GB2384048A

GB2384048A - A double oven cooker

Info

Publication number: GB2384048A
Application number: GB0227831A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Fearn Watson; Richard Henry Pamment
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-29
Filing date: 2002-11-29
Publication date: 2003-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-29
Also published as: GB0128577D0; GB0227831D0; GB2384048B

Abstract

A cooker 10 comprises a metallic housing 16 having at least two ovens 12, 14 and two hobs 26, 28 in independent flow communication with hot gases in a heat transfer zone which is supplied from a heating source (20, fig 2) fired by a burner 18. Independent supply of gas to each of the ovens 12, 14 and hobs 26, 28 is regulated by a valve assembly (48, fig 4a) which comprises four valve members (52) mounted on shaft 54 driven by a motor 60 controlled by a main printed circuit board 68. A desired temperature for each oven 12, 14 and hob 26, 28 maybe set by a set point potentiometer 70 which has an associated printed circuit board connected to the main printed circuit board 68. The temperature of each oven 12, 14 or hob 26, 28 maybe measured by a thermocouple and this temperature compared with the set point temperature so that the hot gases may be regulated via the appropriate motor 60 and associated valve member (52). A separate burner 74 may be provided for a central heating boiler (32, fig 2) or alternatively a simmering oven may be attached under one of the ovens 12, 14. A timing device may be provided which prevents continuous firing of the burner 18 for periods longer than eighty minutes.

Description

COOKING RANGE The invention relates to a cooking range.

Cooking ranges conventionally include one or more ovens contained Z > within a metallic housing, and a heating chamber for burning wood, coal, oil or Z5 gas or heating using electricity, to heat the ovens. A hob is usually provided above each oven.

In a conventional range including more than one oven, the temperatures of the ovens are either approximately the same or the temperature of one oven is an

approximately fixed percentage of the temperature of the other. Further, the 0 temperatures of the hobs cannot be independently controlled.

According to the invention there is provided a cooking range including a heating chamber and at least two ovens within a substantially metallic housing, a path for hot gases being provided from the heating chamber to a heat transfer

zone for each oven, wherein the range includes a valve arrangement for c independently controlling the flow of gases to the heat transfer zone for each C5 oven to control the temperature of the respective oven.

The heat transfer zone for each oven preferably extends past or around the respective oven, enabling the gases to heat the oven.

Preferably the valve arrangement includes a closure member associated with each oven, the closure member being operable to substantially close the path for hot gases to the heat transfer zone of that oven.

Preferably the range further includes at least one hob. The range may include a hob substantially above each oven. Preferably a path for hot gases is

provided from the heating chamber to a heat transfer zone for the or each hob.

The path preferably extends to an underside of the hob.

Preferably the valve arrangement includes a closure member associated with each hob, the closure member being operable to substantially close the path for hot gases to the heat transfer zone for that hob.

The range may further includes means for allowing exhaust gases, which Z- 9 have passed through the heat transfer zone of one or more of the ovens, to pass to the heat transfer zone one or more of the hobs.

Each closure member may control the flow of hot gases from the heating chamber to a duct, each duct leading to the heat transfer zone of a respective

oven or hob. The ducts may be contained within a distribution housing. ZD I Each closure member may be mounted on a shaft, rotation of the shaft effecting movement of the closure member between a position where it allows the flow of hot gases from the heating chamber to the respective duct, and a position in which it prevents such flow. The position of the closure member may be continuously variable between said two positions.

The rotation of the shaft on which the closure member is mounted may be effected by a drive motor. The drive motor is preferably located remotely from the closure member, and connected to the shaft via a drive link. Preferably a drive motor is provided for each closure member.

Preferably the range includes a heat sensor associated with each oven and

hob, for providing an indication of the temperature of the respective oven or z hob. The position of each closure member is preferably controllable in dependence upon the output from the sensor associated with its respective oven or hob.

The range may include setting means associated with each oven or hob, allowing a user to set a desired temperature. Preferably means are provided for comparing the desired temperature for each oven or hob with the temperature as indicated by the temperature sensor associated with the respective oven or hob.

Preferably control means are provided for opening the closure member if the desired temperature exceeds the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor.

The control means may include a printed circuit board.

The heating chamber may include heating means in the form of a burner or an electrical element. The burner may burn gas, coal or wood.

Preferably means are provided for controlling the output of the heating means in dependence upon the heat required by the ovens and hobs. The control means may activate the heating means if any of the closure members are open, indicating that at least one of the ovens and hobs has a desired temperature higher than its indicated temperature.

Preferably the range includes two oven assemblies, each oven assembly including an oven and a hob. Preferably the two oven assemblies are located substantially side by side. The oven assemblies are preferably supported on a chassis, with a space being provided under the ovens. The range may include a further, lower temperature oven which may be located under one of the two ovens. Alternatively the range may include a boiler which may be located under one of the two ovens. Preferably the heating means and the heating chamber are located behind the ovens.

Preferably each oven assembly includes a metallic door for accessing the inside of the oven. The door may be mounted on hinges.

The range may include one or more moveable panels, located generally beneath the oven doors, for allowing access to components located under the ovens. The or each panel may be completely detachable from the range.

Preferably the range includes paths for hot gases which allow gases from the heating chamber initially to flow upwardly to a top region of an oven assembly within the range. Preferably a path is provided from the heating chamber to an oven inlet at a top, rear centre of the oven assembly. Preferably the range includes a top duct, through which hot gases may flow, the top duct extending across an upper part of the oven assembly, above the oven. The range may also include a first flow duct which extends down and covers most of one side of the oven assembly. An opposite flow duct may extend down and cover about half of an opposite side of the oven assembly. The range may further include a lower flow duct which extends across most of the underside of the oven assembly. The range may further include a lower return duct generally underneath the lower flow duct. The range may further include an upright return duct, which extends from the lower return duct up to the hob region of the oven assembly. The range may further include an exhaust flue in the region of the hob.

The range preferably includes means for forcing air through the paths.

Such means may include a fan.

An embodiment of the invention will be described for the purpose of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a range according to the invention, viewed from the front but with the front doors removed; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view from the rear of the range of

Fig. 1 ; z : l Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view from the front of a single oven assembly of the range of Figs. 1 and 2 ; and zl

Figs 4a and 4b are diagrammatic perspective part cut away views illustrating the functioning of the valve assembly of the range of Figs. 1 to 3.

Referring to the drawings, a cooking range 10 includes two main ovens 12 " > I c and 14 respectively, provided within an insulated, metallic housing 16. Each oven 12,14 is accessed by a door 22 (see Fig. 3), which is mounted on hinges 24 (see Fig. 1). Each door is also of metal and is insulated.

Above each oven 12,14 is located a hob 26,28, each hob being provided with a cover 30. Together each oven and its associated hob form an oven assembly.

At the back of the range 10, behind the oven 12, there is located a boiler 32, for central heating (see Fig. 2).

Referring again to Fig. 2, the range 10 further includes a burner 18 which 0 fires into a heating chamber 20. The burner and heating chamber are located at the back of the range 10. The burner would generally be oil or gas fired, but could for example burn solid fuel or be electrically powered.

The two oven assemblies are supported independently on a chassis 21

leaving a clear space underneath. The burner 18 is mounted on its own support, 0 which allows it to be moved into position, lifted and clamped to the heating chamber 20.

The range is provided with various ducts, which allow hot gases from the heating chamber to flow around/to heat transfer zones associated with each oven and hob. Referring to Fig. 3, which illustrates a single one of the oven assemblies including the oven 12 and hob 26, hot gases for the oven 12 enter the oven's heat transfer zone via an inlet 34. The inlet it is at the rear top centre of

the oven assembly. The hot gases are then directed across a top duct located above the oven 12 and not visible in Fig. 3. A series of baffles (not illustrated) help to direct the gases. The gases may then pass down a flow duct, which occupies most of one side of the oven assembly (the side not visible in Fig. 3) and simultaneously down a further flow duct 36 which occupies the rear part of a side 38 of the oven assembly which is visible in Fig. 3. The gases from both flow ducts are then directed into a lower flow duct 40 which covers most of the underside of the oven assembly and into a return duct 42, located under the

lower flow duct. The gases then travel up through a vertical return duct 44 to a c z : l hob chamber 35 located underneath the hob 26. The gases are able to circulate zn within the hob chamber 35, to heat the hob 26. Finally, the gases exit through z : l an exhaust outlet 47, to an exhaust flue.

In addition to the oven exhaust gases being provided for the hob 26, there is also an inlet 46 for hot gases to flow directly from the heating chamber to the hob chamber 35.

The hot gases are forced around the above paths by appropriate fans (not illustrated).

A similar arrangement for the flow of gases is provided around the other oven assembly which includes the oven 14 and hob 28.

The above described ducts/chambers which receive hot gases and allow the transfer of heat to each of the ovens/hobs constitute heat transfer zones for the respective ovens/hobs.

Referring particularly to Figs. 4a and 4b, the flow of hot gases to the heat transfer zones for each of the two ovens and two hobs may be independently controlled by means of a valve assembly 48. The valve assembly 48 controls the flow of hot gases from the heating chamber to ducts within a distribution box 50,

each duct leading to a heat transfer zone for one of the ovens or hobs.

The valve assembly 48 includes four valve members 52, each valve

member 52 being associated with one of the ovens/hobs. z : l Each valve member 52 is moveable between a position in which it allows hot gases to flow from the heating chamber 20 into its respective duct and a position in which such flow is prevented. Each valve member 52 is mounted on a circular section, elongate pivot shaft 54 and rotation of the pivot shaft 54 moves the valve member between these two positions.

Fig. 4b is an enlarged perspective view of the arrangement for controlling a single one of the valve members 52. It may be seen that the pivot shaft 54 extends away from the valve member 52 and is received within circular openings in two support members 56, the openings allowing the pivot shaft 54 to rotate relative to the support members 56. Also mounted for rotation within the support members 56, but located below and spaced from the pivot shat 54, is a motorised, square section, elongate shaft 58. The motorised shaft 58 is connected to a drive motor 60 and may be rotated by the drive motor. The drive motor 60 is operable to drive the motorised shaft 58 through approximately a quarter turn in either direction.

The motorised shaft 58 is connected to an elongate link member 62 such that no rotation may take place therebetween. A similar link member 64 extends from the valve member pivot shaft 54 and is also connected to this shaft such that no rotation may take place therebetween. Distal ends of the two link members 62,64 are connected by an elongate drive link 66 which is able to pivot relative to the two link members. It may thus be seen that rotation of the motorised shaft 58 by the drive motor 60 causes an equivalent rotation of the pivot shaft 54 and thus of the valve member 52. In this way, the drive motor 60 may be used to

control the position of the valve member. Similar arrangements are provided for

all of the valve members 52, and the arrangement of the four drive motors 60 111) and pivot shafts 54 may be seen in Fig. 1. The drive motors 60 are controlled by a PCB 68, also visible in Fig. 1. c The range includes a moveable lower front panel (detached in Fig. 1) for allowing access to the motors, PCB, etc. , without interfering with the ovens.

The panel may be hinged or may be completely detachable.

Referring again to Fig. 1, each hob 26, 28 and each main oven 12,14 is provided with setting means in the form of a set point potentiometer 70, which allows a user to set a desired temperature for that oven/hob. Each potentiometer 70 is associated with a PCB which is connected to the control PCB 68. The control PCB is able to operate the motors 60 in dependence upon the set point desired temperature and the actual temperature in the relevant oven or hob.

Each oven/hob is provided with a thermocouple which has a sensor 72 within the respective oven or hob, to provide an indication of the actual temperature at the relevant location, this being fed to the control PCB.

If the desired temperature (as indicated by the potentiometer 70) for a particular oven or hob is more than the actual temperature (as indicated by the thermocouple sensor 72), the appropriate motor 60 is activated to open the associated valve member 52. The action of the valve member 52 opening operates a microswitch which sends a signal to the control PCB to fire the burner 18. When the set point temperature is achieved for the particular oven or hob, the valve member 52 closes, thus isolating the heat transfer zone for that oven or hob from the heating chamber 20. The action of the valve member 52 closing operates the microswitch which sends a signal to the control PCB 68 to stop the burner firing. However, the logic of the control PCB 68 will allow the burner to continue firing should any of the thermocouples be calling for heat. When all the

thermocouples have achieved the set point temperatures, electrical power to the burner is isolated and the valve members are all closed.

Each hob will automatically achieve approximately 90% of the set point temperature of the oven to which it is attached. Should the hob need to be a higher temperature or to be used without the oven, the hob set point can be set to the required temperature and the valve assembly 48 will then operate to allow hot gases to pass directly from the distribution box to the hob chamber through the hob inlet 46. The hot gases then circulate within the hob chamber and exit to the exhaust flue 47.

A separate burner 74 is provided for the central heating boiler 32. The boiler has its own heat source and controls.

There is thus provided a cooking range in which each oven and hob may be independently controlled. Further, the particularly paths for the flow of hot gases ensure that even temperatures are achieved throughout the ovens, thus avoiding the need to turn or move food as it cooks. Each oven may be individually controlled within a temperature range of ambience to about 2500 C.

The hobs may achieve about 350oC.

Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. Instead of the central heating boiler 32, a simmering oven may be attached to the underside of one of the main ovens, this achieving its heat from that main oven. The valve members 52 may be controlled by any suitable means, and alternative arrangements may be used for controlling the firing of the burners.

A timing device may be introduced to the PCB which prevents the burner firing continuously for a period longer than, for example, 80 minutes. This

prevents damage to the cooker being incurred should an oven door be inadvertently left open, thus preventing the oven achieving the temperature that is set on the oven temperature control. In the event this happens a warning is

given, the power to the burner is cut off and the controls have to be reset by an 0 engineer.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the

drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

0

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A cooking range including a heating chamber and at least two ovens within a substantially metallic housing, a path for hot gases being provided from the heating chamber to a heat transfer zone for each oven, wherein the range includes a valve arrangement for independently controlling the flow of gases to the heat transfer zone for each oven to control the temperature of the respective oven.
2. A cooking range according to claim 1 wherein the heat transfer zone for each oven extends past or around the respective oven, enabling the gases to heat the oven.
3. A cooking range according to claim 2 wherein the valve arrangement includes a closure member associated with each oven, the closure member being operable to substantially close the path for hot gases to the heat transfer zone of that oven.
4. A cooking range according to any preceding claim wherein the range further includes a hob substantially above each oven.
5. A cooking range according to claim 4 wherein a path for hot gases is provided from the heating chamber to a heat transfer zone for the or each hob, the path extending to an underside of the hob.
6. A cooking range according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the valve arrangement includes a closure member associated with each hob, the closure member being operable to substantially close the path for hot gases to the heat

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transfer zone for that hob.

a cr
7. A cooking range according to claim 6 wherein the range further includes means for allowing exhaust gases, which have passed through the heat transfer zone of one or more of the ovens, to pass to the heat transfer zone one or more of the hobs.
8. A cooking range according to claim 7 wherein each closure member

controls the flow of hot gases from the heating chamber to a duct, each duct zn leading to the heat transfer zone of a respective oven or hob.
9. A cooking range according to claim 8 wherein the ducts are contained t7 Z7 1- within a distribution housing.
10. A cooking range according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein each closure member is mounted on a shaft, rotation of the shaft effecting movement of the closure member between a position where it allows the flow of hot gases from the heating chamber to the respective duct, and a position in which it prevents such flow.
11. A cooking range according to claim lo wherein the position of the closure member is continuously variable between said two positions.
12. A cooking range according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the rotation of the shaft on which the closure member is mounted is effected by a drive motor, the drive motor being located remotely from the closure member, and connected to the shaft via a drive link.

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13. A cooking range according to any of claims 6 to 12 wherein the range includes a heat sensor associated with each oven and hob, for providing an indication of the temperature of the respective oven or hob.
14. A cooking range according to claim 13 wherein the position of each closure member is controllable in dependence upon the output from the sensor associated with its respective oven or hob.
15. A cooking range according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the range

includes settincr includes setting means associated with each oven or hob, allowing a user to set a desired temperature.
16. A cooking range according to claim 15 wherein means are provided for comparing the desired temperature for each oven or hob with the temperature as indicated by the temperature sensor associated with the respective oven or hob, and control means are provided for opening the closure member if the desired temperature exceeds the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor.
17. A cooking range according to claim 16 wherein the heating chamber may include heating means in the form of a burner or an electrical element.

The burner may burn gas, coal or wood.
18. A cooking range according to claim 17 wherein means are provided for controlling the output of the heating means in dependence upon the heat required by the ovens and hobs, the control means activating the heating means if any of the closure members are open, indicating that at least one of the ovens and hobs has a desired temperature higher than its indicated

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temperature.
19. A cooking range according to any preceding claim wherein the range n znl includes two oven assemblies, each oven assembly including an oven and a hob and the two oven assemblies being located substantially side by side. zn
20. A cooking range according to claim 19 wherein the oven assemblies are supported on a chassis, with a space being provided under the ovens.
21. A cooking range according to claim 20 wherein the range includes a Z7) ZD z : further, lower temperature oven located under one of the two oven.
22. A cooking range according to any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the range ZD includes a boiler which located under one of the two ovens.
23. A cooking range according to any of claims 19 to 22 wherein each oven zn zn Z--) assembly includes a metallic door for accessing the inside of the oven.

ZD
24. A cooking range according to claim 23 wherein the range includes one t :) tD or more moveable panels, located generally beneath the oven doors, for allowing access to components located under the ovens.
25. A cooking range according to any of claims 19 to 24 wherein the range z includes paths for hot gases which allow gases from the heating chamber initially to flow upwardly to a top region of an oven assembly within the

range, a path being provided from the heating chamber to an oven inlet at a ZD top, rear centre of the oven assembly.

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26. A cooking range according to claim 25 wherein the range includes a top duct, through which hot gases may flow, the top duct extending across an upper part of the oven assembly, above the oven, a first flow duct which extends down and covers most of one side of the oven assembly, an opposite flow duct which extends down and covers about half of an opposite side of the oven assembly, and a lower flow duct which extends across most of the underside of the oven assembly.
27. A cooking range according to claim 26 wherein the range further includes a lower return duct generally underneath the lower flow duct, an

upright return duct, which extends from the lower return duct up to the hob zn region of the oven assembly, and an exhaust flue in the region of the hob.
28. A cooking range according to any of claims 25 to 27 wherein the range

includes means for forcing air through the paths. z : l
29. A cooking range substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.
30. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.