ELECTRIC RANGE

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a case which forms the appearance of the electric range; a heating unit which heats an object to be heated; an upper bracket which is disposed under the heating unit and supports the heating unit; an operation unit through which operation commands for controlling the heating unit are input; a printed circuit board on which at least one electronic component for driving the heating unit is mounted; and a supporter which is disposed under the upper bracket, wherein the supporter comprises a first support part which supports the printed circuit board and a second support part which supports the operation unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an electric range that heats food using electricity.

BACKGROUND ART

In homes or restaurants, various types of cooking utensils for heating food are used. The cooking utensils include a gas stove using gas and an electric range using electricity.

An electric range is roughly divided into a resistance heating type electric range and an induction heating type electric range.

The resistance heating type electric range generates heat by applying a current to a metal resistance line or a nonmetal heating element such as silicon carbide, and heats an object to be heated (e.g. a cooking vessel such as a pot or frying pan) by radiating or conducting the generated heat.

The induction heating type electric range generates a magnetic field around a coil by applying high frequency power to the coil, and heats an object to be heated made of a metallic material, by using an eddy current generated from the generated magnetic field.

The basic principle of induction heating is as follows. When high-frequency current is applied to a working coil or a heating coil, a magnetic field is generated around the coil. As the object to be heated is heated by electromagnetic induction caused by the generated magnetic field, heat is generated from the object to be heated, thereby heating food inside of the object to be heated.

An electric range is manufactured by assembling many components, such as a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, an input unit for the user to operate the electric range, a display unit to inform the user of the operating status of the electric range, and a heating element or coil. Accordingly, various efforts are being attempted to speed up the production of electric ranges.

In addition, an electric range includes an inner space in which various electronic components are disposed. However, the inner space can become hot due to various factors. For example, the temperature of the inner space may rise due to heat from an object to be heated (for example, a container in which food is placed), or heat generated from electronic components (for example, a power device or a switching device that generates high-frequency power) disposed in the inner space. If the temperature of the inner space rises excessively, the electric range can fail to operate normally. Accordingly, the electric range generally includes an air flow path and an air blower fan through which air can flow to cool the inner space.

As the flow of air through the air flow path becomes smoother, cooling efficiency can be improved, which ultimately leads to improved performance of the electric range. Therefore, various efforts are being attempted to make the air flow more smoothly.

In addition, if the amount of air drawn into the air blower fan is not sufficient, this causes reduction in cooling efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for structure that allows a sufficient amount of air to be drawn into the air blower fan.

In addition, the electric range includes a heater including a working coil receiving high-frequency current or heated to high temperatures and electronic components supplying electric current to the heater. However, a magnetic field or heat generated by the heater has adverse effects on the electronic components. Accordingly, a bracket is disposed over the electronic components to block the magnetic field or heat while supporting the heater. However, such a bracket can undergo deflection over time due to a weight of the heater, and thus, requires structure to support the bracket.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can further simplify the assembly process.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can reduce the number of components to be assembled.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can improve the cooling efficiency of the inner space of the electric range.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can increase the area of an outlet through which air is discharged from the inner space of the electric range.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can improve cooling efficiency by an air blower fan.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that has a structure in which an air blower fan that discharges air into the inner space of the electric range can intake a sufficient amount of air.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that has a structure that can limit or prevent air inside the electric range, in addition to external air, from flowing into an air blower fan.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that has a structure in which air discharged from an air blower fan can more efficiently cool components on a printed circuit board.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that has a structure in which air discharged from an air blower fan is not discharged to the lower surface of a printed circuit board, but only to the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that includes a case that can filter out foreign substances in the air flowing into an air blower fan and at the same time have appropriate rigidity.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that has a structure capable of preventing a decrease in cooling efficiency due to deformation of internal components.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that has a structure that can limit or prevent air inside the electric range from flowing into an air blower fan even if internal components are deformed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can efficiently prevent sagging of an upper bracket supporting a heating unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can prevent sagging of an upper bracket supporting a heating unit while reducing the number of man-hours for manufacturing the electric range.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric range is provided that can be manufactured less expensively and can prevent sagging of an upper bracket supporting a heating unit.

Objectives of the present disclosure are not limited to what has been described. Additionally, other objectives and advantages that have not been mentioned may be clearly understood from the following description and may be more clearly understood from embodiments. Further, it will be understood that the objectives and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized via means and a combination thereof that are described in the appended claims.

Technical Solution

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case, a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a first region supporting a printed circuit board and a second region supporting an input unit for receiving a control input by a user.

In this case, the lower surface of the second region and the case may be spaced apart from each other to form an air flow path through which air is discharged from the inside of the case.

In addition, a through hole corresponding to the outlet of the air guide mounted on the first region may be formed between the first region and the second region.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case, a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a first region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed, wherein the lower surface of the first region and the case may be spaced apart from each other.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case, a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a second region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed, wherein an average distance between the first region and the case may be greater than an average distance between the second region and the case.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a supporter on which a printed circuit board is mounted may also perform the function of supporting the upper bracket.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support in which a mounting portion on which a printed circuit board and the like is mounted and a boss portion supporting an upper bracket are integrally formed.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case which forms an appearance, a heating unit which heats an object to be heated, an upper bracket which is disposed on a lower portion of the heating unit and supports the heating unit, an operation unit through which operation command for controlling the heating unit is input, a printed circuit board on which at least one electronic component for driving the heating unit is mounted, and a supporter which is disposed on a lower portion of the upper bracket, wherein the supporter may include a first support which supports the printed circuit board and a second support which supports the operation unit.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an upper bracket which is disposed on an upper portion of the case and on which the object to be heated is disposed on an upper surface thereof. In this case, the heating unit may be disposed on a lower portion of the upper plate.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower surface of the second support may be spaced apart from an upper surface of the case.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an air blower fan which is mounted on the first support, intakes air into an air blower intake portion and discharges the air through an air blower discharge portion; and an air guide which is mounted on the first support and includes a guide intake portion connected to the air blower discharge portion and a guide discharge portion. In this case, the supporter may further include an intake hole formed at a location corresponding to a location of the air blower intake portion and a discharge hole formed between the first support and the second support and connected to the guide discharge portion.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the case may further include a case intake portion formed at a location corresponding to a location of the intake hole and a case discharge portion formed at a location corresponding to a location of the second support.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the case may include a first casing which forms a bottom surface of the case, a second casing which is formed to be bent from the first casing, and forms a front surface, side surface and rear surface of the case, and a third casing which is formed to be bent from the second casing and supports the upper bracket, wherein the case intake portion and the case discharge portion may be formed in the first casing.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the case intake portion and the case discharge portion may have a porous structure having multiple holes.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second support may include a bottom plate which is connected to the first support in front of the first support and is spaced apart from an upper surface of the case, and at least one boss which is disposed on the bottom plate and is coupled to the operation unit.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case which forms an appearance, a heating unit which heats an object to be heated, an operation unit through which operation command for controlling the heating unit is input, a printed circuit board on which at least one electronic component for driving the heating unit is mounted, and an air blower fan which intakes air into an air blower intake portion and discharges the air through an air blower discharge portion, wherein the case includes a case intake portion formed at a location corresponding to a location of the air blower intake portion and a case discharge portion formed on a lower portion of the operation unit, and air discharged to the air blower discharge portion is discharged through the case discharge portion.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an upper plate which is disposed on a lower portion of the heating unit and supports the heating unit.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a supporter disposed on a lower portion of the heating unit.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further comprise an air guide which is mounted on the support and includes a guide intake portion connected to the air blower discharge portion and a guide discharge portion, wherein the supporter may further include an intake hole formed at a location corresponding to a location of the air blower intake portion and a discharge hole connected to the guide discharge portion.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the supporter may include a first support on which the printed circuit board is mounted and a second support which is connected to a front of the first support and is disposed between the operation unit and the case discharge portion.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case and a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a second region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed. In this case, the supporter may have an inlet through which external air is sucked in the second region. In addition, the supporter may include a rib formed to surround the inlet.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case and a supporter which is mounted on the case and including a second region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed. In this case, the lower surface of the discharge port of the air blower fan may form the same plane as the lower surface of the printed circuit board, or may be located higher than the lower surface of the printed circuit board.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case and a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a second region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed. In this case, the lower surface of the discharge port of the air blower fan may form substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case and a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a second region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed. The case may include an intake portion formed in a region corresponding to the second region of the supporter.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of holes through which air can pass may be formed in the intake portion of the case.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the area of the intake portion of the case may be larger than the area of the inlet of the air blower fan.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a bent portion may be formed in the intake portion of the case. An inner surface surrounded by the bent portion of the intake portion of the case and an outer surface of the bent portion of the intake portion may form different planes.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case and a supporter which is mounted on the case and includes a second region where an air blower fan is disposed and a second region where a printed circuit board is disposed. In this case, the air blower fan may be fixed to the supporter by a coupling member that penetrates the air blower fan and the supporter and is fastened to the case.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case which forms an appearance, a heating unit which heats an object to be heated, an upper bracket which is disposed on a lower portion of the heating unit and supports the heating unit, and a support which is disposed on a lower portion of the upper bracket and includes a first region where an air blower fan is mounted and a second region where a printed circuit board is mounted, wherein a lower surface of the first region may be spaced upward from the case.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further includes an upper plate which is disposed on the upper portion of the case and on which an object to be heated is disposed on an upper surface thereof. In this case, the heating unit may be disposed on a lower portion of the upper plate.

In an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air blower fan may include an inlet which is disposed at the bottom and intakes air, the supporter may further include an intake hole formed at a location corresponding to the location of the inlet in the first region, and the case is formed at a location corresponding to the intake hole may include an intake portion which provides a passage through which air is drawn into the air blower fan. The intake portion and the intake hole may be spaced apart in a vertical direction.

The area of the intake portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be larger than the area of the intake hole of the air blower fan.

The supporter of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may extend downward from the first region and may further include a rib formed to surround the intake hole.

The intake portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a porous structure with a plurality of holes formed therein, and may further include a bent portion bent in a vertical direction therein.

The upper surface of the first region of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be located higher than the upper surface of the second region.

The air blower fan of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a discharge port through which air is discharged, and the lower surface of the discharge port may be located higher than the lower surface of the printed circuit board.

The air blower fan of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a securing portion through which a bolt passes, the supporter may include a fan securing hole through which the bolt penetrates, and the bolt can be fastened to the case by penetrating the securing portion and the fan securing hole.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case which forms an appearance, a heating unit which heats an object to be heated, an upper bracket which is disposed on a lower portion of the heating unit, and supports the heating unit, and a support which is disposed on a lower portion of the upper bracket and includes a first region where an air blower fan is mounted and a second region where a printed circuit board is mounted. An average distance in the vertical direction between the lower surface of the first region and the case may be larger than an average distance in the vertical direction between the lower surface of the second region and the case.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case which forms an appearance, a heating unit which heats an object to be heated, an upper bracket which is disposed on a lower portion of the heating unit, and supports the heating unit, and a support which is disposed on a lower portion of the upper bracket and includes a mounting portion on which a printed circuit board is mounted, wherein the support may further include a boss portion supporting the upper bracket.

The case of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first casing which forms the bottom surface of the case, a second-1 casing which is bent in the vertical direction at the right edge of the first casing and forms the right side of the case, a second-2 casing which is bent in the vertical direction at the front edge of the first casing and forms the front side of the case, a second-3 casing which is bent in the vertical direction at the left edge of the first casing and forms the left side of the case, a second-4 casing which is bent in the vertical direction at the rear edge of the first casing and forms the rear side of the case, a third-1 casing which is bent in the right direction at the top of the second-1 casing and supports the upper bracket, a third-3 casing which is bent in the left direction at the top of the second-3 casing and supports the upper bracket, and a third-4 casing which is bent in the front direction at the top of the second-4 casing and supports the upper bracket.

The boss portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed closer to the second-2 casing than to the second-4 casing.

An electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation unit disposed between the upper bracket and the second-2 casing.

The third-4 casing of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third-41 casing and a third-42 casing disposed to the right side of the third-41 casing.

The upper bracket of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first upper bracket supported by the third-1 casing, the third-42 casing, and the boss portion, and a second upper bracket supported by the third-3 casing, the third-41 casing, and the boss portion.

The boss portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a boss bottom plate which forms the bottom surface of the boss portion, a boss side plate which is bent upward from an edge of the boss bottom plate, and a first boss which is disposed on the upper surface of the boss bottom plate and supports the second upper bracket.

The first boss of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body having a cylindrical shape whose cross-sectional area narrows as it goes upward, and at least one rib formed radially along the outer peripheral surface of the body.

The supporter of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first side plate which is bent upward at a boundary between the boss bottom plate and the mounting bottom plate forming the bottom surface of the mounting portion. The boss portion may further include a second boss which is secured to the first side plate by a securing portion extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the boss portion is disposed, and supports the first upper bracket.

The case of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a bent portion which is formed along the edge of the first casing and is formed to be convex in the vertical direction.

The mounting portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first bottom plate forming the bottom surface of the mounting portion, and a first side plate formed by bending upward from an edge of the first bottom plate.

The boss portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second bottom plate which adjoins the first bottom plate and forms the bottom surface of the boss portion, a second side plate formed by bending upward at an edge of the second bottom plate, and at least one first boss which is disposed on an upper portion of the bottom plate and supports the upper bracket.

The boss portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second boss which is secured by a securing portion extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the boss portion is disposed, from the first side plate which is formed by bending upward at the boundary between the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate.

The upper bracket of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first upper bracket supported by the case and the second boss, and a second upper bracket supported by the case and the first boss.

The boss portion of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed closer to the front of the case than to the rear of the case.

Advantageous Effects

The manufacturing cost of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be reduced by simplifying the manufacturing process and components.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the cooling efficiency of an inner space where electronic components and the like are installed.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can improve cooling efficiency by an air blower fan.

In the electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air blower fan that discharges air into an inner space intake a sufficient amount of air.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can limit or prevent air inside the electric range, in addition to external air, from flowing into an air blower fan.

In the electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air discharged from an air blower fan can cool components on a printed circuit board more efficiently.

In the electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air discharged from an air blower fan cannot not be discharged to the lower surface of a printed circuit board, but only to the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

The case of the electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can filter out foreign substances in the air flowing into an air blower fan and at the same time have appropriate rigidity.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent a decrease in cooling efficiency due to deformation of internal components.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can limit or prevent air inside the electric range from flowing into an air blower fan even if internal components are deformed.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can efficiently prevent sagging of an upper bracket supporting a heating unit.

The electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the number of man-hours for manufacturing and can be manufactured less expensively.

Detailed effects of the present disclosure are described together with the above-described effects in the detailed description of the disclosure.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The above-described objectives, features and advantages are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings hereunder such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may easily implement the technical spirit of the disclosure. In describing the disclosure, detailed description of known technologies in relation to the disclosure is omitted if it is deemed to make the gist of the present disclosure unnecessarily vague. Below, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout the drawings, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar components.

In describing components of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, and the like may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish a component from another component, and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, a first component may denote a second component.

Hereinafter, when it is said that an arbitrary element is disposed at “an upper portion (or a lower portion)” of an element or disposed “above (or below)” an element, this may not only mean that the arbitrary element is disposed in contact with an upper surface (or a lower surface) of the element, but also mean that another element may be interposed between the element and the arbitrary element disposed above (or below) the element.

Also, when it is said that a certain element is “connected”, “coupled”, or “accessed” to another element, this may mean that the elements are directly connected or coupled to each other, but it should be understood that another element may be “interposed” between the elements or the elements may be “connected”, “coupled”, “accessed” to each other via another element.

Through the specification, each element may be singular or plural unless particularly described otherwise.

A singular expression used herein encompasses a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “consisting of” or “including” should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of various elements or various steps described herein and should be interpreted as indicating that some of the elements or some of the steps may not be included or additional elements or steps may be further included.

Throughout the specification, “A and/or B” may refer to A, B, or A and B unless particularly described otherwise, and “C to D” refers to C or more and D or less unless particularly described otherwise.

Hereinafter, an electric range according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is a perspective view of a main body10of the electric range1according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, the electric range1according to this embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body10and an upper plate20. Referring toFIG.2, the main body10may include a case100, a first upper bracket210, a second upper bracket220, a first heating unit or heater310, a second heating unit or heater320, a third heating unit or heater330, and an operation unit400.

Hereinafter, it will be described that a portion of the electric range1on which the operation unit400is disposed is defined as a front side or front surface; a portion opposite the front side or front surface is defined as a rear side or rear surface; a right of the electric range1as viewed from the front surface is defined as a right side or right surface; and a left of the electric range1as viewed from the front is defined as a left side or left surface.

The main body10may include at least one heater and a drive unit that operates the heater. The at least one heater may heat an object to be heated. The drive unit may include the operation unit400and multiple components disposed on a printed circuit board.

The case100may receive the printed circuit board having various components thereon, and a support on which the printed circuit board is mounted. The case100may be provided in the form of a generally cuboidal box which is open at a top thereof. The case100may form an accommodation space in which components are accommodated.

The case100may serve to protect components of the electric range. The case100may be formed of aluminum, but is not limited thereto. In addition, according to an embodiment, the case100may be insulated to suppress leakage of heat generated by the heaters310,320, and/or330to outside of the electric range1.

The first upper bracket210may support the first heater310, and the second upper bracket220may support the second heater320and the third heater330. The first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may be coupled to the case100.

The first heater310, the second heater320, and the third heater330may heat an object to be heated. The heaters310,320,330may heat the object to be heated through induction heating or through resistance heating. Alternatively, some of the heaters310,320,330may heat the object to be heated by induction heating and the others may heat the object to be heated by resistance heating. When the object to be heated is heated through induction heating, high-frequency power may be applied by the working coils of the heaters310,320,330. When high-frequency power is applied to the working coils, a magnetic field is generated around the working coils, and eddy current may be generated in the object to be heated by the magnetic field. Accordingly, the object to be heated, which is formed of a metal, may be heated by the eddy current.

The first heater310, the second heater320, and the third heater330may be disposed on a lower portion of the upper plate20. The first heater310may be mounted on the first upper bracket210, and the second heater320and the third heater330may be mounted on the second upper bracket220.

Hereinafter, in the specification, a case where the electric range includes three heaters that heat an object to be heated by induction heating and two upper brackets is described. However, a type and number of heaters and a number of upper brackets can be varied as needed.

The operation unit400allows to input a command to operate the electric range1. The operation unit400may be disposed in front of the first upper bracket210. In addition, the operation unit400may be disposed at the front of the electric range between the upper plate20and the case100for user convenience. However, a position of the operation unit400may be changed differently from that shown inFIG.1, as needed.

The operation unit400may include a plurality of key switches. A user may control operation of the electric range by inputting a command to the operation unit400using the key switches.

An upper surface of the operation unit400may be placed under a cover plate21. The operation unit400may be disposed on a location corresponding to an input interface on the cover plate21. In this case, the operation unit400and the input interface may be connected to each other by a touch input method.

The upper plate20may be coupled to an upper portion of the main body10, and may provide a space in or on which an object to be heated is seated.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.3, the electric range1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the main body10and the upper plate20. In addition, the main body10of the electric range1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the case100, the first upper bracket210, the second upper bracket220, the first heater310, the second heater320, the third heater330, the operation unit400, a support500, an air blower fan600, an air guide700, a printed circuit board800, and a heat sink900. In addition, the upper plate20of the electric range1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover plate21and a cover bracket22.

The cover plate21may close an upper portion of the accommodation space defined by the case100. The cover plate21may serve to protect various components inside of the accommodation space defined by the case100.

In addition, the cover plate21may have an upper surface on which an object to be heated is disposed. When the electric range1operates in an induction heating manner, a magnetic field generated by the heaters310,320, and/or330may pass through the cover plate21and reach the object to be heated. The cover plate21may be formed of a ceramic material, but is not limited thereto.

The cover plate21may be provided on the upper surface thereof with an input interface configured to receive a user input. The input interface may be disposed in a specific region on the upper surface of the cover plate21, and may display a specific image. The input interface may receive a touch input from a user, and the electric range may be operated based on the received touch input. The touch input may be input to the operation unit400.

In addition, a display may be disposed in a specific region of the upper surface of the cover plate21to display an operating state of the electric range1. For example, an optical display region may be formed on the upper surface of the cover plate21. Also, a light source unit may be disposed on a lower portion of the cover plate21. The light emitted from the light source unit may be delivered to a user through the optical display region. In this case, the optical display region may correspond in location of the light source unit. When a plurality of light source units is provided, an equal number of optical display regions may be formed on the upper surface of the cover plate21. The light source unit may be mounted on the first upper bracket210and/or the second upper bracket220.

The cover bracket22may support the cover plate20.

The cover bracket22may be disposed outside of the case100, and may be coupled to the case100. For example, the cover bracket22and the case100may be coupled to each other using a fastener, such as a bolt.

The cover bracket22may have a generally rectangular shape. Each side of the cover bracket22may be disposed at a location corresponding to each side of the cover plate21.

A shape, function and the like of case100may be the same as described above with reference toFIG.1andFIG.2.

The case100may be formed of a generally plate-shaped material fabricated in the form of a box to be used.

The case100may include a first casing110, second casings121,122,123,124, and third casings1311,1312,1313,1314,1331,1332,1333,1334,1341,1342.

The first casing110may form a bottom surface of the case100. The first casing110may have a generally rectangular shape. The support500may be mounted on the upper surface of the first casing110.

The first casing110may be provided with at least one air vent to facilitate cooling of the printed circuit board800disposed therein and electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board800. More specifically, the first casing100may be formed with an intake portion through which external air is introduced thereinto and a discharge portion through which internal air is discharged therefrom.

The second casing121,122,123,124may be bent from the first casing110and may define an external appearance of the case100. According to an embodiment, a second-1 casing121may form a right surface of the case100, a second-2 casing122may form a front surface of the case100, a second-3 casing123may form a left surface of the case100, and a second-4 casing124may form a rear surface of the case100.

The second casing121,122,123,124may be vertically bent from an edge of the first casing110to form an exterior of the case100. The second casing121,122,123,124may be disposed on the respective sides of the first casing110having a generally rectangular shape, respectively. The second casing121,122,123,124may reinforce an overall rigidity of the case10.

That is, the second casing121,122,123,124bent from the first casing110may prevent the plate-shaped first casing110from being warped or damaged by a weight of internal components or by an external force. In addition, the first casing110may have a bent portion to reinforce the overall rigidity of the case10, as described hereinafter.

The second casing121,122,123,124may have multiple slit-shaped ventilation holes. The ventilation holes allow the inside and outside of the case100to communicate with each other to allow a flow of air into/out of the case100, thereby contributing to cooling of components received in the case100.

The third casing1311,1312,1313,1314,1331,1332,1333,1334,1341,1342may support the first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220.

The third casing1311,1312,1313,1314,1331,1332,1333,1334,1341,1342may be formed to be bent from the second casing121,123,124. Specifically, the third-1 casing1311,1312,1313,1314may be formed to be bent from the second-1 casing121, the third-3 casing1331,1332,1333,1334may be formed to be bent from the second-3 casing123, and the third-4 casing1341,1342may be formed to be bent from the second-4 casing124.

The third-1 casing1311,1312,1313,1314and the third-42 casing1342may have a hole for coupling with the first upper bracket210. The bottom surface of the first upper bracket210is seated on upper surfaces of the third-1 casing1311,1312,1313,1314and third-42 casing1342, and then, the first upper bracket210may be coupled to the third-1 casing1311,1312,1313,1314and the third-42 casing1342using a coupling member, such as a bolt. The third casing1331,1332,1333,1334and the third-41 casing1341may have a hole for coupling with the second upper bracket210. The bottom surface of the second upper bracket220is seated on upper surfaces of the third casing1331,1332,1333,1334and the third-41 casing1341, and then, the second upper bracket210may be coupled to the third casing1331,1332,1333,1334and the third-41 casing1341using a coupling member, such as a bolt.

The operation unit400may be mounted on the support500. The operation unit400may be coupled to the support500by interference fit.

The support500may support the printed circuit board800and the air blower fan600. The support500may be coupled to the first casing110of the case100using a bolt and the like.

Various electronic components may be mounted on the printed circuit board800to operate the heat sink900, the heaters310,320,330, and the like. The printed circuit board800may be mounted on the second support500using a bolt and the like.

The electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board800may be powered by an external power source and may output high-frequency power to the heaters310,320,330. In addition, the electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board800may be electrically connected to the operation unit400, and may operate the heaters310,320,330in response to a user command input via the operation unit400. According to an embodiment, the electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board800may communicate with an external device through a wire or electronically. That is, the electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board800may function as a controller that controls an overall operation of the electric range1.

A device that generates a lot of heat, such as a switching device that generates high-frequency power, may be attached to the heat sink900. The heat sink900may cool the device attached thereto.

The air blower fan600may take in air through an inlet thereof and may discharge the air through an outlet thereof. The air blower fan600may take in external air through a case intake portion formed in the first casing110. In addition, the air discharged through the discharge port of the air blower fan600may be discharged to the accommodation space defined by the case100. At least a portion of the air discharged through the discharge port of the air blower fan600may be guided to the heat sink900by the air guide700to cool the heat sink900. The air guided by the air guide700may be discharged to the outside through a case outlet portion formed in the first casing110.

The air blower fan600may be mounted on the support500. The air blower fan600may be mounted on the support500using a coupling member, such as a bolt.

According to an embodiment, the air blower fan600may be coupled to the case100using a coupling member, such as a bolt. More specifically, the bolt may be coupled to the first casing110of the case100through the air blower fan600and the support500. In this way, it is possible to maintain coupling between the air blower fan600, the second support500, and the case100even when the first casing110and the like undergoes deformation and to prevent air inside of the electric range1from being introduced into the air blower fan600.

The air guide700may guide the air discharged from the air blower fan600to move to the discharge portion of the first casing110of the case100via the heat sink900. The air guide700may be mounted on the printed circuit board800. More specifically, the air guide700may be mounted on the printed circuit board800to completely cover the heat sink900mounted on the printed circuit board800.

Basic functions of the first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may be the same as described above with reference toFIG.1andFIG.2.

The first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may be secured to the case100. The first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may be formed of aluminum, but are not limited thereto.

The first upper bracket210may be disposed on a lower portion of the first heater310, and the second upper bracket220may be disposed on a lower portion of the second heater320and the third heater330. The first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may be disposed between the upper plate20and the space accommodating the printed circuit board800and the electronic components. Due to this structure, the first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may serve as a shield to prevent electromagnetic fields and/or electromagnetic waves generated from the heaters310,320,330from reaching the printed circuit board800and the electronic components. That is, the first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may serve to improve the performance of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) of the printed circuit board.

Each of the first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220may include a first upper plate and a second upper plate.

The first upper plate may form a bottom surface of each of the first upper bracket210and the second upper bracket220. In addition, the heaters310,320,330may be mounted on the first upper plate.

The second upper plate may be provide to be bent from the first upper plate in a vertical direction of the electric range1. The second upper plate may be formed to be vertically bent from an edge of the first upper plate.

The second upper plate may be disposed on each side of the first upper plate having a generally rectangular shape. The second upper plate may reinforce an overall rigidity of the first upper bracket210and second upper bracket220. That is, the second upper plate bent from the first upper plate may prevent the first upper plate having a plate-shaped from being warped or damaged by the weight of internal components including the heaters310,320,330or by an external force.

Due to the structure described above with reference toFIG.3, all of the components of the electric range may be assembled on the upper portion of the case100. Accordingly, a manufacturing process of the electric range may be simplified, thereby improving production efficiency.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view of the electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is the same as that described inFIG.3except that the supporter includes a first supporter450and a second supporter500-1.

The first support450and the second support500-1may be mounted on the upper surface of the first casing110.

The first support450may support the operation unit400. The first support450may be coupled to the first casing110of the case100using a bolt and the like. In this case, the operation unit400may be coupled to the first support450by interference fit.

The second support500-1may support the printed circuit board800and the air blower fan600. The second support500-1may be coupled to the first casing110of the case100using a bolt and the like. The printed circuit board800and the air blower fan600may be mounted on the second support500-1using a fastener such as a bolt.

FIG.5is a perspective view of the air guide700of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the air guide700as viewed from a front right lower side is illustrated.

The air guide700may include an inlet710formed at the rear and an outlet720formed at the front lower side. The inlet710of the air guide700may be connected to the discharge port (610inFIG.6) of the air blower fan600, and the outlet720of the air guide700may be connected to the discharge hole (561inFIG.6) of the supporter500. The lower surface of the air guide700, except for the outlet720(i.e., the portion connected to the discharge hole (561inFIG.6)) may be closed by the supporter500. Additionally, a heat sink and the like may be placed in the space formed by the air guide700and the supporter500.

The air discharged from the air blower fan600flows into the space between the air guide700and the supporter500through the inlet710of the air guide700. Additionally, the air in the space between the air guide700and the supporter500is discharged through the outlet720of the air guide700and the discharge hole561of the supporter500.

FIG.6is an exploded perspective view of the supporter500and air blower fan600, andFIG.7is a plan view of the supporter500.

The air blower fan600may be disposed on the upper surface of the support500. The air blower fan600may include the discharge port610, an inlet and a securing portion632,633. The inlet may be disposed on the lower surface of the air blower fan600.

The support500may include a first bottom plate510and a side plate520.

The first bottom plate510may form a bottom surface of the support500. The printed circuit board800and the air blower fan600may be mounted on an upper surface of the first bottom plate510. The first bottom plate510may include a first region511in which the air blower fan600may be mounted and a second region512in which the printed circuit board800may be mounted. The first region511may have an intake hole5111through which air is drawn in.

The side plate520may be provided to be bent from the first bottom plate510in a vertical direction of the electric range. The side plate520may be vertically bent from an edge of the first bottom plate510.

The side plate520may be disposed on each side of the first bottom plate510having a generally rectangular shape. That is, the side plate520may include a first side plate521disposed on a right surface of the first bottom plate510, a second side plate522disposed on a front surface of the first bottom plate510, a third side plate523disposed on a left surface of the first bottom plate510, and a fourth side plate524disposed on a rear surface of the first bottom plate510. The first side plate521may adjoin the second-1 casing (121inFIG.3) of the case100, the second side plate522may adjoin the second-2d casing (122inFIG.3) of the case100, and the fourth side plate524may adjoin the second-4 casing (124inFIG.3) of the case100. Hereinafter, the term “adjoin” includes the meaning of not only being completely in close contact but also being placed fairly close to each other.

The side plate520may reinforce an overall rigidity of the support500. That is, the side plate520bent from the first bottom plate510may prevent the first bottom plate510from being warped or damaged by a weight of internal components, such as the printed circuit board800and the air blower fan600, or by an external force.

The support500may further include a boss portion530. The boss portion530may include a plurality of bosses5311,5312,5313,5314,5315. Each of the plurality of bosses5311,5312,5313,5314,5315may support either the first upper bracket210or the second upper bracket220. According to an embodiment, the boss5315may support the first upper bracket210and the bosses5311,5313may support the second upper bracket220. To do this, the boss5315may be coupled to the first upper bracket210using a coupling member, such as a bolt, and the bosses5311,5313may be coupled to the second upper bracket220using a coupling member such as a bolt.

The boss portion530may include a bottom plate5320and side plates5331,5332. The bottom plate5320may form the bottom surface of the boss portion530. The side plates5331and5332may be formed to be bent from the edge of the bottom plate5320in the vertical direction. The side plates5331and5332can improve the overall rigidity of the boss portion530.

According to an embodiment, the boss portion530may be excluded.

In addition, the supporter500may further include an operation support portion570that supports the operation unit400. The operation support portion570may include a second bottom plate577protruding forward from the first bottom plate510, and a plurality of bosses571,572,573,574,575,576disposed on the second bottom plate577. A coupling unit that is inserted into each of the bosses571,572,573,574,575,576may be formed on the lower surface of the operation unit400. As described above, the coupling unit of the operation unit400may be coupled to the bosses571,572,573,574,575,576of the operation support portion570by interference fit.

The second bottom plate577may be formed higher than the first bottom plate510. That is, an air flow path may be formed below the second bottom plate577. Additionally, a case discharge unit may be formed in the region where the second bottom plate577is located in the case (100inFIG.3).

In addition, the support500may include the discharge hole561to be coupled to the outlet720of the air guide (700inFIG.4). The discharge hole561may be formed between the operation support portion570and the first bottom plate510.

That is, the supporter500of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main support unit on which the air blower fan600and/or the printed circuit board800is mounted, and an operation support portion570that supports the operation unit400. The main support unit may include a first region511in which the air blower fan600may be mounted and a second region512in which the printed circuit board800may be mounted. In other words, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric range may be configured to support both the printed circuit board800and the operation unit400using one supporter500. Accordingly, the number of components can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified.

The first region511may include an intake hole5111that provides a passage through which air is drawn into to the air blower fan600. The size of the intake hole511may be the same as or greater than the size of the air blower fan600. The first region511may include fan securing holes5112,5113for mounting the air air blower fan600. The air blower fan600may be secured to the supporter500by a coupling member such as a bolt that passes through each of the securing portions632,633of the air blower fan600and each of fan securing holes5112,5113.

When the supporter500is coupled to the case100, a distance between the upper surface of the first casing110of the case100and the lower surface of the first region511may be greater than a distance between the upper surface of the first casing110and the second region512. In other words, the supporter500may perform the function of keeping the inlet620of the air blower fan600spaced apart from the upper surface of the first casing110by a predetermined distance. This can achieve the same effect as substantially increasing the intake area of the air blower fan600.

In addition, when the supporter500is coupled to the case100, the distance between the upper surface of the first casing110of the case100and the lower surface of the operation support portion570may be greater than a distance between the upper surface of the first casing110and the lower surface of the second region512. An air flow path may be formed between the lower surface of the operation support portion570and the upper surface of the first casing110.

FIG.8is a plan view of the case100of the electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The structures and functions of second casings121,122,123,124and the third casings1311,1312,1313,1314,1331,1332,1333,1334,1341,1342are the same as described above with reference toFIG.3.

The first casing110of the case100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case intake portion111and a case outlet portion112.

The case intake portion111provides a passage through which air is drawn into the inlet of the air blower fan600when the air blower fan600is in operation. The case intake portion111may be formed of a porous portion having multiple holes.

When the support500is mounted on the case100, the case intake portion111may correspond in location to the first region511. In addition, the case intake portion111may have a larger area than the inlet of the air blower fan600. According to an embodiment, the case intake portion111may have the same area as the first region511.

The case outlet portion112provides a passage through which air having passed through the air guide (700inFIG.3andFIG.5) is discharged to the outside. The case outlet portion112may be formed of a porous portion having multiple holes.

When the supporter500is mounted on the case100, the case outlet portion112may be formed at a location corresponding to the location of the operation support portion570of the supporter500.

That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower part of the operation support portion570can be used as an air flow path, and at the same time can form the case outlet portion112in the lower part of the operation support portion570. Therefore, the area of the flow path of the part where the air is discharged can be further increased, and as a result, the flow of air for cooling the inner space can be made more smooth.

FIG.9is a perspective view of the electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with an upper plate, heating modules, and an upper bracket removed therefrom.

As described above, the support500(or the second support500-1) may be mounted on the case100. More specifically, the support500(or the second support500-1) may be mounted on the upper surface of the first casing (110inFIG.3) of the case100using a coupling member, such as a bolt. In addition, the second support500(or the second support500-1) may include an intake hole and a discharge hole. The intake hole of the support500may adjoin the case intake portion (111inFIG.8) of the first casing (110inFIG.3) of the case100. The discharge hole of the support500(or the second support5001) may adjoin the discharge portion of the first casing110of the case100.

The air blower fan600and the printed circuit board800may be mounted on the support500(or the second support500-1). Various electronic components including the heat sink (900inFIG.3) may be mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board800. The inlet of the air blower fan600may adjoin the intake hole of the support500(or the second support500-1). The discharge port of the air blower fan600may adjoin one end of the air guide700.

The air guide700may be mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board800to cover the heat sink900. The air guide700may be open at a rear and bottom thereof. The air guide700may have a generally cuboidal shape. The inlet (710inFIG.5) formed on the rear surface of the air guide700may adjoin the discharge port of the air blower fan600and the outlet (720inFIG.5) formed on the front lower surface of the air guide700may adjoin the discharge hole (561inFIG.6andFIG.7) of the support500(or the second support500-1).

When the air blower fan600is operated, the air outside of the electric range1may be drawn into the inlet of the air blower fan600via the intake portion of the case100and the intake hole of the support500(or the second support500-1). In addition, the air discharged through the discharge port of the air blower fan600may be moved along the air guide700and then may be discharged to the outside of the electric range1via the discharge hole of the support500(or the second support500-1) and the discharge portion of the case.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a cross-section taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.9.

Referring toFIG.10, the air flow in an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

When the air blower fan600operates, the air existing outside the electric range1may pass through the case intake portion111and the intake hole (5111inFIGS.5and6) of the supporter500and may be drawn into the air blower fan600, and may be discharged through the discharge port (610inFIG.5) of the air blower fan600. The air discharged through the discharge port of the air blower fan600passes through the inlet710of the air guide700and then moves along the air guide700. As the air moves along the air guide700, it can cool the heat sink and the like.

The air moving along the air guide700may pass through the outlet720of the air guide700and the discharge hole561of the supporter500, and then may move between the operation support portion570of the supporter500and the first casing110, and may be discharged to the outside of the electric range1through the case discharge portion112.

That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the supporter500may be configured to support both the printed circuit board800and the operation unit400. In this case, both the printed circuit board800and the operation unit400may be implemented to be assembled on the upper part of the supporter500. For example, the printed circuit board800may be secured to the supporter500using a fastening mechanism such as a bolt, and the operation unit400may be secured to the supporter500by interference fit. Accordingly, the number of components can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower portion of the supporter500that supports the operating unit400can be used as a flow path for discharged air. In addition, the case discharge portion112may be formed below the portion of the case supporting the operation unit among the cases on which the supporter500is mounted. With the structure, the area of the electric range1where air is discharged can be increased, which can improve cooling efficiency.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, heated air may be discharged from the bottom of the electric range. Therefore, overheating of the operation unit due to heated air can be minimized.

FIG.11is a perspective view of a second support500-1of an electric range according an embodiment of the present disclosure, with an air blower fan coupled thereto.FIG.12is an exploded perspective view of the second support500-1and the air blower fan600, viewed from the upper direction.FIG.13is an exploded perspective view of the second support500-1and the air blower fan ofFIG.11, viewed from the lower direction.

The embodiment illustrated inFIGS.11to13is substantially the same as the electric range described with respect toFIGS.6and7, except that the supporter does not have the operation support portion570.

The air blower fan600may be disposed on an upper surface of the second support500-1. The air blower fan600may include a discharge port (610inFIG.12), an inlet (620inFIG.13), and securing portions (632,633inFIG.12).

The second support500-1may include the bottom plate510and the side plate520. The function and structure of the first bottom plate510and side plate520may be the same as those described with respect toFIGS.6and7.

Referring toFIG.12, the second support500-1may further include the boss portion530. The boss portion530may be the same as that described with respect toFIGS.6and7.

In addition, the second support500-1may further include the discharge portion560having the discharge hole561. The discharge portion560may adjoin a lower front end of the air guide (700inFIGS.3to5). At least a portion of air discharged through the discharge portion (610inFIG.12) of the air blower fan600may be guided to the heat sink (900inFIGS.3and4) by the air guide to cool the heat sink (900inFIGS.3and4), and then may be discharged to the outside of the electric range1through the discharge hole561of the discharge portion560.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, the air blower fan600may be mounted in the first region511of the bottom plate510of the second support500-1. The configuration related to mounting the air blower fan600is the same as that described with respect toFIGS.6and7.

When the second support500-1is coupled to the case100, a distance between an upper surface of the first casing110of the case100and a lower surface of the first region511may be greater than a distance between the upper surface of the first casing110and a lower surface of the second region512. That is, the second support500-1may serve to separate the inlet620of the air blower fan600from the upper surface of the first casing110by a predetermined distance. In this way, it is possible to effectively increase an intake area of the air blower fan600.

Referring toFIG.13, the second support500-1may include a rib540that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the first region511and surrounds the intake hole5111. The rib540may prevent air in a region other than a space under the first region511from being drawn into the inlet620of the air blower fan600. The temperature of air in a region other than the space under the first region511may be increased due to other components of the electric range. Conversely, the space under the first region511, into which external air is introduced, has a relatively low temperature. According to an embodiment, due to the presence of the rib540, relatively cool air may be used for cooling, thereby ensuring improved cooling efficiency.

The rib540may include a first rib541disposed at a right lower end of the first region511, a second rib542disposed at a front lower end of the first region511, a third rib543disposed at a left or second lateral lower end of the first region511, and a fourth rib544disposed at a rear lower end of the first region511.

Although the rib540is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape inFIG.13, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the rib540may have a circular shape, or may have a polygonal shape of 5 or more.

The bottom plate510, the side plate520, the boss portion530, the rib540, and the discharge portion560, forming the second support500-1, may be integrally formed. The second support500-1may be manufactured by injection molding.

FIG.14is a plan view of the second support500of the electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view of the second support500of the electric range1ofFIG.14, taken along line B-B′.

The overall configuration of the first bottom plate510, first side plate520, boss portion530, and discharge portion560is the same as described above.

In addition, as described above, the second supporter500may include the first region511on which the air blower fan600is mounted and the second region512on which the printed circuit board is mounted.

In this case, the first region511may be formed so that the inlet (620inFIG.7) located at the bottom of the air blower fan600is spaced apart from the upper surface of the first casing110of the case100.

Referring toFIG.15, the first region511may be located higher than the second region512. That is, the lower surface of the first region511may be located higher than the lower surface of the second region512. Alternatively, an upper surface of the first region511may be located higher than an upper surface of the second region512. Accordingly, an intake space550may be formed under the first region511. In addition, due to ribs542,544that extend downward from the first region511, the intake space550may be isolated from other spaces in the electric range1.

FIG.16is a plan view of the case100of the electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.17is a cross-sectional view of the case100of the electric range1ofFIG.16according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line D-D′.FIG.18is an enlarged view of the intake portion140of the cross-sectional view of the electric range1ofFIG.17according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The structures and functions of the second casings121,122,123,124and third casings1311,1312,1313,1314,1331,1332,1333,1334,1341,1342are the same as described above with reference toFIG.3and the like.

The first casing110of the case100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the intake portion140and the discharge portion150.

The intake portion140provides a passage through which air is drawn into the inlet of the air blower fan600when the air blower fan600is in operation. The intake portion140may be formed of a porous structure having multiple holes.

When the second support500is mounted on the case100, the intake portion140may be formed at a location corresponding to the location of the first region511. In addition, the intake portion140may have a larger area than that of the inlet620of the air blower fan600. According to an embodiment, the intake portion140may have a same area as the first region511. In addition, the rib540of the second support500may be disposed on the lower surface of the first region511to surround the intake portion140.

The intake portion140may further include a first bent portion141and/or a second bent portion142. The first bent portion141may be formed in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The second bent portion142may be formed near at least one edge of the discharge portion140. For example, as illustrated inFIG.16, it may be formed in a shape that connects the vicinity of the front edge of the intake portion140and the vicinity of the right edge of the intake portion140, but is not limited thereto.

The first bent portion141and the second bent portion142may be formed by a forming process. The first bent portion141and the second bent portion142may be formed by vertically bending a portion of the intake portion140.

The inside of the bent portions141,142and the outside of the bent portions141,142may form different planes. For example, the inside of the bent portions141,142may be located higher than the outside of the bent portions141,142. The bent portion141is formed in the intake portion140, thereby improving the rigidity of the intake portion140.

The discharge portion150provides a passage through which air having passed through the air guide (700inFIG.3toFIG.5) is discharged to the outside when the air blower fan600is in operation. When the second support500is mounted on the case100, the discharge portion150may be disposed on a location corresponding to the location of the discharge portion560of the second support500.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first casing110of the case100includes the intake portion140formed at a location corresponding to the location of the air blower fan600, and the intake portion140has a porous structure having multiple holes and a larger area than that of the inlet of the air blower fan600. Thus, the intake portion140allows a sufficient amount of air to be introduced into the air blower fan600therethrough while filtering out foreign substances in the air, thereby improving cooling efficiency and preventing failure of the air blower fan due to foreign substances.

In addition, the intake portion140has at least one vertically bent portion141,142. Thus, the intake portion140may have a proper level of rigidity despite having a porous structure.

FIG.19is a plan view of an electric range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the upper plate, the heating modules, and the upper bracket removed therefrom.FIG.20is a cross-sectional view of the electric range ofFIG.19according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line E-E′ ofFIG.13, illustrating a region in which the air blower fan600is mounted.

As described above, the electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the second support500on which the printed circuit board800and the air blower fan600are mounted. That is, the second support500includes the first region511in which the air blower fan600is mounted and the second region512in which the printed circuit board800with the heat sink900and other electronic components mounted thereon is mounted.

The second support500allows the air blower fan600to be separated upwards from the first casing110of the case100by a predetermined distance. Here, a distance between the lower surface of the first region511of the second support500and the upper surface of the first casing110may be greater than a distance between the lower surface of the second region512of the second support500and the upper surface of the first casing110. Alternatively, the first region511of the second support500may be formed to be higher than the second region512of the second support500. By the configuration, the predetermined space550may be formed between the second region511of the second support500and the first casing110.

The first region511may have the intake hole5111. When the air blower fan600is mounted on the second support500, the intake hole5111may be formed at a location corresponding to the location of the inlet620of the air blower fan600. The intake hole5111may have a slightly larger area than that of the inlet620, or may have the same area as that of the inlet620.

In addition, the first casing110of the case100may include the intake portion140disposed at a location corresponding to the location of the intake hole5111. The intake portion140may have a larger area than that of the intake hole5111. In addition, the intake portion140may have a porous structure having multiple holes.

That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the intake portion140having a larger area than the inlet of the air blower fan600may be formed on the case100by separating the air blower fan600from the case100using the second support500. Accordingly, the air blower fan600may draw in and discharge more air due to effective increase in intake area thereof. As a result, cooling efficiency may be improved.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second support500includes the rib542,544that extend downward from the first region511. The rib542,544serves to isolate the space550from other spaces of the electric range1. As a result, the air blower fan600may draw in cold air outside the electric range1, rather than hot air inside of the electric range1, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second support500may separate the air blower fan500from the case100such that the lower surface610aof the discharge port610of the air blower fan600may be the same as or higher than the lower surface of the printed circuit board800, or may be higher than the lower surface of the printed circuit board800. More preferably, the second support500allows the lower surface610aof the discharge port610of the air blower fan600to be on a same plane as the upper surface of the printed circuit board800. Hereinafter, the expression “on the same plane” refers to “on substantially the same plane” considering errors in design or manufacturing processes, as well as “on exactly the same plane”. To do this, the upper surface of the first region511may be located higher than the upper surface of the second region512. In this way, the air discharged from the air blower fan600may be discharged only to the upper surface of the printed circuit board800without being discharged to the lower surface of the printed circuit board800. As a result, a larger amount of air may be supplied to the heat sink (900inFIG.3) and other electronic components, which are attached to the upper surface of the printed circuit board800, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air blower fan600and the second support500may be mounted on the case100by a bolt fastened to the first casing110of the case100through the securing portion632and/or633of the air blower fan600and the fan securing hole5112and/or5113of the second support500. In this way, even when the second support500and the like undergo deformation, isolation state of the intake space550may be maintained, thereby preventing reduction in cooling efficiency due to deformation of the second support500and the like.

FIG.21is an enlarged view of the first boss5311of the support500(or the second support500-1) of the electric range1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first boss5311may include a body53111and the ribs53112,53113,53114. The other bosses5312,5313,5314may also have a similar structure to the first boss5311ofFIG.21.

The body53111may have a cylindrical shape whose cross-sectional area narrows as it goes upward. In addition, the body53111may be formed on an upper surface thereof with a coupling hole53115to which a coupling bolt may be fastened.

The ribs53112,53113,53114may be formed radially along an outer peripheral surface of the body53111.

Due to this structure, the first boss5311may have improved rigidity.

FIG.22is a cross-sectional view of the second support500-1of the electric range1ofFIG.14of an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line C-C′.

The boss portion530may include a second bottom plate5320forming the bottom surface of the boss portion530, second side plates5331,5332,5333bent upward from an edge of the second bottom plate5320, and bosses5311,5312,5313,5314disposed on an upper surface of the second bottom plate5320.

The boss portion530may be disposed to one side (for example, left) of the mounting portion510,520. More specifically, one side (for example, the right side) of the second bottom plate5320of the boss portion530may adjoin one side (for example, the left side) of the first bottom plate510of the mounting portion. The first-3 side plate523may be formed to be bent upward from a boundary between the first bottom plate510and the second bottom plate5320.

The boss portion530may further include a fifth boss5315that is secured to a securing portion that extends from the first-3 side plate523in a direction (the right direction in an embodiment) opposite to a direction in which the boss portion530is disposed, and serves to support the first upper bracket210.

Referring toFIG.22, the body (53111inFIG.6) of the bosses5311,5312of the boss portion530may be hollow inside. In this way, the boss portion may have improved moldability.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and the drawings set forth herein. Further, various modifications may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the disclosure. Further, though not explicitly described during description of the embodiments of the disclosure, effects and predictable effects according to the configuration of the disclosure should be included in the scope of the disclosure.