Patent Application
20190184216
The present subject matter relates generally to oven appliances and flame arresters for the same.
Oven appliances generally define one or more enclosures supporting one or more heating elements. For instance, oven appliances can include a cabinet defining an insulated cooking chamber therein for receipt of food items for cooking. Generally, one or more doors are provided on the cabinet to selectively permit and restrict access to the cooking chamber.
A door of the oven appliance may form a seal against the cabinet to assist with insulating the cooking chamber or with containing cooking fumes within the cooking chamber. Nonetheless, it may be desirable to permit a certain amount of air to enter the cavity in order to facilitate proper combustion. It may also be desirable to have one or more outlets for moisture to escape the cavity. However, if food items or residue ignite during a cooking or cleaning cycle of the oven appliance, the pressure of the fluid within the cooking chamber may increase. In certain appliances or conditions, it is possible that pressure increase may force the door to open, allowing heat, gases, and fumes generated in the cooking chamber to escape. In other appliances, it is also possible that an undesirable amount of heat or flames may escape through any openings to the cooking chamber, such as openings that may otherwise permit air or moisture to/from cooking chamber.
Accordingly, an oven appliance with features for dissipating pressure increases in the cooking chamber would be beneficial. In particular, a flame arrester that dissipates pressure increases in the cooking chamber of an oven appliance would be useful. Additionally, a flame arrester with features for halting or quenching flames from the cooking chamber of an oven appliance would be advantageous.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance may include a cabinet, a door, and a flame arrester. The cabinet may define a cooking chamber for receipt of food items therein. The cabinet may further define an opening at a front portion of the cabinet. The door may be mounted to the cabinet. The door may be selectively adjustable between an open position and a closed position. The open position may permit access to the cooking chamber through the opening of the cabinet; the closed position may restrict access to the cooking chamber through the opening of the cabinet. The flame arrester may include a first member and a second member. The first member may extend in a lateral direction along a portion of the opening. The first member may define a chamber aperture extending along an arrest axis in fluid communication with the cooking chamber. The second member may extend from the first member and away from the cooking chamber. The second member may define an intake aperture extending non-parallel to the arrest axis. A fluid passage may be defined between the first member and the second member in fluid communication between the intake aperture and the chamber aperture.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a flame arrester for an oven appliance is provided. The flame may include a first member, a second member, a third member, and a fourth member. The first member may extend in a lateral direction between a first lateral end and a second lateral end. The first member may define a chamber aperture extending along an arrest axis in fluid communication with the oven appliance. The second member may extend from the first member and define an intake aperture extending non-parallel to the arrest axis. The third member may extend vertically from the first member at the first lateral end. The fourth member may extend vertically from the first member at the second lateral end. A fluid passage may be defined between the first member and the second member in fluid communication between the intake aperture and the chamber aperture.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms are defined below. The defined terms are understood to have meanings commonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the present disclosure. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.
Turning now to the figures,
As may be seen in
As may be seen in
A seal or gasket 20 extends (e.g., in the transverse direction T) between door 16 and cabinet 12, such as when door 16 is in the closed position. Gasket 20 may assist with maintaining heat and cooking fumes within cooking chamber 14 when door 16 is in the closed position, as shown in
Turning briefly to
Returning to
In some embodiments, a bake or bottom heating element 40 is positioned in cabinet 12 (e.g., at or adjacent bottom portion 31 of cabinet 12). Bottom heating element 40 may be used to heat cooking chamber 14 for both cooking and cleaning of oven appliance 10. The size and heat output of bottom heating element 40 can be selected based on, for example, the size of oven appliance 10. Bottom heating element 40 can be any suitable heating element. For example, bottom heating element 40 may be an electric resistance heating element, a gas burner, a microwave heating element, etc.
In additional or alternative embodiments, a broil or top heating element 42 is also positioned in cooking chamber 14 of cabinet 12 (e.g., at or adjacent top portion 30 of cabinet 12). Top heating element 42 may be used to heat cooking chamber 14 for both cooking/broiling and cleaning of oven appliance 10. Like bottom heating element 40, the size and heat output of top heating element 42 can be selected based on, for example, the size of oven appliance 10. Moreover, top heating element 42 can be any suitable heating element. For example, top heating element 42 may be an electric resistance heating element, a gas burner, a microwave heating element, etc.
In optional embodiments, a cooktop 44 is positioned at top portion 30 of oven appliance 10. As shown, cooktop 44 includes a top panel 48 that is mounted to cabinet 12 (e.g., at the top portion 30). Top panel 48 may be a generally planar member having an upper surface that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. Top panel 48 may be formed from glass, glass ceramic, metal, or another suitable material. Cooktop 44 further includes a plurality of heating assemblies 46 positioned mounted to top panel 48. In some embodiments, heating assemblies 46 are positioned above cooking chamber 14 of cabinet 12 (i.e., higher relative to the vertical direction V). Cooking utensils, such as pots, pans, griddles, etc., may be placed on top panel 48 and heated with heating assemblies 46 during operation of oven appliance 10. It is understood that heating assemblies 46 may be any suitable heating assembly, such as gas burner elements, radiant heating elements, resistive heating elements, induction heating elements, etc.
As shown, oven appliance 10 is further equipped with a controller 38 to regulate operation of the oven appliance 10. For example, controller 38 may regulate the operation of oven appliance 10 including heating elements 40, 42, or 46. Controller 38 may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) with the heating elements 40, 42, or 46 and other suitable components of the oven appliance 10, as discussed herein. In general, controller 38 may be operable to configure the oven appliance 10 (and various components thereof) for cooking. Such configuration may be based on a plurality of cooking factors of a selected operating cycles, sensor feedback, etc.
By way of example, controller 38 may include one or more memory devices (e.g., non-transitive media) and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
Controller 38 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout oven appliance 10. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 38 is mounted to control panel 36. Specifically, controller 38 is located beneath a user interface 39 of oven appliance 10, as shown in
When assembled, user interface 39 may be in communication with controller 38 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Controller 38 may also be communication with one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor that is used to measure temperature inside insulated cooking chamber 14 and provide such measurements to controller 38. For example, the temperature sensor may be a thermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, or any other device suitable for measuring a temperature on appliance 10 (e.g., within cooking chamber 14 or at top panel 48). In this manner, controller 38 may selectively control heating elements 40, 42, or 46 in response to user manipulation of user interface 39 and temperature feedback from a temperature sensor. Controller 38 can also receive temperature measurements from the temperature sensor and, for example, provide a temperature indication to the user with a display device of user interface 39.
Turning now to
As illustrated, flame arrester 100 includes a plurality of unique members (e.g., first member 112, second member 114, third member 116, fourth member 118, etc.) positioned in discrete planes with respect to each other. When assembled, a first member 112 may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) a second member 114. Moreover, a non-parallel angle α (e.g., between 0° and 180°) is defined between first member 112 and second member 114. In other words, first member 112 and second member 114 may lie in separate planes (e.g., a first plane 122 and a second plane 124, respectively). Non-parallel angle α may be defined between the separate planes 122 and 124. For example, non-parallel angle α may be between 80° and 120°. Additionally or alternatively, non-parallel angle α may be between 105° and 85°. Furthermore, non-parallel angle α may be 90° such that second member 114 is positioned perpendicular to first member 112.
Together, first member 112 and second member 114 define a fluid passage 130 therebetween. As shown, the fluid passage 130 extends along the lateral direction L (e.g., along a lateral length E1 or E2 of first member 112 or second member 114). When assembled (e.g., in mutual contact), first member 112 may bound fluid passage 130 along the vertical direction V (e.g., to define an upper limit of fluid passage 130), while second member 114 bounds fluid passage 130 along the transverse direction T (e.g., to define a forward limit of fluid passage 130). In some such embodiments, first member 112 and second member 114 each have a lateral length E1 and E2, respectively, that is equal to the other. Thus, fluid passage 130 may have a lateral length equal to that of the first and second members 112, 114 (i.e., equal to E1 and E2).
In some embodiments, a third member 116 and a fourth member 118 are provided at opposite lateral ends 130, 132 of flame arrester 100. For instance, third member 116 may extend vertically (e.g., toward fluid passage 130) from first member 112 at one lateral end of first member 112 (e.g., lateral end 130); fourth member 118 may extend vertically (e.g., toward fluid passage 130) from first member 112 at another end (e.g., lateral end 132). Optionally, third and fourth members 116, 118 may be parallel to each other on opposite sides of the length E1 of first member 112. In other words, third and fourth members 116, 118, may lie in parallel planes 126, 128 spaced apart from each other (e.g., along the lateral direction L). Optionally, the planes 126 and 128 may be perpendicular to one or both of the planes 122 and 124. In certain embodiments, third and fourth member 118 bound fluid passage 130 along the lateral direction L (e.g., to at least partially enclose and define opposite left and right limits of fluid passage 130). Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown, first, second, third, and fourth members 112, 114, 116, 118 form a generally U-shaped channel within fluid passage 130. Other numbers and configurations of the members of flame arrester 100 may be used as well.
In some embodiments, first member 112 defines (e.g., at least partially defines) one or more chamber apertures 136 in fluid communication with fluid passage 130. For instance, each chamber aperture 136 may extend along an arrest axis 146 through first member 112. If a plurality of chamber apertures 136 is defined through first member 112, each chamber aperture 136 may extend along a discrete arrest axis 146. In some such embodiments, each arrest axis 146 is parallel to the other arrest axis/axes 146. Other embodiments may provide multiple arrest axes at non-parallel angles relative to each other. Optionally, at least one arrest axis 146 may be perpendicular to first member 112 (e.g., perpendicular to first plane 122). Additionally or alternatively, arrest axis 146 may be parallel to the vertical direction V.
Generally, chamber apertures 136 may have any suitable profile or shape. For instance, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of
In certain embodiments, second member 114 defines (e.g., at least partially defines) one or more intake apertures (e.g., intake apertures 138A, 138B) in fluid communication with fluid passage 130. In particular, fluid passage 130 may be defined in fluid communication between the intake aperture 138A, 138B and the chamber aperture 136.
As shown, at least one or more intake apertures 138A may extend along an entry axis 148 through second member 114. If a plurality of intake apertures 138A is defined through second member 114, each intake aperture 138A may extend along a discrete intake axes that is non-parallel to arrest axis 146. In some such embodiments, each entry axis 148 is parallel to the other entry axis/axes 148. Other embodiments may provide multiple intake axes at non-parallel angles relative to each other. Optionally, at least one entry axis 148 may be perpendicular to second member 114 (e.g., perpendicular to first plane 122). Additionally or alternatively, entry axis 148 may be parallel to the transverse direction T.
In optional embodiments, one or more intake apertures 138B are defined at the lateral ends 130, 132 of flame arrester 100. For instance, one intake aperture 138B may be defined by and between the second member 114 and the third member 116. Another discrete intake aperture 138B may be defined by and between the second member 114 and the fourth member 118.
Generally, intake apertures 138A, 138B may have any suitable profile or shape. For instance, as shown in the exemplary embodiments of
Turning to
In addition to chamber apertures 136 and intake apertures 138A, 138B, flame arrester 100 may define at least one attachment aperture 150. For example, a bracket portion extending (e.g., vertically) from second member 114 of the flame arrester 100 may define an attachment aperture 150 for attaching the flame arrester 100 to the oven appliance 10 (e.g., on an exterior surface 63 of cabinet 12). Flame arrester 100 may be connected, fixed, or coupled to oven appliance 10 using any appropriate fastener (e.g., screws or the like), or using any other suitable mechanism. Although shown as being mounted to cabinet 12 at exterior surface 63, alternative embodiments may be fixed to other suitable portions of oven appliance 10, such as an interior surface 65 of the cooking chamber 14 or an inner surface 67 of the door 16.
As shown in the exemplary embodiments of
Turning especially to
In certain embodiments, flame arrester 100 is positioned at a bottom portion of cabinet 12. For instance, flame arrester 100 may be mounted to cabinet 12 below opening 17. Notably, relatively cool ambient air may be drawn into cooking chamber 14 (as indicated at arrow 102). Optionally, flame arrester 100 may be centered along the lateral direction relative to opening 17 (e.g., at a lateral midpoint of the opening 17). However, alternative embodiments may provide flame arrester 100 at another suitable location (e.g., above opening 17).
When assembled, flame arrester 100 may be placed along the perimeter path of gasket 20. For instance, gasket 20 may extend to and from opposite lateral ends 130, 132 of flame arrester 100, as illustrated between
As shown, in particular at
It is noted that although fluid passage 130 is shown as a generally open cavity in fluid communication between first member 112 and second member 114, additional or alternative embodiments may include one or more flame-quenching materials. For instance, wire gauze or ceramic honeycomb material may be packed within fluid passage 130 to increase the surface area of flame arrester 100 and the path of fluid through fluid passage 130. The smaller volumes formed as the fluid passes through flame arrester 100 have a greater surface area-to-volume ratio than one larger volume; thus, heat loss from the fluid exiting cooking chamber 14 can be increased. Also, heat from the fluid may be transferred to flame arrester 100. In this way, any flame passed from cooking chamber 14 through fluid passage 130 can be further quenched, and the increased pressure of the fluid within cooking chamber 14 can be dissipated.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
