A connection system for a cooking device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connection system suitable for detachably connecting a top cover (4) to an outer panel (1) in a door (K) suitable for use in a cooking device (P), the door (K) comprising at least one outer panel (1); at least one inner panel (2) arranged with at least one gap between itself and the outer panel (1); at least one side profile (3) for connecting the inner panel (2) to the outer panel (1); and at least one top cover (4) connected to the outer panel (1) so as to at least partially cover an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel (1) and the inner panel (2). Said connection system comprises at least one intermediate connection element (5) adapted to be connected to the outer panel (1) and having at least one connection slot (5c) on a side portion thereof; and at least one mounting element (6) having at least one fixed part (7) adapted to be connected to the top cover (4), at least one movable part (8) adapted to be connected to the mounting element (6) in a movable manner and having at least one portion that allows access to the movable part (8) through at least one access opening (4a) on the top cover (4), at least one engagement tab (8c) located on the mounting element (6) and adapted to engage the connection slot (5c), and at least one elastic member (9) provided between the movable part (8) and the fixed part (7).

Description

[0001] A CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR A COOKING DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a connection system for connecting a top cover to a door in an oven-type cooking device.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Cooking devices such as ovens are used particularly for cooking and / or heating food products. Such cooking devices comprise at least one device housing; at least one inner compartment located in the device housing; at least one door providing access to the inner compartment; and at least one heating element for heating the inner compartment. After the food product to be cooked or heated is placed in the inner compartment, the inner compartment is heated in a relatively homogeneous manner by closing the door and activating the heating element. As a result, the food product in the inner compartment is likewise heated in a relatively homogeneous way.

[0006] During operation of cooking devices, the temperature inside the inner compartment is higher than the ambient temperature, and therefore thermal insulation must be provided between the inner compartment and the environment in order to prevent energy loss. Various insulation elements are used on the device housing to provide this insulation. However, using such insulation elements in the door of the cooking device is not preferred. The reason is that these doors are typically transparent so that users can observe the products undergoing heating / cooking process in the compartment, and if insulation elements are used on the door, the inner compartment can no longer be viewed from the outside. For this reason, at least one inner panel (for example, a heat-resistant glass) is used in cooking device doors, which is arranged with a gap relative to the transparent outer panel (for example, a heat-resistant glass). In such configurations, at least one top cover is provided at an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel and the inner panel. The top cover prevents foreign substances from entering the gap between the outer and inner panels and thereby prevents contamination of the surfaces of the outer and inner panels that face the gap. However, during operation of the cooking device, liquids such as oil or fumes such as smoke may reach said opening and cause residue build-up. In such situations, the top cover must be removed to allow cleaning access. Therefore, there is a need for a connection system that allows the top cover to be detachably connected to the door when necessary.

[0007] Brief Description of the Invention

[0008] The present invention discloses a connection system for detachably connecting a top cover to an outer panel in a door suitable for use in a cooking device, the door comprising at least one outer panel; at least one inner panel arranged with at least one gap between itself and the outer panel; at least one side profile for connecting the inner panel to the outer panel; and at least one top cover connected to the outer panel so as to at least partially cover an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel and the inner panel. Said connection system comprises: at least one intermediate connection element adapted to be connected to the outer panel and having at least one connection slot on a side portion thereof; and at least one mounting element having at least one fixed part adapted to be connected to the top cover, at least one movable part adapted to be connected to the mounting element in a movable manner and having at least one portion that allows access to the movable part through at least one access opening on the top cover, at least one engagement tab located on the mounting element and adapted to engage the connection slot, and at least one elastic member provided between the movable part and the fixed part.

[0009] In the connection system according to the present invention, the connection of the top cover to the door is achieved by means of the intermediate connection element connected to the outer panel of the door and the mounting element connected to the top cover. Owing to the movable part located on the mounting element, the top cover can be practically removed from the door if required. Additionally, thanks to the elastic member located on the mounting element, the top cover reliably remains connected to the door when its removal is not desired.

[0010] Object of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a connection system for connecting a top cover to a door in an oven-type cooking device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connection system for connecting the top cover to the door in a detachable manner.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a practical, reliable, and long-lasting connection system.

[0013] Description of the Drawings

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the connection system according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device using the connection system of the invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is an interior perspective view of a door using the connection system of the invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is an interior view of a door using the connection system of the invention, in a state without the top cover.

[0018] Figure 4 is a top view of a door using the connection system of the invention, in a state without the top cover.

[0019] Figure 5 is another top view of a door using the connection system of the invention, in a state without the top cover.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a top cover in combination with the connection system of the invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mounting element used in the connection system of the invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the mounting element used in the connection system of the invention.

[0023] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an intermediate connection element used in the connection system of the invention. All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0024] Cooking device (P)

[0025] Device housing (G)

[0026] Door (K)

[0027] Outer panel (1)

[0028] Inner panel (2)

[0029] Side profile (3)

[0030] T op cover (4)

[0031] Access opening (4a)

[0032] Intermediate connection element (5)

[0033] Base (5a)

[0034] Side wall (5b)

[0035] Connection slot (5c)

[0036] Protrusion (5d)

[0037] Seating gap (5e)

[0038] Connection hole (5f)

[0039] Mounting element (6)

[0040] Fixed part (7)

[0041] First body (7a)

[0042] Guide channel (7b)

[0043] Lower wall (7c)

[0044] Rear wall (7d)

[0045] Connection opening (7e)

[0046] Inner protrusion (7f)

[0047] Upper wall (7g)

[0048] Movable part (8)

[0049] Second body (8a)

[0050] Guide protrusion (8b)

[0051] Engagement tab (8c)

[0052] Connection protrusion (8d)

[0053] Contact portion (8e)

[0054] Elastic member (9) First fastening member (10)

[0055] Second fastening member (11)

[0056] Handle (12)

[0057] Description of the Invention

[0058] In a door of an oven-type cooking device, a top cover is used to close an upper portion of the gap between an outer panel and an inner panel. To allow access to this gap when needed, the top cover must be removable from the door in an easy and practical manner. Accordingly, the present invention provides a connection system for connecting the top cover to the door in a detachable manner.

[0059] The connection system according to the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1-9, allows for detachable connection of a top cover (4) to an outer panel (1) in a door (K) suitable for use in a cooking device (P), the door (K) comprising at least one outer panel (1); at least one inner panel (2) arranged with at least one gap between itself and the outer panel (1); at least one (preferably two opposing) side profile (3) for connecting the inner panel (2) to the outer panel (1); and at least one top cover (4) connected to the outer panel (1) so as to at least partially cover an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel (1) and the inner panel (2). Said connection system comprises: at least one intermediate connection element (5) adapted to be connected to the outer panel (1) and having at least one connection slot (5c) on a side portion thereof; and at least one mounting element (6) having at least one fixed part (7) adapted to be connected to the top cover (4), at least one movable part (8) adapted to be connected to the mounting element (6) in a movable manner and having at least one portion that allows access to the movable part (8) through at least one access opening (4a) on the top cover (4), at least one engagement tab (8c) located on the mounting element (6) and adapted to engage the connection slot (5c), and at least one elastic member (9), preferably a spring, provided between the movable part (8) and the fixed part (7).

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said connection system is used on a door (K) of an oven-type cooking device (P). The intermediate connection element (5) is fixed to the outer panel (1) of the door (K), while the mounting element (6) is fixed to the top cover (4) that is to be connected to the door (K). Once the mounting element (6) is secured to the top cover (4), the movable part (8) on the mounting element (6) can be accessed through an access opening (4a) provided, for example, on a side of the top cover (4). The movable part (8) provided on the mounting element (6) is movable relative to the fixed part (7). Through this movement, the engagement tab (8c) on the movable part (8) can shift between a position in which it is seated inside the connection slot (5c) of the intermediate connection element (5) (i.e. locked in the connection slot (5c)) and a position in which it is withdrawn from the connection slot (5c). The elastic member (9) provided between the movable part (8) and the fixed part (7) applies a biasing force to the movable part (8), thereby maintaining the engagement tab (8c) within the connection slot (5c). Here, the top cover (4) is connected to the door (K) by seating the engagement tab (8c) in the connection slot (5c). If the top cover (4) is desired to be removed from the door (K), the movable part (8) is accessed through the access opening (4a), and a force greater than the force applied to the movable part (8) by the elastic member (9) is then applied to the movable part (8). Accordingly, such a force applied to the movable part (8) withdraws the engagement tab (8c) from the connection slot (5c), allowing the top cover (4) to be removed from the door (K) in a practical manner. The elastic member (9) also prevents unintentional separation of the top cover (4) from the door (K) once it is connected thereto. Furthermore, because the elastic member (9) is in the form of a spring (for example, a metal coil spring) and particularly the cooking device (P) has a relatively high internal temperature, the elastik member (9) is prevented from losing its elasticity and / or becoming damaged over time, thereby ensuring that the connection system operates reliably with a long service life.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate connection element (5) comprises at least one base (5a) adapted to be connected to the outer panel (1); and at least one side wall (5b) connected to said base (5a), wherein said connection slot (5c) is located on a lateral portion of the side wall (5b). Here, the connection slot (5c) is preferably a U-shaped slot connected to the side wall (5b). When the engagement tab (8c) is seated in the connection slot (5c), at least a portion (for example, a claw-like projection) of the engagement tab (8c) engages a lower portion of the U-shaped slot. In a preferred embodiment, said intermediate connection element (5) comprises at least one connection hole (5f) provided on the base (5a). Said connection hole (5f) provides the connection of the intermediate connection element (5) to the outer panel (1) by means of, for example, a second fastening member (11). The second fastening member (11) may be, for example, a screw that connects a handle (12) to the outer panel (1). Thus, the intermediate connection element (5) can be connected to the outer panel (1) without the need for an additional fastening member. The intermediate connection element (5) further comprises at least two protrusions (5d) provided on the side wall (5b), with at least one seating gap (5e) formed therebetween. In this embodiment, if a plurality of inner panels (2) are used in the door (K), at least one of the inner panels (2) is seated in the seating gap (5e). In this way, the intermediate connection element (5) can also be used for connecting the inner panel (2).

[0062] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed part (7) comprises at least a first body (7a); at least one guide channel (7b) provided in the first body (7a); at least two lower walls (7c) provided at a lower portion of the first body (7a), wherein at least one opening is provided between the lower walls (7c) for receiving at least one portion of the movable part (8); and at least one rear wall (7d) provided at a lower portion of the first body (7a), preferably positioned so as to interconnect said lower walls (7c). In this embodiment, said movable part (8) comprises at least a second body (8a) adapted to be seated in the opening between the lower walls (7c), wherein the engagement tab (8c) is provided on a lower portion of the second body (8a); and at least one guide protrusion (8b), preferably T-shaped, which is provided at an upper portion of the second body (8a), wherein at least one portion (a vertical portion) of the guide protrusion (8b) is adapted to be seated in said guide channel (7b). During the movement of the movable part (8) relative to the fixed part (7), said guide protrusion (8b) moves within the guide channel (7b). In this way, a safe movement is ensured by guiding said movement. In addition, since the guide protrusion (8b) is T-shaped, vertical movement of the movable part (8) relative to the fixed part (7) is prevented, and movement is ensured only along a horizontal axis. In this embodiment, the elastic member (9) is preferably provided between the rear wall (7d) and the second body (8a) and applies a pushing force from the rear wall (7d) towards the second body (8a). In a preferred embodiment, the fixed part (7) comprises at least one window-shaped connection opening (7e) provided on at least one lower wall (7c). In this embodiment, the movable part (8) comprises at least one connection protrusion (8d) adapted to be seated in said connection opening (7e). By seating the connection protrusion (8d) in the connection opening (7e), the movable part (8) is prevented from separating from the fixed part (7) during its movement relative to the fixed part (7). In a further preferred embodiment, the fixed part (7) comprises at least one inner protrusion (7f), preferably in a tubular form, extending as a projection from the rear wall (7d) towards the opening between the lower walls (7c). In this embodiment, when the second body (8a) is seated on the opening between the lower walls (7c) from the direction of the rear wall (7d), said inner protrusion (7f) is also seated inside the second body (8a). Thus, the fixed part (7) and the movable part (8) are engaged and interconnected with one another, which makes the connection between them more robust. Furthermore, since the inner protrusion (7f) has a tubular form, the elastic member (9) can be positioned inside the inner protrusion (7f). Therefore, the elastic member (9) is protected against external factors (particularly foreign substances such as oil), thereby avoiding any conditions that hinder the elastic member (9) from functioning properly. In a further preferred embodiment, the fixed part (7) comprises at least one upper wall (7g) at an upper portion of the first body (7a), which is adapted to be seated inside the top cover (4). By seating the upper wall (7g) inside the top cover (4), the fixed part (7) is connected to the top cover (4) in a more reliable manner. In this embodiment, said connection system further comprises at least a first fastening member (10) adapted to be inserted through the first body (7a) so as to be connected to the top cover (4). Owing to the first fastening member (10) preferably in the form of a screw, the fixed part (7) can be connected to the top cover (4) in a practical and reliable manner.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said movable part (8) comprises at least one contact portion (8e) adapted to be seated in the access opening (4a). Said contact portion (8e) is preferably dimensioned and shaped to close the access opening (4a) into which it is seated. Thus, when the contact portion (8e) is seated in the access opening (4a), it prevents ingress of foreign substances into the access opening (4a). Here, the contact portion (8e) functions as a button that the user presses to move the movable part (8).

[0064] The present invention further discloses a door (K) comprising said connection system and suitable for use in a cooking device (P). Said door (K) comprises at least one outer panel (1) connected with the intermediate connection element (5); at least one inner panel (2) arranged with at least one gap between itself and the outer panel (1); at least one (preferably at least two opposing) side profile (3) for connecting the inner panel (2) to the outer panel (1); and at least one top cover (4) connected to the outer panel (1) by means of said connection system so as to at least partially cover an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel (1) and the inner panel (2). Said door (K) may additionally comprise at least one handle (12) connected to the outer panel (1); and at least a second fastening member (11) for connecting said handle (12) to the outer panel (1). The present invention further discloses a cooking device (P) comprising said door (K). The cooking device (P), preferably an oven, comprises at least one device housing (G); at least one inner compartment provided inside the device housing (G) such that the door (K) controls access into the inner compartment; and at least one heating element for heating the inner compartment.

[0065] In the connection system according to the present invention, the connection of the top cover (4) to the door (K) is achieved by means of the intermediate connection element (5) connected to the outer panel (1) of the door (K) and the mounting element (6) connected to the top cover (4). Owing to the movable part (8) located on the mounting element (6), the top cover (4) can be practically removed from the door (K) if required. Additionally, thanks to the elastic member (9) located on the mounting element (6), the top cover (4) reliably remains connected to the door (K) when its removal is not desired.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection system suitable for detachably connecting a top cover (4) to an outer panel (1) in a door (K) suitable for use in a cooking device (P), the door (K) comprising at least one outer panel (1); at least one inner panel (2) arranged with at least one gap between itself and the outer panel (1); at least one side profile (3) for connecting the inner panel (2) to the outer panel (1); and at least one top cover (4) connected to the outer panel (1) so as to at least partially cover an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel (1) and the inner panel (2), said connection system characterized by comprising: at least one intermediate connection element (5) adapted to be connected to the outer panel (1) and having at least one connection slot (5c) on a side portion thereof; and at least one mounting element (6) having at least one fixed part (7) adapted to be connected to the top cover (4), at least one movable part (8) adapted to be connected to the mounting element (6) in a movable manner and having at least one portion that allows access to the movable part (8) through at least one access opening (4a) on the top cover (4), at least one engagement tab (8c) located on the mounting element (6) and adapted to engage the connection slot (5c), and at least one elastic member (9) provided between the movable part (8) and the fixed part (7).

2. A connection system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said elastic member (9) is a spring.

3. A connection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate connection element (5) comprises at least one base (5a) adapted to be connected to the outer panel (1); and at least one side wall (5b) connected to said base (5a), wherein said connection slot (5c) is located on a lateral portion of the side wall (5b).

4. A connection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection slot (5c) is provided as a U-shaped slot connected to the side wall (5b).

5. A connection system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the intermediate connection element (5) comprises at least one connection hole (5f) provided on the base (5a).

6. A connection system according to any of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the intermediate connection element (5) comprises at least two protrusions (5d) provided on the side wall (5b), with at least one seating gap (5e) formed therebetween.

7. A connection system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed part (7) comprises at least a first body (7a); at least one guide channel (7b) provided in the first body (7a); at least two lower walls (7c) provided at a lower portion of the first body (7a), wherein at least one opening is provided between the lower walls (7c) for receiving at least one portion of the movable part (8); and at least one rear wall (7d) provided at a lower portion of the first body (7a).

8. A connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that said movable part (8) comprises at least a second body (8a) adapted to be seated in the opening between the lower walls (7c), wherein the engagement tab (8c) is provided on a lower portion of the second body (8a); and at least one guide protrusion (8b) provided at an upper portion of the second body (8a), wherein at least one portion of the guide protrusion (8b) is adapted to be seated in said guide channel (7b).

9. A connection system according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide protrusion (8b) is T-shaped.

10. A connection system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the elastic member (9) is provided between the rear wall (7d) and the second body (8a).

11. A connection system according to any of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the fixed part (7) comprises at least one window-shaped connection opening (7e) provided on at least one lower wall (7c).

12. A connection system according to claim 11 , characterized in that the movable part (8) comprises at least one connection protrusion (8d) adapted to be seated in said connection opening (7e).

13. A connection system according to any of the claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the fixed part (7) comprises at least one inner protrusion (7f) extending as a projection from the rear wall (7d) towards the opening between the lower walls (7c).

14. A connection system according to claim 13, characterized in that said protrusion (7f) is in a tubular form.

15. A connection system according to any of the claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the fixed part (7) comprises at least one upper wall (7g) at an upper portion of the first body (7a), which is adapted to be seated inside the top cover (4).

16. A connection system according to any of the claims 7 to 15, characterized in that said connection system comprises at least a first fastening member (10) adapted to be inserted through the first body (7a) so as to be connected to the top cover (4).

17. A connection system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movable part (8) comprises at least one contact portion (8e) adapted to be seated in the access opening (4a).

18. A door (K) comprising a connection system according to any of the preceding claims.

19. A door (K) according to claim 18, characterized in that said door (K) comprises at least one outer panel (1) connected with the intermediate connection element (5); at least one inner panel (2) arranged with at least one gap between itself and the outer panel (1); at least one side profile (3) for connecting the inner panel (2) to the outer panel (1); and at least one top cover (4) connected to the outer panel (1) bymeans of said connection system so as to at least partially cover an upper portion of the gap between the outer panel (1) and the inner panel (2).

20. A door (K) according to claim 18, characterized in that said door (K) comprises at least one handle (12) connected to the outer panel (1); and at least a second fastening member (11) for connecting said handle (12) to the outer panel (1).

21. A cooking device (P) comprising a door (K) according to any of the claims 18 to 20.

22. A cooking device (P) according to claim 21 , characterized in that said cooking device (P) comprises at least one device housing (G); at least one inner compartment provided inside the device housing (G) such that the door (K) controls access into the inner compartment; and at least one heating element for heating the inner compartment.

23. A cooking device (P) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that said cooking device (P) is an oven.

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