thermostat (T) remains positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal axis, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. By applying an upward force to the portion of the thermostat (T) that is farther from the holding lug (2), the thermostat (T) is brought into contact with the support protrusion

[0047] (3), and when the force continues, the support protrusion (3) flexes upward slightly. Subsequently, a portion of the thermostat (T) is placed into the slot (4a). Once the force on the thermostat (T) is removed, the support protrusion (3) applies force against the thermostat (T) to prevent it from exiting the recess (4a). This ensures that the thermostat (T) is securely and reliably connected to the connection bracket (B). The connection bracket (B) is secured to the inner body (G) using a connecting element (8), such as a screw inserted through the connection aperture (7). In this way, the heating element (S) and the thermostat (T) connected to the connection bracket (B) are securely and reliably attached to the inner body (G).

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection bracket (B) comprises at least one (preferably at least two opposing) tab (5a) located around the heater aperture (5) on the rear surface of the bracket body (1). The tab (5a) ensures that the terminal arm (S1) inserted through the heater aperture (5) is connected to the connection bracket (B) in a more reliable manner.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection bracket (B) comprises at least one lateral protrusion (6) provided on a portion of the front surface of the bracket body (1) that is away from the holding protrusion (4). The lateral protrusion (6) serves as a barrier that the end portion of the thermostat (T) connected to the connection bracket (B) comes into contact with. In this embodiment, the lateral protrusion (6) ensures that the thermostat (T) is aligned correctly when connected to the connection bracket (B).

[0050] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the support protrusion (3) comprises at least one recess (3a) provided on a portion of the support protrusion (3) closer to the holding lug (2). In this embodiment, while force is applied to the thermostat (T) to flex the support protrusion (3) upward during the connection of the thermostat (T) to the connection bracket (B), a portion of the thermostat (T) is seated in the recess (3a). Thus, the thermostat (T) is prevented from removing out of the support protrusion (3) during such a movement, ensuring that the thermostat (T) remains under the support protrusion (3) during assembly.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the bracket body (1) is made of sheet metal. In this embodiment, components such as the holding lug (2), the support protrusion (3), and the holding protrusion (4) can be manufactured by cutting, shaping, and bending the sheet metal material. This enables the connection bracket (B) to be produced easily.

[0052] The invention also discloses a cooking device comprising said connection bracket (B). The cooking device, preferably an oven, comprises at least one body; at least one inner body (G) provided in the body; at least one heating element (S) provided in the inner body (G), having at least one terminal arm (S1), and connected to the inner body (G) by means of the connection bracket (B); at least one thermostat (T) provided in the inner body (G) as a rod (e.g. having a cylindrical body) that is connected to the inner body (G) by means of the connection bracket (B); at least one door; and at least one connecting element (8), preferably a screw, which is inserted through the connection aperture (7) to be connected to the inner body (G), thereby securing the connection bracket (B) to the inner body (G). The connection bracket according to the present invention comprises components such as holding lug (2), support protrusion (3), and holding protrusion (4) for connecting the thermostat (T), along with a heater aperture (5) for attaching the heating element (S). Thus, the thermostat (T) and heating element (S) can be connected to the connection bracket (B) in a reliable and practical manner. Moreover, since the connection aperture (7) on the connection bracket (B) allows the connection bracket (B) to be connected to the inner body (G), connection of the thermostat (T) and heating element (S) to the inner body (G) is ensured.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection bracket (B) suitable for use in a cooking device for connecting a thermostat (T) and a heating element (S) to an inner body (G) thereof, wherein the cooking device comprises at least one body; at least one inner body (G) located in the body; at least one heating element (S) provided in the inner body (G) and having at least one terminal arm (S1); at least one thermostat (T) provided as a rod in the inner body (G); and at least one door, the connection bracket (B) characterized by comprising: at least one bracket body (1) provided as a plate and having at least one front surface and at least one rear surface; at least one holding lug (2) provided on the front surface of the bracket body (1), forming a narrow angle with the horizontal axis, and having at least one thermostat aperture (2a) for inserting at least one portion of the thermostat (T); at least one holding protrusion (4) located on a portion of the front surface of the bracket body (1) away from the holding lug (2), the holding protrusion (4) having at least one slot (4a) at an upper portion thereof for receiving at least one portion of the thermostat (T); at least one support protrusion (3) located between the holding lug (2) and the holding protrusion (4) on the front surface of the bracket body (1) to support the thermostat (T) at an upper portion thereof; at least one heater aperture (5) in the bracket body (1) that is suitable for inserting the terminal arm (T); and at least one connection aperture (7) in the bracket body (1).

2. A connection bracket (B) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connection bracket (B) comprises at least one tab (5a) located around the heater aperture (5) on the rear surface of the bracket body (1).

3. A connection bracket (B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection bracket (B) comprises at least one lateral protrusion (6) provided on a portion of the front surface of the bracket body (1) that is away from the holding protrusion (4).

4. A connection bracket (B) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support protrusion (3) comprises at least one recess (3a) provided on a portion of the support protrusion (3) closer to the holding lug (2).

5. A connection bracket (B) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bracket body (1) is a metal sheet.

6. A cooking device comprising a connection bracket (B) according to any of the preceding claims.

7. A cooking device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cooking device comprises: at least one body; at least one inner body (G) provided in the body; at least one heating element (S) provided in the inner body (G), having at least one terminal arm (S1), and connected to the inner body (G) by means of the connection bracket (B); at least one thermostat (T) provided in the inner body (G) as a rod (e.g. having a cylindrical body) that is connected to the inner body (G) by means of the connection bracket (B); at least one door; and at least one connecting element (8) which is inserted through the connection aperture (7) to be connected to the inner body (G), thereby securing the connection bracket (B) to the inner body (G).

8. A cooking device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the cooking device is an oven.

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