Patent Description:
Cooking appliances are devices for cooking foods by using heat of a heating source. Cooking appliances, for example, an oven range includes an oven chamber in which foods are cooked and a burner that burns a gas to cook the foods within the oven chamber.

<CIT> discloses a cooking appliance having exhaust holes in a high pressure region of a heating chamber, the exhaust holes being provided in or adjacent a region where the pressure becomes negative owing to the suction of a circulation fan when the gas combustion is off.

<CIT> provides an oven with a cooking plate detachably mounted in a heating chamber into which hot air is blown from a side wall portion in the horizontal direction by a hot air supply means and a shielding material detachably mounted at the peripheral edge of the cooking plate adjacent to the side wall portion.

<CIT> discloses a convection oven in which vapor is circulated through the oven by a pair of counter rotating blowers positioned in the rear of the oven which draw vapor from the oven along with combustion products from a multi-section ribbon burner which has a secondary air passage between the sections and which is positioned below the oven rear wall vapor outlet region.

<CIT> discloses a forced-convection gas cooking oven comprising a fan and a heat exchanger for creating a circulation of hot air about food products placed in the cooking chamber of the cooking oven wherein the heat exchanger is composed of a plurality of pipes bent to a "U"-shape and distributed symmetrically and uniformly in concentric arrangement about the periphery of the fan. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose further background information of the present disclosure.

Embodiments provide a cooking appliance. The present invention provides a cooking appliance as defined by independent claim <NUM>; the dependent claims define embodiments of the present invention.

A cooking appliance may include: a cavity to define a cooking chamber; a door to open and close the cooking chamber; a partition plate to partition the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, the partition plate facing the door in the closed state, wherein the door closes the first chamber; a burner provided in the second chamber to burn a gas, thereby generating flame; and a fan provided in the second chamber to allow heated air to flow.

A burner may include: a burner tube having both ends that are spaced apart from each other, the burner tube having an inner periphery and an outer periphery; a plurality of gas outlet holes defined on the inner periphery of the burner tube; and a supply part disposed on a first end of both ends of the burner tube to supply a gas.

A burner assembly may include: a burner having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, wherein a plurality of gas outlet holes are defined on the inner periphery; a burner cover to define a combustion chamber in which the burner is accommodated; and a fan disposed outside of the combustion chamber.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention , as defined in the appended claims. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Also, in the description of embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like may be used herein when describing components of the present application. It should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is "connected," "coupled" or "joined" to another component, the former may be directly "connected," "coupled," and "joined" to the latter or "connected", "coupled", and "joined" to the latter via another component.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a first embodiment, and <FIG> is a front view of a state in which a door is removed from the cooking appliance according to the first embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a cooking appliance <NUM> according to a first embodiment includes an oven unit <NUM>, a cook-top unit <NUM>, a drawer unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>. Also, the cooking appliance <NUM> includes an outer case <NUM>. The outer case <NUM> may cover both side surfaces and rear surface of the oven unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM>.

However, according to a kind of cooking appliance <NUM>, the cook-top unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> may be omitted.

The cook-top unit <NUM>, the oven unit <NUM>, and the drawer unit <NUM> may be disposed on an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion of the cooking appliance <NUM>, respectively. Also, the control unit <NUM> is disposed on a rear end of a top surface of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The cook-top unit <NUM> may include a plurality of cook-top burners <NUM>. The cook-top burner <NUM> may heat a container in which food is contained or directly heat food by using flame that is generated by burning gas. A manipulation unit <NUM> for manipulating the plurality of cook-top burners <NUM> is disposed on a front end of the cook-top unit <NUM>.

In another example, the cook-top unit <NUM> may include at least one electric heater. However, the at least one electric heater may not be exposed to the outside of the cook-top unit <NUM>. It should be noted that the current embodiment is not limited to a kind of heating source constituting the cook-top unit <NUM>.

The oven unit <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that provides a cooking chamber <NUM> in which the food is cooked. The cavity <NUM> may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an opened front surface, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The oven unit <NUM> may include an upper burner <NUM> for cooking the food accommodated in the cooking chamber <NUM>. Also, the oven unit <NUM> includes a partition plate <NUM> for partitioning the cooking chamber <NUM> into a first chamber (see reference numeral 22a of <FIG>) and a second chamber (see reference numeral 22b of <FIG>). The partition plate <NUM> is coupled to a rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The oven unit <NUM> further includes a burner assembly (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the second chamber (see reference numeral 22b of <FIG>). Also, the food may be accommodated in the first chamber (see reference numeral 22a of <FIG>).

The burner assembly (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) and the upper burner <NUM> may operate at the same time. Alternatively, only one of the burner assembly (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) and the upper burner <NUM> may operate.

The upper burner <NUM> may provide heat to the food from an upper side of the food within the cooking chamber <NUM>, and the burner assembly (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed at a rear side of the food within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The oven unit <NUM> further includes a door <NUM> for opening/closing the cooking chamber <NUM>. The door <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the cooking appliance <NUM>. For example, the door <NUM> may open/close the cooking chamber <NUM> in a pull-down method in which a lower end of the door <NUM> rotates about an axis with respect to a lower end of the cooking chamber <NUM>. The current embodiment is not limited to the operation method of the door <NUM>.

A door handle <NUM> that can be grasped by a user so as to rotate the door <NUM> may be disposed on an upper end of a front surface of the door <NUM>.

The drawer unit <NUM> may keep the container, in which the food is contained, at a predetermined temperature. A drawer <NUM> in which the container is accommodated may be provided in the drawer unit <NUM>. The drawer <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the cooking appliance <NUM> in a sliding manner. A handle <NUM> to be grasped by the user may be disposed on a front surface of the drawer <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may receive a manipulation signal for operating the cooking appliance <NUM>, particularly, a manipulation signal for operating at least one of the cook-top unit <NUM>, the oven unit <NUM>, and the drawer unit <NUM>. Also, the control unit <NUM> may display various information with respect to the operation of the cooking appliance <NUM> to the outside.

<FIG> is a view of a state in which a burner assembly is removed in <FIG>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the burner assembly according to the first embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> may include both sidewalls <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM>, an upper wall <NUM>, and a rear wall <NUM>.

In the current embodiment, the "front side" may represent a direction that is directed to a front surface of the cooking appliance <NUM>, and the "rear side" may represent a direction that is directed to a rear surface of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

Also, the "front side" within the cooking chamber <NUM> may represent a direction that is directed towards the door <NUM> of the oven unit <NUM>, when closed, and the "rear side" may represent a direction that is directed towards the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The partition plate <NUM> is coupled to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. That is, in the current embodiment, the partition plate <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, and the burner assembly (see reference numeral <NUM>) is disposed in the second chamber (see reference numeral 22b of <FIG>) between the partition plate <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. Thus, since a recessed part 32a that is recessed downward from the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> is defined, the cavity <NUM> may increase in volume by the amount of the recessed part 32a. Generally, in a conventional cooking appliance, a conventional burner is disposed at the bottom wall <NUM> in the recessed part 32a occupying the volume of the recessed part 32a. This also causes difficulty in cleaning the recess parts 32a. Further, in the present embodiment, because the burner assembly is not disposed in the recessed part 32a, there are no coupling holes found at the recessed part 32a, which can potentially seep, food leftovers unto the floor, for example, if the coupling members are not properly coupled.

The burner assembly <NUM> includes a burner device <NUM>, a fan <NUM>, and a fan motor <NUM>.

The burner device <NUM> includes a burner <NUM> for burning gas to generate flame and a burner cover <NUM> covering the burner <NUM>.

A burner hole <NUM> through which the burner <NUM> passes may be defined on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. That is, the burner <NUM> may be disposed in the cooking chamber <NUM>, and a portion of the burner <NUM> may pass through the burner hole <NUM> and be disposed between the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and the outer case <NUM>.

An exhaust hole <NUM> through which exhaust gas is discharged may be defined on the upper wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. Alternatively, the exhaust hole <NUM> may not be defined on the upper wall <NUM>, but be defined on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The burner cover <NUM> includes a first cover <NUM> and a second cover <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> covers the burner <NUM> at a front side of the burner <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM> covers the burner <NUM> at a rear side of the burner <NUM>.

The burner device <NUM> may further include an igniter <NUM> for igniting a mixture gas supplied into the burner <NUM> and a stabilizer <NUM> for stabilizing flame.

For example, the igniter <NUM> may be disposed on the burner <NUM>, and the stabilizer <NUM> may be disposed on the second cover <NUM>. A portion of the igniter <NUM> may pass through the second cover <NUM> and the upper wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. In another example, the igniter <NUM> may be disposed on the first cover <NUM> or the second cover <NUM>.

The burner device <NUM> will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The fan <NUM> allows heated air to flow into the cooking chamber <NUM>. The fan motor <NUM> is disposed between the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and the outer case <NUM>, and the fan <NUM> is disposed in the second chamber (see reference numeral 22b of <FIG>) within the cooking chamber <NUM>. Thus, a shaft <NUM> of the fan motor <NUM> may pass through the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and be coupled to the fan <NUM>. The fan motor <NUM> may be fixed to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> or the outer case <NUM> by a motor mount (not shown).

The partition plate <NUM> protects the burner device <NUM>. Also, the partition plate <NUM> may prevent food leftovers from contaminating the burner device <NUM> when the food is cooked.

The partition plate <NUM> includes a front plate <NUM>, an extension part <NUM> extending from the front plate <NUM> toward the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, and may include a contact part <NUM> bent from the extension part <NUM>.

An air suction hole <NUM> through which air within the cooking chamber <NUM> is suctioned is defined on the front plate <NUM>, and an air discharge hole <NUM> through which air heated by the burner device <NUM> is discharged into the cooking chamber <NUM> is defined on the extension part <NUM>. In another example, the air discharge hole <NUM> may be defined on the front plate <NUM> or defined on each of the front plate <NUM> and the extension part <NUM>.

The contact part <NUM> may contact the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> in a state where the contact part <NUM> covers the burner device <NUM>. A coupling hole <NUM> to which a coupling member (not shown) is coupled is defined on the contact part <NUM>.

A lower end of the partition plate <NUM> may contact the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> in a state where the partition plate <NUM> is coupled to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> by the coupling member. That is, the front plate <NUM> and lower ends of the extension part <NUM> and the contact part <NUM> may contact the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. Alternatively, the front plate <NUM> and the extension part <NUM> may contact the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

Here, the partition plate <NUM> may contact the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> between the recessed part 32a of the bottom wall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The burner assembly <NUM> may further include a nozzle holder <NUM> for spraying gas into the burner <NUM>.

The nozzle holder <NUM> may be disposed between the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and the outer case <NUM>. For example, the nozzle holder <NUM> may be fixed to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. In another example, if an insulator is disposed on the outside of the cavity <NUM>, the nozzle holder <NUM> may be disposed on the insulator.

The nozzle holder <NUM> may be aligned with the burner <NUM> passing through the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> to spray gas into the burner <NUM>.

The burner assembly <NUM> may further include a burner reflector <NUM>. The burner reflector <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> through which the fan <NUM> passes. The burner reflector <NUM> may be coupled to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> within the cooking chamber <NUM>. Here, the burner reflector <NUM> may be disposed between the burner cover <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. The burner reflector <NUM> may be configured to reflect heat of the burner <NUM> to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner device according to the first embodiment, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a first cover of the burner device of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the burner cover <NUM> includes a combustion chamber C in which gas is burned within the second chamber (see reference numeral 22b of <FIG>). Also, the burner <NUM> is disposed in the combustion chamber C. That is, the burner cover <NUM> partitions the second chamber (see reference numeral 22b of <FIG>) into the combustion chamber C and an exhaust passage (see reference symbol P1 of <FIG>) in which the fan <NUM> is disposed.

As shown in <FIG>, the burner cover <NUM> includes a first cover <NUM> and a second cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first cover <NUM> may include a first plate <NUM>, a first extension part <NUM> extending backward from the first plate <NUM>, and a first coupling part <NUM> bent from the first extension part <NUM>.

A first opening <NUM> through which air within the cooking chamber <NUM> passes, which is suctioned through the air suction hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM>, is defined on the first plate <NUM>.

The air suction hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM> may have a grill shape (see <FIG>). That is, the air suction hole <NUM> may be defined as a plurality of holes. However, the air suction hole <NUM> that is defined as the plurality of holes may have a circular shape on the whole profile.

Here, the first opening <NUM> may have a diameter equal to or greater than that of the profile of the air suction hole <NUM> so that the air passing through the air suction hole <NUM> smoothly passes through the first opening <NUM> of the first cover <NUM>.

At least one first reinforcing part <NUM> for reinforcing strength of the first plate <NUM> may be disposed under the first opening <NUM> on the first plate <NUM>. The at least one first reinforcing part <NUM> may be disposed lengthwise in a horizontal direction. Although a plurality of first reinforcing parts <NUM> are vertically spaced apart from each other in <FIG>, the current embodiment is not limited to the number and position of the first reinforcing part <NUM> shown. For example, the at least one first reinforcing part <NUM> may extend vertically lengthwise, and a plurality of first reinforcing parts <NUM> may be horizontally spaced apart from each other.

The first reinforcing part <NUM> may protrude forward from the first plate <NUM>. That is, a portion of the first plate <NUM> may be formed so that the first reinforcing part <NUM> protrudes from the first plate <NUM> toward the door <NUM>.

In the state where the partition plate <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the first reinforcing part <NUM> may contact the partition plate <NUM>. Alternatively, in the state where the partition plate <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the first reinforcing part <NUM> may be spaced apart from the partition plate <NUM>. In addition, when an external force is applied to the partition plate <NUM>, or the first plate <NUM> is expanded by heat, the first reinforcing part <NUM> may contact the partition plate <NUM>.

According to the current embodiment, the thermal deformation of the first plate <NUM> may be minimized by the first reinforcing part <NUM>. Also, even though the first plate <NUM> is deformed, the first reinforcing part <NUM> may contact the partition plate <NUM> to prevent the first plate <NUM> from being additionally deformed.

In another example, a portion of the plurality of first reinforcing part <NUM> may protrude forward from the first plate <NUM> toward the door <NUM>, and the another portion may protrude backward from the first plate <NUM>. Alternatively, at least one first reinforcing part <NUM> may protrude backward from the first plate <NUM> toward the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

A second reinforcing part <NUM> for reinforcing strength may be disposed on a circumferential part of the first opening <NUM> on the first plate <NUM>. For example, the first opening <NUM> may have a circular shape, and the second reinforcing part <NUM> may have a circular ring shape that surrounds the first opening <NUM>. However, the current embodiment is not limited to the shape and number of the first opening <NUM> and the shape and number of the second reinforcing part <NUM>.

The second reinforcing part <NUM> may protrude forward from the first plate <NUM>. That is, a portion of the first plate <NUM> may be formed so that the second reinforcing part <NUM> protrudes from the first plate <NUM> toward the door <NUM>.

In the state where the partition plate <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the second reinforcing part <NUM> may contact the partition plate <NUM>. In another example, in the state where the partition plate <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the second reinforcing part <NUM> may be spaced apart from the partition plate <NUM>. In addition, when an external force is applied to the partition plate <NUM>, or the first plate <NUM> is expanded by heat, the second reinforcing part <NUM> may contact the partition plate <NUM>.

The first opening <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> may be disposed to face the air suction hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM>. Thus, since air passing through the air suction hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM> flows into the first opening <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> without being interfered in flow direction, the air may be smoothly circulated within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The first plate <NUM> may include a first insertion part <NUM> having at least one first inflow hole <NUM> through which air is introduced into the combustion chamber C. For example, the at least one first inflow hole <NUM> may be defined under the first reinforcing part <NUM> in the first plate <NUM>.

Although a plurality of first inflow holes <NUM> are horizontally spaced apart from each other in <FIG>, the current embodiment is not limited to the number, position, and shape of the first inflow hole <NUM>.

The first insertion part <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> may pass through the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. Thus, the at least one first inflow hole <NUM> may be defined outside the cavity <NUM>.

Also, air outside the cavity <NUM> may be supplied into the combustion chamber C through the at least one first inflow hole <NUM>.

An air guide <NUM> for guiding the air supplied into the combustion chamber C to the flame generated at the burner <NUM> and to increase a contact time between the air and the flame may be disposed on the first plate <NUM>.

The air guide <NUM> may protrude backward from the first plate <NUM>. That is, a portion of the first plate <NUM> may be formed so that the air guide <NUM> protrudes from the first plate <NUM> toward the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The air guide <NUM> may include linear parts 146b and 146c defined on one end or both ends of a curved part 146a. Alternatively, the air guide <NUM> may include only the curved part 146a.

For example, the curved part 146a of the air guide <NUM> may have an arc shape. The curved part 146a may have a radius greater than that of the second reinforcing part <NUM>.

Thus, a portion of the curved part 146a may be disposed between the second reinforcing part <NUM> and the first reinforcing part <NUM>. The curved part 146a may have curvature radius that is equal to or less than that of an inner periphery surface of the burner <NUM>. Thus, the air introduced into the combustion chamber C may be guided to the flame of the burner <NUM> by the air guide <NUM>.

The air guide <NUM> may be integrated with the first plate <NUM> or coupled to the first plate <NUM>.

Also, the air guide <NUM> may have a curved shape in at least a section to smoothly guide the air flow.

At least one first coupling hole <NUM> that is coupled to the second cover <NUM> by a coupling member may be defined on the first coupling part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a second cover of the burner device of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second cover <NUM> may include a second plate <NUM>, a second extension part <NUM> extending forward from the second plate <NUM>, and a second coupling part <NUM> bent from the second extension part <NUM>.

A second opening <NUM> through which air heated in the combustion chamber C is discharged may be defined on the second plate <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may have a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The second opening <NUM> may have a diameter less than that of the first opening <NUM>.

A burner coupling hole <NUM> to which the burner <NUM> is coupled may be defined on the second plate <NUM>. Also, at least one protrusion <NUM> for preventing the burner <NUM> from directly contacting the second plate <NUM> may be disposed on the second plate <NUM>.

The at least one protrusion <NUM> may protrude toward the burner <NUM> in the state where the burner <NUM> is disposed on the second plate <NUM>. That is, a portion of the second plate <NUM> may be formed so that the at least one protrusion <NUM> protrudes toward the burner <NUM>.

For example, the at least one protrusion <NUM> may contact the burner <NUM>. In another example, the at least one protrusion <NUM> may be adjacent to the burner <NUM> in a state where the protrusion <NUM> is spaced apart from the burner <NUM>. Also, when an external force is applied to the burner <NUM>, or the second plate <NUM> is expanded by heat, the at least one protrusion <NUM> may contact the burner <NUM>. Thus, in either event the at least one protrusion <NUM> may prevent the burner <NUM> from directly contacting the second plate <NUM>.

Also, in case of the current embodiment, the at least one protrusion <NUM> may be disposed on the second plate <NUM> to minimize thermal deformation of the second plate <NUM>.

In the state where the burner <NUM> is disposed on the second cover <NUM>, and the first cover <NUM> is coupled to the second cover <NUM>, the burner <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first plate <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. Thus, air outside the cavity <NUM>, which is introduced into the combustion chamber C may flow between the first plate <NUM> and the burner <NUM>, and between the second plate <NUM> and the burner <NUM>.

When the plurality of protrusions <NUM> are disposed on the second plate <NUM>, the plurality of protrusions <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the burner <NUM> in forward and backward directions when the burner <NUM> is disposed on the second cover <NUM>.

At least one stabilizer coupling hole <NUM> to which the stabilizer <NUM> is coupled may be further defined on the second plate <NUM>.

At least one second coupling hole <NUM> to which the coupling member passing through the first coupling hole <NUM> of the first coupling part <NUM> is coupled may be defined on the second coupling part <NUM>.

In another example, the first and second coupling parts may not be disposed on the first and second covers, respectively. Also, the first extension part <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> and the second extension part <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to each other by a coupling member.

The second cover <NUM> may further include a second insertion part <NUM> passing through the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. At least one second inflow hole 167a may be defined on the second insertion part <NUM>. Thus, the at least one second inflow hole 167a may be disposed outside the cavity <NUM>.

Also, air outside the cavity <NUM> may be supplied into the combustion chamber C through the at least one second inflow hole 167a.

In the state where the first cover <NUM> is coupled to the second cover <NUM>, the first insertion part <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second insertion part <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>.

Although a plurality of second inflow holes 167a are horizontally spaced apart from each other in <FIG>, the current embodiment is not limited to the number, position, and shape of the second inflow hole 167a.

According to the current embodiment, the air outside the cavity <NUM> may smoothly flow into the combustion chamber C by the at least one first inflow hole <NUM> defined on the first cover <NUM> and the at least one second inflow hole 167a defined on the second cover <NUM>.

The second cover <NUM> may further include at least one installation part <NUM> for installing the second cover <NUM> on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The installation part <NUM> may be disposed on the second plate <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. Thus, the second plate <NUM> may be spaced apart from the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> in the state where the second cover <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> due to the installation of the installation part <NUM>. Also, the fan <NUM> may be disposed in a space between the second plate <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. That is, the fan <NUM> may be disposed in a separate space outside the combustion chamber C on which the burner cover <NUM> is disposed.

The second cover <NUM> may further include a burner through-part <NUM> through which a portion of the burner <NUM> passes. The burner through-part <NUM> may protrude backward from the second plate <NUM> toward the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. That is, the second plate <NUM> may be deformed so that the burner through-part <NUM> protrudes backward from the second plate <NUM>.

Also, a burner through-hole <NUM> may be defined on the burner through-part <NUM>. The burner through-hole <NUM> may be aligned with the burner hole <NUM> defined on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

In the state where the second cover <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the burner through-part <NUM> may contact the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The heated air passing through the second opening <NUM> of the burner cover <NUM> may flow into a space between the second cover <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and then be discharged into the cooking chamber <NUM> through the discharge hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM>.

Here, in the state where the second cover <NUM> is disposed on the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the burner through-part <NUM> may contact the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> to prevent the heated air from being reintroduced into the combustion chamber C through the burner through-hole <NUM>.

In addition, it may prevent the heated air from being discharged to the outside of the cavity <NUM> through the burner hole <NUM> of the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of the burner according to the first embodiment, and <FIG> is a view of a state in which the burner of <FIG> is linearly spread.

Referring to <FIG>, the burner <NUM> according to the first embodiment includes a burner tube <NUM> having both ends spaced apart from each other. That is, in the current embodiment, the burner tube <NUM> may have a non-annular shape.

The burner tube <NUM> may have a "U" shape, but is not limited thereto. A supply part <NUM> for receiving gas and air may be disposed on a first end 111a of the burner tube <NUM>, and a second end 111b of the burner tube <NUM> may be blocked.

The supply part <NUM> may inclinedly extend from the first end 111a of the burner tube <NUM>. The gas and air supplied through the supply part <NUM> changes in flow direction from the first end 111a toward the second end 111b along the burner tube <NUM>.

That is, in the current embodiment, the gas and air supplied through the supply part <NUM> may flow only in one direction within the burner tube <NUM>.

The burner tube <NUM> may be formed in a curved shape on the whole, or at least one of the first and second ends 111a and 111b may be formed in a straight-line shape, and the other section may be formed in a curved shape.

The burner tube <NUM> may include an inner periphery <NUM> and an outer periphery <NUM>.

In the current embodiment, since the tube <NUM> has a "U" shape, the inner periphery <NUM> or the outer periphery <NUM> may have a plurality of curvatures different from each other. That is, the curvature of the inner or outer peripheries <NUM> and <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM> may vary in a longitudinal direction of the burner tube <NUM>.

A plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> are defined on the inner periphery <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM>. The plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed in a plurality of rows. In the current embodiment, the "row" may represent a set of gas outlet holes that are arranged in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the burner tube <NUM>.

The gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> arranged in the plurality of rows may include a plurality of first gas outlet holes <NUM> and a plurality of second gas outlet holes <NUM>.

Although the gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> arranged in two rows are defined on the inner periphery <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM> in <FIG>, the current embodiment is not limited to the number of rows of the gas outlet holes. That is, the gas outlet holes arranged in a single row may be defined on the inner periphery <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM>.

The gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> arranged in one row may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the burner tube <NUM>. Also, the gas outlet holes <NUM> arranged in one row may be spaced apart from the gas outlet holes <NUM> arranged in the other row.

Although not limited thereto, the gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> adjacent to each other may be disposed in a zigzag form so that flames generated in the gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> that are adjacent to each other and arranged in two rows do not interfere with each other.

That is, the gas outlet holes <NUM> arranged in the other row may be disposed in a region corresponding to that between the gas outlet holes <NUM> adjacent to each other and arranged in one row.

In the current embodiment, since the mixture gas in which the gas and air introduced through the supply part <NUM> are mixed with each other flows in only one direction (in arrow A direction) in the burner tube <NUM>, the gas outlet hole defined on one side of the first end 111a in the burner tube <NUM> has a diameter S2 greater than S1 of the gas discharge hole defined on one side of the second end 111b.

If a discharge amount of mixture gas in the gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> increases, flame may be larger. Since the second end 111b is blocked within the burner tube <NUM>, the mixture gas may be concentrated into the second end 111b. Thus, when the gas outlet hole defined on one side of the first end 111a has the same diameter as that defined on one side of the second end 111b, an amount of mixture gas in one side of the second end 111b increases. Thus, the flame of the gas outlet hole defined on one side of the second end 111b may be significantly larger.

However, according to the current embodiment, the gas outlet hole defined on one side of the second end 111b may have a diameter less than that of the gas outlet hole defined on the one side of the first end 111a so that the flames in the gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM> are generally uniform whether on one side of the second end 111b or on one side of the first end 111a.

Alternatively, the gas discharge hole in the burner tube <NUM> including the second end 111b with respect to a bisected length of the burner tube <NUM> may have a diameter less than that of the gas discharge hole in the burner tube <NUM> including the first end 111a.

The inner periphery <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM> may have a minimum curvature radius greater than a maximum curvature radius of the curved part 146a of the air guide <NUM> of the first cover <NUM>.

Also, the inner periphery <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM> may have a minimum curvature radius greater than a radius of the second opening <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. When the second opening <NUM> has a non-annular shape, the inner periphery <NUM> of the burner tube <NUM> may have a minimum curvature radius greater than a maximum length of the second opening <NUM>.

A plurality of brackets <NUM> and <NUM> for installing the burner tube <NUM> on the second cover <NUM> may be disposed on the burner tube <NUM>. One bracket <NUM> of the plurality of brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the second end 111b of the burner tube <NUM>.

Although the plurality of brackets <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to the second cover <NUM> by using a screw, the current embodiment is not limited to the coupling method between the plurality of brackets <NUM> and <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>.

In the state where the plurality of brackets <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to the second cover <NUM>, the burner tube <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second plate <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>.

The burner tube <NUM> may further include an igniter support <NUM> for installing the igniter <NUM>. For example, the igniter support <NUM> may be disposed at a position adjacent to the supply part <NUM> in the burner tube <NUM>. The igniter support <NUM> may have a coupling hole <NUM> to which the coupling member for coupling with the igniter <NUM> is coupled.

The supply part <NUM> may include a plurality of first guides <NUM> and <NUM> for aligning the supply part <NUM> with the nozzle holder <NUM>. The plurality of first guides <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other, and air outside the cavity <NUM> may be introduced into the supply part <NUM> together with the gas sprayed from the nozzle holder <NUM> through the opening between the plurality of first guides <NUM> and <NUM>.

The supply part <NUM> may pass through the burner through-hole <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> and the burner hole <NUM> of the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

According to the current embodiment, the plurality of gas outlet holes may be defined on the inner periphery of the burner, and air may pass through the region in which the plurality of gas outlet holes are defined. Thus, air within the cooking chamber may be sufficiently heated by the flame of the burner.

Also, as the flames are generated in the inner periphery of the burner, a distance between the flames may be gradually reduced toward the gas outlet holes to prevent the flames from being extinguished by the air flow.

<FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view of a state in which the burner assembly is installed in the cavity according to the first embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a through-hole 32c through which the insertion parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the burner cover <NUM> pass may be defined on the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. Thus, since the insertion parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the burner cover <NUM> pass through the through hole 32c, the insertion parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed outside the cavity <NUM>.

The first insertion part <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> and the second insertion part <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other to form a third inflow hole 167b.

Also, the fan <NUM> is disposed in the exhaust passage P1 that is an external to the combustion chamber C. The exhaust passage P1 (or that may be called "exhaust chamber") is defined by an outer surface of the burner cover <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM> (or the burner reflector) of the cavity <NUM>, and the partition plate <NUM>.

Thus, according to the current embodiment, the plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be defined on the inner periphery of the burner <NUM>, and the fan <NUM> may be disposed in the combustion chamber C and the independent exhaust passage P1 to prevent the fan <NUM> from being heated by the flame of the burner <NUM>. Also, after the flame of the burner <NUM> contacts the air to heat the air, the air may flow into the fan <NUM>. Thus, the air may be sufficiently heated by the heat of the flame.

Also, since the air is heated by the flame generated in the inner periphery of the burner in the combustion chamber C to flow into the fan, even though the flame is curved toward the fan by the air flow due to the rotation of the fan, the air may be heated by the flame.

Hereinafter, an operation of the burner assembly will be described.

When an operation of the burner assembly <NUM> starts, gas is sprayed from the nozzle holder <NUM> into the supply part <NUM> of the burner <NUM>. Then, air A1 (air outside the cavity) around the supply part <NUM> together with the gas may be supplied into the supply part <NUM>. Here, the air A1 around the supply part <NUM> may be naturally supplied into the supply part <NUM> by a pressure difference because a low pressure is formed around the gas supplied into the supply part <NUM> (natural air-supply method). Thus, when the air is supplied into the supply part <NUM> by using the natural air-supply method, air that is required for burning gas may not be sufficiently supplied into the supply part <NUM>. In this case, the mixture gas in which the gas and air are mixed may be incompletely burned, and thus an amount of generated carbon dioxide may increase by the incomplete combustion.

However, according to the current embodiment, the insertion parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the burner cover <NUM> may pass through the bottom wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and be disposed outside the cavity <NUM>. Also, since the plurality of inflow holes <NUM>, 167a, and 167b are defined outside the cavity <NUM>, additional air for burning the mixture gas of the burner <NUM> may be introduced into the combustion chamber C.

The additional air A2 introduced into the combustion chamber C may flow into the burner <NUM>. As described above, since the burner <NUM> is spaced apart from the first plate <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>, the air within the combustion chamber C may flow into the space between the burner <NUM> and the first plate <NUM> and the space between the burner <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

Thus, the air within the combustion chamber C may smoothly flow to the first and second gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM>, which are defined on the burner <NUM>.

Also, since the air guide <NUM> is disposed on the first cover <NUM>, the additional air A2 may be guided to the first gas outlet hole <NUM> by the air guide <NUM>. Thus, the additional gas A2 may be sufficiently supplied to the first gas outlet hole <NUM>.

In the state where the mixture gas is supplied into the burner <NUM>, the mixture gas may be ignited by the igniter <NUM> to generate flame in the burner <NUM>. Also, the fan motor <NUM> may be turned on to rotate the fan <NUM>.

When the fan <NUM> rotates, the air within the first chamber 22a is introduced into the combustion chamber C within the second chamber 22b through the air suction hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM>. Here, the air introduced into the combustion chamber C may pass through the region in which the inner periphery of the burner is defined.

The air introduced into the combustion chamber C may be heated by the flame generated in the burner <NUM>, and then be discharged from the combustion chamber C through the opening <NUM> of the stabilizer <NUM>.

The air discharged from the combustion chamber C flows into the exhaust passage P1 defined between the second cover <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and is then disposed into the first chamber 22a through the discharge hole <NUM> of the partition plate <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the heated air discharged through the discharge holes <NUM> located at the extension part <NUM> and/or the front plate <NUM> provides for a better dispersement of heated air in the cooking chamber <NUM>. In the conventional cooking appliance, the conventional burner is located at the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM> and at the recessed part 32a. Thus, the heated air is hotter at the bottom than at the top. In contrast, the burner assembly of the present embodiment located at the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and discharging heated air through discharge holes <NUM> provides for a better dispersement of heated air in the cooking chamber <NUM> to cook foods.

According to the current embodiment, the burner cover <NUM> defines the independent combustion chamber C, and the combustion chamber C and the exhaust passage P1 are partitioned by the burner cover <NUM>.

Thus, it may prevent the air flowing into the exhaust passage P1 from being reintroduced into the combustion chamber C.

In an example not part of the invention, burner assembly may be disposed on the rear wall of the cavity that is outside of the cavity.

Alternatively, in an other example not part of the invention, the burner assembly may be disposed on one sidewall among the sidewalls of the cavity.

Hereinafter, a method of assembling the burner assembly will be described.

First, the burner reflector <NUM> may be coupled to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Also, the nozzle holder <NUM> may be coupled to the rear wall <NUM> outside the cavity <NUM> regardless of whether the burner reflector <NUM> is coupled.

Then, in the state where the fan <NUM> is disposed at a front side of the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, the fan <NUM> may be coupled to the fan motor <NUM>.

Also, in the state where the stabilizer <NUM> is disposed on the second cover <NUM>, the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity inside the cooking chamber <NUM>. Then, the burner <NUM> is disposed on the second cover <NUM>. Also, the first cover <NUM> is coupled to the second cover <NUM>.

Finally, the partition plate <NUM> is coupled to the rear wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

According to the invention, the burner cover <NUM> is constituted by two parts to define the combustion chamber c. In other examples, not part of the invention, one cover or at least three covers may define the combustion chamber C. That is, if the combustion chamber C and the exhaust passage P1 are partitioned, the present disclosure is not limited to the shape of the burner cover <NUM> and the number of covers constituting the burner cover.

According to the invention, the fan is disposed at a rear side of the burner cover <NUM>, and the air heated by the burner flows into the fan. In other examples, not part of the invention, the fan may be disposed at a front side of the burner cover, and the burner may heat the air passing through the fan. However, in case of the former, the fan may be a fan by which air flowing in an axis direction is directed into air flowing in a radius direction to radially discharge the air. In case of the latter, the fan may be a fan for axially discharging air flowing in an axis direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a second embodiment, and <FIG> is a front view of a state in which a second door is removed in <FIG>.

The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the number of oven unit. Thus, a characterizing part according to the current embodiment will be principally described.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a cooking appliance <NUM> according to a second embodiment may include a plurality of oven units <NUM> and <NUM>.

The plurality of oven units <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first oven unit <NUM> and a second oven unit <NUM> disposed under the first oven unit <NUM>. The plurality of oven units <NUM> and <NUM> may include doors <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

A burner assembly <NUM> may be disposed on at least one of the plurality of oven units <NUM> and <NUM>. Since the burner assembly <NUM> has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, its detailed description will be omitted.

Although the burner assembly <NUM> is disposed on the second oven unit <NUM> in <FIG>, the burner assembly <NUM> may be disposed on the first oven unit <NUM> or each of the plurality of oven units <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner according to a third embodiment.

The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a shape of a burner. Thus, a characterizing part according to the current embodiment will be principally described.

Referring to <FIG>, a burner <NUM> according to a third embodiment may have a "∩" shape. That is, the burner <NUM> according to the current embodiment may have a shape that is convexly rounded upward.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner according to a fourth embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a burner <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment may have a "⊂" shape. That is, the burner <NUM> according to the current embodiment may have a shape that is convexly rounded in a left direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner according to a fifth embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a burner <NUM> according to a fifth embodiment may have a "⊃" shape. That is, the burner <NUM> according to the current embodiment may have a shape that is convexly rounded in a right direction.

Although the burner has the "U" shape on the whole, but is disposed in different directions in the first, third, and fifth embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the burner may have various shapes such as a "C" shape and also be disposed in various directions.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner according to a sixth embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a burner <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment may have a "U" shape on the whole. However, a section of the burner <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of a gas may have a non-annular shape. For example, a section of the burner <NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the gas may have a square shape.

The burner <NUM> may include a burner tube <NUM>. A supply part may be disposed on a first end of the burner tube <NUM>, and a second end may be blocked.

The burner tube <NUM> includes an inner periphery <NUM> and an outer periphery <NUM>. Also, a plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be defined on the inner periphery <NUM>.

The same effect as that described in the first embodiment may be obtained by the burners according to the third to sixth embodiments.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner according to a seventh embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a burner <NUM> according to a seventh embodiment may include a burner tube <NUM>. The burner tube <NUM> may include a first end 711a in which a supply part is provided and a second end 711b that is blocked. Thus, a gas within the burner tube <NUM> may flow in only one direction.

A plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> may be defined on an inner periphery of the burner tube <NUM>.

The portion of the burner tube <NUM> in which the plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> are defined may have a constant curvature.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a burner according to an eighth embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a burner <NUM> according to an eighth embodiment may include a burner tube <NUM> having a circular ring shape. The burner tube <NUM> includes an inner periphery <NUM> and an outer periphery <NUM>. Also, a plurality of gas outlet holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be defined on the inner periphery <NUM>.

Since the tube <NUM> has the circular ring shape, the inner periphery <NUM> or the outer periphery <NUM> may have a constant curvature.

Claim 1:
A cooking appliance comprising:
a cavity (<NUM>) to define a cooking chamber (<NUM>);
a door (<NUM>) to open and close the cooking chamber (<NUM>);
a partition plate (<NUM>) to partition the cavity (<NUM>) into a first chamber (22a) and a second chamber (22b), the partition plate (<NUM>) facing the door (<NUM>) in the closed state, wherein the door (<NUM>) closes the first chamber (22a), the partition plate (<NUM>) including a front plate (<NUM>), an extension part (<NUM>) extending from the front plate (<NUM>) toward a rear wall (<NUM>) of the cavity (<NUM>);
a burner (<NUM>) provided in the second chamber (22b) to burn gas, thereby generating flame; and
a burner cover (<NUM>) to define a combustion chamber (C) in which the burner (<NUM>) is disposed, within the second chamber (22b),
a fan (<NUM>) provided in the second chamber (22b) to allow heated air to flow,
wherein the burner cover (<NUM>) partitions the second chamber (22b) into the combustion chamber (C) and an exhaust chamber (P1) disposed at an outside of the combustion chamber, the fan (<NUM>) being disposed in the exhaust chamber (P1),
wherein an air within the first chamber (22a) is introduced into the combustion chamber (C) within the second chamber (22b) through an air suction hole (<NUM>) defined on the front plate (<NUM>), and
wherein the air heated by the burner (<NUM>) in the combustion chamber (C) within the second chamber (22b) flows into the exhaust chamber (P1) and is discharged into the first chamber (22a) through an air discharge hole (<NUM>) defined on the extension part (<NUM>) and/or the front plate (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the burner cover (<NUM>) includes:
a first cover (<NUM>) covering the burner (<NUM>) at a front side of the burner (<NUM>); and
a second cover (<NUM>) covering the burner (<NUM>) at a rear side of the burner (<NUM>),
wherein the exhaust chamber (P1) is defined between the second cover (<NUM>) and the rear wall (<NUM>) of the cavity (<NUM>),
wherein the partition plate (<NUM>) is coupled to the rear wall (<NUM>) of the cavity (<NUM>),
wherein the second chamber (22b) is defined between the partition plate (<NUM>) and the rear wall (<NUM>) of the cavity (<NUM>).