JP2002535595A - Combination oven with manual input of control algorithm - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A control system for a combination oven using both radiant energy and microwave energy is provided. A radiant cooking device (150, 152) wherein a high speed cooking oven is manually controllable using a rotary dial input selector coupled to a control panel for a user to select a desired oven function. ) And a microwave cooking device (154). An alphanumeric display (50) displays prompts and information for instructing the user on the function selection process. A microprocessor executes a cooking algorithm based on a user-defined constant entered via a rotary dial according to a prompt on the alphanumeric display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ovens, and more particularly, to control systems for combination ovens that use both radiant energy and microwave energy.

[0002]

[Prior art]

Well-known ovens are, for example, either microwave ovens or radiant ovens. For example, microwave ovens include a magnetron that generates high frequency energy that is used to cook food within a cooking space of the oven. Microwave ovens have a shorter cooking time than radiation ovens, but microwave ovens cannot brown food. Therefore, microwave ovens are not typically used to cook a wide variety of foods as radiant ovens.

[0003] Radiant cooking ovens include an energy source, such as a lamp, that generates light energy used to cook food. Radiant ovens brown food and can generally be used to cook a wide variety of foods. However, radiant ovens cook food more slowly than microwave ovens.

[0004] Microwave and radiant cooking ovens typically include an array of keypads mounted on a control panel to allow an operator to enter and select functional options, and 0-9. And a numeric keypad with numbers. As the functions of the oven become more diverse and the number of functions increases, the complexity of the control panel increases and the number of keypads attached to the control panel increases. Such control panels are often too complex for the user to understand, are inflexible, and do not provide an opportunity to adjust or review the ongoing cooking before finishing the cooking. The complexity and inflexibility of such control systems reduce the likelihood that food will be cooked correctly.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an oven that is convenient to use, versatile and easily controlled, and that also has the advantages of microwave oven high speed cooking, while retaining the benefits of a radiant oven.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

In one aspect of the invention, a high speed cooking oven includes a microwave cooking device for delivering microwave energy into a cooking space, and at least one radiant cooking device for delivering radiant energy into a cooking space. The control panel is operatively connected to the microwave and radiant cooking devices so that the user can operate to select a desired oven function, including pre-programmed cooking algorithms and manually entered cooking algorithms. . A microprocessor coupled to the control panel executes the manually entered control algorithm based on the user selected total cooking time and the user selected microwave and radiant cooking device power levels.

The control panel includes a plurality of input keys and a rotary dial type input selector, and a desired feature can be easily selected by turning the dial, pressing the dial and inputting an option. An alphanumeric display is provided to prompt the user to enter control information and to direct the user through the process of selecting an oven function. The oven can operate in a microwave-only cooking mode, a lightwave-only cooking mode, and a high-speed cooking mode using both a radiant cooking device and a microwave cooking device.
Thus, a wide variety of foods can be quickly cooked and browned in the oven,
A convenient and user-friendly control panel provides a versatile and straightforward cooking mode and control selection process.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention, in one aspect, is directed to operating an oven that includes at least two types of cooking elements, such as a radiant cooking element and a microwave cooking element. The following describes one specific embodiment of a radiant / microwave cooking oven, however, the invention can be utilized in combination with many other ovens, and the invention is not limited to the implementations described below. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the form.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an oven 10 including a control system 12. Oven 10
Has a body 14 comprising an upper portion 16 and a bottom portion 18 connected to the upper portion 16 by a first side surface 20, a second side surface 22, and a back surface (not shown). The main body 14 forms a cooking space (not shown) for storing food (not shown) during cooking. The door 26 is hinged to the front portion 28 of the main body 14 and is rotatable so as to be selectively opened and closed by operating the handle 29 when food is taken in and out of the cooking space. The door 26 is provided with a window 30 made of black glass, approximately 1/8 inch thick, capable of withstanding high temperatures, as is well known in the art. During cooking, the user can view the inside of the cooking space through this window 30, without the risk of the user being exposed to the strong light generated during operation of the oven 10. Further, the oven 10 is provided with a ventilation grill 32 so as to protrude.

The control system 12 includes a control panel 40 (not shown in FIG. 1) for selecting control information, and a control interface 44 for providing visual information on cooking to the user.
And The control panel 40 includes a touch control 46 that provides the user with a number of functional options available during cooking, as described below. In addition, the control panel 40 includes a rotary dial 48 configured to allow a user to select control information relating to cooking. The control panel 40 operates to respond to any selection of control information entered by the user using the touch control 46 or the rotary dial 48.

FIG. 2 shows a control system 12 including a control panel 40 and a control interface 44.
FIG. The control interface 44 is mounted on the control panel 40 and includes a character / number display unit 50. The character / numerical display unit 50 displays the current date and time when the oven 10 is not operating. In addition, while the user is entering the control input, the alphanumeric display 50 presents a visual prompt that sequentially guides the user through the selection process to select available options. In one embodiment, the character / number display unit 50 is a vacuum fluorescent display device or an LED type display device that displays a plurality of rows.

The control panel 40 includes a touch control unit 46 and a rotary dial 48. The user can use the touch control unit 46 or the rotary dial 48, or
The control input can be selected by operating the rotary dial 48 and the touch control unit 46 in combination. The touch control unit 46 has a touch surface 5
2, the touch surface 52 is provided with a plurality of keys 54 (described in more detail below) that protrude from the surface 52. Keys 54 are configured to allow a user to enter control inputs and activate function options. The rotary dial 48 is rotatably mounted on the oven 10 and protrudes from an opening 56 of the touch surface 52. Each key 54 is connected to a control (not shown) that includes a microprocessor (not shown) or other electronics to perform the function option selected by the user.

The key 54 provides the user with an oven function option and various cooking functions, and can operate electrically when the user presses the key with minimal force. That is, the key 54 has a “cooking” touch control pad 60
A “start / pause” touch control pad 62, a “manual cooking” touch control pad 64, a “clear / off” touch control pad 66, a “power level” touch control pad 68, a “delay start” touch control pad 70, A "timer" touch control pad 72, a "microwave" touch control pad 74, a "microwave urgent" touch control pad 76, a "ventilation fan" touch control pad 78, a "reminder" touch control pad 80, "Option" touch control pad 82
And a “help” touch control pad 84 and a “surface light” touch control pad 86.

A rotary dial 48 interacts with a number of keys 54 and connects to a control (not shown) that includes a microprocessor (not shown) or other electronics to perform a user-selected oven function. are doing. The rotary dial 48 is also connected to a selection switch (not shown) that is activated when the user applies some force to push the rotary dial 48 into the opening 56.

The rotary dial 48 is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction 94 or a counterclockwise direction 96. Rotating clockwise 94 increments the selected value (not shown) and scrolls non-numeric options alphabetically from A. When rotated in a counterclockwise direction 96, the selected number is decremented and non-numeric options are scrolled from Z in reverse order. The rotary dial 48 is configured to be rotated and, at the same time, to feedback the contents to the user by tactile sensation. Based on this tactile feedback, the user can determine the amount of rotation (not shown). In one embodiment, the haptic feedback has a resolution of about 15 to 25 counts per revolution. In this case, turning the rotary dial 48 will cause the user to feel about 15 to 25 "stop points",
The amount of rotation of the rotary dial 48 is sensed.

The function of the oven can be selected by using the touch control unit 46 or the rotary dial 48, or by operating the rotary dial 48 and the touch control unit 46 in combination. In operation, the plurality of keys 54 are configured to function in concert with the rotary dial 48. First, the mode of the oven 10 is selected from the lightwave (radiation) only mode, the microwave only mode, and the high-speed cooking mode. Upon pressing the touch control pad 60, the processor operates the control interface 44 to visually prompt the user via the alphanumeric display 50 to select the lightwave mode of the oven 10. Pressing the microwave touch control pad 74 causes the processor to operate the control interface 44 to visually prompt the user via the alphanumeric display 50 to select the microwave mode of the oven 10. Further, when the microwave touch control pad 74 is pressed, a cooking lamp (not shown) is turned on to briefly illuminate the food to be cooked.

Pressing the “cook” touch control pad 60 and turning the rotary dial 48 causes the alphanumeric display 50 to display pre-programmed control information including a list of types of foods that are typically cooked in the lightwave mode of the oven 10. Is displayed.

While pressing the “manual cooking” touch control pad 64, the rotary dial 48
By turning, the user can manually input control information including the length of cooking time and the power level to be applied by the oven 10 before the food starts cooking. Furthermore, when the rotary dial 48 is turned after pressing the "manual cooking" touch control pad 64, the user can select a combination of cooking information that is not pre-programmed.

Key 54 provides the user with additional options and functions. Pressing the "power level" touch control pad 68 allows the user to change the pre-programmed and suggested power level. Further, when the “delay start” touch control pad 70 is pressed, the user can select the date and time when cooking should be started. Pressing the "timer" touch control pad 72 allows the user to program the processor to control the timer. After the time programmed in the timer has elapsed, an audible alarm sounds and indicates the time has elapsed.

Each keypad of the control panel 40 is covered with a tactile switch cover made of rubber, and is configured so that a plurality of selections can be made by a dial 48.
To make a selection using the dial 48, turn the dial 48 clockwise or counterclockwise, and press the dial 48 when the desired option is displayed. The various options that can be set from dial 48 in one embodiment are described in Appendix A. Commands and options are displayed on the character / numerical display unit 50.

The functions that can be selected by the user operating the control panel 40 are as follows. [Clear / Off] Selecting this pad stops all cooking and erases the current program. [Delay start] When this pad is selected, the start of cooking is delayed. [Help] Selecting this pad allows the user to gain more knowledge about the oven and its functions. [Microwave] Selecting this pad allows for thawing, warming beverages, reheating leftovers, popcorn, vegetables and all types of microwave cooking. [Microwave urgent] If this pad is selected, warming the sandwich or reheating the coffee is quick and easy. [Option on / off] When this pad is selected, functions such as automatic lighting at night, buzzer volume control, clock, clock display, and display scroll speed can be used. [Oven Light] Selecting this pad illuminates the cooking space during microwave cooking.
[Power level] When this pad is selected, the power level of high-speed cooking and microwave cooking can be adjusted. [Reminder] Selecting this pad allows the user to select the time when the alarm should sound. [Repeat] Selecting this pad makes it easier to cook repeatedly cooked items such as cookies and appetizers. [High-speed cooking manual] When this pad is selected, the user can manually input the high-speed cooking time and the power level. [Start / Pause] Selecting this pad allows the user to start or pause cooking. [Surface Light] When this pad is selected, a surface lamp that illuminates the cooking surface is turned on / off.
[Timer ON / OFF] When this pad is selected, a general-purpose timer (for example, minutes and seconds) is controlled.
Ventilation fan Selecting this pad allows the user to filter out smoke or steam in the cooking surface area.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the oven 10. Oven 10 is shell 12
0, the cooking space 122 is disposed inside the shell 120. Cooking space 1
22 is manufactured from stainless steel having a high reflectance (for example, a reflectance of 72%). Halogen lamps 124 and 126 and a reflector 128 are mounted on an upper panel 130 of the shell 120. As will be described in more detail below, a halogen lamp is also arranged below the shell 120. The shell 120 has an exhaust system 132
Is also attached. The air flows in the space 122 in the direction indicated by the arrow 134. A cooling system 137 for cooling the components of the oven is also attached to the shell 120. An example of the dimensions of each part of the oven 10 is shown below. [Shell] External height (front) 15 11/16 inch External height (rear) 16 1/2 inch External width 29 4/5 inch External depth 14 4/5 inch [Cooking space] Space height 8 2 / 5 inch space width 19 2/7 inch space depth 13 3/5 inch.

FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing a positional relationship between the halogen lamp cooking devices 150 and 152 and the microwave cooking device 154 with respect to the oven 10, particularly the cooking space 122. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper cooking device 150 includes two halogen lamps 124 and 126, and the cooking device 152 includes one halogen lamp 156. In one embodiment, these lamps 124, 126 and 156 have a color temperature of 2300K and an output power of 7% in the lightwave range of 0.4 μm to 0.7 μm and 20% to 25% in the lightwave range of less than 1.0 μm. , 36% 4 in the lightwave range from 0.4 μm to 1.35 μm.
. It is a 1500 W halogen lamp showing 5 kW. The lamp 124 is called an upper center lamp, and the lamp 126 is called an upper outer lamp. The lamp 156 is called a lower lamp. Glass plates 158 and 160 are arranged on cooking devices 150 and 152 between lamps 124, 126 and 156 and space 122. Also, twisted mesh screens 162 and 164 having an aperture ratio of 80% are provided to provide a higher protection function. The reflection plate 128 will be described in detail below. The magnetron 166 of the microwave cooking device 154 is arranged on one side of the space 122. In one embodiment, magnetron 166 has a rating of 1000 W and provides 950 W into space 122.

The lamp 156 will be described with reference to FIG. The ramp 156 is located off-center and at an angle to the bottom surface 172 of the space 122. This arrangement of the lower ramp 156 may, for example, result in a lower temperature of the rollers on the turntable 136.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the reflection plate 128. Reflector 128 includes angled side portions 180 and 182 and angled central portions 184 and 186. The dimensions (in millimeters) shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples and have been found to be appropriate for at least one oven. By selecting the size of the reflector as shown in FIG. 5, it is believed that the upper lamps 124 and 126 can cook the items placed on the turntable 136 more uniformly.

FIG. 7 shows a part of the turntable 136. The turntable 136 has an open grill configuration with an energy transmittance of 70%. The turntable 136 is approximately 6 r. p. m. And the diameter is about 11 1/8 inch. Turntable 136 includes a plurality of metal portions 190 having ceramic rollers 192. One of the rollers 192 is shown in circle 194.

FIG. 8 shows a damper 194 disposed below the microwave cooking device 154.
The damper 194 opens in the microwave only mode, and allows air to flow into the space 122. In the case of the high-speed cooking and radiation only mode, the damper 194 is closed,
The backflowed air is prevented from returning to the microwave cooking device 154.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the oven 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the oven 10 includes a mounting system 200, a structural system 202, and a control system 204.
, An electric system 206, a high-frequency generator 208, a component cooling system 210, a halogen lamp 212, and a food storage system 214. Various features of each part are shown in FIG. The mounting system 200 is provided to enable the oven to be mounted in the range. In addition, the mounting system 200 is connected to an exhaust to remove smoke and vapor above the cooking space into the exhaust. Structural system 202 is commonly referred to as shell 120 and forms an outer enclosure. Control system 204 includes an interface, ie, keypad 112 and dial 48, and also serves to distribute power to other systems in the oven. The electric system 206 supplies power to the control device and the safety device. The high frequency generator 208 includes a magnetron 166, and the high frequency (RF) energy output by the magnetron 166 is selectively used for cooking food in the food storage system. The component cooling system 210 is provided for cooling other systems and removing moisture from the space 122. The halogen lamp 212 is connected to the food storage system 21.
4 generates light energy used to cook the food within.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the oven 10. Power is supplied to the oven 10 via lines L1, L2 and N. Relays R1-R13 are connected to a microprocessor or microcomputer programmed to control the opening and closing of those relays. The lower lamp 156 is electrically connected to the line L1 via the heat insulating part 300. Activation of lower lamp 156 is controlled by relays R1 and R2. To perform a soft start, described in more detail below,
02 is connected in series with the relay R1. The upper lamps 126 and 124 are connected to the line L2 via the heat insulating portions 304 and 306. Triacs 308 and 310 are connected in series with relay R4.

The relays R 1 and R 4 are air gap type relays, and are connected in series with the triacs 302 and 308, respectively. During the soft start operation of each lamp 124, 126 and 156, relays R1 and R4 are closed and triac 302
And 308 can be activated. After the soft start is completed, the relay R1
And R4 open. Relays R2, R3, and R6 are controlled by the microcomputer to close to maintain activation of lamps 124, 126, and 156 based on the specific power setting after soft start is completed.

The oven 10 includes an upper blower motor 312 for cooling and a lower blower motor 314.
And Rectifier circuit 316 is provided to rectify the AC input signal into a DC output signal to be supplied to solenoid 317. The solenoid 317 is
When energized, the damper 194 is closed. For example, to protect the oven components from overheating or overcurrent conditions, insulation 318 and 320 and fuse 322 may be used.
Is also provided. The top surface illumination lamp 324 is electrically connected in series with the triac 326, and is provided to illuminate the top surface of the food being cooked. Instead of the rectifier circuit 316 and the solenoid 317, a small synchronous motor may be used.

In order to remove smoke and steam from the top of the food during cooking, relays R7, R8 and R9
A ventilation motor 328 that can be set to low speed, slow speed, and high speed via a motor is provided. Oven lamp 330, fan motor 332 and turntable motor 3
34 is controlled by separate relays R10, R11 and R12. A primary interlock switch 336 located on the door 102 prevents the cooking element from being activated when the door 102 is not closed. The relay R13 controls activation of the microwave cooking device 154. The microwave cooking device 154 controls the supply voltage to 12
Includes a high voltage transformer 338 that increases from 0V to 2000V. The circuit consisting of high voltage capacitor 340 and high voltage diode 342 raises the voltage from transformer 338 from 2000V to 4000V. This high voltage is applied to the magnetron 16
, And the output of the magnetron 166 is supplied to the waveguide 344. Waveguide 3
44 directs high frequency energy into the cooking space 122. As shown in FIG. 9, the oven 10 has a door detection switch 34 for detecting whether the door 102 is open.
6, a humidity sensor 348 for sensing humidity in the cooking space, a thermistor 350,
And a base thermostat 352.

The high-speed cooking operation of the oven 10 will be described. The microcomputer controls the relays R1-R6 and R13 based on the power levels associated with the pre-programmed cooking program or entered manually. In the high-speed cooking mode, for example, when the power level 9 is selected, the upper outer lamp 12
Fourty-two seconds of the 32 second duty cycle is the target on-time, 25 seconds of the 32 second duty cycle of the upper central ramp 126 is the target on-time, and of the 32 second duty cycle of the lower ramp 156. 29 seconds is the target on time, and 29 seconds of the 32 second duty cycle of the magnetron 16 is the target on time. The 32 second duty cycle is a length selected for one particular implementation, and other duty cycles could be utilized. The following table shows the target on-time based on power level.

[Table 1] Power Upper outside Upper center Lower level Lamp Lamp Lamp magnetron 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 6 6 6 6 3 10 8 10 10 4 13 11 13 13 5 16 16 14 16 16 6 19 16 19 19 7 22 19 22 22 22 26 26 22 26 26 9 29 25 29 29 29 10 32 27 32 32.

To improve lamp reliability, a soft start operation is used when starting lamps 124, 126 and 156. That is, according to the soft start operation, the triacs 302, 308 and 310 are used to delay the turn-on of the lamp. For example, the upper outer lamp 126 and the lower lamp 156 are delayed by one second from the time the turn-on is commanded until the actual turn-on. The upper center ramp 124 delays 2 seconds from the command to turn on to the actual turn on. Therefore, the target turn-on time is different from the commanded on-time. The following table shows the command on time based on the selected power level.

[Table 2] Power Upper outside Upper center Lower level Lamp Lamp Lamp magnetron 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 4 3 2 7 7 7 6 3 11 11 10 11 10 4 14 13 14 13 5 17 17 16 17 16 6 20 18 20 19 7 23 21 23 22 8 27 27 24 27 26 9 30 27 30 30 29 10 32 29 32 32.

For example, if upper lamps 124 and 126 are to be operated at power level 7, upper lamp 124 is commanded to operate for 21 seconds and upper outer lamp 126
Would be commanded to operate for 23 seconds. Lamps 124 and 126 will be commanded to be on for 21 and 23 seconds, respectively, at the beginning of each 32 second duty cycle. Ramp 1 due to soft start delay
24 and 126 are actually 19 of the 32 second duty cycle, respectively.
Seconds (ramp 124) and 22 seconds (ramp 126) would be on.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the states of the lamps 124, 126 and 156 and the magnetron 166. In this example, a frozen croissant is cooked according to the following conditions.

Total cooking time: 4 minutes 30 seconds Upper power level: 10 Lower power level: 3 Microwave power level: 3

As shown in FIG. 11, the upper center ramp 124 actually turns on (solid line).
A command was received two seconds earlier (dotted line). The lamp 124 is on for 27 seconds in each 32 second cycle. The upper outer lamp 126 is always on during this period. The lower lamp 156 is turned on one second after receiving the command to turn on, and is turned on for 10 seconds in each of the 32 second cycles. In the case of the magnetron 166,
There is no delay from the command to the execution of the on-time, and it is on for 10 seconds in each 32-second cycle.

The operator enters control information including the total cooking time and power level selected for the desired cooking device and the adjustment of cooking time and the power level of the upper and lower lamps and microwave during operation. When manually inputting parameters to the control algorithm, pressing the “manual cooking” control pad 64 causes “select cooking time” to be displayed on the alphanumeric display section 50. By turning the rotary dial 48, the cooking time can be selected by adjusting the displayed cooking time, and by pressing the rotary dial 48, the selected cooking time is input. When the cooking time is input, a message "select upper power" is displayed as shown in FIG. Thus, the upper power level can be selected by turning the dial 48 (turning clockwise increases the power level, turning counterclockwise decreases the power level). When the selected level is input by pressing the dial 48, a short buzzer sounds and "select lower power" is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, by turning the dial to change the current lower power level and pressing the dial 48, the selected level is input and a short buzzer sounds. Next, as shown in FIG. 14, "select microwave power" is displayed. Turning the dial 48 changes the power level of the microwave this time. When dial 48 is pressed and the selected level is entered, a short buzzer sounds, the "oven" icon flashes, and the "select" icon disappears. Next, as shown in FIG. 15, "time adjustment or start" is displayed.
Therefore, the time may be adjusted or the start pad may be pressed.

When adjusting the power level of the desired cooking device during operation of the oven 10,
The user presses the "power level" pad 68 on the control panel. Pressing the "power level" pad at an acceptable time during lightwave cooking, i.e. when one or more lamps are activated, continues the cooking time countdown and displays the UPL display (FIG. 11), The LPL display (FIG. 12) and the MPL display (FIG. 13) appear. in this case,
After entering a new microwave power level, the same operation as described above is used, except that two short beeps, a countdown, and the display of UPL, LPL and MPL last for 2 seconds. . After 2 seconds, the display of UPL, LPL and MPL disappears, and only the countdown of the cooking time continues. If the power level pad is pressed when it is not allowed to change / input or call the power level, a buzzer signal (for 0.5 seconds at 1000 Hz) sounds and the character / numerical display section 50 displays "Power level Cannot be changed "is scrolled. After scrolling, the foreground function returns. If the power level pad is pressed when the change / input is allowed, but the dial is not pressed or the input is not performed within 15 seconds, the display of UPL, LPL and MPL disappears, and the character and numeric display section is displayed. 50 returns to the cooking time countdown.

FIG. 16 shows the process steps performed when adjusting the cooking time during a cooking operation. During the cooking operation, a main cooking routine is executed. If the dial 48 is not moved (step 404), the main cooking routine is continuously executed (step 406). When the dial 48 is moved (step 404), the microcomputer determines whether or not the time can be changed, for example, whether or not time remains within the change limit (step 408). For example, if only 15 seconds remain in the cooking operation time, the time change is not allowed, and the operator stops the cooking operation by turning the dial 48 until zero is displayed (this is also referred to as “hard shutdown”). Which is called an unwanted operation). If the remaining time is not within the change limit, the main cooking routine is continuously executed (step 406). If the remaining time is within the change limit, the microcomputer determines whether the dial 48 has been turned clockwise (step 410). If not clockwise (i.e., if dial 48 has been turned counterclockwise), the cooking time is decremented by one second for each increment in which dial 48 is turned (step 412). If it was turned clockwise, dial 4
The cooking time is incremented by one second for each increment 8 is turned (step 414).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating process steps 450 for lamp power level control. Such control is performed by ramps 124, 126 and 156 (
9) is used to control the activation. That is, during a normal cooking operation,
The main cooking routine 452 is executed. The power counter is incremented every second (step 454), and the microprocessor determines whether the power cycle has been completed (step 456). For example, as described above, each duty cycle is 32 seconds. Upon completion of this duty cycle, the power counter is reset (step 458). If the duty cycle is not completed, or after resetting the counter, the microcomputer determines whether the power count is greater than the "on time" (step 460). "On-time" is equal to the time corresponding to the selected power level of each lamp, as described above. If the power count is greater than the "on time", the operation of the particular lamp is stopped (step 462) and cooking is continued according to the main cooking routine (step 464).
). If the power count is equal to or less than the "on time", the microcomputer determines whether or not the lamp is already on (step # 466). If it is already on, the cooking operation is continued (step 464). If not, the microcomputer determines whether the soft start has been completed (step 468). If the soft start has been completed, the operation is continued according to the cooking routine (step 464). If the soft start operation has not been completed, a soft start routine is called (step 470).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process steps for the soft start routine (500). As described above, the soft start of the halogen lamp is used to improve the reliability of the lamp. When the routine 500 is called from the power level control routine (step 502), the microcomputer increments the soft start counter (step 504). Next, the microcomputer determines (eg, depending on the ramp) whether the soft start has been completed (as described above, the duration of the soft start is one or two seconds).
If the soft start is completed, the microcomputer resets the soft start counter (step 508), turns on the lamp control relay (step 510), and turns off the lamp control triac (step 512). afterwards,
Operation proceeds to the cooking routine (step 514). If the soft start has not been completed, the microcomputer turns on the lamp control triac for 10% of the soft start count X line cycles (step 516).
Thereafter, the operation proceeds to a cooking routine.

The glass of the oven door 26 (shown in FIG. 2) is of a very dark color, with at least one halogen lamp turned on and activated enough to fully illuminate the space 122 (shown in FIG. 2). Unless the food is inside the space 122, it cannot be seen. Therefore, during a cooking operation such as a microwave-only cooking mode or during radiant cooking at a low power level, the operator selects the microwave button on the control panel 40 so as to make the food in the cooking space 122 visible. In some cases. When this pad is selected during cooking, the microcomputer soft-starts the upper center lamp 124 at full power (ie, power level 10) for 4 seconds. That is, as described above, the soft start for 2 seconds and the start for 2 seconds of the power level 10 are the start for 4 seconds. The lamp 124 fully illuminates the cooking space so that the operator can view the food through the window 30.

While the invention has been described with respect to various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a combination oven including a control system.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the control system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the oven shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the radiant cooking device and the microwave cooking device with respect to the cooking space.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a lower lamp of the oven shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a reflector of the upper lamp of the oven shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a part of the turntable of the oven shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cooking space of the oven shown in FIG. 3, including a damper for controlling airflow.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the oven shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the oven shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a target time and a command time for activating a cooking element.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a message displayed when the power level and the cooking time are adjusted / input.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a message displayed when the power level and the cooking time are adjusted / input.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a message displayed when the power level and the cooking time are adjusted / input.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a message displayed when the power level and the cooking time are adjusted / input.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the process steps performed when adjusting the cooking time.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing process steps related to lamp power level control.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing process steps related to a soft start of a halogen lamp.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Oven 12 Control system 14 Main body 40 Control panel 44 Control interface 46 Touch control part 48 Rotating dial 50 Alphanumeric display part 54 Key 60-86 Touch control pad 120 Shell 122 Cooking space 124 Upper center lamp 126 Upper outer lamp 132 Exhaust system 137 Cooling system 150 Upper cooking device 152 Lower cooking device 154 Microwave cooking device 156 Lower lamp 166 Magnetron 200 Mounting system 202 Structural system 204 Control system 206 Electric system 208 High frequency generator 210 Parts cooling system 212 Halogen lamp 214 Food storage system

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) F24C 7/04 F24C 7/04 A 301 301Z 15/00 15/00 H H05B 6/68 350 H05B 6/68 350A (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), CA, CN, JP, KR, MX (72) Inventor Head, Jesse Spalding United States, 40219, Kentucky, Louisville, Briscoe Lane, No. 5505 (72) Inventor Smith, Charles Ray United States, 40065, Shelby, Kentucky Building, Cranbourne Grange, 739th F-term (reference) 3 K086 AA10 BA02 BB01 BB03 BB10 CC02 CC12 CC13 3L086 AA02 AA11 AA12 CA12 CA16 DA24 DA30 3L087 AA05 BA06 BA09 BC02 DA24

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A cooking space, a microwave cooking device for sending microwave energy to the cooking space, at least one radiant cooking device for sending radiant energy to the cooking space, the microwave cooking device and the at least one A control panel operatively connected to the radiant cooking device and operated by a user to select a desired oven function; operatively connected to the control panel, the microwave cooking device and the at least one
A microprocessor that executes a control algorithm based on a selected total cooking time and a user-selected power level for each of the radiant cooking devices. 2. The high-speed cooking oven according to claim 1, wherein the control panel includes a manual cooking button and a rotary dial input unit for selecting the total cooking time and the power level. 3. The high-speed cooking oven according to claim 1, wherein the control panel includes a character / numeric display unit. 4. The high-speed cooking oven according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radiant cooking device includes an upper cooking device having an upper radiant lamp and a lower cooking device having a lower radiant lamp. 5. The control algorithm is selected for a total cooking time selected, an upper power level selected for the upper cooking device, a lower power level selected for the lower cooking device, and selected for the microwave cooking device. 5. The fast cooking oven according to claim 4, wherein the oven is determined based on the microwave power level. 6. The control panel includes a manual cooking button, and the microprocessor is configured to allow a user to set the total cooking time when the manual cooking button is pressed.
6. The cooking oven of claim 5, wherein the oven is programmed to prompt for an upper power level, a lower power level, and a microwave power level. 7. The high speed cooking oven of claim 6, wherein said control panel further comprises an alphanumeric display, and said microprocessor is further programmed to display said prompt on said alphanumeric display. . 8. The high speed cooking oven according to claim 6, wherein the control panel includes a rotary dial input selector for selecting the cooking time and the power level by rotating a dial. 9. A plurality of radiant cooking lamps and microwave cooking devices for sending cooking energy to a cooking space, and a character / numerical display unit operated by a user to select settings of these cooking lamps and microwave cooking devices. A control panel, including
A method of operating a high-speed cooking oven in a high-speed cooking oven including a radiant cooking lamp and a microwave cooking device and a microprocessor executing a predetermined control algorithm, the total cooking time being input. A step of prompting the user to do so, a step of prompting the user to enter a power level for each radiant cooking lamp, and a step of prompting the user to enter a microwave power level for the microwave cooking device; Having a method. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising prompting a start command to execute the selected cooking algorithm. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the prompting step comprises displaying a message on the alphanumeric display, respectively. 12. When the oven includes an upper cooking device, a lower cooking device, and a microwave cooking device, displaying the message includes: when prompting a user to input a power level of the upper cooking device, a character and a numeral. A process of displaying “select upper power” on the display unit, a process of displaying “select lower power” on the alphanumeric display unit when prompting the user to input a power level of the lower cooking device, 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying "select microwave power" on the alphanumeric display when prompting the user to enter the power level of the cooking appliance. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying an icon on the alphanumeric display when prompting the user to enter a control algorithm. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor is further programmed to perform an audible confirmation of the prompted user input. 15. A cooking space, an upper cooking device for sending radiant energy to the cooking space, a lower cooking device for sending radiant energy to the cooking space, and a microwave cooking device for sending microwave energy to the cooking space. A control panel operated by a user to perform a desired cooking operation; a character / numerical display unit coupled to the control panel for indicating a cooking option available from operation of the control panel; the control panel; the characters A number display unit, the upper cooking device, the lower cooking device, and the microwave cooking device, a cooking time of a cooking operation, an upper power level corresponding to a relative activation state of the upper cooking device during the cooking time, A lower power level corresponding to a relative activation state of the lower cooking device during the cooking time and the microphone during the cooking time A microprocessor programmed to execute a cooking control algorithm based on four defined cooking constants including a microwave power level corresponding to a relative activation state of the microwave cooking device. 16. The microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to prompt the user to enter a cooking time, an upper power level, a lower power level, and a microwave power level when operating the control panel. Item 15
The fast cooking oven as described. 17. The control panel includes a manual cooking button, and the microprocessor controls a cooking time, an upper power level, a lower power level, and a microwave power level when the user operates the manual cooking button. 17. The fast cooking oven according to claim 16, wherein the oven is programmed to prompt for input. 18. The control panel includes a rotary dial, wherein the microprocessor inputs a cooking time, an upper power level, a lower power level, and a microwave power level when the user operates the rotary dial. 17. The fast cooking oven of claim 16, wherein the oven is programmed to prompt.