EP3156734B1 - Method for controlling an interior lighting of a cooking appliance and cooking appliance - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling an interior lighting of a cooking appliance and to a cooking appliance.

The cooking appliances used in professional or commercial kitchens usually have interior lighting that can be used to illuminate a cooking chamber into which the food to be cooked is placed. The interior lighting is designed to give the operator a good view of the cooking chamber while the food is being cooked. The cooking appliances usually have a window in the area of the cooking chamber door through which the operator can see into the cooking chamber.

The EP 2 063 188 A2 describes lighting for a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance with a large number of individually switchable light sources, a control system and at least one sensor. The lighting can be adjusted between maximum lighting with a closed door and minimum lighting with an open door.

The EP 2 159 488 A1 describes a method for issuing a warning signal for a cooking appliance, whereby the warning signal can include warnings of danger, suggestions for use and/or requests for action. Displays for levels that are not yet loaded or that are to be loaded can also be provided. The warning signal is optical or acoustic, whereby an optical warning signal can be bright, flashing and/or colored.

The WO 2004/113795 A1 describes a microwave with a separately designed UV lamp.

The US 2009/0039068 A1 describes an oven with a cooking chamber, where several light sources can be mounted on the inside of an oven door to illuminate the cooking chamber.

The DE 1 175 173 B describes a control device for an oven with a light source that can generate a light beam directed at a baked good and a light-sensitive cell that closes a signal or control circuit of an optical or acoustic signal when a certain colour of the baked good is reached.

The EN 10 2011 080 200 A1 describes an oven in which information about the operating status of the appliance is to be conveyed to the user using optical means. For this purpose, the oven has optical light transmitters whose brightness and light color can be changed. This makes it possible to display different functional phases of the oven.

The EP 2 372 251 A2 describes an oven with several light sources that are mounted in the interior of the oven. It is possible to change the light intensity or light color of a light source. This can indicate different operating phases or operating programs. A microswitch is used to control the light sources.

The WO 2014/086487 A1 describes a monitoring system for monitoring a cooking process. The monitoring system has a sensor that can detect a type of food and record various states of the food.

The EN 10 2008 020 189 A1 relates to a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber which has a plurality of shelves with shelf holders. Each shelf has at least one light source which is provided for illuminating the respective shelf. Furthermore, the EN 10 2008 020 189 A1 a method for controlling the illumination of the shelf levels. This is intended to ensure that the cooking chamber is illuminated in a way that is adapted to different cooking situations.

The EN 10 2012 218 002 A1 describes a cooking appliance with a lamp, wherein a control means 6 regulates the light intensity of the lamp depending on a degree of soiling.

The EP 2 119 967 A1 discloses a cooking appliance with lamps that indicate, for example, in which shelf level a food carrier should be inserted. In addition, a light color can indicate a cooking chamber temperature, an operating mode, cooking progress, etc.

The EN 10 2012 224 034 A1 discloses a cooking appliance with a lighting device that can be switched on or off depending on the door position. The lighting device can also display a system status, such as a remaining cooking time, a core temperature, a heating status or a progress indicator.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a cooking appliance with which it is possible to make the interior lighting and the operation of the cooking appliance more efficient.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for controlling the interior lighting of a cooking appliance, which has a controller and a cooking chamber in which the interior lighting is provided, wherein the interior lighting is controlled by the controller depending on a state of a component of the cooking appliance, a signal detected by a sensor, an input made, a cooking process and/or a cooking state, wherein the controller controls the interior lighting in such a way that an operator of the cooking appliance is specifically guided to carry out certain activities based on the light emitted by the interior lighting. The sensor detects a cooking accessory to be introduced into the cooking chamber and the interior lighting is controlled according to the detected cooking accessory.

Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a cooking appliance having a control and an interior lighting which is provided within a cooking chamber, wherein the control is designed such that it controls the interior lighting according to the method according to the invention.

Depending on the cooking accessories that have been inserted or are intended, the interior lighting can emit a different color or a different light signal, so that an operator of the cooking appliance can see from a distance which cooking accessories are currently in the cooking chamber. This serves both for checking and for quick recognition by the operator.

This makes it possible, in particular, to code the cooking accessories so that, for example, the cooking accessories are only placed in designated locations in the cooking chamber.

The basic idea of the invention is that the interior lighting not only serves to illuminate the cooking chamber, but is also variably controlled by the control system so that it can be used as an optical display element. The operator can therefore quickly and easily detect a state and/or a change thanks to the interior lighting. The interior lighting is therefore used to provide cooking process-specific instructions for the operator of the cooking appliance so that he or she is visually guided by the interior lighting. For example, a certain color or signal sequence of the light emitted by the interior lighting can represent a certain activity. Alternatively, certain areas of the interior lighting can be illuminated to indicate a certain activity.

In general, interior lighting can include several light sources that can be controlled individually or together.

A change in the state of an assembly can also be the switching on of a microwave source or an active accessory, which is optically indicated by the light emitted by the interior lighting.

In particular, the intensity, a signal sequence, brightness gradients and/or the color of the light emitted by the interior lighting are changed. Due to this change in the interior lighting, different states or changes can be displayed, and these can be combined with one another to cover a variety of changes or states. Depending on the setting of the cooking appliance or a selected cooking program, different changes in the interior lighting can represent different states, recorded signals, inputs, cooking processes and/or cooking states or changes to them.

A signal sequence can be considered to be, for example, a flashing of the interior lighting or at least parts of the interior lighting. A certain signal sequence can indicate a defect in the cooking appliance or one of the Assemblies represent what is communicated to the operator via the interior lighting. This signal sequence can therefore correspond to an "SOS signal".

Furthermore, a signal sequence can also be a running light, provided that the interior lighting has several light sources that are assigned to a shelf level in the cooking chamber.

The brightness gradients are, in particular, predetermined changes in intensity, so that, for example, the intensity of the light emitted by the interior lighting is reduced when a corresponding state has been reached or a corresponding change has been detected by the control system.

The adjustable interior lighting generally makes it possible to customize the cooking appliance, preferably according to customer requirements.

According to one aspect of the invention, the activities are cooking process-related activities such as loading, cutting, pouring, stirring and/or removing food to be cooked.

Other activities can relate to cleaning programs, so that the operator is guided by the interior lighting, for example to add a detergent or rinse aid or to start a cleaning program. Typical signal sequences or colors can be used for this.

The assembly may be a fan wheel, a door and/or a ventilation flap, with the interior lighting being changed according to the speed of the fan wheel, the closed state of the door and/or the ventilation flap. This can alert the operator of the cooking appliance as to whether the door of the cooking chamber is closed or open. Furthermore, the operator can quickly and easily determine from the optical signal whether the ventilation flap is functioning properly, i.e. whether it is closed or open. The interior lighting, which is adapted to the speed of the fan wheel, also enables the operator to visually determine how fast the fan wheel is rotating. For example, a certain color, preferably red, represents a high speed, with the interior lighting running through a color scale according to the speed. Alternatively or additionally, the interior lighting can be adjusted according to the The fan speed indicators flash so that a short sequence of signals indicates a high speed. These states can be detected optically, particularly from a greater distance, so that the operator present at the location where the cooking appliance is installed can easily detect them.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the assembly is a communication interface of the cooking appliance, the status of which is indicated by a light signal from the interior lighting. This makes it possible for the operator of the cooking appliance to visually recognize the current status of the communication interface. This is made easier in particular because the interior lighting of the cooking appliance can also be seen from a great distance.

In particular, the status is an established connection, for example to a cloud, a data transfer, a device connected to the communication interface and/or a WLAN status. Accordingly, the operator of the cooking appliance can see from a great distance whether the cooking appliance is carrying out a data transfer such as uploading or downloading via the communication interface. Another light signal can be sent out when the data transfer is complete, so that the operator can quickly see that the desired data is now available. The interior lighting can also indicate whether an external storage device, such as a USB stick, is connected, which also means that this can be quickly detected from a great distance.

Furthermore, several kitchen appliances can communicate optically with each other, for example two cooking appliances that both have interior lighting designed in this way. The interior lighting then represents part of the communication interface via which the cooking appliance communicates with another cooking appliance based on the light emitted. The light signal from the other cooking appliance would then be sent via the cooking appliance's sensor, which is designed as an optical sensor, for example.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the interior lighting acknowledges an input made by an operator with a light signal. This gives the operator a visual signal that his input has been recorded by the cooking appliance. If the operator makes an input that does not match a light signal, the user can assume that the input was not properly recorded by the cooking appliance.

The input can be an operator input on a control panel or a voice input from the operator, provided the cooking appliance has an acoustic sensor. Accordingly, the cooking appliance can acknowledge an instruction given verbally by the operator with a light signal. This ensures that the operator of the cooking appliance can be sure that the desired input has been recorded by the cooking appliance. In addition, the operator can communicate with the cooking appliance from a distance and also receives visual feedback due to the light emitted by the interior lighting.

Voice inputs can also be commands that certain areas in the cooking chamber should be illuminated, so that the interior lighting or the individual light sources of the interior lighting are controlled verbally by the operator. For example, the operator can command that a certain shelf level should be illuminated, whereupon the control system controls the interior lighting in such a way that only this shelf level is illuminated.

A further embodiment provides that the interior lighting is controlled depending on a setting made by the operator on a control panel, in particular the set color of the control panel. If the cooking appliance offers the option for the operator to set the color of the control panel to a desired color, for example, it can be provided that the color of the interior lighting adapts to this color of the control panel. This can be the same color or a color that complements it, so that the operator is offered a wide variety of optical design options. Furthermore, the operator can select the color of the interior lighting independently of the color of the control panel.

A further embodiment provides that the assembly is a core temperature sensor, the correct connection of which is indicated by a first light signal and/or the faulty connection of which is indicated by a second light signal. The operator of the cooking appliance thus visually recognizes through the The light emitted by the interior lighting indicates whether the core temperature sensor is connected correctly. The interior lighting therefore acts as a display element to ensure that the core temperature sensor is connected correctly.

The interior lighting can be controlled depending on the degree of soiling in the cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is also a component of the cooking appliance, and the interior lighting is controlled based on its condition, i.e. the degree of soiling. Using the light emitted by the interior lighting, an operator of the cooking appliance can see from a distance whether the cooking chamber needs to be cleaned because it is too dirty, provided a specific light signal or color is provided for this. Different colors or signal sequences can be provided for different degrees of soiling, so that a graduated detection of the degree of soiling is possible.

In particular, it is provided that the interior lighting is controlled by the control system with a first light signal when the cooking chamber should be cleaned and/or with a second light signal when the cooking chamber has to be cleaned. Accordingly, two different levels of soiling are defined, with the level of soiling at which the cooking chamber has to be cleaned being indicated by a different light emitted by the interior lighting than a slightly soiled cooking chamber which could still be used to prepare food.

The light signal emitted by the interior lighting can vary in particular in its brightness and/or its colour in order to visually indicate the degree of soiling.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the interior lighting emits a specific light signal to signal the insertion of a detergent, a rinse aid and/or the supply of detergent or rinse aid. Based on these light signals, the operator is prompted by the interior lighting to perform a specific action during a cleaning program, namely the insertion of a detergent or a rinse aid. In addition, the interior lighting informs the operator via a A specific light signal informs the operator of the cooking appliance about the available supplies, so that he or she can quickly see whether the supply of detergent or rinse aid needs to be replenished. This prevents bottlenecks from occurring.

One aspect of the invention provides that the interior lighting comprises at least one UV light source, the light of which is directed by the control system onto contaminated areas in order to make them visible. For this purpose, the interior lighting preferably has at least one UV light source, which is in particular pivotable or movable. The directed light beam of the UV light source is used to specifically point out contaminated areas, so that the operator of the cooking appliance can quickly and easily recognize where these contaminants are. The contaminated areas can have been detected beforehand by a sensor.

Furthermore, the UV light source can be used to achieve an antimicrobial effect in certain areas of the cooking chamber by illuminating those areas.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the interior lighting is controlled by the controller in such a way that the interior lighting emits a light signal corresponding to the remaining cooking time. The interior lighting is therefore used as a type of light timer, which shows the operator of the cooking appliance how long the cooking process in the cooking appliance will continue. Based on the light timer, the operator of the cooking appliance can, for example, decide whether to leave the room in which the cooking appliance is located, or whether to wait or start another action. The operator can make this decision in particular from a distance, since the light emitted by the interior lighting is easy to see.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the interior lighting illuminates levels in the cooking chamber that are to be loaded depending on upcoming cooking processes. This instructs the operator of the cooking appliance in which area he should place the food to be cooked, since only this area is illuminated by the interior lighting. The operator of the cooking appliance is thus actively supported by the interior lighting when loading the cooking appliance.

Alternatively, only the loaded levels can be illuminated so that the unlit levels can be loaded.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the interior lighting illuminates at least a partial area of the level to be loaded, in particular a horizontal partial area. This can show the operator in which horizontal partial area of a level to be loaded he should insert a food carrier that does not extend over the entire depth of the level. This can ensure that the food carrier to be inserted is arranged in the optimal area for it within the level, so that, for example, good air flow is possible in the cooking chamber.

According to a further embodiment, the occupied levels are illuminated by the interior lighting. This allows the operator of the cooking appliance to see from outside how the cooking progress of the food on the occupied levels is.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the control system controls the interior lighting depending on the food being cooked. Accordingly, a different color can be provided if, for example, vegetables are placed in the cooking appliance or a level of the cooking chamber instead of meat. This enables the operator to see from a great distance which types of food are currently in the cooking appliance. This is particularly important if there is a change of personnel during a running cooking program, so that a new operator of the cooking appliance can directly record the food arranged in the cooking appliance. The type of food is recorded beforehand by a sensor provided on the cooking appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the data stored in the control system on the cooking processes and/or cooking programs running in the cooking appliance can be used.

The different types of food can preferably be assigned a different color, for example red for meat and green for vegetables. This also increases the visual attractiveness during cooking, since the colors that customers or operators usually associate with the types of food can be provided.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the interior lighting is controlled by the control when a Proximity sensor detects an approach, especially when a cooking process is taking place in the cooking appliance. This creates a safety device for the operator of the cooking appliance, as the interior lighting can emit a type of warning signal so that the operator of the cooking appliance is visually warned when he comes close to the door handle, which could indicate that the cooking chamber door is being opened during a cooking process. The operator is protected from heat, steam and/or cleaning chemicals that are introduced into the cooking chamber during a cleaning program.

The proximity sensor is arranged on the cooking appliance, preferably in the area of the door handle of the cooking chamber door, so that it detects a hand movement of the operator in the direction of the door handle.

According to another embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor that optically detects the environment, in particular the brightness, the wall color and/or the furnishing color at the location where the cooking appliance is installed, with the control system controlling the interior lighting depending on the detected signal. The interior lighting can adapt to the environment accordingly, so that, for example, in a darkly lit room, interior lighting with a low intensity is selected because this is already sufficient under the given circumstances. In addition, the interior lighting can adapt optically or in terms of design to the environment, since, for example, the wall color and/or the furnishing color of the other appliances and furniture at the location are taken into account when choosing the color of the interior lighting. This generally results in an attractive design of the cooking appliance that can be adapted to the selected location. Accordingly, a cooking appliance can be used in several different locations and can be adapted to a new location at any time.

Furthermore, the sensor can be a motion sensor that detects movements in the area where the cooking appliance is installed, with the interior lighting being controlled by the control system depending on the signal detected. Based on the movements in the area where the appliance is installed, it can be determined, for example, whether there is a lot of activity at the installation site, as this leads to a typical movement that is detected by the motion sensor and Control is detected. In general, the mood at the installation location can be determined via the motion sensor.

A further embodiment provides that the sensor is an acoustic sensor that detects the ambient noise in the area where the cooking appliance is installed, with the interior lighting being controlled by the controller depending on the detected signal. The interior lighting thus reacts to the ambient noise, so that the interior lighting can be used, for example, as a type of light organ that, among other things, lights up rhythmically to ambient music. This embodiment is particularly important for so-called show devices that are intended to attract the attention of potential customers. In addition, the interior lighting can also adapt to the ambient noise if, for example, loud ambient noises indicate that there are a large number of people, which could indicate hectic operations. The acoustic sensor can also be used to determine the mood at the installation location via the motion sensor.

For example, food carriers can only be placed in an upper or lower area of the cooking chamber, whereas chicken skewers or other cooking accessories that require more space can be placed in the area provided for them. The corresponding area can then be illuminated by the interior lighting. The operator of the cooking appliance is then instructed by the interior lighting to carry out specific actions in the correct manner.

In particular, the interior lighting emits light so that a cooking accessory can be inserted into the cooking appliance in the correct orientation. This makes it possible, for example, for a certain corner of the cooking chamber to be illuminated by the interior lighting so that the cooking accessory is inserted into the cooking chamber in the correct orientation. This is particularly advantageous if the cooking accessory needs to be correctly oriented in the cooking chamber to ensure an optimal cooking result. In addition, the cooking accessory can have an integrated fat drain or other properties where correct orientation in the cooking chamber is desirable.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the interior lighting emits a light code. The light code can be used for so-called color coding, whereby, for example, a cooking accessory intended for a specific cooking appliance is only inserted into the corresponding cooking appliance that emits the light code. For example, a purple color of the interior lighting can stand for a specific cooking accessory, such as a rack trolley, so that only this rack trolley can be inserted into a cooking appliance with purple interior lighting.

Another aspect of the invention provides that spatially adjacent lighting areas are dimmed or switched off. This increases the effect of the areas illuminated by the interior lighting, as there are no reflections from the other areas that could disturb the operator of the cooking appliance. This is particularly due to the fact that the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance is usually made of a reflective metal, such as stainless steel, which means that if there are many different areas of the interior lighting, the operator may not be able to clearly identify which area is currently emitting a different signal. This is prevented by dimming the spatially adjacent lighting areas.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a functional test of the components is carried out via the interior lighting and/or a result of a functional test of the components is displayed via the interior lighting. Among other things, the operator can be shown whether the individual components are correctly inserted, for example whether an air baffle is in the correct position or whether a cooking accessory is arranged inside the cooking chamber, if this should be the case. Furthermore, an incorrectly inserted hanging rack can be indicated by a different light signal or a different color than the indication of the incorrectly positioned air baffle, so that the operator or a technician can quickly see what the problem is.

In addition, the interior lighting can indicate to the operator that customer service or a technician should be called or that customer service is due soon.

If necessary, the cooking appliance can itself call customer service if a fault occurs and indicate this to the operator via a corresponding light signal. The cooking appliance has previously determined this via a functional test.

In addition, the interior lighting itself can be designed to guide a functional test by the operator or customer service by shining a spotlight, which is part of the interior lighting, on the areas to be checked. This results in an interior lighting-guided functional test.

Furthermore, the interior lighting itself can be part of the functional test, for example by being used to check the tightness of seals, since the amount of light transmitted by the interior lighting indicates the degree of wear on the seal. The light transmitted is then detected accordingly by an optical sensor.

The interior lighting is preferably coupled to an adjustable mechanism that controls the control, in particular depending on a signal detected by the sensor. For example, the sensor can be an optical sensor that detects the line of sight of an operator of the cooking appliance, so that at least part of the interior lighting shines specifically in the line of sight of the operator detected by the sensor in order to illuminate the area that the operator is currently looking at.

Another aspect provides that the sensor detects a door movement of the cooking appliance, in particular an opening and/or closing. Accordingly, the interior lighting is controlled when the door of the cooking appliance is open or has just been closed, for example in order to illuminate the cooking chamber in a targeted manner or over a large area when the door is opened.

In particular, the sensor detects the direction in which an operator is looking. The sensor and the control system can, for example, detect which shelf level the operator is currently looking at and highlight this optically by changing the interior lighting. This can be done by changing the color, intensity or brightness of this area. In addition or as an alternative, areas adjacent to this level can be dimmed or even switched off.

The cooking appliance can also comprise a cooking accessory, in particular a food carrier and/or a core temperature sensor, on which at least one light source is provided. The light source is part of the interior lighting. For example, the core temperature sensor can output different colors for the degree of cooking of a food into which the core temperature sensor is inserted. Alternatively, several LEDs, in particular with different colors, can be provided on the core temperature sensor, via which the cooking progress of a food assigned to it is displayed. This can be done via the color and/or the number of illuminated LED(s).

The cooking accessory can also be a chicken skewer on which grilled chickens are skewered. The chicken skewer can have one or more LEDs on its tip that shine into the skewered food.

In general, the cooking progress or degree of cooking can be visually indicated on cooking accessories by the color or number of illuminated LED(s).

Another aspect is that the cooking accessory itself has a sensor. For example, the core temperature sensor has a temperature sensor that can be used to determine data on the cooking progress and transmit it to the control system.

Another aspect provides that the interior lighting adapts the light it emits to the signal detected by the sensor of the cooking accessory or the cooking appliance. This allows the interior lighting to be adapted to the cooking progress detected by the cooking accessory, in particular the core temperature sensor.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the interior lighting and the control system interact wirelessly. Accordingly, it is possible that the interior lighting is partially arranged on the cooking accessories and, for example, emits light downwards, so that the shelf levels in the cooking chamber provided below the cooking accessories are illuminated by the cooking accessories arranged above them.

Another aspect provides for an energy transmission unit that supplies the interior lighting with energy wirelessly. This allows the lights arranged at different locations within the cooking chamber to be Light sources can be supplied with energy in a simple manner. This applies in particular to light sources of interior lighting that are arranged on a cooking accessory.

Another aspect provides that the energy transfer unit supplies the lighting with electrical energy from the temperature and/or air flow in a cooking chamber. This is generally referred to as "energy harvesting", whereby the energies present in the cooking chamber are used to supply the interior lighting of the cooking appliance with energy. This creates a particularly efficient cooking appliance.

• Figur 1 schematisch ein erfindungsgemäßes Gargerät in einer geschlossenen Stellung, und
• Figur 2 das Gargerät aus Figur 1 in einer geöffneten Stellung.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings to which reference is made. In the drawings:

• Figure 1 schematically a cooking appliance according to the invention in a closed position, and
• Figure 2 the cooking appliance Figure 1 in an open position.

In Figure 1 a cooking appliance 10 is shown in a closed position.

The cooking appliance 10 has a housing 12 on which a cooking chamber door 14 is pivotably arranged in order to close a cooking chamber 16 which is surrounded by the housing 12.

The cooking chamber door 14 further comprises a window 18 through which an operator of the cooking appliance 10 can view the cooking chamber 16 when the cooking chamber door 14 is closed during operation.

A door handle 20 is also arranged on the cooking chamber door 14, via which the cooking chamber door 14 can be opened or closed by an operator of the cooking appliance 10.

On the outside of the cooking appliance 10, in the area of the cooking chamber door 14, there is also a control panel 22, via which the operator of the cooking appliance 10 can make settings on the cooking appliance 10. For example, the operator of the cooking appliance 10 can use this to select and start a cooking program. In addition, it is possible for the operator to make settings on the cooking appliance 10 via the control panel 22, as explained below.

In addition, the cooking appliance 10 has two flaps or drawers 24, 26 on its outside, via which a cleaner or a rinse aid can be supplied to the cooking appliance 10, which serve to clean the cooking appliance 10, as will also be explained below.

The others, in Figure 1 Elements shown in dashed lines are not visible from the outside.

In general, the cooking appliance 10 has a central control 28, via which the individual components of the cooking appliance 10 are controlled or operated. For this purpose, the control 28 is connected, among other things, to the control panel 22, so that the inputs made on the control panel 22 can be processed by the control 28.

If the cooking chamber door 14 is opened, as shown in Figure 2 As shown, one can also look into the entire cooking chamber 16 and not just into the area exposed by the window 18. For example, the cooking chamber walls are now visible. This is typically not the case when the cooking appliance 10 is closed, since the window 18 is at least somewhat smaller than the entire opening of the cooking chamber 16 that can be closed by the cooking chamber door 14.

The following refers to the Figure 2 received. From the Figure 2 It can be seen that the cooking appliance 10 has an interior lighting 30 which has several individual light sources 32, of which only some are in Figure 1 are shown in order to maintain clarity.

The individual light sources 32 can each be assigned to an insertion level E, of which four are shown in the embodiment shown, i.e. insertion levels E1 to E4.

The shelf levels E1 to E4 are typically defined by shelf rails 34, which are arranged on opposite cooking chamber walls of the cooking chamber 16. A cooking accessory 37 can be placed in the shelf rails 34. as shown in level E2 using a food carrier as an example.

In the embodiment shown, the cooking accessory 37 also has light sources 32 which are arranged below the cooking accessory 37 so that they can illuminate the underlying shelf levels E1 to E4, provided they are controlled accordingly by the control 28.

Alternatively, the cooking accessory 37 can also be a chicken skewer, which can extend in particular over several shelf levels E1 to E4, since it is usually arranged upright in the cooking appliance 10.

In addition, the cooking appliance 10 has sensors 36, which can be arranged at different locations on the cooking appliance 10 and have a different function. For example, the sensors 36 can be a proximity sensor 38, an optical sensor 40, an acoustic sensor 42, a motion sensor 44 and/or a sensor 46 for detecting food to be cooked, via which a food to be cooked that has been placed in the cooking chamber 16 can be determined.

The proximity sensor 38 can preferably also be provided on the cooking chamber door 14 (see Figure 1 ) so that it detects an approach to the door handle 20, as will be explained below.

Furthermore, the Figure 1 that the cooking appliance 10 can have a fan 48, of which the fan wheel 50 is shown schematically. The fan wheel 50 can be provided behind an air baffle, which in Figure 2 is not shown for reasons of better clarity. For this reason, the fan wheel 50 is only shown in dashed lines.

The fan 48 and the fan wheel 50 can also be arranged on a cooking chamber side wall.

In general, the positions of the individual elements of the cooking appliance shown are only examples, in particular for the sake of better representation. Accordingly, the individual elements can also be provided in other positions.

Furthermore, the cooking appliance 10 usually has a ventilation flap 52, via which it is possible to drain moisture or water vapor from the cooking chamber 16.

In addition, the cooking appliance 10 has a communication interface 54, via which the cooking appliance 10 can be connected, for example, to the Internet, to another cooking appliance 10 or generally to another external device. This can in particular be a wireless communication interface, for example Bluetooth, WLAN, radio or similar interfaces for wireless data transmission standards.

Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface 54 can have a partial interface for an external device, for example a data storage device.

In the embodiment shown, an energy transmission unit 56 is also shown, via which the individual light sources 32 of the interior lighting 30 are supplied with energy. The energy transmission can take place wirelessly, so that complex cabling of the cooking appliance 10 can be dispensed with.

Not only the energy transmission of the interior lighting 30, but also its control via the control 28 can be carried out wirelessly.

Alternatively or additionally, the energy transfer unit 56 is designed such that the interior lighting 30 or the individual light sources 32 are supplied with electrical energy that is obtained from the temperature and/or the air flow in the cooking chamber 16. Accordingly, the energy transfer unit 56 can be used for "energy harvesting".

The cooking appliance 10 also includes a connection 58 for a core temperature sensor 60, via which the core temperature of a food item placed in the cooking chamber 16 can be measured. For this purpose, the core temperature sensor 60 is typically inserted into the food item and transmits the measured data via the connection 58 to the control unit 28. The core temperature sensor 60 therefore has a sensor 36, which is designed as a temperature sensor.

In the embodiment shown, the core temperature sensor 60 is connected to the connection 58 via a cable 62. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the transmission of the data from the core temperature sensor 60 takes place wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, WLAN, radio or other wireless data transmission standards.

In the embodiment shown, the core temperature sensor 60 also comprises a plurality of light sources 32 that are part of the interior lighting 30. The light sources 32 can be LEDs that can also be controlled by the controller 28.

The cooking appliance 10 thus has a large number of different components, each of which is connected to the controller 28 or communicates with the controller 28. This includes in particular the interior lighting 30 and the individual light sources 32 of the interior lighting 30, which are controlled via the controller 28.

Accordingly, it is provided that the controller 28 controls the interior lighting 30, in particular the individual light sources 32 of the interior lighting 30, depending on a state of an assembly of the cooking appliance, a signal detected by one of the sensors 36, an input made, in particular on the control panel 22, a cooking process and/or a cooking state.

The cooking state of a food item introduced into the cooking chamber 16 is usually detected by one of the sensors 36 during the cooking process, for example by the sensor 36 provided on the core temperature sensor 60. In addition, the control 28 comprises a cooking process memory in which data relevant to the cooking process is stored, so that the control 28 can control the interior lighting 30 based on the stored data.

In this case, it can be provided in particular that the interior lighting 30 is changed, in particular with regard to the intensity, an emitted signal sequence, brightness gradients and/or the color of the light emitted by the interior lighting 30.

Individual light sources 32 or all light sources 32 of the interior lighting 30 can be switched on simultaneously or alternately. This depends in particular on which signal is to be sent via the interior lighting 30.

The light signals emitted by the interior lighting 30 can be running lights that run along the corresponding shelf levels E1 to E4. In particular, a shelf level E1 to E4 can be illuminated when the food to be cooked has been detected by the sensor 46.

In addition, it can be provided that at least one light source 32 has an adjustable mechanism 64, via which the light source 32 is adjusted. This light source 32 can be adjusted accordingly by the adjustable or pivotable mechanism 64 so that certain areas of the food being cooked are illuminated in a targeted and selective manner.

Alternatively or additionally, dirt 66 in the cooking chamber 16 can be indicated by adjusting or directing light rays from the light source 32 specifically at the dirt 66. In particular, the light source 32 used for this purpose, which serves to indicate dirt 66, can be a UV light source 68, so that dirt 66 that is not visible under normal light is made visible to the operator of the cooking appliance 10 by the UV light.

The UV light source 68 or the light emitted by the UV light source 68 can be used to have an antimicrobial effect so that microbial contamination in the cooking chamber 16 is prevented.

The UV light source 68 can also have an adjustable mechanism 70 or be arranged to be movable so that it can emit a guided light beam.

In addition, one of the sensors 36 can detect the line of sight of an operator of the cooking appliance 10 when he looks through the window 18 of the cooking appliance 10 in order to align one of the light sources 32 via the adjustable mechanism 64 so that the area inspected by the operator within the cooking chamber 16 is additionally or differently illuminated. For example, the neighboring areas can be dimmed or switched off so that the area inspected by the operator stands out visually.

The information detected by the sensor 36 for this purpose is sent to the controller 28, which controls the light source 32 accordingly, in particular the adjustable mechanism 64 which is assigned to the light source 32.

Furthermore, one of the sensors 36, in particular the motion sensor 44, can detect whether the cooking chamber door 14 is opened. Accordingly, a signal can be transmitted to the controller 28, which then controls the light sources 32 in such a way that the operator of the cooking appliance 10 is prevented from being blinded. This can be achieved, among other things, by dimming or switching off the corresponding light sources 32 that would cause the operator to be blinded.

In addition, the corresponding light sources 32 can be adjusted via the adjustable mechanism 64 assigned to them, so that blinding of the operator is avoided.

The interior lighting 30 or the individual light sources 32 can be used in particular to display signals. For example, the light sources 32 can flash to indicate certain states of the cooking appliance 10 or one of its components. For example, regular flashing of the cooking appliance 10 can correspond to a defect in the cooking appliance 10, which is visually indicated to the operator.

In general, different light sources 32 can be provided which emit different light colors. This makes it possible for the interior lighting 30 to be adapted to the wishes of the operator of the cooking appliance 10. If the operator or the operator of the cooking appliance 10 is to select the color of the interior lighting 30 themselves, this can be done via the control panel 22.

The interior lighting 30 can in particular be adapted to a color of the control panel 22 if this is desired by the operator of the cooking appliance 10. The color of the control panel 22 can be set manually by the operator.

In addition, the light colours can be controlled depending on the food detected by the sensor 46, so that, for example, depending on the type of food, a different light colour is emitted by the interior lighting 30, in particular in the shelf level E1 to E4 corresponding to the type of food being cooked. For example, a vegetable can correspond to a green color of the interior lighting 30, whereas meat is represented with a red color of the interior lighting 30.

In the embodiment shown, the shelf levels E1 to E4 can light up in red and green when vegetables and meat are or should be added. The operator of the cooking appliance 10 can be guided by the interior lighting 30, in particular when loading, by color-coding the corresponding shelf levels E1 to E4.

Furthermore, the color of the interior lighting 30 can be automatically adapted to an environment or the environment of the installation location of the cooking appliance 10. For this purpose, the signals detected by the optical sensor 40 are used, which relate, among other things, to the ambient color of the installation location or the furnishing color of the other devices at the installation location.

Furthermore, the optical sensor 40 can be used to determine what the brightness conditions are at the location of the cooking appliance 10, i.e. whether it is day or night. The interior lighting 30 is controlled by the controller 28 according to the signals detected by the optical sensor 40. In this case, it can also be taken into account whether other light sources at the location of the cooking appliance 10 emit a high light intensity, which are also relevant for controlling the interior lighting 30.

If the control 28 accesses cooking processes running in the cooking device 10 or the internal cooking process memory, it can be provided that the interior lighting 30 is used to signal the progress of the cooking process. The interior lighting 30 is controlled by the control 28 in such a way that it acts as a type of light timer, so that the operator of the cooking device 10 can see from a distance how long the cooking process will continue. This can be done, for example, by the light color of the interior lighting 30 or by a signal sequence of the light emitted by the interior lighting 30.

When loading the cooking appliance 10, the sensor 46 also detects which shelf level E1 to E4 should be occupied based on the type of food detected. This The control unit 28 receives information so that the control unit 28 controls the light sources 32 assigned to the insertion levels E1 to E4.

In this case, it can also be provided, among other things, that the remaining light sources 32 of the interior lighting 30 are dimmed or switched off in order to prevent the operator of the cooking appliance 10 from being disturbed by the remaining light sources 32, which currently do not indicate any function or change. The cooking chamber 16 typically has metallic cooking chamber walls that reflect the light emitted by the light sources 32, which can disturb the operator.

When loading the cooking appliance 10, the light sources 32 can be controlled by the control 28 in such a way that not only the shelf levels E1 to E4 to be loaded are fully illuminated, but also horizontal sub-areas of these shelf levels E1 to E4. This shows the operator of the cooking appliance 10 how far or in which horizontal area of the respective shelf level E1 to E4 he should insert the corresponding cooking accessories. This is particularly important if the operator of the cooking appliance 10 only inserts a food carrier into the cooking chamber 16 that does not extend over the entire depth of the cooking chamber 16.

Furthermore, the interior lighting 30 can be controlled by the control 28 in such a way that certain areas are illuminated for a cooking accessory in which it is to be positioned. This applies, for example, to a chicken skewer that is positioned across several shelf levels E1 to E4.

The interior lighting 30 can also be used to display other states of components of the cooking appliance 10. This can be, for example, an open or closed cooking chamber door 14, which results in a different light signal from the interior lighting 30. This also applies to the ventilation flap 52, which can also be opened or closed.

This can be, for example, a speed of the fan 58 or the fan wheel 50, which is also shown in color via the interior lighting 30 so that the operator of the cooking appliance 10 can quickly and easily visually detect the speed. A specific color of the interior lighting 30 or a signal sequence can be provided in order to give the operator of the cooking appliance 10 to visually indicate that the fan wheel 50 is currently standing still, accelerating, slowing down or has reached its maximum speed. As an alternative to a color change of the interior lighting 30, this can also be done via a corresponding signal sequence of the interior lighting 30 or the individual light sources 32.

Another component of the cooking appliance 10, the status of which can be displayed via the interior lighting 30, is the connection 58 of the core temperature sensor 60.

If the core temperature sensor 60 is not correctly plugged into the connection 58, the interior lighting 30 can emit a first signal or signal sequence that makes it clear to the operator of the cooking appliance 10 that the core temperature sensor 60 is not correctly plugged into the connection 58. For the correct connection of the core temperature sensor 60, a different signal sequence can be emitted by the interior lighting 30 so that the operator of the cooking appliance 10 can quickly see whether he has correctly plugged in the core temperature sensor 60.

Furthermore, the core temperature sensor 60 itself can have a light source 32, via which it is possible to illuminate the plug-in area of the core temperature sensor 60. If the core temperature sensor 60 comprises several light sources 32, these can also display the cooking status directly on the core temperature sensor 60.

The interior lighting 30 can also be controlled based on acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor 42.

This can be voice input from the operator of the cooking appliance 10 or ambient noises that are detected by the acoustic sensor 42. Accordingly, the cooking appliance 10 can acknowledge an operator input with a corresponding light signal via its interior lighting 30, so that the operator of the cooking appliance 10 can be sure that the voice input he has made has been recorded by the cooking appliance 10. This allows the operator to communicate with the cooking appliance 10 over a large distance and receive feedback.

Alternatively, the interior lighting 30 can be adapted to ambient noises, for example music that is played at the location where the cooking appliance 10 is installed. The cooking appliance 10 can thus serve as a type of light organ.

Furthermore, the signals recorded by the acoustic sensor 42 can be used to draw conclusions about the mood at the installation location of the cooking appliance 10, whereby the interior lighting 30 or the light radiation emitted by the interior lighting 30 is adapted accordingly.

The communication interface 54 is also connected to the control 28, so that the signals coming in or out via the communication interface 54 can also be visually displayed to the operator of the cooking appliance 10 via the interior lighting 30. This can be, for example, the status of the communication interface 54, for example a WLAN status.

Alternatively or additionally, a data transfer via the interior lighting 30, an upload, a download or a storage medium connected to the communication interface 54, for example a USB stick, can be displayed.

Furthermore, the interior lighting 30 can indicate whether a connection has been established using the communication interface 54, for example with another cooking appliance 10 or an external data storage device, in particular a so-called "cloud".

The cooking appliance 10 can also itself serve as a communication interface by communicating via its interior lighting 30 with another appliance at the installation location, in particular another cooking appliance 10. The cooking appliance 10 can use its optical sensor 40 to detect the light signals emanating from another cooking appliance 10, which are emitted by the interior lighting 30 through the window 18 to the environment.

The proximity sensor 38 can also detect whether, for example, when the cooking appliance 10 is in operation, an operator of the cooking appliance 10 approaches the cooking appliance 10, in particular the door handle 20. If this is the case, the proximity sensor 38 can send a corresponding signal to the control 28, which then controls the interior lighting 30 in such a way that the operator of the Cooking appliance 10 visually indicates that the cooking appliance 10 is currently in operation and that the cooking chamber door 14 should not be opened.

This protects the operator of the cooking appliance 10 from heat, steam or cleaning agents that are introduced into the cooking chamber 16 during a cleaning program.

In general, the interior lighting 30 of the cooking appliance 10 can also be used to specifically instruct the operator of the cooking appliance 10 to carry out certain actions. For example, the control 28 can detect whether the supply quantities in the compartments 24, 26 for the detergent or rinse aid are sufficiently filled. A corresponding light signal emitted by the interior lighting 30 can indicate to the operator of the cooking appliance 10 whether the supply quantities are sufficient.

Furthermore, by means of corresponding light signals from the interior lighting 30, the operator of the cooking appliance 10 can be encouraged to insert a cleaning agent or a rinse aid into one of the compartments 24, 26, if this is necessary for a cleaning program of the cooking appliance 10.

Furthermore, other information relevant to the cleaning program sequence can be displayed visually via the interior lighting 30, for example closing the cooking chamber door 14 so that the cleaning program can start. In addition, the operator can be shown that all the requirements for starting the cleaning program are now met so that it can be started.

The interior lighting 30 can also indicate to the operator that the cooking appliance 10, in particular the cooking chamber 16, needs to be cleaned. Different signal sequences can be provided if cleaning the cooking chamber 16 is desirable or necessary. Furthermore, the degree of soiling of the cooking chamber 16 can be displayed via the interior lighting 30. Different colors or brightnesses of the interior lighting 30 can be used to show the degree of soiling of the cooking chamber 16.

All these different options can be visually displayed via a corresponding light signal that is different from other light signals, so that a clear assignment of a light signal emitted by the interior lighting 30 is possible.

In addition, the interior lighting 30 can visually display actions of the operator that are related to the cooking process or relevant to the cooking process, for example loading, cutting, pouring, stirring or removing food from the cooking chamber 16 when it is fully cooked. For this purpose, corresponding light signals of the interior lighting 30 can be provided, which guarantee a clear assignment to the corresponding action.

The interior lighting 30 can in particular have a plurality of light sources 32, each of which is assigned to a shelf level E1 to E4 of the cooking chamber 16, so that, for example, a light source 32 is provided at each corner of the shelf level E1 to E4. This makes it possible for a corner of the shelf level E1 to E4 to be illuminated, which shows the operator of the cooking appliance 10 in which orientation he has to insert a cooking accessory into the cooking chamber 16.

In addition, the light sources 32 of the interior lighting 30 can be used to form a so-called color coding, in which the interior lighting 30 emits a signal code that indicates a corresponding cooking accessory.

Accordingly, only a corresponding cooking accessory should be inserted into a cooking appliance 10 illuminated with the signal code. For example, a specific signal code can be used for a specific mobile oven rack so that the operator of the cooking appliance 10 is visually shown which mobile oven rack can be inserted into the cooking chamber 16. The signal code can be a color.

The interior lighting 30 can be partially formed by light sources 32 that are provided directly on the cooking accessories 37. This means that the shelf levels E1 to E4 located below the corresponding cooking accessories 37 can also be fully illuminated.

In particular, the degree of cooking can be indicated by the change in light of the light sources 32 provided on the corresponding cooking accessory 37, which This applies in particular to a cooking accessory designed as a core temperature sensor 60.

The light source 32 provided on the cooking accessory 37 can be used to shine light into the food being cooked, as is the case with a chicken skewer, for example.

In addition, error messages that have been detected following a functional test of the cooking appliance 10 or the components of the cooking appliance 10 can be output via the interior lighting 30.

The interior lighting 30 can thus visually indicate to the operator of the cooking appliance 10 whether an air baffle of the cooking appliance 10 is in the desired position. It can also indicate whether a cooking accessory 37 is correctly attached.

Furthermore, it is possible for the cooking appliance 10 to indicate an error in the cooking appliance 10 via the interior lighting 30 by the interior lighting 30 emitting a light code typical for a certain type of error. In this case, it can be provided in particular that the cooking appliance 10 announces an imminent customer service call via the interior lighting 30. Furthermore, the cooking appliance 10 can indicate via the interior lighting 30 that the cooking appliance 10 has called customer service independently or that customer service must be called or that customer service is due on a regular basis.

The interior lighting 30 is also used to carry out a functional test itself, as this can be used, for example, to carry out a leak test of the seals on the cooking appliance 10. For this purpose, a sensor 36 is provided on the outside of the cooking appliance 10, which detects the light emerging through the seal. This can be used to determine whether the seal is worn.

The interior lighting 30 can also specifically point to certain areas of the cooking appliance 10 in order to provide a guided functional test that the operator of the cooking appliance 10 carries out. For this purpose, certain areas are illuminated that are to be checked by the operator of the cooking appliance 10, for example the correct arrangement of an air baffle, a rack or cooking accessories.

In general, it is therefore possible for the interior lighting 30 to be used to visually display important information to the operator of the cooking appliance 10. Accordingly, and due to the large number of possibilities, it is sensible for the interior lighting 30 to consist at least partially of light sources 32 that are designed as LEDs.

Claims (14)

1. A method of actuating an interior lighting (30) of a cooking appliance (10) which includes a controller (28) and a cooking chamber (14) in which the interior lighting (30) is provided, wherein the interior lighting (30) is actuated by the controller (28) as a function of a state of an assembly of the cooking appliance (10), a signal detected by a sensor (36), an input made, a cooking process and/or a level of doneness, wherein the controller (28) actuates the interior lighting (30) such that an operator of the cooking appliance (10) is guided in a targeted manner to perform specific activities on the basis of the light emitted by the interior lighting (30), characterized in that the sensor (36) identifies a cooking accessory (37) to be introduced into the cooking chamber (16) and the interior lighting (30) is actuated according to the identified cooking accessory (37).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the intensity, a signal sequence, brightness profiles and/or the color of the light emitted by the interior lighting (30) is/are changed.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specific activities are cooking process-related activities.
4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior lighting (30) acknowledges an input made by an operator with a light signal.
5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior lighting (30) is actuated as a function of a setting made by the operator on a control panel (22), in particular the color of the control panel (22) as set.
6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly is a core temperature sensor (60), the correct connection of which is indicated by a first light signal and/or the faulty connection of which is indicated by a second light signal.
7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior lighting (30) emits a particular light signal in order to signal the insertion of a cleaning agent, a rinse aid, and/or the supply of the cleaning agent or the rinse aid.
8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior lighting (30) comprises at least one UV light source (68), the light of which is directed by the controller to soiled spots in order to make them visible.
9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (36) is a proximity sensor (38), in particular in a door handle (20), wherein the interior lighting (30) is actuated by the controller (28) when the proximity sensor (38) detects an approach, in particular when a cooking process is in progress in the cooking appliance (10).
10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (36) is an optical sensor (40) which optically captures the surroundings, in particular the brightness, the wall color and/or the color of the furnishings at the site of installation of the cooking appliance (10), wherein the controller (28) actuates the interior lighting (30) as a function of the captured signal.
11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (36) is a motion sensor (44) which detects motion in the area of the site of installation of the cooking appliance (10), wherein the interior lighting (30) is actuated by the controller (28) as a function of the detected signal.
12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (36) is an acoustic sensor (42) which detects the ambient noises in the area of the site of installation of the cooking appliance (10), wherein the interior lighting (30) is actuated by the controller (28) as a function of the detected signal.
13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a function test of the assemblies is carried out by means of the interior lighting (30) and/or a result of a function test of the assemblies is displayed by means of the interior lighting (30).
14. A cooking appliance (10) comprising a controller (28) and an interior lighting (30) which is provided inside a cooking chamber (16), wherein the controller (28) is configured to actuate the interior lighting (30) as a function of a state of an assembly of the cooking appliance (10), a signal detected by a sensor (36), an input made, a cooking process and/or a level of doneness in accordance with a method according to any of claims 1 to 13.

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