WO2023096621A1

WO2023096621A1 - A cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023096621A1
Application number: PCT/TR2022/051325
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hakan OZDENIZ; Rustem Asik
Original assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2021-11-25
Filing date: 2022-11-21
Publication date: 2023-06-01

Abstract

The cooking device (D) according to the invention comprises a body (D1); a cooking compartment (D2); a control panel (D3); a smoking assembly (1) in the body (D1), which comprises a fixed body (1a) in which smoke is generated, and a burning chamber (1c) for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body (1a), in which the sawdust is burnt; and a control unit controlling the smoking process. The operation method according to the invention comprises the steps of: comparing at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) with at least one threshold information stored in the control unit when a command is sent to the control unit to carry out the smoking process, and determining whether the characteristic information is within the predetermined limits defined by the threshold information for the smoking process; when the characteristic information is determined to be within the predetermined limits, operating a burning element (1f), a fan assembly (1e) and/or a vacuum pump with an operating power and/or for an operating period that are stored in the control unit for the predetermined limits, and performing the sawdust burning process; when the characteristic information is determined not to be within the predetermined limits, operating the burning element (1f), fan assembly (1e) and/or vacuum pump with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the characteristic information that is not within these limits, and performing the sawdust burning process.

Description

A COOKING DEVICE WITH A SMOKING FUNCTION AND AN OPERATION METHOD THEREOF

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof.

Background of the Invention

Food products can be consumed both raw and cooked, depending on the type and taste of the product to be consumed. For a cooked food product, the food needs to be subjected to various cooking processes, wherein the most commonly used cooking process for food cooking is heat cooking. For the heat cooking process, the food product to be cooked is placed in a container and exposed to heat with the container.

Various cooking devices are used in the known art for cooking food products by exposing them to heat. For example, a food product can be cooked in a container, in a cooking area such as a stove, by direct exposure to the flame. Another cooking process can be carried out by heating a closed volume by means of a heating device such as a resistance, and placing the food in the container in this closed volume and keeping it in the heated volume for a certain period of time, and these type of cooking devices can be called as ovens.

In addition to cooking by exposure to heat, cooking processes such as acid cooking and smoking are other alternative techniques that can be used for cooking food products. The smoking process is widely used for both cooking and flavoring food products. External equipment is generally used for smoking food products, and an example of this equipment is a dedicated smoking oven, which is also described in the utility model document CN209403436U. However, the need for such external equipment makes it difficult to perform the smoking technique, especially in the home, because external equipment creates the need for additional usage area and brings extra costs. In addition, in order for the smoking technique to be carried out effectively, the smoking assembly must be properly controlled. Otherwise, taste quality of the food product may deteriorate and the food may not be consumed, causing it to be wasted.

Brief Description of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided an operation method for a cooking device comprising at least one body; at least one cooking compartment provided in the body; at least one control panel provided at the body for adjusting and controlling a cooking process according to the user's needs; at least one smoking assembly in the body, which is configured to perform the smoking process to a food in the cooking compartment in accordance with the commands transmitted through the control panel, and comprises at least one fixed body located in the body, in which smoke is generated, and at least one burning chamber for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body, in which the sawdust is burnt; and at least one control unit which controls the smoking process based on the commands given by means of the control panel, the operation method comprising the steps of:

• comparing at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber with at least one threshold information stored in the control unit when a command is sent to the control unit via the control panel to carry out the smoking process, and determining whether the characteristic information is within the predetermined limits defined by the threshold information for the smoking process;

• when the characteristic information is determined to be within the predetermined limits, operating at least one burning element for burning the sawdust in the burning chamber for the smoking process and/or at least one variable speed fan assembly configured to regulate air flow in the smoking assembly and/or at least one vacuum pump with adjustable current, and performing the sawdust burning process, wherein burning element, fan assembly and vacuum pump are operated with an operating power and/or for an operating period that are stored in the control unit for the predetermined limits;

• when the characteristic information is determined not to be within the predetermined limits, operating the burning element and/or fan assembly and/or vacuum pump with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the characteristic information that is not within these limits, and performing the sawdust burning process. The cooking device according to the invention comprises at least one body; at least one cooking compartment provided in the body; at least one control panel provided at the body for adjusting and controlling a cooking process according to the user's needs; and at least one smoking assembly in the body, which is configured to perform the smoking process to a food in the cooking compartment in accordance with the commands transmitted through the control panel, and comprises:

• at least one fixed body located in the body, in which smoke is generated, and

• at least one burning chamber for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body, in which the sawdust is burnt; the cooking device also comprising at least one control unit which controls the smoking process based on the commands given by means of the control panel and comprises at least one threshold information for comparing at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber, wherein as a result of comparing the characteristic information with the threshold information, the control unit executes the processes in the above-mentioned operation method in order to adjust and control operation of at least one burning element in the cooking device configured to burn sawdust in the burning chamber and to generate the smoke and/or at least one variable speed fan assembly in the cooking device configured to regulate air flow within the smoking assembly and/or at least one vacuum pump with adjustable current.

Thanks to the cooking device and operation method according to the present invention, the food smoking process can be carried out in an easy and practical way even in the home environment, without the need for extra space and equipment, accurately and effectively. In addition, food waste resulting from incorrect smoking can be minimized and a reliable, user-friendly cooking device and operation method can be obtained.

Object of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof, especially suitable for domestic use. A further object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof, which minimizes the need for extra space and equipment for the smoking process.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof, which ensures the correct and effective smoking process and minimizes food waste.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a practical and reliable cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof, which is easy to manufacture and use.

Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the cooking device with a smoking function according to the invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the cooking device according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cooking device according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the cooking device according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of a smoking assembly in the cooking device according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a side sectional view of the smoking assembly in the cooking device according to the invention.

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

Cooking device (D)

Body (D1)

Cooking compartment (D2)

Control panel (D3)

Smoking assembly (1) Fixed body (1a)

Movable body (1b)

Burning chamber (1c)

Sensor (1d)

Fan assembly (1e)

Burning element (1f)

Description of the Invention

Foods that are the food source of living things can be consumed raw or cooked. Various cooking techniques are used to cook foods, and the most common of these techniques is to cook foods by exposing them to heat. Cooking devices such as stoves and ovens can be used to cook foods with heat. In addition to cooking foods by exposing them to heat, cooking techniques such as acid cooking and smoking can also be used for cooking food products. Among the other cooking techniques, the smoking process can be used for the purpose of flavoring the food as well as storing it as a processed state. However, external equipment is generally used for performing the smoking technique, and this equipment can create extra costs, create the need for extra space, and cause the smoking process to be carried out in a more laborious way. In addition, applications in the prior art may adversely affect the effectiveness of the smoking process and may cause the food to have a taste and odor that cannot be consumed, causing food waste. Such negativities make it difficult for users to perform the smoking technique, especially in the home. Therefore, the present invention provides a cooking device with a smoking function and an operation method thereof for the solution of these problems.

The operation method according to the present invention is suitable for use in a cooking device (D), as illustrated in figures 1-5, comprising at least one body (D1); at least one cooking compartment (D2) provided in the body (D1); at least one control panel (D3) provided at the body (D1), preferably on an upper part of the cooking compartment (D2), for adjusting and controlling a cooking process according to the user's needs; at least one smoking assembly (1) in the body (D1), preferably on a rear part of the control panel (D3), which is configured to perform the smoking process to a food in the cooking compartment (D2) in accordance with the commands transmitted through the control panel (D3), and comprises at least one fixed body (1a) located in the body (D3), in which smoke is generated, and at least one (preferably a plurality of) burning chamber (1c), preferably in the form of a box for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body (1a), in which the sawdust is burnt; and at least one control unit which controls the smoking process (and preferably operation of the cooking device (D)) based on the commands given by the control panel (D3). Said operation method comprising the steps of:

• comparing at least one characteristic information (which may preferably include at least one, several and/or all of the information such as sawdust type, sawdust particle size, sawdust level, sawdust amount, sawdust humidity level, etc.) of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) with at least one threshold information stored in the control unit when a command is sent to the control unit via the control panel (D3) to carry out the smoking process, and determining whether the characteristic information is within the predetermined limits defined by the threshold information for the smoking process;

• when the characteristic information is determined to be within the predetermined limits, operating at least one burning element (1f) for burning the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) for the smoking process and/or at least one variable speed fan assembly (1e) configured to regulate air flow in the smoking assembly (1) (and preferably to transmit the generated smoke to the cooking compartment (D2)) and/or at least one vacuum pump with adjustable current, and performing the sawdust burning process, wherein burning element (1f), fan assembly (1e) and vacuum pump are operated with an operating power and/or for an operating period that are stored in the control unit for the predetermined limits;

• when the characteristic information is determined not to be within the predetermined limits (for example, above and/or below the determined limits), operating the burning element (1f) and/or fan assembly (1e) configured to transmit the generated smoke to the cooking compartment (D2) and/or vacuum pump with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the characteristic information that is not within these limits, and performing the sawdust burning process.

Many different types of sawdust, such as oak, walnut, apple, etc., can be used for the smoking process. The activation energy required for burning the sawdust obtained from different types of trees, and therefore the burning temperature, is different. In addition to the different burning temperatures of different types of sawdust, the burning time and/or the amount of heat energy needed change depending on the instant humidity value of the sawdust. In addition to the aforementioned sawdust types for the smoking process, mixed sawdust types created or obtained by the user himself and/or materials other than sawdust such as thyme and coal can also be used. In addition, the burning time of the sawdust may vary depending on the sawdust level and/or the amount placed in the burning chamber (1c) for the smoking process. In addition, the particle size of the sawdust to be used in the smoking process can also cause the ignition/burning time of the sawdust to differ. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the user places some sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) for the smoking process and transmits a command to the control unit to start the smoking process via the control panel (D3). When the control unit receives said command, it compares at least one characteristic information of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c) with a threshold information. For example, as mentioned above, the user may prefer different types of sawdust for different types of food. In this case, operation of the burning element (1f) for a constant time and/or with a constant energy for each sawdust type may cause some of the sawdust to burn late, fail to ignite or burn excessively. Moreover, if the sawdust is stored in a relatively humid area, the humidity value of the sawdust will be high, which therefore makes it longer to ignite than in a relatively humid-free state. In this case, the burning element (1f) operating with a constant energy for a certain period of time will burn the sawdust late, with the possibility of not burning it. In addition, in case of the sawdust mixtures created by the user for the smoking process, the sawdust obtained by the user and/or materials other than sawdust such as thyme and coal, since materials with different characteristics will have different burning/ignition times, the burning element (1f) operating for a certain period of time may burn the materials late, or may not burn them at all. Furthermore, if a very small amount of sawdust is placed in the burning chamber (1c), since the distance between the sawdust and the burning element (1f) will be relatively large, ignition time of the sawdust will increase, and similarly, ignition time of the sawdust will be shortened when the sawdust is close to the burning element (1f). Also, since surface area of the particles increases in sawdust with smaller particle size, heat transfer from the burning element (1f) to the sawdust increases, such that the sawdust can ignite in a relatively short time. In this context, with the method according to the present invention, as a result of the comparison performed in the control unit, it is determined whether at least one characteristic information of the sawdust is within the limits defined for the burning process and determined by the threshold information. If the characteristic information is within the limits, the burning process is carried out with the operating power and/or operating period of the burning element (1f) stored in the control unit for this purpose. If the characteristic information is not within the limits, the operating power and/or period of the burning element (1f) is increased or decreased accordingly. Thus, efficiency of the smoking process can be increased because taste and smell of the food when it is smoked is directly related to the mentioned characteristics of the sawdust and therefore the burning I non-burning level of the sawdust. For example, excessively burnt sawdust may cause the food to have a burnt taste and/or odor, and in this case, the food may not be consumed and thrown away. This leads to food waste. In this context, thanks to the method according to the present invention, the smoking process can be carried out accurately and effectively without need for the use of an additional equipment, even in the home environment, and food waste can be minimized.

In a preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). In this case, the humidity amount of the sawdust is compared with a first threshold information stored in the control unit for the humidity status of the sawdust (this first threshold information corresponds to the threshold information when the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust), wherein if the humidity amount is above the first threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value (substantially close to or equal to the first threshold information) for the first threshold information; and if the humidity amount is below the first threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value (substantially close to or equal to the first threshold information) for the first threshold information. For example, if the first threshold information is 50% humidity, and humidity amount of the sawdust is in the range of 70-80%, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 7-8 minutes more than the operating period at 50% humidity; and if humidity amount of the sawdust is in the range of 30-40%, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 3-4 minutes less than the operating period at 50% humidity. In this way, an effective smoking process can be carried out by ensuring that the sawdust is burnt as much as necessary. Moreover, if the humidity amount is above the first threshold information as a result of the comparison of humidity amount of the sawdust with the first threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the first threshold information (the humidity value substantially close to or equal to the first threshold information); and if the humidity amount is below the first threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the first threshold information (the humidity value substantially close to or equal to the first threshold information). Adjusting power of the burning element (1f) can be achieved by changing the voltage supplied to the burning element (1 f), changing the transmitted current and/or other similar techniques. For example, if the first threshold information is 50% humidity and humidity amount of the sawdust is in the range of 80-90%, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 70-80 W more than the operating power at 50% humidity; and if the humidity amount of the sawdust is in the range of 10-20%, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 40-50 W less than the operating power at 50% humidity. Since the sawdust used in the smoking process will be more difficult/easier to burn when the humidity amount is low/high, power of the burning element (hence the heat it produces) can be adjusted with the developed method and an accurate and effective smoking process can be performed.

In another preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is an amount by weight of sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). In this case, the weight value of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is compared with a second threshold information stored in the control unit for the weight amount (this second threshold information corresponds to the threshold information when the characteristic information is the weight amount of the sawdust), wherein if the weight of the sawdust is above the second threshold information, the burning element (1 f) is operated for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information (substantially close to or equal to the second threshold information); and if the weight of the sawdust is below the second threshold information, the burning element (1 f) is operated for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information (substantially close to or equal to the second threshold information). For example, if the second threshold information is 4-6 grams and weight of the sawdust is in the range of 1-2 grams, the operating period of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 3-4 minutes less than the operating period at 4-6 grams; and if the weight of the sawdust is in the range of 8-10 grams, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 7-8 minutes more than the operating period at 4-6 grams. In this way, an effective smoking process can be carried out by ensuring that the sawdust is burnt as much as necessary. In addition, if the weight of the sawdust is above the second threshold information as a result of the comparison of the weight of the sawdust with the second threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information (the weight value substantially close to or equal to the second threshold information); and if the weight of the sawdust is below the second threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information (the weight value substantially close to or equal to the second threshold information). For example, if the second threshold information is 4-6 grams and weight of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is between 1-2 grams, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 35-40 W less than the operating power at 4-6 grams of weight; and if the weight of the sawdust is in the range of 8-10 grams, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 100-120W more than the operating period at 4-6 grams of weight. For an effective smoking process, power of the burning element (1f) should be adjusted in order to burn the entire sawdust, depending on whether the amount of sawdust is less/more. Thanks to the method according to the invention, power of the burning element (1 f) (hence the heat it produces) can be adjusted depending on the amount of sawdust used, and an accurate and effective smoking process can be performed.

In another preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is the type of sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). Depending on the sawdust type, amount of activation energy required for burning the sawdust and hence the burning/ignition temperature changes, and operating period of the burning element (1f) can be adjusted. For example, if sawdust from oak wood is used, operating period of the burning element (1f) is reduced to be 3-4 minutes less than a predetermined default time (e.g. 8-12 minutes) stored in the control unit, and if the same amount of sawdust obtained from apple tree is used, operating period of the burning element (1f) is increased by 5-6 minutes. In this way, an effective smoking process can be carried out by ensuring that the sawdust is burnt as much as necessary. In addition, power of the burning element (1f) can be adjusted according to the sawdust type. For example, if sawdust obtained from oak wood is used for the smoking process, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be 40-50 W less than a predetermined default power (e.g. 80-100 W) stored in the control unit; and if the same amount of sawdust obtained from apple tree is used, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be increased by 50-60 W. Thus, proper and correct burning of sawdust is ensured. In this embodiment, since the sawdust type is detected, a mixture of various sawdust made by the users themselves, or various herbal products such as thyme, cinnamon, mint, basil, or flammable and flavoring materials such as charcoal, placed in the burning chamber (1c), can also be detected. While detecting the sawdust type, if it is determined that the mentioned materials are used instead of conventional sawdust and/or together with conventional sawdust, preferably, in order to adjust operation of the burning element (1 f) and/or the fan assembly (1e) and/or the vacuum pump, users may also be asked to input information about the material they add (for example, the type of material, amount, etc.). Yet in another alternative, information such as the operating power and period of the burning element (1f) can be requested from the user, in addition to material information. In this way, effective control can be realized for all kinds of materials used to generate smoke.

In another alternative embodiment, the operation method according to the invention preferably comprises the steps of: detecting a humidity value of the environment of the cooking device (D) by means of at least one humidity sensor provided in the cooking device (D), and transmitting it to the control unit; comparing the humidity value transmitted to the control unit with a humidity threshold information stored in the control unit and determining whether the measured humidity value is within the predetermined humidity limits defined by the humidity threshold information for the smoking process; if the measured humidity value is determined to be within the predetermined humidity limits, operating the burning element (1 f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the predetermined humidity limits, and performing the sawdust burning process; if the measured humidity value is not determined to be within the predetermined humidity limits (for example, above and/or below the determined humidity limits), operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the measured humidity value which is not within these humidity limits, and performing the sawdust burning process. The low/high humidity of the environment of the cooking device (D) also affects the humidity rate of sawdust. In more detail, preferably, measured humidity value of the environment of cooking device (D) is compared with the humidity threshold information, wherein if the measured humidity value is above the humidity threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value (substantially close to or equal to the humidity threshold value) suitable for the humidity threshold information; and if the measured humidity value is below the humidity threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information. For example, if the humidity threshold information is 50% humidity and the measured humidity value is in the range of 75-80%, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 7-8 minutes more than the operating period at 50% humidity; and if the measured humidity value is in the range of 20-30%, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 3-4 minutes less than the operating period at 50% humidity. In addition, if the measured humidity value of the environment of the cooking device (D) is above the humidity threshold information when compared to the humidity threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information (the humidity value substantially close to or equal to the humidity threshold value); and if the measured humidity value is below the humidity threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information (the humidity value substantially close to or equal to the humidity threshold value). Adjusting the power of the burning element (1f) can be achieved by changing the voltage supplied to the burning element (1f), changing the transmitted current and/or other similar techniques. For example, if the humidity threshold information is 50% humidity and measured humidity amount of the environment is in the range of 85-90%, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 70-80 W more than the operating power at 50% humidity; and if the measured humidity amount is in the range of 10-20%, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 30-40 W less than the operating power at 50% humidity. Therefore, the burning process can be realized by taking into account the ambient conditions in the smoking process.

In another alternative embodiment, the operation method according to the invention preferably comprises the steps of: detecting a temperature value of the environment of the cooking device (D) by means of at least one temperature sensor provided in the cooking device (D), and transmitting it to the control unit; comparing the temperature value transmitted to the control unit with a temperature threshold information stored in the control unit and determining whether the measured temperature value is within the predetermined temperature limits defined by the temperature threshold information for the smoking process; if the measured temperature value is determined to be within the predetermined temperature limits, operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the predetermined temperature limits, and performing the sawdust burning process; if the measured temperature value is not determined to be within the predetermined temperature limits (for example, above and/or below the determined temperature limits), operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the measured temperature value which is not within these temperature limits, and performing the sawdust burning process. Temperature of the environment of the cooking device (D) may affect temperature of the sawdust, and, thus the ignition and burning rate thereof. This directly affects the effectiveness of the smoking process. In more detail, preferably, measured temperature value of the environment of cooking device (D) is compared with the temperature threshold information, wherein if the measured temperature value is above the temperature threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the temperature value (substantially close to or equal to the temperature threshold value) suitable for the temperature threshold information; and if the measured temperature value is below the temperature threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information. For example, if the temperature threshold information is in the range of 22-25°C and the measured temperature value is in the range of 14-16°C, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 3-5 minutes more than the operating period determined for the temperature range of 22-25°C; and if the measured temperature value is in the range of 43-47°C, operating period of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 5-6 minutes less than the operating period determined for the temperature range of 22-25°C. In addition, if the measured temperature value of the environment of the cooking device (D) is above the temperature threshold information when compared to the temperature threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information (the temperature value substantially close to or equal to the temperature threshold value); and if the measured temperature value is below the temperature threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information (the temperature value substantially close to or equal to the temperature threshold value). Adjusting the power of the burning element (1f) can be achieved by changing the voltage supplied to the burning element (1 f), changing the transmitted current and/or other similar techniques. For example, if the temperature threshold information is in the range of 22-25°C and measured temperature value of the environment is in the range of 14-16°C, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be increased to be approximately 10-30 W more than the operating power determined for the temperature range of 22-25°C; and if the measured temperature value is in the range of 43-47°C, operating power of the burning element (1f) can be reduced to be approximately 30-40 W less than the operating power determined for the temperature range of 22-25°C. Therefore, the burning process can be realized by taking into account the ambient conditions in the smoking process.

In a preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). In this embodiment, the operation method according to the invention further preferably comprises the step of: after the command is transmitted to the control unit to carry out the smoking process and after the humidity amount information of the sawdust obtained by the data input by the user and/or by means of at least one sensor (1d) provided in the smoking assembly is compared with a first threshold information (this first threshold information corresponds to the threshold information when the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust) stored in the control unit for the humidity level of the sawdust, if the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be above the first threshold information as a result of this comparison, pre-drying the sawdust so as to reduce the humidity amount thereof (preferably, the humidity amount reaches the first threshold information). In a preferred embodiment, the pre-drying process can be carried out by means of the burning element (1f) provided in the smoking assembly (1). In this case, for the pre-drying process, the burning element (1f) is operated at a lower power and/or for a lower period than the situation when the humidity amount is equal to the first threshold information, so that the sawdust is dried without igniting. For example, in the condition that the humidity amount of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is in the range of 80-90% and the first threshold information corresponds to 50% humidity, in order to ensure that the humidity amount of the sawdust is approximately at the first threshold information, the burning element (1f) can be operated for a shorter period and/or at a lower power to perform a preheating process. In another preferred embodiment, the predrying process can also be carried out by drying the air received into the smoking assembly (1) by means of a heating element (e.g. said burning element (1f)) and/or a drying device such as a heat pump, and passing it over the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c), thereby reducing the humidity amount of the sawdust. When the humidity amount of the sawdust is reduced, the process of burning sawdust and obtaining the smoke can be carried out by operating the burning element (1f) in the conditions defined to burn the sawdust (for example, at the power and/or period stored in the control unit for the first threshold information).

In a preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). In this embodiment, the operation method according to the invention further preferably comprises the steps of: after the command is transmitted to the control unit to carry out the smoking process and after the humidity amount information of the sawdust obtained by the data input by the user and/or by means of at least one sensor (1d) provided in the smoking assembly is compared with a first threshold information (this first threshold information corresponds to the threshold information when the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust) stored in the control unit for the humidity level of the sawdust, if the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be above the first threshold information as a result of this comparison, directing at least some of the hot air in the cooking compartment (D2) to the smoking assembly (1) when a cooking process is carried out in the cooking compartment (D2) of the cooking device (D); passing the hot air through the burning chamber (1c) so as to have a thermal contact with the sawdust and reducing the humidity amount of the sawdust preferably up to the first threshold information; and then performing the sawdust burning process. In this embodiment, when the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be higher than the first threshold information, before the burning element (1f) is operated to burn the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c), hot air in the cooking compartment (D2) can be sent into the smoking assembly (1) by means of a drying line (this drying line can be a transmission line that transmits the smoke formed in the smoking assembly (1) to the cooking compartment (D2), or it can also be a separate line in the cooking device (D) dedicated to the drying process) that provides fluid connection between the cooking compartment (D2) and the smoking assembly (1). In case said drying line is a transmission line that transmits the smoke from the smoking assembly (1) to the cooking compartment (D2), preferably, said fan assembly (1e), which draws air into the smoking assembly (1) from the outside of the smoking assembly (1) for the sawdust burning process and transmits the smoke formed as a result of the sawdust burning process to the cooking compartment (D2) via the transmission line, and/or the vacuum pump are operated in reverse to the operation for transmitting the smoke to the cooking compartment (D2), so that the hot air in the cooking compartment (D2) can be drawn into the smoking assembly (1) via the same transmission line. For example, in case of using the fan assembly (1e) with a fan rotating in a first direction in order to draw the air outside the smoking assembly (1) for burning the sawdust and to transmit the resulting smoke to the cooking compartment (D2), said fan is rotated around a second direction opposite to the first direction such that the air in the cooking compartment (D2) is sucked and transmitted to the smoking assembly (1). Similarly, for example, a vacuum pump that draws the air in the smoking assembly (1) so as to transmit it to the cooking compartment (D2) for the transmission of smoke can be operated in reverse such that it draws the air in the cooking compartment (D2) and transmits it to the smoking assembly (1). In this way, humidity amount of the sawdust to be used in the smoking process can be reduced with the hot air in the cooking compartment (D2), and thus the sawdust can be dried with the appropriate humidity amount, so that the smoking efficiency is increased.

In a preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). In this embodiment, the operation method according to the invention further preferably comprises the steps of: after the command is transmitted to the control unit to carry out the smoking process and after the humidity amount information of the sawdust obtained by the data input by the user and/or by means of at least one sensor (1d) provided in the smoking assembly is compared with a first threshold information (this first threshold information corresponds to the threshold information when the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust) stored in the control unit for the humidity level of the sawdust, if the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be above the first threshold information as a result of this comparison, operating the burning element (1f) initially at a certain power (e.g. the highest power) and then gradually decreasing the operating power of the burning element (1f). For example, if humidity amount of the sawdust is 90% (in this example, the first threshold information is preferably 50% humidity) or if there is humidity at certain points of the sawdust, the burning element (1f) starts to operate with 200W power and then continues to operate at 150W, 100W, 50W powers in order with certain time intervals, so that the sawdust is burnt homogenously and effectively.

In a preferred embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is the humidity amount information in at least two different parts of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c). In this embodiment, humidity amount information in different parts of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is detected by at least one sensor (1d), wherein regions having a detected humidity amount information higher than a first threshold information (this first threshold information corresponds to the threshold information for the case where the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust) are heated and dried a little (preferably, until the humidity amount reaches approximately the threshold information) before starting the smoking process by means of at least one heating device (for example, said burning element (1f) and/or an external heating element such as a resistor, etc.). After the drying process is completed, smoke generation and smoking processes can be carried out by operating the burning element (1f) at the related power and/or period required to burn the sawdust.

In an alternative embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the characteristic information is preferably the particle size of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). In this case, particle size of the sawdust is compared with a third threshold information stored in the control unit for the particle size of the sawdust (this third threshold information corresponds to the threshold information for the case where the characteristic information is the particle size of the sawdust), wherein if the particle size information measured preferably by at least one sensor (1d) and transmitted to the control unit is above the third threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a longer period and/or at a higher power than the ones stored in the control unit for the particle size (particle size substantially close to or equal to the third threshold information) suitable for the third threshold information; and if the measured particle size is below the third threshold information, the burning element (1f) is operated for a shorter period than the operating period and/or at a power lower than the operating power, which are stored in the control unit for the particle size suitable for the third threshold information. Since the total surface area decreases as the particle size of the sawdust increases, efficient burning of the sawdust can be achieved by the developed method. In this embodiment, for example, if the particle size of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is 1cm (here, the third threshold information can be in the range of 1.5cm-2.5cm, for example), power of the heating element (1f) can be reduced to be 20-30 W lower than the power stored in the control unit (e.g. 40-60W) for the third threshold information and/or the operating period can be reduced to be 2 minutes lower than the period stored in the control unit for the third threshold information. Similarly, for example, in case the particle size is 3 cm, power of the heating element (1f) can be increased by 75 W and/or the operating period can be increased by 4 minutes.

In an alternative embodiment, detected type, amount and humidity amount of the sawdust can be evaluated together in order to adjust the operating power of the burning element (1 f). For example, if the amount of sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is determined as 5 grams, the humidity amount is determined as 30%, and type of the sawdust is determined as oak type, operating power of the burning element (1f) is reduced to be 20- 30W lower than a predetermined default power (e.g. 40-60W) stored in the control unit; and if the amount of sawdust is determined as 10 grams, humidity amount is determined as 50%, and the type of sawdust is determined as apple tree, operating power of the burning element (1f) is increased to be approximately 120-150 W higher than a predetermined default power (e.g. 40-60W) stored in the control unit. Similarly, preferably, detected type, amount, and humidity amount of the sawdust can be evaluated together in order to adjust the operating period of the burning element (1f). For example, if the amount of sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is determined as 5 grams, the humidity amount is determined as 30%, and type of sawdust is determined as oak, operating period of the burning element (1f) is reduced to be 3 minutes lower than a predetermined default period (e.g. 8-12 minutes) stored in the control unit; and if the amount of sawdust is determined as 10 grams, the humidity amount is determined as 50%, and the type of sawdust is determined as apple tree, operating period of the burning element (1f) is increased to be approximately 10-12 minutes higher than a predetermined default time (e.g. 8-12 minutes) stored in the control unit.

In another alternative embodiment, detected type, amount and humidity amount of the sawdust can be evaluated together with the temperature and humidity value information of the environment of the cooking device (D), in order to adjust the operating power of the burning element (1f). For example, if the amount of sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is determined as 5 grams, humidity amount is determined as 30%, and type of the sawdust is determined as oak, and if temperature of the environment of cooking device (D) is determined as 25°C and the humidity value thereof is determined as 40%, operating power of the burning element (1f) is reduced to be 20-30W lower than a predetermined default power (e.g. 40-60W) stored in the control unit; and if the amount of sawdust is determined as 10 grams, humidity amount is determined as 50%, and the type of sawdust is determined as apple tree, and if temperature of the environment of cooking device (D) is determined as 15°C and the humidity value thereof is determined as 60%, operating power of the burning element (1f) is increased to be approximately 120-150 W higher than a predetermined default power (e.g. 40-60W) stored in the control unit. Similarly, preferably, detected type, amount, and humidity amount of the sawdust can be evaluated together with the temperature and humidity value information of the environment of the cooking device (D), in order to adjust the operating period of the burning element (1 f). For example, if the amount of sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is determined as 5 grams, the humidity amount is determined as 30%, and type of sawdust is determined as oak, and if temperature of the environment of cooking device (D) is determined as 20°C and the humidity value thereof is determined as 10%, operating period of the burning element (1f) is reduced to be 3 minutes lower than a predetermined default period (e.g. 8-12 minutes) stored in the control unit; and if the amount of sawdust is determined as 10 grams, the humidity amount is determined as 50%, and the type of sawdust is determined as apple tree, and if temperature of the environment of cooking device (D) is determined as 25°C and the humidity value thereof is determined as 70%, operating period of the burning element (1f) is increased to be approximately 10-12 minutes higher than a predetermined default time (e.g. 8-12 minutes) stored in the control unit.

In another preferred embodiment, flow rate of the air passing through the smoking assembly (1) can also be adjusted (for example, it can be increased and/or decreased according to a default flow value stored in the control unit (for example, 1.0-1.4 l/min)) depending on the characteristic information of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c) by, preferably, varying rotational speed of the fan in the fan assembly (1e) and/or the voltage/current supplied to the vacuum pump (for example, increasing and/or decreasing the voltage/current value and/or increasing and/or decreasing the transmission time of the supplied voltage/current to the vacuum pump) by means of a motor of the fan assembly (1e) (for example, by varying the period of the operating power of the motor), and/or by any other technique/equipment. For example, if the amount of sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c) is 5 grams and the humidity value is 40%, the flow rate can be reduced by 20%; and if the amount of sawdust is 7-8 grams and the humidity value is 70%, the flow rate can be increased by approximately 40%. Since the air flow is a parameter that has a direct effect on the burning of sawdust, adjustment of the air flow rate is also important for a correct smoking process, and therefore, a more effective smoking process can be performed with the operation method according to the invention.

In a further alternative embodiment of the operation method according to the present invention, the method preferably comprises the steps of: after initiating the sawdust burning process for the smoking process, determining whether the smoke transmission has started through the transmission line that transmits the smoke to the cooking compartment (D2), thus detecting a moment when the sawdust starts to ignite; regulating the operating power and/or period of the burning element (1f) based on the detected ignition moment. In this embodiment, preferably, there is provided at least one smoke sensor in connection with the control unit for detecting whether the smoke is passing through the transmission line, wherein the smoke sensor provides for easy detection of the moment when the smoke starts to pass through the transmission line and therefore when the sawdust starts to ignite; and operation of the burning element (1 f) can also be adjusted according to this detected moment. For example, the burning element (1f) is operated at a certain power (for example 50W) to ignite the sawdust and it is expected to burn the sawdust for a certain period of time (for example 5 minutes). During this period, the smoke sensor monitors whether there is a smoke passage through the transmission line, and if no smoke transmission is detected at the end of this period, operating power and operating period of the burning element (1f) can be increased by a certain amount (for example, an additional 5 minutes at 100W power). When it is detected that there is a smoke passage through the transmission line by means of the smoke sensor, the smoking process can be continued by reducing the operating power of the burning element (1f).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, operation method according to the invention further comprises the step of: transmitting at least one characteristic information of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c), together with the command to carry out the smoking process, to the control unit by the user via said control panel (D3). In this way, the user can ensure that the smoking process is carried out in accordance with his/her needs.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, operation method according to the invention comprises the steps of: after the command to perform the smoking process is transmitted to the control unit, detecting at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) by means of at least one sensor (1d) in the smoking assembly (1), so that it is transmitted to the control unit; performing the comparison processes performed in the control unit according to at least one characteristic information detected. Thus, parameters by which the smoking process will be performed are detected automatically by the cooking device (D), so that an easy-to-use operation method can be obtained.

The cooking device (D) according to the present invention comprises at least one body (D1); at least one cooking compartment (D2) provided in the body (D1); at least one control panel (D3) provided at the body (D1), preferably on an upper part of the cooking compartment (D2), for adjusting and controlling a cooking process according to the user's needs; and at least one smoking assembly (1) in the body (D1), preferably on a rear part of the control panel (D3), which is configured to perform the smoking process to a food in the cooking compartment (D2) in accordance with the commands transmitted through the control panel (D3), and comprises:

• at least one fixed body (1a) located in the body (D3), in which smoke is generated, and • at least one (preferably a plurality of) burning chamber (1c), preferably in the form of a box for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body (1a), in which the sawdust is burnt; the cooking device (D) also comprising at least one control unit (said control unit can be a control unit that also regulates the operation of the cooking device (D) for the cooking processes, or it can also be a dedicated control unit configured for the smoking process) which controls the smoking process based on the commands given by means of the control panel (D3) and comprises at least one threshold information for comparing at least one characteristic information (which may preferably include at least one, several and/or all of the information such as sawdust type, sawdust particle size, sawdust level, sawdust amount, sawdust humidity level, etc.) of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c), wherein as a result of comparing the characteristic information with the threshold information, the control unit executes the processes in the above-mentioned operation method in order to adjust and control operation of at least one burning element (1f) (preferably a resistor, a coil wrapped around the burning chamber (1c), etc.) in the cooking device (D), preferably in the fixed body (1a), which is configured to burn sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) and to generate the smoke and/or of at least one variable speed fan assembly (1e) in the cooking device (D), which is configured to regulate air flow within the smoking assembly (1) (and preferably to transmit the generated smoke to the cooking compartment (D2)) and/or of at least one vacuum pump with adjustable current.

In an exemplary embodiment of the cooking device (D), when a command is sent to the control unit via the control panel (D3) to carry out the smoking process, at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) is compared with at least one threshold information stored in the control unit, and it is determined whether the characteristic information is within the predetermined limits defined by the threshold information for the smoking process. When the at least one characteristic information is determined to be within the predetermined limits, the burning element (1 f) and/or the fan assembly (1 e) and/or the vacuum pump are operated with an operating power and/or for an operating period that are stored in the control unit for the predetermined limits, and the sawdust burning process is performed to obtain the smoke. When the at least one characteristic information is determined not to be within the predetermined limits (for example, above and/or below the determined limits), the burning element (1 f) and/or fan assembly (1 e) and/or vacuum pump are operated with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the characteristic information that is not within these limits, and the sawdust burning process is performed accordingly to obtain the smoke. In this way, the sawdust can be burnt in the most effective way under suitable conditions and the smoke can have an aroma that will not adversely affect the flavor of the food product in the cooking compartment (D). Therefore, both the food is allowed to have a mouth-pleasing taste for the user, and the food can be prevented from having an undesirable taste (e.g., burnt taste, excessive soot taste, etc.) that may cause the food to be thrown away without being consumed due to the smoking process, thus preventing food waste.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed body (1a) has the form of a closed chamber with at least one cavity therein. Thus, the smoke is formed in this closed chamber and transmitted to the cooking compartment (D), so that the food is exposed to an intense smoke. In this embodiment, the fixed body (1a) also preferably comprises at least one movement opening provided to at least partially overlap with at least a first opening in the body (D1) (and preferably with at least a second opening in the control panel (D3), which at least partially overlaps with the first opening), wherein the smoking assembly (1) preferably comprises at least one movable body (1b), substantially cylindrical, in the form a closed chamber, which passes through the movement opening so as to move relative to the fixed body (1a) into and/or out of the fixed body (1a) and has a closed position in which the movable body (1b) is settled in the fixed body (1a) and an opened position in which the movable body (1b) extends outwards from the movement opening, wherein the movable body (1b) can be attached or removed from the fixed body (1a), wherein the burning chamber (1c) is located in the movable body (1b). Therefore, easy access is provided for the burning chamber (1c), which can preferably be attached or removed from the movable body (1b), and the cleaning process can be performed effectively after the sawdust filling process and/or the smoking process, so that a user- friendly cooking device (D) is obtained.

In another preferred embodiment, the characteristic information can be transmitted to the control unit by the user via the control panel (D3) of the cooking device (D). In another preferred embodiment, the cooking device (D) may comprise at least one sensor (1d) for detecting the characteristic information. Said sensor (1d) may be a sensor such as a mechanical, infrared, grid-eye, ultrasonic, image-processing camera and may be positioned on, under, next to the sawdust basket or in any region of the smoking device (1). By means of the sensor (1 d), characteristic information such as type and/or amount (e.g. weight) and/or level and/or humidity amount and/or particle size of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) can be determined. Preferably, at least one dedicated sensor (1d) can be provided for each characteristic information in the cooking device (D) according to the invention.

In another alternative embodiment, the cooking device (D) according to the invention may preferably comprise at least one temperature sensor that measures temperature of the environment of the cooking device (D) and transmits it to the control unit; and/or at least one humidity sensor that measures humidity of the environment of the cooking device (D) and transmits it to the control unit. Thus, the smoking process can be adjusted according to the ambient conditions of the cooking device (D). Said temperature sensor and/or humidity sensor may be a sensor such as a mechanical, infrared, grid-eye, ultrasonic, image-processing camera.

In a preferred embodiment of the cooking device (D) according to the invention, the cooking device (D) may also comprise, in addition to the burning element (1 f) , at least one heating assembly providing heat to the sawdust without igniting sawdust in order to reduce the humidity amount of the sawdust. Therefore, when the humidity amount of the sawdust is greater than the humidity amount required for ignition, the sawdust can be preheated before burning the sawdust to form the smoke.

In another preferred embodiment, the cooking device (D) comprises at least one drying line providing a fluid connection between the smoking assembly (1) and the cooking compartment (D2) and configured to transmit hot air from the cooking compartment (D2) to the burning chamber (1c) in order to reduce the humidity amount of the sawdust. Said drying line may be a transmission line for transferring the smoke in the smoking assembly (1) to the cooking compartment (D2), or it may be a line different from this transmission line. In this embodiment, the cooking device (D) may also preferably comprise at least one valve for controlling the passage of fluid (air, smoke, etc.) through the drying line.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cooking device (D) comprises at least one smoke sensor which is connected with the control unit and located in at least one transmission line through which the smoke obtained in the burning chamber (1c) is transmitted to the cooking compartment (D2), wherein the smoke sensor detects whether smoke is transmitted through the transmission line. Burning points of the sawdust may vary depending on the type and/or amount and/or particle size and/or humidity amount of sawdust in the burning chamber (1c). In this context, whether the burning process has taken place or not can be easily detected by means of this smoke sensor, and operation of the burning element (1f) and/or fan assembly (1e) and/or vacuum pump can be regulated based on the detection of the smoke sensor. Thanks to the cooking device (D) and operation method according to the present invention, food smoking process can be carried out in an easy and practical way even in the home environment, without the need for extra space and equipment, accurately and effectively. In addition, food waste resulting from incorrect smoking can be minimized and a reliable, user-friendly cooking device (D) and operation method can be obtained.

Claims

CLAIMS An operation method for a cooking device (D) comprising at least one body (D1); at least one cooking compartment (D2) provided in the body (D1); at least one control panel (D3) provided at the body (D1) for adjusting and controlling a cooking process according to the user's needs; at least one smoking assembly (1) in the body (D1), which is configured to perform the smoking process to a food in the cooking compartment (D2) in accordance with the commands transmitted through the control panel (D3), and comprises at least one fixed body (1a) located in the body (D3), in which smoke is generated, and at least one burning chamber (1c) for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body (1a), in which the sawdust is burnt; and at least one control unit which controls the smoking process based on the commands given by the control panel (D3), the operation method characterized by comprising the steps of:

• comparing at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) with at least one threshold information stored in the control unit when a command is sent to the control unit via the control panel (D3) to carry out the smoking process, and determining whether the characteristic information is within the predetermined limits defined by the threshold information for the smoking process;

• when the characteristic information is determined to be within the predetermined limits, operating at least one burning element (1f) for burning the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) for the smoking process and/or at least one variable speed fan assembly (1e) configured to regulate air flow in the smoking assembly (1) and/or at least one vacuum pump with adjustable current, and performing the sawdust burning process, wherein burning element (1f), fan assembly (1e) and vacuum pump are operated with an operating power and/or for an operating period that are stored in the control unit for the predetermined limits;

• when the characteristic information is determined not to be within the predetermined limits, operating the burning element (1f) and/or fan assembly (1 e) and/or vacuum pump with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the characteristic information that is not within these limits, and performing the sawdust burning process.

26 An operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic information comprises at least one, several and/or all of the information on sawdust type, sawdust particle size, sawdust level, sawdust amount, or sawdust humidity amount. An operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic information is the humidity amount of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). An operation method according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: comparing humidity amount of the sawdust with a first threshold information stored in the control unit for the humidity status of the sawdust; if the humidity amount is above the first threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the first threshold information; and if the humidity amount is below the first threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the first threshold information. An operation method according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: comparing humidity amount of the sawdust with a first threshold information stored in the control unit for the humidity status of the sawdust; if the humidity amount is above the first threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the first threshold information; and if the humidity amount is below the first threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the first threshold information. An operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic information is an amount by weight of sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). An operation method according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: comparing the weight amount of the sawdust with a second threshold information stored in the control unit for the weight amount; if the weight amount is above the second threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information; and if the weight amount is below the second threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information. An operation method according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: comparing the weight amount of the sawdust with a second threshold information stored in the control unit for the weight amount; if the weight amount is above the second threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information; and if the weight amount is below the second threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the weight value suitable for the second threshold information. An operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic information is the type of sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c). An operation method according to claim 9, characterized in that operating power and/or operating period of the burning element (1f) for the smoking process is adjusted based on the sawdust type. An operation method according to claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: requesting information from a user regarding the material added in order to adjust operation of the burning element (1f) and/or fan assembly (1e) and/or vacuum pump, in case the sawdust type is a different material instead of conventional sawdust and/or together with conventional sawdust. An operation method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: detecting a humidity value of the environment of the cooking device (D) by means of at least one humidity sensor provided in the cooking device (D), and transmitting it to the control unit; comparing the humidity value transmitted to the control unit with a humidity threshold information stored in the control unit and determining whether the measured humidity value is within the predetermined humidity limits defined by the humidity threshold information for the smoking process; if the measured humidity value is determined to be within the predetermined humidity limits, operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the predetermined humidity limits, and performing the sawdust burning process; if the measured humidity value is not determined to be within the predetermined humidity limits, operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the measured humidity value which is not within these humidity limits, and performing the sawdust burning process. An operation method according to claim 12, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: if the measured humidity value of the environment of the cooking device (D) is above the humidity threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information; and if the measured humidity value is below the humidity threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information. An operation method according to claim 12, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: if the measured humidity value of the environment of the cooking device (D) is above the humidity threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information; and if the measured humidity value is below the humidity threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a lower power than the operating power

29 stored in the control unit for the humidity value suitable for the humidity threshold information. An operation method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: detecting a temperature value of the environment of the cooking device (D) by means of at least one temperature sensor provided in the cooking device (D), and transmitting it to the control unit; comparing the temperature value transmitted to the control unit with a temperature threshold information stored in the control unit and determining whether the measured temperature value is within the predetermined temperature limits defined by the temperature threshold information for the smoking process; if the measured temperature value is determined to be within the predetermined temperature limits, operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the predetermined temperature limits, and performing the sawdust burning process; if the measured temperature value is not determined to be within the predetermined temperature limits, operating the burning element (1f) with an operating power and/or for an operating period stored in the control unit for the measured temperature value which is not within these temperature limits, and performing the sawdust burning process. An operation method according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: if the measured temperature value of the environment of the cooking device (D) is above the temperature threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a shorter period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information; and if the measured temperature value is below the temperature threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a longer period than the operating period stored in the control unit for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information. An operation method according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: if the measured temperature value of the environment of the cooking device (D) is above the temperature threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a lower power than the operating power stored in the control unit

30 for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information; and if the measured temperature value is below the temperature threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) at a higher power than the operating power stored in the control unit for the temperature value suitable for the temperature threshold information. An operation method according to any of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: after comparing the humidity amount information of the sawdust with a first threshold information for the humidity status of the sawdust stored in the control unit, if the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be above the first threshold information as a result of this comparison, pre-drying the sawdust so as to reduce the humidity amount thereof. An operation method according to claim 18, characterized in that the pre-drying process is carried out via the burning element (1f) provided in the smoking assembly (1). An operation method according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: operating the burning element (1f) for the pre-drying process at a lower power and/or for a shorter period than it would operate if the humidity amount is equal to the first threshold information; and drying the sawdust before igniting. An operation method according to claim 18, characterized in that the pre-drying process is carried out by drying the air received into the smoking assembly (1) by means of a heating element and/or a drying assembly and passing it over the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c), thereby reducing the humidity amount of the sawdust. An operation method according to any of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: after comparing the humidity amount information of the sawdust with a first threshold information for the humidity status of the sawdust stored in the control unit, if the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be above the first threshold information as a result of this comparison, directing at least some of the hot air in the cooking compartment (D2) to the smoking

31 assembly (1) by means of a drying line when a cooking process is carried out in the cooking compartment (D2) of the cooking device (D); passing the hot air through the burning chamber (1c) so as to have a thermal contact with the sawdust and reducing the humidity amount of the sawdust; and then performing the sawdust burning process. An operation method according to claim 22, characterized in that in case said drying line is a transmission line that transmits the smoke from the smoking assembly (1) to the cooking compartment (D2), said fan assembly (1e) and/or the vacuum pump are operated in reverse to the operation for transmitting the smoke to the cooking compartment (D2), so that the hot air in the cooking compartment (D2) is drawn into the smoking assembly (1) via the same transmission line. An operation method according to any of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: after comparing the humidity amount information of the sawdust with a first threshold information for the humidity status of the sawdust stored in the control unit, if the humidity amount of the sawdust is determined to be above the first threshold information as a result of this comparison, operating the burning element (1f) initially at a certain power and then gradually decreasing the operating power of the burning element (1f). An operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic information is the humidity amount information in at least two different parts of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c). An operation method according to claim 25, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: detecting humidity amount information in different parts of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) by at least one sensor (1d); heating regions that have a detected humidity amount information higher than a first threshold information and drying them a little before starting the smoking process by means of at least one heating assembly; and after the drying process is completed, performing smoke generation and smoking processes by operating the burning element (1f) at a power and/or period required to burn the sawdust.

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27. An operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic information is the particle size of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c).

28. An operation method according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: comparing particle size of the sawdust with a third threshold information stored in the control unit for the particle size of the sawdust; if the particle size of the sawdust is above the third threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a longer period and/or at a higher power than the ones stored in the control unit for the particle size suitable for the third threshold information; and if the particle size of the sawdust is below the third threshold information, operating the burning element (1f) for a shorter period than the operating period and/or at a power lower than the operating power stored in the control unit for the particle size suitable for the third threshold information.

29. An operation method according to any of the claims 2 to 28, characterized in that detected type, amount and humidity amount of the sawdust are evaluated together in order to adjust the operating power of the burning element (1f).

30. An operation method according to any of the claims 2 to 28, characterized in that detected type, amount and humidity amount of the sawdust can be evaluated together with the temperature and humidity value information of the environment of the cooking device (D), in order to adjust the operating power of the burning element (1 f).

31. An operation method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that flow rate of the air passing through the smoking assembly (1) is adjusted depending on the characteristic information of the sawdust placed in the burning chamber (1c).

32. An operation method according to claim 31 , characterized in that rotational speed of the fan in the fan assembly (1 e) is varied by means of a motor of the fan assembly (1 e) in order to adjust the air flow rate.

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33. An operation method according to claim 31 , characterized in that voltage and/or current supplied to the vacuum pump is varied in order to adjust the air flow rate.

34. An operation method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: after initiating the sawdust burning process for the smoking process, determining whether the smoke transmission has started through a transmission line that transmits the smoke to the cooking compartment (D2), thus detecting a moment when the sawdust starts to ignite; regulating the operating power and/or period of the burning element (1f) based on the detected ignition moment.

35. An operation method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic information is transmitted to the control unit by the user by means of the control panel (D3).

36. An operation method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic information is detected by at least one sensor (1d) in the cooking device (D) and transmitted to the control unit.

37. A cooking device (D) comprising at least one body (D1); at least one cooking compartment (D2) provided in the body (D1); at least one control panel (D3) provided at the body (D1) for adjusting and controlling a cooking process according to the user's needs; and at least one smoking assembly (1) in the body (D1), which is configured to perform the smoking process to a food in the cooking compartment (D2) in accordance with the commands transmitted through the control panel (D3), and comprises:

• at least one fixed body (1a) located in the body (D3), in which smoke is generated, and

• at least one burning chamber (1c) for receiving the sawdust to be burnt to form smoke in the fixed body (1a), in which the sawdust is burnt; the cooking device (D) characterized by comprising at least one control unit which controls the smoking process based on the commands given by means of the control panel (D3) and comprises at least one threshold information for comparing at least one characteristic information of the sawdust in the burning chamber (1c),

34 wherein as a result of comparing the characteristic information with the threshold information, the control unit executes the processes in the operation method according to any of the preceding claims, in order to adjust and control operation of at least one burning element (1f) in the cooking device (D), which is configured to burn sawdust in the burning chamber (1c) and to generate the smoke and/or of at least one variable speed fan assembly (1e) in the cooking device (D), which is configured to regulate air flow within the smoking assembly (1) and/or of at least one vacuum pump with adjustable current.

38. A cooking device (D) according to claim 37, characterized in that the fixed body (1a) has the form of a closed chamber with at least one cavity therein.

39. A cooking device (D) according to claim 38, characterized in that the fixed body (1a) comprises at least one movement opening provided to at least partially overlap with at least a first opening in the body (D1).

40. A cooking device (D) according to claim 39, characterized in that the smoking assembly (1) comprises at least one movable body (1b) in the form a closed chamber, which passes through the movement opening so as to move relative to the fixed body (1a) into and/or out of the fixed body (1a) and has a closed position in which the movable body (1b) is settled in the fixed body (1a) and an opened position in which the movable body (1b) extends outwards from the movement opening, wherein the burning chamber (1c) is located in the movable body (1b).

41. A cooking device (D) according to any of the claims 37 to 40, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (1d) that detects at least one characteristic information and transmits it to the control unit.

42. A cooking device (D) according to any of the claims 37 to 41, characterized in that it comprises at least one temperature sensor that measures temperature of the environment of the cooking device (D) and transmits it to the control unit; and/or at least one humidity sensor that measures humidity of the environment of the cooking device (D) and transmits it to the control unit.

35 A cooking device (D) according to any of the claims 37 to 42, characterized in that it comprises, in addition to the burning element (1f), at least one heating assembly providing heat to the sawdust without igniting sawdust in order to reduce the humidity amount of the sawdust. A cooking device (D) according to any of the claims 37 to 43, characterized in that it comprises at least one drying line providing a fluid connection between the smoking assembly (1) and the cooking compartment (D2) and configured to transmit hot air from the cooking compartment (D2) to the burning chamber (1c) in order to reduce the humidity amount of the sawdust. A cooking device (D) according to claim 44, characterized in that the drying line is a transmission line for transferring the smoke in the smoking assembly (1) to the cooking compartment (D2). A cooking device (D) according to claim 44, characterized in that it comprises at least one valve for controlling the passage of fluid through the drying line. A cooking device (D) according to any of the claims 37 to 46, characterized in that it comprises at least one smoke sensor which is connected with the control unit and located in at least one transmission line through which the smoke obtained in the burning chamber (1c) is transmitted to the cooking compartment (D2), wherein the smoke sensor detects whether smoke is transmitted through the transmission line.

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