Microwave oven door control device
AssigneeDaewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
InventorsJangseop Han, Jaeyong Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a microwave oven with an automatic door control device. Novel door latching/opening device which uses permanent magnets and electromagnets is provided in place of hook-type door latches and slots on a oven wall. Door state detector is also provided in which the existing permanent magnets and electromagnets rather than a separate mechanical switch are utilized to discriminate the door closed state from the door open state. Further, a processing device is employed to control the operation of the door latching/opening device and microwave energy generator in response to the input signals from the door state detector and the door open switch.
Claims12
A microwave oven comprising:
- an enclosure having therein a heating chamber adapted to receive an object to be heated;
- a door mounted at an opening of the heating chamber;
- at least two magnetic materials provided at one side of the door;
- at least two electromagnets provided on the enclosure and adapted to contact with the respective magnetic materials;
- at least two door state detecting means each connected with one of the electromagnets for generating a first signal based on electromotive forces, said electromotive forces being generated in the electromagnets when the door is being closed or opened;
- a door open switch means for generating a second signal, said second signal being generated upon pressing a door open switch;
- a processing means for generating in response to the first signal and the second signal a first control signal when the door is closed and a second control signal when the door is to be opened;
- at least two door latching and opening means each connected with one of the electromagnets for latching and opening the door in response to the first and the second control signals, said door being latched by applying an electric current to the electromagnets in one direction and opened by applying another electric current to the electromagnets in another direction;
- a microwave energy generator adapted to radiate energy within the enclosure;
- and
- a load driving power switching means for activating the generator in response to the first control signal.
A microwave oven comprising:
- an enclosure having therein a heating chamber adapted to receive an object to be heated;
- a door mounted at an opening of the heating chamber;
- at least two magnetic materials provided at one side of the door;
- at least two electromagnets provided on the enclosure and adapted to contact with the respective magnetic materials;
- at least two door state detecting means each connected with one of the electromagnets for generating a signal based on electromotive forces, said electromotive forces being generated in the electromagnets when the door is being closed or opened;
- a processing means for generating a control signal in response to the signal when the door is closed;
- a microwave energy generator adapted to radiate energy within the enclosure;
- and
- a load driving power switching means for activating the generator in response to the control signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.