BUILT-IN COOKING HEATER

Abstract

 A built-in heating cooker includes top section (11) with first openings (13) at least on its one sidewall (12), and cover (14) covering first openings (13). Cover (14) has second openings (18) only on its second sidewall (16), and is detachably disposed on first sidewall (12) of top section (11). This structure offers a highly reliable cooker which prevents ingress of boiled-over soup into a cooker body. In addition, detachable cover (14) offers an easy-care built-in heating cooker.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover structure of an air vent in built-in heating cookers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The structure for a cover of an air vent in a conventional built-in heating cooker (cooker) is disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H5-121155 and Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. H8-315974. For example, the cover is disposed over the air vent provided at the back of a top face of a cooker body, or the cover is disposed over an air inlet provided at the bottom of the cooker body and hooked with a spring.

[0003] Figs. 16 and 17 show the conventional cover structure. In Figs. 16 and 17, top plate 2 configured with a ceramic plate and so on is fixed inside top frame 1 configuring a top section. Air vent 3 is provided at the back of top plate 2 so as to cool components inside the cooker body. Cover 4 with numerous fine holes is disposed over air vent 3. Cover 4 is placed on multiple vibration-proof rubbers 5 provided on the periphery of air vent 3.

[0004] In the above conventional structure, large solids can be prevented from entering air vent 3 if soup boils over on top plate 2, but most of the liquids enter air vent 3, although cover 4 is provided, because air vent 3 faces upward. Consequently, a part of the liquid may come into contact with a live part inside the cooker body, resulting in equipment breakdown.

[0005] The present invention offers a highly reliable and user-friendly cooker that prevents ingress of spilled liquids to the cooker body and facilitates the cleaning of the cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A built-in heating cooker of the present invention includes a top section on which multiple first openings are created at least on its one sidewall, and a cover for covering the first openings. The cover has multiple second openings only on its sidewall at a predetermined distance from the first openings, and is detachably disposed over the first openings on the top section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a cooker (when a cover is removed), seen from the back, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the cooker (when the cover is attached), seen from the back, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a detailed sectional view of the cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a detailed sectional view of the cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the cooker in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a cover of a cooker in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a detailed sectional view of the cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a cooker (when a cover is removed), seen from the back, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8B is a perspective view of the cooker (when the cover is attached), seen from the back, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a cover of a cooker in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a detailed sectional view of the cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a cover of a cooker in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a detailed sectional view of the cooker, seen from the back, in the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a detailed sectional view of a cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a detailed sectional view of a cooker, seen from the back, in accordance with an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a detailed sectional view of a cooker in accordance with a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a conventional cooker seen from the back.

Fig. 17 is a detailed sectional view of the conventional cooker seen from the back.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 

1

Top frame

2

Top plate

3

Air vent

4, 14

Cover

5

Vibration-proof rubber

11

Top section

12

First sidewall

13

First openings

14a

First short cover

14b

Second short cover

15

Top face

16

Second sidewall

17

Bottom face

18

Second openings

19

Elastic member

20

Outer frame

21

Cabinet

22

First wall face

23

Second wall face

24

Protective frame

25

Protrusion

26

Support

27

Protrusion of support

28

Short part

29

Third openings

30

Sealing material

40

Heater

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to drawings. The drawings are schematic views and thus do not accurately indicate dimensional positions. For reasons of simplicity, components with the same structure are given the same reference numerals, and their duplicate descriptions are omitted. It is apparent that heaters 40 are disposed underneath top section 11 in all cookers of the present invention. As an example, two heaters 40 are illustrated in Fig. 1B. However, the number of heaters 40 is determined in accordance with the specifications of each cooker. Curved arrows in the solid line in the drawings indicate the movement of spilled liquids or boiled-over soup. Curved arrows in the dotted line indicate the flow of ventilation. The exemplary embodiments described hereafter are illustrative and not restrictive.

FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0010] The first exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Figs. 1A to 4. In Figs. 1A to 4, first openings 13 for ventilation are created on first sidewall 12 at the back of top section 11 configuring the cooker body so as to cool inside the cooker body. Top section 11 is equivalent to top frame 1 and top plate 2 described in the prior art.

[0011] Cover 14 is disposed over first sidewall 12 in a way to cover first openings 13. Cover 14 has top face 15, second sidewall 16, and bottom face 17. Second openings 18 are created on second sidewall 16. Elastic member 19 with a spring force is provided at both ends of cover 14. Elastic members 19 are fitted to both ends of first openings 13 such that cover 14 is detachably disposed on top section 11. Outer frame 20 delineating the cooker body is positioned inside top section 11, and the cooker body is installed on cabinet 21.

[0012] In this structure, the air vent at the back has no openings on the top face, and a predetermined distance (for example, about 10 mm) can be secured between first openings 13 and second openings 18. In addition, both first openings and second openings 18 are created on the upper sidewall of first wall face 22 and second wall face 23 extending from the bottom end of top section 11 and cover 14. As shown in Fig. 2, air that has cooled the cooker's internal space passes through between outer frame 20 and top section 11, and then through first openings 13, cover 14, and second openings 18 to outside.

[0013] The operation and effect of the ventilating structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. First, the case of spilling over soup at the back of top section 11 is examined. The boiled-over soup spills along top section 11, top face 15 of cover 14, and then drips onto cabinet 21. Since cover 14 is attached to top section 11, and no openings are provided on top face 15, the boiled-over soup does not enter inside cover 14. Moreover, even though a large volume of boiled-over soup spills onto cover 14, most of the liquid that arrives on cabinet 21 is blocked by second wall face 23 on the same plane as the second sidewall 16 of cover 14, and thus not so much of the liquid enters inside cover 14. However, since second openings 18 for cooling the cooker's internal space are provided, a small amount of boiled-over soup does penetrate inside. However, the boiled-over soup that passes through second openings 18 pools in a space inside cover 14, and thus does not yet enter the cooker. The further ingress of boiled-over soup is also blocked by first sidewall 12 of top section 11 and first wall face 22, and thus almost no boiled-over soup enters inside the cooker body.

[0014] The relative positions of first openings 13 and second openings 18 can further be adjusted to configure alternate positions when seen from the back so as to further block the boiled-over soup from passing through, although ventilation to outside is also slowed.

[0015] Detachable cover 14 is easily removed and cleaned. In other words, when second openings 18, the air vent, are stained and clogged, typically by boiled-over soup, detachable cover 14 can be easily removed and washed to keep it clean and regain its original performance. First openings 13 which are exposed when cover 14 is removed can also be cleaned.

[0016] Still more, cover 14 is attached using elastic member 19 with a spring force on both ends of cover 14. This allows the simple operation of pushing and pulling to attach and detach it from top section 11 even though cover 14 is disposed at the back, which is a difficult position for attachment. Still more, cover 14 can be firmly fixed to a sidewall, which is normally an unstable face for attachment, without any looseness. As described above, this exemplary embodiment offers a structure that can prevent boiled-over soup from entering the cooker body and also secure cooling performance. In addition, the detachable cover is easy to clean. Accordingly, the present invention offers a highly reliable and user-friendly apparatus which facilitates cleaning and reattachment.

[0017] Elastic member 19 can be integrally made with cover 14, or separately made and fixed to cover 14 by spot welding or screwing. Any material can be used for this elastic member 19 as long as it has spring properties. Any attachment system can also be used. For example, a leaf spring can be provided inside top section 11, and a face with cover 14 can be sandwiched and fixed between the leaf spring and top section 11. Or, if top section 11 and cover 14 are made of magnetic material, a magnet can be provided on both or either part. Alternatively, the same effect is achievable by a tab with a spring structure hooked to top section 11, and detached by a single touch.

[0018] The first exemplary embodiment also refer to the sidewall at the back. However, the same effect is achievable by changing the position of the openings depending on the installation conditions and cooling structure of the cooker body. For example, the openings can be provided on the left and right sidewalls in addition to the back, or only on the right sidewall.

SECOND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0019] The second exemplary embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the basic structure is the same as in the first exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structure that are different from the first exemplary embodiment are described. Cover 14 has a rough U-shape, and is configured with top face 15, second sidewall 16, and bottom face 17. Resin protective frame 24 is provided on both ends of cover 14, and tabs on this protective frame 24 are fitted to holes provided on top face 15 and bottom face 17. Protrusion 25 which has a guiding shape and round tip is provided at the center of protective frame 24. Cover 14 and protective frame 24 form an integral component by tab-fitting. The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the built-in heating cooker as configured above are described. Only the details which are different from the first exemplary embodiment are described. Other parts are the same as in the first exemplary embodiment. The case where cover 14 is attached to top section 11 is examined. First openings 13 for cooling are created on first sidewall 12 of top section 11, and protrusion 25 of protective frame 24 is inserted into these first openings. Protrusion 25 is made of resin, and thus it slightly dents and is pushed into first openings 13. Protrusion 25 is firmly fixed to top section 11 when it is further inserted. Protective frame 24 is fixed to the extent that the user can easily detach it, and thus removal is also easy. If the cover is made of metal, the edge can be covered with a resin protective frame. When the cover is attached or detached, the risk of injuring a finger with the edge of the metal cover is preventable, since the user holds the curved resin protective frame 24 without an edge at both ends. In addition, protrusion 25 provided inside cover 14 is fitted into first openings 13 which is a cooling hole, and thus cover 14 can cover first openings 13 without problems even if there are slight variations in attachment. In addition, since cover 14 is roughly U-shaped, it can be made of a thin metal (about 0.5 mm) while retaining its strength. Still more, when the cover is wiped with a cloth, the inside of cover 14 can be easily cleaned because its height is about 10 mm and width is thin, about 5 to 10 mm. As described above, the second exemplary embodiment offers a readily detachable cover. In addition, the cover is easily attached and detached without risk of injury after cleaning, offering a safe apparatus. It is apparent that the same effects as those in the first exemplary embodiment are achieved.

[0020] In this exemplary embodiment, cover 14 and protective frame 24 are attached using a tab-fitting. However, mechanical fixing such as bonding and screwing are also applicable. Protective frame 24 can also completely cover and be fixed to the ends of cover 14.

[0021] In the description, protective frame 24 is attached to both ends of the cover. However, too long a cover 14 tends to warp, and thus it is preferable to provide another protective frame at the center. This offers a neat apparatus without a gap between top section 11 and cover top face 15 when cover 14 is attached. In addition, a highly reliable apparatus which blocks the boiled-over soup from entering inside cover 14 via the gap is offered.

THIRD EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0022] The third exemplary embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 7. The basic structure is the same as the first exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structure that are different are described below. Cover 14 is configured with two short covers, which are respectively disposed on first sidewall 12 at the back of top section 11 in a detachable manner.

[0023] The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. In addition, for the operation and effect, only those parts that differ from the first exemplary embodiment are described. The case where cover 14 is removed from top section 11 is examined. Each short cover is a half or shorter than one side length of the cooker body, i.e., about 25 cm long. Accordingly, covers are compact and easy to clean if they become stained. In addition, these covers do not require a large space for drying after cleaning. Still more, these covers have a size small enough to be placed in a widespread dishwasher, facilitating cleaning. As described above, the third exemplary embodiment employs cover 14 consisting of two parts for offering further easy-care apparatus. It is apparent that the same effect as that described in the first exemplary embodiment is also achieved. The same effect as that described in the second exemplary embodiment is also achieved by providing a protective frame on both ends of two covers.

FOURTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0024] The fourth exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the basic structure is the same as the second exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structures that are different are described below. Cover 14 is configured with two short covers 14a and 14b. Resin support 26 is provided at the joint of the two covers. Support 26 is firmly fixed to first cover 14a, and is detachably fitted and lightly pressed into the other second cover 14b by a combination of holes and round protrusions. Protrusion 27 with a round tip and guiding shape, similar to protective frame 24, is provided at the center of support 26.

[0025] The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. Also for the operation and effect, only those parts different from the second exemplary embodiment are described. The case where cover 14 is attached to first sidewall 12 of top section 11 is examined. Cover 14 is configured as a single part, and it is fixed by lightly pressing protrusion 25 and protrusion 27 of support 26 into first openings 13. Next, the case where cover 14 is removed is examined. To remove cover 14, it can be simply pulled out by holding both ends of protective frame 24, since cover 14 is a single part (i.e., removal by a single operation). However, first short cover 14a and second short cover 14b of cover 14 are adjoined only by support 26, and thus cover 14 can be divided to first short cover 14a including support 26 and second short cover 14b. This makes the size of cover 14 more compact, and allows easy cleaning when stained and drying after cleaning in a small space. In addition, these short covers 14a and 14b are small enough to be placed in a widespread dishwasher, further facilitating cleaning.

[0026] In the fourth exemplary embodiment as described above, the cover is configured in a way that it can be mounted as a single integral part, and then divided into two parts after removal. This offers an easy-care apparatus which allows single operation for attaching the cover to the top plate, and also facilitates cleaning. It is apparent that the same effects as those described in the first to third exemplary embodiments are also achieved.

[0027] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, support 26 is hidden inside first short cover 14a and second short cover 14b when the covers are adjoined. However, other structures are also applicable. For example, top face 15 of the cover and the top face of support 26 can be leveled and support 26 can be exposed on attachment. Alternatively, U-shaped support 26 can be fitted to the cover end from the outside. The same effect is also achieved with these structures.

FIFTH EXEMPLAYR EMBODIMENT

[0028] The fifth exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the basic structure is the same as the first exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structures that are different are described below. Bottom face 17 of cover 14 has short parts 28 whose length in the attachment direction is shorter than the length of top face 15 of cover 14 in the attachment direction, and third openings 29 are formed on these parts. The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. Also for the operation and effect, only those parts different from the first exemplary embodiment are described. The case where cover 14 is attached to first sidewall 12 of top section 11 is examined. Since short parts 28 are present on bottom face 17 of cover 14, new third openings 29 are created in a space surrounded by cover 14 and first sidewall 12 in addition to second openings 18. In other words, the ventilation area in the cooling structure of cover 14 increases, leading to improved cooling performance. These third openings 29 are formed on the bottom face, and the presence of first wall face 22 blocks ingress of liquid into the cooker body. In other words, liquid-blocking capability can be maintained because third openings 29 do not have a detrimental effect on the liquid-blocking measure. As described above, the fifth exemplary embodiment increases the ventilation area (i.e., improved cooling performance) on the cover without affecting the liquid-blocking capability. Accordingly, this exemplary embodiment can offer a highly reliable apparatus which achieves both good liquid-blocking performance and cooling performance. Needless to say, it is difficult, in general, to achieve both liquid-blocking performance and cooling performance. It is apparent that the same effects as those described in the first to fourth exemplary embodiments are achieved.

SIXTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0029] The sixth exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the basic structure is the same as the second exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structures that are different are described below. Top face 15 and bottom face 17 of cover 14 have the same length in the attachment direction. Protrusion 25 of protective frame 24 is positioned at the center with respect to the height direction of cover 14.

[0030] The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. Also for the operation and effect, only those parts different from the second exemplary embodiment are described. First, the case where cover 14 is attached to first sidewall 12 of top section 11 is examined. According to the above configuration, cover 14 is attached at the center of first openings 13. Next, the case where cover 14 is attached upside down is examined. Since cover 14, protective frame 24, and protrusion 25 are symmetrically shaped on the left and right and up and down, cover 14 can be attached upside down onto first sidewall 12 of top section 11 without any inconvenience.

[0031] As described above, cover 14 can be attached to top section 11 without confirming the top and bottom in the sixth exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the present invention offers an apparatus in which cover 14 can be easily attached without making the user confused. In addition, both good liquid-blocking performance and cooling performance are made feasible. It is apparent that the same effects as those described in the first to fifth exemplary embodiments are also achieved.

SEVENTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0032] The seventh exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13, the basic structure is the same as the second exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structures that are different are described below. Top face 15 of cover 14 is attached to first openings 13 in a way such that top face 15 is inclined downward from the side of top section 11. The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. Also for the operation and effect, only those parts different from the first exemplary embodiment are described. The case of spilling over soup at the back of top section 11 is examined. The boiled-over soup spills on top section 11, and drips onto cover top face 15. Since top face 15 is inclined downward from the side of top section 11, the boiled-over soup spills along the slope and drips onto the outer face of the cooker body. Accordingly, no spilled liquid pools on cover top face 15, and thus no liquid enters inside cover 14 from a gap between first sidewall 12 and cover top face 15.

[0033] As described above, the seventh exemplary embodiment offers a highly reliable apparatus that makes the boiled-over soup completely runs outside of the cooker body even when the soup is spilled. It is apparent that the same effects as those described in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments are also achieved.

EIGHTH EXEMPALRY EMBODIMENT

[0034] The eighth exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 14, the basic structure is the same as the first exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structures that are different are described below. Sealing material 30 is applied to a contact face of cover top face 15 and bottom face 17 and first sidewall 12 of top section 11 in a way such that to surround an edge of cover 14. The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. Also for the operation and effect, only those parts different from the first exemplary embodiment are described. The case of spilling over soup at the back of top section 11 is examined. The boiled-over soup spills on top section 11, and drips to cover top face 15. Since sealing material 30 covers the edge of cover top face 15 contacting top section 11 so as to eliminate any gap between first sidewall 12 and cover 14, no liquid directly enters inside cover 14. Consequently, the boiled-over soup completely runs outside. As described above, the eighth exemplary embodiment offers a highly reliable apparatus that makes the boiled-over soup completely spill over outside of the cooker body even when the soup is spilled. It is apparent that the same effects as those described in the first to seventh exemplary embodiments are also achieved.

[0035] Sealing material 30 is typically provided by applying silicone foam or sealing tape on the edge.

NINTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0036] The ninth exemplary embodiment is described next with reference to Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 15, the basic structure is the same as the second exemplary embodiment, and thus only the parts of the structures that are different are described below. Cover top face 15 is fixed at a position lower than top section 11. The operation and effect of the ventilation structure of the cooker as configured above are described next. Also for the operation and effect, only those parts different from the first exemplary embodiment are described. Other parts are the same as the first exemplary embodiment. The case where a pot heated at the back of top section 11 is further moved backward is examined. Since cover 14 is disposed at a position lower than top section 11, the pot does not contact cover 14. The pot can thus be placed stably, and cover 14 can also be firmly secured onto top section 11. In addition, even when cover 14 is made of resin, cover 14 does not melt by the heat because there is no chance that the pot contacts cover 14, assuring the safe use.

[0037] As described above, the ninth exemplary embodiment offers a highly safe apparatus that enables stable placement of the pot and firm holding of the cover even when the pot significantly deviates and moves backward. It is apparent that the same effects as those described in the first to eighth exemplary embodiments are also achieved.

[0038] The cooker of the present invention has an air vent on the top section, and has a structure which makes liquids spilled over the top plate extremely difficult to pass through inside the cooker body. Accordingly, the present invention offers a highly reliable cooker. Moreover, the cooker of the present invention has a simple detachable cover which can be easily removed when the boiled-over soup sticks to the cover. Accordingly, the present invention also offers an easy-care cooker that can be easily cleaned.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0039] The built-in heating cooker of the present invention has a ventilation structure that both features effective countermeasures against spilled liquids and good cooling performance, and an easy-care cover structure. Accordingly, the cooker of the present invention is broadly applicable for use typically in apparatuses having air vents near liquids (e.g., cooking appliances, household appliances) and built-in appliances that may be exposed to spilled liquids.

Claims

1. A built-in heating cooker comprising:

a top section having a plurality of first openings at least on its one sidewall; and

a cover covering the first openings;

wherein the cover has a plurality of second openings only on a sidewall of the cover with a predetermined distance from the first openings, and the cover is detachably disposed on the first openings of the top section.

2. The built-in heating cooker as defined in Claim 1, wherein a rough U-shaped protective frame is provided on at least both ends of the cover, a protrusion is provided on the protective frame for fixing onto the top section, and the protrusion is press-fitted and fixed to the first openings.

3. The built-in heating cooker as defined in one of Claims 1 and 2,
wherein the cover for one sidewall consists of a plurality of covers..

4. The built-in heating cooker as defined in Claim 3, wherein the cover consists of two covers, and the two covers are joined by a support in a separable manner.

5. The built-in heating cooker as defined in one of Claims 1 and 2,
wherein a bottom face of the cover has a part shorter than a length of top face in an attachment direction.

6. The built-in heating cooker as defined in one of Claims 1 and 2,
wherein the cover is attachable to the top section without considering a vertical direction of the cover.

7. The built-in heating cooker as defined in one of Claims 1 and 2,
wherein a top face of the cover is inclined downward from a side of the top section.

8. The built-in heating cooker as defined in one of Claims 1 and 2,
wherein a sealing material is applied to an edge of the cover contacting the top section.

9. The built-in heating cooker as defined in one of Claims 1 and 2,
wherein the cover is disposed at a level lower than the top section when the cover is attached to the top section.

Drawing