This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0030923, filed in Korea on Mar. 12, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
An electric range and an air guide for an electric range are disclosed herein.
Various types of cooking appliances are used to heat food or other items (hereinafter, collectively “food”) at homes or restaurants. The cooking appliances include gas ranges using gas and electric ranges using electricity.
The electric ranges are classified as resistance heating-type electric ranges and induction heating-type electric ranges. In a resistance heating method, electric current is supplied to a metallic resistance wire or a non-metallic heat generation element, such as silicon carbide, to generate heat, and the generated heat is radiated or conducted to heat an object to be heated, for example, a cooking vessel, such as a pot, or a frying pan, for example. In an induction heating method, high-frequency power is supplied to a coil to generate a magnetic field around the coil, and eddy current produced in the generated magnetic field is used to heat an object to be heated made of a metallic material.
Regarding basic theories of induction heating, when electric current is supplied to a working coil or a heating coil, heat is generated while an object to be heated is inductively heated, and the object to be heated is heated by the generated heat.
A related art induction heat cooking apparatus is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0133937, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Also,
Referring to
Referring to
In the related art described with reference to
Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments pertain may easily implement the technical idea. In the disclosure, description of known technologies in relation to the disclosure is omitted if it is deemed to make the gist unnecessarily vague. Hereinafter, embodiments are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals can denote identical or similar components.
The terms “first”, “second” and the like are used herein only to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, the components should not be limited by the terms. Certainly, a first component can be a second component unless stated to the contrary.
When one component is described as being “in an upper portion (or a lower portion)” of another component, or “on (or under)” another component, one component can be placed on the upper surface (or under the lower surface) of another component, and an additional component can be interposed between another component and one component on (or under) another component.
When one component is described as being “connected”, “coupled”, or “connected” to another component, one component can be directly connected, coupled or connected to another component; however, it is also to be understood that an additional component can be “interposed” between the two components, or the two components can be “connected”, “coupled”, or “connected” through an additional component.
Hereinafter, each component may be provided as a single one or a plurality of ones, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.
The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprise” or “have,” set forth herein, are not interpreted as necessarily including all the stated components or steps but can be interpreted as including some of the stated components or steps or can be interpreted as further including additional components or steps.
Hereinafter, the terms “A and/or B” as used herein can denote A, B or A and B, and the terms “C to D” can denote C or greater and D or less, unless stated to the contrary.
Hereinafter, an electric range is described with reference to embodiments. The electric range disclosed herein may include an electric resistance-type electric range and an induction heating-type electric range, for example, an induction heating device. For convenience, an induction heating device, provided with a working coil as a heating unit, is described as an example during description of the embodiments. However, embodiments are not limited to those set forth herein.
More specifically,
Referring to
The cover plate 104 may be coupled to an upper end of the case 102 to shield an inside of the case 102, and an object to be heated (not illustrated, an object to be heated by one or more working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e) may be placed on an upper surface of the cover plate 104.
An object to be heated, such as a cooking vessel, may be placed on the upper surface of the cover plate 104, and heat generated by the working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e may be delivered to the object to be heated through the upper surface of the cover plate104. The cover plate 104 may be made of glass; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.
An input interface 1041 configured to receive an input from a user may be disposed on the upper surface of the cover plate 104. The input interface 1041 may be recessed into the upper surface of the cover plate 104 and may display a specific image. The input interface 1041 may receive a touch input from the user, and the induction heating device 100 may be driven based on the received touch input.
More specifically, the input interface 1041 may be a module for inputting a heating intensity or a heating period, for example, desired by the user, and may be implemented as a physical button or a touch panel, for example. Additionally, the input interface 1041 may display a drive state of the induction heating device 100. For example, the input interface 1041 may be a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD); however, embodiments are not limited thereto.
Light display areas 1042a, 1042b, 1042c may be formed on the upper surface of the cover plate 104. Light source units (lighting units) 1043a, 1043b, 1043c may be disposed below the cover plate 104, and light emitted from the light source units 1043a, 1043b, 1043c may be delivered to the user through the light display areas 1042a, 1042b, 1042c.
The working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e may be a heating unit that heats an object to the heated, and may be disposed in the case 102. The working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e may include a wire wound multiple times in a ring shape, and may generate an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. Additionally, a mica sheet and a ferrite core may be consecutively disposed at a lower side of the working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e.
The ferrite core may be fixed to the mica sheet through a sealant, and may diffuse the AC magnetic field generated by the working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e. The mica sheet may be fixed to the working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e and the ferrite core through a sealant, and may prevent direct delivery of the heat, generated by the working coil 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, to the ferrite core.
A plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e may be provided. The plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e may include first working coil 106a disposed at a central portion of the case 102, second working coil 106b and third working coil 106c disposed on a right (first) side of the first working coil 106a, and a fourth working coil 106d and a fifth working coil 106e disposed on a left (second) side of the first working coil 106a. The second working coil 106b and the third working coil 106c may be disposed on the right side of the first working coil 106a in a frontward-rearward direction, and the fourth working coil 106d and the fifth working coil 106e may be disposed on the left side of the first working coil 106a in the frontward-rearward direction.
For example, the first working coil 106a may be a high-output dual heating coil, and the second working coil 106b, the third working coil 106c, the fourth working coil 106d, and the fifth working coil 106e may each be a single heating coil. The first working coil 106a as a dual heating coil has a heavy weight, and may have a maximum output of 7000 kW.
The induction heating device 100 according to an embodiment may perform the function of wireless power transmission based on configurations and features described above. Technologies for wirelessly supplying power have been developed and have been used for a wide range of electronic devices. A battery of an electronic device, to which the wireless power transmitting technology is applied, can be charged only by being placed on a charge pad without connecting to an additional charge connector. Accordingly, the electronic device, to which the wireless power transmitting technology is applied, requires no cord or no charger, thereby ensuring improved mobility and a reduced size and weight.
The wireless power transmitting technology can be broadly classified as an electromagnetic induction technology using a coil, a resonance technology using resonance, and a radio emission technology for converting electric energy into microwaves and delivering the microwaves, for example. In the electromagnetic induction technology, power is transmitted using electromagnetic induction between a primary coil, that is, a working coil, included in an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power and a secondary coil included in an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power.
The theory of the induction heating technology of the induction heating device 100 is substantially the same as that of the electromagnetic induction-based wireless power transmission technology, in that an object to be heated is heated using electromagnetic induction. Accordingly, the induction heating device 100 according to an embodiment may perform the function of wireless power transmission, as well as the function of induction heating.
The base plate 108a, 108b, 108c may be disposed at an end of the case 102, and the plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e may be disposed in an upper portion of the base plate 108a, 108b, 108c. The base plate 108a, 108b, 108c may support the plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e which are heavy, and may help the plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e to be mounted. The input interface 1041 and the light source units 1043a, 1043b, 1043c may be further disposed at the upper portion of the base plate 108a, 108b, 108c.
According to one embodiment, a plurality of base plates 108a, 108b, 108c may be provided; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, a single base plate may be disposed in the case 102.
The plurality of base plates 108a, 108b, 108c may include first base plate 108a, second base plate 108b, and third base plate 108c. The first base plate 108a, the second base plate 108b, and the third base plate 108c may be disposed at the end of the case 102 side by side with each other.
The first base plate 108a may be disposed at a central portion of the end of the case 102. The first working coil 106a may be disposed at an upper portion of the first base plate 108a.
The input interface 1041, and first light source unit 1043a corresponding to the first working coil 106a may be further disposed in the upper portion of the first base plate 108a. The first base plate 108a may have a through hole 1081a for installing the input interface 1041 and the first light source unit 1043a.
The second base plate 108b may be disposed on a right (first) side of the first base plate 108a at the end of the case 102. The second working coil 106b and the third working coil 106c may be disposed at an upper portion of the second base plate 108b.
A second light source unit 1043b corresponding to the second working coil 106b and the third working coil 106c may be further disposed in the upper portion of the second base plate 108b. In the upper portion of the second base plate 108b, the second working coil 106b, the third working coil 106c, and the second light source unit 1043b may be consecutively disposed. The second base plate 108b may have a through hole 1081b for installing the second light source unit 1043b.
The third base plate 108c may be disposed on a left (second) side of the first base plate 108a at the end of the case 102. The fourth working coil 106d and the fifth working coil 106e may be disposed at an upper portion of the third base plate108c.
A third light source unit 1043c corresponding to the fourth working coil 106d and the fifth working coil 106e may be further disposed at the upper portion of the third base plate 108c. In the upper portion of the third base plate 108c, the fourth working coil 106d, the fifth working coil 106e, and the third light source unit 1043c may be consecutively disposed. The third base plate 108c may have a through hole 1081c for installing the third light source unit 1043c.
The case 102 may have a plurality of mounting portions 1021 to mount the plurality of base plates 108a, 108b, 108c at an outer circumferential surface of the case 102. That is, edges of the plurality of base plates 108a, 108b, 108c may be mounted onto a top of the plurality of mounting portions 1021. Accordingly, the plurality of base plates 108a, 108b, 108c may be disposed at the end of the case 102.
The case 102 may include a bracket 1022 at a central portion of a lower surface (bottom surface) or of a lower end of the case 102. The bracket 1022 may be disposed at a central portion of a lower side of the first base plate 108a, and may prevent a sagging of the lower surface of the first base plate 108a, caused by a weight of the first base plate 108a. The weight of the first base plate 108a may include a weight of the first working coil 106a in the upper portion the first base plate 108a. The second and third base plate 108c and 108b located at outer sides of the electric range may be supported by the mounting portions 1021 respectively at two edges facing each other as well as along one edge connecting these two edges. However, the first base plate 108a located in or at a center of the electric range, that is, between the second and third base plates 108b and 108c, may be supported by the mounting portions 1021 at two edges facing each other, while edges connecting the two edges remain unsupported. For this reason, it is advantageous to provide additional support of the first base plate 108a by means of the bracket 1022.
The bracket 1022 may include at least one elastic element 1025 on a top of the bracket 1022. For example, the elastic element 1025 may be a leaf spring. An upper end of at least one elastic element 1025 may contact the lower surface of the first base plate 108a, and may prevent a sagging of the lower surface of the first base plate 108a.
The drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c may control driving of the plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e which are heating units, and may further control driving of components, such as an input interface 1041, for example, of the induction heating device 100. The drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c may include various components in relation to the driving of the working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e. The components may include a power supply configured to supply AC power, a rectifier configured to rectify AC power of the power supply into direct current (DC) power, an inverter configured to convert DC power, rectified by the rectifier, into resonance current as a result of a switching operation and supply the resonance current to the working coil 106, a microcomputer, for example, a micom, configured to control the inverter and components in relation to driving of the inverter, and a relay or a semiconductor switch configured to turn on or turn off the working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, for example. Various types of components may be mounted onto a board of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c.
The drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c may include first drive circuit 110a, second drive circuit 110b, and third drive circuit 110c. The first drive circuit 110a may be disposed on a right (first) side of the case 102, for example, on a right (first) side of the lower surface of the case 102, with respect to the bracket 1022 and may control driving of the first working coil 106a. The second drive circuit 110b may be disposed on the right side of the first drive circuit 110a and may control driving of the second working coil 106b and the third working coil 106c. The third drive circuit 110c may be disposed on a left (second) side of the case 102, for example, on a left (second) side of the lower surface of the case 102, with respect to the bracket 1022 and may control driving of the fourth working coil 106d and the fifth working coil 106e.
The heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may be disposed over at least a portion of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c and may prevent an increase in temperatures of components disposed at at least a portion of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c.
The heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may include first heat sink 112a, second heat sink 112b, and third heat sink 112c. The first heat sink 112a may prevent an increase in temperatures of components installed in at least a portion of the first drive circuit 110a, the second heat sink 112b may prevent an increase in temperatures of components installed in at least a portion of the second drive circuit 110b, and the third heat sink 112c may prevent an increase in temperatures of components installed in at least a portion of the third drive circuit 110c.
The power feeder 114 may supply an external power source to the induction heating device 100. The power feeder 114 may be implemented as a terminal block, for example.
The power feeder 114 may be disposed at any one of edges of the case 102, for example, at the rear end of the case 102 or on the lower surface of the case 102. For example, the power feeder 114 may be disposed at a rear end of the left side of the lower surface of the case 102.
The filter circuit 116a, 116b, 116c may be disposed at any one of the edges of the lower end of the case 102, and may reduce noise made by the plurality of working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e. The filter circuit 116a, 116b, 116c may include first filter circuit 116a, second filter circuit 116b, and third filter circuit 116c.
The first filter circuit 116a may reduce noise made by the first working coil 106a. The second filter circuit 116b may reduce noise made by the second working coil 106b and the third working coil 106c. The third filter circuit 116c may reduce noise made by the fourth working coil 106d and the fifth working coil 106e.
The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may reduce a temperature inside of the case 102. Accordingly, the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may lower a temperature of various components installed in the drive circuits 110a, 110b, 110c.
The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be disposed below or on the lower side of the working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e. The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be disposed on the lower surface of the case 102, for example, on a front side or edge thereof.
The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may reduce a temperature inside of the case 102. Accordingly, the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may lower a temperature of various components installed in or on the drive circuits 110a, 110b, 110c.
The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may include first air blowing fan 118a, second air blowing fan 118b, and third blow fan 118c. The first air blowing fan 118a may cool various components installed in or on the first drive circuit 110a and may further cool the first light source unit 1043a and the input interface 1041. More particularly, the first air blowing fan 118a may deliver air (wind) for cooking to the first heat sink 112a in or at an upper portion of the first drive circuit 110a.
The second air blowing fan 118b may cool various components installed in or on the second drive circuit 110b and may further cool the second light source unit 1043b. More particularly, the second air blowing fan 118b may deliver air for cooling to the second heat sink 112b in or at an upper portion of the second drive circuit 110b.
The third air blowing fan 118c may cool various components installed in or on the third drive circuit 110c and may further cool the third light source unit 1043c. More particularly, the third air blowing fan 118c may deliver air for cooling to the third heat sink 112c in or at an upper portion of the third drive circuit 110c.
The air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c may not include structure for preventing a foreign substance from contacting the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c.
The air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may guide air generated by the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c. The light source units 1043a, 1043b, 1043c, the input interface 1041, and the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c may be disposed below or on the lower sides of the working coils 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e. The air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may guide air output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c, disposed on the front side of the case 102, toward a rear side of the case 102.
The air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may include first air guide 120a, second air guide 120b, and third guide 120c. The first air guide 120a may be disposed to encircle or surround or cover the first heat sink 112a installed in at least a portion of the first drive circuit 110a and may guide (deliver) air, output from the first air blowing fan 118a, to the first heat sink 112a. The second air guide 120b may be disposed to encircle or surround or cover the second heat sink 112b installed in at least a portion of the second drive circuit 110b and may guide air, output from the second air blowing fan 118b, to the second heat sink 112b. The third air guide 120c may be disposed to encircle or surround or cover the third heat sink 112c installed in at least a portion of the third drive circuit 110c and may guide air, output from the third air blowing fan 118c, to the third heat sink 112c.
The induction heating device 100 according to an embodiment may have configurations and features described above. Hereinafter, a shape of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c and a configuration for preventing air, output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c, from escaping out of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c are described.
Referring to
The first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may serve as a passage through which air is supplied to air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be disposed in the case 102 in order to suction air through the first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c. That is, the first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may correspond to an air inlet.
The first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may be formed on the lower surface or end of the case 102 adjacent to the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c, for example, near lower ends of the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c. Accordingly, air may be supplied to the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c.
The first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may be formed at an edge of the lower surface of the case 102, for example, at a front edge or side. A number of the first through holes 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may be the same as that of the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c. That is, a (1-1)th through hole 1023a may provide a passage through which air is supplied to the first air blowing fan 118a, a (1-2)th through hole 1023b may provide a passage through which air is supplied to the second air blowing fan 118b, and a (1-3)th through hole 1023c may provide a passage through which air is supplied to the third air blowing fan 118c. The (1-1)th through hole 1023a, (1-2)th through hole 1023b, and (1-3)th through hole 1023c may be disposed side by side at the edge of the lower surface.
The first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a lower surface, or a suction side, of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. That is, the shape of the first through hole 1023a, 1023b, 1023c may be the same as a shape of a fan in the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.
The second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may serve as a passage through which air output from the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c is discharged out of the case 102. That is, the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may correspond to an air outlet that discharges air in the case 102 outward.
The air guide 120a, 120b, 120c configured to guide air generated by the air blowing fans 118a, 118b, 118c may be disposed at the lower end of the case 102. One (first) end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be disposed near or adjacent to the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. The other (second) end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may contact and connect to the lower surface of the case 102. That is, the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be coupled to the case adjacent to the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c formed therein.
The second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may be formed at an edge of the lower surface of the case 102, for example, at a rear edge or side. The second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may be connected to the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c, and accordingly, air may be discharged out of the case 102.
A lower portion of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c. That is, the shape of the lower portion of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may be the same as that of the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c.
A number of the second through holes 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may be the same as that of the air guides 120a, 120b, 120c. A (2-1)th through hole 1024a may connect to the first air guide 120a and provide a passage through which air is discharged, a (2-2)th through hole 1024b may connect to the second air guide 120b and provide a passage through which air is discharged, and a (2-3)th through hole 1024c may connect to the third air guide 120a and provide a passage through which air is discharged. The (2-1)th through hole 1024a, (2-2)th through hole 1024b and (2-3)th through hole 1024c may be disposed side by side at the edge of the upper side of the case 102.
Referring to
The housing 702 may form a body of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c. The housing 702 may be hollow inside. Additionally, the housing 702 may be made of a plastic material; however, embodiments not limited thereto.
The housing 702 may have one (first) end, a middle end, and the other (second) end. The one end of the housing 702 may be disposed adjacent to or near the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. Air output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be supplied to the one end of the housing 702. For example, a portion of the one end of the housing 702 may be disposed to overlap a portion of an output end of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c.
Referring to
More specifically, the upper surface of the one end of the housing 702 may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion of the one end of the housing 702 may be connected to each other. For example, the first portion of the one end of the housing 702 may be a right portion of the upper surface of the one end of the housing 702, and the second portion of the one end of the housing 702 may be a left portion of the upper surface of the one end of the housing 702.
The first portion (the right portion) of the one end of the housing 702 may be disposed in contact with an upper surface of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. That is, the first portion of the one end of the housing 702 may be mounted onto the upper surface of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c.
A height of the second portion (the left portion) of the one end of the housing 702 may be greater than a height of the upper surface of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. In this case, a gap may be formed between the second portion of the one end of the housing 702 and the upper surface of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c. Through the gap, some of the air output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be discharged. The discharged air may be delivered to the light source unit 1043a, 1043b, 1043c and the input interface 1041, and based on the discharged air, the light source unit 1043a, 1043b, 1043c and the input interface 1041 may be cooled.
The first member 704 may be formed on a lower side of the one end of the housing 702. The first member 704 may be disposed between the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c and the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c. One (first) end of the first member 704 may be disposed to contact the lower surface of the case 102, and the other (second) end of the first member 704 may be disposed to contact an end of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c, at which the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c is disposed. A left end of the first member 704 may be connected to a left surface of the one end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c, and a right end of the first member 704 may be connected to a right surface of the one end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c.
The first member 704 may prevent the air, output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c, from flowing into a space between the lower surface of the case 102 and the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c. The first member 704 may be formed at a slant. In this case, a height of the first member 704 formed at a slant may correspond to a first distance between the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c and the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c. Accordingly, the air output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be guided to the drive circuit 118a, 118b, 118c in a concentrated manner. The first member is described hereinafter.
The middle end of the housing 702 may be disposed in a way that encircles at least a portion of the drive circuit 118a, 118b, 118c. That is, the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may be disposed over at least a portion of the drive circuit 118a, 118b, 118c, and may be disposed inside of the middle end of the housing 702. Both sides of the middle end of the housing 702 may be disposed in contact with an upper surface of the drive circuit 118a, 118b, 118c, for example, an upper surface of a board of the drive circuit 118a, 118b, 118c. More particularly, air may be prevented from leaking outward from between a middle end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c and the upper surface of the board. Accordingly, based on air flowing to the middle end of the housing 702, the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may be efficiently cooled.
Referring to
The other end of the housing 702 may be disposed in contact with the lower surface of the case 102. That is, the other end of the housing 702 may connect to the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c. Air, output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c and passing through at least a portion of the drive circuit 118a, 118b, 118c, may be output from the other end of the housing 702.
Referring to
Referring to
The extended portion 7061 may be disposed to face (in contact with) an upper edge of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c, and the bent portion 7062 may be disposed under the lower surface of the case 102 adjacent to the upper edge of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c. The first connecting portion 706 may be fitted to an outside of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c by an external force applied by a user. Accordingly, the first connecting portion 706 may protrude outward.
That is, the first connecting portion 706 may protrude to an outside of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c such that the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c and the other end of the housing 702 connect. Accordingly, the other end of the housing 702 may be easily connected to the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c without means, such as a screw-coupling, for example.
The first connecting portion 706 is described hereinafter.
The housing 702 may have the second connecting portion 708 and the third connecting portion 710, at one end thereof. The second connecting portion 708 and the third connecting portion 710 may be formed on both sides of one end of the housing 702 and may have a coupling hole for coupling the housing 702 to the lower surface of the case 102. For example, the second connecting portion 708 and the third connecting portion 710 may be screw-coupled to the lower surface of the case 102.
Hereinafter, effects of a structure of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c are described with reference to
The drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c may be spaced a predetermined first distance apart from the lower surface of the case 102 for reasons of insulation, for example. That is, the case 102 may have a boss 1102, protruding upward from the lower surface of the case 102, on the lower surface thereof, and the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c may be disposed on the boss 1102.
The air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may be disposed in contact with the lower surface of the case 102. In the related art, air output from the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c may flow to a space between the lower surface of the case 102 and the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c. The air flowing to the inbetween space may not be delivered to the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c. Accordingly, cooling efficiency of the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may be reduced.
According to embodiments disclosed herein, the first member 704 may be formed at a lower end of the one end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c, as illustrated in
Additionally, the first member 704 may be formed at a slant at the one end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c. The inclined shape of the first member 704 may allow the air, output from a lower portion of the air blowing fan 118a, 118b, 118c, to be guided to the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c in a concentrated manner.
Based on the first member 704 described above, the induction heating device 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein may improve cooling efficiency of the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c.
The shape of the first member 704 is not limited to the above shape. That is, the first member 704 may have any shape that may prevent air from flowing into the space between the lower surface of the case 102 and the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c.
Further, the middle end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be disposed in a way that encircles at least a portion of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c. That is, both sides of the middle end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be disposed in contact with the upper surface of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c.
Referring to
Further, the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may have the first connecting portion 706 at an end of the other end thereof. The first connecting portion 706 may protrude to the outside of the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c such that the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c and the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c are connected. Based on the first connecting portion 706, the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c formed on the lower surface of the case 102 and the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be easily connected.
That is, the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c according to an embodiment may be connected to the lower surface of the case 102 through the first connecting portion 706, the second connecting portion 708 and the third connecting portion 710. More particularly, based on the first connecting portion 706, a connection between the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c and the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c may be simplified.
In summary, the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be manufactured through single processing. Thus, manufacturing costs of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be reduced.
Additionally, the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may include the first member 704 for preventing leakage of air, at one end thereof, and both sides of the middle end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be disposed in contact with the upper surface of the drive circuit 110a, 110b, 110c. Thus, air for cooling the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may be prevented from leaking outward, and cooling efficiency of the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c may be improved. More particularly, the first member 704 may be disposed at a slant such that air is delivered to the heat sink 112a, 112b, 112c in a concentrated manner.
Further, the first connecting portion 706 may be formed at the end of the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c, and based on the first connecting portion 706, the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c, formed on the lower surface of the case 102, and the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be connected. Thus, air in the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be effectively discharged out of the case, and the other end of the air guide 120a, 120b, 120c may be easily connected to the second through hole 1024a, 1024b, 1024c.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range that may prevent air, output from an air blowing fan, from escaping out of an air guide. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an electric range that may guide air, output from an air blowing fan, to deliver the air to an object to be cooled in a concentrated manner. Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide an electric range that may help to improve cooling efficiency of a heat sink.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range in which an air guide may be manufactured through single processing, thereby ensuring a reduction in manufacturing costs of the air guide. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an electric range in which an air guide may be easily coupled to a case.
Advantages are not limited to the described ones, and other advantages that are not mentioned may be clearly understood from the description and may be more clearly understood from embodiments set forth herein.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air guide for an electric range that may include a first member that prevents air, output from an air blowing fan, from flowing into a space between a lower surface of a case and a drive circuit, thereby blocking the air from escaping out of the air guide and helping to improve cooling efficiency of a heat sink as an object to be cooled. The first member may be disposed at a slant, thereby delivering air to the heat sink in a concentrated manner.
The air guide may be disposed in a way that encircles at least a portion of the drive circuit, thereby preventing air from escaping from between the air guide and the drive circuit. An end of the air guide may be disposed to connect to a through hole formed on the lower surface of the case, thereby effectively discharging air in the air guide out of the case. A connecting portion having a bent shape may be formed at the end of the air guide, thereby easily connecting the end of the air guide to the through hole.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range that may include a case having a first through hole and a second through hole on a lower surface thereof; a heating unit (heater) disposed in the case and configured to heat an object to be heated; a drive circuit disposed between the first through hole and the second through hole, and configured to drive the heating unit; an air blowing fan (fan) configured to output air supplied through the first through hole; and an air guide configured to guide air output from the air blowing fan to at least a portion of the drive circuit and to discharge the air through the second through hole.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range that may include a case; a heating unit (heater) disposed in the case and configured to heat an object to be heated; a drive circuit spaced a predetermined first distance apart from a lower surface of the case and configured to drive the heating unit; an air blowing fan (fan) disposed in contact with the lower surface of the case and configured to output air; and an air guide configured to guide air output from the air blowing fan to at least a portion of the drive circuit. The air output from the air blowing fan may be supplied to one end of the air guide. A first member may be formed at the one end of the air guide. The first member may be configured to prevent the air output from the air blowing fan from flowing into a space between the lower surface of the case and the drive circuit.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range that may include a case having a first through hole and a second through hole, for example, on a lower surface thereof; a heating unit (heater) disposed in the case and configured to heat an object to be heated; a drive circuit configured to drive the heating unit and disposed between the first through hole and the second through hole; an air blowing fan (fan) disposed in the case at the first through hole to introduce air supplied through the first through hole into the case; and an air guide disposed between the air blowing fan and the second through hole and configured to guide air output from the air blowing fan to at least a portion of the drive circuit and then to the second through hole to discharge the air discharge therethrough.
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air guide included in an electric range that may include a housing having a hollow inside, and a first member formed on a lower side of one end of the housing. An output from an air blowing fan (fan) of the electric range may be supplied to one (first) end of the housing, and air output from the air blowing fan may be discharged through the other (second) end of the housing, the other end of the housing having a curved shape. The first member may be configured to prevent the air output from the air blowing fan from flowing into a space between the lower surface of the case and the drive circuit in the case.
The drive circuit may be spaced a predetermined first distance, for example, in a vertical direction, apart from the case, for example, from a lower surface of the case. The drive circuit may be mounted on the case, for example, on a lower surface of the case. Air output from the air blowing fan may be supplied to one (first) end of the air guide. A first member may be formed at the one end of the air guide. The first member may be configured to prevent the air output from the air blowing fan from flowing into a space between the lower surface of the case and the drive circuit.
The first member may be disposed between the air blowing fan and the drive circuit. One (first) end of the first member may be disposed to contact the lower surface of the case. The other (second) end of the first member may be disposed to contact an end of the drive circuit.
The first member may have an inclined shape, for example, forming an angle with the lower surface of the case and/or with a horizontal plane. The first member may be formed at a lower end of one end of the air guide. Based on the inclined shape of the first member, air output from the air blowing fan, for example, a lower portion of the air blowing fan, may be guided to at least a portion of the drive circuit. That is, the first member may be configured to guide the air from the air blowing fan to an upper portion at least a portion of the drive circuit.
A height, for example, a vertical dimension or length, of the first member may correspond to the first distance. A middle end (or middle portion) of the air guide may be disposed to encircle or surround or cover at least a portion of the drive circuit. Both sides of the middle end of the air guide may be disposed in contact with the drive circuit, for example, with an upper surface of a board of the drive circuit. The middle end may have a U-shaped cross-section, for example, in a plane perpendicular to a connection line between the first through hole and the second through hole or perpendicular to the flow direction of air guided within the air guide.
The electric range may further include a heat sink disposed over at least a portion of the drive circuit. The heat sink may be disposed inside of the middle end of the air guide.
The other end of the air guide may be disposed in contact with or adjacent to and/or at least partially surrounding the second through hole. That is, the other end of the air guide may be disposed adjacent to the second through hole to guide air flowing within the air guide to the second through hole to flow therethrough.
The other end of the air guide may have a curved shape or cross-section, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the lower surface and parallel to a flow direction of the air flowing within the air guide. The other end of the air guide may have a shape configured to guide air flowing within the air guide to the second through hole to flow therethrough. At least a portion of the other end, for example, a lower portion of the other end, of the air guide may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the second through hole.
A first connecting portion may be formed at an end, for example, at the other end, of the air guide. The first connecting portion may protrude to an outside of the second through hole to be couple to the other end of the air guide. That is, the first connecting portion may extend from the other end of the air guide in a direction away from the second through hole and/or from the middle end of the air guide.
The first connecting portion may have an extended portion extended downward, for example, in a vertical direction, from the other end of the air guide. The first connecting portion may further have a bent portion bent at, or extending at an angle from, the extended portion. The extended portion may be disposed in contact with an edge of the second through hole. The bent portion may be disposed under or below the lower surface of the case adjacent to the second through hole. The bent portion may extend through the second through hole to an outside of the case and/or may extend in parallel to the lower surface of the case.
At least one connecting portion may be formed extending laterally from the one end of the air guide that is adjacent to the air blowing fan. A second connecting portion and/or a third connecting portion may be formed on both sides of one end of the air guide. The second and/or third connection portion may have a coupling hole to couple the air guide and the lower surface of the case.
The air guide may have an open lower side. That is, a side of the air guide facing the lower surface of the case is open. The end of the air guide adjacent to the air blowing fan may have an opening extending in a vertical plane. The end of the air guide adjacent to the second through hole may have an opening extending in a horizontal plane.
The electric range may be an electric resistance-type electric range or an induction heating-type electric range. Directional indication, such as height, heightwise or vertical direction, width, upper end, and lower end, for example, may refer to an orientation when the electric range is in its operative state or position. In particular, a heightwise direction may also be referred to as vertical direction. Width may denote a dimension in the horizontal direction, in particular in a horizontal direction parallel to a (vertical) front surface of the case of the electric range which will be facing a user during operation. Thus, left end and right end may denote respectively a first lateral end and a second lateral end with respect to an operative state or position of the electric range. Likewise a front end may denote an end that is closer to a user when operating the electric range, while a rear end may denote an end that is farther from a user when operating the electric range.
According embodiments disclosed herein, air output from an air bowing fan may be prevented from escaping out of an air guide. Air output from the air blowing fan may be delivered to an object to be cooled in a concentrated manner.
According to embodiments disclosed herein, cooling efficiency of a heat sink may improve, and manufacturing costs of the air guide may be reduced. Further, the air guide may be readily assembled. As air output from the air blowing fan may flow from a front end to a rear end, a user may touch an input interface without causing any inconvenience to the user.
Embodiments are described above with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the embodiments and drawings set forth herein, and numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the technical idea. Further, the effects and predictable effects based on configurations are to be included within the range though not explicitly described in the description of embodiments.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10-2020-0030923 | Mar 2020 | KR | national |