Convection oven

ES 2 817 536 T3

DESCRIPTION

Convection oven

Field of the invention

The present invention relates, in general, to cooking ovens and, in particular, to a convection oven having one or more air chambers.

Background of the invention

An oven generally includes an oven cavity configured to receive food products for cooking. The oven also includes a heating element, which can be an electrical resistance element or a gas burner, to generate thermal energy and cook any food placed within the oven cavity. Some ovens may include a fan to drive the movement of hot air within the oven cavity; ovens that are commonly called convection ovens.

Convection ovens have been the workhorse in commercial kitchens for many decades. Commercial convection ovens typically come in two sizes, namely, full and medium size. Full-size commercial convection ovens are designed to fit the industry standard space, which is approximately 40 inches (101.6 cm) wide by 40 inches (101.6 cm) deep, available for full-size convection ovens. complete in most commercial kitchens. The oven cavity of full-size commercial convection ovens is also sized to accommodate full-size industrial standard cooking pans, which are approximately 26 inches (66 cm) wide by 18 inches (45.7 cm) deep. . The height of the cooking cavity is usually approximately 50.8 cm (20 inches), and it can be configured to allow the racks to be positioned at various heights, such as 11 possible rack heights, to accommodate the height of various foods that can be cooked in a convection oven. For example, only 2 racks can be placed in a commercial convection oven when cooking 9-inch (22.8 cm) high turkeys, but 4-5 racks can be spaced evenly from top to bottom when cooking on These lasagna racks are 5 cm (2 inches) high. Mid-size commercial convection ovens are similarly configured and sized to fit industry-standard mid-size spaces in commercial kitchens and to accommodate industry-standard mid-size flat pans.

When cooking in a typical convection oven, the hot air inside the oven cavity is circulated by means of a fan. Typically, the fan initiates a flow of hot air by drawing air from the oven cavity through one or more return air openings, located in a rear wall of the oven cavity. The hot air then exits through other openings that are in the side walls or in the upper and lower walls of the oven cavity. Hot air moves through the oven cavity to help distribute heat energy over food products placed within the oven cavity. An example of a typical convection oven heating system can be found in US Patent No. 4,395,233 to Smith. et al.

US 5,172,682, WO 2005/066549, WO 00/64219 and US 4,455,478 disclose ovens.

One problem with a conventional convection oven heating system is that it can produce regions of high and low velocity airflow in the oven cavity, whereby the hot air is not evenly distributed within the oven cavity. As a result, food placed in the oven cavity may cook unevenly. For example, food placed on different racks at different heights inside the convection oven can be cooked at different speeds. Also, food placed on the same rack cannot be heated evenly. This uneven cooking can lead to food waste, as food placed in the warmer portions of the oven cavity may be unacceptably overcooked compared to food placed in the warmer portions. Cook unevenness can be partially remedied by rotating the cook trays within the oven cavity, as well as using reduced cook temperatures and blower speeds, although doing so will increase skilled labor requirements and cook times.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved convection oven that solves the problems identified above.

Summary of the invention

At present, it has been discovered that the above and related objects of the present invention are obtained in the form of various related aspects, including a convection oven having one or more air chambers. The invention is defined in the claims.

The present disclosure relates to a convection oven comprising a cover having a cavity of

ES 2 817 536 T3 oven and an oven door to access the oven cavity, an air channel on the left side, located on a left side wall of the oven cavity, an air channel on the right side, located in a right side wall of the oven cavity, an air blower to send hot air to the left side air channel and right side air channel, and an intermediate air chamber defining the lower part of an upper cooking chamber and the upper part of a lower cooking chamber within the oven cavity.

The intermediate air chamber comprises an air inlet on the left side, configured to receive a part of the hot air from the air channel on the left side, an air inlet on the right side, configured to receive a part of the hot air from the air channel on the right side, an upper surface of the chamber, which defines the upper part of the interior space of the intermediate air chamber and includes a plurality of upper air outlets, The upper air outlets are configured to direct upward from the upper cooking chamber a part of the hot air received through the air inlet on the left side and the air inlet on the right side, and a lower surface of the chamber that defines the lower part of the interior space of the intermediate air chamber and includes a plurality of lower air outlets, the lower air outlets being configured to direct down the lower cooking chamber a part of the hot air received through the air inlet on the left side and the air inlet on the right side.

In at least one embodiment, the upper air outlets and the lower air outlets of the intermediate air chamber are offset from one another.

In at least one embodiment, the intermediate bladder further comprises a front surface and a rear surface, wherein each of the front and rear surfaces is substantially impermeable to air, so that substantially no flow is allowed. of air through the front surface or the rear surface.

At least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the intermediate air chamber is curved.

In at least one embodiment, the upper surface of the chamber and the lower surface of the chamber are curved toward each other, such that a vertical gap between the upper surface of the chamber and the lower surface of the chamber at the inlet left side air intake is substantially equal to a vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the bottom surface of the chamber at the right side air inlet, and the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the bottom surface of the chamber at the left side air inlet or at the right side air inlet is greater than the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the lower surface of the chamber at a midpoint of the intermediate air chamber.

In at least one embodiment, a front cross section of the upper surface and the lower surface of the intermediate air chamber comprises two substantially hyperbolic curves.

In at least one embodiment, the intermediate air chamber comprising two hyperbolically curved surfaces such as the upper and lower chamber surfaces can be removed from the oven cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the bottom surface of the chamber at the right side air inlet or at the left side air inlet is between 3.8 cm and 7, 6 cm (1.5 inches and 3.0 inches), and the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the bottom surface of the chamber at the midpoint of the intermediate air chamber is between 0.6 cm and 3 , 1 cm (0.25 inches and 1.25 inches).

In at least one embodiment, each of the front and rear widths of the intermediate air chamber is between 50.8 cm and 76.2 cm (20 inches and 30 inches) and each of the lengths of the left and right side of the intermediate air chamber is between 38.1 cm and 63.5 cm (15 inches and 25 inches).

In at least one embodiment, the left side air inlet is directly connected to the left side air channel and the right side air inlet is permanently connected to the right side air channel.

In at least one embodiment, the left side air inlet is removably connected to the left side air channel, and the right side air inlet is removably connected to the right side air channel.

In at least one embodiment, each of the left side air channel and the right side air channel can be covered with a flap if it is not connected to the corresponding one of the left side air inlet and the left side air inlet. right.

In at least one embodiment, the intermediate bladder is removable from the oven cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the top surface of the chamber is configured to support a grid for

ES 2 817 536 T3 food from the upper cooking chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the convection oven further comprises a return air opening located in a rear wall of the oven cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the convection oven further comprises an upper left side air channel, located in the left side wall of the cavity, near the top of the oven cavity, and configured to receive a portion hot air from the air blower, an air channel on the upper right side, located on the right side wall of the cavity, near the top of the oven cavity, and configured to receive a part of the hot air from the air blower, and an upper air chamber located in the upper part of the oven cavity. The upper air chamber comprises an air inlet on the left side, configured to receive the part of the hot air from the air channel on the upper left side, an air inlet on the right side, configured to receive the hot air part of the air channel. air of the upper right side, an upper chamber surface, which defines the upper part of the interior space of the upper air chamber, and a lower chamber surface, that defines the lower part of the interior space of the upper air chamber and includes a plurality of air outlets, the air outlets being configured to direct the hot air received through the air inlet on the left side and the air inlet. air from the right side down the oven cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the upper bladder is removable from the oven cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the upper surface of the upper air chamber is flat and the lower surface of the upper air chamber is curved.

In at least one embodiment, a vertical gap between the upper surface and the lower surface of the upper air chamber, at the left side air inlet, is substantially equal to a vertical gap between the upper surface and the lower surface of the upper air chamber, in the air inlet on the right side, and the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the bottom surface of the chamber at the left side air inlet or the right side air inlet is greater than the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the lower surface of the chamber at a midpoint of the upper air chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the convection oven further comprises a lower left side air channel, located in the left side wall of the cavity, near the bottom of the oven cavity, and configured to receive a portion hot air from the air blower, an air channel on the lower right side, located on the right side wall of the cavity, near the bottom of the oven cavity, and configured to receive a part of the hot air from the air blower, and a lower air chamber located at the bottom of the oven cavity. The lower air chamber comprises an air inlet on the left side, configured to receive the part of the hot air from the air channel on the lower left side, an air inlet on the right side, configured to receive the part of the hot air from the air channel. air from the lower right side, an upper surface of the chamber, defining the upper part of the interior space of the lower air chamber and including a plurality of air outlets, the air outlets being configured to direct the hot air received through the left side air inlet and the right side air inlet up the oven cavity, and a lower chamber surface defining the bottom of the oven. interior space of the lower air chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the lower bladder is removable from the oven cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the upper surface of the lower air chamber is curved and the lower surface of the lower air chamber is flat.

In at least one embodiment, a vertical gap between the upper surface and the lower surface of the lower air chamber, at the left side air inlet, is substantially equal to a vertical gap between the upper surface and the lower surface of the lower air chamber, in the air inlet on the right side, and the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the bottom surface of the chamber at the left side air inlet or at the right side air inlet is greater than the vertical clearance between the top surface of the chamber and the lower surface of the chamber at a midpoint of the lower air chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the upper surface of the lower air chamber is configured to support a food rack.

The features, functions and advantages can be independently achieved in various embodiments of the present disclosure or can be combined with other embodiments, in which additional details can be noted with reference to the following description and drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

The following detailed description, provided by way of example and not intended to limit the present invention thereto only, will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

ES 2 817 536 T3

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a convection oven, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a front perspective view of an oven cavity of the convection oven of Figure

1, without an air chamber inside, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B is a front isometric view of the oven cavity of Figure 2A featuring air chambers in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3A-3D are various cross-sectional views of an oven cavity having air chambers within the convection oven of Figure 1, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3E-3F illustrate example directions of air flow within the oven cavity of the convection oven of Figure 1.

Figures 4A-4D are, respectively, a front isometric, top planar, side isometric and front cross-sectional view of an intermediate air chamber, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the example embodiments

In the present disclosure, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings, illustrating various example embodiments of the present invention.

Next, referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 1, an isometric view of a convection oven, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, is depicted. As shown, a convection oven 10 includes a cover having a top panel 11, a bottom panel 12, a rear panel 13, and two side panels 14a, 14b.

A pair of oven doors 15a, 15b can form the front panel of the cover and are pivotally connected to the side panels 14a, 14b, respectively, by hinges. The oven doors 15a and 15b may include handles 16a and 16b, respectively, for opening and closing, and a latch may be provided to hold the doors 15a, 15b in a closed position. The door detection switches (not shown) can be used to detect when the oven doors 15a, 15b are opening or closing.

In alternative embodiments, instead of a pair of oven doors, the oven may include a single oven door (not shown) that is pivotally connected to one of the side panels 14a, 14b, the top panel 11, or the panel bottom 12 through hinges, or one or more bottom hinged doors (also not shown).

The convection oven 10 also includes a control panel 18, which can be implemented with one or more control buttons, one or more touch screens, or a combination of a control button and touch screen technology. An operator can enter the cooking commands or parameters, such as cooking temperature, cooking time, fan speed, etc., through the control panel 18, to have a control of the cooking in any food placed inside convection oven 10.

Now, referring to Figures 2A-2B and 3A-3D, there are depicted various views of the cavity of an oven 20 within the convection oven 10, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A provides a front perspective view of the oven cavity 20 that does not have an air chamber therein. The oven cavity 20 is defined by an upper wall of the cavity 21, a lower wall of the cavity 22, a rear wall of the cavity 23 and left and right side walls of the cavity 24a and 24b, together with the oven doors. 15a, 15b (as shown in figure 1). The size of the oven cavity 20 for a full-size oven designed for the market can be about 0.28 m³ (10 cubic feet) in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. For oven cavities of smaller or larger size ovens different dimensions would apply. Located on both side walls of cavity 24a, 24b are multiple parallel rails 25a, 25b configured to support the placement of one or more air chambers within oven cavity 20.

In each of the left and right side walls of the cavity 24a and 24b there are one or more air channels for supplying hot air from one or more air blowers 19 (see, for example, Figures 3D and 3E) inside convection oven 10, into oven cavity 20. As shown in Figures 2A and 3A-3B, the left side wall of cavity 24a includes left side air channels 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, which are positioned parallel and vertically spaced from each other. Similarly, right side wall of cavity 24b includes right side air channels 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b, which are positioned parallel and vertically spaced from each other. Preferably, the left side air channels 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a and the right side air channels 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b are symmetrically placed on the right and left side walls of the cavity 24a, 24b, so that, as further described below, an air chamber positioned within the oven cavity 20 can receive hot air from a pair of left and right side air channels, located at substantially the same vertical height (eg, (26a, 26b), (27a, 27b), (28a, 28b), (29a, 29b)) across their left and right sides. Preferably, the size of each of the left side air channels 26a,

ES 2 817 536 T3

27a, 28a, 29a is substantially the same as the size of your corresponding right side air channel

26b, 27b, 28b, 29b.

Figure 2A shows that each of the left and right side air channels 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b can comprise a single horizontally elongated rectangular opening. In alternative embodiments, each air channel may take other shapes or designs, such as a plurality of rectangular or circular openings, or other shaped openings.

Figure 2A also shows a return air opening 30 located in the rear wall 23 of the oven cavity 20 (see also Figure 3D).

Next, referring to Figures 2B and 3A-3C, the oven cavity 20 may have one or more air chambers. Figure 2B provides a front isometric view of oven cavity 20 having an upper air chamber 126, a lower air chamber 129, and one or more intermediate air chambers 127, 128. Figures 3A-3C provide sectional views transverse front of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 placed in the cavity of the furnace 20. Figures 3A-3B also provide partial views of the right side air channels 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b in the right side wall of the cavity 24b and partial views of the left side air channels 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a on the left side wall of the cavity 24a of the oven cavity 20.

As shown in Figure 2B, the intermediate air chambers 127, 128 divide the oven cavity 20 into multiple cook chambers 226,227,228 (for example, three in this case). Upper air chamber 126 and intermediate air chamber 127 define the top and bottom of cooking chamber 226, respectively; intermediate air chamber 127 and intermediate air chamber 128 define the top and bottom of cooking chamber 227, respectively; and the intermediate air chamber 128 and the lower air chamber 129 define the top and bottom of the cooking chamber 228, respectively. The size of at least one of these cooking chambers 226, 227, 228 for a full-size oven designed for the market can range from 0.04 to 0.05 m³ (1.5 and 2.0 cubic feet) in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. For smaller or larger size oven cooking chambers, different dimensions would apply.

Each of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 comprises a front surface 126g, 127g, 128g, 129g (see Figure 2B), a rear surface 126h, 127h, 128h, 129h (see Figure 3C) a surface upper chamber 126c, 127c, 128c, 129c (see figure 3A), a lower surface of chamber 126d, 127d, 128d, 129d (see figure 3B), a left side having a left side air inlet 126a, 127a, 128a, 129a (see Figure 3A), and a right side having a right side air inlet 126b, 127b, 128b, 129b (see FIG. 3B), all of which define the outer surface and inner space of the air chamber. Preferably, the front and rear surfaces of each air chamber 126, 127, 128, 129 are substantially air impermeable so as not to allow air to flow through them.

When each of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 is positioned within the oven cavity 20, the front surface 126g, 127g, 128g, 129g of the air chamber 126, 127, 128, 129 faces toward the oven doors 15a, 15b; and the rear surface 126h, 127h, 128h, 129h faces the rear wall 23 of the oven cavity 20.

As shown in Figures 2B and 3A-3C, the intermediate air chambers 127, 128 may have a substantially identical structure. In alternative embodiments, each of the intermediate air chambers can have a different configuration structure.

As shown in Figures 3A-3B, the left side air inlet 126a of the upper air chamber 126 is connected or positioned adjacent to the left side air channel 26a, located in the left side wall 24a of the oven cavity 20, and the right side air inlet 126b of the upper air chamber 126 is connected or positioned adjacent to the right side air channel 26b, located in the right side wall 24b of the oven cavity 20, so that hot air flowing from the left and right side air channels 26a, 26b can enter the interior space of the upper air chamber 126 through the left and right side air inlets 126a, 126b, respectively.

As also shown in Figures 3A-3B, the left side air inlet 127a of the intermediate air chamber 127 is connected or positioned adjacent to the left side air channel 27a, located in the left side wall 24a of the cavity. of the oven 20, and the right side air inlet 127b of the intermediate air chamber 127 is connected or positioned adjacent to the right side air channel 27b, located on the right side wall 24b of the oven cavity 20, so that the hot air flowing from the left and right side air channels 27a, 27b can enter the interior space of the intermediate air chamber 127 a through the left and right side air inlets 127a, 127b, respectively. Similarly, the left side air inlet 128a of the intermediate air chamber 128 is connected or positioned adjacent to the left side air channel 28a, located in the left side wall 24a of the oven cavity 20 and the inlet of air from the right side 128b of the intermediate air chamber 128 is connected or positioned adjacent to the

ES 2 817 536 T3 right side air channel 28b, located in right side wall 24b of oven cavity 20, so that hot air flowing from left and right side air channels 28a, 28b can entering the interior space of the intermediate air chamber 128 through the left and right side air inlets 128a, 128b, respectively.

As also shown in Figures 3A-3B, the left side air inlet 129a of the lower air chamber 129 is connected or positioned adjacent to the left side air channel 29a, located in the left side wall 24a of the cavity. of the oven 20, and the right side air inlet 129b of the lower air chamber 129 is connected or positioned adjacent to the right side air channel 29b, located on the right side wall 24b of the oven cavity 20, so that hot air flowing from the left and right side air channels 29a, 29b can enter the interior space of the lower air chamber 129 a through the left and right side air inlets 129a, 129b, respectively.

Each of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 can be removed from the oven cavity 20. In that case, the left and right side air inlets 126a, 126b of the upper air chamber 126 are removably connected to the left and right side air channels 26a, 26b, respectively; the left and right side air inlets 127a, 127b of the intermediate air chamber 127 are removably connected to the left and right side air channels 27a, 27b, respectively; the left and right side air inlets 128a, 128b of the intermediate air chamber 128 are removably connected to the left and right side air channels 28a, 28b, respectively; and the left and right side air inlets 129a, 129b of the lower air chamber 129 are removably connected to the left and right side air channels 29a, 29b, respectively. Likewise, each of the air channels on the left and right sides 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b can be covered with a flap (not shown) if the corresponding air chamber is removed. from the oven cavity 20 and is no longer connected to the air channel.

In alternative embodiments, some or all of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 may be permanently attached to the oven cavity 20. In that case, the left and right side air inlets 126a, 126b of the upper air chamber 126 may be removably or permanently connected to the left and right side air channels 26a, 26b, respectively; the left and right side air inlets 127a, 127b of the intermediate air chamber 127 can be removably or permanently connected to the left and right side air channels 27a, 27b, respectively; left and right side air inlets 128a, 128b of intermediate air chamber 128 can be removably or permanently connected to left and right side air channels 28a, 28b, respectively; and the left and right side air inlets 129a, 129b of the lower air chamber 129 may be removably or permanently connected to the left and right side air channels 29a, 29b, respectively. For example, the upper and lower air chambers 126, 129 can be permanently attached to the oven cavity 20, while the intermediate air chambers 127, 128 can be removed from the oven cavity 20.

If the intermediate air chambers 127, 128 can be removed from the oven cavity 20, the number and size of the cooking chambers within the oven cavity 20 can be modified or adjusted by removing one or more intermediate air chambers from oven cavity 20. For example, if the intermediate air chamber 128 is removed, the oven cavity 20 has a relatively large cooking chamber at the bottom (with the combined space for the cooking chambers 227 and 228) and a smaller cooking chamber. 226.

As shown in Figures 3A-3B, the size and shape of each of the left side air inlets 126a, 127a, 128a, 129a of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 can substantially match with the size and shape of the corresponding left side air channel 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a from where the left side air inlet receives hot air. Similarly, the size and shape of each of the right side air inlets 126b, 127b, 128b, 129b can substantially match the size and shape of the corresponding right side air channel 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b from where the air inlet on the right side receives hot air.

In alternative embodiments, the size of each of the air inlets on the left and right sides of the air chambers may be smaller or larger than the size of the air channel from which the air inlet receives hot air. In further alternative embodiments, the shape of each of the left and right air inlets of the air chambers may be different from the shape of the air channel from which the air inlet receives hot air. For example, an air channel in the side wall of the oven cavity 20 may comprise a plurality of circular openings, while the corresponding air inlet of an air chamber may be in the form of an elongated rectangular opening.

As shown in Figures 3A-3C, the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 can be positioned with respect to the left and right side walls 24a, 24b within the oven cavity 20, such that hot air from left side air channels 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, and right side air channels 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b cannot flow into oven cavity 20 except through chambers of air 126, 127, 128, 129.

ES 2 817 536 T3

In alternative embodiments, the left and right side walls 24a and 24b of the oven cavity 20 may include separate additional openings (not shown) to allow additional air flow into the oven cavity 20 from the left and right sides. right.

As shown in Figures 3A-3B, each intermediate air chamber 127, 128 can be configured to direct hot air both up and down. The upper surface 127c of the intermediate air chamber 127 has a plurality of upper air outlets 127e that are configured to direct upward from the cooking chamber 226 a portion of hot air received from the left and right side air channels. 27a, 27b through the air inlets on the left and right sides 127 a, 127b. The lower surface 127d of the intermediate air chamber 127 has a plurality of lower air outlets 127f that are configured to direct down the cooking chamber 227 a portion of the hot air received from the left and right side air channels. 27a, 27b through the air inlets on the left and right sides 127a, 127b.

Similarly, the upper surface 128c of the intermediate air chamber 128 has a plurality of upper air outlets 128e which are configured to direct upward from the cooking chamber 227 a portion of hot air received from the air channels of the left and right sides 28a, 28b through the left and right side air inlets 128a, 128b. The lower surface 128d of the intermediate air chamber 128 has a plurality of lower air outlets 128f that are configured to direct down the cooking chamber 228 a portion of the hot air received from the left and right side air channels. 28a, 28b through the air inlets on the left and right sides 128a, 128b.

On the other hand, the upper air chamber 126 and the lower air chamber 129 are configured to direct the heated air in only one direction: up or down. The lower surface 126d of the upper air chamber 126 has a plurality of lower air outlets 126f that are configured to direct hot air received from the left and right side air channels 26a down the cooking chamber 226, 26b through the left and right side air inlets 126a, 126b. The upper surface 129c of the intermediate air chamber 129 has a plurality of upper air outlets 129e that are configured to direct upward from the cooking chamber 228 the hot air received from the left and right side air channels 29a, 29b through the left and right side air inlets 129a, 129b.

Next, referring to Figure 3D, a cross-sectional top view of the oven cavity 20 is shown, exposing the upper surface 127c and the upper air outlets 127e of the intermediate air chamber 127. Figure 3D shows an example air supply path in which the supply air exits an air blower 19 and flows through a left supply channel 40a and a right supply channel 40b to reach the air channels. air (for example, the right side air channel 27b) located in the left and right side walls 24a, 24b of the oven cavity 20. As shown in Figures 3C-3D, the rear wall of the channel 33 and the left and right side walls of the channel 34a, 34b of the convection oven 10 surround the cavity of the oven 20. The left supply channel 40a is defined by the portions of the rear wall of the channel 33 and the rear wall of the cavity 23, located to the left of the air blower 19, the left side wall of the channel 34a, and the left side wall of the cavity 24a. The right supply channel 40b is defined by the rear wall portions of the channel 33 and the rear wall of the cavity 23, located to the right of the air blower 19, the right side wall of the channel 34b and the right side wall of cavity 24b.

Figure 3D also shows an example return air path leading from oven cavity 20 to air blower 19 through a return air opening 30 located in rear wall 23 of oven cavity 20.

Figures 3E-3F illustrate the air flow directions (indicated by arrows) when the convection oven 10 of Figures 3A-3D is in operation, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3E, one or more air blowers 19 of the convection oven 10 send hot air to the left and right supply channels 40a and 40b and the hot air reaches the left side air channels and right 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b located on the walls of the left and right sides 24a, 24b of the oven cavity 20. Afterwards, the hot air enters the interior space of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 through the air channels on the left and right sides 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b .

Next, referring to Figure 3F, the upper air chamber 126 receives the hot air from the left and right side air channels 26a, 26b through the left and right side air inlets 126a, 126b, and then directs the hot air down the cooking chamber 226 through the lower air outlets 126f of the lower surface of the chamber 126d.

The intermediate air chamber 127 receives the hot air from the left and right side air channels 27a, 27b through the left and right side air inlets 127a, 127b, and then (1) directs a part of hot air up the cooking chamber 226 through the upper air outlets 127e of the upper surface of the chamber 127c and (2) directs a part of the hot air down the cooking chamber 227

ES 2 817 536 T3 through the lower air outlets 127f of the lower chamber surface 127d.

The intermediate air chamber 128 receives the hot air from the left and right side air channels 28a, 28b through the left and right side air inlets 128a, 128b, and then (1) directs a portion of the hot air up the cooking chamber 227 through the upper air outlets 128e of the upper surface of the chamber 128c and (2) directs a portion of the hot air down the cooking chamber 228 through the lower air outlets 128f of the lower chamber surface 128d.

The lower air chamber 129 receives the hot air from the left and right side air channels 29a, 29b through the left and right side air inlets 129a, 129b, and then directs the hot air up from the cooking chamber 228 through the upper air outlets 129e of the upper surface of the chamber 129c.

In this way, the hot air changes its direction from a generally horizontal path to a generally vertical path as it passes through air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 and enters cooking chambers 226, 227, 228. that are within the oven cavity 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3F.

Next, referring to Figure 3E, the air from the oven cavity 20 can return to the air blower 19 through the return air opening 30 located in the rear wall 23 of the oven cavity 20.

Preferably, the interior space of each of the air chambers 126, 127, 128, 129 is shaped to facilitate uniform distribution of the hot air flowing into the cavity of the oven 20. For example, as shown in Figures 3A-3C, the upper surface 127c, 128c and the lower surface 127d, 128d of the intermediate air chamber 127, 128 respectively define the upper and lower part of the interior space of the chamber. The intermediate air chamber can be shaped to optimize the uniform distribution of the hot air flow in the oven cavity 20. Similarly, the lower surface 126d of the upper air chamber 126 and the upper surface 129c of the lower air chamber 129 may be shaped to optimize the uniform distribution of hot air flow in the oven cavity 20.

According to an example embodiment shown in Figures 3A-3C, each of the upper surface 127c, 128c and the lower surface 127d, 128d of the intermediate air chamber 127, 128, the lower surface 126d of the air chamber upper surface 126, and the upper surface 129c of the lower air chamber 129 may be curved so that (1) a vertical gap between the upper surface of the chamber 126c, 127c, 128c, 129c and the lower surface of the chamber 126d, 127d, 128d, 129d at the left side air inlet 126a, 127a, 128a, 129a of each air chamber 126, 127, 128, 129 is substantially equal to a vertical spacing between the top surface of the chamber 126c, 127c, 128c, 129c and the lower surface of the chamber 126d, 127d, 128d, 129d at the right side air inlet 126b, 127b, 128b, 129b; and (2) the vertical clearance between the upper surface of the chamber 126c, 127c, 128c, 129c and the lower surface of the chamber 126d, 127d, 128d, 129d at the left side air inlet 126a, 127a, 128a, 129a. is greater than the vertical clearance between the upper surface of the chamber 126c, 127c, 128c, 129c and the lower surface of the chamber 126d, 127d, 128d, 129d at a midpoint of the air chamber 126, 127, 128, 129 .

For example, as shown in Figures 3A-3C (and also Figure 4D), the upper surface 127c, 128c and the lower surface 127d, 128d of the intermediate air chamber 127, 128 may be shaped such that their front cross section comprises two substantially hyperbolic curves, which are curved towards each other at a midpoint of the intermediate air chamber.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, various views of the intermediate air chamber 128 are depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A is a front isometric view of the intermediate air chamber 128 comprising substantially air impermeable front and rear surfaces 128g, 128h, an upper surface of the chamber 128c having a plurality of upper air outlets 128e, a lower surface of chamber 128d having a plurality of lower air outlets 128f, a left side air inlet 128a, and a right side air inlet 128b.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of intermediate air chamber 128 showing the upper surface of chamber 128c, having a plurality of upper air outlets 128e. Preferably, the lower surface 128d of the intermediate air chamber 128 has substantially the same structure as the upper surface of the chamber 128c. In that case, FIG. 4B may be a bottom plan view of the intermediate air chamber 128 showing the lower surface of the chamber 128d, having a plurality of lower air outlets 128f. As an example, the size of each upper air outlet 128e (or lower air outlet 128f) can range from 8 to 16.1 cm² (1.25 and 2.5 inches square). While each of the upper air outlets 128e (or lower air outlets 128f) shown in Figure 4B has a substantially rectangular shape, these may have a different shape in alternative embodiments, such as square, circular, elliptical. , rhombus, trapezoidal, hexagonal or another type of regular or irregular geometric shape.

Figure 4C is a side isometric view of the intermediate air chamber 128, looking towards the air inlet of the

ES 2 817 536 T3 right side 128b. The upper surface of the chamber 128c and the lower surface of the chamber 128d are curved towards each other at the midpoint of the intermediate air chamber 128, and the upper air outlets 128e and the lower air outlets 128f are se they can see partially. As shown in Figure 4C, the arrangements of the upper air outlets 128e and the lower air outlets 128f may be offset relative to each other, so that air changing its direction from horizontal to upward can push from the surface. solid surface of the lower surface of chamber 128d and likewise the air that changes its direction from horizontal to downward can push from the solid surface of the upper surface of chamber 128c. If the arrangements of the upper air outlets 128e and lower air outlets 128f are aligned with each other, the air moving up through the upper air outlets 128e would be pushing the air moving down through the air vents. lower air outlets 128f. By shifting the arrangements of the upper air outlets 128e and lower air outlets 128f of the intermediate air chamber 128, a higher air velocity can be achieved, which would result in reduced cooking times.

Figure 4D is a front cross-sectional view of intermediate air chamber 128, showing the cross section of the upper surface of chamber 128c and the lower surface of chamber 128d forming two substantially hyperbolic curves, one curving toward the other. another at a midpoint 1281 of the intermediate air chamber 128. This configuration optimizes the even distribution of hot air flow in the oven cavity by pushing the hot air received through the left and right side air inlets 128a, 128b into the increasingly narrow interior space as approaches the midpoint 128i of the intermediate air chamber 128.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the front and rear widths of the intermediate air chamber 128 for a full-size oven designed for the market can range from 20 to 30 inches (50.8 cm to 76.2 cm). inches) (for example, 68 cm (26.8 inches)). The length of the right and left side of the intermediate air chamber 128 (for example, the horizontal width of the left / right air inlet 128a, 128b) for a full-size oven designed for the market can vary between 38.1 cm and 63.5 cm (15 inches and 25 inches) (for example, 53.4 cm (21 inches)). In smaller or larger ovens, different dimensions will apply for the front and rear width and the length of the left and right side of the intermediate air chamber.

Likewise, the vertical clearance between the upper surface 128c and the lower surface 128d of the intermediate air chamber 128 at the left side air inlet 128a and at the right side air inlet 128b (for example, the vertical height of the left / right side air inlet 128a, 128b) for a full-size oven designed for the market can range from 3.8 cm to 7.6 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) (for example, 5 cm ( 2 inches), and the vertical spacing between the upper surface 128c and the lower surface 128d at the midpoint 128i of the intermediate air chamber 128 for such a furnace can range between 0.6 cm and 3.1 cm (0.25 and 1 , 25 inches) (for example, 1.77 cm (0.7 inches)). In smaller or larger size furnaces, different dimensions will apply for the vertical clearance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the intermediate air chamber.

As described, the present invention provides an improved convection oven that provides a more uniform flow of hot air within the oven cavity.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the example embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, it is apparent that those skilled in the art will be aware of many alternatives, modifications, and variants in form and detail. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and limited only by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification. .