Exhaust device and cooking appliance having same

Abstract

An exhaust device and a cooking appliance having same, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprise: a top plate including a suction part for suctioning contaminated air; an air curtain part for discharging air toward the suction part; and an elevating module for elevating the air curtain part in the vertical direction with respect to the top plate, wherein the elevating module includes a weight balancer for adjusting a weight load of the air curtain part caught by the elevating module.

Description

Exhaust device and cooking device equipped with the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exhaust device and a cooking appliance equipped with the same, and more specifically, to an exhaust device that improves the intake performance of contaminants generated during a cooking process and a cooking appliance equipped with the same.

[0002] Generally, kitchens are equipped with a countertop on which heating appliances, such as electric heaters or gas stoves, are placed to apply high-temperature heat to food for cooking, such as boiling or baking.

[0003] During this process, food being cooked by the high heat of heating appliances placed on the countertop generates pollutants such as smoke, odors, and oil vapors. These pollutants can become airborne due to the heat and spread throughout the kitchen or the entire room. Such diffused pollutants can cause unpleasant odors, leading to a sense of aversion. Particularly in enclosed kitchens, these pollutants can impair worker concentration and pose a risk to their health.

[0004] Accordingly, range hoods are installed in kitchens to exhaust pollutants such as smoke, odors, and grease vapors generated during cooking to the outside.

[0005] Such a range hood may be configured to include a hood body forming the exterior of the range hood and having an intake port formed on its lower surface, and a blower that generates an airflow to draw air into the hood body and discharge air to the outside.

[0006] Additionally, the range hood may further include a filter installed in the hood body to filter air sucked into the body, and a pipe forming a passage to discharge the air sucked into the body through the filter to the outside.

[0007] The operation of the range hood configured as described above is as follows.

[0008] Contaminants generated during the process of food being heated by a heating appliance on the countertop rise due to their own buoyancy caused by their temperature being higher than the surrounding air, or are forcibly lifted by the airflow formed by the range hood's blower. These rising contaminants can pass through a filter and be discharged through piping connected to an external duct.

[0009] The above range hood can suck in air and contaminants near the intake port formed on the lower surface of the hood body to some extent, but it is difficult to properly suck in air and contaminants located far from the intake port. This is because the velocity of the intake airflow decreases inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the intake port as it moves further away.

[0010] In other words, in conventional range hoods, suction performance decreases rapidly as one moves away from the intake, and increasing the suction flow rate of the intake fan does not proportionally increase the capture efficiency of pollutants.

[0011] Nevertheless, there is a method to increase the suction power of the range hood by increasing the suction airflow of the suction fan, but in order to double the suction airflow of the suction fan, the power consumption of the suction fan must be increased by 2 to the power of 3, that is, 8 times, so the problem arises that the power consumption increases excessively and consequently the noise increases significantly.

[0012] Considering these factors, it can be seen that the range hood's intake port must be positioned close to the source of pollutants for effective capture. In other words, to ensure effective capture, the range hood must be installed at the lowest possible height so that the intake port is located as close as possible to the location where the food being cooked is heated.

[0013] However, setting the installation height of a range hood to simultaneously achieve the goals of improving pollutant capture efficiency and cooking efficiency is not an easy task.

[0014] For example, while the pollutant capture efficiency of a range hood may improve as its installation height is lowered, it also imposes more restrictions on the types of cooking appliances that can be placed on it. In other words, as the installation height of the range hood decreases, only cooking appliances of a lower height become usable.

[0015] Conversely, as the installation height of the range hood increases, it becomes possible to cook with taller appliances; however, as the distance between the source of pollutants and the range hood's intake increases, the likelihood of reduced pollutant capture efficiency also increases.

[0016] Recently, the use of downdraft hoods is gradually expanding instead of ceiling-mounted range hoods due to space utilization and design considerations.

[0017] Downdraft hoods are not installed on the ceiling but are mounted on heating appliances such as electric cooktops or on the kitchen island itself. These downdraft hoods offer advantages over ceiling-mounted range hoods in terms of space utilization and design.

[0018] Prior art document 1 (European published patent No. 3553388) discloses an example of a downdraft hood.

[0019] The downdraft extractor (21) disclosed in prior art 1 can be installed on a cooking table (4) provided with a hob (22). The downdraft extractor (21) can be installed on the hob (22) or installed adjacent to the hob (22).

[0020] The downdraft extractor (21) may include a hood body (213), and a suction part (212) may be formed on the front of the hood body (213).

[0021] The hood body (213) may be provided in a box shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the hob (22) forming a flat surface. For example, the hood body (213) may be provided in a box shape in which the front-to-rear dimension is shorter than the width-to-width dimension.

[0022] And the suction part (212) can be formed to penetrate in the front direction of the hood body (213). Contaminants generated from a cooking appliance placed on the hob (22) can be sucked into the interior of the hood body (213) through the suction part (212) positioned at the rear of the cooking appliance. Inside the hood body (213), contaminants can be sucked downward.

[0023] The downdraft extractor (21) disclosed in prior art 1 may be configured to be able to move up and down relative to the hob (22).

[0024] This downdraft extractor (21) can be inserted into the lower part of the cooking table (4) and then rise to protrude to the upper part of the cooking table (4), and can suck up contaminants while protruding to the upper part of the cooking table (4) in this manner.

[0025] Additionally, the downdraft extractor (21) may descend to the lower part of the cooking table (4) and be re-inserted into the lower part of the cooking table (4).

[0026] In Prior Art 1, the suction part (212) is positioned at the front lower part of the hood body (213). When the suction part (212) is positioned at the lower side of the hood body (213) in this manner, as the height of the cooking appliance increases—that is, as the point where the contaminant is generated increases—a problem arises in which the distance between the point where the contaminant is sucked and the point where the contaminant is generated becomes greater.

[0027] As such, if the distance between the point where the pollutant is inhaled and the point where the pollutant is generated increases, the pollutant capture performance of the downdraft extractor (21) is bound to decrease.

[0028] Additionally, when the suction part (212) is positioned on the lower side of the hood body (213), and the height of the cooking appliance is similar to the height of the hood body (213), contaminants generated from the cooking appliance descend from the upper side of the hood body (213) and move toward the suction part (212).

[0029] In this process, contact between the contaminant and the hood body (213) is inevitable over a very wide area, and as a result, the problem of increased contamination on the front surface of the hood body (213) occurs.

[0030] In addition, prior art 2 uses a method to improve the suction performance of downgraft by building a wall so that contaminants generated from the cooking appliance cannot pass over the wall, and forming a suction part in the wall to suck up contaminants stagnant around the suction part.

[0031] Prior art 2 has a complex structure because it requires a wall protruding from the top plate and a flow path to be formed inside the wall, and it has the disadvantage that too much energy is input into the suction fan to improve suction performance.

[0032] In addition, conventionally, a door is installed to open and close the suction port, and the door performs the function of opening and closing the suction port and guiding contaminants entering the suction port. Although suction performance increases as the door becomes longer, there is a problem that the length is limited because it must be stored in the suction port space of the table when not in use.

[0033] [Prior Art Literature]

[0034] [Patent Literature]

[0035] Patent Document 1 - European Published Patent No. 3553388

[0036] Patent Document 2 - Korean Published Patent No. 2024-0002303

[0037]

[0038] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an exhaust device with an improved structure capable of providing enhanced contaminated air capture performance, and a cooking device equipped with the same.

[0039] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an exhaust device having a door accommodated in the intake section while improving the intake performance of contaminated air, and a cooking appliance equipped with the same.

[0040] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an exhaust device with an improved structure that can suppress external contamination caused by contaminated air, and a cooking appliance equipped with the same.

[0041] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an exhaust device that achieves high capture performance with less energy through an air curtain, and a cooking device equipped with the same.

[0042] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an exhaust device that hides inside the top plate when not in use to maximize the use of the upper space of the top plate, and a cooking appliance equipped with the same.

[0043] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking appliance that reduces the energy required to raise and lower the air curtain unit, secures storage space, and conceals the storage space when not in use.

[0044] The problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0045] To achieve the above objective, an exhaust device and a cooking appliance equipped with the same according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a top plate including an intake portion for inhaling contaminated air; an air curtain portion for discharging air toward the intake portion; and a lifting module for raising and lowering the air curtain portion in an up-and-down direction relative to the top plate; wherein the lifting module comprises a weight balancer for adjusting the weight load of the air curtain portion applied to the lifting module.

[0046] The above weight balancer includes a connecting wire, one end of which is connected to the air curtain section, a weight body connected to the other end of the connecting wire, and a pulley assembly on which the connecting wire is hung and rotatably supported, and the connecting wire can connect the air curtain section and the weight body to each other via the pulley assembly.

[0047] The weight balancer described above may include a weight body, a connecting wire that connects the weight body to move according to a change in the position of the air curtain part, and a pulley assembly that switches the direction of movement of the connecting wire, and may be configured to provide a restoring force or an auxiliary driving force to the air curtain part by the weight of the weight body.

[0048] The above weight can reduce the load required for the movement of the air curtain unit by moving in the opposite direction in response to the movement of the air curtain unit through the pulley assembly and the connecting wire.

[0049] The above weight and the above connecting wire may be located below the air curtain section.

[0050] The above lifting module may further include a lifting drive unit for lifting the air curtain unit.

[0051] The lifting module may include a fixed body fixed to the lower part of the top plate, and a lifting body connected to the upper part of the air curtain and moving up and down inside the fixed body.

[0052] One end of the above connecting wire can be connected to the above lifting body.

[0053] The above pulley assembly can be installed on the above fixed body.

[0054] The above weight can be slid in the up and down direction on the outside of the above fixed body.

[0055] The above fixed body may include an upper fixed plate fixed to match the suction portion of the top plate, and a guide body disposed below the upper fixed plate and guiding the up and down movement of the lifting body.

[0056] In the upper fixed plate, an entrance / exit opening may be formed through which the air curtain unit provided on the upper part of the lifting body enters and exits.

[0057] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a bottom tray frame located at the lower part of the air curtain section, forming the upper surface of the elevator body, and exposed through the elevator entrance.

[0058] The lifting drive unit may include a rack gear guide rail fixed in the vertical direction to the inner surface of the fixed body and having a plurality of rack gear teeth arranged in the longitudinal direction, a pinion gear unit including a plurality of pinion gear teeth that mesh with the rack gear teeth of the rack gear guide rail, and a pinion drive motor that rotates the pinion gear unit.

[0059] The present disclosure may further include a first post and a second post connecting the air curtain section and the lifting module.

[0060] The first post and the second post are connected so as to penetrate the air curtain section in the vertical direction, and the portion of the first post and the second post that is connected to the air curtain section can be mutually connected by a communication hole.

[0061] An air supply fan is provided on the inner side of the lower portions of each of the first post and the second post to supply air to the air curtain section, and the air supplied by the air supply fan can be supplied to the air curtain section through the communication hole.

[0062] An air guide block is provided on the inner side of each of the first post and the second post corresponding to the upper side of the communication hole, and the lower surface of the air guide block may be formed to be inclined upward toward the communication hole.

[0063] At least one blocking seal may be positioned between the outer surface of the air guide block and the inner surface of each of the first post and the second post.

[0064] The air curtain section may include an air body having a curtain passage communicating with the communication hole, a discharge section for discharging air from the curtain passage to the outside of the air body, and an air guide for changing the direction of the air discharged from the discharge section.

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0070] According to the exhaust device of the present disclosure and the cooking device equipped with the same, one or more of the following effects are provided.

[0071] The present disclosure has the advantage of significantly improving the capture performance of an exhaust device with less energy compared to simply increasing the airflow velocity of air sucked in from the intake section, by forming an intake section into which pollutants are sucked in on a top plate and forming an air curtain that discharges from the top toward the intake section, thereby accelerating the suction of pollutants sucked into the intake section and restricting the movement of pollutants away from the intake section.

[0072] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that the door for opening and closing the intake section closes the intake section when the exhaust device is not in use and opens the intake section when the exhaust device is in use, thereby preventing the intake section from being blocked or contaminated by external contaminants when not in use and improving the intake performance when in use.

[0073] In addition, the present disclosure has a door that opens and closes the suction section, having a structure in which two plates are hinge-connected, and when the door is closed, the two plates are received within the suction section, and when the door is open, the two plates are arranged in a straight line, and the width of the door becomes larger than the width of the suction section, so that most of the contaminants escaping to the rear of the suction section can be guided to the suction section.

[0074] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to adjust the height of the air curtain section located above the intake section and, by adjusting the height of the air curtain section according to the height of the cooking appliance, further significantly improving the capture performance of the exhaust device.

[0075] In addition, the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of suction parts for sucking in contaminants and a plurality of air curtain parts corresponding to each suction part. When there are multiple cooking appliances, the height of each air curtain part is adjusted according to the height of the contaminants discharged from each cooking appliance, and each suction part and air curtain part is operated separately. This provides the advantage of saving energy when only some of the multiple cooking areas are used.

[0076] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of further significantly improving the capture performance of the exhaust device by defining a surface that intersects the top plate and is located at the rear of the air curtain section and the intake section when the door for opening and closing the intake section is open, thereby guiding some of the contaminants that escape from the vicinity of the intake section to the rear of the intake section to the intake section when contaminants are guided by the curtain-shaped air discharged from the air curtain section.

[0077] In addition, the present disclosure has a structure in which, when the door opening and closing the intake section is open, the surface near the intake section becomes thicker from the bottom to the top and then thins again, and when the contaminants are guided by the curtain-shaped air discharged from the air curtain section, almost all contaminants escaping from the vicinity of the intake section to the rear of the intake section are guided to the intake section.

[0078] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that since the air curtain section is supported by two columns, there is an empty space between the air curtain section and the intake section, thereby minimizing contact between the contaminated air and the exhaust device while inhaling the contaminated air, so the exterior of the exhaust device can be kept clean.

[0079] In addition, the present disclosure reduces the weight of the air curtain unit by means of a weight balancer when raising and lowering the air curtain unit, thereby reducing the size and / or output of the motor driving the air curtain unit, reducing manufacturing costs, and having the advantage of reducing the size of the lifting module.

[0080] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of easily manufacturing a post structure that facilitates fixing the air curtain section and facilitates supplying air to the air curtain section by supporting the air curtain section with two tubular posts, supplying air to the air curtain section through a space inside the posts, and arranging an air guide block inside the posts.

[0081] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of simultaneously enhancing user convenience and aesthetics by forming a storage space for storing items around the air curtain section and / or around the suction section, allowing the user to easily take out and use various items while cooking, and concealing the storage space under the top plate when not cooking.

[0082] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention installed on a main body.

[0084] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exhaust device shown in FIG. 1 and a cooking device equipped with the same.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in which the main body of FIG. 2 is omitted.

[0086] Figure 4 is a plan view of the state in which the top plate and heating device in Figure 3 have been removed.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the main body shown in FIG. 2 and the moving device that moves the main body.

[0088] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the main body moved downward in Figure 5.

[0089] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body and moving device in FIG. 5.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exhaust device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure installed on a main body.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the exhaust device illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0092] FIGS. 10a to 10d are perspective views showing the appearance of the exhaust device in sequence.

[0093] Fig. 11 is a front view of Fig. 8.

[0094] Fig. 12 is a side view of Fig. 8.

[0095] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

[0096] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11.

[0097] FIG. 15a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15a-15a of FIG. 13.

[0098] FIG. 15b is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the LM guide rail and LM moving block of the configuration of FIG. 13.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 12.

[0100] FIG. 17 is a perspective view and a partial enlarged view showing the connection of the weight block body in the configuration of FIG. 16.

[0101] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

[0102] FIGS. 19a and FIGS. 19b are a perspective view and a front view showing the combined appearance of the air curtain part of the configuration of FIG. 8.

[0103] FIG. 20 is a perspective view (a) and an internal perspective view (b) showing the first post and the second post among the configurations of FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b.

[0104] FIG. 21 is an internal perspective view showing the air guide block in the configuration of FIG. 20.

[0105] FIG. 22 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of FIG. 21.

[0106] FIG. 23 is an air discharge flow diagram showing the air discharge pattern using the first post and the second post.

[0107] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 11.

[0108] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the state in which a portion of the front part of the fixed body in the configuration of FIG. 9 has been removed.

[0109] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 3, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane of the air curtain section.

[0110] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the air curtain section of FIG. 11 cut along the horizontal plane.

[0111] Figure 28 is a flow analysis of contaminants to determine the suction performance of contaminants according to Comparative Example 1.

[0112] Figure 29 is a flow analysis of contaminants to determine the suction performance of contaminants according to Comparative Example 2.

[0113] FIG. 30 is a flow analysis of contaminants to determine the suction performance of contaminants according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the first air curtain section of FIG. 31 cut along a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0116] FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of an exhaust device and a cooking device equipped with the same according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117]

[0118] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, and accordingly, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, a detailed description of known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0119] Detailed descriptions are omitted where deemed necessary. 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of any one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0122] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0123] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0124] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0125] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0126] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0127] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0128] 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.

[0129]

[0130] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooking device (1) installed on a main body according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exhaust device (10) shown in FIG. 1 and a cooking device (1) equipped with the same.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heating device (20) and an exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment.

[0132] The heating device (20) may be positioned above the cooking appliance (1). In this embodiment, a heating device (20) in the form of an electric range is exemplified. The cooking appliance (1) exemplified here includes both electric resistance type electric ranges and induction heating type electric ranges. For convenience of explanation, the embodiment of the present invention will be described with an electric range in which a working coil is provided as a heating part (22). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0133] As an example, the heating device (20) may include a case (101) and a top plate (23).

[0134] The case (101) may be formed in a polygonal shape with an open top. This case (101) can accommodate various internal components constituting the heating device (20) and perform the function of protecting them.

[0135] For example, the case (101) may be formed in the shape of a square box made of aluminum, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the case (101) may be insulated to prevent the temperature of the outer surface of the case (101) from rising due to heat generated by the working coil.

[0136] A top plate (23) can be placed on the upper part of the case (101). This top plate (23) can shield the upper part of the case (101) and form the upper surface appearance of the heating device (20).

[0137] The top plate (23) can be made of ceramic glass and can be formed into a rectangular flat plate shape with thickness.

[0138] At least one cooking area (23a, 23b) may be provided in the top plate (23). A heating unit (22) may be disposed in the cooking area (23a, 23b). As an example, the heating unit (22) may include a working coil disposed at the bottom of the top plate (23).

[0139] A plurality of cooking zones (23a, 23b) may be provided in the top plate (23). At this time, all heating units (22) placed in the plurality of cooking zones (23a, 23b) may include working coils, and some of the heating units (22) may include working coils, while others may include hot plates that generate heat by heating a metal plate with a heating wire or radiators that generate heat by heating a ceramic plate with a heating wire.

[0140] On the upper part of the top plate (23), more specifically on the upper part of the cooking area (23a, 23b), a heating object such as a cooking utensil heated by the heating unit (22) may be placed.

[0141] An input interface (24) that receives input from a user may be provided on the upper surface of the top plate (23). The input interface (24) is installed so as to be embedded flatly on the upper surface of the top plate (23) and can display a specific image.

[0142] The input interface (24) receives touch input from a user, and the heating device (20) can be driven based on the received touch input. However, the input interface (24) is not necessarily required to be configured to receive touch input from a user. As an example, as described below, it is also possible to be configured to allow signal input from a dial knob-shaped input interface (24') (see reference numeral “24’” in FIG. 8). This will be explained in more detail later.

[0143] A heating device (20) may be installed in a main body (5). The main body (5) may be provided in a predetermined cabinet structure. A space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the heating device (20) and the exhaust device (10) may be formed inside the main body (5).

[0144] For example, the main body (5) may be provided in the form of kitchen furniture, more specifically, a base cabinet. A countertop (11) may be provided on the upper part of the main body (5) provided in the form of kitchen furniture. The heating device (20) and the exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment may be installed on the countertop (11).

[0145] For example, the heating device (20) may be installed on the countertop (11) in such a way that at least a portion is exposed to the upper side of the countertop (11) and the remaining portion is inserted to the lower side of the countertop (11). At this time, the top plate (23) may be exposed to the upper side of the countertop (11), and the case (101) and the heating unit (22) may be positioned to the lower side of the countertop (11).

[0146] As another example, the main body (5) may be provided in the form of a cooking appliance (1) including an oven. In this case, the heating device (20) installed on the upper surface of the main body (5) and the exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment may be positioned above the cooking chamber of the oven.

[0147] The exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment is configured to collect smoke, steam, contaminant particles, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as contaminated air) generated in the surroundings. This exhaust device (10) may be positioned adjacent to the heating device (20).

[0148] In this embodiment, the heating device (20) and the exhaust device (10) are installed on the cooking table (11), and the exhaust device (10) is positioned behind the heating device (20). The directions described in the specification are based on the directions of FIG. 2. Specifically, a direction parallel to the direction of the top plate (23) may be defined as the front (F) and the rear (R), a direction parallel to the direction of the top plate (23) and perpendicular to the front (F) and rear (R) may be defined as the left-right direction (Le, Ri), and a direction perpendicular to the front (F), rear (R), and left-right direction (Le, Ri) may be defined as the up-down direction (UD).

[0149] This exhaust device (10) can collect contaminated air generated from a heated object, such as a cooking utensil placed on a heating device (20). The air collected by the exhaust device (10) can be transported through the interior of the exhaust device (10) to the interior or exterior of the main body (5).

[0150] A part of the exhaust device (10) may be installed so as to protrude from the main body (5). This part of the exhaust device (10) may be installed in the main body (5) so as to protrude above the cooking table (11) or be received inside the main body (5).

[0151] As another example, part of the exhaust device (10) can be installed so as to be accessible on the top plate (23) of the case (101).

[0152] The exhaust device (10) is configured to collect contaminated air generated around the exhaust device (10) and can be configured to be vertically movable.

[0153] A portion of this exhaust device (10) may be protruding above the countertop (11) or case (101) to collect contaminated air. Additionally, the exhaust device (10) may descend toward the interior of the main body (5) and be inserted into the interior of the main body (5) or case (101).

[0154]

[0155] Hereinafter, the structure of the exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0156] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in which the air curtain section (111) and the main body (112, 113) of FIG. 2 are omitted, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3 with the top plate (23) and the heating device (20) removed.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the exhaust device (10) may include a top plate (23), an air curtain section (111), and a main body (112, 113).

[0158] As described above, the top plate (23) includes at least one cooking area (23a, 23b) and a suction part (120) for sucking up contaminant particles generated in the cooking area (23a, 23b). The top plate (23) can be defined as the upper surface of the case (101).

[0159] The intake unit (120) may be positioned at the rear of the cooking area (23a, 23b). Specifically, the intake unit (120) may be located on the top plate (23) in the opposite direction of the input interface (24) relative to the cooking area (23a, 23b). If the intake unit (120) is located on the top plate (23) in the opposite direction of the input interface (24) relative to the cooking area (23a, 23b), it directs and discharges contaminated air away from the input interface (24) where the user is located, thereby reducing the amount of contaminated air reaching the user.

[0160] Such a suction portion (120) can be defined as a hole formed in the top plate (23). The suction portion (120) may extend in a second direction. Specifically, the suction portion (120) may extend in the left-right direction and have a predetermined width in the front-rear direction.

[0161] Additionally, one or more suction parts (120) may be formed. Preferably, considering that multiple cooking utensils are cooked in multiple cooking areas (23a, 23b), multiple suction parts (120) are formed spaced apart from each other on the top plate (23), and the multiple suction parts (120) can separately suck in contaminated air.

[0162] Specifically, the suction part (120) may include a first suction part (120a) extending in the left-right direction and a second suction part (120b) extending in the left-right direction, spaced apart from the first suction part (120a) in the left direction.

[0163] The intake section (120) can be connected to an exhaust passage (102, 103) formed inside the case (101). The intake section (120) is formed at one end of the exhaust passage (102, 103), and the other end of the exhaust passage (102, 103) can be connected to the outside or to the interior.

[0164] The exhaust passage (102, 103) may include a first exhaust passage (102) and a second exhaust passage (103) connected to the first exhaust passage (102) and located below the first exhaust passage (102).

[0165] The present disclosure may further include a suction fan (140) connected to a suction unit (120) to provide air flow to the suction unit (120) (reference numeral 131 in FIG. 3 should be modified to 140). One or multiple suction fans (140) may be arranged. In order to individually suck in contaminated air through multiple suction units (120), the number of suction fans (140) may correspond to the number of suction units (120).

[0166] Specifically, the suction fan (140) may include a first suction fan (141) and a second suction fan (142) disposed in the exhaust passage (102, 103). The first suction fan (141) may be in communication with the first suction section (120a), and the second suction fan (142) may be in communication with the second suction section (120b). Accordingly, when the first suction fan (141) is driven, contaminated air is sucked in through the first suction section (120a), and when the second suction fan (142) is driven, contaminated air is sucked in through the second suction section (120b). The suction fan (140) may include a centrifugal fan or an axial fan.

[0167] The exhaust device (10) may further include a filter (123) for filtering contaminated air. The filter (123) may be installed inside or on the inlet side of the exhaust passage (102, 103) and may serve to filter contaminated air introduced into the exhaust passage (102, 103).

[0168] The filter (123) may be provided in a form including at least one of a pre-filter, an oil-mist filter / grease filter, an odor filter, a dust filter, an odor filter, a germicidal filter, a plasma filter, a UV filter, and an active filter.

[0169] The pre-filter captures large dust and oil particles, and the oil mist filter can be used to remove oil vapor generated during cooking. The deodorizing filter can be composed of activated carbon or the like to remove odors, and the dust collection filter is a filter (123) used to remove fine dust.

[0170] Additionally, the active filter can improve performance by using plasma, ultraviolet light, etc., which decompose odor molecules more effectively without emitting pollutants such as ozone. The filter (123) may be any one of the filters described above or may be composed of a combination of filters.

[0171] The filter (123) may be installed in the exhaust passage (102, 103) adjacent to the intake section (120). A filter housing (124) may be further included for the convenience of replacing and securing the filter (123). The filter housing (124) is installed in the exhaust passage (102, 103), has a space inside through which contaminated air passes, and can secure the filter (123).

[0172] The filter housing (124) has its upper portion inserted into the suction portion (120) and may have a length corresponding to the length of the suction portion (120). The filter housing (124) has a rectangular cross-section and is shaped with parts of the upper and lower portions open.

[0173] The filter (123) may have a length corresponding to that of the suction part (120). To improve the filtering ability of the filter (123), the width of the filter (123) may be greater than the front-to-back width of the suction part (120). The filter (123) may be positioned diagonally in the filter housing (124).

[0174] Additionally, the exhaust device (10) may further include a grille (121) covering a portion of the intake section (120). The grille (121) may be seated on a filter housing (124). The grille (121) may be located below the top plate (23) or have the same height as the top plate (23).

[0175]

[0176] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a door (130) for opening and closing the suction part (120) may be further included. Of course, depending on the embodiment, the door (130) may be omitted.

[0177] The door (130) closes or opens the suction part (120) to cover the suction part (120) from the outside when the exhaust device is not in use, and prevents foreign substances such as dust from entering through the suction part (120).

[0178] The door (130) can be rotatably coupled to the case (101) at a position adjacent to the suction part (120). Specifically, the door (130) is rotatably coupled to the top plate (23) at the rear of the suction part (120). The case (101) may have a door receiving part (104) formed therein, in which one end of the door (130) is received when the door (130) is rotated.

[0179] The door (130) may be extended in a direction parallel to the suction section (120). The length of the door (130) may be equal to the length of the suction section (120) or greater than the length of the suction section (120). The width (W2) of the door (130) may be equal to the front-to-back width of the suction section (120) or greater than the front-to-back width of the suction section (120).

[0180] The door (130) can be driven by a door motor.

[0181] In the open state, the door (130) can define a surface that intersects the extension direction of the top plate (23) and extends in the extension direction of the suction part (120). Here, the open state of the door (130) means a state in which the door (130) exposes the suction part (120) to the outside.

[0182] When the door (130) is open, it can define a surface that intersects the front-rear and left-right directions and extends in the left-right direction. More preferably, when the door (130) is open, it can define a surface that is orthogonal to the top plate (23).

[0183] In the open state of the door (130), the height of the top of the door (130) is located below the air curtain section (111).

[0184]

[0185] Below, the air curtain section (111) and the main body (112, 113) will be described.

[0186] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main body (112, 113) shown in FIG. 2 and a moving device that moves the main body (112, 113); FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the main body (112, 113) moved downward in FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body (112, 113) and the moving device in FIG. 5.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the main body (112, 113) supports the air curtain section (111) so that it is positioned on the top plate (23) and moves the air curtain section (111). The air curtain section (111) and the main body (112, 113) can be collectively referred to as the upper exhaust module (110).

[0188] The main body (112, 113) supports both ends of the air curtain section (111). If the main body (112, 113) is in the form of a column supporting both ends of the air curtain section (111), the area below the air curtain section (111) is empty, so the possibility of contaminants contaminating the exhaust device (10) is reduced.

[0189] Specifically, the main body (112, 113) is installed to slide in a first direction intersecting the extension direction of the top plate (23) and includes a first post (112) connected to one end of the air curtain section (111) and a second post (113) installed to slide in the first direction on the top plate (23) and connected to the other end of the air curtain section (111). The first post (112) and the second post (113) extend in the vertical direction.

[0190] The air supply fan (119a, 119b) that supplies air to the air curtain section (111) may be installed inside the air curtain section (111), but it is preferable to install it at the bottom of at least one of the first post (112) and the second post (113).

[0191] Specifically, the supply fans (119a, 119b) may include a first supply fan (119a) installed at the bottom of the first post (112) and a second supply fan (119b) installed at the bottom of the second post (113).

[0192] When installed at the bottom of the first post (112) and the second post (113) of the supply fan (119a, 119b), a supply air passage may be formed inside at least one of the first post (112) and the second post (113). The supply air passage may include a first supply air passage (118a) formed inside the first post (112) and connected to one end of the air curtain, and a second supply air passage (118b) formed inside the second post (113) and connected to the other end of the air curtain. Due to this structure, the volume of the air curtain section (111) can be reduced.

[0193] The main body (112, 113) and the air curtain section (111) may be formed as separate members or as a single member. In FIG. 7, the exhaust module (110) is shown to include a lower body (110b) in which a part of the main body (112, 113) and the air curtain section (111) is formed, and an upper body (110a) in which another part of the main body (112, 113) and the air curtain section (111) is formed and which is coupled to the lower body (110b), but is not limited thereto.

[0194]

[0195] The main body (112, 113) can be installed so as to be movable in the case (101). Specifically, the main body (112, 113) can be installed so as to be slidably on a slide body (117) fixed to the case (101).

[0196] The slide body (117) may be fixed to the case (101) or installed inside the case (101). The slide body (117) may have various shapes. Specifically, the slide body (117) may have a plate shape with the left and right ends protruding forward, and may form a receiving groove (117a) that extends vertically in the center to define a space where a height adjustment motor (115) is placed.

[0197] Between the left end of the slide body (117) and the receiving groove (117a), a first mounting space (117b) that encloses a part of the first suction part (120a) may be formed, and between the right end of the slide body (117) and the receiving groove (117a), a second mounting space (117c) that encloses a part of the second suction part (120b) may be formed.

[0198] The first mounting space (117b) and the second mounting space (117c) may be areas where the slide body (117) is recessed inward. The first suction part (120a) may be located in the first mounting space (117b), and the second suction part (120b) may be located in the second mounting space (117c).

[0199] The exhaust device (10) may include a height adjustment motor (115) that provides driving force to the main body (112, 113) and a rack gear (191) that meshes with a pinion gear (not shown) connected to and rotated by the height adjustment motor (115).

[0200] The rack gear (191) is coupled to the slide body (117). Specifically, the rack gear (191) can be received in the receiving groove (117a).

[0201] The height adjustment motor (115) can be connected to the main body (112, 113). Preferably, the exhaust device (10) may further include a support bar (116) connecting the first post (112) and the second post (113) to use one height adjustment motor (115). The height adjustment motor (115) is coupled to the support bar (116).

[0202] Additionally, the exhaust device (10) may further include a guide rail (192) installed on the slide body (117) to guide the movement of the main body (112, 113), and a sliding bar (193) coupled to the support bar (116) to slide along the guide rail (192). The support bar (116) may be directly connected to the first post (112) and the second post (113), but it is preferable that it be connected by side brackets (114a, 114b).

[0203] The side brackets (114a, 114b) separate the support bar (116) from the rear of the first post (112) and the second post (113). Since the side brackets (114a, 114b) are joined in contact with two faces of the first post (112) or the second post (113), the joining force is strengthened.

[0204] In particular, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 5, the air curtain section (111) discharges air toward the intake section (120). The air curtain section (111) may be positioned to overlap in a direction that intersects the extension direction of the intake section (120) and the top plate (23). Specifically, the air curtain section (111) may be positioned to overlap with the intake section (120) in an up-and-down direction.

[0205] The air curtain section (111) extends in the left and right directions. The length of the air curtain section (111) may be equal to the length of the suction section (120) or greater than the length of the suction section (120). The width of the air curtain section (111) in the front-rear direction may be equal to the front-rear width of the suction section (120) or greater than the front-rear width of the suction section (120).

[0206] The air curtain section (111) can be positioned in front of the door (130) when the door (130) is open.

[0207] The air curtain section (111) strongly discharges air in the shape of a long plate or curtain in the left-right direction from the upper part of the intake section (120) toward the intake section (120), thereby accelerating the contaminated air flowing into the intake section (120) and guiding a portion of the contaminated air that flows to the rear of the intake section (120) without flowing into the intake section (120) back into the intake section (120). The air discharged from the air curtain section (111) may have a planar shape parallel to the vertical direction and the left-right direction.

[0208]

[0209] Hereinafter, the structure of the exhaust device (10A) according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0210] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exhaust device (10A) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure installed on a main body (5).

[0211]

[0212] The exhaust device (10A) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes an air curtain section (1111) as referenced in FIG. 8. The air curtain section (1111) can perform the function of forming an intake airflow that causes contaminated air to flow toward the intake section (120).

[0213] For example, the air curtain unit (1111) can form an intake airflow by discharging a predetermined amount of air toward the cooking counter (11), which is in a static airflow state. The principle of forming the intake airflow by the air curtain unit (1111) will be explained in more detail later.

[0214] The air curtain section (1111) can be raised and lowered while maintaining horizontality in the vertical direction by means of the lifting module (1200) described later. Here, the air curtain section (1111) can be raised and lowered based on the top plate (23) (preferably the suction section (120)).

[0215] Additionally, the air curtain section (1111) can be combined with a first post (1112) and a second post (1113) that are spaced apart in the left and right directions with respect to the top plate (23) and arranged parallel to each other. Specifically, the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) can be combined to penetrate the air curtain section (1111) in the up and down directions.

[0216] The air curtain section (1111) is connected to the lifting module (1200) described later via the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), and can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. The specific configuration and function of the lifting module (1200) will be described in more detail later.

[0217] As described above, the top plate (23) may include at least one cooking area (23a, 23b) and a suction part (120) for sucking in contaminated air generated in the cooking area (23a, 23b). Here, the suction part (120) may be formed to have a length that extends further to the left or right than the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), respectively.

[0218] The suction part (120) is positioned at the rear of the cooking area (23a, 23b), and a heating object such as a cooking utensil is placed on the cooking area (23a, 23b) and heat can be supplied by a heating device (20) driven by an input interface (24') provided in the form of a dial knob.

[0219] Here, storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) may be placed in the portion corresponding to the outer side of the first post (1112) and the portion corresponding to the outer side of the second post (1113) of the suction portion (120). The storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) may provide a space for storing convenience items such as seasoning containers and oil during cooking.

[0220] The storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) may be provided with an open top, and storage box doors (1128a, 1128b) that open and close the open top of the storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) may be further provided. The storage box doors (1128a, 1128b) may open and close the open top of the storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) in a rotational manner.

[0221] On the upper surface of the storage box door (1128a, 1128b), the user can take out and place convenience items stored in the storage box (1127a, 1127b) as needed during cooking, and can also place an electronic device such as a tablet PC for recipe reference.

[0222] For reference, the storage box (1127a, 1127b) and the storage box door (1128a, 1128b) can be installed on the bottom tray frame (1116) forming the upper surface of the lifting module (1200) described later.

[0223]

[0224] Below, a lifting module (1200) for raising and lowering the air curtain section (1111) will be described in detail.

[0225] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the exhaust device illustrated in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10a to 10d are perspective views showing the appearance of the exhaust device in sequence.

[0226] The lifting module (1200) performs the function of raising and lowering the air curtain section (1111), which is connected via the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), with respect to the top plate (23).

[0227] Specifically, the lifting module (1200) includes a fixed body (1210) and a lifting body (1220), as referenced in FIGS. 10a to 10d. The fixed body (1210) can perform the role of guiding the sliding movement of the lifting body (1220) in the up and down direction. The lifting body (1220) can perform the role of guiding the sliding movement of the fixed body (1210) so that the air curtain part (1111) moves up and down on the top of the top plate (23).

[0228] The fixed body (1210) can be fixed to the lower part of the top plate (23). As an example, the fixed body (1210) can be fixed inside the main body (5) where the top plate (23) is installed. Additionally, the fixed body (1210) can be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism with a hollow interior. However, the external shape of the fixed body (1210) is not limited to a rectangular prism shape and includes any shape capable of guiding the sliding movement of the lifting body (1220).

[0229] The lifting body (1220) may be positioned to be slidably movable in the vertical direction within the fixed body (1210). To this end, the size (volume) of the lifting body (1220) may be formed to be smaller than the empty internal space of the fixed body (1210). That is, the fixed body (1210) is formed such that the empty internal space has at least the sliding movement space of the lifting body (1220), and the lifting body (1220) may be slidably movable in the vertical direction within the limit of the internal space of the fixed body (1210).

[0230] As referenced in FIGS. 10a to 10d, the fixed body (1210) may include an upper fixed plate (1212) that is fixed to match the suction portion (120) of the top plate (23), and a guide body (1211) that is positioned below the upper fixed plate (1212) and guides the up and down movement of the lifting body (1220).

[0231] An elevator entrance (1213—to be added to the drawing) through which an air curtain section (1111) provided on the upper part of the elevator body (1220) enters and exits may be formed in the upper fixed plate (1212). The elevator entrance (1213) may be formed to be smaller than the area occupied by the upper fixed plate (1212). Preferably, the elevator entrance (1213) may be formed to be smaller than the horizontal area occupied by the air curtain section (1111), but in a shape that does not interfere with the sliding air curtain section (1111).

[0232] Here, the exhaust device (10A) according to the second embodiment may further include a bottom tray frame (1116) located at the bottom of the air curtain section (1111), forming the upper surface of the elevator body (1120), and exposed through the elevator entrance (1213).

[0233] The storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) described above may be attached to the left and right ends of the bottom tray frame (1116). The upper ends of each storage box (1127a, 1127b) may be positioned at the same position as or lower than the upper surface of the bottom tray frame (1116). At this time, the storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) may be positioned so that their open portions communicate with the upper portion. As an example, the storage boxes (1127a, 1127b) may be positioned so that the upper opening portions match the upper surface of the bottom tray frame (1116) corresponding to the outer sides of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113).

[0234] Additionally, the lower ends of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) can be connected to the upper part of the lifting body (1220) by penetrating the bottom tray frame (1116). An air intake hole (1117) through which contaminated air is substantially sucked can be formed in the portion of the bottom tray frame (1116) corresponding to the area between the first post (1112) and the second post (1113).

[0235] A filter (123) for filtering air sucked into the interior of the lifting body (1220) may be installed in the air intake hole (1117). Here, a filter housing (124) containing the filter (123) may be provided to be able to move upward relative to the upper surface of the lifting body (1220). The filter (123) and the filter housing (124) may be raised upward relative to the upper surface of the bottom tray frame (1116) in a pop-up form to operate a power mode that increases the amount of contaminated air sucked in through the intake section (120).

[0236] A back glass door (1270) may be slidably positioned at the rear of the bottom tray frame (1116). The back glass door (1270) may be made of glass material. Such a back glass door (1270) can perform the function of a door (130) in the exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment by rising to protrude upward in conjunction with the operation of the power mode in which the filter (123) and the filter housing (124) pop up upward.

[0237] Meanwhile, the space between the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) may be a hollow space connected in the front-rear direction. However, it does not need to be an empty hollow space where nothing exists between the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), and the glass panel (1111d) may be joined to shield in the front-rear direction.

[0238] Even if the space between the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) is hollow, a minimum intake airflow is formed through the air discharged from the air curtain section (1111) toward the intake section (120) so that contaminated air can be drawn into the intake section (120). However, if a shielding structure such as a glass panel (1111d) is added to the space between the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), the flow of contaminated air joining the rear intake airflow from the front cooking area (23a, 23b) is blocked by the glass panel (1111d), thereby increasing the amount of air drawn toward the lower intake section (120).

[0239] The exhaust device (10A) according to the second embodiment configured as described above can be raised and lowered so that the air curtain section (1111) is exposed to the upper side of the top plate (23) while the lifting body (1220) is guided by the fixed body (1210), as referenced in FIGS. 10a to 10d.

[0240] That is, as referenced in FIG. 10a, the air curtain section (1111) is kept hidden inside the fixed body (1210) corresponding to the lower side of the suction section (120).

[0241] Next, as referenced in FIG. 10b, the air curtain section (1111) can be protruded toward the upper side of the suction section (120) by sliding the lifting body (1220) under the guidance of the fixed body (1210) so that the bottom tray frame (1116) is raised to a position that matches the suction section (120).

[0242] At this time, as referenced in FIG. 10c, the back glass door (1270) can be slid upward above the upper surface of the bottom tray frame (1116) to operate in power mode. Also, as referenced in FIG. 10d, the filter (123) and filter housing (124) can be raised in a pop-up form to operate in power mode.

[0243]

[0244] FIG. 11 is a front view of FIG. 8, FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 8, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11, FIG. 15a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15a-15a of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15b is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the LM guide rail and LM moving block among the components of FIG. 13.

[0245] The exhaust device (10A) according to the second embodiment may further include a middle tray frame (1250) connected to a first post (1112) and a second post (1113) to form a mounting space on the upper surface of an air curtain section (1111) for mounting convenience items for cooking, as referenced in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12.

[0246] The middle tray frame (1250) can be arranged parallel to and spaced upward by a predetermined distance relative to the upper surface of the air curtain section (1111). Such a middle tray frame (1250) serves to form a storage space for the aforementioned convenience items in the upper space of the air curtain section (1111). Specifically, the middle tray frame (1250) serves to support the sides of the convenience items placed in the storage space, thereby preventing the convenience items from falling out when the air curtain section (1111) rises above the suction section (120).

[0247] The middle tray frame (1250) is formed to have an external shape corresponding to the air curtain section (1111), and may be provided in the form of a border frame to form the aforementioned mounting space with an empty internal space. Here, the middle tray frame (1250) may have a frame connecting end (1255) that extends and connects to the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), respectively, in the front-rear direction.

[0248] Meanwhile, the exhaust device (1A) according to the first embodiment may further include a top deco plate (1260) that opens and closes the suction part (120) and is fixed to a first post (1112) and a second post (1113) corresponding to the upper part of the air curtain part (1111), as referenced in FIGS. 8, 11 and 12.

[0249] The top deco plate (1260) can be positioned to cover the elevator entrance (1213) formed in the upper fixed plate (1212) of the fixed body (1210) when concealed inside the fixed body (1210) of the air curtain unit (1111) by the lifting module (1200). Additionally, the top deco plate (1260) can serve as a cover to prevent dust and the like from accumulating on convenience items for cooking placed between the air curtain unit (1111) and the mounting space when the air curtain unit (1111) is raised by the lifting module (1200). The air curtain unit (1111) and the top deco plate (1260) may be further equipped with a lighting unit (1280) described later. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0250]

[0251] The sliding guide structure and function of the air curtain section (1111) by the lifting module (1200) are described in detail below.

[0252] In the exhaust device (10A) according to the first embodiment, the lifting module (1200) may further include a lifting drive unit (1230) that lifts the lifting body (1220) up and down within the fixed body (1210), as referenced in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0253] Here, the lifting drive unit (1230) may include a rack gear guide rail (1233) that is fixed in the vertical direction to the inner surface of the fixed body (1210) and has a plurality of rack gear teeth (1233T) arranged in the longitudinal direction, a pinion gear unit (1232) that includes a plurality of pinion gear teeth (1232T) that mesh with the rack gear teeth (1233T) of the rack gear guide rail (1233), and a pinion drive motor (1231) that rotates the pinion gear unit (1232).

[0254] Referring to FIG. 15a, the pinion drive motor (1231) can be fixed to the lifting body (1220). At this time, the motor shaft (not shown in the drawing) of the pinion drive motor (1231) can be positioned parallel to the inner surface of the fixed body (1210), and the pinion gear tooth (1232T) of the pinion gear part (1232) can be positioned to mesh with the rack gear tooth (1233T) of the rack gear guide rail (1233).

[0255] Although the lifting drive unit (1230) is described as being placed at one location in the front part of the fixed body (1210) and the front part of the lifting body (1220) in this embodiment, it may be placed at two or more locations to ensure uniform and stable sliding movement of the lifting body (1220).

[0256] Additionally, referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 15b, a plurality of LM guide rails (1215) are provided on the inner side of the fixed body (1210) so as to be arranged vertically and spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions, and a plurality of LM moving blocks (1226) are provided on the outer side of the lifting body (1220) so as to be slidably moved along the plurality of LM guide rails (1215).

[0257] A plurality of LM guide rails (1215) may be spaced apart in the left and right directions in the front portion of the inner surface of the fixed body (1210), and a plurality of LM guide rails (1215) may be spaced apart in the left and right directions in the rear portion of the inner surface of the fixed body (1210).

[0258] The LM moving blocks (1225) can be fixed to the lifting body (1220) in a number of two spaced apart above and below each LM guide rail (1215). The LM moving blocks (1225) are fixed to the lifting body (1220) and can slide in conjunction with the lifting body (1220). At this time, the LM moving blocks (1225) serve to guide the sliding movement on the LM guide rail (1215) of the fixed body (1210).

[0259] Here, the LM moving block (1225) may further include a ball bearing assembly (1227, 1228) formed by a combination of a contact ball (1227) and a circulating ball (1228) between a block body (1226) that surrounds one side of the LM guide rail (1215) as referenced in FIG. 15b and a rail groove (not shown in the drawing) of the LM guide rail (1215). The ball bearing assembly (1227, 1228) is installed to regulate the frictional force on the LM guide rail (1215) or the LM moving block (1225), thereby applying a balanced preload, which can guide a more stable sliding movement of the lifting body (1220).

[0260]

[0261] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 12, FIG. 17 is a perspective view and a partial enlarged view showing the connection of the weight block body in the configuration of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

[0262] In the exhaust device (10A) according to the first embodiment, the lifting module (1200) includes a weight balancer (1240) that reduces the weight load of the air curtain section (111) on the lifting module (1200), as referenced in FIGS. 16 to 18.

[0263] Specifically, the weight balancer (1240) reduces the weight of the lifting body (1220) during lifting. The weight balancer (1240) may have a weight corresponding to the weight of the air curtain section (111).

[0264] Specifically, the weight balancer (1240) may have a weight smaller than the weight of the air curtain section (111) or a weight larger than the weight of the air curtain section (111). Preferably, the weight balancer (1240) has the same weight as the weight of the air curtain section (111).

[0265]

[0266] The weight balancer (1240) provides a force that pulls the lifting body (1220) in the opposite direction to gravity, thereby reducing the weight of the lifting body (1220) and / or the air curtain section (111). The weight balancer (1240) may have a weight corresponding to that of the lifting body (1220).

[0267] The weight balancer (1240) may include a weight body (1241) of a predetermined weight, as referenced in FIG. 17, and a connecting wire (1242) that mediates the connection with the lifting body (1220).

[0268] Additionally, the weight balancer (1240) may include a weight body (1241), a connecting wire (1242), and a pulley assembly (1245).

[0269]

[0270] Here, the weight body (1241) may be positioned to slide vertically on the outside of the fixed body (1210). Additionally, one end of the connecting wire (1242) may be connected to the lower end of the left and right sides of the lifting body (1220) provided inside the fixed body (1210), and the other end may be connected to the weight body (1241) provided outside the fixed body (1210). At this time, the connecting wire (1241) may be positioned to pass through a through-hole portion formed in the fixed body (121) at a position higher than the maximum rising position of the lifting body (1220) and the maximum rising position of the weight body (1241).

[0271] The lifting body (1220) and the weight body (1241) can be connected so that the connecting wire (1242) is supported through a pulley assembly (1245) installed in the through-hole portion of the fixed body (1210), as referenced in FIG. 18.

[0272] The pulley assembly (1245) may include a pair of hinge support blocks (1246) and a pair of hinge brackets (1248) fixed to the left and right outer parts of the fixed body (1210) in the front and rear directions, as referenced in FIG. 17, and a pulley hinge bar (1247) hinged to the pair of hinge brackets (1248).

[0273] Such a pulley assembly (1245) may be further provided not only on the left and right outer parts of the fixed body (1210) as referenced in FIG. 18, but also on the inner part corresponding to the interior of the fixed body (1210) (refer to reference numeral '1249').

[0274] The pulley assembly (1245) supports the connecting wire (1242) so that it can rotate. The pulley assembly (1245) can change the direction of movement of the connecting wire (1242).

[0275] The connecting wire (1242) is connected so that the weight (1241) moves according to the position change of the air curtain section (1111).

[0276] For example, one end of the connecting wire (1242) is connected to the air curtain section (1111), and the other end of the connecting wire (1242) is connected to the weight (1241). The connecting wire (1242) connects the air curtain section (1111) and the weight (1241) to each other via the pulley assembly (1245).

[0277] As another example, one end of the connecting wire (1242) is connected to the lifting body (1220), and the other end of the connecting wire (1242) is connected to the weight body (1241).

[0278] Restoring force or auxiliary driving force is provided to the air curtain section (1111) by the weight of the weight body (1241).

[0279] The weight (1241) moves in the opposite direction in response to the movement of the air curtain section (1111) through the connecting wire (1242) and the pulley assembly (1245), thereby reducing the load required for the movement of the air curtain section (1111).

[0280] The weight (1241) and the connecting wire (1242) are located below the air curtain section (1111). When the weight (1241) and the connecting wire (1242) are located below the air curtain section (1111), the weight (1241) and the connecting wire (1242) are not exposed to the outside.

[0281]

[0282] Additionally, a portion of the weight (1241) and the connecting wire (1242) may be slidably coupled via an LM moving block (1244) on an LM guide rail (1243) that is fixed vertically on the outer side of the fixed body (1210). Here, the LM guide rail (1243) and the LM moving block (1244) have the same structure and function as the LM guide rail (1215) and the LM moving block (1225) that guide the vertical sliding movement of the lifting body (1220) described above.

[0283] The weight (1241) can reduce the driving load of the pinion driving motor (1231) when the lifting body (1220) is raised by the electrical driving of the pinion driving motor (1231) in the configuration of the lifting drive unit (1230), and at the same time equalize the lowering speed when the lifting body (1220) is lowered.

[0284] More specifically, the weight (1241) can perform the function of reducing the motor load of the pinion drive motor (1231) by adding the corresponding gravity according to the weight as an upward force when the lifting body (1220) moves upward through a connecting wire. In addition, the weight (1241) can equalize the descent speed by adding a reaction force opposite to gravity when the lifting body (1220) descends, thereby allowing the lifting body (1220) to descend more naturally. Therefore, it is preferable that the weight of the weight (1241) be set considering the required load of the pinion drive motor (1231).

[0285]

[0286] The process of supplying discharged air to the air curtain section (1111) is described below.

[0287] FIGS. 19a and FIGS. 19b are a perspective view and a front view showing the combined appearance of the air curtain section of FIGS. 8, FIG. 20 is a perspective view (a) and an internal perspective view (b) showing the first post and the second post of FIGS. 19a and FIG. 19b, FIG. 21 is an internal perspective view showing the air guide block of FIG. 20, FIG. 22 is a front view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is an air discharge flow diagram showing the appearance of air discharge using the first post and the second post.

[0288] Referring to FIGS. 19a and 19b, the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) can be connected to penetrate the air curtain section (1111) in the vertical direction. However, in the case of an embodiment in which the middle tray frame (1250) and the top deco plate (1260) are not separately provided, it may also be possible to connect the upper ends of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) to match the upper surface of the air curtain section (1111).

[0289] Here, when the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) are provided in the form of hollow pipes, a communication hole (1112h, 1113h) can be formed in the part connected to the air curtain section (1111) to communicate with the hollow. That is, the part of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) connected to the air curtain section (1111) can be mutually communicated through the communication hole (1112h, 1113h).

[0290] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, an air supply fan (1119a, 1119b) for supplying air to an air curtain section (1111) may be provided on the inner side of the lower portion of each of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113). The air supplied by the air supply fan (1119a, 1119b) may be supplied to the air curtain section (1111) through the connecting hole (1112h, 1113h).

[0291] The supply fans (1119a, 1119b) perform the function of drawing in air from inside the main body (5) by means of an electrically driven fan motor (not indicated in the drawing) and supplying it upward through the hollows of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113).

[0292] Here, the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) are provided in the form of pipes with open top and bottom ends, and an air blocking part (1120) may be further provided to change the flow of air supplied to the top by the air supply fan (1119a, 1119b) toward the connecting hole (1112h, 1113h) and simultaneously block air from escaping through the open top end.

[0293] The air blocking section (1120) may include an air guide block (1121) provided on the inner side of each of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) corresponding to the upper side of the communication hole (1112h, 1113h), as referenced in FIG. 21, and at least one blocking sealing (1122, 1123) interposed between the outer surface of the air guide block (1121) and the inner surface of each of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113).

[0294] Here, an upwardly inclined guide surface (1124) may be formed on the air guide block (1121) as its lower surface toward the communication hole (1112h, 1113h). Additionally, a wire through-hole (1126) may be formed on the air guide block (1121) for installing a signal connection line (1125) for controlling the operation of the lighting unit (1180) provided in the air curtain section (1111) and the top deco plate (1160).

[0295] The guide surface (1124) serves to guide the air flowing upward by the supply fans (1119a, 1119b) to flow into the first supply air passage (118a) and the second supply air passage (118b) of the air curtain section (1111) described later, via the connecting holes (1112h, 1113h).

[0296] The signal connection line (1125) can be connected to the lighting unit (1180) provided in the air curtain section (1111) by branching horizontally from the air guide block (1121) since the lighting unit (1180) is located at the same height as the air guide block (1121), and can be extended upward through a wire penetration hole (1126) that penetrates the air guide block (1121) vertically to connect with the lighting unit (1180) provided in the top deco plate (1160).

[0297] Referring to FIG. 23, air supplied into the hollow interior of the first post (1112) and the second post (1113) by the air supply fan (1119a, 1119b) is guided by the flow of the inclined surface (1124) of the air guide block (1121), passes through the communication hole (1112h, 1113h), and then flows into the first air supply path (118a) and the second air supply path (118b) of the air curtain section (1111), and is then discharged toward the suction section (120) by the air curtain section (1111) to form a suction airflow.

[0298]

[0299] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 11.

[0300] The exhaust device (10A) according to the first embodiment may further include a lighting unit (1280) as referenced in FIG. 24. The lighting unit (1280) may be included in the air curtain section (1111) and the top deco plate (1260), respectively. Since the lighting unit (1280) installed in the air curtain section (1111) and the lighting unit (1280) installed in the top deco plate (1260) both perform the same function, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same components in the following description.

[0301] The lighting unit (1280) may include an LED substrate (1281) on which a plurality of LED elements (not shown) are mounted, a first diffusion plate (1282) that first diffuses light irradiated from the LED elements of the LED substrate (1281), and a second diffusion plate (1283) that secondarily diffuses the light diffused from the first diffusion plate (1282) and transmits the light downward.

[0302] The first diffusion plate (1282) and the second diffusion plate (1283) can enhance the aesthetic sense of the design by radiating soft light generated by diffusing light from an LED element irradiated with a somewhat high illuminance twice to the outside.

[0303] A pair of lighting units (1280) may be provided to irradiate light downward from the lower front and lower rear ends of the air curtain section (1111) and the top deco plate (1260).

[0304] Among the lighting units (1280) provided on the top deco plate (1260), the one provided at the front end may be positioned to emit soft light at a downward slope toward the front, and the one provided at the rear end may be positioned to emit soft light at a downward slope toward the rear.

[0305] On the other hand, among the lighting units (1280) provided in the air curtain section (1111), those provided in the front and rear sections can be arranged so that soft light is irradiated directly downward. Therefore, by directly irradiating soft light onto the contaminated air sucked in through the intake section (120), the flow of the contaminated air can be visualized with light of various colors, thereby further enhancing the aesthetic sense of the design.

[0306]

[0307] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the state in which a portion of the front part of the fixed body in the configuration of FIG. 9 has been removed.

[0308] The exhaust device (10A) according to the first embodiment may further include a suction fan (1295) installed inside a fan housing (1290), as referenced in FIG. 25. The suction fan (1295) may be positioned at the lower rear end of the fixed body (1210) and configured to communicate with the internal space of the fixed body (1210).

[0309] Here, the suction fan (1295) can provide suction power for external air to be drawn into the main body (5) via the suction section (120). Therefore, the suction fan (1295) performs the role of further amplifying the suction airflow formed by the discharge air discharged by the air curtain section (1111). An exhaust duct not shown is connected to the fan housing (1290) in which the suction fan (1295) is built, so that contaminated air sucked into the interior of the fixed body (1210) can be discharged to the outside.

[0310] According to the exhaust device (10A) of the first embodiment configured as described above, as referenced in FIG. 14 and FIG. 25, air inside the main body (5) is supplied to the air curtain section (1111) through the first post (1112) and the second post (1113), and then the air curtain section (1111) forms a downward suction airflow toward the suction section (120), thereby allowing air around the top plate (23) to be sucked in through the suction section (120).

[0311] At this time, the lifting module (1200) moves the lifting body (1220) upward in a sliding manner within the fixed body (1210) to open the suction part (120), and in the case where a back glass door (1270), a filter (123), and a filter housing (124) are provided according to the embodiment, the back glass door (1270) is raised and the filter (123) and filter housing (124) are popped up, thereby allowing contaminated air to be sucked in in power mode.

[0312] At the same time, the suction fan (1295) is driven to further amplify the suction airflow and to discharge the contaminated air that has entered the interior of the fixed body (1210) to the outside via the fan housing (1290).

[0313]

[0314] Hereinafter, a structure in which an air curtain section (111) discharges curtain-shaped air will be described. Here, since the air curtain section (111) of the exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment and the air curtain section (1111) of the exhaust device (10A) according to the second embodiment have the same structure and shape, the following description will focus on the air curtain section (111) of the exhaust device (10) according to the first embodiment.

[0315] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 2, taken along FIG. 2, of the air curtain section (111) taken along FIG. 2, taken along FIG. 2, taken along FIG. 2, taken along the horizontal plane.

[0316] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the air curtain section (111) receives air from the supply air passage of the main body (112, 113) through an internal air passage and discharges air along the curved surface of the air curtain section (111), and as the discharged air moves along the curved surface, the direction of the air changes and is discharged in the direction of the intake section (120).

[0317] Specifically, the air curtain section (111) includes an air body (211), a discharge section (215), and an air guide (210).

[0318] The air body (211) may define a curtain channel (213) that communicates with the supply air channel inside. The width (W1) of the curtain channel (213) may be constant, but since the air pressure decreases as it moves away from the post and the flow velocity of the line-shaped air discharged through the discharge section (215) changes, it is desirable for the width (W1) of the curtain channel (213) to decrease as it moves away from the post. Specifically, the width of the curtain channel (213) may decrease as it moves away from the first post (112) and the second post (113). Of course, the cross-sectional area of ​​the curtain channel (213) may decrease as it moves away from the post.

[0319] The curtain channel (213) extends in the left and right directions. The curtain channel (213) may include a first curtain channel (213a) connected to the first intake channel (118a) and a second curtain channel (213b) connected to the second intake channel (118b). The width and cross-sectional area of ​​the first curtain channel (213a) may decrease as it moves away from the first post (112), and the width and cross-sectional area of ​​the second curtain channel (213b) may decrease as it moves away from the second post (113).

[0320] The first curtain channel (213a) and the second curtain channel (213b) may or may not be connected to each other.

[0321] The discharge section (215) discharges air from the curtain passage (213) to the outside of the air body (211). The discharge section (215) extends in the left-right direction. The discharge section (215) has an air gap connected to the curtain passage (213) and has a shape that is long in the left-right direction and short in the front-back direction. The discharge section (215) discharges air so that the air discharged from the discharge section (215) flows while in contact with the air guide (210).

[0322] The length of the discharge section (215) may be equal to or greater than the length of the suction section (120). The discharge section (215) may include a first discharge section (215a) connected to the first curtain channel (213a) and a second discharge section (215b) connected to the second curtain channel (213b).

[0323] The air body (211) may have a curtain channel (213) formed inside. Additionally, the air body (211) and the air guide (210) may together define the discharge section (215) and the curtain channel (213). Below, the description is based on the air body (211) and the air guide (210) together defining the discharge section (215) and the curtain channel (213).

[0324] The air body (211) defines a space open in the downward and left-right directions and extends in the left-right direction. Specifically, the air body (211) may include a first air member (211a), a second air member (211b) defining a surface intersecting the first air member (211a) at one end of the first air member (211a), and a third air member (211c) defining a surface intersecting the first air member (211a) at the other end of the first air member (211a).

[0325] One end of the air guide (210) is spaced apart from the second air guide (210), and the other end of the air guide (210) is connected to the third air member (211c). Of course, the other end of the air guide (210) and the third air member (211c) can be connected by the fourth air member (218). That is, the air guide (210) defines a part of the lower surface of the air curtain section (111).

[0326] The air guide (210) is spaced apart from the first air member (211a), and a curtain channel (213) is formed between the air guide (210) and the first air member (211a). At this time, a channel wall (212) connecting the air guide (210) and the first air member (211a) is formed to determine the width of the curtain channel (213).

[0327] The Euro wall (212) may be positioned closer to the second air member (211b) as it moves away from the first post (112) or the second post (113). The Euro wall (212) may have an incline with the second air member (211b).

[0328] The discharge section (215) is defined as the space between the air body (211) and one end of the air guide (210). Specifically, the discharge section (215) may be defined as the space between the second air member (211b) of the air body (211) and the front end of the air guide (210).

[0329] The air body (211) may further include a discharge guide (214) to allow air discharged from the discharge section (215) to flow while in surface contact with the air guide (210).

[0330] A portion of the discharge guide (214) may be positioned to overlap with the front end of the air guide (210) in the vertical direction. The discharge guide (214) may extend in the left-right direction. Specifically, the front end of the discharge guide (214) may overlap in the vertical direction with the space between the air guide (210) and the second air member (211b), and the rear end of the discharge guide may overlap in the vertical direction with the front end of the air guide (210).

[0331] A portion of the discharge guide (214) may include a surface parallel to the lower surface of the front end of the air guide (210). Of course, another portion of the discharge guide (214) may have a curved surface not parallel to the lower surface of the front end of the air guide (210).

[0332] Specifically, the rear end of the discharge guide (214) can protrude upward. Through this structure, vortices occurring in the discharge guide (214) can be prevented.

[0333] The air guide (210) changes the direction of the air discharged from the discharge section (215). Additionally, the air guide (210) determines the shape of the air discharged from the discharge section (215) at the rear end of the air guide (210) and accelerates the air. The air discharged from the air guide (210) may have a surface shape that intersects with the top plate (23).

[0334] For example, the air guide (210) may include a curved surface having multiple curvatures. Specifically, the air guide (210) includes a first curved surface (216) having a first curvature and a second curved surface (217) having a second curvature greater than the first curvature. That is, the radius of curvature (R1) of the first curved surface (216) is greater than the radius of curvature (R2) of the second curved surface (217).

[0335] The front end of the first curved surface (216) overlaps with the discharge guide (214) in a vertical direction, and the rear end of the first curved surface (216) is connected to the front end of the second curved surface (217). The rear end of the second curved surface (217) is connected to the air body (211).

[0336] The tangential direction of one end of the second curved surface (217) is directed toward the suction part (120). Specifically, the tangential direction of the rear end of the second curved surface (217) may be directed toward the rear end of the suction part (120). More specifically, the tangential direction of the rear end (217a) of the second curved surface (217) may be parallel to the up-down direction. The tangential direction of the front end of the first curved surface (216) may have an acute angle of inclination with respect to the top plate (23).

[0337] The discharge unit (215) discharges air so that the discharged air flows in contact with the first curved surface (216). The discharged air flows along the first curved surface (216) and the second curved surface (217) due to the Coanda effect, and when it leaves the rear end of the first curved surface (216), it takes the form of a curtain that extends in the vertical direction and the front-back direction.

[0338] Due to this Coanda effect, contaminated air discharged from the cooking appliance does not fly to the rear or upper part of the intake section (120), but is drawn into the intake section (120).

[0339] Referring to FIG. 27, the internal space of the air body (211) is divided in the left and right directions by partition walls (219), and a first flow path wall (212a) is formed to connect the first curtain flow path (213a), the first discharge section (215a), and the first supply air flow path (118a), and a second flow path wall (212b) is formed to connect the second curtain flow path (213b), the second discharge section (215b), and the first supply air flow path (118a). Through this structure, air can be discharged individually from the first discharge section (215a) and the second discharge section (215b).

[0340] Here, it has already been explained that the first air supply path (118a) and the second air supply path (118b) can receive air through the connecting holes (1112h, 1113h) of the first post (112, 1112) and the second post (113, 1113), respectively.

[0341] The air curtain section (111) exposes the suction section (120) on the top plate (23) when open and covers the suction section (120) on the top plate (23) when closed. If a door (130) is present, the air curtain section (111) covers the door (130) that covers the suction section (120) when closed.

[0342]

[0343] Figure 28 is a flow analysis of contaminants to determine the suction performance of contaminants according to Comparative Example 1.

[0344] Referring to FIG. 28, Comparative Example 1 has a structure in which an intake port is positioned on a wall protruding upward from the top plate at the rear of the cooking appliance. In this structure, some of the contaminated air is not drawn into the intake port due to convection caused by heat generated from the cooking appliance and flows into the room.

[0345]

[0346] Figure 29 is a flow analysis of contaminants to determine the suction performance of contaminants according to Comparative Example 2.

[0347] Referring to FIG. 29, Comparative Example 2 is a structure in which an intake port is formed on the top plate at the rear of the cooking appliance. That is, Comparative Example 2 is a downdraft structure that sucks in contaminated air through the bottom.

[0348] In the case of such a structure, a large portion of the contaminated air is unable to be drawn into the intake due to convection caused by the heat generated by the cooking appliance and instead flows into the room.

[0349]

[0350] FIG. 30 is a flow analysis of contaminants to determine the suction performance of contaminants according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0351] By sucking in contaminated air through the intake section (120) formed on the top plate (23) and forming an air curtain from the upper part of the intake section (120) toward the intake section (120), the air discharged from the air curtain section (111) is guided to the intake section (120) from the upper part of the cooking appliance and the air between the upper part and the rear of the cooking appliance, so that almost all contaminated air discharged from the cooking appliance is introduced into the intake section (120). Accordingly, the exhaust device (10) of the present disclosure has improved contaminated air capture performance.

[0352]

[0353] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the first air curtain part (111a') of FIG. 31 cut along a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0354] Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 2 (the first embodiment), the cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (the second embodiment) has a difference in that the first air curtain section (111a') and the second air curtain section (111b') are separated and their heights are adjusted separately. Hereinafter, the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described mainly, and any configurations not specifically described will be considered identical to the first embodiment.

[0355] One end of the first air curtain section (111a') is connected to the first post (112), and one end of the second air curtain section (111b') is connected to the second post (113). The first post (112) and the second post (113) are each slid on the slide body (117).

[0356] Two height adjustment motors (115) are provided in the first post (112) and the second post (113), and two rack gears that mesh with the pinion gear of each height adjustment motor (115) may be provided in the slide body (117).

[0357] Since multiple intake units (120) separately inhale contaminated air and multiple air curtain units (111) are each height-adjustable and form an air curtain, the contaminated air capture performance can be maximized by taking into account characteristics such as the height of multiple cooking appliances.

[0358]

[0359] FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of an exhaust device (10) and a cooking device (1) equipped with the same according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0360] The exhaust device (10) of the present embodiment may further include a height measuring unit (320) and a control unit (310). The height measuring unit (320) is configured to measure the height of a cooking appliance placed in a cooking area (23a, 23b).

[0361] For example, the height measuring unit (320) may include a plurality of distance sensors arranged in the vertical direction. The plurality of distance sensors may be installed on the main body (112, 113), and each distance sensor may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction.

[0362] The height of an object can be measured using multiple distance sensors arranged in this manner. For example, the height of the object can be measured by identifying which distance sensor is positioned at the highest location among the distance sensors that detect that the object is within a specified distance.

[0363] As another example, the height measuring unit (320) may include a camera installed in the air curtain unit (111) to acquire images of the cooking appliance and its surroundings.

[0364] The control unit (310) adjusts the height of the air curtain unit (111) according to the height of the cooking appliance. Specifically, since suction performance is improved when the height of the air curtain unit (111) is higher than the height of the cooking appliance, the control unit (310) can adjust the height of the air curtain unit (111) to be higher than the height of the cooking appliance. Additionally, the control unit (310) can adjust the height of the air curtain unit (111) to a height of 130% to 150% of the height of the cooking appliance.

[0365] The control unit (310) analyzes the image obtained from the height measuring unit to detect the height of the cooking appliance and whether the heating device (20) of the cooking appliance is operating. When the heating device (20) is operating, the control unit (310) operates the suction fan (140) and the supply fan (119), opens the door, and adjusts the height of the air curtain unit (111).

[0366]

[0367] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0368] 1: Cooking appliance 10,10A: Exhaust device

[0369] 20: Heating device 11: Main body

[0370] 111,1111: Air Curtain Section 112,1112: 1st Post

[0371] 113,1113: 2nd Post 130: Door

[0372] 1200: Lifting module 1210: Fixed body

[0373] 1220: Lifting body 1230: Lifting drive unit

[0374] 1240: Weight Balancer 1250: Middle Tray Frame

[0375] 1260: Top Deco Plate 1280: Lighting Unit

Claims

Top plate including an intake section for inhaling contaminated air; An air curtain section for discharging air toward the intake section; and A lifting module that raises and lowers the air curtain section in the vertical direction relative to the top plate; comprising The above lifting module is, An exhaust device including a weight balancer for adjusting the weight load of the air curtain section applied to the lifting module. In Article 1, The above weight balancer is, One end is a connecting wire connected to the above air curtain section; A weight connected to the other end of the above connecting wire; and It includes a pulley assembly that is rotatably supported by the above-mentioned connecting wire, and The above connecting wire is an exhaust device that connects the air curtain section and the weight body to each other via the above pulley assembly. In Article 1, The above weight balancer is, Weight body; A connecting wire connecting the weight body so that it moves according to the position change of the air curtain part; and It includes a pulley assembly that switches the direction of movement of the above-mentioned connecting wire, and An exhaust device characterized by being configured to provide a restoring force or an auxiliary driving force to the air curtain section by the weight of the above-mentioned weight. In Article 2 or Article 3, The above-mentioned weight body is, An exhaust device characterized by reducing the load required for the movement of the air curtain section by moving in the opposite direction in response to the movement of the air curtain section through the pulley assembly and the connecting wire. In Article 2 or Article 3, The above weight and the above connecting wire are, An exhaust device located below the air curtain section above. In Article 2 or Article 3, The above lifting module is, An exhaust device further comprising a lifting drive unit for raising and lowering the air curtain unit. In Paragraph 3, The above lifting module is, A fixed body fixed to the lower part of the top plate; An exhaust device comprising: a lifting body connected to the upper part of the air curtain section and raised and lowered in the vertical direction inside the fixed body. In Article 7, One end of the above connecting wire is an exhaust device connected to the above lifting body. In Article 7, The above pulley assembly is an exhaust device installed on the above fixed body. In Article 7, The above-mentioned weight body is, An exhaust device that slides vertically on the outer side of the above fixed body. In Article 7, The above fixed body is, An upper fixing plate fixed to match the suction portion of the top plate; and An exhaust device comprising: a guide body disposed at the lower part of the upper fixed plate and guiding the up and down movement of the lifting body. In Article 11, On the upper fixed plate above, An exhaust device having an entrance formed therein through which the air curtain section provided on the upper part of the lifting body enters and exits. In Article 12, An exhaust device further comprising: a bottom tray frame located at the lower part of the air curtain section, forming the upper surface of the lifting body, and exposed through the lifting entrance. In Article 6, The above lifting drive unit is, A rack gear guide rail fixed in the vertical direction to the inner surface of the above fixed body, with a plurality of rack gear teeth arranged in the longitudinal direction; A pinion gear section comprising a plurality of pinion gear teeth that mesh with the rack gear teeth of the above rack gear guide rail; and An exhaust device comprising a pinion drive motor that rotates the pinion gear portion above. In Article 1, An exhaust device further comprising a first post and a second post connecting the air curtain section and the lifting module. In Article 15, The first post and the second post are connected so as to penetrate the air curtain section in the vertical direction, and An exhaust device in which the portion of the first post and the second post connected to the air curtain section is mutually connected by a communication hole. In Article 16, An air supply fan is provided on the inner side of the lower portions of each of the first and second posts to supply air to the air curtain section, and An exhaust device in which air supplied by the above-mentioned supply fan is supplied to the above-mentioned air curtain section through the above-mentioned communication hole. In Article 16, An air guide block is provided on the inner side of each of the first post and the second post corresponding to the upper side of the above communication hole, and An exhaust device in which the lower surface of the above air guide block is formed to be inclined upward toward the above communication hole. In Article 18, An exhaust device having at least one blocking seal positioned between the outer surface of the air guide block and the inner surface of each of the first post and the second post. In Article 17, The above air curtain section is, An air body including a curtain passage communicating with the above communication hole; A discharge unit for discharging air from the above curtain channel to the outside of the air body; and An exhaust device comprising an air guide that changes the direction of air discharged from the discharge section.

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