ELECTRIC RANGE

An electric range that may include a case, a cover plate coupled to an upper end of the case and having an upper surface on which a heating target is disposed, at least one heater disposed under the cover plate and configured to heat the heating target, an upper bracket that is disposed under the at least one heater and supports the at least one heater, a base bracket that is disposed under the upper bracket and on which a printed circuit board is installed, a heat sink installed on the printed circuit board, a blower fan installed on the base bracket and configured to discharge air toward the heat sink, and an air guide that communicates with the blower fan and surrounds the heat sink to form a flow path of air which cools the heat sink.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0074428 filed in Korea on Jun. 8, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference as when fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

An electric range, and more specifically, an electric range having a structure which stably supports a component is disclosed herein.

The content described in this section provides only background information and does not constitute related art.

Cooking apparatuses for heating food or other items (hereinafter, collectively “food”) using various methods are used at homes and in restaurants. Cooking apparatuses include gas ranges using gas and electric ranges using electricity. Electric ranges are mainly divided into electric ranges which operate through resistance heating methods and electric ranges which operate through induction heating methods.

An electrical resistance method is a method of heating a heating target, for example, a cooking container, such as a pot or frying pan, by applying a current to a metal resistance wire or a nonmetal heating material, such as silicon carbide, to generate heat and radiating or conducting the generated heat. An induction heating method is a method of heating a heating target formed of a metal component using an eddy current generated by a magnetic field generated around a coil by applying high frequency power to the coil.

A basic heating principle of an induction heating method is that, when a current is applied to a working coil or heating coil, heat is generated while a heating target is induction-heated, and the heating target is heated by the generated heat.

In Korean Patent Registration 10-1307594, which is hereby incorporated by reference, an electric range which operates through an induction heating method is disclosed.

An electric range may include a heating part which heats a heating target and an upper bracket which supports the heating part. In this case, structure for stably installing the heating part and the upper bracket in the electric range is required.

More particularly, even when overall shapes of electric ranges are similar, different shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, of heating parts and upper brackets may be designed. In this case, a support structure a position of which is easily changed in order to stably support the heating parts and the upper brackets having different shapes is required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Purposes, features, and advantages of embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus, the technical spirit may be easily executed by those skilled in the art. In describing embodiments, descriptions of well-known technologies related to the embodiments that unnecessarily obscure the gist will be omitted. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

Although terms such as first, and second, for example, may be used for describing various elements, the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless otherwise specifically described, a first element may also be a second element.

Throughout, unless specifically described otherwise, the number of elements may be one or a plurality.

The singular forms used in the present specification are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be interpreted that the term “comprise” or “include,” when used herein, do not necessarily indicate inclusion of all components or various operations stated in the specification, and some components and operations described therewith may be omitted or further additional components and operations may be included.

Throughout, unless otherwise specifically described, “A and/or B” means “A,” “B,” or “A and B,” and “C to D” means “more than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.”

Throughout, the term “vertical direction” denotes a vertical direction of an electric range in a state in which the electric range is installed for daily use. The term “left-right direction” denotes a direction perpendicular to the “vertical direction,” and the term “front-rear direction” denotes a direction perpendicular to both the “vertical direction” and the “left-right direction.” The term “bilateral direction” or “lateral direction” denotes the same direction as “left-right direction,” and these terms may be interchangeably used in the present specification.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an electric range according to an embodiment.FIG.2is a perspective view of the electric range ofFIG.1from which a cover plate is removed.FIG.3is an exploded view of the electric range according to an embodiment.FIG.4is a perspective view of the electric range ofFIG.1from which some components are removed.FIG.5is a front view of the electric range ofFIG.4.

The electric range according to an embodiment may heat a heating target using an induction heating method. In this case, the heating target may be tableware formed of a metal material, such as stainless steel or iron.

The induction heating method is a method of heating a heating target formed of a metal component using an eddy current generated by a magnetic field generated around a working coil by applying high frequency power to the working coil. That is, high frequency power is applied to a working coil of a heating part (heater)30having a structure in which the working coil is close to a ferrite core to generate a magnetic field around the working coil, and when a heating target is placed in a region in which the magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is induced in the heating target by the magnetic field, Joule's heat is generated by the eddy current, and the heating target may be heated. As tableware which is the heating target is heated, food contained in the heating target may be heated and cooked.

The electric range according to an embodiment may include a case10, a cover plate20, the heating part30, an upper bracket40, and a base bracket50. The case10may serve to protect components constituting the electric range. For example, the case10may be formed of an aluminum material; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. The case10may be thermally insulated to suppress heat generated by the working coil of the heating part30from being radiated to the outside.

The components constituting the electric range, such as the heating part30, the working coil, the upper bracket40, and a control board90, may be accommodated in the case10. An upper portion of the case10may be open, and the open portion may be closed by the cover plate20. The case10may be substantially formed in a box shape by processing a plate type material, for example.

The case10may include a first casing110, a second casing120, and a third casing130. The first casing110may form a bottom surface of the case10. The first casing110may support built-in components of the electric range.

In the first casing110, at least one vent opening, through which air flows, may be provided in order to smoothly cool a printed circuit board51provided in an inner portion thereof and circuit elements mounted on the printed circuit board51.

The second casing120may be bent from the first casing110and may form a side surface of the case10. The second casing120may be bent from an edge of the first casing110in a vertical direction to form a sidewall of the electric range.

The second casing120may be disposed on sides of the first casing110formed in a substantially quadrangular shape. The second casing120may reinforce a strength of an entirety of the case10. That is, the second casing120bent from the first casing110may suppress the first casing110having a plate shape from being warped or damaged due to a weight of the built-in components or an external force.

The second casing120may further include a plurality of exhaust holes121formed in slit shapes. The exhaust holes121may allow an inside and outside of the case10to communicate with each other so that air flows through the exhaust holes121to contribute to cooling of the components accommodated in the case10.

The third casing130may be bent from the second casing120and may support the upper bracket40. The third casing130may be disposed above the sides of the first casing110.

A first upper plate410forming a bottom surface of the upper bracket40may be seated on an upper surface of the third casing130. The first upper plate410and the third casing130may be coupled by a coupling unit, such as a bolt, for example.

The cover plate20may be coupled to an upper end of the case10, and the heating target may be placed on an upper surface of the cover plate20. The cover plate20may close the open upper portion of the case10to protect the components accommodated in the case10.

The heating target may be placed on the upper surface of the cover plate20, and a magnetic field generated by the heating part30may pass through the cover plate20and reach the heating target. For example, the cover plate20may be formed of a material containing a ceramic; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

An input interface through which an input is received from a user may be installed on the upper surface of the cover plate20. The input interface may be installed in a specific region of the upper surface of the cover plate20and may display a specific image.

A touch input may be received from the user through the input interface, and the electric range may be driven on the basis of the received touch input. For example, the input interface may be a module for a user to input a desired heating intensity or heating time and may be implemented as a physical button, or touch panel, for example. For example, the input interface may be a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD); however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The control board90which inputs an operation command to the electric range may be provided under the cover plate20. A plurality of key switches may be provided on the control board90, and the user may input a command to the control board90through the plurality of key switches to control operation of the electric range.

In the electric range according to an embodiment, a board support91may be provided to stably install the control board90in the case10. The board support91may be installed in the case10, and the control board90may be installed on the board support91.

The board support91may be manufactured in a shape that allows the board support91to be stably installed in the case10and allows the control board90to be stably mounted on the board support91. The board support91may be formed of a plastic material, which is electrically insulative and is easily injection-molded, in order to be easy to manufacture, light, and electrically insulative; however, the material is not limited thereto.

In the electric range according to an embodiment, an upper surface of the control board90may be provided to be pressed against a lower surface of the cover plate20. In this case, the control board90may be disposed at a position corresponding to the input interface. The control board90and the input interface may be connected to each other in a capacitive touch input manner. Accordingly, when the user inputs a control command through the input interface, the control command may be input to the control board90.

In addition, a display on which a drive state of the electric range is displayed may be provided in a specific region of the upper surface of the cover plate20. A light display region may be formed in the upper surface of the cover plate20. A light source unit95may be disposed under the cover plate20, and light emitted by the light source unit95may be transmitted to the user through the light display region.

In this case, the light display region and the light source unit95may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other. When a plurality of light source units95is provided, light display regions equal in number to the light source units95may also be provided in the upper surface of the cover plate20.

The electric range according to an embodiment may further include a cover bracket that supports the cover plate20. An upper surface of the cover bracket may support the cover plate20, and the cover bracket may be coupled to the second casing120of the case10by a coupling unit, such as a screw bolt, for example.

A plurality of the heating part30may be provided and the plurality of heating parts30, may be disposed under the cover plate20, and may heat the heating target. The heating part30may be provided to operate through an induction heating method.

According to another embodiment, some of the plurality of heating parts30may be provided to operate through an induction heating method, while the rest of the plurality of heating parts30may be provided as highlight heaters using an electric resistance heating method, and thus, an electric range may be provided as a so-called hybrid range.

Hereinafter, an electric range in which all the plurality of heating parts30is provided to operate through the induction heating method will be described.

The heating parts30may be installed on the upper bracket40, and in this embodiment, a total of three heating parts30may be provided. However, the number of the heating parts30is not limited thereto. When the plurality of heating parts30is provided, the upper bracket40that supports the heating parts30may also be provided as a plurality of upper brackets40as necessary.

The heating part30may include a core frame, the working coil may be spirally wound on an upper surface of the core frame, and the ferrite core may be installed on a lower surface of the core frame. Accordingly, when high frequency power is applied to the working coil, a magnetic field may be generated around the ferrite core, and the generated magnetic field may generate an eddy current in the heating target.

The upper bracket40may be disposed under the heating part30and may support the heating part30. In this embodiment, the upper bracket40may be provided as the plurality of upper brackets40. For example, the upper bracket40may be formed of an aluminum material; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The upper bracket40may be manufactured as a structure that supports the heating part30by processing a plate metal in substantially a box shape, for example. The upper bracket40may include first upper plate410and second upper plate420. The first upper plate410may form the bottom surface of the upper bracket40, and the heating part30may be installed on the first upper plate410.

The first upper plate410may hide the printed circuit board51provided thereunder in the vertical direction. When the plurality of upper brackets40is provided, one first upper plate410or a plurality of first upper plates410combined with each other may hide the printed circuit board51according to an area of the printed circuit board51.

Due to this structure, the first upper plate410may serve to block an electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves generated by the heating part30from reaching the printed circuit board51and elements mounted on the printed circuit board51. That is, the upper bracket40may serve to improve the performance of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) for the printed circuit board51.

The second upper plate420may be bent from the first upper plate410in the vertical direction of the electric range. The second upper plate420may be bent from an edge of the first upper plate410in the vertical direction.

The second upper plate420may be disposed on sides of the first upper plate410formed in a substantially quadrangular shape. When the plurality of upper brackets40is provided, the second upper plate420may be provided on the sides of the first upper plate410excluding sides adjacent to each other of the upper brackets40.

The second upper plate420may reinforce a strength of an entirety of the upper bracket40. That is, the second upper plate420bent from the first upper plate410may suppress warping of or damage to the first upper plate410due to a weight of built-in components including the heating part30or an external force.

The light source unit95may be disposed under the upper bracket40. For example, the light source unit95may be provided on the printed circuit board51disposed under the upper bracket40, and an opening disposed at a position corresponding to the light source unit95may be formed in the upper bracket40.

As another embodiment, light source unit95may be disposed on upper bracket40, and the light source unit95may also be electrically connected to printed circuit board51disposed thereunder. InFIGS.2and3, a structure in which the light source unit95is disposed on the upper bracket40is illustrated as an example of the electric range.

As described above, the light display region may be formed on the cover plate20at a portion corresponding to the light source unit95. For example, the light source unit95may be provided in a form in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is arranged in a line.

When the heating part30operates, the light source unit95may be turned on to notify the user of whether the heating part30is used. Alternatively, the light source unit95may also change a lighting shape, or color, for example, of the plurality of LEDs to notify the user of a state in which the electric range is operating.

A number of the light source units95may be properly selected according to the number of the heating parts30. InFIGS.2and3, three light source units95are provided to correspond to three heating parts30. However, the number of the light source units95is not limited thereto.

The base bracket50may be disposed under the upper bracket40, the printed circuit board51may be installed on the base bracket50, and the base bracket50may include a bottom plate and a side plate. The bottom plate may form a bottom surface of the base bracket50, and the printed circuit board51may be installed on an upper surface of the base bracket50.

The side plate may be bent from the bottom plate in the vertical direction of the electric range. The side plate may be bent from an edge of the bottom plate in the vertical direction.

The side plate may be disposed on sides of the bottom plate formed in a substantially quadrangular shape. When the plurality of upper brackets40is provided, the side plate may be formed on the sides of the bottom plate excluding sides adjacent to each other of the upper bracket40.

The side plate may reinforce a strength of an entirety of the base bracket50. That is, the side plate bent from the bottom plate may suppress the bottom plate having a board shape from being warped or damaged due to a weight of built-in components, such as the circuit board, or an external force.

The base bracket50may be formed of a plastic material, which is electrically insulative and is easily injection-molded, in order to be easy to manufacture, light, and electrically insulative; however, the material is not limited thereto.

A control part or portion may be formed on the printed circuit board51. The printed circuit board51may receive power from an external power source and communicate with an external device in a wired or wireless manner.

A wireless communication circuit board93may be installed in the electric range in order to wirelessly communicate with an external device. The printed circuit board51may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit board93.

The printed circuit board51may be electrically connected to the control board90and may receive a command input by the user from the control board90. The printed circuit board51may be electrically connected to the light source unit95and the working coil and may control operation of the light source unit95and the working coil.

A heat sink60may be mounted on the printed circuit board51. Various active and passive elements and electrical circuits for operation of the electric range may be mounted and formed on the printed circuit board51.

The electric range according to an embodiment may further include the heat sink60, a blower fan70, and an air guide80. Elements that generate heat when the electric range operates may be mounted on the printed circuit board51.

For example, in the electric range, switching elements responsible for on/off control of the heating parts30generate a lot of heat. Accordingly, the elements need to be forcibly cooled to suppress the electric range from stopping or a problem from occurring in the electric range due to overheating.

In the electric range according to an embodiment, the heat sink60, the blower fan70, and the air guide80may be provided in order to forcibly cool heating of the elements of the printed circuit board51. Hereinafter, elements that generate a lot of heat and need to be forcibly cooled are referred to as “heating elements61”.

The heat sink60may cool heat inside of the case10to protect components accommodated in the case10. The heat sink60may be mounted on the printed circuit board51and cool heat of the circuit board. In addition, the heat sink60may cool heat generated due to an electromagnetic interaction when the heating part30operates.

For example, a plurality of cooling fins610may be formed on the heat sink60, and the air guide80may be provided to cover the cooling fins610and guide air to flow to the cooling fins610. The heat sink60and the cooling fins610will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The blower fan70may be installed on the base bracket50and to discharge air toward the heat sink60. The blower fan70may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board51, and operation of the blower fan70may be controlled by the control part or portion implemented on the printed circuit board51.

Referring toFIG.5, a guide wall, which guides a flow of air in a direction in which the heat sink60is disposed, may be formed at an exit of the blower fan70in order to guide the air, which is forcibly moved by the blower fan70, to flow to the heat sink60. When the blower fan70operates, air in the case10is forcibly moved toward the heat sink60, and the printed circuit board51and on inner portion of the case10may be cooled by the heat sink60.

FIG.6is a perspective view of an air guide according to an embodiment.FIG.7is a perspective view of the air guide ofFIG.6from another direction.FIG.8is a plan view of the air guide according to an embodiment.FIG.9is a bottom view of the air guide according to an embodiment.

The air guide80may communicate with the blower fan70and to surround the heat sink60to form a flow path of air which cools the heat sink60. For example, the air guide80may be formed of a plastic material which is electrically insulative and is easily injection-molded; however, the material is not limited thereto.

Arrows illustrated inFIG.6indicate a flow direction of air. Referring toFIG.6, the air guide80may change the flow direction of the air. That is, the air guide80may be formed so that air flows in a frontward-rearward direction of the electric range at an entrance of the air guide80, and the air flows in the vertical direction of the electric range at an exit of the air guide80. Due to such structure, air discharged by the blower fan70may flow into the air guide80in the frontward-rearward direction of the electric range and may be discharged from the air guide80in a downward direction of the electric range.

The air guide80may be detachably coupled to the base bracket50. For example, a rear side of the air guide80adjacent to the blower fan70may be coupled to the base bracket50by a coupling unit, such as a screw bolt. In addition, for example, a front side of the air guide80, which is a portion through which air is discharged, may be coupled to the base bracket50in an engagement manner.

The air guide80may include a first sidewall810and a second sidewall, and a flow space in which air flows may be formed by the first sidewall810and the second sidewall. The first sidewall810may be provided as a pair of first sidewalls810disposed at two sides of the heat sink60. The upper wall820may be provided to be coupled to upper ends of the pair of first sidewalls810and to cover the heat sink60.

A space formed by the first sidewalls810and the second sidewall may become the flow space in which the air flows. The heat sink60may be disposed in the flow space, and thus, the heat sink60may be cooled by air flowing in the flow space of the air guide80.

A communication board installation part or portion830may be provided in the air guide80. The communication board installation part830may be disposed in a portion that protrudes from an end portion of the upper bracket40in a lateral direction in a state in which the air guide80is installed in the electric range.

Due to such structure, the wireless communication circuit board93installed in the communication board installation part830may not overlap the upper bracket40formed of a metal material in the vertical direction, and thus, the wireless communication circuit board93may smoothly communicate with an external device without communication being interfered with by the upper bracket40formed of the metal material.

Referring toFIG.9, the air guide80may include a first region80a, a second region80b, a third region80c, and a fourth region80d. The first region80ato the fourth region80dmay be regions into which the flow space formed in the air guide80is divided.

The first region80amay communicate with the blower fan70and may guide air to flow in a lateral direction of the base bracket50. In this case, the heat sink60may be disposed in the first region80a. Air flowing into the air guide80by the blower fan70may flow to the heat sink60and cool the heat sink60while passing through the first region80aof the air guide80.

The second region80bmay be bent in a vertical direction of the base bracket50and may guide air to be discharged to the outside. As the second region80bis formed in the downward direction of the electric range, the second region80bmay change a flow direction of air flowing into the air guide80.

That is, in the air guide80, as the upper wall820is bent downward in the second region80b, air discharged from the second region80bmay be guided toward a portion under the case10. Due to the above-described structure, as illustrated by the arrows inFIG.6, air discharged by the blower fan70may flow into the air guide80in the frontward-rearward direction of the electric range and discharged from the air guide80in the downward direction of the electric range.

The third region80cand the fourth region80dmay be provided between the first region80aand the second region80b. The third region80cmay extend from the first region80aand change a flow direction of air passing through the first region80a. In the air guide80, the first sidewall810is bent to be inclined at an end portion of the first region80ato form the third region80c.

That is, the first sidewall810may be inclined with respect to a frontward-rearward direction of the air guide80at an entrance of the third region80cof the air guide80. Due to such structure, in the third region80c, air may flow in a direction inclined with respect to the frontward-rearward direction of the air guide80.

As the third region80cis formed as the above-described structure, when the air guide80is installed on the base bracket50, elements disposed on the printed circuit board51may avoid meeting the first sidewall810at a portion overlapping the air guide80in the vertical direction. That is, the third region80cmay have an inclined structure due to a necessity to avoid the elements disposed on the printed circuit board51.

The fourth region80dmay extend from the third region80c, communicate with the second region80b, and change a flow direction of air passing through the third region80c. In the air guide80, the first sidewall810is bent to be inclined at an end portion of the third region80cto form the fourth region80d.

That is, the first sidewall810at an exit of the third region80cof the air guide80may be inclined with respect to the first sidewall810of the third region80c. Due to such structure, in the fourth region80d, a flow direction of air of the air guide80may be changed to the frontward-rearward direction of the air guide80again.

Air passing through the fourth region80dmay be discharged to a portion under the electric range through the second region80b. Referring toFIG.9, the flow direction of the air flowing in the air guide80to an exit of the fourth region80din the frontward-rearward direction of the electric range may be changed in the second region80b, and the air may flow in the downward direction of the electric range through an exit of the second region80band may be discharged from the air guide80.

As the upper wall820may be bent downward at the second region80b, the air guide80may guide air discharged from the second region80bto flow toward the portion under the case10. That is, air may be discharged from the air guide80through the second region80billustrated inFIG.9and may flow in the downward direction of the electric range, that is, toward the portion under the case10.

FIG.10is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the printed circuit board is mounted on the base bracket according to an embodiment.FIG.11is a plan view illustrating the state ofFIG.10.FIG.12is a perspective view of the heat sink according to an embodiment.FIG.13is a front view of the heat sink according to an embodiment.

A longitudinal direction of the heat sink60may extend parallel to a flow direction of air passing through the air guide80. Due to such structure, cooling efficiency of the heat sink60may be improved by increasing a contact area and a contact time between the heat sink60and air which is forcibly moved. A longitudinal direction of the air guide80may also extend substantially parallel to a flow direction of air to correspond to the above-described layout of the heat sink60.

As illustrated inFIGS.12and13, the plurality of cooling fins610may be provided on the heat sink60. The plurality of cooling fins610may protrude from a lower surface of the heat sink60in the downward direction and may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heat sink60. The cooling fins610may increase a contact area between the heat sink60and air to improve cooling efficiency of the heat sink60.

The plurality of cooling fins610may be disposed on the lower surface of the heat sink60and spaced a proper or predetermined interval from each other in a widthwise direction of the heat sink60. In this case, the cooling fins610may be formed on an inclined part or portion630and a flat part or portion640of the heat sink60.

In addition, the heat sink60may include a flow pass620that passes through the heat sink60in the longitudinal direction and forms a flow path of air. The flow pass620may extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat sink60to pass through the flat part640of the heat sink60.

The flow pass620may increase a contact area between the heat sink60and air like the cooling fin610to increase cooling efficiency of the heat sink60. In this case, an irregular portion may be formed on an inner surface of the flow pass620. The irregular portion may increase a contact area between the heat sink60and air to increase cooling efficiency of the heat sink60.

The heat sink60may include the inclined part630disposed at two sides and having an inclined upper surface and the flat part640which is formed in a central portion, in which the flow pass620is formed, and an upper surface of which is formed as a flat surface.

An irregular portion may be formed on the upper surface of the flat part640. The irregular portion may increase a contact area between the heat sink60and air to increase cooling efficiency of the heat sink60.

All or some of the heating elements61provided on the printed circuit board51may be installed on the upper surface of the inclined part630. Accordingly, air forcibly moved by the blower fan70may cool the heating elements61mounted on the inclined part630of the heat sink60to effectively suppress overheating of the printed circuit board51.

The inclined part630may have a structure a thickness of which decreases toward an edge thereof. Accordingly, as the structure of the inclined part630serves a function similar to that of the cooling fin610, the heating elements61installed on the inclined part630may be effectively cooled.

FIG.14is a perspective view of a base bracket according to an embodiment.FIG.15is a plan view of the base bracket according to an embodiment.

The base bracket50may include a first ventilation part or portion510formed in a portion corresponding to the blower fan70and a second ventilation part or portion520formed in a portion corresponding to the fourth region80d. In this case, the first ventilation part510may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the blower fan70, and the second ventilation part520may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the fourth region80d.

When the blower fan70operates, air may flow upward from the first ventilation part510and may flow into the blower fan70, a flow direction of the air may be changed by the blower fan70, and the air may flow in the frontward-rearward direction of the electric range to pass through the air guide80and the heat sink60. The flow direction of the air may be changed at the exit of the air guide80again, and the air may flow in the downward direction of the electric range, may pass through the second ventilation part520, and may be discharged to the outside of the air guide80.

A pair of the inclined part630of the heat sink60may be provided, and the pair of inclined parts630may be disposed at positions that are symmetrical with respect to a center of the flat part640. The heating elements61, which need to be cooled, may be disposed on the inclined parts630.

Due to such structure, the heating elements61may be disposed at symmetrical positions at two sides of the heat sink60. In order to uniformly cool the heating elements61disposed at the two sides of the heat sink60, air discharged through the exit of the blower fan70needs to be guided to uniformly flow to the two sides of the heat sink60. Accordingly, in order for the air to uniformly flow to the two sides of the heat sink60, the electric range according to an embodiment may include a vane part or vane53.

The vane part53may be disposed at a portion at which the blower fan70communicates with the air guide80, and the air guide80may control a flow direction of air so that the air uniformly flows to the two sides of the heat sink60. For example, the vane part53may be formed on the base bracket50. As another embodiment, vane part53may be integrally formed with air guide80at the entrance of the air guide80. As still another embodiment, vane part53may also be integrally formed with a housing of blower fan70at the exit of the blower fan70.

FIG.16is a perspective view of a case according to an embodiment.FIG.17is a plan view illustrating the case according to an embodiment.

The case10may include a first through port140and a second through port150in order to allow air to be forcibly moved by the blower fan70to effectively flow and be discharged.

The first through port140may be formed in a portion corresponding to the first ventilation part510, and the second through port150may be formed in a portion corresponding to the second ventilation part520. The first through port140and the second through port150may be formed by punching the first casing110forming the bottom surface of the case10, for example.

A plurality of the first through port140and the second through port150may be provided. As the case10is an outermost wall of the electric range, the first through port140and the second through port150may be formed as holes having relatively small areas, and the plurality of first through ports140and the plurality of second through ports150may be formed in order to suppress external matter from flowing into the electric range through the first through ports140and the second through ports150formed in the case10.

The electric range may include the heating part30which heats the heating target and the upper bracket40which supports the heating part30. In this case, structure for stably installing the heating part30and the upper bracket40in the electric range is required.

More particularly, even when overall shapes of electric ranges are similar, different shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, of heating parts30and upper brackets40may be designed. In this case, a support structure a position of which is easily changed in order to stably support the heating parts30and the upper brackets40having different shapes is required.

Hereinafter, a first support structure55having a structure compatible with the heating parts30and the upper brackets40having various shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, and capable of stably supporting the heating parts30and the upper brackets40will be described. In addition, a second support structure56that supports the heating parts30and the upper brackets40will be described along with the first support structure55.

FIG.18is a view illustrating a state in which the base bracket is assembled to the case according to an embodiment.FIG.19is an enlarged view of portion A inFIG.18, in which the first support structure is disposed. In addition, the first support structure55and the second support structure56will be described with reference toFIGS.14and15again.

The electric range according to an embodiment may include the plurality of heating parts30and the plurality of upper brackets40. Among the plurality of heating parts30, a widest heating part30may be disposed above the printed circuit board51. The heating part30disposed above the printed circuit board51and the upper bracket40that supports the heating part30may be supported by the base bracket50and the third casing130of the case10.

Among the plurality of heating parts30, the heating part30and the upper bracket40that supports the heating part30, which are disposed at positions not overlapping the printed circuit board51in the vertical direction, may be supported by the third casing130of the case10, the first support structure55, and the second support structure56. In this case, the heating part30and the upper bracket40disposed at the positions not overlapping the printed circuit board51in the vertical direction may be supported by the first support structure55and the second support structure56. In the electric range according to an embodiment, two heating parts30disposed at positions not overlapping the printed circuit board51in the vertical direction may be supported by one upper bracket40, and the one upper bracket40may be supported by the first support structure55and the second support structure56.

The electric range according to an embodiment may include the first support structure55. The first support structure55may be disposed under the upper bracket40and may support weights of the upper bracket40and the heating part30. The first support structure55may be integrally manufactured with the base bracket50and provided to be detachable from the base bracket50.

In this case, the first support structure55may be integrally formed with the base bracket50, for example, in an injection molding manner. After the first support structure55is integrally manufactured, the first support structure55may be separated from the base bracket50as necessary.

The first support structure55may be used in three ways.

First, the first support structure55may be disposed to support the weights of the upper bracket40and the heating part30in a state in which the first support structure55is coupled to the base bracket50. Accordingly, in the state in which the first support structure55is not separated from the base bracket50, that is, the first support structure55is coupled to the base bracket50, the first support structure55may be positioned at a position overlapping the upper bracket40.

Second, the first support structure55may be separated from the base bracket50and may support the weights of the upper bracket40and the heating part30at a position spaced apart from the base bracket50. Third, when the first support structure55does not need to be used, the first support structure55may be separated and removed from the base bracket50. InFIGS.3and5, the electric range in a state in which the first support structure55is removed from the electric range is illustrated.

As described above, even when overall shapes of electric ranges are similar, different shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, of heating parts30and upper brackets40may be designed. In this case, in order to stably support the heating part30and the upper bracket40or to reduce the number of components provided in the electric range and improve a volumetric efficiency, by separating the first support structure55from the base bracket50, an arrangement position of the first support structure55needs to be changed, or the first support structure55needs to be removed. Accordingly, the first support structure55needs to be provided to be easily separated from the base bracket50.

The first support structure55may include a breakage part or portion551, a first support part or portion552, a first support protrusion553, and a first coupling part or portion554. The breakage part551may be integrally manufactured with the base bracket50and provided to be broken when the first support structure55is separated from the base bracket50. As illustrated inFIG.15, the breakage part551may be formed in a thin bar shape to be easily broken and a plurality of the breakage part551may be provided. An operator may separate the first support structure55from the base bracket50by applying an external force to the breakage part551to break the breakage part551.

The first support part552may be coupled to the breakage part551and supported by the first casing110forming the bottom surface of the case10. The first support part552may form a bottom of the first support structure55, and the first support protrusion553and the first coupling part554may be formed on the first support part552.

The first support protrusion553may protrude upward from the first support part552and support a lower surface of the upper bracket40. The first support protrusion553may include a first shell5531and a second shell5532.

The first shell5531may protrude upward from the first support part552. The second shell5532may protrude from a side surface of the first shell5531. A plurality of the second shell5532may be provided, and radially disposed about the first shell5531.

The plurality of second shells5532may protrude from the side surface of the first shell5531to different lengths. In addition, any one of the plurality of second shells5532may also be provided so that a length to which the any one protrudes from the side surface of the first shell5531varies when viewed from above and below.

Upper end surfaces of the first shell5531and the second shell5532may contact with the lower surface of the upper bracket40to support the upper bracket40. Due to the structure including the first shell5531and the second shell5532, the first support protrusion553may stably support the upper bracket40, may be manufactured with a small volume, and may not be deformed even by an external force applied in the lateral direction.

The first coupling part554may protrude upward from the first support part552and may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first support protrusion553in the lateral direction, and a coupling unit coupled to the first casing110may be installed on the first coupling part554. A first coupling hole5541, into which the coupling unit coupled to the first casing110may be inserted, may be formed in the first coupling part554.

The first support structure55may be coupled to the first casing110by inserting the coupling unit, such as a screw bolt, into the first coupling hole5541and coupling the coupling unit to a coupling through hole formed in the first casing110.

As the first support structure55needs to be separated from the base bracket50and coupled at a proper position on the first casing110, a plurality of the coupling through hole to which the coupling unit is coupled may be provided in the first casing110at various positions.

FIG.20is an enlarged view of portion B inFIG.18, in which the second support structure is disposed. As illustrated inFIG.20, the electric range may further include the second support structure56. The second support structure56may be integrally formed with the base bracket50, and along with the first support structure55, may support the upper bracket40.

The second support structure56may protrude from an edge of the base bracket50, may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first support structure55, and may support the weights of the upper bracket40and the heating part30. The second support structure56may include a second support part or support561, a second support protrusion562, and a second coupling part or portion563.

The second support part561may protrude from one side of the base bracket50and may be supported by the first casing110forming the bottom surface of the case10. The second support part561may form a bottom of the second support structure56, and the second support protrusion562and the second coupling part563may be formed on the second support part561.

The second support protrusion562may protrude upward from the second support part561and may support the lower surface of the upper bracket40. A plurality of the second support protrusion562may be provided and may include a first piece5621and a second piece5622.

The first piece5621may protrude upward from the second support part561. The second piece5622may protrude from a side surface of the first piece5621and a plurality of the second piece5622may be provided radially disposed about the first piece5621.

The plurality of second pieces5622may also protrude from the side surface of the first piece5621to different lengths. In addition, any one of the plurality of second pieces5622may also be provided so that a length to which the any one protrudes from a side surface of the first piece5621varies when viewed from above and below. In addition, some of the plurality of second pieces5622may be formed to connect two first pieces5621.

Upper end surfaces of the first piece5621and the second piece5622may contact with the lower surface of the upper bracket40to support the upper bracket40. Due to this structure including the first piece5621and the second piece5622, the second support protrusion562may stably support the upper bracket40, may be manufactured with a small volume, and may not be deformed even by an external force applied in the lateral direction.

The second coupling part563may protrude upward from the second support part561and may be formed at a position spaced apart from the second support protrusion562in the lateral direction, and a coupling unit coupled to the first casing110may be installed on the second coupling part563. A second coupling hole5631, into which the coupling unit coupled to the first casing110may be inserted, may be formed in the second coupling part563. The second support structure56may be coupled to the first casing110by inserting the coupling unit, such as a screw bolt, into the second coupling hole5631and coupling the coupling unit to a coupling through hole formed in the first casing110.

FIG.21is a plan view of the electric range according to an embodiment from which some components are removed. For the sake of clear description, the upper bracket40and the heating part30which are disposed above the printed circuit board51are omitted inFIG.21.FIG.22is an enlarged view of portion C ofFIG.21.FIG.23is an enlarged view of portion D ofFIG.21.

FIG.22illustrates a structure in which the first support structure55is coupled to the first casing110and supports the heating part30and the upper bracket40disposed at positions not overlapping the printed circuit board51in the vertical direction in a state in which the first support structure55is coupled to the base bracket50. As another embodiment, as described above, first support structure55may be disposed to be separated from base bracket50. That is, breakage part551may be broken, and the first support structure55may be separated from the base bracket50and coupled to first casing110at a position spaced apart from the base bracket50.

When the first support structure55is separated from the base bracket50, the first support structure55may move to a position at which the first support structure55may stably support heating part30and upper bracket40, may be coupled to the first casing110, and in this state, may support weights of the heating part30and the upper bracket40.

As illustrated inFIG.23, the second support structure56may be fixed to the base bracket50, and along with the first support structure55, may support the heating part30and the upper bracket40, which are disposed at positions not overlapping the printed circuit board51in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, as the first support structure55may be easily separated from the base bracket50and disposed at a proper position on the first casing110of the case10or removed therefrom, even in electric ranges in which shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, of heating parts30and upper brackets40are designed to be different, the heating part30and the upper bracket40may be stably supported using the first support structure55, or a volumetric efficiency of the electric range may be improved by removing the first support structure55from the electric range.

In this embodiment, as the first support structure55is integrally manufactured with the base bracket50, time, cost, and effort may be reduced when compared to a case in which a separate first support structure55is manufactured. Further, the second support structure56integrally manufactured and provided with the base bracket50, along with the first support structure55, may stably support the heating part30and the upper bracket40.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range including a first support structure having a structure which corresponds to heating parts and upper brackets having various shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, and is capable of stably supporting the heating parts and the upper brackets. Further, embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range including a second support structure which, along with a first support structure, supports a heating part and an upper bracket. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range in which a position of a first support structure is easily changed in the electric range.

Advantages are not limited to the above-described advantages, and other advantages may be understood from the description and clearly understood from embodiments. In addition, it may be seen that the advantages may be realized using elements described in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range that may include a case, a cover plate coupled to an upper end of the case and having an upper surface on which a heating target is disposed, a heating part or heater disposed under the cover plate and configured to heat the heating target, an upper bracket which is disposed under the heating part and supports the heating part, a base bracket which is disposed under the upper bracket and on which a printed circuit board is installed, a heat sink installed on the printed circuit board, a blower fan installed on the base bracket and configured to discharge air toward the heat sink, and an air guide provided to communicate with the blower fan and to surround the heat sink to form a flow path of air which cools the heat sink. The air guide may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the first sidewall and the second sidewall may form a flow space in which air flows.

The first sidewall may be provided as a pair of first sidewalls disposed at two sides of the heat sink. An upper wall may be provided to be coupled to upper ends of the pair of first sidewalls to cover the heat sink.

The air guide may include a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region to the fourth region may be regions into which the flow space of the air formed in the air guide is divided.

The first region may communicate with the blower fan and guide air to flow in a lateral direction of the base bracket. In this case, the heat sink may be disposed in the first region. Air flowing into the air guide from the blower fan may pass through the first region of the air guide to flow to the heat sink and cool the heat sink.

The second region may be bent in a vertical direction of the base bracket and guide air to be discharged to the outside. The second region may be formed to face in a downward direction of the electric range to change a flow direction of the air flowing into the air guide.

That is, in the air guide, the upper wall may be bent downward in the second region to guide the air discharged from the second region to flow to a portion under the case.

Due to such structure, air discharged from the blower fan may flow into the air guide in a frontward-rearward direction of the electric range and discharged from the air guide in the downward direction of the electric range.

The third region may extend from the first region and change a flow direction of the air passing through the first region. In the air guide, the first sidewall may be bent to be inclined at an end portion of the first region to form the third region.

That is, the first sidewall may be formed to be inclined with respect to a frontward-rearward direction of the air guide in the third region of the air guide. Due to such structure, in the third region, air may flow in an inclined direction with respect to the frontward-rearward direction of the air guide.

The fourth region may extend from the third region, communicate with the second region, and change a flow direction of air passing through the third region. In the air guide, the first sidewall may be bent to be inclined at an end portion of the third region to form the fourth region.

That is, the first sidewall at an exit of the third region of the air guide may be formed to be inclined with respect to the first sidewall of the third region. Due to such structure, in the fourth region, the flow direction of the air of the air guide may be restored in the frontward-rearward direction of the air guide.

A longitudinal direction of the heat sink may be parallel to the flow direction of the air passing through the air guide. Due to such structure, a contact area and a contact time between the heat sink and air which is forcibly moved may be increased to improve cooling efficiency of the heat sink.

The heat sink may include a plurality of cooling fins. The plurality of cooling fins may be formed to protrude downward from a lower surface of the heat sink in the longitudinal direction of the heat sink.

The heat sink may include a flow pass formed to pass through the heat sink in the longitudinal direction to form a flow path of air. The flow pass may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the heat sink and formed to pass through a flat part or portion of the heat sink.

The heat sink may include inclined parts or portions disposed at two sides and having upper surfaces formed to be inclined and the flat part which is formed in a central portion of the heat sink, in which the flow pass is formed, and an upper surface of which is formed as a flat surface.

All or some heating elements included in the printed circuit board may be installed on the upper surfaces of the inclined parts. Accordingly, the air forcibly moved by the blower fan may cool the heating elements installed on the inclined parts of the heat sink to effectively suppress overheating of the printed circuit board.

The base bracket may include a first ventilation part or portion formed in a portion corresponding to the blower fan and a second ventilation part or portion formed in a portion corresponding to the fourth region. In this case, the first ventilation part may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the blower fan, and the second ventilation part may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the fourth region.

The case may include a first through port and a second through port in order to allow the air forcibly moved by the blower fan to effectively flow and be discharged.

The first through port may be formed in a portion corresponding to the first ventilation part, and the second through port may be formed in a portion corresponding to the second ventilation part. The first through port and the second through port may be formed by punching a first casing forming a bottom surface of the case.

The electric range according to an embodiment may include a first support structure. The first support structure may be disposed under the upper bracket and may support weights of the upper bracket and the heating part. The first support structure may be integrally manufactured with the base bracket and provided to be detachable from the base bracket.

The first support structure may include a breakage part or portion, a first support part or support, a first support protrusion, and a first coupling part or portion. The breakage part may be integrally manufactured with the base bracket and may be broken when the first support structure is separated from the base bracket. The breakage part may be formed in a thin bar shape to be easily broken and may also be provided as a plurality of breakage parts.

The first support part may be coupled to the breakage part and supported by the first casing forming the bottom surface of the case. The first support part may form a bottom of the first support structure, and the first support protrusion and the first coupling part may be formed on the first support part.

The first support protrusion may protrude upward from the first support part and support a lower surface of the upper bracket. The first support protrusion may include a first shell and a second shell.

The first shell may be provided to protrude upward from the first support part. The second shell may protrude from a side surface of the first shell and provided as a plurality of second shells radially disposed about the first shell. Upper end surfaces of the first shell and the second shell may be provided in contact with the lower surface of the upper bracket and support the upper bracket.

The first coupling part may protrude upward from the first support part and may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first support protrusion in a lateral direction, and a coupling unit coupled to the first casing may be formed on the first coupling part. A first coupling hole into which the coupling unit coupled to the first casing is inserted may be formed in the first coupling part.

The second support structure may protrude from an edge of the base bracket, may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first support structure, and may support weights of the upper bracket and the heating part. The second support structure may include a second support part or support, a second support protrusion, and a second coupling part or portion.

The second support protrusion may protrude upward from the second support part and support the lower surface of the upper bracket. The second support protrusion may include a first piece and a second piece.

The first piece may be provided to protrude upward from the second support part. The second piece may be provided to protrude from a side surface of the first piece, and a plurality of the second piece may be provided radially disposed about the first piece. Upper end surfaces of the first piece and the second piece may be provided in contact with the lower surface of the upper bracket and support the upper bracket.

The second coupling part may protrude upward from the second support part and may be formed at a position spaced apart from the second support protrusion. A coupling unit coupled to the first casing may be formed on the second coupling part.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electric range that may include a case, a cover plate coupled to an upper end of the case and having an upper surface on which a heating target is disposed, a heating part or heater disposed under the cover plate and configured to heat the heating target, an upper bracket which is disposed under the heating part and supports the heating part, a base bracket which is disposed under the upper bracket and on which a printed circuit board is installed, and a first support structure which is disposed under the upper bracket, supports weights of the upper bracket and the heating part, is integrally manufactured with the base bracket, and is provided to be detachable from the base bracket.

In an electric range according to embodiments disclosed herein, as a first support structure may be easily separated from a base bracket and disposed at a proper position on a first casing of a case or removed therefrom, even in electric ranges in which shapes, sizes, and weights, for example, of heating parts and upper brackets are designed to be different, the heating part and the upper bracket may be stably supported using the first support structure, or a volumetric efficiency of the electric range may be improved by removing the first support structure from the electric range. Further, in the electric range according to embodiments disclosed herein, as the first support structure is integrally manufactured with the base bracket, time, cost, and effort may be reduced when compared to a case in which a separate first support structure is manufactured. Furthermore, in the electric range according to embodiments disclosed herein, a second support structure integrally manufactured and provided with the base bracket, along with the first support structure, may stably support the heating part and the upper bracket.

Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments are not limited by the embodiments and drawings illustrated in the present specification, and it is clear that the embodiments can be variously modified by those skilled in the art within a range of the technical spirit. In addition, although the operational effects according to the structure have not been clearly described in description of the embodiments, predictable effects according to the corresponding structure should also be recognized.