OVEN APPLIANCE WITH FEATURES FOR SELECTING CONVECTION AIR FLOW DIRECTION

- General Electric

An oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet with a cooking chamber for receipt of food for cooking. The oven appliance also includes features for selectively generating a flow of heated air within the chamber in a first direction or a second direction. Selecting the direction of heated air within the chamber can improve cooking of food items therein.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to oven appliances with features for convection cooking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oven appliances generally include a cabinet with a cooking chamber positioned therein. The cooking chamber is configured for receipt of food articles for cooking. The oven appliance also includes a heating element for generating heat energy for cooking. The heating element can be, e.g., an electric resistance element or a gas burner. Certain oven appliances also include features for forcing movement of heated air within the cooking chamber. Such oven appliances are generally referred to as convection ovens.

In typical conventional ovens, heated air within the cooking chamber can be circulated with a fan when in a convection mode. The fan initiates a flow of heated air through a plurality of slots in a top wall of the oven's cabinet. The heated air exiting the slots in the top wall generally flows in a vertical direction. Such a configuration distributes heat energy evenly to food articles cooking on a top rack within the cooking chamber. However, food articles cooking on a lower rack disposed below the top rack generally do not receive the benefits of the flow of heated air because the top rack or items disposed on the top racks prevent the flow of heated air from continuing to the lower rack. Thus, when cooking food items on both the top and lower racks the benefits of convection oven may be limited to the food items disposed on the top rack.

In certain other convection ovens, the fan initiates a flow of heated air through a plurality of slots in a sidewall or a back wall of the oven's cabinet. The heated air exiting the slots in the sidewall or back wall generally flows in a horizontal direction. Such a configuration may distribute heat energy more evenly to both the top rack and the lower rack disposed below the top rack compared to the configuration described above. However, variations within the flow of heated air exiting the slots, e.g., due to slot size, slot configuration, or fan speed, can lead to uneven cooking. Also, heated air flowing from a back to a front of a food article may cause the back of the food article to cook more quickly than the front of the food article. Similarly, heated air impacting edges of a food article may cause the edges to cook more quickly than a center of the food article.

Accordingly, an oven appliance with features for improved convection cooking would be useful. In particular, an oven appliance with features for selectively generating a flow of heated air along a horizontal or a vertical direction would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet with a cooking chamber for receipt of food for cooking. The oven appliance also includes features for selectively generating a flow of heated air within the chamber in a first direction or a second direction. Selecting the direction of heated air within the chamber can improve cooking of food items therein. Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet having a chamber positioned within the cabinet. The chamber is configured for receipt of food items for cooking. A top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls define the chamber. The top wall defines a first plurality of apertures. The sidewalls or the back wall define a second plurality of apertures. A first duct is in fluid communication with the chamber through the first plurality of apertures. A second duct is in fluid communication with the chamber through the second plurality of apertures. A fan is in fluid communication with the first duct and the second duct. The fan is operable to cause air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

In a second exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet. A chamber is positioned within the cabinet and configured for receipt of food items for cooking. The chamber is defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing side walls that extend between the top wall and the bottom wall. A first plurality of apertures is defined by the top wall. A first duct is defined between the top wall and the cabinet. A second plurality of apertures is defined by the back wall. A second duct is defined between the back wall and the cabinet. A fan is in fluid communication with the first duct and the second duct. The fan is operable to cause air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

In a third exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet. A chamber is positioned within the cabinet and configured for receipt of food items for cooking. The chamber is defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls that extend between the top wall and the bottom wall. A first plurality of apertures is defined by the top wall. A first duct is defined between the top wall and the cabinet. A second plurality of apertures is defined by the sidewalls. A second duct is defined between the sidewalls and the cabinet. A fan is in fluid communication with the first duct and the second duct. The fan is operable to cause air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet having a chamber positioned within the cabinet. The chamber is configured for receipt of food items for cooking. A top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls define the chamber. The top wall defines a first plurality of apertures. The sidewalls or the back wall define a second plurality of apertures. A first fan and a second fan are also provided. The first fan is operable to cause air to flow out of the first plurality of apertures. The second fan is operable to cause air to flow out of the second plurality of apertures.

In a fifth exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a cabinet having a chamber positioned within the cabinet. The chamber is configured for receipt of food items for cooking. A top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls define the chamber. The top wall defines a first plurality of apertures. The sidewalls or the back wall define a second plurality of apertures. A first duct is in fluid communication with the chamber through the first plurality of apertures. A second duct is in fluid communication with the chamber through the second plurality of apertures. The oven appliance also includes means for causing air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front view of an oven appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the oven appliance taken along the 2-2 axis of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the oven appliance of FIG. 1 with a door of the oven appliance removed to reveal a cooking chamber and, in particular, to reveal a first plurality of apertures defined in a top wall of the oven appliance and a second plurality of apertures defined in a back wall of the appliance.

FIGS. 4-22 illustrate schematic views of various exemplary embodiments that may be used in the oven appliance of FIG. 1 configured for selectively generating a flow of heated air within the cooking chamber from the first plurality of apertures or from the second plurality of apertures.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of an oven appliance 100 is shown. FIG. 1 provides a front view of oven appliance 100. FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of oven appliance 100 taken along the 2-2 axis shown in FIG. 1. Oven appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 101 with a cooking chamber 116 positioned therein.

Cabinet 101 extends between a first side 140 (FIG. 1) and a second side 141 (FIG. 1) along a horizontal direction H. Cabinet 101 also extends between a front 142 (FIG. 2) and a back 143 (FIG. 2) along a transverse direction T. Cabinet 101 further extends between a top 144 and a bottom 145 along a vertical direction V. Transverse direction T is substantially perpendicular to horizontal and vertical directions H, V. Thus, vertical direction V, horizontal direction H, and transverse direction T are orthogonally oriented such that vertical direction V, horizontal direction H, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal directional system.

Chamber 101 has interior walls including opposing sidewalls 118, bottom wall 119, back wall 120, and top wall 121 that define cooking chamber 116. Bottom wall 119 and top wall 121 are spaced apart along the vertical direction V, and sidewalls 118 extend along the vertical direction V between top wall 121 and bottom wall 119. Back wall 120 extends between sidewalls 118 along the horizontal direction and also extends between top wall 121 and bottom wall 119 along the vertical direction V.

Sidewalls 118 include supports 122 (FIG. 2) for supporting oven racks 132 (FIG. 2) that may be selectively positioned within chamber 116. Oven racks 132 include a top rack 136 and a bottom rack 137. Top rack 136 is positioned above bottom rack 137 along the vertical direction V.

Oven 100 includes a door 104 with handle 106 that provides for opening and closing access to a cooking chamber 116. A user of the appliance 100 can place a variety of different items to be cooked in chamber 116 onto racks 132. Heating elements 117 are positioned at the top and the bottom of chamber 116 to provide heat for cooking and cleaning. Such heating element(s) can be e.g., gas, electric, microwave, or a combination thereof. Other heating elements (not shown) could be located at other locations as well. A window 110 on door 104 allows the user to view e.g., food items during the cooking process.

Referring to FIG. 1, oven 100 includes a user interface 102 having a display 103 positioned on top panel 114 with a variety of controls 112. Interface 102 allows the user to select various options for the operation of oven 100 including e.g., temperature, time, and/or various cooking and cleaning cycles. Operation of oven appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 160 (FIG. 2) that is operatively coupled i.e., in communication with, user interface panel 102, heating element(s), and other components of oven 100 as will be further described.

For example, in response to user manipulation of the user interface panel 102, the controller 160 can operate heating element(s). The controller 160 can receive measurements from a temperature sensor 113 (FIG. 2) placed in cooking chamber 116 and e.g., provide a temperature indication to the user with display 103. By way of example, the controller 160 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one exemplary embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout appliance 100. Thus, the controller 160 may be located under or next to the user interface 102 or otherwise within top panel 114. In an exemplary embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals are routed between the controller 160 and various operational components of appliance 100 such as heating element(s), controls 112, display 103, sensor(s), alarms, and/or other components as may be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the user interface panel 102 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block.

Although shown with touch type controls 112, it should be understood that controls 112 and the configuration of appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only. More specifically, user interface 102 may include various input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 102 may include other display components, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 102 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Also, oven 100 is shown as a wall oven but the present invention could also be used with other appliances such as e.g., a stand-alone oven, an oven with a stove-top, and other configurations as well.

Oven appliance 100 is equipped with features for selectively generating a forced flow of heated air within cooking chamber 116 (e.g., using a fan(s) as discussed in greater detail below). Thus, oven appliance 100 is generally referred to as a convection oven. Such a flow of heated air can, e.g., decrease the required cooking temperature for food items, decrease the amount of time needed to cook food items, or assist in cooking food items more evenly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of oven appliance 100 with door 104 removed. As may be seen in FIG. 3, top wall 121 defines a first plurality of vents or apertures 150. First plurality of apertures 150 is configured for directing a flow of heated air shown generally as AV (FIG. 2). The flow of air AV exits first plurality of apertures 150 flowing generally along the vertical direction V.

In FIG. 3, back wall 120 defines a second plurality of vents or apertures 152. Second plurality of apertures 152 is configured for directing a flow of heated air flow shown generally as AH/T (FIG. 2). The flow of air AH/T exits second plurality of apertures 152 flowing generally along the transverse direction T. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 such that the flow of air AH/T exits second plurality of apertures 152 flowing generally along the horizontal direction H.

First and second pluralities of apertures 150, 152 may have any suitable geometry. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, first and second pluralities of apertures 150, 152 may be elongated slots. Alternatively, first and second pluralities of apertures 150, 152 may be circular, triangular, oval, or any other suitable shape or combination of shapes.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, louvers or slats (not shown) may be mounted adjacent first and second pluralities of apertures 150, 152. The louvers are configured for redirecting flow AV and/or flow AH/T. For example, the louvers can more evenly direct flow AV and flow AH/T throughout cooking chamber 116. Thus, the louvers can redirect flow AV away from the vertical direction V and/or redirect flow AH/T away from the horizontal or transverse direction H or T respectively.

Oven appliance 100 is configured for selective generation of flow AH/T or flow AV as described in greater detail below. However, it should be understood that flow AV and flow AH/T need not exit first and second plurality of apertures 150 and 152 exactly along the vertical and transverse directions V and T respectively. For example, flow AV may exit first plurality of apertures 150 at an angle relative to the vertical direction V, e.g., about thirty, twenty, ten, or five degrees. Also, flow AH/T may exit second plurality of apertures 152 at similar angles relative to the transverse or horizontal directions T and H.

Looking back at FIG. 2, flow AV exits first plurality of apertures 150 flowing generally along the vertical direction V. From first plurality of apertures 150, flow AV may flow along vertical direction V downwardly until heated air flow AV impacts top rack 136. Such heated air can assist in cooking items disposed on top rack 136. For example, food items on top rack 136 may cook more evenly due to flow AV. However, top rack 136 or food items cooking thereon may prevent heated air of flow AV from continuing on to bottom rack 137. In particular, e.g., if top rack 136 is solid sheet of material or if food items are cooking on top rack 136, AV may be blocked at top rack 136, and bottom rack 137 or food items cooking thereon may not receive the benefit of the flow of heated air in AV.

Conversely, as may be seen in FIG. 2, flow AH/T exits second plurality of apertures 152 flowing generally along the transverse direction T from back 143 of cabinet 101 towards front 142 of cabinet. Thus, e.g., heated air within flow AH/T may flow across top rack 136 and across bottom rack 137. Accordingly, rather than being blocked by top rack 136 like flow AV, flow AH/T may flow between top rack 136 and bottom rack 137, and the benefit of heated air within flow AH/T may be received by food items on both top rack 136 and bottom rack 137. However, due to variations within flow AH/T, food items may cook unevenly on top and bottom racks 136 and 137 if only flow AH/T is present.

Thus, e.g., a user may selectively adjust oven appliance 100 (e.g., using controls 112) such that AV flows from first plurality of apertures 150 when food items are cooking only on top rack 136 or when only one of racks 132 is positioned within cooking chamber 116. Alternatively, the user may selectively adjust oven appliance 100 such that flow AH/T flows from second plurality of apertures 152 when food items are cooking on top rack 136 and bottom rack 137 or when multiple racks 132 are positioned within cooking chamber 116. A sensor (not shown) could also determine whether food items are cooking on top or bottom racks or when one or multiple racks 132 are positioned in cooking chamber 116 and adjust oven appliance 100 accordingly.

FIGS. 4-22 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically in various exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 4-6 and 8-22 are side cross-sectional views of oven appliance 100. FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of oven appliance 100.

In the various exemplary embodiments, oven appliance 100 is configured for selective generation of flows AH/T and AV. Thus, a user may selectively determine the direction of heated air flowing within cooking chamber 116. More particularly, oven appliance 100 includes features for causing air (e.g., heated air from chamber 116) to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures 150 or the second plurality of apertures 152 depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

In FIGS. 4-10, a single fan is used for selective generation of flow AH/T or flow AV. Conversely, in FIGS. 11-22, two fans are used for selective generation of flow AH/T or flow AV. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-22 are for illustrative purposes only and the other configurations may be used. For example, oven appliance 100 may include any suitable number of fans (e.g., three or more). In FIGS. 11-22, the fan urging air within the oven appliance is shown with cross-hatching.

In FIG. 4, oven appliance 100 includes an axial fan 200 mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. Axial fan 200 is positioned adjacent or within a manifold 201 defined in a dividing or boundary wall 125 disposed between a first cavity or duct 210 and a second cavity or duct 220. Manifold 201 provides for fluid communication between first duct 210 and second duct 220. Thus, axial fan 200 is in fluid communication with first duct 210 and second duct 220. First duct 210 is defined by cabinet 101, top wall 121, and boundary wall 125. Second duct 220 is defined by cabinet 101, back wall 120, and boundary wall 125.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations for first and second ducts 210, 220 may be provided. For example, additional boundary walls may be provided spaced apart from cabinet 101 and the walls of chamber 116 such that cabinet 101 is not needed to define first and second ducts 210, 220. Also, first and second ducts 210, 220 may be constructed of piping or other similar conduits for air disposed between cabinet 101 and the walls of chamber 116 or outside of cabinet 101.

As may be seen in FIG. 4, first duct 210 is in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 defined in top wall 121. Similarly, second duct 220 is in fluid communication with second plurality of apertures 152 defined in back wall 120. Accordingly, axial fan 200 is in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 and second plurality of apertures 152 through first and second ducts 210 and 220 respectively.

Axial fan 200 is configured for selectively rotating in a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation. The second direction of rotation being opposite to the first direction of rotation. Axial fan 200 urges air in opposite directions along the transverse direction T when axial fan 200 rotates in the first and second directions, respectively. Axial fan 200 is in communication with controller 160 (FIG. 2) such that a user may selectively adjust axial fan 200 between first and second directions of rotation, e.g., using user interface 102 (FIG. 1).

When axial fan 200 rotates in the first direction of rotation, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 into second duct 220. Subsequently, axial fan 200 urges such heated air from second duct 220 into first duct 210 through manifold 201. Such heated air is then urged through first duct 210 to first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV.

Alternatively, when axial fan 200 rotates in the second direction of rotation, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 into first duct 210. In turn, axial fan 200 urges such heated air from first duct 210 into second duct 220 through manifold 201. Such heated air is then urged through second duct 220 to second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

Thus, axial fan 200 selectively forces a flow of heated air within cooking chamber 116. In particular, axial fan 200 may rotate in the first direction to initiate flow AV and rotate in the second direction to initiate flow AH/T . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, axial fan 200 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 or sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to another exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 5 and 6, oven appliance 100 includes a radial fan 202 mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. Radial fan 202 is positioned adjacent or within manifold 201. Also, as discussed in greater detail below, manifold 201 is in fluid communication with cooking chamber 116 and selectively with first and second ducts 210 and 220.

Like in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, first duct 210 is defined by top wall 121, cabinet 101, and boundary wall 125. Second duct is defined by back wall 120, cabinet 101, and boundary wall 125. First duct 210 is in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 defined in top wall 121. Similarly, second duct 220 is in fluid communication with second plurality of apertures 152 defined in back wall 120.

Unlike axial fan 200, radial fan 202 is configured for rotation only in a single direction of rotation. However, radial fan 202 includes a damper 203 for selectively adjusting a flow of air from radial fan 202. Damper 203 is configured for selective adjustment between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration shown in FIG. 5, damper 203 hinders fluid communication between radial fan 202 and second duct 220 so as to direct air flow into first duct 210. In the second configuration shown in FIG. 6, damper 203 hinders fluid communication between radial fan 202 and first duct 210 so as to direct air flow into section duct 220. Thus, by shifting between the first and second configurations, damper 203 selectively controls fluid communication between radial fan 202 and first and second ducts 210 and 220. Radial fan 202 and damper 203 are in communication with controller 160 (FIG. 2) such that a user may operate radial ran 202 and selectively adjust damper 203 between the first and second configurations, e.g., using user interface 102 (FIG. 1).

When damper 203 is in the first configuration shown in FIG. 5, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged into manifold 201 by radial fan 202. In turn, radial fan 202 urges such heated air from manifold 201 into first duct 210 due to positioned of damper 203. Such heated air is then urged through first duct 210 to first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV.

When damper 203 is in the second configuration shown in FIG. 6, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is also urged into manifold 201 by radial fan 202. However, due to the adjusted position of damper 203, radial fan 202 urges such heated air from manifold 201 into second duct 220. Such heated air is then urged through second duct 220 to second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

Thus, radial fan 202 selectively generates a flow of heated air within cooking chamber 116. In particular, air urged by radial fan 202 into manifold 201 may be selectively directed by damper 203 into first or second ducts 210 and 220. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, radial fan 202 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 or sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 and manifold 201 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to a further exemplary embodiment. As discussed above, FIG. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view while FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view. In FIGS. 7 and 8, oven appliance 100 includes axial fan 200 mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. Axial fan 200 is positioned adjacent or within manifold 201 defined between first duct 210 and second duct 220. Thus, axial fan 200 is in fluid communication with first duct 210 and second duct 220. First duct 210 is defined by back wall 120, top wall 121, cabinet 101, and boundary wall 125. Second duct is defined by back wall 120, sidewalls 118, cabinet 101, and boundary wall 125.

As may be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, first duct 210 is in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 defined in top wall 121. Similarly, second duct 220 is in fluid communication with second plurality of apertures 152 defined in sidewalls 118. Thus, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is substantially similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4. However, second plurality of apertures 152 is defined in sidewalls 118 such that heated air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the horizontal direction H as flow AH/T.

Thus, when axial fan 200 rotates in the first direction of rotation, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV. Alternatively, when axial fan 200 rotates in the second direction of rotation, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the horizontal direction H as flow AH/T. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, axial fan 200 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 or sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to another exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 9 and 10, oven appliance 100 includes a radial fan 202 mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121. Thus, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is substantially similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, radial fan 202 is mounted to top wall 121 rather than back wall 120.

Like the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when damper 203 is in the first configuration shown in FIG. 10, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV. Alternatively, when damper 203 is in the second configuration shown in FIG. 9, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to a further additional exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 11 and 12, a first axial fan 230 and a second axial fan 232 are mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. Unlike axial fan 200 of FIG. 4, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the direction of rotation for first and second axial fans 230 and 232 is not selective. Thus, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 rotate in only one direction. For example, first axial fan 230 may rotate in the first direction, and second axial fan 232 may rotate in the second direction where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may selectively rotate in both the first and second directions. For example, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may both rotate in the first direction to increase air flow to first plurality of apertures 150. First and second axial fan 230 and 232 operation and direction of rotation are controlled by the controller 160.

It should be understood that, for FIGS. 11 and 12, it is assumed that first and second axial fans 230 and 232 have similar fan blade configurations. Thus, in FIGS. 11 and 12, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 urge air in the same direction along the transverse direction T when first and second axial fans 230 and 232 rotate in the first and second directions respectively. However, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may have opposite fan blade configurations. Thus, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may urge air in opposite directions along the transverse direction T when first and second axial fans 230 and 232 rotate in the first and second directions respectively. Those skilled in the art will understand how to incorporate axial fans 230 and 232 with opposite fan blade configurations, e.g., using controller 160 to selectively rotate either axial fan 230 or axial fan 232 in the same direction.

As may be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, first duct 210 is in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 defined in top wall 121. Similarly, second duct 220 is in fluid communication with second plurality of apertures 152 defined in back wall 120. First and second axial fans 230 and 232 are in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 and second plurality of apertures 152.

When first axial fan 230 rotates in the first direction of rotation as shown in FIG. 12, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV. Alternatively, when second axial fan 200 rotates in the second direction of rotation as shown in FIG. 11, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 or sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. In addition, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may switch positions with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to still another additional exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 13 and 14, a first radial fan 240 and a second radial fan 242 are mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. First radial fan 240 is disposed in first duct 210 and in fluid communication with cooking chamber 116 through a first manifold 241 that extends between cooking chamber 116 and first duct 210. Second radial fan 242 is disposed in second duct 220 and in fluid communication with first duct 210 through a second manifold 243 that extends between first duct 210 and second duct 220. Operation of first and second radial fans 240 and 242 is directed by the controller 160.

When first radial fan 240 rotates as shown in FIG. 14, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first manifold 241 into first duct 210. Through first duct 210, such heated air is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV.

Alternatively, when second radial fan 242 rotates as shown in FIG. 13, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 into first duct 210. Such heated air enters second duct 220 through second manifold 243. Through second duct 220, second radial fan 242 urges such heated air through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, first and second radial fans 240 and 242 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 or sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. In addition, first and second radial fans 240 and 242 may switch positions with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to another alternative exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 15 and 16, second axial fan 232 and first radial fan 240 are mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. First radial fan 240 is disposed in first duct 210 and in fluid communication with cooking chamber 116 through first manifold 241 that extends between cooking chamber 116 and first duct 210. Second axial fan 232 is disposed within second manifold 243 between second duct 220 and third duct 250. Operation of first radial fan 240 and second axial fan 232 is directed by the controller 160.

When first radial fan 240 rotates as shown in FIG. 16, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first manifold 241 into first duct 210. Through first duct 210, such heated air is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV. Alternatively, when second axial fan 200 rotates as shown in FIG. 15, heated air from cooking chamber 116 enters first duct 210 through first plurality of apertures 150. From first duct 210, second axial fan 232 urges such air into second duct 220. In second duct 220, such air is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, first radial fan and second axial fan 240 and 232 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 or sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. In addition, first radial fan and second axial fan 240 and 232 may switch positions with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120 with second duct 220 modified accordingly.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to yet another exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 17 and 18, first axial fan 230 is mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121 and second axial fan 232 is mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. Like the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the direction of rotation for first and second axial fans 230 and 232 is not selective. Thus, first and second axial fans 230 and 240 rotate in only one direction. For example, first axial fan 230 may rotate in the first direction, and second axial fan 232 may rotate in the first direction as well. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may rotate selectively rotate in either the first and second directions. For example, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may rotate in opposite or the same direction to increase air flow within first and second ducts 150 and 152.

As may be seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, first duct 210 is in fluid communication with first plurality of apertures 150 defined in top wall 121. Similarly, second duct 220 is in fluid communication with second plurality of apertures 152 defined in back wall 120. First and second axial fans 230 and 232 are in fluid communication with a third duct 250 that extends between first and second ducts 210 and 220 and is defined by cabinet 101 and boundary wall 125.

When first axial fan 230 rotates as shown in FIG. 18, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 into second duct 220. From second duct 220, such heated air enters third duct 250 and, subsequently, first duct 210. Within first duct 210, first axial fan 230 urges such heated air through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV.

Alternatively, when second axial fan 200 rotates as shown in FIG. 17, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 into first duct 210. From first duct 210, such heated air enters third duct 250 and, subsequently, second duct 220. Within second duct 220, second axial fan 232 urges such heated air through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. In addition, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may switch positions with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120. Further, first and second axial fans 230 and 232 may rotate in directions opposite to that shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 such that first axial fan 230 generates AH/T and second axial fan 232 generates AV.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to still another additional exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 19 and 20, first radial fan 240 is mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121, and second radial fan 242 is mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. First radial fan 240 is disposed in first duct 210 and in fluid communication with third duct 250. Second radial fan 242 is disposed in second duct 220 and in fluid communication with third duct 250.

When first radial fan 240 rotates as shown in FIG. 20, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 into second duct 220. Through second duct 220, such heated air is urged into third duct 250. From third duct 250, such heated air enters first duct 210 and exits first duct 210 through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV.

Alternatively, when second radial fan 242 rotates as shown in FIG. 19, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 into first duct 210. Such heated air enters third duct 250 and subsequently enters second duct 220. Through second duct 220, second radial fan 242 urges such heated air through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, first and second radial fans 240 and 242 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. In addition, first and second radial fans 240 and 242 may switch positions with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate oven appliance 100 schematically according to a further additional exemplary embodiment. In FIGS. 21 and 22, first axial fan 230 is mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent top wall 121, and second radial fan 242 is mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent back wall 120. First axial fan 240 is in fluid communication with third duct 250. Second radial fan 242 is disposed in second duct 220 and in fluid communication with third duct 250.

When first axial fan 230 rotates as shown in FIG. 22, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through second plurality of apertures 152 into second duct 220. Through second duct 220, such heated air is urged into third duct 250. From third duct 250, such heated air enters first duct 210 and exits first duct 210 through first plurality of apertures 150 where such air exits first plurality of apertures 150 in the vertical direction V as flow AV.

Alternatively, when second radial fan 242 rotates as shown in FIG. 21, heated air from cooking chamber 116 is urged through first plurality of apertures 150 into first duct 210. Such heated air enters third duct 250 and subsequently enters second duct 220. Through second duct 220, second radial fan 242 urges such heated air through second plurality of apertures 152 where such air exits second plurality of apertures 152 in the transverse direction T as flow AH/T.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other suitable configurations may be used to achieve such selective air flow. For example, first and second radial fans 240 and 242 may be mounted to cabinet 101 adjacent sidewalls 118 with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Similarly, axial fan and radial fan may be switched with first and second ducts 210 and 220 modified accordingly. Also, second plurality of apertures 152 may be defined in sidewalls 118 rather than back wall 120.

In the exemplary embodiments shown above, the controller 160 (FIG. 2) may be used to control operation of the fans. For example, the controller 160 may direct first and second axial fans 230 and 232 to operate. Similarly, controller 160 may also control the direction of rotation of first and second axial fans 230 and 232. In addition, controller 160 may direct first and second radial fans 240 and 242 to operate.

To further reiterate, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, axial fans 230 and 232 have a blade configuration that yields some component of axial flow (relative to the rotation of fan blades of axial fans 230 and 232) that reverses direction when rotation direction of axial fans 230 and 232 is reversed. Conversely, radial fans 240 and 242 have a blade configuration that yields some component of radial flow (relative to the rotation of fan blades of radial fans 240 and 242) when radial fans 240 and 242 rotate.

Further, the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-22 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Thus, other suitable configurations may be used as well for selective generation of flow AH/T or flow AV.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An oven appliance, comprising:

a cabinet having a chamber positioned within said cabinet, the chamber configured for receipt of food items for cooking;
a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and opposing sidewalls defining the chamber, said top wall defining a first plurality of apertures, said sidewalls or said back wall defining a second plurality of apertures, a first duct in fluid communication with the chamber through the first plurality of apertures, and a second duct in fluid communication with the chamber through the second plurality of apertures; and
a fan in fluid communication with said first duct and said second duct, said fan operable to cause air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

2. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein said fan is configured for rotation in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, wherein when said fan rotates in the first direction air flows out of the first plurality of apertures, wherein when said fan rotates in the second direction airflows out of the second plurality of apertures.

3. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein said fan is an axial fan.

4. The oven appliance of claim 1, further comprising a damper configured for selective adjustment between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration said fan directs air flow into said first duct, wherein in the second configuration said fan is directs air flow into said second duct.

5. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein said fan is a radial fan.

6. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein said fan comprises:

a first fan in fluid communication with the first duct; and
a second fan in fluid communication with the second duct.

7. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein said fan is positioned adjacent said top wall.

8. The oven appliance of claim 1, wherein said fan is positioned adjacent said back wall.

9. An oven appliance comprising:

a cabinet;
a chamber positioned within said cabinet and configured for receipt of food items for cooking, said chamber defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing side walls extending between said top wall and said bottom wall;
a first plurality of apertures defined by said top wall;
a first duct defined between said top wall and said cabinet;
a second plurality of apertures defined by said back wall;
a second duct defined between said back wall and said cabinet; and
a fan in fluid communication with said first duct and said second duct, said fan operable to cause air to flow out of either said first plurality of apertures or said second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

10. The oven appliance of claim 9, wherein said fan is configured for rotation in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, wherein when said fan rotates in the first direction air flows out of said first plurality of apertures, wherein when said fan rotates in the second direction air flows out of said second plurality of apertures.

11. The oven appliance of claim 9, wherein said fan is an axial fan.

12. The oven appliance of claim 9, further comprising a damper configured for selective adjustment between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration said fan is in fluid communication with said first duct, wherein in the second configuration said fan is in fluid communication with said second duct.

13. The oven appliance of claim 9, wherein said fan is a radial fan.

14. The oven appliance of claim 9, wherein said fan comprises:

a first fan in fluid communication with said first duct; and
a second fan in fluid communication with said second duct.

15. An oven appliance, comprising:

a cabinet;
a chamber positioned within said cabinet and configured for receipt of food items for cooking, said chamber defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing side walls extending between said top wall and said bottom wall;
a first plurality of apertures defined by said top wall;
a first duct defined between said top wall and said cabinet;
a second plurality of apertures defined by said side walls;
a second duct defined between said side walls and said cabinet; and
a fan in fluid communication with said first duct and said second duct, said fan operable to cause air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.

16. The oven appliance of claim 16, wherein said fan is configured for rotation in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, wherein when said fan rotates in the first direction air flows out of said first plurality of apertures, wherein when said fan rotates in the second direction air flows out of said second plurality of apertures.

17. The oven appliance of claim 16, further comprising a damper configured for selective adjustment between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration said fan is in fluid communication with said first duct, wherein in the second configuration said fan is in fluid communication with said second duct.

18. The oven appliance of claim 16, wherein said fan comprises:

a first fan in fluid communication with said first duct; and
a second fan in fluid communication with said second duct.

19. An oven appliance, comprising:

a cabinet having a chamber positioned within said cabinet, the chamber configured for receipt of food items for cooking;
a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and opposing sidewalls defining the chamber, said top wall defining a first plurality of apertures, said sidewalls or said back wall defining a second plurality of apertures; and
a first fan and a second fan, said first fan operable to cause air to flow out of the first plurality of apertures, said second fan operable to cause air to flow out of the second plurality of apertures.

20. An oven appliance, comprising:

a cabinet having a chamber positioned within said cabinet, the chamber configured for receipt of food items for cooking;
a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and opposing sidewalls defining the chamber, said top wall of defining a first plurality of apertures, said sidewalls or said back wall defining a second plurality of apertures, a first duct in fluid communication with the chamber through the first plurality of apertures, and a second duct in fluid communication with the chamber through the second plurality of apertures; and
means for causing air to flow out of either the first plurality of apertures or the second plurality of apertures depending upon the direction of air flow selected for cooking operations.
Patent History
Publication number: 20130284161
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 26, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 31, 2013
Applicant: General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY)
Inventor: Eric Scott Johnson (Louisville, KY)
Application Number: 13/456,792
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 126/21.0A
International Classification: F24C 15/32 (20060101);