Oven door with cooling

A door assembly for a domestic cooking appliance includes an outer door skin; an inner door liner; a transparent viewing panel assembly between the outer door skin and the inner door liner; an interior region located between the outer door skin and the viewing panel assembly; a lower air opening in a lower region of the door assembly that fluidly connects the interior region with an environment outside of the door assembly; an upper air opening in an upper region of the door assembly that fluidly connects the interior region with the environment outside of the door assembly; and an angled air guide forming a portion of a wall of the interior region between the lower air opening and the upper air opening, the angled air guide being non-coplanar with, and non-perpendicular to, a surface of a viewing panel of the viewing panel assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a domestic cooking appliance. More particularly, embodiments of the invention are directed to an oven door that provides cooling of the oven door.

An example of an application for the invention is a domestic kitchen oven having a door that has cooling integrated into the door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some modern domestic kitchens include cooking appliances such as ovens and ranges that have one or more heating elements that provide the heat for cooking a food item in a cooking compartment of the appliance. The heat produced by the heating elements can be transmitted through a door of the cooking compartment. It is desirable to limit the temperature of the outside of the door. Limiting the temperature of the outside of the door is complicated by the existence of a glass, or other transparent, panel in the door.

Applicants recognized an improvement to the above arrangement and implement that improvement in embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY

The invention achieves the benefit of providing a domestic appliance with a door.

Particular embodiments of the invention are directed to a domestic cooking appliance for heating a food item. The domestic cooking appliance includes a main housing; a cooking compartment in the main housing, the cooking compartment being configured to receive the food item to be heated; and a door assembly attached to the main housing and movable between a closed position in which the door assembly closes the cooking compartment and an open position in which the door assembly allows access to the cooking compartment. The door assembly includes an outer door skin, an inner door liner, a transparent viewing panel assembly between the outer door skin and the inner door liner, the viewing panel assembly permitting a user to view the cooking compartment when the door assembly is in the closed position, an interior region located between the outer door skin and the viewing panel assembly, a lower air opening in a lower region of the door assembly that fluidly connects the interior region with an environment outside of the door assembly, an upper air opening in an upper region of the door assembly that fluidly connects the interior region with the environment outside of the door assembly, and an angled air guide forming a portion of a wall of the interior region between the lower air opening and the upper air opening, the angled air guide being non-coplanar with, and non-perpendicular to, a surface of a viewing panel of the viewing panel assembly.

In some embodiments, the interior region has a first cross-sectional area at a location between the angled air guide and the upper air opening, the interior region has a second cross-sectional area at a location between the angled air guide and the viewing panel assembly, and the first cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area.

In some embodiments, the lower air opening is a first gap between the outer door skin and the inner door liner.

In some embodiments, the upper air opening is a second gap between the outer door skin and the inner door liner.

Other embodiments of the invention are directed to a door assembly for a domestic cooking appliance for heating a food item. The door assembly includes an outer door skin; an inner door liner; a transparent viewing panel assembly between the outer door skin and the inner door liner, the viewing panel assembly being configured to permit a user to see through the door assembly; an interior region located between the outer door skin and the viewing panel assembly; a lower air opening in a lower region of the door assembly that fluidly connects the interior region with an environment outside of the door assembly; an upper air opening in an upper region of the door assembly that fluidly connects the interior region with the environment outside of the door assembly; and an angled air guide forming a portion of a wall of the interior region between the lower air opening and the upper air opening, the angled air guide being non-coplanar with, and non-perpendicular to, a surface of a viewing panel of the viewing panel assembly.

Some embodiments include an air diverter located in a fluid path between the interior region and the upper air opening, the air diverter having an air diverting portion that is angled relative to an upper flange portion of the outer door skin and is angled relative to a vertical front face of the outer door skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

As explained above, embodiments of the invention provide an improvement to a domestic oven or other cooking appliance.

FIGS. 1 and 2show an oven door100in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following drawings and description will show features of the exemplary embodiment that provide improved cooling of oven door100so that the temperature of the outside of the door is maintained at an acceptable level.

In this example, oven door100has an outer skin1000and a main assembly2000.FIG. 3shows outer skin1000separated from main assembly2000. In this example, outer skin1000has a main portion1010, a name plate1005, a handle1020, and handle brackets1030. Handle1020is gripped by a user of the oven to move oven door100from a closed position in which the cooking compartment is closed, and an open position in which the cooking compartment is accessible to the user.

FIG. 4shows arear view of oven door100with outer skin1000separated from main assembly2000. This view shows some of the features that permit the improved cooling of the invention. At an upper region of outer skin1000, an air diverter1500is attached to the inside of outer skin1000. Air diverter1500directs air that is channeled through an interior region of oven door100to an upper opening and out of oven door100(discussed in detail below).

Various features at a lower region of outer skin1000are also shown inFIG. 4. In this example, outer skin1000has a lower flange portion1075that extends rearward away from a front face of outer skin1000. Lower flange portion1075has a plurality of protrusions1070that protrude upward from lower flange portion1075. As is explained in detail below, protrusions1070create a gap between lower flange portion1075and main assembly2000that permits air to enter the inner region of oven door100. In this example, each protrusion1070has a fastener opening that receives a fastener that is used to attach outer skin1000to main assembly2000. Lower flange portion1075has a plurality of secondary protrusions1085that, in some embodiments, assist in maintaining a gap between lower flange portion1075and main assembly2000. Also shown inFIG. 4, are a plurality of slots1080that allow air to pass from an environment outside of oven door100to the inner region of oven door100.

FIG. 5shows outer skin1000in a disassembled state. In this example, a plurality of holes1050are provided to accept fasteners that fasten name plate1005to outer skin1000. Holes1060are provided to accept fasteners that fasten handle brackets1030to outer skin1000. Air diverter1500is, in this example, a piece of sheet metal that has a main section1510and one or more sections1520that are angled relative to main section1510. As will be described below, sections1520divert cooling air that flows through the inner region of oven door100and direct the air to an opening that leads to the environment outside of oven door100. The relative positions and angles of section1520and main section1510is determined by the diversion needed to achieve the desired exit angle of the cooling air. In this example, air diverter1500and brackets1530are attached to the rear side of outer skin1000by fasteners1540. An extension portion1535of bracket1530extends through an opening1515in main section1510and provides a spacing and attachment function for main assembly2000(described in more detail below with reference toFIG. 15). Fastener1540passes through a hole1517in main section1510, then through holes in a fastening portion1537of bracket1530, though hole1060in outer skin1000, and into handle bracket1030to fasten these pieces together. While specific pieces and numbers of pieces are shown and described above, it is noted that other embodiments have pieces and numbers of pieces to achieve the features described herein.FIG. 6shows the disassembled state of outer skin1000shown inFIG. 5, but from the rear.

FIGS. 7 and 8show main assembly2000without outer skin1000. In this example, two hinge assemblies2610provide connection points between oven door100and the appliance. The configuration of hinge assemblies2610shown is just an example of the various different configurations of hinge assemblies2610that can be used. In this example, an inner door skin2100functions as a main housing for the various other parts of main assembly2000. An insulation retainer2500holds a first insulation portion2200, a glass pack2300, and a second insulation portion2400in position in inner door skin2100. Insulation retainer2500has, in this example, four angled sections2510,2520,2530,2540that act as air guides to guide cooling air through the inner region of oven door100.

FIG. 9is a rear view of main assembly2000in a disassembled state showing the relative positions of insulation retainer2500, second insulation portion2400, glass pack2300, first insulation portion2200, and inner door skin2100. Similarly,FIG. 10is a top view of main assembly2000in a disassembled state showing the relative positions of insulation retainer2500, second insulation portion2400, glass pack2300, first insulation portion2200, and inner door skin2100.

FIG. 11is a top view of a section of oven door100along section line XI-XI inFIG. 1.FIG. 11shows second insulation portion2400, glass pack2300, and first insulation portion2200sandwiched between inner door skin2100and insulation retainer2500. In this example, second insulation portion2400, glass pack2300, and first insulation portion2200provide thermal insulation between the heat generated in the cooking compartment and the inner region150of oven door100. In embodiments, glass pack2300has multiple (in this example, two) panes of transparent material such as, for example, glass, with a gas area between the panes. The gas area provides a thermal barrier to reduce the heat transferred from the cooking compartment to inner region150. In some embodiments, one or more brackets2350holds two panes of glass or other transparent material and separates them from each other. In some embodiments, a single bracket2350extends continuously around the perimeter of the two panes. In some embodiments, one or more brackets2350creates a seal with the two panes to create a sealed gas area between the panes. In embodiments, brackets2350are made of a thermally insulative material to reduce temperature transfer from the cooking compartment and inner region150. These or other examples of transparent structures or assemblies can also be used to provide a viewing window for a user to view the contents of the cooking compartment. Also shown inFIG. 11are side angled sections2520,2530and bottom angled section2540of insulation retainer2500.

FIG. 12is a magnified view of portion XII ofFIG. 11. This view shows inner region150and how angled sections2510,2520,2530,2540of insulation retainer2500form some of the walls of inner region150. This view also shows two of the slots1080and one of the secondary protrusions1085in lower flange portion1075. In this example, a gap3030is formed between outer skin1000and inner door skin2100at the sides of oven door100. Gap3030, in this example, provides two benefits: (1) gap3030permits air from the environment outside of oven door100to enter inner region150; and (2) gap3030provides a thermal brake between outer skin1000and inner door skin2100to prevent direct heat transfer from inner door skin2100to outer skin1000. In some embodiments, gap303continues completely around the perimeter of outer skin1000. In some embodiments, gap303continues only partially around the perimeter of outer skin1000. In some embodiments, gap303extends only along the side portions of the perimeter of outer skin1000.

FIG. 13is a horizontal view of a section of oven door100along section line XIII-XIII inFIG. 1.FIG. 14is a magnified view of portion XIV ofFIG. 13, andFIG. 15is a magnified view of portion XV ofFIG. 13.FIGS. 13-15show second insulation portion2400, glass pack2300, and first insulation portion2200sandwiched between inner door skin2100and insulation retainer2500. In this example, second insulation portion2400, glass pack2300, and first insulation portion2200provide thermal insulation between the heat generated in the cooking compartment and the inner region150of oven door100. Also shown inFIG. 13are top angled section2510, side angled section2520, and bottom angled section2540of insulation retainer2500.

FIGS. 13-15show a cooling air path through oven door100. Cooling air is introduced though a lower gap3010that is formed, in this example, by protrusions1070separating a lower flange portion2110of inner door skin2100from lower flange portion1075of outer skin1000. This separation allows cooling air (represented by arrow A1) to enter lower gap3010and be drawn into inner region150(represented by arrows B). In some embodiments, cooling air also (or alternatively) enters slots1080(represented by arrow A2) and is drawn into inner region150. After the cooling air enters inner region150, heat from insulation retainer2500and other parts of oven door100increases the temperature of the cooling air as it rises in inner region150. As the cooling air rises and passes over insulation retainer2500, it is directed toward outer skin1000by top angled surface2510(as represented by arrow C). The cooling air continues upward and exits inner region150through an upper gap3020(represented by arrow D). Upper gap3020that is formed, in this example, between an upper flange portion2120of inner door skin2100and an upper flange portion1090of outer skin1000.

In this example, a cross-sectional area (taken horizontally through oven door100) of inner region150above top angled section2510is smaller than a cross-sectional area (taken horizontally through oven door100) of inner region150below top angled surface2510. This reduction in cross-sectional area causes the cooling air to accelerate as it passes over top angled section2510. As a result, the velocity of the cooling air in the area above top angled section2510is higher than the velocity of the cooling air in the area below top angled section2510. This velocity change (as well as convection) promotes movement of the cooling air in an upward direction and toward upper gap3020.

Also shown inFIG. 15is air diverter1500and the associated bracket1530. Extension portion1535of bracket1530is shown extending between outer skin1000and inner door skin2100. In this manner, extension portion1535acts as a spacer to maintain the shape of inner region150and upper gap3020. In addition, although not shown in this Figure, extension portion1535also maintains the relative position of outer skin1000and inner door skin2100so that gap3030is maintained. The small contact area between extension portion1535and inner door skin2100, and the small cross-sectional area of extension portion1535reduce the amount of heat transfer from inner door skin2100to outer skin1000.

FIG. 16is a horizontal view of a section of oven door100along section line XVI-XVI inFIG. 1.FIG. 17is a magnified view of portion XVII ofFIG. 16, andFIG. 18is a magnified view of portion XVIII ofFIG. 15.FIGS. 16-18are similar toFIGS. 13-15except that they show a section through: (1) the fastener that attaches outer skin1000(by way of protrusion1070) to lower flange portion2110of inner door skin2100; and (2) where slot1080does not exist.FIG. 17shows protrusion1070contacting lower flange portion2110and causing the separation that creates lower gap3010.

FIG. 19shows an example of an appliance10in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Appliance10has a plurality of burners310on a cooktop140, and a control panel200that contains one or more controls for controlling functions of appliance10. Appliance10also has a door (for example, door100) that provides access to the cooking compartment inside appliance10. Appliance10shown inFIG. 19has a panel (such as, for example, a drawer) located under oven door100. Embodiments of the invention include oven doors100that are directly above panels (such as shown inFIG. 19), and oven doors that are directly above a floor or other surface, such that cooling air can enter lower gap3010and/or slots1080.

In some embodiments, upper gap3020(FIG. 15) is disposed adjacent to a duct or air inlet in the main housing of the appliance such that vacuum from the duct or air inlet draws the cooling air out of upper gap3020(and thus out of inner region150). The vacuum can be created by a fan, convection, or some other method. This movement of the cooling air away from the front of oven door100is beneficial in that it moves heat away from the user.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Any of the features described above can be combined with any other feature described above as long as the combined features are not mutually exclusive. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the invention.