Patent Application
20250237390
The description generally relates to cooking appliances, and more specifically a cooking appliance with a controllable valve assembly.
Cooking appliances, such as microwave ovens, conventional ovens, countertop appliances, etc. typically have a plurality of walls defining a cooking chamber, and heating elements or systems that generate heat to heat or cook food items in the cooking chamber.
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a cooking appliance with a housing having an interior wall at least partially defining a cooking chamber and having an access opening; a heating element located within the housing; a temperature sensor and configured to provide a signal indicative of a temperature within the cooking chamber; a chamber inlet in the interior wall fluidly coupling the cooking chamber to a source of air; a controllable valve assembly fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet and movable between an opened position, allowing airflow into the cooking chamber through the chamber inlet, and a closed position, inhibiting airflow through the chamber inlet; a controller in signal communication with the temperature sensor and operably coupled to the controllable valve assembly, with the controller configured to: determine at least one temperature condition within the cooking chamber based on the signal indicative of the temperature within the cooking chamber; compare the at least one temperature condition with at least one predetermined threshold value; and controllably operate the controllable valve assembly based on the comparison.
In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of operating a cooking appliance having a heating element. The method includes sensing at least one temperature in a cooking chamber of the cooking appliance, with the cooking chamber having a chamber inlet, and with a controllable valve assembly disposed in fluid communication with the chamber inlet; determining at least one temperature condition within the cooking chamber based on the at least one temperature; comparing the at least one temperature condition with at least one predetermined threshold value; and operating the controllable valve assembly to inhibit a flow of air into the cooking chamber when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the comparison.
In the drawings:
Cooking appliances can include one or more sensors for detecting various parameters, such as a component temperature, a cooking chamber temperature, a visual appearance or change of a food item, or the like. Such sensors can provide signals to a controller for operating one or more components of the cooking appliance during operation. In this manner, cooking appliances can generally include one or more sensors and one or more controllers for automatic control of a cycle of operation. For instance, in traditional cooking appliances utilizing gas or electric heat, a user may select a particular heat setting, e.g., “medium,” “power level 8,” or the like, for cooking or heating a food item for a predetermined amount of time. In microwave cooking appliances, a user may select a time duration, a power level, or the like for a cooking operation.
In some instances, a food item may become overheated during a cooking operation. Such overheating can lead to undesirable effects such as excessive browning or blackening, dryness, smoldering, smoke generation, or deflagration. For example, a microwave oven controller may switch off a power supply if smoke or deflagration is detected within the cooking chamber.
Aspects of the disclosure provide for a cooking appliance and method wherein a controllable valve assembly is provided for airflow control through the cooking chamber. Aspects of the disclosure additionally provide for a controller module configured to receive sensor signals indicative of a cooking chamber temperature, perform a comparison with a predetermined threshold indicative of an overheating condition, e.g., smoke generation, deflagration, smoldering, or the like, and to controllably operate the valve assembly to inhibit airflow through the cooking chamber. The cooking appliance and method described herein can be used with a wide range of cooking appliances, including microwave ovens, gas or electric ovens, or the like.
Features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” or the like can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. In addition, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Also, as used herein, while sensors can be described as “sensing” or “measuring” a respective value, sensing or measuring can include determining a value indicative of or related to the respective value, rather than directly sensing or measuring the value itself. The sensed or measured values can further be provided to additional components. For instance, the value can be provided to a controller module or processor, and the controller module or processor can perform processing on the value to determine a representative value or an electrical characteristic representative of said value.
Additionally, as used herein, a “controller” or “controller module” can include a component configured or adapted to provide instruction, control, operation, or any form of communication for operable components to effect the operation thereof. A controller module can include any known processor, microcontroller, or logic device, including, but not limited to: field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a proportional controller (P), a proportional integral controller (PI), a proportional derivative controller (PD), a proportional integral derivative controller (PID controller), a hardware-accelerated logic controller (e.g. for encoding, decoding, transcoding, etc.), or the like, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of a controller module can be configured or adapted to run, operate, or otherwise execute program code to effect operational or functional outcomes, including carrying out various methods, functionality, processing tasks, calculations, comparisons, sensing or measuring of values, or the like, to enable or achieve the technical operations or operations described herein. The operation or functional outcomes can be based on one or more inputs, stored data values, sensed or measured values, true or false indications, or the like. While “program code” is described, non-limiting examples of operable or executable instruction sets can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, algorithms, etc., that have the technical effect of performing particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Such a controller module as described herein may also compare a first value with a second value and may operate or control operations of additional components based on the satisfaction of that comparison. As used herein, the term “satisfies” or “satisfaction” of a comparison between a first value and a second value will refer to a determination of whether the first value exceeds the second value, or does not exceed the second value, or is equal to the second value, such that the comparison is “true” when satisfied. In addition, as used herein, the term “satisfies” or “satisfaction” of a comparison between a first value and a value range refers to a determination that the first value is within the value range, such that the comparison is “true” when satisfied. It will be understood that such a determination may easily be altered to be satisfied by a positive/negative comparison or a true/false comparison. Example comparisons can include comparing a sensed or measured value to a threshold value, or to a threshold value range. For example, when a sensed, measured, or provided value is compared with another value or range, including a stored or predetermined value or range, the satisfaction of that comparison can result in actions, functions, or operations controllable by the controller module.
Such a controller module as described herein can further include a data storage component accessible by the processor, including memory, whether transient, non-transient, volatile, or non-volatile memory. Machine-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing methods disclosed herein. Machine-executable instructions can include, for example, instructions and data, which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machine to perform a certain function or group of functions.
Additional non-limiting examples of the memory can include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or one or more different types of portable electronic memory, such as discs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, flash drives, universal serial bus (USB) drives, the like, or any suitable combination of these types of memory. In one example, the program code can be stored within the memory in a machine-readable format accessible by the processor. The program code can include a computer program product that can include machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media, which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Generally, such a computer program can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, algorithms, etc., that have the technical effect of performing particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Additionally, the memory can store various data, data types, sensed or measured data values, inputs, generated or processed data, or the like, accessible by the processor in providing instruction, control, or operation to effect a functional or operable outcome, as described herein.
The memory can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or one or more different types of portable electronic memory, such as discs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, etc., or any suitable combination of these types of memory. For instance, the memory can include all or a portion of a computer program having an executable instruction set for controlling the operation of the aforementioned components, or a method of operating the same.
Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined, and interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.
All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, aft, etc.) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of aspects of the disclosure described herein. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, secured, fastened, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to one another. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto can vary.
Turning to
The housing 12 can include one or more air inlets or outlets for ventilating, cooling, or the like the cooking chamber 14 of the microwave oven 10. In the illustrated example, the housing 12 includes an air inlet 54 and an air outlet 56. Any number of air inlets or air outlets can be provided. The air inlet 54 and the air outlet 56 can fluidly couple the interior 11 to ambient air. It is contemplated that the air inlet 54 and the air outlet 56 can be located on any suitable portion of the housing 12.
A chamber inlet 50 and a chamber outlet 52 can be located in the interior wall 13 and fluidly couple the interior 11 to the cooking chamber 14. In this manner, the chamber inlet 50 can fluidly couple the cooking chamber 14 to a source of air, such as ambient air. The chamber outlet 52 can fluidly couple the cooking chamber 14 to the interior 11 of the housing 12 as an exhaust. It will be understood that the chamber inlet 50 and the chamber outlet 52 can be provided in any suitable surface of the cooking chamber 14, including a side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, or the like.
One or more air flow paths can be provided through the housing 12 or cooking chamber 14. In the non-limiting example shown, a chamber air flow path 57 extends through the cooking chamber 14, including through the air inlet 54, the chamber inlet 50, and the chamber outlet 52. In addition, a ventilation flow path 55 can extend from the air inlet 54 to the air outlet 56 but remain outside the cooking chamber 14. The ventilation flow path 55 can, for instance, draw external cooking air, odors, or the like away from a cooking space upward through the air inlet 54 and outward through the air outlet 56. The ventilation flow path 55 can also join or merge with the chamber air flow path 57 towards and through the air outlet 56. For instance, air flowing along the ventilation flow path 55 can draw out air from the chamber outlet 52, wherein the ventilation flow path 55 and the chamber air flow path 57 can have a common outlet in the housing 12. In some implementations, the ventilation flow path 55 and the chamber air flow path 57 can have separate or discrete outlets in the housing 12. It is also contemplated that one or more fans, fluid pumps, or the like can be provided for flowing air along the ventilation flow path 55 or the chamber air flow path 57.
In addition, a controllable valve assembly or valve assembly 42 is provided and operably coupled to the chamber inlet 50. The valve assembly 42 can be configured to control, modify, or otherwise provide a predetermined airflow or inhibit the airflow into the cooking chamber 14 via the chamber inlet 50.
Inside the cooking chamber 14, a temperature sensor 15 can be coupled to the interior wall 13 and configured to provide a signal indicative of a temperature within the cooking chamber 14. In addition, the microwave oven 10 further includes a power source 17 and at least one microwave generator 18. The power source 17 can include a household power source in some examples. The microwave generator 18 can also include other elements, including at least one antenna (not shown) adapted to provide microwave radiation generated by the microwave generator 18. Such microwave radiation is fed into the cooking chamber 14 by way of at least one feeding port 20 electrically coupled with the microwave generator 18 by a conductor or transmission line 21. As shown, the microwave oven 10 includes a single microwave generator 18 although any number can be provided, including two or more. In some exemplary implementations where multiple microwave generators 18 are provided, such multiple microwave generators 18 can operate independently with respective outputs, or as a group with a common power output, or in any suitable fashion to collectively provide microwave radiation utilized to heat or cook the food item 16 in the cooking chamber 14.
The microwave oven 10 can also include a controller module 22 (also referred to herein as “controller 22”), which can be communicatively coupled with any or all of the temperature sensor 15, the controllable valve 42, the power source 17, or the microwave generator 18. In the non-limiting example shown, the controller 22 is communicatively coupled to each of the temperature sensor 15, the power source 17, and the microwave generator 18 by transmission lines 21. The controller 22 can be configured to control generation of microwave radiation by the microwave generator 18. For example, the controller 22 can operably control the power output of the power source 17, the operation of the microwave generator 18, or electromagnetic characteristics of the generated microwave radiation, such as a power level, frequency, phase, or the like.
It is further contemplated that the microwave oven 10 can include additional sensors such as, but not limited to, an optical sensor such as a camera, an audio sensor such as a microphone, a light sensor, a humidity or moisture sensor, a steam sensor, or the like. Such additional sensors can be communicatively coupled to the controller 22 and can be configured to provide signals indicative of characteristics of the cooking chamber 14 or the food item 16 during a cooking operation.
During cooking or heating operations, the controller 22 of the microwave oven 10 operates to control the generation of the microwave radiation by the microwave generator 18 and to provide the microwave radiation into the cooking chamber 14 by way of the feeding ports 20. The microwave radiation interacts with the food item 16 to heat or cook the food item 16.
Turning to
The controller 22 can include a processor 30 and memory 32. An exemplary sensor signal 27 received by the controller 22 is illustrated, such as from the temperature sensor 15 (
Referring now to
The controllable valve assembly 42 can be movable between various operational positions to control or adjust airflow into the cooking chamber 14 from the chamber inlet 50. In the illustrated example, the controllable valve assembly 42 is shown in an opened position 60. The opened position 60 as shown defines a fully open position allowing a maximum amount of airflow into the cooking chamber 14. It is understood that the controllable valve assembly 42 can also define other positions, such as a partially-opened position, allowing a smaller amount of airflow into the cooking chamber 14 compared to the opened position 60. In addition, the actuator 46 is operably coupled to the valve 44 and communicatively coupled to the controller 22. For example, the actuator 46 can receive a control signal from the controller 22 and operate to rotate the valve 44 to a predetermined position based on the control signal.
Turning to
Referring generally to
The controller module 22 can be configured to compare the determined temperature condition with one or more predetermined threshold values indicative of the presence of smoldering, overheating, deflagration, smoke, or the like within the cooking chamber 14. Such predetermined threshold values can include, but are not limited to, a maximum temperature, a maximum temperature rate of change, or a maximum temperature rate of increase.
The controller module 22 can be additionally configured to perform a first comparison by comparing the at least one temperature condition with a first threshold value. For instance, in a non-limiting example of operation, a temperature rate of change can suddenly increase during one time interval where deflagration commences, as compared to a previous time interval where no deflagration is present. The controller module 22 can determine a temperature condition, e.g., “temperature increase rate=25° C./sec,” “temperature rate of change=positive,” “present chamber temperature remaining above 240 C over a 4-second interval,” or the like. The controller module can perform a first comparison by comparing the temperature condition with a first predetermined threshold value, e.g., “maximum temperature increase rate=15° C./sec,” wherein overheating or deflagration is indicated. The controller module 22 can also, in some implementations, compare multiple temperature conditions with corresponding multiple predetermined threshold values, such as comparing a single sensed temperature with a maximum temperature, and also comparing a sensed temperature rate of change with a maximum temperature rate of change, as additional verification for indication of deflagration, smoke, or the like.
The controller 22 can additionally be configured to controllably operate or actuate the controllable valve assembly 42, such as to move to the opened position 60 or the closed position 62, based on the comparison with the one or more predetermined threshold values. For example, when at least one temperature condition satisfies the first comparison with the first predetermined threshold value, the controller 22 can provide a control signal to the actuator 46 to move to the closed position 62 and inhibit a flow of air into the cooking chamber 14. In this manner, deflagration can be eliminated within the cooking chamber 14 by way of airflow inhibition, without need of modifying operation of other components such as the power source 17.
In some implementations, the controller module 22 can be further configured to perform a second comparison by comparing a determined temperature condition with a second predetermined threshold value indicative of a continued presence of smoldering, overheating, deflagration, smoke, or the like within the cooking chamber 14. For instance, in one non-limiting example of operation, the determined temperature condition can include “chamber temperature has a positive rate of change” and the predetermined threshold value can include “chamber temperature rate of change is not negative within a 10-second interval after closing the valve.” In such a case, the controller module 22 with the thermostat 31 and the trip mechanism 33 can automatically cut the supply of power to the microwave generator 18 via the switch 35 when the temperature condition satisfies the second comparison. In this manner the controller module 22 can be configured to cease a heating operation when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the second comparison.
Referring now to
Aspects of the disclosure provide for several benefits. The controllable valve assembly provides for control of cooking chamber temperatures or environments by way of airflow or oxygen supply. Such airflow control can provide for continued operation of other components in the cooking appliance, such as operation of the power supply or the microwave generator. Aspects of the disclosure further provide for dual-option points of control for cooking chamber temperatures or conditions, by way of the controller ceasing a heating operation based on comparison with the second predetermined threshold as described above. In this manner, an overheating condition within the cooking chamber can be addressed by way of the controllable valve assembly, and additionally by way of ceasing a heating operation in the event of a persistent overheating condition.
To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Moreover, while “a set of” or “a plurality of” various elements have been described, it will be understood that “a set” or “a plurality” can include any number of the respective elements, including only one element. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.
This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can 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 have 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.
Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the following clauses:
A cooking appliance, comprising: a housing comprising an interior wall at least partially defining a cooking chamber and having an access opening; a heating element located within the housing; a temperature sensor and configured to provide a signal indicative of a temperature within the cooking chamber; a chamber inlet in the interior wall fluidly coupling the cooking chamber to a source of air; a controllable valve assembly fluidly coupled to the chamber inlet and movable between an opened position, allowing airflow into the cooking chamber through the chamber inlet, and a closed position, inhibiting airflow through the chamber inlet; a controller in signal communication with the temperature sensor and operably coupled to the controllable valve assembly, with the controller configured to: determine at least one temperature condition within the cooking chamber based on the signal indicative of the temperature within the cooking chamber; compare the at least one temperature condition with at least one predetermined threshold value; and controllably operate the controllable valve assembly based on the comparison.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the controllable valve assembly to the closed position when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the comparison by meeting or exceeding the at least one predetermined threshold value.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one temperature condition comprises at least one of a single temperature or a temperature rate of change, and the at least one predetermined threshold value comprises a corresponding at least one of a maximum temperature or a maximum temperature rate of increase.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one predetermined threshold value comprises a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and wherein the controller is further configured to: perform a first comparison by comparing the at least one temperature condition with the first threshold value; and perform a second comparison by comparing the at least one temperature condition with the second threshold value.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the controllable valve assembly to the closed position when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the first comparison.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the first threshold value comprises a positive rate of temperature change with the controllable valve assembly in the opened position, and wherein the second threshold value comprises a non-negative rate of temperature change with the controllable valve assembly in the closed position.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controller is operably coupled to the heating element and further configured to cease a heating operation of the heating element when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the second comparison.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controller is configured to at least one of modify a supply of power or cut a supply of power to the heating element to cease the heating operation.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controller further comprises a thermostat and a trip mechanism configured to automatically cut the supply of power to the heating element when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the second comparison.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one predetermined threshold value is indicative of a presence of at least one of smoldering, overheating, deflagration, or smoke within the cooking chamber, and wherein the controllable valve assembly is configured to inhibit the presence of the at least one of smoldering, overheating, deflagration, or smoke when in the closed position.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the heating element comprises a microwave generator for providing microwave radiation to the cooking chamber.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controllable valve assembly is located adjacent the chamber inlet.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the controllable valve assembly comprises a rotatable flap and an actuator configured to rotate the rotatable flap between at least the opened position and the closed position.
The cooking appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising: an air inlet located on the housing; a chamber outlet located in the cooking chamber; and a chamber air flow path extending through at least the air inlet, the chamber inlet, the cooking chamber, and the chamber outlet.
A method of operating a cooking appliance having a heating element, the method comprising: sensing at least one temperature in a cooking chamber of the cooking appliance, with the cooking chamber having a chamber inlet, and with a controllable valve assembly disposed in fluid communication with the chamber inlet; determining at least one temperature condition within the cooking chamber based on the at least one temperature; comparing the at least one temperature condition with at least one predetermined threshold value; and operating the controllable valve assembly to inhibit a flow of air into the cooking chamber when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the comparison.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the operating the controllable valve assembly comprises moving the controllable valve assembly to a closed position.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one predetermined threshold value is indicative of a presence of at least one of smoldering, overheating, deflagration, or smoke within the cooking chamber.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one predetermined threshold value comprises a first threshold value and a second threshold value each indicative of the presence of at least one of smoldering, overheating, deflagration, or smoke within the cooking chamber.
The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: performing a first comparison by comparing the at least one temperature condition with the first threshold value; operating the controllable valve assembly to inhibit the flow of air when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the first comparison; performing a second comparison by comparing the at least one temperature condition with the second threshold value; and ceasing a heating operation by cutting power to the heating element when the at least one temperature condition satisfies the second comparison.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one temperature condition comprises at least one of a cooking chamber temperature or a temperature rate of change.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the second threshold value comprises a positive rate of temperature change with the controllable valve assembly in a closed position inhibiting the flow of air into the cooking chamber.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the heating element comprises a microwave generator for providing microwave radiation to the cooking chamber.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.
The method of any preceding clause, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.
