High-frequency household appliance, preferably high-frequency kitchen appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-frequency household appliance (1), preferably a high-frequency kitchen appliance (1), with at least one treatment chamber (11) configured to receive material to be treated with high-frequency energy, and with at least one high-frequency heating module (2) configured to generate the high-frequency energy and deliver it to the treatment chamber (11), wherein the high-frequency heating module (2) comprises at least: • at least one high-frequency signal generator (21) configured to generate the high-frequency energy, and • at least one interface (ANT) to the treatment chamber (11) of a first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably one interface (ANT) each to the treatment chamber (11) of several high-frequency paths (23a-23d), which is configured to deliver high-frequency energy to the treatment chamber (11). The high-frequency household appliance (1) is characterized in that the high-frequency heating module (2),preferably at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), more preferably several high-frequency paths (23a-23d), and most preferably all high-frequency paths (23a-23d) of the high-frequency heating module (2), further comprising at least: • at least one first bandpass filter (BPF), preferably of the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), configured to allow only a predetermined frequency range of the high-frequency energy to pass through, • at least one detector (DET) configured to detect at least one parameter of the high-frequency energy, preferably the frequency, amplitude, and / or phase of the electromagnetic wave of the high-frequency energy, and • at least one safety unit (22) configured to receive the at least one detected parameter from the detector (DET) and to evaluate it with regard to compliance with at least one predetermined limit value, wherein the high-frequency heating module (2),preferably the safety unit (22) is configured to operate the high-frequency signal generator (21) depending on the evaluation of the parameter, preferably to switch off the high-frequency signal generator (21) when a predetermined limit value of the parameter is exceeded.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a high-frequency household appliance according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It is well known that materials can be heated using microwaves. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with a frequency of approximately 1 to 300 GHz, meaning wavelengths of approximately 30 cm to 1 mm. Microwaves can cause molecules to vibrate, thereby increasing their temperature. This is used, for example, in microwave ovens to heat or cook food inside the cooking chamber.

[0003] A microwave oven, also called a microwave cooker, typically has an outer casing containing a cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is accessible from the outside through an opening, which can be opened and closed, for example, by means of a hinged door or flap. Display and control elements are also usually provided on the outside, allowing the user to adjust settings such as power and cooking time. A space is formed between the outer casing and the cooking chamber, in which at least one microwave generator is typically located. This generator produces the microwaves and transmits them into the cooking chamber via at least one high-frequency waveguide. While magnetrons were originally used to generate the microwave radiation, electronic circuits such as transistors are now commonly used for this purpose.It is generally known to use a coaxial cable with appropriate coaxial connectors between the RF module (radio frequency module), which acts as a microwave generator, and the cooking chamber of the microwave oven to transmit the RF energy to the interior. The coaxial cable can be integrated with an antenna, i.e., without any additional connectors, and mounted on the interior wall. The antenna can be, for example, a monopole antenna or an inverted F-shaped antenna.

[0004] The RF energy can also be guided into the interior via an RF waveguide (high-frequency waveguide). Typical cross-sections of waveguides can be rectangular or oval, for example. The RF waves travel vertically along such waveguides in the interior wall and pass through, for example, a rectangular or oval window in the wall, thus entering the interior.

[0005] The applicant also discloses a type of kitchen appliance known as a "dialogue oven." A dialogue oven is based on conventional ovens that use energy sources such as top and bottom heat or convection, allowing precisely controlled heat to penetrate the food from the outside and slowly work its way into the center. This cooking method, similar to baking, results in the outer layers of the food being heated for a relatively long time and at a high temperature, while the core is heated for a relatively short time and at a lower temperature, as the heat must first spread from the outer layers to the center of the food during the cooking process.

[0006] To accelerate such cooking processes and / or distribute the heat more evenly within the food, conventional ovens have been further developed into the Dialog oven. This oven additionally utilizes electromagnetic waves with varying frequencies in the high-frequency spectrum (HF waves) to heat only the food itself and not its surroundings or the ambient air. This allows for very precise control over the amount of heat applied to the food. This can lead to significantly faster cooking times and improved quality of the final product.

[0007] Devices for supplying high-frequency energy (RF energy) to the operating chamber of a household or kitchen appliance provide a separate RF signal generator for each path or input. This makes it possible to generate RF signals for the paths at different frequencies, which can be desirable for certain heating methods or programs.

[0008] The use of high-frequency energy in the form of electromagnetic waves in appropriate household appliances can offer advantages for their intended use.

[0009] However, such electromagnetic waves of high-frequency energy can pose a risk to the environment surrounding the high-frequency household appliance. They can interfere with other electronic devices. Furthermore, they can endanger the health of living beings, and especially the user of the high-frequency household appliance.

[0010] EP 2 499 505 A1 describes devices and methods for applying electromagnetic energy to a load. The devices and methods can include at least one processor configured to receive information specifying the energy derived from the load for each of a plurality of modulation space elements. The processor can also be configured to associate each of the multiple modulation space elements with a corresponding duration of power application based on the received information. Furthermore, the processor can be configured to control the energy applied to the load such that power is applied to the load for each of the multiple modulation space elements for the corresponding duration of power application.

[0011] US 2015 / 271877 A1 discloses a high-frequency household appliance according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] The invention thus addresses the problem of creating a high-frequency household appliance of the type described above, such that the protection of the environment from electromagnetic waves of high-frequency energy can be improved or even guaranteed. In particular, the propagation of impermissibly strong high-frequency energy and / or high-frequency energy of impermissible frequencies into the vicinity of the high-frequency household appliance should be reduced or even completely prevented. In particular, compliance with radio and EMC limits should be ensured. This is intended especially for high-frequency kitchen appliances. At the very least, an alternative to known high-frequency household appliances of this type should be created. According to the invention, this problem is solved by a high-frequency household appliance with the features of the patent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.Thus, the invention relates to a high-frequency household appliance, preferably a high-frequency kitchen appliance, with at least one treatment chamber which is configured to receive a product to be treated with high-frequency energy, and with at least one high-frequency heating module which is configured to generate the high-frequency energy and deliver it into the treatment chamber, wherein the high-frequency heating module comprises at least: . at least one high-frequency signal generator configured to generate high-frequency energy, and at least one transition to the treatment space of a first high-frequency path, preferably one transition to the treatment space of several high-frequency paths, configured to deliver high-frequency energy into the treatment space.

[0013] Such a high-frequency household appliance can be any technical device that can be used in a household for household tasks, whereby the household task can be performed additionally or exclusively by means of high-frequency (HF) energy. The high-frequency energy can be emitted into the treatment room by means of electromagnetic waves to warm or heat the object being treated. Such high-frequency electromagnetic waves can, in particular, have frequencies in the range of approximately 1 to approximately 300 GHz, i.e., wavelengths of approximately 30 cm to approximately 1 mm.

[0014] The implementation can take the form of a household appliance, such as a washing machine, tumble dryer, washer-dryer, or similar device, allowing the high-frequency energy to be used additionally or exclusively for heating water or washing solution, or for drying wet laundry within the washing drum as a treatment chamber. In a high-frequency kitchen appliance, the high-frequency energy can be used additionally or exclusively for cooking food within the cooking chamber as a treatment chamber. Examples of such kitchen appliances include microwave ovens, conventional ovens, combination ovens, or similar appliances.

[0015] Furthermore, the high-frequency heating module, preferably at least the first high-frequency path, particularly preferably several high-frequency paths, most preferably all high-frequency paths, of the high-frequency heating module, further comprises at least: at least one first bandpass filter, preferably of the first high-frequency path, which is configured to allow only a predetermined frequency range of the high-frequency energy to pass through, at least one detector which is configured to detect at least one parameter of the high-frequency energy, preferably the frequency, the amplitude and / or the phase of the electromagnetic wave of the high-frequency energy, and at least one safety unit which is configured to receive the at least one detected parameter from the detector and to evaluate it with regard to compliance with at least one predetermined limit value. wherein the high-frequency heating module, preferably the safety unit, is configured to operate the high-frequency signal generator depending on the evaluation of the parameter, preferably to switch off the high-frequency signal generator when a predetermined limit value of the parameter is exceeded.

[0016] The first bandpass filter restricts the frequency range of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave from the first or corresponding high-frequency path to a predetermined frequency range. This effectively limits the high-frequency energy or the corresponding electromagnetic wave emitted from the transition point of the respective high-frequency path to or into the treatment room. Therefore, the first bandpass filter can also prevent unwanted or impermissible frequencies below and above the passband from being transmitted or propagated into the treatment room. This protects the surrounding environment and, in particular, ensures compliance with radio frequency and electromagnetic interference (EMI) limits.

[0017] The high-frequency household appliance according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and particularly preferably all high-frequency paths, and furthermore at least one second bandpass filter, which is redundant to the first bandpass filter, wherein the second bandpass filter is preferably arranged downstream, and particularly preferably directly downstream, of a phase shifter. The second bandpass filter is not connected to the detector, nor is the output signal of the second bandpass filter fed to the detector, which can minimize the implementation effort. Rather, the second bandpass filter serves as a safety function to take over the function of the first bandpass filter if the first bandpass filter does not function as intended. This can protect the environment from an undesirable or impermissible characteristic of the high-frequency energy.whose electromagnetic wave improves.

[0018] To achieve this and to prevent the propagation of high-frequency energy into the treatment room with undesirable or even impermissible characteristics, the high-frequency energy, after exiting the first bandpass filter, is fed to a detector. This detector is capable of capturing a parameter of the high-frequency energy, such as the frequency, amplitude, and / or phase of the electromagnetic wave, and transmitting this captured parameter to a safety unit. The safety unit can then evaluate the captured parameter to determine whether it complies with at least one predetermined limit value. This limit value, or multiple limit values ​​for one parameter, or one or more limit values ​​for different parameters, can be...can enable an assessment of whether the high-frequency energy after exiting the first bandpass filter is desirable or permissible with regard to the corresponding parameter.

[0019] If an undesired or impermissible characteristic of the high-frequency energy or its electromagnetic wave is detected in this way, the high-frequency heating module, and in particular its safety unit, can react accordingly and modify the operation of the high-frequency signal generator. Specifically, the generation of the undesired or impermissible high-frequency energy or its electromagnetic wave by the high-frequency signal generator can then be prevented. In any case, this can be indicated or communicated to the user in order to carry out or arrange for repair of the high-frequency household appliance. According to the invention, this can improve or even guarantee the protection of the environment from electromagnetic waves of high-frequency energy. In particular, the propagation of impermissibly strong high-frequency energy and / or its electromagnetic wave can be prevented.or high-frequency energy of impermissible frequency into the vicinity of the high-frequency household appliance is reduced or even completely avoided.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the high-frequency heating module, preferably at least the first high-frequency path, more preferably several high-frequency paths, and most preferably all high-frequency paths, of the high-frequency heating module, comprises a high-frequency switch configured to direct the high-frequency energy from the first bandpass filter either to the transition to the treatment chamber or to the detector. This allows the high-frequency energy to be temporarily or briefly extracted or diverted from the "normal" transmission path and directed to the detector for the purpose of the evaluation described above. Alternatively, the high-frequency energy can continue to be directed to the treatment chamber. This allows the evaluation and "normal" operation to be performed in either direction.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the high-frequency switch is a high-frequency switch of a phase shifter, preferably of a high-frequency path. This aspect of the invention is based on the understanding that such phase shifters typically already have several high-frequency switches in order to perform their intended function. Accordingly, the effort required to implement a high-frequency switch as described above can be kept comparatively low by adding another high-frequency switch to a phase shifter, which can temporarily supply the high-frequency energy to the detector as described above. This can reduce the implementation effort.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the detector is designed to detect the parameter of the high-frequency energy at predetermined, preferably equal, time intervals. This can allow the temporary interruption of the actual, i.e., the "normal," transmission of the high-frequency energy to the treatment room in favor of the evaluation described above, as already mentioned.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, several high-frequency paths, preferably all high-frequency paths, each have at least one first bandpass filter, wherein each of the high-frequency paths has a detector and / or a safety unit, or wherein several high-frequency paths, preferably all high-frequency paths, have a common detector and / or a common safety unit. This allows the previously described aspects of the invention to be applied to several or all high-frequency paths of the high-frequency heating module. A central detector and a central safety unit can be used for several or all high-frequency paths, which can reduce the complexity. Alternatively, at least one detector and / or at least one safety unit can be used for several high-frequency paths.Each can be used for a single high-frequency path, which can increase design flexibility.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, at least the first high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and especially preferably all high-frequency paths, further comprises: at least one high-frequency power amplifier, preferably also at least one high-frequency preamplifier, which is designed to amplify the high-frequency energy.

[0025] This allows for power amplification of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave within the high-frequency path or within the high-frequency feed point. This can be done in a single stage or in multiple stages to achieve higher power levels.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the first high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and especially preferably all high-frequency paths, further comprises: at least one high-frequency coupler designed to measure a forward-propagating and / or a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy, preferably no amplifier is arranged between the high-frequency coupler and the transition.

[0027] In this way, a forward-propagating and / or a reverse-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy can be detected, and the detected data can be evaluated to, for example, influence the generation of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave by the high-frequency signal generator and / or other electronic components within the respective high-frequency path. This can increase the design flexibility of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave emitted into the treatment room. Such a high-frequency coupler can be configured, for example, as a 4-port coupler or a 6-port coupler.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the first high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and especially preferably all high-frequency paths, further comprises: at least one damping element designed to change the amplitude of the high-frequency energy.

[0029] This allows targeted influence to be exerted on the amplitude of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave along the corresponding high-frequency path.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the first high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and especially preferably all high-frequency paths, further comprises: at least one phase shifter designed to change the phase of the high-frequency energy.

[0031] This allows targeted influence to be exerted on the phase of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave along the corresponding high-frequency path.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the first high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and especially preferably all high-frequency paths, further comprises: at least one high-frequency insulator designed to block a reverse-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy, preferably no amplifier is arranged between the high-frequency isolator and the transition.

[0033] Such a high-frequency isolator can be implemented, for example, using a high-frequency circulator with a high-frequency load resistor. In any case, this protects the electronic components of the corresponding high-frequency path from powerful, reverse-propagating high-frequency waves of the emitted high-frequency energy, thus preventing damage or destruction of the electronic components.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least the first high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and especially preferably all high-frequency paths, further comprises: at least one harmonic filter designed to block harmonics in a forward-propagating wave of high-frequency energy, preferably no amplifier is arranged between the harmonic filter and the transition.

[0035] This prevents corresponding harmonics in the forward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the high-frequency heating module has at least one control unit which is designed to to obtain measurement data of a forward-propagating and / or a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy, preferably from a high-frequency coupler, and to determine at least an amplitude and / or a phase of a forward-propagating and / or a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy from the obtained measurement data.

[0037] The acquisition of the corresponding measurement data can be carried out, for example, using the previously described high-frequency coupler, which may include circuits such as high-frequency detectors, ADCs (Analog Digital Converters) and the like.

[0038] In any case, this method allows for a corresponding influence on the forward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy. Since the amplitude and phase of a high-frequency wave propagating forward and backward at the high-frequency coupler of the respective high-frequency path depend on the high-frequency wave fields in the treatment chamber, these measurement data contain information about the contents of the treatment chamber (e.g., food), the high-frequency wave fields, and the high-frequency energy supply. This information can be used by the heating programs of the control unit to control the frequency of the high-frequency signal generator and, if applicable, the actuators of the respective high-frequency path, such as attenuators and / or phase shifters, thus advantageously regulating the high-frequency energy supply.According to a further aspect of the invention, the control unit is further configured to operate at least the high-frequency signal generator, preferably also at least one attenuator and / or a phase shifter of at least one high-frequency path, preferably several high-frequency paths, and particularly preferably all high-frequency paths, depending on the specific amplitude and / or the specific phase, preferably to change the frequency of the high-frequency energy. This allows a corresponding influence to be exerted on the forward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy.

[0039] A further disclosure is made of a high-frequency heating module, which is not part of the claimed invention, for use in a high-frequency household appliance as described above. This makes it possible to provide a high-frequency heating module for realizing a high-frequency household appliance according to the invention and to utilize its properties and advantages.

[0040] In other words, an RF heating module with a separate processor (safety microcontroller) or, alternatively, with a process, a program component, or a virtualized processor of the control unit (functional microcontroller) is implemented for monitoring its safe operation during operation by means of bandpass filter monitoring. RF switches can be arranged in the bandpass filters so that the output signal of each bandpass filter can be routed to one or more dedicated RF-RF detectors, which enable monitoring of the intended function of the bandpass filters during operation.

[0041] The aforementioned RF switches can be conveniently combined with RF switches integrated into a phase shifter, which may be located downstream in the signal path. A common type of phase shifter consists of lines of varying lengths through which the RF signal can be switched, allowing the desired RF phase shifts to be set. The RF switch at the input of the phase shifter can therefore be extended to include an additional switch position, which routes the RF signal to the RF detector for monitoring the bandpass filter.

[0042] In any case, the safety microcontroller can check the bandpass filters at regularly recurring intervals during operation and stop RF generation in case of a fault. This prevents, for example, the risk of a software error leading to an incorrectly set frequency on the RF signal generator. The RF signal would then be amplified significantly, and a strong RF wave with the wrong frequency would enter the treatment room. Since the microwave trap at the treatment room door is typically designed for only a permissible frequency range, an impermissible amount of RF energy would escape from the device in such a fault scenario, exceeding the permissible limits for RF fields. This scenario does not occur, however, if the bandpass filter functions correctly and the RF signal with the wrong frequency is sufficiently attenuated.

[0043] Another potential hazard is that the time between a fault occurring in the bandpass filter and the fault detection or the cessation of RF generation is too long, leading to an exceedance of permissible limits. This hazard can be avoided by inserting a redundant bandpass filter for each path downstream of the monitored bandpass filter.

[0044] Another potential risk is that, for example, a software error could lead to incorrect control of the RF switches used for monitoring the bandpass filters, thus causing faulty monitoring and resulting in permissible limit values ​​being exceeded. This risk can be avoided by inserting a redundant bandpass filter for each path after the monitored bandpass filter.

[0045] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a high-frequency household appliance according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a high-frequency heating module of the high-frequency household appliance according to the invention.

[0046] A high-frequency household appliance 1 according to the invention is considered using the example of a high-frequency kitchen appliance 1, which can be, for example, a microwave oven 1, a microwave cooker 1, or a Dialog oven 1. The high-frequency kitchen appliance 1 has an outer housing 10, which encloses and protects the components of the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1. Inside the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1, a treatment chamber 11 is provided, which is enclosed or formed by a wall 12. A space 13 is formed between the outer housing 10 and the wall 12 of the treatment chamber 11, which accommodates the electrical and electronic components of the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1. The treatment chamber 11 can be accessed and closed by opening a closure element (not shown), for example, in the form of a door or flap.

[0047] In treatment chamber 11, which can also be referred to as interior space 11, cooking chamber 11, or cavity 11, a cooking process of the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1 can be carried out. For this purpose, with the closure element open, a person (the user) can place food to be cooked or treated into treatment chamber 11 and then close the treatment chamber 11. The cooking process can be carried out solely by the energy of high-frequency electromagnetic waves, as in a microwave oven 1, or additionally, for example, with convection in a Dialog oven 1.

[0048] In any case, the high-frequency energy in the form of high-frequency electromagnetic waves is generated by a high-frequency heating module 2 of the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1, which is essentially located in the space 13. The high-frequency heating module 2 has exactly one high-frequency signal generator 21, which is configured to generate the high-frequency energy for the treatment room 11. The generated high-frequency energy is distributed equally to several, for example four, high-frequency paths 23a-23d as high-frequency feeds 23a-23d and delivered to the treatment room 11 via the high-frequency paths 23a-23d. Each of the four high-frequency paths 23a-23d has its own transition ANT in the form of an antenna ANT, which extends into the treatment room 11 and can thus deliver or transmit the respective portion of the high-frequency energy into the treatment room 11.This is done at the frequency at which the high-frequency energy was generated by the high-frequency signal generator 21. Thus, several high-frequency paths 23a-23d can be implemented with just a single high-frequency signal generator 21.

[0049] The four high-frequency paths 23a-23d are identically designed and each has different electrical or electronic components or assemblies in the following sequence, which modify the high-frequency energy between the high-frequency signal generator 21 and the respective transition ANT to the treatment room 11 and / or possess other properties.

[0050] Each high-frequency path 23a-23d first includes an attenuator PGA, which is configured to change the amplitude of the high-frequency energy. Subsequently, a first bandpass filter BPF is provided for each high-frequency path 23a-23d, which is configured to allow only a predetermined frequency range of the high-frequency energy to pass through. This is followed by a phase shifter PHS, which is configured to change the phase of the high-frequency energy, followed by a second bandpass filter BPF, which is identical to and therefore redundant with the first bandpass filter BPF.

[0051] Next, the high-frequency energy undergoes a two-stage amplification process, first using a high-frequency preamplifier (PRE) and then a high-frequency power amplifier (HPA). This is followed by a high-frequency isolator (ISO), which is designed to block any backward propagation of the output high-frequency energy, thus protecting the high-frequency power amplifier (HPA) and the other preceding electronic components and assemblies.

[0052] A high-frequency coupler (CPL) is then provided, which is designed to measure a forward-propagating and / or a reverse-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy. Finally, a harmonic filter (HSF) follows, which is designed to block harmonics in a forward-propagating wave of high-frequency energy.

[0053] The high-frequency heating module 2 also has a central detector DET, which is connected on the one hand to all four phase shifters PHS or to a high-frequency switch of each phase shifter PHS and on the other hand to a central safety unit 22.

[0054] The detector DET is configured to detect at least one parameter of the high-frequency energy for each high-frequency path 23a-23d, such as the frequency, amplitude, and / or phase of the electromagnetic wave of high-frequency energy exiting the first bandpass filter BPF towards the respective phase shifter PHS. For this purpose, the respective high-frequency switches of the phase shifters PHS of the high-frequency paths 23a-23d are configured to direct the high-frequency energy from the first bandpass filter BPF either to the transition ANT to the treatment chamber 11 or to the second bandpass filter BPF as the next electronic component on the way there, or alternatively to the detector DET. The latter occurs at predetermined, preferably equal, time intervals.

[0055] The safety unit 22 is configured to receive the at least one detected parameter from the detector DET and to evaluate it with regard to compliance with at least one predetermined limit value, wherein the safety unit 22 is configured to switch off the high-frequency signal generator when a predetermined limit value of the parameter is exceeded.

[0056] According to the invention, in the event of a malfunction of both the high-frequency signal generator 21 and the first bandpass filter BPF, the transmission of impermissible high-frequency energy or its electromagnetic wave into the treatment room 11 can be prevented, thus preventing it from reaching the vicinity of the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1. Such an impermissible property of the high-frequency energy can exist with respect to its amplitude or strength and / or frequency. Accordingly, the vicinity of the high-frequency kitchen appliance 1 can be protected from such high-frequency energy. Reference numeral list (part of the description)

[0057] ADCA Analog-to-digital converter ANT Transitions or antennas to the treatment room 11 BPF Bandpass filter CPL High-frequency coupler DET Detector FDIV Frequency divider HPA High-frequency power amplifier HSF Harmonic suppression filter ISO High-frequency isolator MIX Mixer PGA Programmable attenuator PHS Phase shifter PRE High-frequency preamplifier UIM Voltage / current measurement 1 High-frequency household appliance; high-frequency kitchen appliance; microwave oven; microwave cooker; Dialog oven 10 Outer casing 11 Treatment chamber; interior; cooking chamber; cavity 12 Interior wall 11 13 Space 2 High-frequency heating module 20 Control unit; Function microcontroller 21 High-frequency signal generator 22 Safety unit; Safety microcontroller 23a-23 First to fourth high-frequency path; First to fourth high-frequency feed

Claims

1. High-frequency domestic appliance (1), preferably a high-frequency kitchen appliance (1), having at least one treatment space (11) which is designed to accommodate an item to be treated with high-frequency energy, and having at least one high-frequency heating module (2) which is designed to generate the high-frequency energy and deliver it into the treatment space (11), the high-frequency heating module (2) having: • at least one high-frequency signal generator (21) which is designed to generate the high-frequency energy, and • at least one transition (ANT) to the treatment space (11) of a first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably a transition (ANT) to the treatment space (11) of a plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), which is designed to deliver high-frequency energy into the treatment space (11), the high-frequency heating module (2), preferably at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), particularly preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), most particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), of the high-frequency heating module (2), further comprising: • at least one first bandpass filter (BPF), preferably of the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), which is designed to allow only a predetermined frequency range of the high-frequency energy to pass through, • at least one detector (DET) designed to detect at least one parameter of the high-frequency energy, preferably the frequency, amplitude and / or phase of the electromagnetic wave of the high-frequency energy, and • at least one safety unit (22) designed to receive the at least one detected parameter from the detector (DET) and to evaluate it with regard to compliance with at least one predetermined limit value, the high-frequency heating module (2), preferably the safety unit (22), being designed to operate the high-frequency signal generator (21) on the basis of the evaluation of the parameter, preferably to switch off the high-frequency signal generator (21) when a predetermined limit value of the parameter is exceeded, characterised in that at least one high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises at least one second bandpass filter (BPF) which is redundant to the first bandpass filter (BPF), the second bandpass filter (BPF) being preferably arranged behind, particularly preferably directly behind, a phase shifter (PHS).

2. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the high-frequency heating module (2), preferably at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), particularly preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), most particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), of the high-frequency heating module (2), has a high-frequency switch which is designed to direct the high-frequency energy from the first bandpass filter (BPF) either to the transition (ANT) to the treatment space (11) or to the detector (DET).

3. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the high-frequency switch is a high-frequency switch of a phase shifter (PHS), preferably of a high-frequency path (23a-23d).

4. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detector (DET) is designed to detect the parameter of the high-frequency energy at predetermined, preferably equal, time intervals.

5. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), each have at least one first bandpass filter (BPF), each of the high-frequency paths (23a-23d) having a detector (DET) and / or a safety unit (22) or the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), having a common detector (DET) and / or a common safety unit (22).

6. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises: • at least one high-frequency power amplifier (HPA), further preferably at least one high-frequency preamplifier (PRE), which is designed to amplify the high-frequency energy.

7. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises: • at least one high-frequency coupler (CPL) which is designed to measure a forward-propagating and / or a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy, preferably no amplifier (HPA, PRE) being arranged between the high-frequency coupler (CPL) and the transition (ANT).

8. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises: • at least one attenuator (PGA) which is designed to change the amplitude of the high-frequency energy.

9. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises: • at least one phase shifter (PHS) which is designed to change the phase of the high-frequency energy.

10. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises: • at least one high-frequency isolator (ISO) which is designed to block a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy, preferably no amplifier (HPA, PRE) being arranged between the high-frequency isolator (ISO) and the transition (ANT).

11. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the first high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), further comprises: • at least one harmonic filter (HSF) which is designed to block harmonics in a forward-propagating wave of high-frequency energy, preferably no amplifier (HPA, PRE) being arranged between the harmonic filter (HSF) and the transition (ANT).

12. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the high-frequency heating module (2) has at least one control unit (20) which is designed to • obtain measurement data of a forward-propagating and / or a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy, preferably from a high-frequency coupler (CPL), and • determine at least an amplitude and / or a phase of a forward-propagating and / or a backward-propagating high-frequency wave of the emitted high-frequency energy from the measurement data obtained.

13. High-frequency domestic appliance (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the control unit (20) is further designed to operate at least the high-frequency signal generator (21), preferably also at least one attenuator (PGA) and / or a phase shifter (PHS) of at least one high-frequency path (23a-23d), preferably of the plurality of high-frequency paths (23a-23d), particularly preferably of all the high-frequency paths (23a-23d), on the basis of the determined amplitude and / or the determined phase, preferably to change the frequency of the high-frequency energy.

Images