Patent Application
20240392974
The present disclosure relates generally to over the range kitchen appliances with a ventilation system. In particular, the disclosure relates to over the range microwave ovens with a ventilation system.
Built-in kitchen appliances, for example microwave ovens, have become commonplace in household kitchens. In many applications, a microwave is built-in over a cooktop or range. Microwaves configured in this arrangement are generally referred to as over-the-range (OTR) appliances. In many cases, OTR microwave ovens include a ventilation system to capture and redirect steam, smoke, airborne grease, or odors generated at the range. Typical ventilation systems include an air intake opening located along a bottom surface of the OTR microwave. The ventilation system creates an air flow through a filter, into the intake opening, and either reintroduces the air into the room or directs it to an exhaust exit to the external atmosphere.
For greatest effectiveness, the ventilation system of the OTR microwave should draw intake air from an area that covers, or substantially covers, the cooktop of the range. Many OTR microwave ovens with ventilation have intake openings that are inwardly spaced from the perimeter of the microwave oven. Some of the steam, smoke, and odors produced at the cooktop of the range are not captured by the intake openings leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
Many OTR microwaves have a cooking chamber with a round turntable to support cooking utensils for rotation in the chamber. Cooking chambers generally are as wide as they are deep to accommodate the turntable. Overall width of the microwave is influenced by the size of the cooking chamber plus necessary structures and components. In many cases, the overall width of an OTR microwave with a ventilation system is less than the width of the range over which it is installed. Known OTR microwaves use spacers and trim to appear as wide as the range, with no increased ventilation coverage. Such configurations fail to capture some of the steam, smoke, and odors produced at the cooktop of the range, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
Accordingly, an OTR microwave with increased ventilation coverage may be beneficial.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary aspect, an over the range (OTR) microwave appliance is disclosed, the OTR microwave appliance comprises a cabinet having a front panel, a top panel, a back panel, a first external side panel laterally spaced from a second external side panel, and a microwave oven enclosure supported within the cabinet. The microwave oven enclosure comprises a first side wall laterally spaced from the first external side panel, the first side wall defining a first fan inlet; a second side wall laterally spaced from the second external side panel, the second side wall defining a second fan inlet; and a bottom panel joining the first side wall to the second side wall. The first side wall, the first external side panel, the front panel, the back panel, and the top panel define a first duct, and the second side wall, the second external side panel, the front panel, the back panel, and the top panel define a second duct. A first exhaust path is defined by the first duct and the first fan inlet, and a second exhaust path is defined by the second duct and the second fan inlet.
In another exemplary aspect, an OTR kitchen appliance comprises a cabinet having a front panel, a top panel, a back panel, a first external side panel laterally spaced from a second external side panel, and an appliance enclosure supported within the cabinet. The appliance enclosure comprises a first side wall laterally spaced from the first external side panel, the first external side panel, the first side wall, the top panel, the front panel, and the back panel defining a first duct. The appliance enclosure further comprises a second side wall laterally spaced from the second external side panel, the second external side panel, the second side wall, the top panel, the front panel, and the back panel defining a second duct, the first duct, the second duct, and an exhaust duct forming an exhaust air path. A bottom panel joins the first side wall to the second side wall and defines a cavity, the bottom panel defining a cooling air inlet. The OTR kitchen appliance further comprises a mechanical compartment within the cavity, the mechanical compartment is in fluid communication with the cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet. The cooling air inlet, the mechanical compartment, and the cooling air outlet form a cooling air path and the exhaust air path flows to an exhaust vent and the cooling air path flows to a cooling air vent.
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.
As used herein, 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. 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”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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 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.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are referenced throughout this document with regard to an over the range (OTR) microwave with a ventilation system. The reference to a microwave is for illustration, not limitation. Any OTC appliance, for example a kitchen appliance, may be paired with a ventilation system to yield an over the range kitchen appliance in accordance with this disclosure. For example, a radiant heat oven, a combination cooking mode oven, or a communications or entertainment hub may be paired with a ventilation system without departing the scope of this disclosure.
Turning to the figures,
As shown in
Range 104 can include a chassis or cabinet 110 that extends along the vertical direction V between a top portion 112 and a bottom portion 114; along the lateral direction L between a left side portion and a right side portion; and along the traverse direction T between a front portion and a rear portion. Range 104 includes a cooktop surface 116 having one or more heating elements 118 (two shown) for use in, for example, heating or cooking operations. In exemplary embodiments, cooktop surface 116 is constructed with ceramic glass. In other embodiments, however, cooktop surface 116 may include another suitable material, such as a metallic material (e.g., steel) or another suitable non-metallic material. Heating elements 118 may be various sizes and may employ any suitable method for heating or cooking an object, such as a cooking utensil (not shown), and its contents. In some embodiments, for example, heating element 118 uses a heat transfer method, such as electric coils or gas burners, to heat the cooking utensil. In other embodiments, however, heating element 118 uses an induction heating method to heat the cooking utensil directly. In turn, heating element 118 may include a gas burner element, resistive heat element, radiant heat element, induction element, or another suitable heating element.
In some embodiments, range 104 includes an insulated cabinet 110 that defines a cooking chamber 120 selectively covered by a door 122. One or more heating elements (not shown, e.g., top broiling elements or bottom baking elements) may be enclosed within cabinet 110 to heat cooking chamber 120. Heating elements within cooking chamber 120 may be provided as any suitable element for cooking the contents of cooking chamber 120, such as an electric resistive heating element, a gas burner, a microwave element, a halogen element, etc. Thus, cooktop appliance 104 may be referred to as an oven range appliance. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, cooktop appliance or range 104 is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in the context of any suitable cooking appliance, such as a double oven range appliance or a standalone cooktop (e.g., fitted integrally with a surface of a kitchen counter). Thus, the example embodiments illustrated in figures are not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular cooking chamber or heating element configuration, except as otherwise indicated.
As illustrated, a user interface panel 126 may be provided on range 104. Although shown at front portion of range 104, another suitable location or structure (e.g., a backsplash) for supporting user interface panel 126 may be provided in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, user interface panel 126 includes input components or controls 128, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices. Controls 128 may include, for example, rotary dials, knobs, push buttons, and touch pads. A controller 130 is in communication with user interface panel 126 and controls 128 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of range 104. In additional or alternative embodiments, user interface panel 126 includes a display component 132, such as a digital or analog display in communication with a controller 130 and configured to provide operational feedback to a user. In certain embodiments, user interface panel 126 represents a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block.
As shown, controller 130 is communicatively coupled (i.e., in operative communication) with user interface panel 126, controls 128, and display 132. Controller 130 may also be communicatively coupled with various operational components of range 104 as well, such as heating elements (e.g., 118), sensors, etc. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 130 and the various operational components of range 104. Thus, controller 130 can selectively activate and operate these various components. Various components of range 104 are communicatively coupled with controller 130 via one or more communication lines such as, for example, conductive signal lines, shared communication busses, or wireless communications bands.
In some embodiments, controller 130 includes one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The processors can be any combination of general or special purpose processors, CPUs, or the like that can execute programming instructions or control code associated with operation of range 104. The memory devices (i.e., 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. Alternatively, controller 130 may be constructed without using a processor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
In certain embodiments, controller 130 includes a network interface such that controller 130 can connect to and communicate over one or more networks with one or more network nodes. Controller 130 may also include one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with other devices communicatively coupled with range 104. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components can be located off board controller 130. Generally, controller 130 can be positioned in any suitable location throughout range 104. For example, controller 130 may be located proximate to user interface panel 126 toward front portion of range 104. In optional embodiments, controller 130 is in operable communication with a controller 130 (described below) of microwave appliance 102 (e.g., through one or more wired or wireless channels).
Referring still to
Microwave appliance 102 may further include or be in operative communication with a processing device or a controller 142 that may be generally configured to facilitate appliance operation. In this regard, control panel 136, user input devices 138, and display 140 may be in communication with controller 142 such that controller 142 may receive control inputs from user input devices 138, may display information using display 140, and may otherwise regulate operation of microwave appliance 102. For example, signals generated by controller 142 may operate microwave appliance 102, including any or all system components, subsystems, or interconnected devices, in response to the position of user input devices 138 and other control commands. Control panel 136 and other components of microwave appliance 102 may be in communication with controller 142 via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. In this manner, Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 142 and various operational components of microwave appliance 102.
As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 142 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND/OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
Controller 142 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information and/or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and/or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.
For example, controller 142 may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of appliance 102. In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controller 142 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller 142.
The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller 142. The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller 142) in one or more databases and/or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controller 142 through any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller 142 may further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of microwave appliance 102, controller 142, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol. The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.
As noted above, microwave appliance 102 may be positioned or mounted above range 104 (e.g., as an OTR microwave). Specifically, a cabinet 150 of OTR microwave appliance 102 may be positioned above range 104 along the vertical direction V.
In embodiments, the cabinet 150 may be an insulated cabinet. As shown, cabinet 150 of microwave appliance 102 includes a plurality of outer walls and when assembled, microwave appliance 102 generally extends along the vertical direction V between a top end 152 and a bottom end 154; along the lateral direction L between a first side end 156 and a second side end 158; and along the transverse direction T between a front end and a rear end. In particular, cabinet 150 comprises first exterior side panel 176 at first side 156 laterally spaced from second external side panel 178 at second side 158, a front panel 180, a back panel 182, and a top panel 184 (
In some embodiments, cabinet 150 is spaced apart from cooktop surface 116 along the vertical direction V. An open region 164 may thus be defined along the vertical direction V between cooktop surface 116 and bottom end 154 of cabinet 150. Although a generally rectangular shape is illustrated, any suitable shape or style may be adapted to form the structure of cabinet 150. Within cabinet 150, an internal liner of cabinet 150 defines a cooking chamber 166 for receipt of food items for cooking.
A microwave oven enclosure 162 may be supported within the cabinet 150. The microwave oven enclosure 162 comprises a first side wall 190 laterally spaced from the first external side panel 176. The first side wall 190 defines a first fan inlet 192 formed as an opening in the first side wall 190. As illustrated, the first fan inlet 192 may be formed by removing a portion of the first side wall 190. In other embodiments, the first fan inlet 192 may be a series of smaller openings, for example holes or slots, formed in the first side wall 190 to allow a flow of air to pass.
The microwave oven enclosure 162 comprises a second side wall 194 laterally spaced from the second external side panel 178. The second side wall 194 also defines a fan inlet, second fan inlet 196 formed, as above, as an opening in the second side wall 194. Also as above, the second fan inlet 196 may be formed by removing a portion of the second side wall 194 or, in some embodiments, may be a series of smaller openings, for example holes or slots, formed in the second side wall 194 to allow a flow of air to pass. The microwave oven enclosure 162 may also comprise a bottom panel 198 joining the first side wall 190 and the second side wall 194 at a lower end of each wall.
Microwave appliance 102 is generally configured to heat articles (e.g., food or beverages) within cooking chamber 166 using electromagnetic radiation. Microwave appliance 102 may include various components which operate to produce the electromagnetic radiation, as is generally understood. For example, microwave appliance 102 may include a heating assembly 168 in mechanical space 200, the heating assembly 168 having a magnetron (e.g., a cavity magnetron), a high voltage transformer, a high voltage capacitor, and a high voltage diode, as is understood. The transformer may provide energy from a suitable energy source (such as an electrical outlet) to the magnetron. The magnetron may convert the energy to electromagnetic radiation, specifically microwave radiation. The capacitor generally connects the magnetron and transformer, such as via high voltage diode, to a chassis. Microwave radiation produced by the magnetron may be transmitted through a waveguide to cooking chamber 166.
The structure and intended function of microwave ovens or appliances are generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and are not described in further detail herein.
Microwave appliance 102 includes a door assembly 170 that is movably mounted (e.g., rotatably attached) to cabinet 150 in order to permit selective access to cooking chamber 166. Specifically, door assembly 170 can move between an open position (not pictured) and a closed position (e.g.,
As described above and illustrated at least in
As illustrated in
First exhaust path 208 and second exhaust path 210 may be in fluid communication with fan 212 mounted in the cabinet 150. As illustrated, fan 212 is positioned adjacent to the back panel 182 of the cabinet 150. The location of the fan 212 may be any suitable location facilitating a flow of air through the first and second exhaust paths 208, 210. In an embodiment, the fan 212 draws air in from the first duct 204 and the second duct 206 forming first and second exhaust paths 208, 210, respectively. The exhaust paths 208, 210 may be combined at the fan 212 to form exhaust 218 which, in an embodiment, flows through an exhaust vent 214 to the external atmosphere 216. Accordingly, the combined exhaust 218 includes first and second ducts 204, 206, first and second fan inlets 192, 196, fan 212, and the exhaust vent 214.
In the exemplary embodiment of
An exemplary embodiment of bottom panel 198 of microwave oven enclosure 162 is presented in
According to some embodiments, bottom panel 198 includes a lighting device 229 to provide illumination of the cooktop surface 116. Lighting device 229 may include one or more light sources, for example halogen bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or incandescent bulbs.
As illustrated for example in
First drop down side duct 230 and second drop down side duct 232 are in fluid communication with first and second ducts 204, 206, respectively. Accordingly, the first drop down side duct 230 is included in the first exhaust path 208 and the second drop down side duct 232 is included in the second exhaust path 210. At the fan 212, the first and second exhaust paths 208, 210 form exhaust 218.
As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of
As illustrated in
As described above, mechanical compartment 200 includes the heating assembly 168 for microwave appliance 102. As generally known, certain components in a microwave heating assembly, for example the magnetron, generate excessive heat during operation. According to the present disclosure removal of the excessive heat may be achieved, for example, by providing a cooling air flow path 203 through the microwave oven enclosure 162. Cooling air flow path 203 may include cooling air inlets 202 defined by a portion of the cabinet 150, for example, front panel 180. A fan, for example fan 212, may draw air in through the air inlets 202 and through the mechanical compartment 200 of microwave oven enclosure 162 and then to an exhaust, for example exhaust vent 214. In similar fashion, a separate fan may be provided to urge a cooling air flow path that remains separate from the first and second exhaust paths 208, 210.
Reference to a microwave throughout this disclosure is for purposes of illustration and not to limit the scope of the disclosure.
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 language of the claims.
