US 8,895,903 B2 · Methods and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to a radiant heater of a cooking appliance

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to a radiant heater of a cooking hob. According to one implementation a method is provided that includes the use of a control circuit that is configured to deliver power to the radiant heater via first and second electrical paths. One control method includes supplying a first level of power to the radiant heater through a closed disconnection switch situated in the first electrical path while sensing a temperature of the cooking hob. Upon detecting that the temperature has reached or exceeded a predetermined temperature, the control circuit terminates the supply of power to the radiant heater through the first electrical path by opening the disconnection switch and for at least a period of time initiating the supply of a second level of power to the radiant heater through the second electrical path, the second level of power being less than the first level of power and sufficiently low to cause the radiant heater to cool.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A method for controlling the supply of power to a radiant heater of a cooking hob by use of a control circuit, the control circuit configured to deliver power to the radiant heater via first and second electrical paths, the method comprising:

supplying a first level of power to the radiant heater through a closed disconnection switch situated in the first electrical path;
sensing a temperature of the cooking hob;
upon detecting that the temperature has reached or exceeded a predetermined temperature, terminating the supply of power to the radiant heater through the first electrical path by opening the disconnection switch and for at least a period of time initiating the supply of a second level of power to the radiant heater through the second electrical path, the second level of power being less than the first level of power and sufficiently low to cause the radiant heater to cool.

A cooking appliance comprising:

a cooking hob having a radiant heater;
a control circuit arranged to supply at least a first level of power and a second level of power to the radiant heater, the second level of power being less than the first level of power, the control circuit comprising:
a cycle switch adapted to open and close to supply the first level of power to the radiant heater in accordance with an on/off cycle;
a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of at least a portion of the cooking hob;
a disconnection switch situated between the cycle switch and the radiant heater, the disconnection switch controlled to open and close according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the disconnection switch controlled to assume an open position to prevent the supply of the first level of power to the radiant heater upon the temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the cooking hob to be at or exceeding a first predetermined temperature and controlled to assume a closed position upon the temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the cooking hob to be at or below a second predetermined temperature, the first predetermined temperature being greater than the second predetermined temperature;
and
a circuit device arranged in the control circuit to deliver the second level of power to the radiant heater when the disconnection switch is in the open position.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to a radiant heater of a cooking appliance

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to a radiant heater of a cooking appliance

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21