Cooking appliance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking appliance which enables retention of a simple structure for the cooking appliance and prevention of a decrease in cooking capacity by detachably disposing a steam generator, for generating steam and supplying same to a cooking chamber, inside the cooking chamber, and which can improve user convenience by enabling steam to be supplied, as needed, by means of the steam generator that can be separately and detachably disposed in a closed-type cooking appliance that does not originally provide a steam supply function.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance in which a steam generator that generates and supplies steam to a cooking chamber is configured to be detachably disposed inside the cooking chamber, thereby maintaining a simple structure of the cooking appliance and preventing a reduction in cooking capacity, and allowing steam to be supplied as needed through a steam generator that can be separately and detachably disposed even for a closed-type cooking appliance that does not inherently provide a steam supply function, thus improving user convenience.

[0002]

[0003] Generally, a cooking appliance is a type of home appliance installed in a kitchen space to cook food according to the user's intent. Such cooking appliances can be classified in various ways depending on the heat source or form used, or the type of fuel.

[0004] When classifying cooking appliances according to the form in which food is cooked, they can be classified into open and closed types based on the shape of the space where the food is placed. Closed cooking appliances include ovens and microwave ovens, while open cooking appliances include cooktops and stovetops.

[0005] A sealed cooking appliance is a cooking appliance that shields the space where food is located and cooks the food by heating the shielded space.

[0006] A closed-type cooking appliance is provided with a cooking chamber, which is a shielded space where food is placed to be cooked. This cooking chamber serves as the actual space where the food is cooked. A heat source is supplied to the interior or exterior of the cooking chamber to heat it.

[0007] A closed-type cooking appliance is provided with a rotatable door that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber. The door is rotatably installed on the main body by means of a door hinge provided between the main body, which has a cooking chamber formed inside, and the door, and the cooking chamber can be selectively opened and closed by rotating around the part connected to the main body through the door hinge. A heat source is provided in the internal space of the cooking chamber opened and closed by the door to heat the cooking chamber. A gas burner or an electric heater may be used as such a heat source.

[0008] Meanwhile, in sealed cooking appliances, moisture may evaporate during the cooking and heating processes, causing the food to gradually dry out.

[0009] Therefore, in order to suppress the drying of food during such cooking and heating processes, means for generating and supplying steam to a sealed cooking appliance may be provided.

[0010] In this regard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0218332 discloses a cooking device configured to form a separate steam generating space at the bottom of a cavity and to selectively supply steam generated in the steam generating space to a cooking chamber during the cooking process.

[0011]

[0012] The cooking device of the aforementioned prior art document 001 is configured to include a water storage space for generating steam, a steam generating space, a separate heat source or a dedicated heater, and piping for supplying the generated steam to a cooking room.

[0013] Therefore, the cooking device of prior art 001 has the problem that the structure of the cooking device is inevitably configured to be quite complex, as the water storage space, steam generation space, dedicated heater, and piping for supplying the generated steam to the cooking room must be provided as a single unit.

[0014] In addition, the cooking device disclosed in prior art document 001 has a problem in that, as a water storage space, a steam generation space, a dedicated heater, and piping for supplying the generated steam to the cooking chamber must be separately provided at the bottom of the cavity, the size of the cooking device itself increases or the volume of the cooking chamber itself decreases, which is highly likely to result in a decrease in cooking capacity.

[0015] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and its first objective is to provide a cooking appliance capable of maintaining a simple structure and preventing a decrease in cooking capacity by configuring a steam generator that generates and supplies steam to a cooking chamber to be detachably disposed inside the cooking chamber.

[0016] In addition, the second objective is to provide a cooking appliance that can improve user convenience by supplying steam as needed through a steam generator that can be separately and detachably installed, even for closed-type cooking appliances that do not inherently provide a steam supply function.

[0017] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0018]

[0019] A cooking device according to the present invention comprises: a cavity having a cooking chamber inside; a broil heater that heats the cooking chamber by supplying radiant heat to the cooking chamber; and a steam generator that generates steam to be heated by the broil heater and supplied to the cooking chamber, wherein the steam generator is detachably disposed in the cooking chamber.

[0020] In addition, the steam generator can be detachably attached to the ceiling wall of the cavity.

[0021] Additionally, the steam generator may be positioned between the left wall of the cavity and the broil heater or between the right wall of the cavity and the broil heater.

[0022] In addition, the steam generator can be compatiblely positioned between the left wall of the cavity and the broil heater and between the right wall of the cavity and the broil heater.

[0023] In addition, the steam generator can be attached to the ceiling wall of the cavity via magnetic force.

[0024] In addition, the steam generator may include a plurality of magnets that generate the magnetic force.

[0025] In addition, the cavity may include a fixing bracket that elastically supports the steam generator in a detachable manner.

[0026] In addition, one side of the steam generator may be supported by a fixed bracket, and the other side of the steam generator may be supported by the broil heater.

[0027] In addition, the steam generator may be positioned in surface contact with the ceiling wall of the cavity.

[0028] In addition, the ceiling wall of the cavity is provided with a receiving groove formed concavely toward the upward direction and in which the broil heater is at least partially received, and the steam generator may come into surface contact with the receiving groove.

[0029] In addition, the steam generator may be positioned to be in contact with the broil heater.

[0030] Additionally, the steam generator comprises: a water tank portion in which water to be vaporized into steam is stored; and a steam separation portion formed to protrude upward from the upper wall of the water tank portion; and the broil heater may come into contact with either the upper wall of the water tank portion or the steam separation portion.

[0031] In addition, the broil heater may come into contact with the upper wall of the water tank section and the steam separation section.

[0032] In addition, a curved edge surface is provided at the point where the upper wall of the water tank section and the steam separation section meet, and the broil heater and the edge surface may come into surface contact with each other.

[0033] In addition, the broil heater may come into surface contact with the upper wall of the water tank section.

[0034] In addition, the upper wall of the water tank section may be provided with a concave surface formed concavely toward the downward direction and in surface contact with the broil heater.

[0035]

[0036] The cooking device according to the present invention is configured such that a steam generator, which generates and supplies steam to the cooking chamber, is detachably disposed inside the cooking chamber, thereby maintaining a simple structure of the cooking device and preventing a decrease in cooking capacity.

[0037] In addition, the cooking device according to the present invention can supply steam as needed through a steam generator that can be separately and detachably disposed even for a sealed cooking device that does not originally provide a steam supply function, thereby having the effect of significantly improving user convenience.

[0038] In addition, the cooking device according to the present invention can utilize the heat inside the cooking chamber and the heaters constituting the existing cooking device as a heat source for steam generation, thereby having the effect of enabling the miniaturization of the steam generator.

[0039] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0040]

[0041] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cooking device according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the door of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1 in an open state.

[0043] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the cavity of the cooking appliance of Figure 1, viewed from the front.

[0045] Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view looking at the upper interior of the cavity of the cooking appliance of Figure 1.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1, and is a drawing for explaining the state in which a steam generator is placed in the cooking chamber.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 6, a perspective view taken from the lower direction showing the steam generator attached to the cavity.

[0048] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the vertical cross-section of the cavity shown in FIG. 6, and is a perspective view looking at the ceiling wall of the cavity with the steam generator removed.

[0049] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vertical cross-section of the cavity shown in FIG. 6, and is a perspective view looking at the ceiling wall of the cavity with a steam generator attached.

[0050] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a steam generator constituting a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the steam generator illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0052] FIGS. 12 to 14 are partial enlarged views of FIG. 10, which are cross-sectional views illustrating the state in which the broil heater is in surface contact with the steam generator.

[0053] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a support structure and a fixing structure of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054]

[0055] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0056] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0057] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0058] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0059] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0060] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0061] Additionally, singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0062] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0063] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings illustrating the configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] [Overall structure of the cooking appliance]

[0065] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a cooking device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0066] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body (10) that forms an exterior.

[0067] The main body (10) may be provided in a shape including a rectangular parallelepiped and may be formed of a metal material having a certain strength to protect a number of parts installed in its internal space.

[0068] The main body (10) may comprise a cavity (11) with an open front and a front panel (13) positioned on the upper front side of the cavity (11).

[0069] A cooking chamber (15) is formed inside the cavity (11), and an opening that opens the cooking chamber (15) forward may be formed in the front panel (13).

[0070] The cooking chamber (15) provided inside the cavity (11) of the main body (10) may be formed in the shape of a cuboid with the front open. When the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) is heated while the cooking chamber (15) is shielded, food can be heated and cooked inside the cooking chamber (15). That is, in the cooking device (1), the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) can actually become a space where food is cooked.

[0071] A steam generator (1000) for generating and supplying steam to a cooking chamber (15) may be detachably disposed inside the cavity (11). More specifically, as described below, the steam generator (1000) may be detachably attached and fixed to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) at a location adjacent to the left wall (111) or the right wall (112) of the cavity (11). The detailed configuration of the steam generator (1000) will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 and below.

[0072] A cooking device (1) may be provided with a heating unit for heating a cooking chamber (15). The heating unit may include a first heating unit (50) that is positioned on the upper side of the cooking chamber (15) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and heats the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) from the upper side.

[0073] Additionally, the heating unit may further include a second heating unit (70) positioned at the rear side of the cooking chamber (15) to heat the internal air of the cooking chamber (15) to generate hot air, and to heat the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) by convection of the generated hot air.

[0074] Additionally, the heating unit may further include a third heating unit (60) positioned on the lower side of the cooking chamber (15) and heating the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) from the lower side.

[0075] The detailed configuration of the first heating unit (50), the second heating unit (70), and the third heating unit (60) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0076] Meanwhile, although not shown, a temperature sensor (not shown) for directly or indirectly measuring the temperature of the cooking chamber (15) may be attached to the inside or outside of the cavity (11).

[0077] A door (16) for selectively opening and closing a cooking chamber (15) may be rotatably provided at the front of the main body (10). The door (16) can open and close the cooking chamber (15) in a pull-down manner, with the upper part rotating in the up-down direction (UD direction) around the lower part.

[0078] The door (16) is formed in the shape of a cuboid with a predetermined thickness overall, and a handle (17) may be installed on the front surface so that the user can easily grasp it when rotating the door (16).

[0079] Additionally, a transparent glass or door display (16a) may be placed on the front of the door (16). The door display (16a) can receive a video signal from a camera or image sensor (not shown) placed inside the cooking chamber (15) and display an image of the situation and state of cooking inside the cooking chamber (15).

[0080] A control panel (20) may be provided at the upper front of the cooking device (1), that is, at the upper front of the cavity (11).

[0081] The control panel (20) may form part of the front exterior of the cooking appliance (1). The control panel (20) may be equipped with a knob (21) for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1) and a panel display (22) for displaying the operating status of the cooking appliance (1).

[0082] An electrical room (10s) may be provided outside the cavity (11). For example, the electrical room (10s) may be located on the upper side of the cavity (11) and on the rear side of the control panel (20).

[0083] At this time, the electrical chamber may be formed on an upper panel (40) positioned on the upper side of the cavity (11) to protect the circuit board and electrical components from heat generated from the cavity.

[0084] Inside the electrical room (10s), a space may be formed for installing a plurality of electrical components including a circuit board.

[0085] Various components and circuits related to receiving operation signals input through the control panel (20) and generating control signals for controlling the operation of the heating unit may be provided on the circuit board. As configurations for accommodating and arranging such circuit boards and components are applicable according to those already disclosed in the art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0086] The electrical room (10s) can be shielded by the front panel (13), upper panel (40) and outer case (31).

[0087] More specifically, the front of the electrical room (10s) may be shielded by a front panel (13), the upper and rear surfaces of the electrical room (10s) may be shielded by an upper case (311) among the outer cases (31), and the side surfaces may be shielded by a side case (312) among the outer cases (31). At this time, the lower surface of the electrical room may be shielded by an upper panel (40).

[0088] Meanwhile, the cooking device (1) may further include a tray (19) on which food is placed.

[0089] The tray (19) can be configured to support food from the lower side and be placed inside the cooking chamber (15). This tray (19) can be used to place food placed on the tray (19) at a height desired by the user, and can be placed inside the cooking chamber (15) or pulled out outside the cooking chamber (15) as needed.

[0090] A plurality of guide rails (18) may be provided inside the cooking chamber (15) so that the tray (19) can be mounted inside the cooking chamber (15). The guide rails (18) may be provided on each of the side walls (111, 112) of the cavity (11) forming both sides of the cooking chamber (15).

[0091]

[0092] [Detailed configuration of the heating section]

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the detailed configuration of the heating unit of a cooking device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the main body (10) of the cooking device (1) shown in FIG. 2, cut vertically along the front-rear direction (FR direction); FIG. 4 shows a partial enlarged view of the cavity (11) viewed from the front; and FIG. 5 shows a view of the ceiling wall (113) viewed from inside the cavity (11).

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, as described above, the heating unit of a cooking device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a first heating unit (50), a second heating unit (70), and a third heating unit (60).

[0096] The first heating unit (50) is positioned on the upper side of the cooking chamber (15) and functions to heat the interior space of the cooking chamber (15) from the upper side. To this end, the first heating unit (50) may include a broil heater (51) positioned adjacent to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0097] The broil heater (51) serves to apply radiant heat to the cavity (11) in a downward direction (D-direction). More specifically, the broil heater (51) is positioned at the top of the cavity (11), that is, adjacent to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11), and can heat the air and food in the cavity (11) by applying radiant heat to the cavity (11) in a downward direction (D-direction).

[0098] The broil heater (51) can be provided as an electric resistance heating type heater, and preferably as a sheath heater arranged in a form that is folded multiple times for heating efficiency.

[0099] Figure 5 shows an exemplary detailed configuration of a broil heater (51).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, the broil heater (51) constituting the first heating unit (50) may include an inner heater (511) and an outer heater (512).

[0101] The outer heater (512) is positioned to surround the inner heater (511) on the upper part of the cavity (11) and may be provided with a smaller output than the inner heater (511).

[0102] The outer heater (512) can be placed over a wider area of ​​the cavity (11) compared to the inner heater (511).

[0103] Therefore, since the outer heater (512) can apply radiant heat to a wider area of ​​the cavity (11) compared to the inner heater (511), it can produce a temperature increase effect of the cavity (11) that is the same or similar to that of the inner heater (511) with a smaller output than that of the inner heater (511).

[0104] In order to accommodate the inner heater (511) and outer heater (512) constituting the broil heater (51), a receiving groove (1131) formed concavely in the upward direction (U-direction) may be formed in the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0105] Meanwhile, the second heating unit (70) is positioned at the rear side of the cooking chamber (15) and functions to heat and convect the internal air of the cooking chamber (15) to heat the internal space of the cooking chamber (15). To this end, the second heating unit (70) may include a convection heater (71) positioned adjacent to the rear wall (115) of the cavity (11).

[0106] The convection heater (71) can be configured to be fixed to the rear wall (115) of the cavity (11) as an interior of the cavity (11).

[0107] Similar to the broil heater (51), the convection heater (71) can be provided as an electric resistance heating type heater, and preferably as a sheath heater arranged to have a ring shape overall.

[0108] Additionally, the second heating unit (70) may further include a fan (72) for generating airflow and a fan motor (74) for driving the fan (72).

[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, in order to maximize the heating performance of the air, the fan (72) may be placed inside the cavity (11) as the central side of the ring-shaped convection heater (71), and the fan motor (74) may be placed between the rear panel (14) of the main body (10) and the rear wall (115) of the cavity (11) to prevent heat damage caused by the convection heater (71).

[0110] The output shaft of the fan motor (74) can be connected to the fan (72) in a state that passes through the cavity (11) and extends toward the interior of the cavity (11).

[0111] Additionally, the second heating unit (70) may further include a fan cover (73) to accommodate a fan (72) and a convection heater (71) inside and to protect them.

[0112] The fan cover (73) may be formed to have a box shape with the rear side completely open. The fan cover (73) may be fixed inside the cavity (11) so that the open rear side is attached to the rear wall (115) of the cavity (11).

[0113] The fan cover (73) is exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment formed inside the cavity (11). In consideration of this, the fan cover (73) can be formed by press forming a metal plate having heat resistance and corrosion resistance, and preferably can be formed of the same material as the cavity (11).

[0114] As the fan cover (73) is fixed to the rear wall (115) of the cavity (11) in this manner, a predetermined receiving space can be formed between the fan cover (73) and the rear wall (115) of the cavity (11).

[0115] A fan (72) and a convection heater (71) can be accommodated in the receiving space formed inside the fan cover (73).

[0116] An intake port (736) through which air to be heated by a convection heater (71) is introduced may be formed in the fan cover (73). For example, the intake port (736) may be formed on the front surface (731) of the fan cover (73) and may be provided as a single circular hole.

[0117] At this time, considering the suction efficiency and the heat exchange efficiency for the convection heater (71), the center of the intake port (736), which becomes a circular hole, can be positioned so that it is approximately the same position as the rotation center of the fan (72).

[0118] As described, since the intake port (736) is provided in a single unit, the opening area of ​​the intake port (736) can be set larger than the opening area of ​​the individual exhaust port (737). Therefore, a grill can be provided in the intake port (736) to prevent foreign substances from entering or food or the user from coming into contact with the intake port (736) which has a significantly large opening area.

[0119] Additionally, a plurality of exhaust ports (737) through which air heated by the convection heater (71) is discharged may be formed in the fan cover (73).

[0120] A plurality of exhaust ports (737) can be distributed and arranged in various locations on the fan cover (73) so that high-temperature air heated by the convection heater (71) can be evenly discharged toward the interior of the cooking chamber (15).

[0121] A plurality of exhaust ports (737) may be distributed and arranged on the front, both sides, top, and bottom surfaces of the fan cover (73).

[0122] As the exhaust ports (737) are distributed in multiple locations in this manner, the opening area of ​​each exhaust port (737) can be formed to be smaller than that of the intake port (736).

[0123] Meanwhile, the third heating unit (60) is positioned on the lower side of the cooking chamber (15) and functions to heat the internal space of the cooking chamber (15) from the lower side. To this end, the third heating unit (60) may include a bake heater (61) that heats the bottom wall (114) of the cavity (11).

[0124] A bake heater (61) is configured to heat the bottom wall (114) forming the cavity (11). More specifically, the bake heater (61) may be positioned below the bottom wall (114) of the cavity (11) and positioned on the outer lower side of the cavity (11).

[0125] Similar to the broil heater (51), the bake heater (61) can be equipped as an electric resistance heating type heater, and can be composed of a plate-shaped heating element or provided as a sheath heater to apply radiant heat to the bottom wall (114).

[0126] Heat from the bottom wall (114) heated by the bake heater (61) can be transferred to the entire cavity (11) by conduction. The cavity (11) heated in this way can then apply radiant heat to the cooking chamber (15). Thus, the bake heater (61) can heat the cooking chamber (15) by transferring heat to the cooking chamber (15) in the order of radiation, conduction, and radiation.

[0127] [Example regarding placement and fixing structure in a steam generator]

[0128] With reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the arrangement and fixing structure of a steam generator (1000) disposed inside a cavity (11) of a cooking device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0129] As described above, the present invention aims to provide a cooking device (1) that is a sealed cooking device that does not inherently provide a steam supply function, and can supply steam as needed through a steam generator (1000) that can be separately and detachably disposed.

[0130] Figures 6 and below illustrate the configuration of a cooking appliance (1) that does not have a steam supply function. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a steam generator (1000) described below may be provided to further increase the amount of steam supplied in a cooking appliance that has a built-in steam supply function. Below, the description will be based on a cooking appliance (1) that does not have a steam supply function, as illustrated by example.

[0131] A steam generator (1000) provided in a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured not to have its own heat source or a dedicated heater for generating steam.

[0132] In this way, as the steam generator (1000) does not have its own heat source or a dedicated heater, the structure of the steam generator (1000) can be simplified, the overall size of the steam generator (1000) can be prevented from increasing, and the occupied area can be minimized.

[0133] However, instead of the steam generator (1000) having its own heat source or a dedicated heater, the steam generator (1000) may be configured to generate steam using heat generated inside the cooking chamber (15).

[0134] To this end, a steam generator (1000) provided in a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is placed inside a cooking chamber (15).

[0135] More specifically, the steam generator (1000) may be configured to use a broil heater (51) that forms a first heating unit (50) and heats the heat transferred from the cavity (11) as a heat source for generating steam.

[0136] In order to utilize the heat generated by the cavity (11) and the broil heater (51), the steam generator (1000) needs to be positioned as close as possible to the broil heater (51). To this end, the steam generator (1000) may be configured to be attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) where the broil heater (51) is positioned and fixed. The configuration for using the broil heater (51) as a primary heat source for steam generation will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 and below.

[0137] Meanwhile, as the steam generator (1000) is attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11), the steam generator (1000) is exposed at least partially to the outside of the cooking room (15) and can be easily observed with the naked eye when the door (16) is open, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0138] More specifically, when viewed from the front, as illustrated, the front end surface of the steam generator (1000) can be formed in a state where it can be directly observed visually from the outside of the cavity (11).

[0139] Through this, the user can intuitively confirm that a steam generator (1000) is placed inside the cooking chamber (15).

[0140] However, the height to which the steam generator (1000) protrudes from the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) needs to be limited. This is because if it protrudes excessively, there is a possibility of interference with the containers and food placed inside the cooking chamber (15).

[0141] To prevent such interference, the height at which the steam generator (1000) protrudes from the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) is kept to a minimum, and the vertical position (UD direction) of the bottom surface of the steam generator (1000) is configured to be maintained approximately constant along the front-to-back direction (FR direction).

[0142] Accordingly, as described below, the steam generator (1000) may be configured to have an external shape in which the vertical height (UD direction) of the front side is smaller than the vertical height (UD direction) of the rear side.

[0143] Additionally, to minimize interference with the container and food, the steam generator (1000) may be positioned between the left wall (111) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), or between the right wall (112) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51).

[0144] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a configuration in which a steam generator (1000) is disposed between the right wall (112) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), but the present invention is not limited thereto and a steam generator (1000) may also be disposed between the left wall (111) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater of the broil heater (51).

[0145] Additionally, the steam generator (1000) may be formed to have a left-right symmetrical shape. Through this, the steam generator (1000) according to the present invention can be compatiblely positioned between the left wall (111) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), and between the right wall (112) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51).

[0146] In addition, the steam generator (1000) according to the present invention may be provided in multiple units, and since the steam generator (1000) has a left-right symmetrical shape, it may be configured to be placed between the left wall (111) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), and between the right wall (112) of the cavity (11) and the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), respectively. By configuring the steam generator (1000) to be provided on the left and right sides in this manner, it is possible to effectively provide steam into the interior of the cooking chamber (15) even in situations where more steam generation is required.

[0147] Meanwhile, as described above, the steam generator (1000) can be detachably attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11). More specifically, the steam generator (1000) can be detachably attached to the ceiling wall of the cavity (11) through magnetic force.

[0148] More specifically, the steam generator (1000) may include a plurality of magnets (120, 130) that generate magnetic force so that it can be detachably attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) through magnetic force.

[0149] At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the steam generator (1000) is formed such that the width in the front-to-back direction (FR direction) is much larger than the width in the left-to-right direction and the height in the up-to-down direction (UD direction). That is, the front-to-back direction (FR direction) becomes the longitudinal direction. In order to generate an even adhesion force along the longitudinal direction, a plurality of magnets (120, 130) may include a first magnet (1200) that attaches the front side of the steam generator (1000) to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11), and a second magnet (1300) that attaches the rear side of the steam generator (1000) to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0150] As described below, the first magnet (1200) can be fixed to the gripping part (1130) of the main body (1100), and the second magnet (1300) can be fixed to the main cover (1410).

[0151] As described, the first magnet (1200) and the second magnet (1300) are arranged along the front-rear direction (FR direction), that is, along the longitudinal direction of the steam generator (1000), so that the front end side and the rear side of the steam generator (1000) can each be attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) in a surface contact state.

[0152] In particular, the main cover (1410) forming the upper rear side surface of the steam generator (1000) through the second magnet (1300) can be attached in a surface contact state to the receiving groove (1131) formed in the ceiling wall (113).

[0153] In this way, as it is attached in a surface contact state with the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) at least two locations, the heat conduction surface that can conduct heat generated through the heating unit and transferred to the cavity (11) to the steam generator (1000) can be secured as wide as possible.

[0154] [Detailed Structure of the Steam Generator]

[0155] Hereinafter, an exemplary detailed structure of a steam generator (1000) will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11.

[0156] First, referring to FIG. 10, a steam generator (1000) of a cooking device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a main body (1100) that stores water to be vaporized into steam and generates steam and supplies it to a cooking chamber (15), and a main cover (1410) that is detachably coupled to the main body (1100).

[0157] The main body (1100) stores water to be vaporized into steam and separates water that is not vaporized to supply steam to the cooking chamber (15).

[0158] To this end, the main body (1100) may be divided into a water tank section (1110) that stores and heats water functionally, and a steam separation section (1120) that separates steam and liquid water.

[0159] As illustrated, the water tank section (1110) may be provided in the shape of a hollow box so as to store a predetermined amount of water inside, as an example.

[0160] As described above, in order to minimize the area of ​​the part that can be directly observed with the naked eye from the outside of the cavity (11), the water tank part (1110) may have a cuboid box shape in which the width in the front-to-back direction (FR direction) is much larger than the height in the vertical direction (UD direction) and the width in the left-to-right direction.

[0161] The water tank section (1110) is directly exposed to the high temperature and high humidity environment inside the cavity (11) and is positioned in direct surface contact with the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) to increase vaporization efficiency and vaporization speed. Additionally, as described below, the upper wall of the water tank section (1110) is configured to be in direct contact with the broil heater (51) to increase vaporization efficiency and vaporization speed.

[0162] Accordingly, considering these conditions, the water tank portion (1110) can be formed by press forming a metal plate having a certain heat resistance and corrosion resistance, and preferably, it can be formed from a stainless steel-based material, just like the cavity (11).

[0163] A rectangular through hole that opens upward (U-direction) may be formed in a position corresponding to the receiving groove (1131) of the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) among the upper walls of the water tank section (1110).

[0164] Additionally, as described, a gripping portion (1130) may be formed at the front end of the water tank portion (1110).

[0165] The gripping portion (1130) may be provided in the form of a hollow box with an open bottom surface. Accordingly, for easy gripping by the user, the internal space of the gripping portion (1130) may have a width in the front-to-back direction (FR direction) through which the user's fingers can easily enter.

[0166] Meanwhile, a first magnet (1200) may be fixed inside the gripping part (1130) to provide a detachable coupling force to the front end of the steam generator (1000) as described later.

[0167] The steam separation unit (1120) serves to separate the steam generated in the water tank unit (1110) from the unvaporized water and supply it to the cooking room (15).

[0168] More specifically, the steam separation section (1120) extends along the periphery of a through hole formed in the upper wall of the water tank section (1110) and may be formed in a rectangular cylinder shape extending upward (U-direction) from the through hole, for example.

[0169] As described, the upper and lower surfaces of the steam separation unit (1120) can be completely open so that water can be smoothly refilled into the water tank unit (1110) and vaporized steam can be easily discharged.

[0170] Meanwhile, in order to allow the steam generated in the water tank section (1110) to be discharged uniformly and effectively, the left wall and right wall of the steam separation section (1120) may each be provided with an elongated opening (1120h) extending along the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0171] As a means for separating steam and unvaporized water, a pair of first gas-liquid separation plates (1123) may each be disposed on the inner surface of the steam separation unit (1120).

[0172] The first gas-liquid separator plate (1123) can be formed by bending a plate-shaped member to have a U-shaped cross-section.

[0173] As described, the first gas-liquid separator plate (1123) is positioned with an open side facing upward and can be fixed to the inner surface of the steam separator (1120) in a manner that blocks the opening (1120h).

[0174] A plurality of exhaust ports (1123h) arranged along the longitudinal direction of the opening (1120h) may be provided on the first gas-liquid separator plate (1123) at a position blocking the opening (1120h).

[0175] Each exhaust port (1123h) may be provided as a circular hole, and the diameter of the circular hole may be formed to be much smaller than the vertical (UD direction) width of the opening (1120h).

[0176] In addition, since the multiple exhaust ports (1123h) are arranged at a lower position relative to the upper and lower direction (UD direction) than the top of the first gas-liquid separator plate (1123), the micro-vaporized liquids generated during the process of water vaporization or boiling inside the water tank section (1110) can be effectively prevented from flowing out through the exhaust ports (1123h).

[0177] Meanwhile, the steam generator (1000) may further include a main cover (1410) that opens and closes the open upper surface of the steam separation unit (1120).

[0178] The main cover (1410) is configured to be detachably coupled to the open upper surface of the steam separation unit (1120) so as to be able to open and close the steam separation unit (1120).

[0179] For a detachable connection, a pair of fastening tabs (1412) that are engaged with the steam separation part (1120) may be integrally provided on the front edge and rear edge of the cover body (1411) constituting the main cover (1410).

[0180] A pair of fastening tabs (1412) can each be bent to extend downward (D-direction) toward the front and rear walls of the steam separation unit (1120).

[0181] In response to this, a locking projection (1122) to which a fastening tab (1412) is engaged may be formed protrudingly on the front wall and the rear wall of the steam separation part (1120), respectively.

[0182] Meanwhile, the main cover (1410) may include a pair of second gas-liquid separation plates (1413) extending downward (D-direction) toward the interior of the steam separation unit (1120).

[0183] The upper end of each second gas-liquid separator plate (1413) is integrally connected to the cover body (1411), and the lower end of the second gas-liquid separator plate (1413) extends toward the first gas-liquid separator plate (1123).

[0184] At this time, when the cover body (1411) is coupled to the steam separation unit (1120), the second gas-liquid separation plate (1413) can be extended into the interior of the first gas-liquid separation plate (1123) but arranged in a separated state from the first gas-liquid separation plate (1123).

[0185] Through this, a U-shaped flow path can be formed between the first gas-liquid separator plate (1123) and the second gas-liquid separator plate (1413).

[0186] As a U-shaped channel is formed internally, a gas-liquid separation structure can be formed in which steam in a gaseous state can easily pass through and be discharged to the exhaust port (1123h), but water in a liquid state cannot easily pass through.

[0187] Meanwhile, as described above, the steam generator (1000) of the cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be detachably attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) through magnetic force.

[0188] As a means for generating magnetic force, the steam generator (1000) may include a first magnet (1200) that attaches the front side of the steam generator (1000) to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11), and a second magnet (1300) that attaches the rear side of the steam generator (1000) to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0189] The first magnet (1200) can be fixed inside the gripping part (1130) so that the front side of the steam generator (1000) can be attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0190] However, in order for the first magnet (1200) to be positioned as close as possible to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11), the first magnet (1200) can be fixed to the bottom surface of the upper surface of the gripping part (1130) as the interior of the gripping part (1130).

[0191] As a means to prevent the first magnet (1200) from detaching and to protect the first magnet (1200) while the first magnet (1200) is fixed to the gripping part (1130), a first sub-cover (1420) may be further coupled inside the gripping part (1130).

[0192] The second magnet (1300) can be fixed to the main cover (1410) so that the rear side of the steam generator (1000) can be attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0193] However, the second magnet (1300) can be fixed to the bottom surface of the cover body (1411) so that the second magnet (1300) can be positioned as close as possible to the receiving groove (1131) that forms the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11).

[0194] As a means to prevent the second magnet (1300) from detaching and to protect the second magnet (1300) while the second magnet (1300) is fixed to the main cover (1410), a second sub-cover (1430) may be further attached to the cover body (1411).

[0195] FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration in which the first magnet (1200) and the second magnet (1300) have the same circular disc shape. However, this is merely an example, and magnets with different shapes may be applied, and each magnet may be provided with different shapes and sizes depending on the required magnetic force and adhesive force.

[0196] Meanwhile, the first magnet (1200) and the second magnet (1300) are placed inside the cooking chamber (15) and are exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment of approximately 200°C or higher.

[0197] A magnet capable of maintaining a magnetic force of a certain level or higher even in a high-temperature environment is preferred, and for example, a magnet made of samarium cobalt that maintains magnetism even at 350°C or higher may be applied.

[0198] [Detailed configuration regarding the contact structure of the steam generator and the broil heater]

[0199] As described above, the steam generator (1000) of the cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) is in direct contact with at least one of the upper wall of the water tank section (1110) and the side wall of the steam separation section (1120) in order to increase the vaporization efficiency and vaporization speed of the water stored in the water tank section (1110).

[0200] First, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a structure in which a steam generator (1000) is arranged so that the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) simultaneously contacts the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110) and the left wall (1121) of the steam separation section (1120).

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110) and the left wall (1121) of the steam separation section (1120) each have a flat plate shape, and the broil heater (51) has a circular cross-section.

[0202] Accordingly, as described, when the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) comes into simultaneous contact with the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110) and the left wall (1121) of the steam separation section (1120), heat transfer can be achieved in a linear contact state between the outer surface of the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) and the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110) and the left wall (1121) of the steam separation section (1120), respectively.

[0203] However, in such a line-contact state, there is a possibility that the heat transfer area may not be sufficiently secured.

[0204] To compensate for this, the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) may be configured to be in surface contact with the steam separation unit (1120).

[0205] First, as illustrated in 13, a curved edge surface (1113) can be formed at the point where the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110) and the left wall (1121) of the steam separation section (1120) meet.

[0206] At this time, the edge surface (1113) can be formed to have a curvature equal to or greater than the radius of the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51).

[0207] In this way, when the edge surface (1113) is formed with a curved surface having a curvature equal to or greater than the radius of the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), a surface contact state can be formed between the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) and the edge surface (1113).

[0208] Unlike the configurations described above, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) may be configured to contact only the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110).

[0209] A concave surface (1114) may be formed on the upper wall (1111) of the water tank section (1110) so as to be concave toward the lower direction (D-direction) at the location where the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) contacts.

[0210] Similar to the aforementioned edge surface (1113), the concave surface (1114) can be configured to be a curved surface having a radius equal to or greater than the radius of the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51).

[0211] Therefore, a surface contact state can be formed between the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) and the concave surface (1114) of the water tank part (1110).

[0212] In this way, as a surface contact condition can be formed between the broil heater (51) and the steam generator (1000), the heat transfer efficiency from the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51) can be improved, and the vaporization efficiency and vaporization speed inside the water tank (1110) can be further improved.

[0213] [Another embodiment regarding the placement and fixing structure of a steam generator]

[0214] With reference to FIG. 15 below, a fixed structure of a steam generator (1000) disposed inside a cavity (11) of a cooking device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0215] In the case of the above-described embodiment, the steam generator (1000) is configured to be detachably mounted on the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) using magnetic force.

[0216] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the steam generator (1000) may be configured to be detachably attached to the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) through a dedicated fixing bracket (1132) for fixing the steam generator (1000).

[0217] In this way, when the steam generator (1000) is attached using the fixed bracket (1132), the configuration corresponding to the first magnet (1200), the second magnet (1300), the first sub-cover (1420), and the second sub-cover (1430) provided in the above-described embodiment can be omitted, thereby having the effect of simplifying the structure of the steam generator (1000).

[0218] Referring to FIG. 15, the fixing bracket (1132) may be provided as a plate-shaped member having a fixed end that is fixed to the receiving groove (1131) of the ceiling wall (113) of the cavity (11) at the top and a free end at the bottom.

[0219] At this time, the fixed bracket (1132) may have a two-stage bent shape so that a portion protruding toward the steam generator (1000) is formed as it progresses from the bottom toward the top.

[0220] In response to this, unlike the previously described embodiment, the steam generator (1000) may be formed such that the width in the left-right direction of the water tank section (1110) is smaller than the width in the left-right direction of the steam separation section (1120).

[0221] Through such deformation of the shape of the steam generator (1000), an L-shaped step can be formed on the left and right sides between the water tank section (1110) and the steam separation section (1120).

[0222] Accordingly, based on the illustrated embodiment, a step formed on the left side of the steam generator (1000) may be in contact with and supported by the outer heater (512) of the broil heater (51), and a step formed on the right side of the steam generator (1000) may be in contact with and supported by the protrusion of the fixing bracket (1132).

[0223] At this time, the fixed bracket (1132) can be configured to elastically deform as the protrusion is pressed during the assembly process of the steam generator (1000).

[0224] Through this, a structure can be simultaneously achieved in which the steam generator (1000) can be resiliently supported in a detachable manner through a fixed bracket (1132) and a broil heater (51), and the heat generated by the broil heater (51) can be effectively transferred to the steam generator (1000).

[0225] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A cavity equipped with a cooking chamber inside; A broil heater that heats the cooking chamber by supplying radiant heat to the cooking chamber; and A steam generator that generates steam to be heated by the broil heater and supplied to the cooking chamber; Includes, The above steam generator is a cooking device that is detachably placed in the cooking chamber.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above steam generator is a cooking device that is detachably attached to the ceiling wall of the cavity.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above steam generator is a cooking device positioned between the left wall of the cavity and the broil heater or between the right wall of the cavity and the broil heater.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above steam generator is a cooking device that is compatiblely positioned between the left wall of the cavity and the broil heater and between the right wall of the cavity and the broil heater.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above steam generator is a cooking device attached to the ceiling wall of the cavity via magnetic force.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above steam generator is a cooking appliance comprising a plurality of magnets that generate the above magnetic force.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above cavity is a cooking appliance comprising a fixing bracket that elastically supports the steam generator in a detachable manner.

8. In Paragraph 7, A cooking appliance in which one side of the steam generator is supported by a fixed bracket and the other side of the steam generator is supported by a broil heater.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above steam generator is a cooking device positioned in surface contact with the ceiling wall of the cavity.

10. In Paragraph 9, The ceiling wall of the above cavity is provided with a receiving groove formed concavely toward the upward direction and in which the broil heater is at least partially received. The above steam generator is a cooking device that comes into surface contact with the above receiving groove.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above steam generator is a cooking device positioned to be in contact with the above broil heater.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above steam generator is, A water tank section in which water to be vaporized by the above steam is stored; and A steam separation section formed protruding upward from the upper wall of the above water tank section; Includes, The above broil heater is a cooking device that comes into contact with either the upper wall of the water tank section or the steam separation section.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above broil heater is a cooking device that comes into contact with the upper wall of the water tank section and the steam separation section.

14. In Paragraph 13, A curved edge surface is provided at the part where the upper wall of the water tank section and the steam separation section meet, and A cooking device in which the above-mentioned broil heater and the above-mentioned corner surface come into surface contact with each other.

15. In Paragraph 12, The above broil heater is a cooking device that comes into surface contact with the upper wall of the water tank section.

16. In Paragraph 15, A cooking device having a concave surface formed concavely toward the downward direction on the upper wall of the water tank section and in surface contact with the broil heater.

Images