GB2200226A

GB2200226A - A cooker control means

Info

Publication number: GB2200226A
Application number: GB08729026A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Hilfiker; Robert Mohr; Hans Reischauer
Original assignee: V-Zug AG
Current assignee: V-Zug AG
Priority date: 1987-01-26
Filing date: 1987-12-11
Publication date: 1988-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2007-12-11
Also published as: GB8729026D0; GB2200226B; NL8702540A; CH671141A5; DE3735418A1; BE1003221A3

Description

1 A COOKER CONTROL MEANS 2200226 The invention relates to a cooker control

means.

With old electric cookers it is generally known to set the maximum operating temperature by means of a settable thermostat regardless of whether there is heat only at the bottom, or only at the top, or both at the bottom and at the top. This has the disadvantage that one must never forget to set the correct temperature, because if one does there may be no heating at all or heating to the wrong temperature and the desired result will not be achieved.

From German PS 23 04 231 it is known to choose between three temperature ranges (for providing dough, for nonbrowning heat, and for browning heat), various degrees of fine adjustment of the regulating means being associated with these ranges. The temperature may be altered, and thus there is almost the same disadvantage as in the old cookers, i.e. that a wrong temperature set earlier will give the wrong results, even if the correct one of the three ranges is selected.

In order to avoid all of these irritations it has also been suggested that a certain number of modes should be provided selectable by means of a mode switch, a specific temperature being associated with each mode in fixed and unalterable manner. Once this temperature has been set up by the manufacturer it applies forever. if another temperature is desired another mode has to be selected.

2 This avoids errors due to a forgotten thermostat, but the number of temperatures which may be selected is limited. These cooker controls are known from US PS 4,456,820 and 4,517,452.

1 10 The object underlying the invention is to create a costeffective control means the use of which is foolproof yet still may be adapted to individual needs.

Accordingly, the invention provides a cooker control means, having mode selector which may be actuated on the outside by an operator, said selector selecting one of several predetermined modes each having an associated standard temperature which is predetermined, characterised in that a temperature adjuster also externally actuable by the operator allows the standard temperature to be temporarily altered to a preferred temperature which differs therefrom, the association of the standard temperature being reestablished automatically when there is renewed selection of a mode with the mode selector and/or after preparation of a food item has been completed at the preferred temperature.

This has the advantage that each time a mode is selected the often very suitable standard temperature is always selected thereby. This standard temperature may be altered temporarily to a differenti individual preferred temperaturer so that the temperature actually in use then is best adapted to individual requirements. - The preferred temperature which is set in this way only prevails, at the longest, until there is renewed mode selection, and/or until after the end of the relevant food preparation process.

C 4.1 ze 3 1 f- At Then the standard temperature is automatically reset, so that for each new operation the standard temperature is maintained. Thus determination of a temperature regarded as optimal is possi-ble for each individual process; yet there is the safeguard that no individual temperature selected 10 earlier, and which could now be very wrong. will be repeated. The automatically recurring standard temperature is in a range which is at least usable.

This makes it possible for those who would like handling to be as simple as possible, simply to select a mode and (with timer control in some case) to start the process. However, in addition to this very simple procedure it is also possible to regulate the temperature oneself, without losing the standard temperature as a result. And this is achieved automatically.

As many modes may be provided as desired, but because the temperature may further be regulated individually for an individual operation relatively few modes are usually enough, e.g.:

A) Heat at the bottom and at the top, at 2000C - standard temperat.ure- B) Heat only at top. used as grill, at 2800C standard temperature C) Hot air circulation, at 1800C standard temperature D) Pyrolysis (automatic oven cleaning), at 5000C standard temperature 4 While the pyrolysis temperature (mode D) may be fixed, for the sake of satety the adjustment range of the remaining modes (A,B,C) may be set anywhere between room temperature and 3000C.

Fig. 2 1 10 11 ill 112 113 114 t The few modes mentioned above by way of example may also be sub-divided. Thus mode B could be subdivided into a fermentation temperature stage. a non-browning stage and a browning stage, and this may also apply in mode C. At least one mode specifically directed to roasting while measuring the core temperature of the meat may be provided, or may be within for example mode C. At least one mode with microwaves is also feasible.

is An example of the invention will be discussed below using the purely schematic drawings with reference to the details just given of the modes.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a relatively small diagram of a cooker which is shown-as freestanding but could be refined as a built-in cooker or as an Under-hob cooker; and shows a block diagram which comparison with Fig. 1.

The following parts have been designated:

is enlarged in cooker switch panel mode selection controls (keys or push buttons) mode A selector mode B selector mode C selector mode D selector 1 1 12 adjustment button for changing the standard temperature into a preferred temperature; it may actuate a signalling means for example.

13 release button for activating 12.

14 temperature indication for mode-related standard temperature or for performed -temperature which differs from standard 17 171 172 173 174 18 temperature. clock. It could be digital. It makes -it possible to set the start and/or stop time of a process. door to the inside of the oven (not shown) which may be provided conventionally with heating, possibly air circulation, thermostat sensor etc. heating element for heat at the bottom. heating element for heat at the top. air circulation (no special heating element for hot air operation is shown here although it may be provided. temperature sensor in the oven; it may. be complemented by a core temperature sensor. control devices These controls may also be adapted to microwave operation, only this very simple representation is described here which makes-understanding easy.

The above listed parts are housed in and on the casing of the oven 1 in a suitable place and in a seitable manner.

For preparing a food item in the chamber of the oven 1, it may be introduced through the doors straight away if desired or alternatively only after an appropriate warming up time.

e -e,- 6 one of the selectors 111, 112, 113 or 114 is pressed and mode A,, B, C (described above) is selected; of course mode D is not used for preparing food.

If mode A has been selected, a.standard temperature of 2000C (as detailed above) is associated with this mode. The start and stop times of the process can be set on the clock 16 and the process would operate automatically. The heating elements 171 and 172 catering for the heat at the bottom and at the top and the heating operation are controlled by the control device 18 in accordance with the signals from the temperature sensor 170. At the end the clock switched off the process and sounds and acoustic signal.

is If however the temperature of 2000C does not suit the operator, he may set a preferred temperature which deviates therefrom by any desired temperature difference (within the limits set by the manufacturer), after pressing key A and before the process is set in motion.

In order to do this he must hold the release button 13 down and turn the adjustment knob accordingly. When the preferred temperature is set, then he may start the process again with the clock (set the start and stop times).

At the end not only does the clock switch off,, but the control device-18 also resets the standard temperature of 2000C for mode A.

By way of variation the adjusted preferred temperature could continue until one of the keys 111, 112.113 or 114 of the mode selector 11 is next actuated, provided this is a condition for renewed operation of the oven.

-3 1 M 7 A similar process is possible for modes B and C. As already stated mode D i.s preferably completely unalterable, i.e. fully automat-ic, for safety reasons and for the sake of convenience.

4:P 1,1 8

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS which said modes which A cooker control meanst having mode

selector may be actuated on the outside by an operator, selector selecting one of several predetermined each having an associated standard temperature is predetermined, characterised in that a temperature, adjuster (12) also externally actuable by the operator allows the standard temperature to be temporarily altered to a preferred temperature which differs therefrom, the association of the standard temperature being reestablished automatically when there is renewed. selection of a mode with the mode selector (11) and/or after preparation of a food item has been completed at the preferred temperature.
2. A cooker control means according to claim1, characterised in that the standard temperature may only be adjusted by the temperature adjuster (12) subject to actuation of an external release device (13) by the operator.
3. A cooker control means according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the temperature adjuster (12) actuates a signalling means.
4. A cooker control means substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Published 1988 at The Patent Office, State House, 6671 High Holborn, London WCIR 4TP. Further copies may be obtained from The Patent Office, Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD, Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd. St Mary Cray, Kent, Con. 1187.

Sales Branch. St Marv Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD, Printed by tatutapiex tecnniques ivA. o =-.y -.Y, - - - -