EP2251609B1 - Cooking device with a muffle and method for operating a cooking device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cooking appliance with a muffle, which limits a cooking chamber and which has receptacles for preparation devices on the side walls, wherein the receptacles are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation device, and optical display elements for displaying a shelf level on the muffle are arranged adjacent to the respective associated receptacle. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for operating a cooking appliance with a muffle.

From the EP 1 260 770 A1 is a household appliance with a cooking chamber, in which the cooking space is limited by a muffle. On the side walls of the muffle receiving devices, such as grid frames are arranged on the inside, which are provided for receiving food supports as preparation devices, wherein in addition also different insertion levels are defined by the receiving device. Adjacent to these receiving devices, optical markings for indicating the insertion levels are formed on the vertical side walls of the muffle.

From the EP 0 981 027 A1 a muffle for a cooking appliance is known, which has receiving devices for food support on vertical inner walls. On these inner walls, optical display elements are arranged adjacent to the receiving devices. In addition, further optical display elements at the level of the respective insertion levels, by which the receiving devices are defined, are formed on a front muffle flange around the vertically oriented narrow flange edge.

The EP 0 981 027 A1 describes a cooking appliance, in which rails are arranged for baking trays on the inner side walls of a muffle. On the side wall luminous display elements can be arranged in front of a front end of the respective rail. Alternatively, such luminous display elements may extend over an angle between the border and a front side of the muffle. The shining ones Display elements indicate on which rails depending on the selected preparation cooking should preferably be arranged.

From the DE 10 2006 061 739 A1 is a Gargertät known in which rod-shaped light elements are arranged on lateral walls of a muffle, which limits a cooking chamber. These can be illuminated via light sources and the coupled-in light can be emitted via the light elements into the cooking chamber. As a result, partial spaces of the cooking chamber are illuminated. On the other hand, should be displayed with these lighting elements, which are then vertically subjacent insert levels to be stocked with food supports.

It is an object of the present invention to provide cooking appliances and methods for operating cooking devices, which allow a user-friendly and automated operation, the user should be taken in addition to the display of insertion levels more explicitly to be performed manual operations and automated.

This object is achieved by a cooking appliance, which has the features of claim 1, as well as by a method having the features of claim 10.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a cooking appliance comprises a muffle which delimits a cooking chamber and which has receptacles for preparation devices on side walls, wherein the receptacles are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation device. The cooking appliance also includes optical display elements for displaying a shelf level, which are arranged on the muffle adjacent to the respectively associated receptacles. An operating function of the cooking appliance is associated with a preferred rack level, which is displayed by selecting the operating function by lighting the associated display elements, wherein the operating function is additionally assigned functionally specific lighting of the cooking chamber and the automatic activation of the lighting depends on the selection of the operating function. The cooking appliance thus allows a more user-friendly and automated operation. In addition to the individual display of at least one preferred and most suitable shelf level for a selected one Operation function is also activated for the implementation of this operating function, the preferred lighting for lighting specific areas of the cooking chamber lighting.

It is provided that the cooking appliance has a first illumination device for irradiating light in the cooking chamber via a ceiling of the muffle and / or has a second illumination device for lateral light irradiation at the level of a shelf level and the first and / or the second lighting device with the Selection of the operating function can be activated automatically. The second lighting device may be formed in the door to close the cooking chamber. It can also be provided that the light sources are arranged outside the cooking chamber and the light is brought to the height of the respective insertion level via light guide elements and light shafts in the door and / or in the muffle and is radiated laterally or through the door into the cooking chamber, to illuminate the assigned shelf level. The first lighting device is preferably arranged in the middle of the ceiling of the muffle and thus radiates from above into the cooking chamber. Depending on an operating function and / or attachment of a preparation device or a plurality of preparation devices on the recordings, the respectively most suitable illumination in the cooking chamber can then be automatically achieved. This also follows automatically, so that the user can be provided activated the best possible lighting itself.

There are all optical display elements for displaying a rack level on the front sides of a flange of the cooking chamber delimiting muffle arranged. So are those optical display elements, which arranged the rack level with respect to the vertical inner walls of the muffle receptacles on such a front side of vertically oriented flange parts.

Furthermore, it is provided that an operating function of the cooking appliance is associated with a specific question-answer dialog, so that information can be exchanged between the cooking appliance and a user through the question-answer dialog. The automatic start of the question-answer dialog depends on the selection of this assigned operating function. In particular, thus another start takes place Information generation, by means of which the cooking appliance can independently select and set additional functionalities depending on this in order to optimize the preparation process with regard to the selected operating functions.

The cooking device preferably comprises a warning device, which visually and / or acoustically signals a user to penetrate into a preparation device on a preferred insertion level for an operating function.
Preferably, the question-and-answer dialogue includes questions about the shape and / or the dimensions of a preparation device provided by the user for the subsequent preparation process. Even then, if appropriate, the appropriate insertion level and a possible adaptation of processes of the preparation program can be carried out automatically.

Of course, the question-answer dialogue can also have more extensive questions, which takes place with regard to the individual setting of the cooking appliance.

It is preferably provided that a further insertion level is defined by the bottom of the muffle. In such an embodiment of the cooking appliance thus not only preparation devices can be applied to the arranged in pairs on the vertical walls of the muffle arranged receptacle, but at least one preparation device are also placed directly on the bottom of the muffle. The flexibility and variable usability of the cooking appliance can thus be further increased and further operating functions and other specific preparation processes access is possible with this cooking appliance. Preferably, the bottom of the muffle has at least two preparation zones, on which preparation devices are positioned, wherein the preparation zones are each individually heatable. It can thus be quasi the basic design of a hob in the oven and thus brought into the cooking chamber of the muffin. It can thus be placed on the ground at specific surface areas individual preparation devices.

As a preparation device can generally be provided a grate or grill pan or baking sheet. However, even for setting up on the floor of the muffle, a pan or a pot or the like may be provided.

It can also be provided that the floor is formed substantially over its entire surface as a preparation zone. As a result, relatively large preparation devices can be placed on the floor and heated evenly.

The preparation zones are preferably identified by delimitation markings on the floor, so that the areas on which the preparation apparatuses can be set up are easily visible to a user.

Preferably, at least one preparation zone has an optical display element which, depending on the operating function, is designed to indicate the selection of this preparation zone for placing a preparation device on it in the subsequent preparation process. If an operating function is thus selected in which the setting up of a preparation device is most suitable on a preparation zone on the bottom of the muffle, this is indicated by the visual display element in this preparation zone. The user can thus easily see where he should place the preparation device on the floor.

The design of the optical display element can be provided directly on the ground itself and be provided integrally there. For example, it may be provided that the area boundary characterizing the preparation zone is illuminated or illuminated.

It can also be provided that in addition to or instead of the bottom of the muffle is associated with an optical display elements for displaying the floor as a rack level at a selected operating function. With this visual display element, therefore, the user is basically initially informed that he should use the floor as such as a shelf level for the selected operating function. With this optical display element, however, it is preferably not yet indicated which of the preparation zones, if a plurality of such preparation zones are provided on the floor, should ultimately be used. In the case of such an embodiment, this can then be more precisely with that optical display element take place, which is then assigned to the specific preparation zone on the ground.

Preferably, the optical display element is arranged to display the floor as a suitable insertion level on a front side of a flange of the cooking chamber defining muffle, in particular arranged on a lower flange part. Preferably, it is thus provided that the user quickly and reliably recognizes by this specific position of the optical display element that he should choose the floor as a rack level for a preparation device.

Preferably, the cooking appliance comprises a control unit, which is designed to control a heating device of a cooking device, wherein at a specific operating function of the cooking appliance at least two insertion levels are simultaneously movable by a respective preparation device and the control of the heater depending on the actually used number of preparation devices is feasible. If the user thus selects an operating function in which several preparation devices can also be introduced simultaneously into the cooking space at different levels of insertion, a corresponding heating power by the heating device is required for the preparation of the corresponding foods. However, if the theoretically predetermined maximum number of preparation devices is not introduced into the cooking chamber on the receptacles but a reduced number of preparation devices are introduced, this is detected by corresponding sensors of the cooking appliance and the sequence of the operating function is adapted thereto, in which case the actually used number of preparation devices is detected and depending on the control of the heater takes place. For example, it may be provided in an oven that the hot air mode is selected as an operating function. With such an operating function, several baking trays can be placed on different shelving levels. By the actually introduced number of preparation devices is detected and depending on the number of insertion levels used inside the device is a correction of the control of the heater. For example, then a lower oven temperature is set so that a more uniform heating and a more uniform preparation of all food can be done during the ongoing preparation process.

In a method according to the invention analogous to the cooking appliance according to the first aspect of the invention, an operating level of the cooking appliance is assigned a preferred shelf level, which is displayed by selecting the operating function by lighting the associated display elements, the operating function is assigned a specific lighting of the oven function and depending on when selecting the operating function, the lighting is automatically activated. Again, advantageous embodiments of the cooking appliance according to the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the inventive method according to the first aspect.

In general, it can be achieved that, for example, in a conventional oven heating operation is selected and the preferred insertion levels are displayed by the associated optical display elements and in addition with the start of the conventional heating operation or offset in time a question-answer dialog is started. This can be based on voice input and voice output and / or displayed on a display panel by text and / or icons, whereby the user can enter his answers through a keyboard. So then can For example, the question as to what form has the intended for use in the preparation process preparation vessel, whether it is high, whether it is flat, whether it is a baking tray or the like. It can then be additionally provided that with the selection of the conventional heating operation, the lighting device is automatically turned on the ceiling of the muffle and depending on the information entered in the question-answer dialog then light up the appropriate visual display elements regarding the preferred insertion levels. If the accessories in the form of the preparation device are then inserted at the correct insertion levels, the optical display elements extinguish. If the accessories are inserted at wrong levels of insertion, an acoustic signal and, if necessary, a corresponding indication on the display field.

In a hot air operation as an operating function can be provided that the preferred insertion levels are displayed by the optical display elements, preferably initially only one insertion level is displayed. Here as well, the question-answer dialog can be started automatically. The lighting on the door of the oven is switched on automatically. If the accessories are inserted at the correct insertion level, in this hot-air operation a further proposal for a further insertion level appears, on which additionally a preparation device can be introduced. Simultaneously with the second proposal for a further insertion level, the associated side wall illumination can be activated, so that then this insertion level is already illuminated. If a preparation device is also introduced on this further insertion level, the previously described scenario can be continued. This can also be done when no preparation vessel is applied to this second proposed shelf level and only then on a third proposed shelf level then a preparation device is introduced. There, too, then the associated most appropriate side wall lighting can be additionally activated. With regard to the warning when inserting a preparation device on a wrong rack level reference is made to the above explanations. In particular, in this hot air operation several insertion levels can be occupied simultaneously with one preparation device. Depending on the actually used selection of the preparation devices in this hot air operation, the control unit then controls the heater for heating the cooking chamber, so that in this regard Depending on the situation, the optimum temperature loads are carried out. If, for example, fewer preparation devices are introduced into the cooking chamber than is possible with this hot air operation, a lower oven temperature can be set relative to the full occupancy.

If an operating function is selected in which the bottom of the muffle is preferably provided as a rack level, this is characterized, for example, by the bottom multi-zone heating operation, in which case the associated optical display preferably illuminates on the lower flange part. The further optional embodiments with regard to the extinction of the optical display when correctly inserted on the floor and / or a warning in case of incorrect insertion, etc., may also be provided here analogously to the embodiments already explained.

The optical display elements can be directly at the respective lighting position in the form of the light sources. However, provision may also be made for the light sources of the optical display elements to be spaced apart from one another and their light to be conducted via light guides to the corresponding point at which the illumination occurs. It can also be provided that in a program or an operating function such as the hot air operation, multiple insertion levels can be selected simultaneously and each can be occupied with a preparation device. In this operation can then also be provided that the optical display elements of the associated recordings light up at the same time, if they are not yet occupied.

The illuminated display elements mounted in the flange can have different shapes. It can be backlit directly the digit, as well as a backlit geometric shape attached to the digit. The color of the light signal can be one or more colors. The visual indication signals can also be used independently of an accessory detection. The visual signal disappears at the start of the cooking process. In addition, the function of the visual indication signals relating to the optical display elements may be coupled to a door contact switch. Through this link, the warning signals light up each time you open the oven door. Thus, an indication when baking with preheating is guaranteed.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or alone in the figures are usable not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of the invention to leave. Illustrated embodiments may thus be combined into individual features or feature combinations with other illustrated embodiments in accordance with some features or feature combinations to novel embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Gargeräts; und

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung von Teilkomponenten des Gargeräts gemäß Fig. 1.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention; and

Fig. 2

a perspective view of sub-components of the cooking appliance according to Fig. 1 ,

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is shown in a simplified perspective view of a cooking appliance 1, which includes an oven and a hob. The cooking appliance 1 has a cooking chamber 2, which is bounded by walls of a muffle 3, wherein the muffle 3 has two side walls 4 and 5, a bottom 6 and a ceiling 7. The front-side feed opening of the muffle 3 and thus also of the cooking chamber 2 can be closed by a door 8. The cooking appliance 1 further includes, for example four cooking zones 27, 28, 29 and 30, which are heatable and on which preparation devices such as pans or pots or the like can be placed.

Sub-components of the cooking appliance 1 are in perspective view in Fig. 2 shown, in particular, the muffle 3 is shown there. The muffle 3 comprises a The front-side frame-like circumferential flange 9, which has a first vertical flange portion 10 and an adjoining horizontally oriented upper flange portion 11 and in turn adjoining second vertical flange portion 12 and an adjoining horizontal lower flange portion 13. The flange parts 10 to 13 have front sides 10a, 11a, 12a and 13a. On the inner sides of the vertically oriented side walls 4 and 5 of the muffle 3 a plurality of receptacles are arranged in pairs opposite one another, so that different insertion levels are defined. In the embodiment shown, various recordings are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction (y-direction). Thus, a top shelf level is provided by the elements 14a and 14b on the side wall 5 and the opposite side of the element 14c and an unspecified and corresponding to the element 14b member. A preparation device, for example in the form of a baking sheet or a griddle or a grill pan can be inserted there. In a corresponding manner, a second insertion level by corresponding elements of a receptacle, which are generally designated only 15, is provided. The same applies to the insertion levels formed thereunder, which are defined by recordings with the elements 16, 17 and 18.

Adjacent to the elements 14a and 14b, an optical display element 19 is arranged on the front side 10a of the vertical flange part 10, which illuminates for signaling this insertion level. In an analogous manner, including optical display element 20, 21, 22 and 23 are formed on this front side 10a, which are respectively adjacent and at the level of the associated insertion levels defined by the elements 15, 16, 17 and 18, respectively.

In addition, it is provided that on the front side 13a of the lower horizontal flange 13, a further optical display elements 24 is formed. Namely, the cooking appliance 1 also comprises a further insertion level, which is formed by the bottom 6 of the muffle 3. It can thus be positioned directly on the floor 6 preparation devices such as baking trays, gratings, pans, pots or the like. Under the bottom 6, one or more heating devices are arranged, through which the entire bottom 6 can be heated.

It can also be provided that only specific surface areas of the bottom 6 can be heated, wherein only two exemplary preparation zones 25 and 26 are shown on the bottom 6.

It can be provided that each of these preparation zones 25 and 26 has an additional individual optical display element, which is arranged on or in the bottom 6 and is formed adjacent to the preparation zone 25 or 26. By means of these specific visual display elements in the bottom 6, the respective preparation zone 25 or 26 can then be identified and the user knows where to place his preparation vessel on the floor 6. For example, it can be provided that one or more dot-shaped optical display elements are provided or that, for example, a surface boundary 25a and 26a formed on the bottom 6, which delimits the preparation zone 25 or 26 in terms of area, is illuminated or illuminatable.

The cooking appliance 1 is designed in such a way that with the selection of a specific operating function, for example a hot air operation or a top heat or a bottom heat or a bottom multi-zone function, the preferred shelf level or preferred shelf levels are automatically illuminated by illumination of one or more optical display elements 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23 or 24 is displayed to the user. If the insertion or the introduction of a preparation device on the correct preferred and displayed shelf level, so the associated optical indicator goes out. If a preparation device is mounted on a wrong rack level, the user is signaled by a warning sound or an optical warning signal, which is generated by a warning device, this wrong slot.

In addition, with the selection of the operating function, a specific lighting device suitable for this operating function is automatically activated, wherein depending on operating function, a ceiling lighting and / or a side wall lighting is automatically activated. Additionally or instead, it can be provided that a question-answer dialog between the user and the cooking device 1 is started. The communication can take place via an operating device 31 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) both by voice input and / or by text input.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Cooking appliance

2

oven

3

muffle

4.5

side walls

6

ground

7

blanket

8th

door

9

flange

10, 11, 12, 13

flange

10a, 11a, 12a, 13a

Front sides of the flange parts

14a, 14b

elements

15

second shelf level

16, 17, 18

elements

19

display element

20, 21, 22, 23, 24

indicators

25, 26

preparation zones

25a, 26a

area boundaries

27, 28, 29, 30

cooking zones

31

operating device

Claims (10)

1. Cooking device with a muffle (3) which bounds a cooking chamber (2) and which has receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) on side walls (4, 5) for preparation devices, wherein the receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) are arranged in pairs such that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices, and optical display elements (19 to 23) for displaying an insertion level are arranged on the muffle (3) adjacent to the respectively associated receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18), wherein at least one preferred insertion level is associated with an operating function of the cooking device (1), and is displayed after selecting the operating function by illumination of the associated display elements (19 to 24), wherein a specific illumination device of the cooking chamber (2) is functionally associated with the operating function and the automatic activation of the illumination device is dependent on the selection of the operating function, wherein the cooking device (1) has a first illumination device for light irradiation into the cooking chamber (2) via the ceiling (7) of the muffle (3) and/or a second illumination device for lateral light irradiation at the height of an insertion level and as a function of a specific operating function the first and/or the second illumination device can be automatically activated by selecting the operating function, and all optical display elements (19 to 24) for displaying an insertion level are arranged on front sides (10a, 11a, 12a, 13a) of a flange (9) of the muffle (3) bounding the cooking chamber (2), characterised in that a control unit is provided which in the cooking chamber executes the method according to claim 10.
2. Cooking device according to claim 1, characterised in that a warning device is formed which optically and/or acoustically signals to a user that a preparation device has been inserted on an insertion level not preferred for an operating function.
3. Cooking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the question-and-answer dialogue comprises questions on the shape and/or dimensions of a preparation device intended by the user for the subsequent preparation process.
4. Cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a further insertion level is defined by the floor (6) of the muffle (3).
5. Cooking device according to claim 4, characterised in that the floor (6) has at least two preparation zones (25, 26) on which preparation devices can be positioned, wherein the preparation zones (25, 26) can each be individually heated.
6. Cooking device according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one preparation zone (25, 26) has an optical display element (25a, 26a) which depending on the operating function is designed to display the selection of said preparation zone (25, 26) for placing a preparation device thereon in a subsequent preparation process.
7. Cooking device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that an optical display element (24) for displaying the floor (6) as an insertion level in a selected operating function is associated with the floor (6).
8. Cooking device according to claim 7, characterised in that the display element (24) for displaying the insertion level is arranged on a front side (13a) of a flange (9) of the muffle (3) bounding the cooking chamber (2), in particular is arranged on a lower flange portion (13).
9. Cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a control unit is provided which is designed to control a heating device of the cooking device (1), wherein in a specific operating function of the cooking device (1) at least two insertion levels can be occupied simultaneously in each case by one preparation device and control of the heating device can be performed as a function of the number of preparation devices actually used.
10. Method for operating a cooking device (1) with a muffle (3) which bounds a cooking chamber (2) and which has receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) on side walls (4, 5) for preparation devices, wherein the receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) are arranged in pairs such that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices, and optical display elements (19 to 23) for displaying an insertion level are arranged on the muffle (3) adjacent to the respectively associated receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18), wherein a preferred insertion level is associated with an operating function of the cooking device (1), and is displayed after selecting the operating function by illumination of the associated display elements (19 to 24), wherein a specific illumination device of the cooking chamber (2) is functionally associated with the operating function and the activation of the illumination device is dependent on the selection of the operating function, wherein the cooking device (1) has a first illumination device for light irradiation into the cooking chamber (2) via the ceiling (7) of the muffle (3) and/or a second illumination device for lateral light irradiation at the height of an insertion level and as a function of a specific operating function the first and/or the second illumination device is automatically activated by selecting the operating function, and all optical display elements (19 to 24) for displaying an insertion level are arranged on front sides (10a, 11a, 12a, 13a) of a flange (9) of the muffle (3) bounding the cooking chamber (2), characterised in that a specific question-and-answer dialogue between the user and the cooking device (1) is associated with the operating function, and the question-and-answer dialogue is started as a function of the selection of the operating function.

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