Cooking apparatus and container for cooking apparatus

Abstract

A cooking apparatus and a container for a cooking apparatus are provided. The cooking apparatus can include a housing having a cooking chamber, a first chamber, and a second chamber formed in the housing, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and an inner bottom wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the second chamber; an air moving device positioned within the first chamber; a heating element positioned within the first chamber; a mode stirrer positioned within the second chamber, wherein the inner top wall includes at least one aperture configured to allow a heated airflow generated by the air moving device and the heating element to enter the cooking chamber, and the inner bottom wall includes a microwave permeable material configured to allow microwaves to enter the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to PCT application PCT / CN2024 / 114608, filed August 26, 2024, entitled “Cooking apparatus, method and components thereof”, and PCT / US24 / 36903, filed July 5, 2024, entitled “Cooking apparatus, method and components thereof”, which in turn claims priority to U.S. application 63 / 512,523, filed July 7, 2023, entitled “Cooking apparatus, method and components thereof”, filed pursuant to 35 U.S. SC §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] A countertop cooking system and a method of using the countertop cooking system are provided, the countertop cooking system including one or more convection and radiant heating elements combined with microwave heating elements. Background Technology

[0004] Traditional microwave cooking systems typically consist of a microwave source (i.e., a magnetron) that directs microwave energy to the food within the cooking compartment of the system. The microwaves heat the water molecules in the food, causing them to vaporize. Because traditional microwave ovens consist only of the microwave source, the air inside is relatively cool, which means that once the microwaves are no longer absorbed by the food, the water vapor condenses. This rapid condensation of the water vapor means that moisture remains on the food surface, leading to undesirable reheating or cooking results because there is no evaporation device to remove the moisture generated during microwave processing. Utility Model Content

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber, a first chamber, and a second chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and an inner bottom wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the second chamber; an air movement device positioned within the first chamber; a heating element positioned within the first chamber; and a mode stirrer positioned within the second chamber, wherein the inner top wall includes at least one hole configured to allow heated airflow generated by the air movement device and the heating element to enter the cooking chamber, and the inner bottom wall comprises a microwave-permeable material configured to allow microwaves to enter the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first chamber is positioned vertically above the cooking chamber.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second chamber is positioned vertically below the cooking chamber.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the inner top wall includes a plurality of holes configured to allow the heated airflow to pass through.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the mode stirrer is configured to deflect microwaves emitted into the second chamber before the microwaves enter the cooking chamber through the inner bottom wall.

[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first chamber and the second chamber are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first chamber is defined by the inner top wall and a radiation shield positioned radially outward of the heating element.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second chamber is defined by the inner bottom wall and a radiation shield positioned radially outward of the mode stirrer.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which a waveguide is positioned between the microwave source and the second chamber, and the exit of the waveguide is through the radiation shield.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the microwave source is located in a third chamber, the third chamber being configured adjacent to the cooking chamber, the first chamber, and the second chamber.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner wall having an opening; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves; a waveguide having an inlet and an outlet, the waveguide being configured to receive microwaves from the microwave source via the inlet and to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber via the outlet; an air movement device positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to generate an airflow; and a heating element positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow through the opening in the inner wall, wherein the opening in the inner wall is located on a first side of the cooking chamber, and the outlet of the waveguide is located on a second side of the cooking chamber, the first side being opposite to the second side.

[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first side is the top side of the cooking chamber.

[0017] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second side is the bottom side of the cooking chamber.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the inner wall includes a plurality of holes to allow the heated airflow to pass through the inner wall and enter the cooking chamber.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the heating element is positioned radially outside the air movement device.

[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which a microwave-permeable material is positioned between the exit of the waveguide and the cooking chamber.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which a mode stirrer is positioned between the exit of the waveguide and the microwave-permeable material.

[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the pattern stirrer is vertically aligned with a hole in the inner wall.

[0023] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the air movement device is vertically aligned with a portion of the pattern stirrer.

[0024] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the air movement device is aligned vertically with the exit of the waveguide.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber, a first chamber, and a second chamber formed therein; a microwave source positioned within the first chamber and configured to emit microwaves; a waveguide having a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being angled relative to the first segment, wherein an inlet is positioned in the first segment and an outlet is positioned in the second segment; a microwave-impermeable sheet separating the cooking chamber from the first chamber; and a microwave-permeable sheet separating the cooking chamber from the second chamber, wherein the inlet is connected to the microwave source for receiving emitted microwaves, and the outlet is connected to the second chamber for emitting the microwaves into the second chamber.

[0026] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first segment is a vertical segment adjacent to the microwave-impermeable sheet.

[0027] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second segment is a horizontal segment extending parallel to the microwave-permeable sheet.

[0028] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first segment is positioned perpendicular to the second segment.

[0029] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the inlet is located at the distal end of the first segment.

[0030] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the outlet is located at the distal end of the second segment.

[0031] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second segment extends below the cooking chamber and the second chamber.

[0032] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first chamber and the cooking chamber are positioned adjacent to each other in a side-by-side configuration.

[0033] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second chamber is positioned below the cooking chamber.

[0034] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which a pattern stirrer is positioned in a second chamber.

[0035] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the mode stirrer is positioned between the exit of the waveguide and the microwave-permeable sheet.

[0036] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the drive shaft of the mode stirrer passes through the waveguide.

[0037] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing forming a cooking chamber including an inner wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to directly cook food within the cooking chamber; an air movement device positioned within the housing and configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the housing and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; a radiation shield having a top wall positioned axially outside the heating element and a first side wall extending from the top wall, the first side wall having a first width and a first depth, the first side wall being positioned radially outside the heating element; and a container selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for inserting the food into the container and a second side wall having a second width and a second depth, wherein the first width of the first side wall corresponds to the second width of the second side wall, such that the heated airflow aligns with the second width as the heated airflow passes along the first side wall.

[0038] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first width is the same as the second width.

[0039] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the first depth is the same as the second depth.

[0040] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which a first sidewall of the radiation shield is positioned at an angle ranging from 10 to 80 degrees from the top wall.

[0041] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the edge of the first sidewall is aligned with the edge of the second sidewall in the vertical direction.

[0042] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the second sidewall is horizontally spaced from the inner wall of the cooking chamber.

[0043] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a container comprising: a top opening for inserting food into the container; a first side protrusion extending outward from the top opening and configured to contact a first track within a cooking device to support the container; a second side protrusion extending outward from the top opening and opposite the first side protrusion, and configured to contact a second track within the cooking device to support the container; a rear lip extending outward from the top opening, the rear lip being positioned at an angle between 10 and 80 degrees relative to the first side protrusion; a front lip extending outward from the top opening; a sidewall connected to and extending around the top opening; a bottom wall connected to the sidewall; and a cooking volume formed within the container between the sidewall and the bottom wall.

[0044] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which, when the container is positioned within the cooking apparatus, the rear lip extends to the rear wall of the cooking apparatus.

[0045] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which, when the container is positioned within the cooking apparatus, the front lip extends to the front wall of the cooking apparatus.

[0046] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which the rear lip is configured to contact a protrusion extending from the sidewall of the cooking device to prevent linear removal of the container from the cooking device.

[0047] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which the front lip includes a channel configured to allow a user to grasp the container.

[0048] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which a food preservation tray is configured to be positioned within the cooking volume.

[0049] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the container is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooking chamber of the cooking apparatus.

[0050] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container formed of a microwave-permeable material.

[0051] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which the cooking volume of the container forms a sub-cooking volume within the cooking chamber of the cooking apparatus.

[0052] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a container in which the volume of the sub-cooking volume is less than half the volume of the cooking chamber of the cooking apparatus.

[0053] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a front surface and an opening positioned on the front surface; a first bracket extending outwardly from the front surface, the front surface having a first connection point and a channel extending inwardly to the first bracket; a door rotatably connected to the housing to selectively cover the opening; a second bracket positioned within the door, the door having a second connection point and a lug extending from the second bracket; a cooking chamber formed within the housing, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to be accessed through the opening and to cook food directly within the cooking chamber; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air movement device positioned within the housing; and a heating element positioned within the housing, wherein the first bracket is rotatably connected to the second bracket via the first and second connection points, and the lug is configured to be disposed within the channel and abut against the first bracket when the door is rotated to its maximum open position.

[0054] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the channel is positioned inside the first connection point.

[0055] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the door is capable of opening at an angle greater than 100 degrees relative to the front surface.

[0056] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the lug extends upward from the second bracket.

[0057] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the door is configured to rotate to an open position such that the door fully opens an opening in the front surface of the housing.

[0058] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the first bracket extends into the door.

[0059] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: positioning food within the cooking volume of a container; positioning the container in a first position within the cooking chamber of a cooking apparatus; actuating a first cooking mode wherein the food is heated using a first cooking process; and actuating a second cooking mode wherein the food is heated using a second cooking process, the first cooking process being different from the second cooking process.

[0060] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the first cooking process is a microwave cooking process.

[0061] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the second cooking process is a forced convection cooking process.

[0062] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes positioning the container in a second position within the cooking chamber of the cooking apparatus prior to actuating the second cooking mode.

[0063] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the second position is located vertically above the first position within the cooking chamber.

[0064] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which, during the second cooking process, a second position makes a sub-cooking space within the cooking chamber become the first cooking volume by reducing heat loss from the cooking volume into the cooking chamber.

[0065] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which, at the second location, the container is directly adjacent to the top wall of the cooking chamber.

[0066] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the container is formed of a microwave-permeable material.

[0067] Therefore, there is a need for cooking systems that combine the speed and efficiency of microwave ovens with the ability to generate sufficient Maillard reactions in food. Attached Figure Description

[0068] These and other features will be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 This is a frontal perspective view of an embodiment of the cooking system according to the subject matter described herein;

[0070] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear-view perspective view of the cooking system;

[0071] Figure 3 This is when the door is open. Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of the cooking system;

[0072] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 4-4 in the diagram;

[0073] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken from line 5-5 in the diagram;

[0074] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the waveguide and pattern mixer within the cooking system;

[0075] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 7-7 in the diagram;

[0076] Figure 8 This is under the condition that the mode mixer has been removed. Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the waveguide's exit.

[0077] Figure 9 This is with the side panels removed. Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of the cooking system;

[0078] Figure 10 This is with the top panel removed. Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of the cooking system;

[0079] Figure 11 It is related to the subject matter described in this article. Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking container used in a cooking system;

[0080] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A rear-view perspective view of the cooking container;

[0081] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Side view of the cooking container;

[0082] Figure 14 It is partially inserted into Figure 1 In the cooking system Figure 12 A 3D view of the cooking container;

[0083] Figure 15 Is it one of the positioning? Figure 12 cooking containers Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of the cooking system;

[0084] Figure 16 Is it one of the positioning? Figure 12 cooking containers Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the cooking system;

[0085] Figure 17 Is it one of the positioning? Figure 12 cooking containers Figure 1 A top-view cross-sectional view of the cooking system;

[0086] Figure 18 yes Figure 12 Cooking containers and Figure 1Detailed side view of the side wall of the cooking system;

[0087] Figure 19 It is related to the subject matter described in this article. Figure 1 A front perspective perspective view of an embodiment of a support used in conjunction with a cooking system;

[0088] Figure 20 It is partially inserted into Figure 1 In the cooking system Figure 19 A 3D view of the support structure;

[0089] Figure 21 Is it one of the positioning? Figure 19 The bracket Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of the cooking system;

[0090] Figure 22 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking room with a movable support, which can be used with the cooking room according to the subject matter described herein. Figure 1 Used together with cooking systems;

[0091] Figure 23 This is when the support is in the extended position. Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the cooking room;

[0092] Figure 24 This is when the support is in the retracted position. Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the cooking room;

[0093] Figure 25 This is when the support is in the extended position. Figure 22 A detailed 3D view of the top of the cooking room;

[0094] Figure 26 This is when the support is in the retracted position. Figure 22 A detailed 3D view of the top of the cooking room;

[0095] Figure 27 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking container used in conjunction with a cooking system;

[0096] Figure 28 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking container used in a cooking system;

[0097] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A side perspective view of the cooking container;

[0098] Figure 30 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1A perspective view of an embodiment of a support used in a cooking system;

[0099] Figure 31 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a support used in a cooking system;

[0100] Figure 32 It can be used in accordance with the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a support used in a cooking system;

[0101] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of an implementation of a cooking system based on the subject matter described herein;

[0102] Figure 34 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gear assembly used in a cooking system;

[0103] Figure 35 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pulley assembly used in a cooking system;

[0104] Figure 36 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A side view of an implementation of a door used in conjunction with a cooking system;

[0105] Figure 37 This is a perspective view of an implementation of a cooking system based on the subject matter described herein;

[0106] Figure 38 It is along Figure 37 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 38-38 in the diagram;

[0107] Figure 39 It is along Figure 37 Top-view cross-section of the cooking system, taken from line 39-39 in the diagram;

[0108] Figure 40 This is with the outer casing removed. Figure 37 A top-down perspective view of the cooking system;

[0109] Figure 41 yes Figure 37 An independent three-dimensional diagram of the cooking system with its drive system;

[0110] Figure 42 It is along Figure 37 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 42-42 in the diagram;

[0111] Figure 43It is a cooking volume without a container. Figure 42 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system;

[0112] Figure 44 yes Figure 42 A detailed view of the container;

[0113] Figure 45 yes Figure 44 A detailed view of the container;

[0114] Figure 46 It is along Figure 37 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 46-46 in the diagram;

[0115] Figure 47 It is along Figure 37 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken by line 47-47 in the diagram;

[0116] Figure 48 yes Figure 37 Independent 3D view of the cooking system's mixer and inner lid;

[0117] Figure 49 yes Figure 48 An independent three-dimensional view of the reflector cover of the cooking system;

[0118] Figure 50 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking container used in conjunction with a cooking system;

[0119] Figure 51 yes Figure 50 A three-dimensional view of a cooking container viewed from below;

[0120] Figure 52 yes Figure 50 A side perspective view of the cooking container;

[0121] Figure 53 It is one of the products positioned as a crisper tray. Figure 50 A top-view perspective of the cooking container;

[0122] Figure 54 yes Figure 53 A 3D view of a food storage tray;

[0123] Figure 55 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking container used in conjunction with a cooking system;

[0124] Figure 56 yes Figure 55 A three-dimensional view of a cooking container viewed from below;

[0125] Figure 57 It is possible to relate to the topics described in this article. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an embodiment of a tray used in a cooking system;

[0126] Figure 58 yes Figure 57 A three-dimensional view of the tray from below;

[0127] Figure 59 yes Figure 1 The cooking system is in the closed position along the upper door hinge. Figure 1 Detailed cross-sectional view taken from line 59-59 in the diagram;

[0128] Figure 60 yes Figure 59 A top view of the upper door hinge;

[0129] Figure 61 yes Figure 59 A 3D view of the upper door hinge;

[0130] Figure 62 yes Figure 1 The cooking system is in the closed position along the lower door hinge. Figure 1 Detailed cross-sectional view of line 62-62 in the middle;

[0131] Figure 63 yes Figure 62 A bottom view of the lower door hinge;

[0132] Figure 64 yes Figure 62 A 3D view of the lower door hinge;

[0133] Figure 65 It is in the open position. Figure 59 A 3D view of the upper door hinge;

[0134] Figure 66 yes Figure 65 A top view of the upper door hinge;

[0135] Figure 67 yes Figure 65 A 3D view of the upper door hinge;

[0136] Figure 68 It is in the open position. Figure 62 A 3D view of the lower door hinge; and

[0137] Figure 69 yes Figure 68 A bottom view of the lower door hinge.

[0138] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to illustrate only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0139] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and principles of use of the devices disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Features illustrated or described in relation to one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0140] Traditional countertop cooking systems, such as air fryers, typically consist of a heating element and a fan positioned above the top of the cooking cavity. Due to the slow nature of convective heat exchange, these types of cooking appliances can take a relatively long time to cook or reheat food. Microwaves can be used to cook or reheat food relatively quickly because food absorbs microwaves, causing water vapor to form within the food. However, after cooking, microwaves can leave food moist because condensed water vapor remains on and inside the food. While the basic function of a microwave oven is to heat food via dielectric heating (i.e., via microwaves that act directly and are absorbed by the food), this disclosure includes microwave ovens that include additional cooking capabilities such as a crisping (or browning) function or a grilling function, thus enabling the preparation of various types of food items and providing new cooking effects. Such additional cooking capabilities typically require additional components, such as a browning plate or a grilling element.

[0141] The embodiments of the cooking systems and methods described herein advantageously provide a system that can be rapidly reheated and / or cooked using microwaves, while also providing crisping and browning features to remove water vapor generated from food due to microwave processing, resulting in a more desirable finished food product.

[0142] Figures 1-5A cooking system 1000 according to the subject matter described herein is illustrated. In some aspects, the cooking system 1000 may include a housing 1002, which includes a door 1004, support legs 1006, and a control panel 1008. The housing 1002 may be formed from external panels joined together to form a rectangular box within the housing 1002 that includes a cooking chamber 1034. A front panel 1040 includes a rectangular opening configured to allow user access to the cooking chamber 1034. A rear panel 1024 of the housing 1002 includes exhaust vents 1026, 1027 located at the top of the rear panel 1024 and exhaust vents 1028 located on the sides of the rear panel. The positions of the exhaust vents 1026, 1028 correspond to electrical and heating elements contained within the housing 1002, which will be discussed in more detail below. The exhaust vents 1026, 1027, 1028 may include a plurality of holes through the rear panel 1024.

[0143] The housing 1002 can be supported on a support surface via legs 1006. Legs 1006 extend from the bottom surface of the housing 1002 and provide an air gap between the support surface and the housing 1002. The air gap can serve as an isolation gap between the bottom surface of the housing 1002 and the support surface, reducing heat transfer to the support surface during cooking operations. Legs 1006 can be cylindrical and are positioned near the corners of the housing 1002.

[0144] Door 1004 is movably and rotatably connected to housing 1002 to selectively close the opening to cooking chamber 1034. Door 1004 may be rectangular in shape and sized to correspond to the size of the opening to the cooking chamber 1034. Door 1004 may be connected to the side edge of housing 1002 via a hinge system. Door 1004 includes a frame 1010 and a transparent panel 1012. Frame 1010 supports transparent panel 1012, which allows the user to observe food inside cooking chamber 1034 during cooking. Seal 1030 may be positioned on the inner side of frame 1010 and is configured to contact and seal against front panel 1040 of housing 1002. A latch 1032 is positioned on door 1004 extending outward from door 1004. Latch 1032 is configured to pass through a hole in front panel 1040 and selectively connect to a corresponding latch feature included in housing 1002. The latch 1032 is designed to keep the door 1004 closed during cooking. A release button 1014 is located on the outside of the housing 1002 and is actuated by the user to release the latch 1032 on the door 1004 from the housing 1002.

[0145] The control panel 1008 is located at the front of the housing 1002. In one aspect, the control panel 1008 is positioned adjacent to the door 1004 in a side-by-side configuration. The control panel 1008 may include a display 1016, input buttons 1018, input dials 1020 and 1022. Users can use the inputs to control the heating element and the cooking process occurring within the cooking chamber 1034. The display 1016 may be configured to provide visual and audio feedback to the user during or after cooking. For example, the display 1016 may instruct the user to place a container within the cooking chamber in a specific location within the cooking chamber for a specific cooking procedure (i.e., to place the container close to the forced convection heating element). The input buttons 1018, input dials 1020 and 1022 are communicatively connected to a control unit (not shown), which is also connected to the heating element, air movement device, and mode stirrer within the housing 1002, as will be described in more detail below. The input section can be used to allow users to input specific cooking programs or combinations of cooking programs. In one aspect, users can select between microwave cooking and air frying using a single input on the control panel. Combined cooking will alternate between microwave cooking and forced convection cooking to both quickly cook items and produce the appropriate Maillard reaction in the food.

[0146] Cooking chamber 1034 is configured to receive food for cooking processing. Cooking chamber 1034 includes side walls 1036 and 1042, a bottom wall 1038, a top wall 1044, and a rear wall 1046. A door 1004, when in the closed position, forms the rearmost side of cooking chamber 1034, sealing cooking chamber 1034 for cooking processing. Bottom wall 1038 separates cooking chamber 1034 from lower chamber 1039. In one aspect, the bottom wall is formed of mica sheet, which allows microwaves to pass through from lower chamber 1039 into cooking chamber 1034. Top wall 1044 separates cooking chamber 1034 from upper chamber 1062. In one aspect, top wall 1044 may include a plurality of holes that allow heated air to pass through top wall 1044 and into cooking chamber 1034 during forced convection cooking processing (i.e., air frying).

[0147] like Figures 4-5As shown, sidewall 1036 includes a track 1037, and sidewall 1042 also includes a track 1047. Tracks 1037 and 1047 are formed in sidewalls 1036 and 1042 by a stamping process, which integrally forms the tracks 1037 and 1047 into the sidewalls 1036 and 1042. Tracks 1037 and 1047 extend from the rear of the cooking chamber 1034 to the front of the cooking chamber 1034. In one aspect, tracks 1037 and 1047 include a top edge 1076 that contacts a tray or container used within the cooking chamber 1034. Tracks 1037 and 1047 may include a plurality of identically shaped tracks at different heights within the cooking chamber 1034. In one aspect, track 1037 also includes a protrusion 1072 formed in sidewall 1036. As described in more detail below, the protrusion 1072 is configured to act as a stop when the user pulls the tray or container into and out of the cooking chamber 1034. The protrusion 1072 includes an angled surface 1074 and corresponds to a channel 1078 formed in the track 1037. The channel 1078 is located vertically below the protrusion 1072 and forms a curved edge along the straight edge 1076 of the track 1036. The track 1047 has the same features as described above regarding the track 1037.

[0148] Side chamber 1048 is positioned adjacent to cooking chamber 1034. Side chamber 1048 extends from the bottom to the top of housing 1002 and from the front to the rear of housing 1002. Side chamber 1048 houses most of the electrical components, including a magnetron 1050 for generating microwaves. Figure 9 As shown, side chamber 1048 includes a cooling fan 1092 positioned adjacent to an exhaust vent 1028 in the rear panel 1024 of housing 1002. The cooling fan 1092 is configured to draw hot air from the magnetron and electrical components in side chamber 1048 and exhaust the hot air through the exhaust vent 1028. A waveguide 1054 is also positioned in side chamber 1048 for guiding microwaves generated by magnetron 1050 into cooking chamber 1034.

[0149] like Figures 6-8 As shown, waveguide 1054 extends from side chamber 1048 to lower chamber 1039. The waveguide includes a vertical section 1080 and a horizontal section 1082. The vertical section 1080 includes an inlet configured to receive microwaves generated by magnetron 1050. Microwaves propagate downwards along the vertical section 1080 and then enter the horizontal section 1082. Waveguide 1054 is formed of a microwave-blocking material such as metal to guide microwaves so that they are not allowed to exit the waveguide except at outlet 1088. Outlet 1088 is located in the horizontal section 1082, emitting microwaves from waveguide 1054 into lower chamber 1039.

[0150] The lower chamber 1039 is vertically positioned below the cooking chamber 1034 and is defined by a bottom wall 1038 and a radiation shield 1090. A modulator 1060 is positioned within the lower chamber 1039 and configured to interact with microwaves emitted from an outlet 1088. The radiation shield 1090 reflects the microwaves from the lower chamber 1039 upwards, through the bottom wall 1038, and into the cooking chamber 1034.

[0151] The mode stirrer 1060 includes a rotating body that deflects microwaves emitted from an outlet 1088. The mode stirrer 1060 is vertically positioned above the outlet 1088. In one aspect, the mode stirrer 1060 is a durable disk formed of metal that includes features that facilitate further deflection of the microwaves. These features include an aperture 1084 and a protrusion 1086. The aperture 1084 may be rectangular in shape and may be asymmetrical on the mode stirrer 1060. The protrusion 1086 is a raised portion of the mode stirrer 1060. The mode stirrer is rotated via a motor 1056 positioned vertically below the lower chamber 1039. In one aspect, the motor 1056 is a BLDC motor with a reduced vertical profile. The drive shaft 1058 of the motor 1056 passes upward through a radiation shield 1090 and is connected to the mode stirrer 1060. As the mode mixer 1060 rotates, microwaves emitted from the outlet 1088 are distributed in the cooking chamber 1034. Due to the asymmetrical design of the mode mixer 1060, the microwaves are distributed in a random pattern in the cooking chamber 1034, resulting in more even cooking of food within the cooking chamber 1034.

[0152] An upper chamber 1062 is formed within the housing 1002 to house a forced convection cooking element that compensates for microwave cooking elements during combined cooking. The upper chamber 1062 is defined by a top wall 1044 and a radiation shield 1065. Figure 10As shown, the radiation shield 1065 may include an outlet 1096 of an exhaust vent 1026 connected to a rear panel 1024 of the housing 1002. Additionally, an exhaust vent 1027 exhausts air from the upper chamber 1062. A heating element 1070 is positioned within the radiation shield 1065 and configured to emit heat energy to heat a forced airflow above the heating element 1070. In one aspect, the heating element 1070 is a cal-rod, carbon fiber heating element, quartz heating element, or any other suitable heating element. An air movement device 1068 is positioned within the radiation shield 1065 radially inside the heating element 1070. The air movement device 1068 may be a centrifugal fan that directs air radially outward through the heating element 1070. A motor 1064 is positioned vertically above the radiation shield 1065 and includes a drive shaft 1066 extending downward through the radiation shield to connect to the air movement device 1068. The air movement device 1068 is rotated by a motor 1064, which may be a BLDC motor with a reduced vertical profile.

[0153] Although food can be placed anywhere within the cooking chamber 1034 for microwave cooking, it is advantageous to reduce the size of the cooking volume during forced convection cooking. To create sub-cooking volumes within the cooking chamber 1034, separate cooking containers can be used. Figures 11-13 A cooking container 1100 is depicted, configured for use within a cooking chamber 1034 during forced convection cooking. Because the container is made of a non-microwave-blocking material such as glass or plastic, the cooking container 1100 can also be used during microwave cooking.

[0154] Container 1100 includes side lugs 1102, 1103 disposed on opposite sides of container 1100 and extending from the rear of container 1100 to the front of container 1100. A rear lip 1104 is formed along the rear edge of the container and extends upward from a horizontal surface aligned with the side lugs 1102, 1103. A front lip 1106 is formed along the front edge of container 1100 and includes a handle 1120 and a grip channel 1122 for easy gripping and handling of container 1100 by a user. In one aspect, handle 1120 may include a cold-touch surface in the form of a heat-insulated handle. A cooking volume 1108 is formed in container 1100 and defined by side walls 1112, 1113, 1114, 1116 and a bottom wall 1110. Container 1100 may be square or rectangular in shape and is designed to limit heat loss from cooking volume 1108 into cooking chamber 1034 during forced convection cooking.

[0155] Figures 14-18The illustration shows a container 1100 within a cooking chamber 1034. The container 1100 can slide along any of the tracks 1037, 1047 within the cooking chamber 1034 to position it at an appropriate level within the cooking chamber 1034. In one aspect, the container 1100 is placed on the highest tracks 1037, 1047 to position it directly adjacent to the top wall 1044. Figure 17 As shown, the envelope of container 1100 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of cooking chamber 1034. Due to this dimensional similarity, the upper part of cooking chamber 1034, which contains the heated airflow generated by air movement device 1068 and heating element 1070, is substantially sealed with side lugs 1102, 1103 resting on tracks 1037, 1047, and with rear lip 1104 and front lip 1106 extending into the rear wall and door of cooking chamber 1034. This upper part contains the heated airflow generated by air movement device 1068 and heating element 1070. This significantly improves the efficiency of air frying compared to a situation where the entire cooking chamber 1034 must be heated by forced convection airflow, as heat loss throughout cooking volume 1108 is minimized. In addition, radiation shield 1065 is designed to deflect the heated airflow downwards into cooking volume 1108. The edges of the radiation shield that deflect the airflow are vertically aligned with the side walls 1112, 1113, 1114, 1116 of container 1100. The airflow is drawn with arrow AF1, which shows the torus airflow circulating through cooking volume 1108. Container 1100 can serve as a separator to reduce the volume of air that the air movement device needs to circulate, thereby improving the efficiency of forced convection cooking.

[0156] As described above, the sidewall 1036 includes protrusions 1072. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the rear lip 1104 contacts the angled surface 1074 of the protrusion 1072 to prevent the container 1100 from being accidentally removed from the cooking chamber 1034. The user must rotate the container 1100 upwards to allow the rear lip 1104 to pass through the gap between the channel 1078 and the protrusion 1072.

[0157] Figures 19-21The illustration shows a support 1200 configured for use with a cooking system 1000. The support 1200 includes an outer body 1204 forming the outer boundary of the support 1200. Extending between the outer bodies 1204 are parallel tracks 1202. A handle 1206 is positioned at the front edge of the outer body 1204 and is configured to allow a user to easily slide the support 1200 into and out of the cooking chamber 1034. The support 1200 also includes insulators 1208 and 1210, positioned on the outer body 1204 to insulate the conductive portions of the support 1200 from the conductive portions of the cooking chamber 1034. Due to the nature of microwave cooking, sparks may occur between the two conductive surfaces within the microwave oven during microwave cooking. Additionally, an insulator 1212 is disposed on the handle 1206 to assist the user in controlling the support 1200 when operating it via the handle 1206. Figures 20-21 As shown, the support 1200 can be inserted into the cooking chamber 1034 and supported by rails 1037 and 1047. The support 1200 can be positioned at different heights within the cooking chamber 1034 using the rails 1037 and 1407. In one aspect, the support 1200 can be used to support containers within the cooking chamber 1034 and can also be used to create a double-layer cooking chamber in which multiple cooking containers can be used, one cooking container resting on the bottom wall 1038 of the cooking chamber 1034 and another cooking container resting vertically above the support 1200.

[0158] Figures 22-26 An aspect of a tray system 1250 used in a cooking system 1000 is illustrated. The tray system 1250 includes a support 1260 positioned within a cooking chamber 1255. The cooking chamber 1255 is formed by a top wall 1252, side walls 1254, side walls 1256, and a bottom wall 1258. The support 1260 is configured to move vertically and horizontally within the cooking chamber 1255 to seal the container 1270 to the top wall 1252 along the upper surface 1272 of the container 1270. The support 1260 is slidably connected to arms 1266, 1268 at points 1262, 1264 on either side of the support 1260. Additionally, arms 1266, 1268 are connected to side walls 1254, 1256 at points 1274, 1275. Figures 23-24As shown, container 1270 can slide along arms 1266, 1268 to partially remove container 1270 from cooking chamber 1255. Additionally, during forced convection cooking, container 1270 can slide back onto support 1260 into cooking chamber 1255 to position it against seal 1282 positioned on top wall 1252. Seal 1282 surrounds opening 1253 that allows heated air to flow into container 1270. Heated airflow generated by air movement device 1278 (rotated by motor 1276) and heating element 1280 is contained within container 1270 by bringing the upper surface 1272 of container 1270 into contact with seal 1282. This sealing configuration improves efficiency during forced convection cooking.

[0159] Figure 27 The illustration shows one aspect of a cooking container 1300 for use with a cooking system 1000. The cooking container 1300 includes a sidewall 1302 surrounding a cooking volume 1304. A protruding lip 1306 extends around the sidewall 1302 and provides a mounting point for a wiring 1308. The wiring 1308 extends below the lip 1306 and is connected to the container 1300 via a clip 1312. The wiring 1308 includes a bend 1310 that interacts with a protrusion on the sidewall of the cooking volume to prevent accidental removal of the container 1300 from the cooking volume. Additionally, the wiring 1308 rests directly on a track within the cooking volume to position the container 1300 within the cooking volume.

[0160] Figures 28-29 The illustration shows one aspect of a cooking container 1320 for use with a cooking system 1000. The cooking container 1320 includes a sidewall 1322 surrounding a cooking volume 1324. A protruding lip 1326 extends around the sidewall 1322 and provides a mounting point for a wiring 1328. The wiring 1328 extends below the lip 1326 and the handle 1332. The wiring 1328 rests directly on a track within the cooking volume to position the container 1320 within the cooking volume.

[0161] Figure 30The illustration shows one aspect of a cooking support 1400 for use with a cooking system 1000. The support 1400 includes a body 1402 forming the outer boundary of the support 1400. A handle 1412 can be positioned at the front edge of the body 1402. A track 1404 extends across the body 1402 and is flat and of a parallel construction. Positioned adjacent to the track 1404 is a track 1406 including an indentation 1408. The indentation 1408 is configured to support a container resting on the support 1400 such that the container does not slide along the support 1400, but rather is recessed into the indentation 1408 using a corresponding feature (not shown) on the bottom of the container. Positioned in the middle of the support 1400 is a track 1410, which is flat and of a parallel construction. It should be noted that any track of the support 1400 may include an indentation thereon to support a container.

[0162] Figure 31 The illustration shows one aspect of a cooking support 1420 for use with a cooking system 1000. The support 1420 includes a body 1422 forming the outer boundary of the support 1420. A handle 1432 can be positioned at the front edge of the body 1422. A track 1424 extends across the body 1422 and is flat and parallel in construction. Positioned adjacent to the track 1424 is a track 1426 including a recess 1428. The recess 1428 is configured to support a container resting on the support 1420 such that the container does not slide along the support 1420, but rather is recessed into the recess 1428 using a corresponding feature (not shown) on the bottom of the container. Positioned in the middle of the support 1420 is a track 1430, which is flat and parallel in construction. It should be noted that any track of the support 1420 may include a recess thereon to support a container.

[0163] Figure 32The illustration shows one aspect of a cooking support 1440 for use with a cooking system 1000. The support 1440 includes a body 1442 forming the outer boundary of the support 1440. A handle 1451 can be positioned at the front edge of the body 1442. A track 1444 extends across the body 1442 and is flat and parallel in configuration. Positioned adjacent to the track 1444 is a track 1452 including a horizontal recess 1454. Positioned adjacent to the track 1452 is a track 1446 including a recess 1448. The recesses 1448 and 1454 are configured to support a container resting on the support 1440 such that the container does not slide along the support 1440 but is recessed into the recess 1448 and horizontally limited by the recess 1454 using corresponding features (not shown) on the bottom of the container. Positioned in the middle of the support 1440 is a track 1450, which is flat and parallel in configuration. It should be noted that any track of the support 1440 may include a recess to support the container thereon.

[0164] Figure 33 One aspect of the cooking system 1000 is illustrated. Since the upper chamber 1062, which includes the heating element, is adjacent to the side chamber 1048, which includes sensitive electrical components, a barrier 1460 can be positioned between the two chambers 1062 and 1048. The barrier 1460 can provide thermal insulation to prevent heated air from leaking from the upper chamber 1062 to the side chamber 1048. The barrier 1460 is positioned within the housing 1002 and will be configured to prevent heat transfer across itself from the upper chamber 1062 to the side chamber 1048.

[0165] Figure 34 The diagram illustrates a gear system 1500 for reducing the vertical profile of the motor that rotates the mode mixer. The gear system 1500 includes a motor 1504 with a drive shaft 1506. A gear 1508 is positioned on the drive shaft 1506 and configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft 1506 to a gear 1510. A drive shaft 1512 is positioned on the gear 1510 and transmits rotational energy from the gear 1510 to the mode mixer 1514. The mode mixer 1514 is positioned below the cooking chamber 1502. By using the gear system 1500, the vertical profile can be reduced because the motor 1504 does not need to be directly below the mode mixer to rotate the mode mixer 1514.

[0166] Figure 35The diagram illustrates a pulley system 1520 for reducing the vertical profile of the motor that rotates the mode mixer. The pulley system 1520 includes a motor 1524 having a drive shaft 1526. A pulley 1528 is positioned on the drive shaft 1526 and configured to transmit rotational energy from the drive shaft 1526 to the pulley 1530 via a belt 1529 wound around the pulleys 1528 and 1530. A drive shaft 1532 is positioned on the pulley 1530 and transmits rotational energy from the pulley 1530 to the mode mixer 1534. The mode mixer 1534 is positioned below the cooking chamber. By using the pulley system 1520, the vertical profile can be reduced because the motor 1524 does not need to be directly below the mode mixer to rotate the mode mixer 1534.

[0167] Figure 36 The illustration shows one aspect of a door 1600 for use with the cooking system 1000. As previously described, the cooking system 1000 can open the door connected to the cooking system using a button located on the front surface of the cooking system. Figure 36 A release button 1602 is shown positioned on the side of the door 1600. The button 1602 is configured to release the internal latch arm 1604 from within the housing of the cooking system. By placing the button 1602 on the door, the release mechanism can be fully configured within the door, saving space within the housing of the cooking system.

[0168] Figures 37-40 Embodiments of a cooking system 100 according to the subject matter described herein are illustrated. In some embodiments, the cooking system 100 may include a housing 102, which includes a cooking volume 104, an inner container 106, an upper volume 108, and a side volume 110. A door 132 may be movably and rotatably configured on the housing 102 to selectively close the cooking volume 104.

[0169] In one aspect, the cooking volume 104 is the main cooking chamber into which food is inserted for cooking. The cooking volume 104 is formed by an inner shell 105 within the housing 102 and serves to shield against microwaves and heat, as will be explained in more detail below. Air gaps may be positioned around the inner shell 105 and the housing 102 to isolate the cooking volume 104 from the housing 102 in terms of heat transfer.

[0170] Figures 42-44A cross-sectional view of the cooking system 100 is shown, illustrating a more detailed view of the cooking volume 104 and its components. As shown, the cooking volume 104 may include a tray 502 configured to divide the cooking volume 104 into an upper cooking volume 512 and a lower cooking volume 514. In one aspect, a user of the cooking system may expect to place two food items in the cooking volume 104, thus allowing each item to be separated using the tray 502. The upper cooking volume 512 can be used for either a food item or a container 106. For example, Figure 43 The illustration shows the cooking volume 104 with the container 106 removed, exposing the upper cooking volume 512. When the container is removed, the fan 130 can provide circulating air to the entire cooking volume 104. In one aspect, when the fan 130 circulates air, the circulating air can reach the food placed on the tray 502, the upper cooking volume 512, and the food placed in the lower cooking volume 514, so that the circulating air can cook evenly.

[0171] The top surface defining the cooking volume 104 is an inner top wall 109. The inner top wall 109 separates the upper volume 108 from the cooking volume 104. The upper volume 108 is disposed within the housing 102 and positioned vertically above the cooking volume 104. As described in more detail below, the inner top wall 109 is provided with a plurality of holes and is configured to allow airflow from the upper volume 108 into the cooking volume 104. The inner top wall 109 also protects the components within the upper volume 108 from food splatter that may occur during cooking. The inner top wall 109 may be made of a metallic material and may also include a single hole or a plurality of holes 111 configured in a specific pattern to facilitate airflow from the upper volume 108 to the cooking volume 104. As described in more detail below, the pattern of the holes 111 may correspond to the size of the opening of the inner container 106.

[0172] Figure 38 and Figures 45-47 A perspective view of the side volume 110 of the cooking system 100 is shown. The side volume 110 is separated from the cooking volume 104 via a side wall 616. Figure 46 As shown, the side volume 110 may include a magnetron 620 positioned adjacent to the rear wall 604 of the side volume 110. The magnetron 620 is configured as a microwave source to emit electromagnetic waves into the cooking volume 104. To guide the microwaves from the magnetron 620 into the cooking volume 104, a waveguide is positioned within the side volume 110. The waveguide is a metal conduit that contains and guides the microwaves from the magnetron 620 into the cooking volume 104. In one aspect, the waveguide is positioned on the side wall 616, having an inlet at the magnetron 620 and an outlet at an opening in the side wall 616.

[0173] The stirrer 702 is positioned adjacent to the hole in the sidewall 616, such as Figure 48As shown. The mode stirrer 702 is configured to randomly distribute microwaves from the microwave assembly 120 within the cooking volume 104 to ensure uniform heating during microwave cooking processes. As described in more detail below, the mode stirrer 702 can rotate about a central axis to enhance the distribution of microwave energy throughout the cooking volume 104.

[0174] The modal stirrer 702 may be circular in shape, or it may be flat in a single plane, or it may include bent protrusions extending axially from the plane of rotation. In one aspect, the modal stirrer may include a first slot 704 and a second slot 706, wherein the first slot 704 and the second slot 706 are configured to randomly scatter microwaves from the magnetron 620 throughout the cooking volume 104. The slots 704, 706 may be rectangular in shape and include protrusions extending axially from the edges of the slots 704, 706 into the cooking volume 104.

[0175] like Figure 49 As shown, the mode mixer 702 is connected to an electric motor 710 positioned in the side volume 110 and via a waveguide 614. A drive shaft extends through the waveguide 614 and is non-rotatably connected to the mode mixer 702 to convert rotational motion from the motor 710 to the mode mixer 702. In one aspect, the mode mixer 702 can rotate continuously during the cooking mode in which the microwave assembly 120 is operating and emitting microwaves into the cooking volume 104. In another aspect, the mode mixer 702 can rotate at a single speed during cooking operation. Additionally, in another aspect, the mode mixer 702 can change its rotational speed depending on the cooking process. Figure 4 As shown, the mode stirrer is positioned on the side wall 616 behind the waveguide 614. The waveguide 614 allows microwaves to pass through and enter the cooking volume 104 while keeping the mode stirrer 702 hidden from the user's view.

[0176] When in operation for cooking, heat is generated within the side volume 110 due to the magnetron 620 and motor 405 being configured within it. To help dissipate excess heat from the side volume 110, the side volume 110 may include a fan 608 positioned on the top wall, powered by a motor 609. Additionally, the motor 405 includes a fan 606. Further as... Figure 47 As shown, the side volume 110 may include a sidewall 616 with ventilation holes 618.

[0177] Arranged in the upper volume 108 is a fan 130 (i.e., an air movement device). The fan 130 is configured to generate airflow into the cooking volume 104 during convection heating. In one aspect, the fan 130 may be a radial fan that generates radially outward airflow. Figure 39As shown, the fan 130 inside the upper volume 108 is surrounded by a reflector cover 302. When the fan 130 is turned on, the reflector cover 302 can redirect the radial airflow from the fan and guide the airflow downward through the holes 111 in the inner top wall 109 and into the cooking volume 104.

[0178] The fan 130 can be connected to a drive system 304 to power the fan 130, while allowing the height of the housing 102 to be reduced compared to a conventional air fryer. Figure 40 As shown, the drive system 304 can be connected at the first point of the upper volume 108 and at the second point of the side volume 110. Figure 41 A perspective view of a belt-driven system 304 configured to circulate air in container 106 is provided. At a first point A in the upper volume 108, belt 310 may be connected to a first gear 402 or pulley. At a second point B in the side volume 110, belt 310 may be connected to a second gear 404 or pulley. The first gear 402 and the second gear 404 may be designed with components that allow speed matching between the motor 405 and each corresponding gear 402, 404. For example, the first gear 402 and the second gear 404 may be configured to have the same diameter to allow a 1:1 gear ratio during fan operation. This configuration can provide minimal power loss when operating the cooking system 100. Furthermore, this direct-drive configuration can allow the fan 130, and therefore the motor, to generate minimal noise, as will be explained in more detail below. However, different gear ratios may be used between gears 402, 404, and should be considered within the scope of this disclosure. In one aspect, gears 402, 404 may include gear teeth positioned on the periphery of each gear. Additionally, the belt 310 may include corresponding teeth that mesh with the teeth of gears 402 and 404, thereby helping to prevent the belt 310 from slipping relative to gears 402 and 404 in the operating state.

[0179] Gear 402 is connected to fan 130 via a drive shaft extending vertically downward through the inner shell of cooking volume 104. Belt 310 is configured to drive fan 130 to rotate and generate air circulation within the container. In one aspect, belt 310 may be made of synthetic rubber to allow for extended service life within cooking system 100. For example, since the cooking system may operate at high temperatures, belt may be made of urethane and polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or nylon fibers. In another aspect, a gear train or multiple gears may be used instead of a belt.

[0180] To generate a heated airflow for convection cooking, heating element 140 is positioned adjacent to fan 130 to heat the airflow generated by fan 130. Heating element 140 can be a radiant or convective heat source combined with fan 130, generating a heated airflow that can travel from upper volume 108 to cooking volumes 104, 114. In one aspect, heating element 140 is a heating rod, tungsten alloy, carbon fiber, or any other suitable heat source. In another aspect, heating element 140 can be positioned around fan 130 and radially offset on the same horizontal plane. In another aspect, heating element 140 can be cyclically switched on and off during cooking according to the desired temperature or cooking method (i.e., air frying, baking, roasting).

[0181] Depending on the size of the food items, and thus selecting either container 106 and heating element 140 or cooking volume 104 and microwave unit 120, the cooking system 100 can adapt to the user's choice. For example, when food is placed in container 106, the cooking system 100 can actuate heating element 140 independently of microwave unit 120, and vice versa. As will be explained in more detail below, if the user wishes to heat food via container 106, the cooking system 100 can deactivate microwave unit 120 to save energy used by the cooking system 100 during operation.

[0182] The inner container 106 may also include a cooking volume 114 in which food can be positioned to receive microwave, radiant, and / or convective heat. In one aspect, the container 106 may be a metal, glass, or a suitable polymer that allows microwaves to pass through. The container 106 may be held on the top inner surface of the cooking volume 104 by a bracket 123 having a channel 124 extending downward from the inner top wall 109. Figure 42 As shown, when container 106 is placed inside the upper cooking volume 512, container 106 is positioned directly adjacent to fan 130 and heating element 140. Due to this proximity, as indicated by airflow AF, airflow from fan 130 and heating element 140 is essentially contained within container 106. This also prevents overheated airflow from reaching the lower cooking volume 514. In one aspect, this allows heat generated by heating element 140 to be retained within the cooking volume of container 106. For example, when container 106 is placed inside the upper cooking volume, channel 124 provides support for the container through the outer lip 516 of container 106. Figure 44 and Figure 45 The outer lip 516 can be shown resting in the channel 124. In one aspect, the support provided by the channel 124 can serve as a guide when the container 106 is placed inside the upper cooking volume 512. In some embodiments, such as Figure 45As shown, when container 106 is placed inside upper cooking volume 512, an outlet 520 can be provided between outer lip 516 and channel 124. Outlet 520 allows ventilation of cooking volume 114 during convection cooking. For example, when fan 130 circulates air around container 106, internal temperature and internal pressure will increase during operation of cooking system 100. Outlet 520 provides sufficient space for hot air to exit from container 106 and enter cooking volume 104. Since most of the heated airflow remains within cooking volume 114, this helps improve the operational efficiency of convection cooking.

[0183] Because the cooking system 100 has both a convection cooking system and a microwave cooking system, multiple cooking processes can be performed within the device. A first cooking process may include heating food within the cooking volume 104 using only microwaves. A second cooking process may include generating convective airflow to further heat and cook the food within volumes 104 and 114. The container 106 and the cooking volume 114 can be designed with optimal volumes to enhance cooking processes during operation. In one aspect, the container 106 may be configured to have an internal volume in the range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.15 cubic feet, specifically 0.13 cubic feet. In another aspect, the container 106 may be configured to have an internal volume in the range of 0.18 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet, specifically 0.20 cubic feet. When the fan 130 circulates hot air from the heating element 140 into the container 106, the heat concentration within volume 114 can increase at a faster rate compared to the cooking volume 104 due to the smaller size of volume 114. In one aspect, the cooking volume 104 may be configured to have an internal volume ranging from 0.70 cubic feet to 0.90 cubic feet, and specifically 0.80 cubic feet. In another aspect, the cooking volume 104 may be configured to have an internal volume ranging from 1.0 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet, and specifically 1.1 cubic feet. In another aspect, the ratio of the cooking volume 104 to the volume 114 is in the range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:1. Specifically, the ratio may be 5.50:1 or 6.15:1.

[0184] Figures 50-52A portion of a cooking container 1700 to be used with the cooking system 1000 is illustrated. Container 1700 is substantially the same as container 1100, therefore the same components will not be described in detail. Container 1700 includes side lugs 1702, 1703 disposed on opposite sides of container 1700 and extending from the rear of container 1700 to the front of container 1700. Protrusion 1717 is disposed below side of side lugs 1702, 1703 and configured to align with recesses (not shown) on tracks 1037, 1047 of the cooking system 1000 to secure container 1700 in a fixed position within the cooking chamber 1034. A rear lip 1704 is formed along the rear edge of the container and extends upward from the horizontal plane aligned with the side lugs 1702, 1703. A front lip 1706 is formed along the front edge of the container 1700 and includes a handle 1720 and a gripping channel 1722 for easy gripping and handling by a user. A cooking volume 1708 is formed within the container 1700 and is defined by side walls 1712, 1713, 1714, 1716 and a bottom wall 1710. The container 1700 may be square or rectangular in shape and is designed to limit heat loss from the cooking volume 1708 to the cooking chamber 1034 during forced convection cooking.

[0185] Figures 53-54 A food preservation tray 1750 is illustrated for use with container 1100. The food preservation tray can be configured within the cooking volume 1108 of container 1100. The food preservation tray 1750 includes a top surface 1751, which includes a plurality of holes 1752 positioned therein. During forced convection processing, the holes 1752 allow heated airflow to pass under food placed on the top surface 1751. Support legs 1754 are positioned at the corners of the food preservation tray 1750 to create a gap between the bottom wall 1110 and the top surface 1751. Additionally, curved edges 1756 are configured on the food preservation tray 1750 to conform to the shape of the cooking volume 1108.

[0186] Figures 55-56A portion of a cooking container 1800 to be used with a cooking system 1000 is illustrated. Container 1800 is substantially identical to container 1100, therefore the same components will not be described in detail. Container 1800 includes side lugs 1802, 1803 disposed on opposite sides of container 1800 and extending from the rear of container 1800 to the front of container 1800. A rear lip 1804 is formed along the rear edge of the container and extends upward from the aligned horizontal plane described by the side lugs 1802, 1803. A front lip 1806 is formed along the front edge of container 1800 and includes a handle 1820 and a gripping channel 1822 for easy gripping and manipulation of container 1800 by a user. A cooking volume 1808 is formed within container 1800 and is defined by side walls 1812, 1813, 1814, 1816 and a bottom wall 1810. The container 1800 may be square or rectangular in shape, and because a smaller total volume is required to establish a heated airflow with sufficient speed and temperature for air frying, the container 1800 is designed to limit heat loss from the cooking volume 1808 to the cooking chamber 1034 during forced convection cooking.

[0187] Figures 57-58 The illustration shows a support 1850 configured for use with a cooking system 1000. The support 1850 includes an outer body 1854 forming the outer boundary of the support 1850. Extending between the outer bodies 1854 are parallel tracks 1852. A handle 1862 is positioned at the front edge of the outer body 1854 and is configured to allow the user to easily slide the support 1850 into and out of the cooking chamber 1034. The support 1850 also includes an insulator 1858 positioned at the front corner of the outer body and an insulator 1860 positioned at the rear corner of the outer body 1854 to insulate the conductive portions of the support 1850 from the conductive portions of the cooking chamber 1034. This is due to the nature of microwave cooking, where sparks may occur between the two conductive surfaces within the microwave oven during microwave cooking processes.

[0188] Figures 59-69 An aspect of a hinge system for use with a cooking system 1000 is illustrated. The hinge system includes a bracket 1900 positioned within a housing 1002. The bracket 1900 extends outward from the housing 1002 toward and into a door 1004. The bracket 1900 includes a channel 1902 positioned within the bracket 1900 and a hole (not shown) allowing a pin 1908 to pass through. A corresponding bracket 1904 is positioned in the door 1004 and includes a hole (not shown) for receiving the pin 1908. Since both brackets 1900 and 1004 receive the pin 1908, a pivotal connection is formed between the housing 1002 and the door 1004 at these connection points. The bracket 1904 includes a lug 1906 extending from the bracket 1904 and configured to be received within the channel 1902.

[0189] The hinge system also includes a bracket 1920. Compared to hinge 1900, bracket 1920 is positioned at the lower part of housing 1002. Bracket 1920 is substantially the same as bracket 1900 and includes a channel 1922. Bracket 1924 is positioned lower than bracket 1904 within door 1004 and includes a lug 1926.

[0190] like Figures 59-64 As shown, when door 1004 is in the closed position, lugs 1906 and 1926 are positioned outside channels 1902 and 1922. Specifically, lugs 1906 and 1926 are not contained within channels 1902 and 1922. When door 1004 moves to the open position, lugs 1906 and 1926 rotate about pins 1908 and 1928 and enter channels 1902 and 1922. Once lugs 1906 and 1926 abut against brackets 1900 and 1920, door 1004 will not open further. Lugs 1906 and 1926 and channels 1902 and 1922 are designed to allow the door to be fully opened to clear an opening into cooking chamber 1034, allowing the user to easily remove containers or supports from the cooking chamber through the opening. In one aspect, door 1004 can be opened at least 110 degrees before being stopped by lugs 1906 and 1926.

[0191] Certain exemplary implementations will now be described to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and principles of use of the devices disclosed herein. One or more examples of these implementations are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary implementations. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary implementation may be combined with features of other implementations. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0192] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with the same name in the implementation generally have the same characteristics; therefore, in a particular implementation, it is not necessary to fully describe every feature of every component with the same name. Additionally, the use of linear or circular dimensions in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods is not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, apparatuses, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that for any geometry, equivalent dimensions to such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined. The dimensions and shapes of systems and apparatuses and their components can be determined at least based on the anatomy of the subject matter to which the systems and apparatuses will be used, the dimensions and shapes of the components to which these systems and apparatuses will be used, and the methods and procedures to which these systems and apparatuses will be used. Furthermore, the terms "approximately" and "substantially" are defined as ranges based on manufacturing variations and variations in temperature and other parameters.

[0193] As used herein throughout the specification, approximate language can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without altering the essential function associated with it. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “approximately,” “roughly,” and “substantially” are not limited to the specified precise values. At least in some instances, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the aforementioned values. In this specification and throughout the claims, scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and unless otherwise indicated by context or language, such scope is identified and includes all subscopes contained herein.

[0194] In the above description, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear after a list of conjunctions for elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implied or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such phrases are intended to individually refer to any listed element or feature or any element or feature combined with any other stated element or feature. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A alone," "B alone," or "A and B together," respectively. The same interpretation is also intended for lists containing three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A alone," "B alone," "C alone," "A and B together," "A and C together," "B and C together," or "A and B and C together," respectively. Furthermore, the use of the term "based on" above is intended to mean "at least partially based on," thus allowing uncited features or elements to be included.

[0195] Those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of this disclosure based on the above implementation. Therefore, this application is not limited to the content specifically shown and described. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by way of their entirety.

Claims

1. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include: A housing having a cooking chamber, a first chamber, and a second chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and an inner bottom wall; A microwave source, located outside the cooking chamber, is configured to emit microwaves into the second chamber; An air movement device, positioned within the first room; A heating element is positioned in the first chamber; as well as The mode stirrer, located in the second chamber, The inner top wall includes at least one hole configured to allow heated airflow generated by the air movement device and the heating element to enter the cooking chamber, and the inner bottom wall includes a microwave-permeable material configured to allow microwaves to enter the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber is positioned vertically above the cooking chamber.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second chamber is positioned vertically below the cooking chamber.

4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner top wall includes a plurality of holes configured to allow the heated airflow to pass through.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mode stirrer is configured to deflect microwaves exiting into the second chamber before they enter the cooking chamber through the inner bottom wall.

6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber and the second chamber are aligned in the vertical direction.

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber is defined by the inner top wall and a radiation shield positioned radially outside the heating element.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second chamber is defined by the inner bottom wall and a radiation shield positioned radially outside the mode stirrer.

9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The waveguide is positioned between the microwave source and the second chamber, and the waveguide exits through the radiation shield.

10. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave source is located in a third chamber, which is adjacent to the cooking chamber, the first chamber, and the second chamber.

11. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include: A housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner wall having holes; A microwave source, located outside the cooking chamber, is configured to emit microwaves; A waveguide having an inlet and an outlet, the waveguide being configured to receive microwaves from the microwave source via the inlet and to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber via the outlet; An air movement device, located outside the cooking chamber, is configured to generate airflow; as well as A heating element, located outside the cooking chamber, is configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow through holes in the inner wall. The hole in the inner wall is located on the first side of the cooking chamber, and the outlet of the waveguide is located on the second side of the cooking chamber, with the first side being opposite to the second side.

12. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first side is the top side of the cooking chamber.

13. The cooking apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second side is the bottom side of the cooking chamber.

14. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inner wall includes multiple holes to allow the heated airflow to pass through the inner wall and enter the cooking chamber.

15. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heating element is positioned radially outside the air movement device.

16. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, A microwave-permeable material is positioned between the waveguide outlet and the cooking chamber.

17. The cooking apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The mode stirrer is positioned between the waveguide outlet and the microwave-permeable material.

18. The cooking apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The stirrer is vertically aligned with the hole in the inner wall.

19. The cooking apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The air movement device is vertically aligned with a portion of the pattern mixer.

20. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The air movement device is aligned vertically with the exit of the waveguide.

21. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein a cooking chamber, a first chamber, and a second chamber are formed; A microwave source, located in the first chamber, is configured to emit microwaves; A waveguide having a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being at an angle relative to the first segment, wherein an inlet is located in the first segment and an outlet is located in the second segment; A microwave-impermeable sheet separates the cooking chamber from the first chamber; as well as A microwave-permeable sheet separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber. The inlet is connected to the microwave source to receive emitted microwaves, and the outlet is connected to the second chamber to emit the microwaves into the second chamber.

22. The cooking apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first segment is a vertical segment adjacent to the microwave-impermeable sheet.

23. The cooking apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second segment is a horizontal segment that extends parallel to the microwave-permeable sheet.

24. The cooking apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first segment is positioned perpendicular to the second segment.

25. The cooking apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The entrance is located at the far end of the first segment.

26. The cooking apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that, The exit is located at the far end of the second segment.

27. The cooking apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The second section extends below the cooking chamber and the second chamber.

28. The cooking apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first chamber and the cooking chamber are positioned side by side in an adjacent configuration.

29. The cooking apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The second chamber is located below the cooking chamber.

30. The cooking apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The mode mixer is positioned in the second chamber.

31. The cooking apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that, The mode stirrer is positioned between the waveguide outlet and the microwave-permeable sheet.

32. The cooking apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that, The drive shaft of the mode stirrer is via the waveguide.

33. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include: A housing that forms a cooking chamber, the cooking chamber including an inner wall; A microwave source, located outside the cooking chamber, is configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to cook food directly within the cooking chamber. An air movement device is located within the housing and configured to generate airflow within the cooking chamber; A heating element, located within the housing, is configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; A radiation shield having a top wall positioned axially outside the heating element and a first side wall extending from the top wall, the first side wall having a first width and a first depth, the first side wall being positioned radially outside the heating element. as well as A container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for inserting the food into the container and second sidewalls having a second width and a second depth. Wherein, the first width of the first sidewall corresponds to the second width of the second sidewall, such that the heated airflow is aligned with the second width as the heated airflow passes along the first sidewall.

34. The cooking apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, The first width is the same as the second width.

35. The cooking apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that, The first depth is the same as the second depth.

36. The cooking apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, The first sidewall of the radiation shield is positioned at an angle between 10 and 80 degrees from the top wall.

37. The cooking apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, The edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are aligned in the vertical direction.

38. The cooking apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, The second sidewall is horizontally spaced from the inner wall of the cooking chamber.

39. A container for a cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include: A top opening is provided for inserting food into the container; A first side protrusion extends outward from the top opening and is configured to contact a first track within the cooking device to support the container; A second side protrusion extends outward from the top opening and is opposite to the first side protrusion, and is configured to contact a second track within the cooking device to support the container; A posterior lip, which extends outward from the top opening, is positioned at an angle between 10 and 80 degrees relative to the first lateral protrusion; A front lip that extends outward from the top opening; Sidewalls that connect to and extend around the top opening; The bottom wall, which is connected to the side wall; as well as A cooking volume formed within the container between the side walls and the bottom wall.

40. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, When the container is positioned within the cooking device, the rear lip extends to the rear wall of the cooking device.

41. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, When the container is positioned within the cooking device, the front lip extends to the front wall of the cooking device.

42. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The rear lip is configured to contact a protrusion extending from the side wall of the cooking device to prevent the container from being linearly removed from the cooking device.

43. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The front lip includes a channel configured to allow a user to grasp the container.

44. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The food storage tray is configured to be positioned within the cooking volume.

45. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the container is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the cooking chamber of the cooking device.

46. ​​The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The container is made of a microwave-permeable material.

47. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The cooking volume of the container forms a sub-cooking volume within the cooking chamber of the cooking apparatus.

48. The container for a cooking apparatus according to claim 47, characterized in that, The volume of the sub-cooking volume is less than half the volume of the cooking chamber of the cooking device.

49. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include: A housing having a front surface and an opening positioned on the front surface; A first bracket extends outward from the front surface, the front surface having a first connection point and a channel extending inward to the first bracket; A door that can be rotatably connected to the housing to selectively cover the opening; A second bracket is positioned inside the door, the door having a second connection point and a lug extending from the second bracket; A cooking chamber formed within the housing, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to be accessed through the opening and to cook food directly within the cooking chamber; A microwave source is located outside the cooking chamber and is configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber. An air movement device, which is positioned within the housing; as well as The heating element is located within the housing. The first bracket is rotatably connected to the second bracket via the first connection point and the second connection point, and the lug is configured to be positioned within the passage and abut against the first bracket when the door is rotated to its maximum open position.

50. The cooking apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The channel is located inside the first connection point.

51. The cooking apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The door can be opened at an angle greater than 100 degrees relative to the front surface.

52. The cooking apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The lug extends upward from the second bracket.

53. The cooking apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The door is configured to rotate to the open position, such that the door fully opens the opening in the front surface of the housing.

54. The cooking apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that, The first bracket extends into the door.

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