CA2498227A1 - Fire hazard safety device for household appliances - Google Patents
Fire hazard safety device for household appliances Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2498227A1 CA2498227A1 CA 2498227 CA2498227A CA2498227A1 CA 2498227 A1 CA2498227 A1 CA 2498227A1 CA 2498227 CA2498227 CA 2498227 CA 2498227 A CA2498227 A CA 2498227A CA 2498227 A1 CA2498227 A1 CA 2498227A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- safety device
- appliance
- user
- time
- fire hazard
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B1/00—Details of electric heating devices
- H05B1/02—Automatic switching arrangements specially adapted to apparatus ; Control of heating devices
- H05B1/0202—Switches
- H05B1/0225—Switches actuated by timers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B1/00—Details of electric heating devices
- H05B1/02—Automatic switching arrangements specially adapted to apparatus ; Control of heating devices
- H05B1/0227—Applications
- H05B1/0252—Domestic applications
- H05B1/0258—For cooking
Description
FIRE HAZARD SAFETY DEVICE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a safety device that is installed between the electrical cord of a household appliance, such as an oven and/or stove elements, and a 220V electrical outlet to which the appliance is usually plugged. The safety device prevents operation of the appliance when it is left unattended by a user past a preset time period, for example 15 minutes to avoid fire hazards that might occur when a user simply forgets to turn the appliance off.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heating appliances, such as electric cook-tops, electric ovens, or a combination thereof, use electro-mechanical or electronic controls to program the operation of the appliance. The controls are generally proprietary to individual OEM
manufacturers and are difficult to modify.
Known in the art, there is U.S. patent No. 6,140,620 (Aldridge et al.), which discloses a device that can automatically disconnect an appliance from the source of electrical current after a preset period of time. The device is installed between the electrical cord of the appliance and a 220V electrical outlet to which the cooking appliance is usually plugged. The device is designed to disconnect the electric appliance such as a stove through a relay. The device automatically disconnects the appliance from the power source after a preset period of time, unless the user presses a switch, in which case a timer circuit is reset and a new countdown period is initiated, or alternately a specific time period is added to the remaining time period counted by the timer circuit each time the switch is operated, until a maximum time period is reached. However, the drawbacks of this prior art device are that the activation period is permitted until a maximum time is reached and that lines L1 and L2 are completely disconnected from the 220VAC
source so that the entire appliance is shut down.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a safety device that is installed between the electrical cord of a household appliance, such as an oven and/or stove elements, and a 220V electrical outlet to which the appliance is usually plugged. The safety device prevents operation of the appliance when it is left unattended by a user past a preset time period, for example 15 minutes to avoid fire hazards that might occur when a user simply forgets to turn the appliance off.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heating appliances, such as electric cook-tops, electric ovens, or a combination thereof, use electro-mechanical or electronic controls to program the operation of the appliance. The controls are generally proprietary to individual OEM
manufacturers and are difficult to modify.
Known in the art, there is U.S. patent No. 6,140,620 (Aldridge et al.), which discloses a device that can automatically disconnect an appliance from the source of electrical current after a preset period of time. The device is installed between the electrical cord of the appliance and a 220V electrical outlet to which the cooking appliance is usually plugged. The device is designed to disconnect the electric appliance such as a stove through a relay. The device automatically disconnects the appliance from the power source after a preset period of time, unless the user presses a switch, in which case a timer circuit is reset and a new countdown period is initiated, or alternately a specific time period is added to the remaining time period counted by the timer circuit each time the switch is operated, until a maximum time period is reached. However, the drawbacks of this prior art device are that the activation period is permitted until a maximum time is reached and that lines L1 and L2 are completely disconnected from the 220VAC
source so that the entire appliance is shut down.
2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The safety device according to a preferred embodiment of present invention complements the electro-mechanical or electronic controls for home appliances so as to eliminate fire hazard situation when the heating elements are running out of control due to failure of the control elements or when a user is not present and the temperature reaches the fire condition. In particular, the safety device according to the present invention is designed so that the 120V-operated equipment of the appliance is unaffected by it.
Preferably, the safety device for home electrical appliances can be used to enable a user to program the operation of the appliance through control switches or electronic keyboard for selection of programs, i.e. time, temperature, the display of user selected functions, .etc.
The invention as well as its numerous advantages will be better understood by reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments made in reference to the appending drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an electric block diagram of a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a front part of a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of back part of a fire hazard safety device that is connectable to the front part shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a remote command key transmitter that may be used with a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a back perspective view of a control board of a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the control board shown in Figure 5.
The safety device according to a preferred embodiment of present invention complements the electro-mechanical or electronic controls for home appliances so as to eliminate fire hazard situation when the heating elements are running out of control due to failure of the control elements or when a user is not present and the temperature reaches the fire condition. In particular, the safety device according to the present invention is designed so that the 120V-operated equipment of the appliance is unaffected by it.
Preferably, the safety device for home electrical appliances can be used to enable a user to program the operation of the appliance through control switches or electronic keyboard for selection of programs, i.e. time, temperature, the display of user selected functions, .etc.
The invention as well as its numerous advantages will be better understood by reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments made in reference to the appending drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an electric block diagram of a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a front part of a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of back part of a fire hazard safety device that is connectable to the front part shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a remote command key transmitter that may be used with a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a back perspective view of a control board of a fire hazard safety device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the control board shown in Figure 5.
3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the safety device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a self-contained unit having a male plug on the back side thereof for plugging it in an electrical power source of 220 Volts, and a female receptacle on the front side for receiving the appliance's plug (not shown). Preferably, the safety device is designed to prevent operation of the heating elements of a cooking appliance except when the user activates a timing function which enables their operation for a preset time period. The user must reset the timing function before expiration of the time period to keep the heating elements operating. The safety device is also designed so that the 120V-operated equipment of the cooking appliance is unaffected by it.
Referring to Figure 1, the safety device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a relay circuit connected between one of the power prongs of the male plug 1 and a corresponding one of the contacts of the female receptacle 2. The 120V-operated equipment of the cooking appliance is powered between the undisturbed power line in the safety device and the neutral line.
The relay 6 is normally in open state and is responsive to a control signal generated by a micro-controller providing a timing function. The control signal triggers the relay into closed state as long as the time period measured by the timing function of the micro-controller has not elapsed. The relay gets back into open state whenever the timing function stops. The micro-controller may be connected to a RF
module/decoder provided with an antenna for receiving a timer activating/reset signal from a remote control as shown in Figure 4. The remote control has a single push-button operable by the user of the cooking appliance for resetting the timing function and triggering a new count-down process for the preset time period. The safety device has a power supply circuit connected to the undisturbed power line and the neutral line and providing the required power supply for the electronic and electrical components of the safety device.
Referring back to Figures 2 and 3, the safety device may be especially used for insurance-related purposes. In such a case, the safety device would be installed
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the safety device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a self-contained unit having a male plug on the back side thereof for plugging it in an electrical power source of 220 Volts, and a female receptacle on the front side for receiving the appliance's plug (not shown). Preferably, the safety device is designed to prevent operation of the heating elements of a cooking appliance except when the user activates a timing function which enables their operation for a preset time period. The user must reset the timing function before expiration of the time period to keep the heating elements operating. The safety device is also designed so that the 120V-operated equipment of the cooking appliance is unaffected by it.
Referring to Figure 1, the safety device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a relay circuit connected between one of the power prongs of the male plug 1 and a corresponding one of the contacts of the female receptacle 2. The 120V-operated equipment of the cooking appliance is powered between the undisturbed power line in the safety device and the neutral line.
The relay 6 is normally in open state and is responsive to a control signal generated by a micro-controller providing a timing function. The control signal triggers the relay into closed state as long as the time period measured by the timing function of the micro-controller has not elapsed. The relay gets back into open state whenever the timing function stops. The micro-controller may be connected to a RF
module/decoder provided with an antenna for receiving a timer activating/reset signal from a remote control as shown in Figure 4. The remote control has a single push-button operable by the user of the cooking appliance for resetting the timing function and triggering a new count-down process for the preset time period. The safety device has a power supply circuit connected to the undisturbed power line and the neutral line and providing the required power supply for the electronic and electrical components of the safety device.
Referring back to Figures 2 and 3, the safety device may be especially used for insurance-related purposes. In such a case, the safety device would be installed
4 by an authorized technician who would place a seal lock on one of the screws securing the safety device to the wall when plugged in the usual power outlet for the cooking appliance. The seal lock would provide evidence of any tampering to by-pass the safety device, in a similar way to seal locks put on electrical company meters.
Referring back to Figure 1, the male plug's 1 pin Line1 is connected to relay contact NO and the output of the relay is connected to female receptacle 2.
Relay coil is driven by timer with approved time as set by a Safety Regulation Specification Standard.
The time ON is announced by two (2) beeps. Before the safety time expires multiple beeps are sounded and a user can in this remaining time extend the Run Time Program by the same Approved ON Time by sending the signal from remote control (single key) one-touch. This cycle could be repeated all the time set-up by the user by original home appliance settings, therefore the user sets up the cooking process by entering time, temperature and other features as convection bake, broil, tender cook, etc.
The purpose of this device is to automatically cut-off one (1) line of the power after determined number of minutes specified by the safety specification standard.
The safety device according to the present invention prevents a home cooking appliance to continue the cooking process with out user supervision.
The fire hazard safety device according to the present invention complements the electromechanical or electronic controls for home appliances to eliminate fire hazard conditions such as: when running out of control due to incorrect program setting; when a user is not present in the surrounding of the controlled appliance;
when the condition of the appliance causes a fire condition; or by misused domestic appliance, i.e. heating a home by electric oven or cook-top. The safety device periodically checks the user's intention to continue the set-up functions for cooking.
The safety device is a self-contained unit comprising of a male plug 40A-
Referring back to Figure 1, the male plug's 1 pin Line1 is connected to relay contact NO and the output of the relay is connected to female receptacle 2.
Relay coil is driven by timer with approved time as set by a Safety Regulation Specification Standard.
The time ON is announced by two (2) beeps. Before the safety time expires multiple beeps are sounded and a user can in this remaining time extend the Run Time Program by the same Approved ON Time by sending the signal from remote control (single key) one-touch. This cycle could be repeated all the time set-up by the user by original home appliance settings, therefore the user sets up the cooking process by entering time, temperature and other features as convection bake, broil, tender cook, etc.
The purpose of this device is to automatically cut-off one (1) line of the power after determined number of minutes specified by the safety specification standard.
The safety device according to the present invention prevents a home cooking appliance to continue the cooking process with out user supervision.
The fire hazard safety device according to the present invention complements the electromechanical or electronic controls for home appliances to eliminate fire hazard conditions such as: when running out of control due to incorrect program setting; when a user is not present in the surrounding of the controlled appliance;
when the condition of the appliance causes a fire condition; or by misused domestic appliance, i.e. heating a home by electric oven or cook-top. The safety device periodically checks the user's intention to continue the set-up functions for cooking.
The safety device is a self-contained unit comprising of a male plug 40A-
5 on the back side of the safety device with 50A-125/250V female receptacle on the front side of the safety device.
Line 2 (or 1 ) from the male plug is connected directly to contact 2 (or 1 ) of the female receptacle. The connecting wire is branched directly to the power supply terminal. The neutral wire is connected the same way from male plug to neutral connector of female receptacle with branch connected to the power supply terminal.
Installed inside the self-contained box is a Control Board containing reprogrammable micro-controller, micro-encoder, RF module, antenna and main relays 1/30A, 240VAC or 2I30A, 240VAC.
Line 1 (or 2) of male plug is connected to NO terminal of Relay RL-1 and the solid contact of RL-1 is connected to Line 1 (or 2) contact terminal of female receptacle.
During the time when there is no activity with the home appliance the power circuit is open. Only Line 2 (or 1) and neutral line are solidly connected between male plug and female receptacle. Neutral connection is branched to Control Board neutral terminal of power supply.
Relay RL-1 is controlled by preprogrammed micro-controller. Program of the micro-controller is activating the time relay. The ON/OFF time varies according to the safety regulations standards as specified by states (CA, USA) and municipal fire departments.
The timer is wirelessly controlled by the remote command key transmitter shown in Figure 4. The remote command key transmitter is used for remote control of the safety device. Selectable addressing provides security and allows distinct
Line 2 (or 1 ) from the male plug is connected directly to contact 2 (or 1 ) of the female receptacle. The connecting wire is branched directly to the power supply terminal. The neutral wire is connected the same way from male plug to neutral connector of female receptacle with branch connected to the power supply terminal.
Installed inside the self-contained box is a Control Board containing reprogrammable micro-controller, micro-encoder, RF module, antenna and main relays 1/30A, 240VAC or 2I30A, 240VAC.
Line 1 (or 2) of male plug is connected to NO terminal of Relay RL-1 and the solid contact of RL-1 is connected to Line 1 (or 2) contact terminal of female receptacle.
During the time when there is no activity with the home appliance the power circuit is open. Only Line 2 (or 1) and neutral line are solidly connected between male plug and female receptacle. Neutral connection is branched to Control Board neutral terminal of power supply.
Relay RL-1 is controlled by preprogrammed micro-controller. Program of the micro-controller is activating the time relay. The ON/OFF time varies according to the safety regulations standards as specified by states (CA, USA) and municipal fire departments.
The timer is wirelessly controlled by the remote command key transmitter shown in Figure 4. The remote command key transmitter is used for remote control of the safety device. Selectable addressing provides security and allows distinct
6 transmitter-receiver relationships (CA or USA). The receiver/decoder is paired with a decoder micro-controller. The key transmitter may be configured to meet specific requirements. Remote control/command and keyless entry combines an RF receiver with an on-board decoder and antenna.
After the safety device is installed permanently by an authorized or certified company. The electric oven, range, cook-top or combination electric oven c/w cook-top could be plugged into 120/240V receptacle.
The person using the heating appliance can now set-up functions for cooking process using complete instructions from the owner's manual. Time of day, minute minder and oven/range light could be set-up at anytime without activating safety device. Now the cooking/baking process could be started by activating remote command key transmitter. The Receiver/Decoder announced by several beeps that the Safety Time ON is activated and set-up cooking process started. The safety time expires after a predetermined setting, this is indicated by a number of beeps to get the attention of the user to confirm that the appliance should continue the cooking process. The user will confirm this by pressing the remote command key transmitter. Confirmation of acceptance is also announced by predetermined number of beeps. This process will continue after the setting program in the home appliance is complete or when the person using the heating appliance decides not to continue the cooking/baking process using the appliance control device or by not confirming the process by pressing key of RF transmitter. The power will be cut-off by electronic safety device after the safety time expires and is not extended by the user. The safety time cycle could be repeated during the cooking process entered by the user.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
After the safety device is installed permanently by an authorized or certified company. The electric oven, range, cook-top or combination electric oven c/w cook-top could be plugged into 120/240V receptacle.
The person using the heating appliance can now set-up functions for cooking process using complete instructions from the owner's manual. Time of day, minute minder and oven/range light could be set-up at anytime without activating safety device. Now the cooking/baking process could be started by activating remote command key transmitter. The Receiver/Decoder announced by several beeps that the Safety Time ON is activated and set-up cooking process started. The safety time expires after a predetermined setting, this is indicated by a number of beeps to get the attention of the user to confirm that the appliance should continue the cooking process. The user will confirm this by pressing the remote command key transmitter. Confirmation of acceptance is also announced by predetermined number of beeps. This process will continue after the setting program in the home appliance is complete or when the person using the heating appliance decides not to continue the cooking/baking process using the appliance control device or by not confirming the process by pressing key of RF transmitter. The power will be cut-off by electronic safety device after the safety time expires and is not extended by the user. The safety time cycle could be repeated during the cooking process entered by the user.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2498227 CA2498227A1 (en) | 2005-02-21 | 2005-02-21 | Fire hazard safety device for household appliances |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2498227 CA2498227A1 (en) | 2005-02-21 | 2005-02-21 | Fire hazard safety device for household appliances |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2498227A1 true CA2498227A1 (en) | 2006-08-21 |
Family
ID=36930049
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2498227 Abandoned CA2498227A1 (en) | 2005-02-21 | 2005-02-21 | Fire hazard safety device for household appliances |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2498227A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2174065B1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2019-02-13 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Heating device with watchdog timer |
| CN111096066A (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2020-05-01 | 品谱公司 | Secondary circuit and timing device for an appliance |
-
2005
- 2005-02-21 CA CA 2498227 patent/CA2498227A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2174065B1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2019-02-13 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Heating device with watchdog timer |
| CN111096066A (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2020-05-01 | 品谱公司 | Secondary circuit and timing device for an appliance |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |