Oven Appliance With Dual Opening Doors

Abstract

An oven appliance having a pair of doors that open together to provide access to the cooking chamber of the appliance is provided. The doors are mechanically connected with other each such that the opening of one door also causes the other door to open--e.g., a user of the appliance can open both doors using only one door. The mechanism that allows for the simultaneous opening of the doors can be readily contained within the cabinet of the oven--substantially or completely hidden from the user's view.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter of the present invention relates to an oven appliance with dual opening doors for access to one or more cooking chambers of the appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional oven appliances generally include a chamber where food items are received for the application of heat or other energy to cook the food. Access to the chamber is controlled through one or more doors located on the front of the appliance. The user of the appliance can open or close the door(s) to provide a seal and insulation that helps retain heat energy during cooking.

[0003] For oven appliances having double doors (e.g., "French" doors), typically both doors must be opened in order for the user to remove large food items from the cooking chamber or to clean the chamber. Particularly during cooking operations, where the user might be holding a food item for placement in the cooking chamber, the ability to open both doors through manipulation of only one door is convenient to the user. For example, such dependent door operation--where both doors operate through manipulation of only one door--allows the user to hold a food item or utensil in one hand while using the other hand to open both doors at the same time.

[0004] Various structures have been proposed for connecting double doors of an oven so that they operate dependently. These structures typically use one or more complex arrangements of links or arms--at least part of which are exposed when the doors are opened. A significant amount of space is required in the cabinet for the return of links or arms when the doors are closed. These complex arrangements require cleaning since they are exposed during use of the doors. For some users, the appearance of the links may not be aesthetically pleasing. Manufacturing and assembly of such systems can also be complex.

[0005] Accordingly, an oven appliance with dependent double doors would be useful. More particularly, an oven appliance with double doors that can both be opened simultaneously by user manipulation of only one door would be beneficial. A mechanism for such dependent operation of the double doors that is relatively simple in manufacture and assembly would also be useful. An oven where such mechanism for operating the double doors can be hidden from use would also be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 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.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an oven appliance that includes a cabinet defining a chamber for the receipt of food for cooking. The chamber is accessed through an opening defined by the cabinet. A heating element is provided for heating the food and cooking in the chamber. A pair of doors is mounted proximate to the opening. Each one of the doors has an axis of rotation about which the door is rotatable so as to open or close access to the chamber through the opening. A pair of drive gears are connected with the doors and positioned along the axis of rotation of the door so as to rotate with the door. A connecting member extends between and is in contact with the pair of drive gears such that rotation of either one of the doors about its axis of rotation is transferred through the connecting member to the other of the doors to rotate the pair of doors simultaneously.

[0008] 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 embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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:

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an oven according to the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective and partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mechanism for opening the dual doors of an oven as described herein. A close up view of a portion of the mechanism is shown in FIG. 7.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a mechanism for opening the dual doors of an oven as described herein. A close up view of a portion of the mechanism is shown in FIG. 8.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a mechanism for opening the dual doors of an oven as described herein. A close up view of a portion of the mechanism is shown in FIG. 9.

[0016] Use of the same or similar reference numerals indicates the same or similar features unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides an oven appliance having a pair of doors that open together to provide access to the cooking chamber of the appliance. More specifically, the doors are mechanically connected with other each such that the opening of one door also causes the other door to open. Accordingly, a user of the appliance can open both doors using only one door. The mechanism that allows for the simultaneous opening of the doors can be readily contained within the cabinet of the oven--substantially or completely hidden from the user's view. Reference now will be made in detail to various 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.

[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an oven appliance 10 of the present invention. Oven 10 includes an insulated cabinet 12 that defines an interior cooking chamber 14 and is configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. Oven 10 includes a pair of doors 16, sometimes referred to as "French doors," that are mounted on cabinet 12 proximate to the opening 15 to chamber 14. Handles 18 allows for pulling one or both of the doors 16 to access to chamber 14 as will be further described below. Doors 16 rotate each rotate about an axis of rotation A-A that is also along the vertical direction for the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0019] One or more seals (not shown) between doors 16 and cabinet 12 provide for maintaining heat and cooking fumes within chamber 14 when door 16 is closed as shown in FIG. 1. Glass panes 22 provide for viewing the contents of chamber 14 when door 16 is closed as well as providing insulation between chamber 14 and the exterior of oven 10. A rack 24 is positioned in chamber 14 for the receipt of food items. Rack 24 is slidably received onto ribs/rails 26 such that rack 24 may be conveniently moved into and out of chamber 14 when door 16 is open. Multiple rails 26 are provided so that the height of rack may be adjusted.

[0020] Heating elements 28 and 30 are positioned within the chamber 14 of cabinet 12. Heating elements 28 and 30 are used to heat chamber 14 for both cooking and cleaning of oven 10. While electrically-resistive heating elements 28 and 30 are shown, the present invention may be used with other heating elements as well such as gas burners or microwave elements.

[0021] The operation of oven 10 including heating elements 28 and 30 is controlled by one or more processing devices (not shown) such as a microprocessor other device that is in communication with such components. User manipulated controls 29 on control panel 31 allow the user to make selections regarding temperature, time, and other options. The selections can be communicated to the processing device for operation of oven 10.

[0022] Such processing device is also in communication with a temperature sensor 32 that is used to measure temperature inside chamber 14. Although only one temperature sensor 32 is shown, it should be understood that multiple sensors 32 could be placed into oven 10 for determining the oven temperature. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the temperature within oven 10 may not be homogeneous during operation and can include regions that are hotter or colder. Accordingly, multiple temperature sensors can be used to more accurately determine oven temperature. In addition, the processing device(s) of oven 10 can be equipped with one on more algorithms for determining oven temperature based on input from multiple temperature sensors.

[0023] Oven 10 is provided by way of example only. The present invention may be used with other oven configurations. For example, the present invention may be used with an oven defining multiple interior cavities for the receipt of food and/or having different pan or rack arrangements than what is shown in FIG. 2. Heating elements at the top, back, or sides of chamber 14 may also be provided. Other configurations may also be used as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. The present invention may also be used with ovens having a variety of different types of heating sources such as microwave, halogen, gas fuel, electrical resistance, and combinations thereof.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of a mechanism 40 for the dependent or simultaneous opening of doors 16 of oven 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Each door 16 has an axis of rotation A-A (FIGS. 3 and 4) about which each door 16 rotates or pivots so as to open or close access to chamber 14 through opening 15. Mechanism 40 includes a pair of drive gears, which for this exemplary embodiment are constructed as a pair of first bevel gears 42. Each bevel gear 42 is connected with a respective door 16 through a door drive shaft 44 and is positioned along the axis of rotation A-A of a respective door 16 so as rotate with such door 16 as it moves (indicated by arrows M in FIG. 1) between a closed position and an open position. Shafts 44 are supported on cabinet 12 by brackets 52.

[0025] Mechanism 40 also includes a connecting member 46 that extends between and is in contact with the pair of first bevel gears 42. For this exemplary embodiment, connecting member 46 includes a shaft 48 having a longitudinal axis L-L that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-A of each door 16 and is supported on cabinet 12 by a bracket 54. Connecting member 46 also includes pair of second bevel gears 50 that are connected to shaft 48 at opposite ends thereof.

[0026] FIG. 7 provides a close-up perspective view of one end of connecting member 46. First bevel gear 42 and second bevel gear 50 contact or mesh such that rotation of either of gear 42 or 50 causes the other gear to also rotate. More specifically, the pair of first bevel gears 42 rotate about axis A-A while the pair of second bevel gears 50 rotate about longitudinal axis-L-L of shaft 48.

[0027] Accordingly, the opening or closing or either of doors 16 of appliance 10 causes the other door to also open or close simultaneously such that doors 16 operate dependently. For example, when a user grabs handle 18 to open or close either of doors 16, such door 16 will rotate about axis A-A, which will also cause a respective bevel gear 42 to also rotate about axis A-A. In turn, the rotation of bevel gear 42 is transferred through bevel gear 50 into the rotation of shaft 48 about its longitudinal axis L-L such that rotation of one bevel gear 42 also rotates the other bevel gear 42 and its associated door 16. Therefore, a user can e.g., use only one hand to open both doors 16 of oven 10 at the same time.

[0028] In addition, as shown e.g., in FIGS. 2 and 3, mechanism 40 can be concealed or hidden from view as it is contained behind or within control panel 31 of cabinet 12. As will be understood using the teaching disclosed herein mechanism 40 could also be located below doors 16 and still contained within cabinet 12 as well. The construction of mechanism 40 is such that only a limited amount of space is consumed.

[0029] An exemplary embodiment of another mechanism 140 for the dependent or simultaneous opening of doors 16 of oven 10 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. Each door 16 has an axis of rotation A-A about which each door 16 rotates or pivots so as to open or close access to chamber 14 through opening 15. Mechanism 140 includes pair of drive gears, which for this exemplary embodiment are constructed as a pair of worm gears 156. Each worm gear 156 is connected with a respective door 16 through a door drive shaft 144 and is positioned along the axis of rotation A-A of a respective door 16 so as rotate with such door 16 as it moves between a closed position and an open position. Shafts 144 are supported on cabinet 12 by brackets 152.

[0030] Mechanism 140 also includes a connecting member 146 that extends between and is in contact with worm gear 156. For this exemplary embodiment, connecting member 46 includes a shaft 148 having a longitudinal axis L-L that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-A of each door 16 and is supported on cabinet 12 by a bracket 154. Connecting member 146 also includes pair of spur gears 158 that are connected to shaft 148 at opposite ends thereof.

[0031] FIG. 8 provides a close-up perspective view of one end of connecting member 146. Worm gear 156 and spur gear 158 contact or mesh such that rotation of either of gear 156 or gear 158 causes the other gear to also rotate. More specifically, the worm gears 156 rotate about axis A-A while the pair of spur gears 158 rotate about longitudinal axis-L-L of shaft 148.

[0032] As such, the opening or closing or either of doors 16 of appliance 10 causes the other door 16 to also open or close simultaneously such that doors 16 operate dependently. For example, when a user grabs handle 18 to open or close either of doors 16, such door 16 will rotate about axis A-A, which will also cause a respective worm gear 156 to also rotate about axis A-A. In turn, the rotation of worm gear 156 is transferred through spur gear 158 into the rotation of shaft 148 about its longitudinal axis L-L so as to rotate the other spur gear 158 and its corresponding worm gear 156 and associated door 16. Therefore, a user can e.g., use only one hand to open both doors 16 of oven 10 at the same time. As with mechanism 40, mechanism 140 can also be concealed or hidden from view within cabinet 12 and only a limited amount of cabinet space is consumed.

[0033] An exemplary embodiment of another mechanism 240 for the dependent or simultaneous opening of doors 16 of oven 10 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. As with previous embodiments, each door 16 has an axis of rotation A-A about which each door 16 rotates or pivots so as to open or close access to chamber 14 through opening 15. Mechanism 240 also includes pair of drive gears, which for this exemplary embodiment are constructed as a pair of spur gears 260. Each spur gear 260 is connected with a respective door 16 through a door drive shaft 244 and is positioned along the axis of rotation A-A of a respective door 16 so as rotate with such door 16 as it moves between a closed position and an open position. Shafts 244 are supported on cabinet 12 by brackets 252.

[0034] Mechanism 240 also includes a connecting member 246 that extends between and is in contact with spur gears 260. For this exemplary embodiment, connecting member 246 includes a pair of rack gears 248 having a longitudinal axis L-L that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-A of each door 16 and connected together with block 262. As shown in FIG. 6, rack gears 248 are positioned such that their teeth 264 face each other.

[0035] FIG. 9 provides a close-up perspective view of one end of connecting member 246. Rack gear 248 and spur gear 260 contact or mesh such that rotation of either door 16 will rotate a corresponding spur gear 260 and cause rack gears 248 to slide along longitudinal axis L-L so that both spur gears 260 rotate simultaneously. Accordingly, the opening or closing or either of doors 16 of appliance 10 causes the other door to also open or close simultaneously such that doors 16 operate dependently. For example, when a user grabs handle 18 to open or close either of doors 16, such door 16 will rotate about axis A-A, which will also cause a respective spur gear 260 to also rotate about axis A-A. In turn, the rotation of such spur gear 260 is transferred through rack gears 248 into the rotation of the other spur gear 260 and movement of its associated door 16. Therefore, a user can e.g., use only one hand to open both doors 16 of oven 10 at the same time. In addition, as with previous embodiments, mechanism 240 can be concealed or hidden from view in either control panel 31 or some other portion of cabinet 12. Similarly, the construction of mechanism 240 is such that only a limited amount of space is consumed.

[0036] 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 defining a chamber for the receipt of food for cooking, the chamber accessed through an opening defined by the cabinet; a heating element for providing heat to the food for cooking in the chamber; a pair of doors mounted proximate to the opening, each one of said doors having an axis of rotation about which said door is rotatable so as to open or close access to the chamber through the opening; a pair of drive gears, each of said drive gears connected with said doors and positioned along the axis of rotation of said door so as to rotate with said door; and, a connecting member that extends between and is in contact with said pair of drive gears such that rotation of either one of said doors about its axis of rotation is transferred through said connecting member to the other of said doors to rotate said pair of doors simultaneously.

2. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of drive gears comprises a pair of spur gears, and wherein said oven appliance further comprises a pair of door drive shafts, each one of said door drive shafts connecting one of said doors to one of said spur gears.

3. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of drive gears comprises a pair of spur gears, each one of said spur gears positioned to rotate about the axis of rotation of one of said doors.

4. An oven appliance as in claim 3, wherein said connecting member has a longitudinal axis and comprises a pair of rack gears, each one of said rack gears positioned in contact with one of said spur gears such that rotation of either one of said doors causes said connecting member to slide along its longitudinal axis.

5. An oven appliance as in claim 4, wherein said rack gears are oriented to face each other.

6. An oven appliance as in claim 5, wherein said rack gears and said spur gears are contained within said cabinet.

7. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of drive gears comprises a pair of worm gears, and wherein said oven appliance further comprises a pair of door drive shafts, each one of said door drive shafts connecting one of said doors to one of said worm gears.

8. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of drive gears comprises a pair of worm gears, each one of said worm gears positioned to rotate about the axis of rotation of one of said doors.

9. An oven appliance as in claim 8, wherein said connecting member has a longitudinal axis and comprises a pair of spur gears, each one of said spur gears positioned in contact with one of said worm gears such that rotation of either one of said doors causes said connecting member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

10. An oven appliance as in claim 9, wherein said connecting member further comprises a shaft connected between said spur gears.

11. An oven appliance as in claim 10, wherein said worms gears and said spur gears are contained within said cabinet.

12. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of drive gears comprises a pair of first bevel gears, and wherein said oven appliance further comprises a pair of door drive shafts, each one of said door drive shafts connecting one of said doors to one of said first bevel gears.

13. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of drive gears comprises a pair of first bevel gears, each one of said first bevel gears positioned to rotate about the axis of rotation of one of said doors.

14. An oven appliance as in claim 13, wherein said connecting member has a longitudinal axis and comprises a pair of second bevel gears, each one of said second bevel gears positioned in contact with one of said first bevel gears such that rotation of either one of said doors causes said connecting member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

15. An oven appliance as in claim 14, wherein said pairs of first and second bevel gears are contained within said cabinet.

16. An oven appliance as in claim 14, wherein said second bevel gears are positioned at opposite ends of said connecting member.

17. An oven appliance as in claim 16, wherein said connecting member comprises a shaft connected between said second bevel gears.

18. An oven appliance as in claim 1, further comprising a pair of door drive shafts, each one of said door drive shafts connected to, and extending between, one of said doors and one of said drive gears, and wherein each one of said door drive shafts is positioned along the axis of rotation of one of said doors so as to rotate with said door.

19. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said drive gears and said connecting member are contained within a panel of said cabinet located over the opening to the chamber.

20. An oven appliance as in claim 1, wherein said drive gears and said connecting member are contained within said cabinet and below the opening to the chamber.