Glass-Ceramic Cooking Apparatus and A Method relating to Temperature Limiting Control for Preventing Cooking Oil Ignition

Abstract

A glass-ceramic cooking apparatus and a method relating to temperature limiting control of the glass heating area for preventing cooking oil ignition is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one glass surface, at least one heat source under the glass to create a heating area on the glass, one temperature sensor and one control unit for each heat source, wherein the sensor measures the temperature on the underside the glass heating area, and the control unit is electrically connected with the heat source, compares the measured glass temperature with predetermined upper and lower temperature limits that are based on a corresponding relationship between the heating area temperature and the cooking oil temperature within the cooking vessel, and then reduces or increases the output power of the heating source, so that the maximum temperature of the cooking oil in the cooking vessel can be limited in a range that is below the cooking oil ignition point while a minimum temperature can still be maintained for a desired cooking performance.

Claims

1. A glass-ceramic cooking apparatus comprising at least: one glass surface for supporting and heating cooking vessels; at least one heating element mounted below the glass; a temperature sensor for each heating element placed on the underside of the glass for measuring the temperature of the glass heating area; and a control unit for each heating element electrically connected with the heating element for adjusting the output power of the heating element; the control unit compares the temperature sensor's measurement with predetermined upper and lower temperature limits derived from an established relationship between the measured glass temperature and the cooking oil temperature during cooking, whereby when the measured temperature reaches the upper temperature limit, the control unit reduces output power of the heating element, and when the measured temperature reaches the lower temperature limit, the control unit increases output power of the heating element, such that the cooking oil temperature within the cooking vessel is limited in a controlled cycle and kept below the cooking oil ignition point while still maintains the minimum temperature for a desired cooking performance.

2. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper temperature limit is determined based on the cooking oil ignition point and the established relationship between the glass temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the cooking oil temperature within the cooking vessel, which takes into account the temperature sensor type, the positioning and mounting of the temperature sensor, the heating element style and output power, and the cooking vessel type, whereby the upper temperature limit is reached when the maximum cooking oil temperature in the cooking vessel approaches but never reaches the cooking oil ignition point.

3. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower temperature limit is determined based on the minimum temperature for a desired cooking performance and the established relationship between the glass temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the cooking oil temperature within the cooking vessel, whereby the lower temperature limit is reached when the cooking oil temperature in the cooking vessel reaches the minimum temperature required for the desired cooking performance.

4. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature limiter, which includes a control unit connected with the heating element and a temperature sensor enclosed within a multi-layer sleeve with an inner insulation layer and an outer insulation layer; the sleeve is adapted to insulate the temperature limiter probe to reduce heat transferring from the heating element, whereby the measured temperature reflects the temperature of the glass heating area; and wherein the temperature limiter's control unit compares the measured temperature with predetermined temperature limits, and then controls the output power of the heating element.

5. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the multi-layer sleeve is made of ceramic, glass or steel.

6. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the multi-layer sleeve further comprises a metallic reflective coating between the inner layer and outer layer.

7. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is placed on the underside of the glass heating area for measuring the temperature of the glass, and sends the temperature measurement to the control circuit and/or the control unit; the control unit integrated in the control circuit is electrically connected with the heating element.

8. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a temperature probe, heat insulation material and a ceramic case; the temperature probe contacting in direct with the glass is surrounded by the heat insulating material, wherein the heat insulation material is compressed between the glass and the ceramic case for insulating the heat transferring from the heating element to the probe and the glass within the insulating material, whereby the glass within the insulation material has the heat source mainly from the cookware placed on the glass heating area.

9. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is glued on the underside of the glass, orthe temperature sensor is pressed against the underside of the glass by an elastic device.

10. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heating wire in the heating element is placed with a non-heating zone right below the sensor to further reduce the heat transferring from the heating wire to the sensor.

11. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor can be a single device or multiple duplicated devices distributed on the underside of the glass.

12. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is a fiber optic temperature sensor, a resistive temperature sensor, a high temperature thermistor, a polymer-derived ceramics (PDC) sensor, or a thermocouple.

13. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is applied with an infrared coating on the sensor surface contacting with the glass for improving the measurement performance.

14. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is a relay, a set of relays or a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR).

15. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor and control unit are integrated in one temperature controller, and the temperature controller is placed on the underside of the glass heating area.

16. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the temperature controller comprising a sensor, a control unit, insulation material and a ceramic case; the controller's sensor contacts in direct with the underside of the glass and is connected with the control unit; the controller's control unit is connected with the heating element; the sensor and the control unit are surrounded in the heat insulating material, wherein the heat insulation material is compressed between the glass and the ceramic case for insulating the heat transferring from the heating element to the sensor and the glass within the insulating material, whereby the glass within the insulation material has the heat source mainly from the cookware placed on the glass heating area.

17. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the temperature controller is glued on the underside of the glass, or the temperature controller is pressed against the underside of the glass by an elastic device.

18. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the heating wire in the heating element is placed with a non-heating zone right below the temperature controller to further reduce the heat transferring from the heating wire to the controller.

19. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the temperature controller is a thermostat.

20. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a hot surface indicator connected with a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the glass heating area and configured to warn the user the heating surface is hot when the heating area temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.

21. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic shutdown switch whereby all heating elements are shut off after the power selector of any heating element is not changed by the user over a predetermined period.

22. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to limit the temperature cycle time between 10-60 seconds by using a narrow upper and lower temperature limit range to maintain a higher average cooking temperature for a desired cooking performance while still prevent cooking oil ignition.

23. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating element has a rated output power between 500 W and 3500 W.

24. The glass-ceramic cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is a radiant heating element, an infrared halogen lamp or an induction heating element.

25. A method of applying temperature limiting control of the heating area on a cooking apparatus to prevent cooking oil ignition during cooking while maintain a desired cooking performance; the method comprises a. testing to establish the relationship between the temperature of the heating area and the cooking oil temperature within the cooking vessel; b. based on said relationship, setting up an upper temperature limit for controlling the heating source output power to limit the maximum cooking oil temperature below the oil ignition point, and setting up a lower temperature limit to maintain the cooking oil temperature above the minimum temperature required for a desired cooking performance; c. creating a heat insulated spot on the heating area; blocking the heat transferring from the heating source to the heat insulated spot; making the heat transferring from the cooking vessel placed on the heating area the main heat source to the heat insulated spot; d. measuring the temperature of the heat insulated spot; e. comparing the measured temperature with the upper and lower temperature limits; reducing output power of the heating source as the measured temperature reaches the upper temperature limit; or increasing output power of the heating source as the measured temperature reaches the lower temperature limit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0014] The particular features and advantages of the invention as well as other objects will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glass-ceramic cooking apparatus with the glass surface removed

[0016] FIG. 2 is a vertical view of the glass surface of the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 1

[0017] FIG. 3 is a vertical view of the heating element with a long-tube temperature limiter of the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 1, where the glass is partially removed

[0018] FIG. 4 is a vertical view of the heating element with a short-tube temperature limiter of the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 1, where the glass is partially removed

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a part of a glass-ceramic cooking apparatus

[0020] FIG. 6 is a vertical view of the heating element shown in FIG. 5,

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the steps carried out by the control circuit of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a glass-ceramic cooking apparatus, where a 2 in 1 temperature controller is mounted on one side of the heating element

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a glass-ceramic cooking apparatus, where a 2 in 1 temperature controller is mounted in the center area of the heating element

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a two-heating elements glass-ceramic cooktop comprises a glass surface 201, two radiant heating elements 103 under the glass with a temperature limiter 104 on each heating element, and two heating areas 202. When the heating element turns on, heat transfers from the heating element to the underside of the heating area, then to the cooking vessel and the cooking oil in the vessel. In this embodiment, the temperature limiter comprises the temperature sensor and the control unit that is connected in series with the heating element. The temperature sensor 303 with a long tube 105 (for some large heating elements) or a short tube 401 (for some small heating elements) is made with expandable metal and is placed inside a multi-layer sleeve 301, which is formed by an inner thermal insulation layer, and an outer thermal insulation layer. The inner insulation layer and the outer insulation layer may be made of ceramic or glass or steel. A metal reflect coating is applied between two insulation layers. The length of the outer heat insulation layer is shorter than or equal to the inner heat insulation layer. With this specially designed sleeve, the sensor is able to detect the cooking vessel temperature through the underside of the glass heating area with minimum heat transfer from the heating element. The limiter's control unit 302 compares the measured temperature by the sensor with the predetermined upper and lower temperature limits, and then connects or disconnects the heating element power to control the cooking oil temperature in the cooking vessel.

[0025] The table below shows an example of the experimental temperature transfer model for this embodiment, wherein an expansion metal temperature sensor with a long tube, a steel inner insulation layer and a glass outer layer is placed cross the center of a 2300 W radiant heating element and 1.5 mm below the glass; a cast iron fry pan is used here; the minimum cooking temperature is defined as 250 C./482 F., which is the boiling point for most cooking oil; the temperature of the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is measured, and temperature limits of the temperature limiter are determined.

TABLE-US-00001 Temperature measured Temperature in by the sensor the cooking oil Temperature limit ( C.) ( C.) ( C.) 260 150 324 245 330; Lower temperature limit 400 285 510 340 505; Upper temperature limit.sup.

[0026] When the measured temperature reaches the upper temperature limit, 505 C./941 F., and whereby the temperature of the cooking oil approaches 340 C., the temperature limiter disconnects the power of the heating element and causes the heating element to stop generating heat; when the measured temperature of the sensor is close to the lower temperature limit, 330 C./626 F., the limiter connects the power of the heating element causing the heating element to generate heat. A controlled temperature cycle for the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is formed, and the maximum temperature of the cooking oil is limited below 340 C./644 F., which is below the cooking oil ignition point, typically 360 C./680 F. to 400 C./752 F. Changing the lower temperature limit will affect the timing of the controlled oil temperature cycle and the cooking temperature, which will meet different cooking performance requirements. For example, for users who prefer a high-temperature cooking, raising the lower temperature limit will shorten the controlled oil temperature cycle, and raise overall cooking temperature while still prevents the cooking oil ignition.

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, there is a two-heating elements glass-ceramic cooktop similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with a standard temperature limiter 104, but also includes a temperature sensor 501 and a control unit integrated in the cooktop's control circuit 107. The temperature sensor 501 may be mounted on the tube 105 of the temperature limiter 104, or a separate supporting tube. As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature sensor 501 has a temperature probe 602 surrounded by insulation material 603 that is compressed between the glass and the sensor's ceramic case 604. The temperature sensor is glued on the underside of the glass heating area 202 or is pushed against the glass by an elastic device such as a coil spring or a leaf spring 608. The insulation material surrounding the probe creates a heat insulation area, or cold area 502, on the heating area 202. Because the insulation material blocks the heat radiation from the heating element to the probe and the cold area, and glass-ceramic material is primarily radiative rather than conductive, the probe measures the cold area glass temperature, which has the main heat source transferring through the cold area glass from the cooking vessel sitting on the heating area. To further reduce the direct heat radiation from the heating element to the probe, the heating wire 609 is placed with an empty area, or a non-heating zone 605, right below the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor's output signal is sent through the heat resistant wires 606 to the control circuit 107 shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 7 shows an example of the flow chart illustrating the steps carried out by the control circuit. The control unit compares predetermined upper and lower temperature limits with the measured glass temperature by the sensor, and then increases or reduces the power to the heating element to form a controlled temperature cycle. The maximum temperature of the cooking oil is limited below the cooking oil ignition point while a desired cooking performance still maintains.

[0029] The temperature probe in this embodiment may be one or multi fiber optic temperature sensors, resistance temperature sensors, thermocouples, high temperature thermistors, polymer-derived ceramics (PDC) sensors, or any kind of temperature detectors, which is placed, or are distributed if using multi devices, on the underside of the glass. The temperature probe may have an infrared coating applied on the probe surface to further improve the sensor performance.

[0030] The control unit in this embodiment may be a relay, a set of relays, or a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) to adjust the heating element output power.

[0031] The table below shows an example of the experimental temperature transfer model for this embodiment, wherein a polymer-derived ceramics (PDC) temperature probe with 0.1 mm infrared radiant coating applied on the probe surface contacting the glass is glued under the glass; the sensor is placed 35 mm away from the heating element center and surrounded by 10 mm ceramic fiber insulation layer; the control unit is a long-life DPST power relay; a 2300 W radiant heating element and a cast iron fry pan are used in this example; the minimum cooking temperature is defined as 265 C./509 F., which is higher than the cooking oil boiling point, but below the typical cooking oil smoking point; the temperature of the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is measured, and temperature limits of the control unit are determined.

TABLE-US-00002 Temperature measured Temperature in by the probe the cooking oil Temperature limit ( C.) ( C.) ( C.) 190 150 318 265 325; Lower temperature limit 325 285 347 340 340; Upper temperature limit.sup.

[0032] In this example, when the measured temperature of the probe reaches the upper temperature limit, 340 C./644 F., whereby the temperature of the cooking oil reaches 340 C., the control unit reduces the power of the heating element, causing the heating element to generate less heat; when the measured temperature of the sensor is close to the lower temperature limit, 325 C./617 F., the control unit increases the power of the heating element, causing the heating element to generate more heat. A controlled temperature cycle for the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is formed, and the maximum temperature of the cooking oil is limited below 340 C./644 F., which is below the cooking oil ignition point, while the apparatus still maintains the minimum cooking temperature, 265 C./509 F., for a desired cooking performance.

[0033] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, there is a two-heating elements glass-ceramic cooktop similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with a standard temperature limiter 104, but also includes a 2-in-1 temperature controller 900, which integrates a temperature sensor 901 and a control unit 902 in a single device. The temperature controller is surrounded by the insulation layer 903 that is compressed to the glass by the ceramic case 904. The temperature controller may be mounted on the probe tube 105 of the temperature limiter 104 or a separate supporting tube. The controller is glued on the underside of the heating area 202 or is pushed against the glass by an elastic device such as a coil spring 906. The control unit is connected in series with the heating wire 609 through heat-resistant wire 905. The insulation material generates a heat insulation area, or cold area 908 in the heating area 202. The sensor contacting in direct with the glass measures the cold area glass temperature, which has the main heat source transferring through the cold area glass from the cooking vessel sitting on the heating area. To further reduce the direct heat radiation from the heating wire to the temperature controller, the heating wire 609 is placed with an empty area, or a non-heating zone right below the temperature controller. The control unit compares predetermined upper and lower temperature limits with the measured temperature by the sensor, and then connects or disconnects the power of the heating element, hence the maximum temperature of the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is limited and the minimum oil temperature for a desired cooking is maintained.

[0034] The table below shows an example of the experimental temperature transfer model for this embodiment, where the temperature controller is a disc bimetallic thermostat and is glued on the underside of the glass heating area and 30 mm away from the heating element center. A 10 mm ceramic fiber insulation layer is placed between the thermostat and its outer ceramic case. A 0.1 mm infrared coating is applied on the thermostat surface contacting the glass. A 2300 W radiant heating element and a cast iron fry pan are used in this example. The minimum cooking temperature is defined as 265 C./509 F., which is higher than the cooking oil boiling point, but below the typical cooking oil smoking point. The temperature of the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is measured, and temperature limits of the control unit are determined.

TABLE-US-00003 Temperature measured Temperature in by the thermostat the cooking oil Temperature limit ( C.) ( C.) ( C.) 200 150 275 265 280; Lower temperature limit 310 285 380 340 375; Upper temperature limit.sup.

[0035] In this example, when the measured temperature of the thermostat reaches the upper temperature limit, 375 C./7076 F., the thermostat disconnects the power of the heating element, causing the heating element to stop generating heat; when the measured temperature reaches the lower temperature limit, 280 C./536 F., the control unit connects the power of the heating element, causing the heating element to generate heat. A controlled temperature cycle for the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is formed, and the maximum temperature of the cooking oil is limited below 340 C./644 F., which is below the cooking oil ignition point, while the apparatus still maintains the minimum cooking temperature, 265 C./509 F., for a desired cooking performance.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. But in this embodiment, the temperature controller 900 is placed in the center area of the heating element, and the temperature limiter's probe has a short tube 401.

[0037] The table below shows an example of the experimental temperature transfer model for this embodiment, where the temperature controller is a disc bimetallic thermostat and is glued on the underside of the heating area, and right below the center of the heating area. All other test conditions are the same as in the embodiment in FIG. 8

TABLE-US-00004 Temperature measured Temperature in by the thermostat the cooking oil Temperature limit ( C.) ( C.) ( C.) 200 150 260 265 265; Lower temperature limit 300 285 340 340 335; Upper temperature limit.sup.

[0038] In this example, when the measured temperature of the thermostat reaches the upper temperature limit, 335 C./635 F., the thermostat disconnects the power of the heating element causing the heating element to stop generating heat; when the measured temperature reaches the lower temperature limit, 265 C./509 F., the control unit connects the power of the heating element causing the heating element to generate heat. A controlled temperature cycle for the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is formed, and the maximum temperature of the cooking oil is limited below 340 C./644 F., which is below the cooking oil ignition point, while the apparatus still maintains the minimum cooking temperature, 265 C./509 F., for a desired cooking performance.

[0039] In some embodiments, the heating element of the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus has a rated output power between 500 W and 3500 W.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heating element of the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus may be a radiant heating element, an infrared halogen lamp, or an induction heating element.

[0041] In some embodiments, the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus may be a single or multi heating elements cooktop.

[0042] In some embodiments, the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus may be a free-standing range with at least 4 heating elements and an oven under the cooktop.

[0043] In some embodiments, with a narrower predetermined temperature limit range, the temperature controller or the control unit can shorten the controlled temperature cycle time, increase average cooking temperature, and the apparatus still be able to prevent the cooking oil ignition. For example, the apparatus can be configured to maintain 10-60 seconds cycle time, and keep a higher average cooking oil temperature, 300 C./572 F. to 330 C./626 F., thereby achieves a desired cooking performance for users requiring higher cooking temperature, while still prevents the cooking oil ignition.

[0044] In some embodiments, the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus may include a hot surface indicator 204 shown in FIG. 2, which is controlled by the control circuit 107, to warn the user that the glass heating area is hot. The control circuit receives the measured temperature from a temperature sensor, which measures the temperature under the heating area, and then calculates the temperature of the heating area based on an experimental temperature transfer model. If the temperature of the heating area is higher than a pre-set point, for example 50 C./122 F.60 C./140 F., the indicator is turned on until the heating area temperature is below the pre-set point, and then is turned off.

[0045] In some embodiments, the glass-ceramic cooking apparatus may include an automatic shutdown function. After a heating element is turned on, and the power selector 203 is set to the maximum power, if the power selector of any heating element is not changed within a pre-set period by the user, for example 60 minutes, the apparatus automatically turns off all heating elements; the pre-set period may be extended, for example 60 to 120 minutes if the power selector is set to a point between the minimum power and the maximum power.

[0046] A number of preferred embodiments have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.