Cooking appliance

Abstract

To propose a cooking appliance.SOLUTION: A cooking appliance comprises: a heater; a heating operation unit for controlling an operation of the heater; a safety operation unit; a heating switch connected between the heater and an external power source; a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater; and a controller for controlling an opened / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a cooking appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] Cooking appliances are home appliances that use heat to cook food. Cooking appliances can be classified into open-type and closed-type cookers depending on the location of the heater, which is the heat source. Closed-type cookers include ovens and microwave ovens, while open-type cookers include electric ranges and gas ranges.

[0003] A user can turn a heater on or off or adjust the heating level using a control panel provided on a cooking appliance. However, the heater may be turned on unintentionally by the user. For example, the control panel may be operated by a child or a pet, or the user may inadvertently turn on the heater. If the heater is turned on unintentionally, a fire may occur.

[0004] To solve these problems, conventional cooking appliances are provided with a lock function. When a user activates the lock function of a cooking appliance, all operating functions of the cooking appliance are disabled, thereby preventing unintentional activation of the heater. However, if the user does not activate the lock function of the cooking appliance, unintentional activation of the heater may still occur. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present specification is to provide a cooking appliance that can prevent a heater from being driven by an operation unintentional by a user.

[0006] The objects of the present specification are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects and advantages of the present specification not mentioned above can be more clearly understood from the examples of the present specification described below. In addition, the objects and advantages of the present specification can be realized by the elements and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may include (comprise; constitute; construct; set; encompass; include; contain; have) a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater, a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater, and a controller that controls the open / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller can control the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0010] In one embodiment, the controller can control the device so that when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller may control the safety switch to close if the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if an operation other than an operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0013] In one embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the safety operating unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operating unit is in an on state, the controller can change the safety operating unit to an off state.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while all heaters are not driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the heating control is changed to an on state, the heating switch may close.

[0018] The cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0019] In one embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the safety switch.

[0020] In one embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the safety switch.

[0021] The cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include a heating level adjustment switch that is opened or closed by operating the heating operation unit to adjust the heating level of the heater.

[0022] In one embodiment, one end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the other end of the safety switch, and the other end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the heater.

[0023] In one embodiment, the controller can change the on / off state of the heating switch depending on the heating level of the heater.

[0024] The cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating unit may be illuminated when the safety operating unit is in an on state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating unit is in an off state.

[0026] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater, a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater, and a controller for controlling the open / closed state of the heating switch or the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0027] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0028] In another embodiment, the controller can control the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0029] In another embodiment, the controller can control the device so that when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0030] In another embodiment, the controller may control the safety switch to close if the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0031] In another embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0032] In another embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0033] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0034] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0035] In another embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while no heaters are driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0036] In another embodiment, when the heating control is changed to an on state, the heating switch may close.

[0037] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0038] In another embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the safety switch.

[0039] In another embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the safety switch.

[0040] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a heating level adjustment switch that is opened or closed by operating the heating operation unit to adjust the heating level of the heater.

[0041] In another embodiment, one end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the other end of the safety switch, and the other end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the heater.

[0042] In another embodiment, the controller can change the on / off state of the heating switch depending on the heating level of the heater.

[0043] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0044] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0045] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0046] In another embodiment, the controller can control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0047] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0048] In another embodiment, the controller can control the safety operation unit so that when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0049] In another embodiment, the controller may control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time elapses.

[0050] In another embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0051] In another embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0052] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0053] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0054] In another embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while no heaters are driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0055] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0056] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0057] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0058] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0059] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0060] In another embodiment, the controller can control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0061] In another embodiment, the controller can control the safety operation unit so that when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0062] In another embodiment, the controller may control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time elapses.

[0063] In another embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0064] In another embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0065] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0066] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0067] In another embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while no heaters are driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0068] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0069] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0070] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0071] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater, a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater, and a controller for controlling the open / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0072] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operation unit is in an on state, the controller can maintain the safety operation unit in an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0073] In one embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is not changed to the off state during the first waiting time.

[0074] In one embodiment, the controller can control the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0075] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the safety operating unit is in an on state, the heating switch and the safety switch are both closed, and the heating switch and the safety switch are both opened, the controller can maintain the safety operating unit in an on state until a predetermined third waiting time has elapsed.

[0077] In one embodiment, if the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the third waiting time has elapsed, the heating switch and the safety switch may be closed.

[0078] In one embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the heating control is changed to an on state, the heating switch may close.

[0080] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0081] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0082] In one embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating unit may be illuminated when the safety operating unit is in an on state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating unit is in an off state.

[0083] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0084] In another embodiment, the heater may be activated only when the safety actuator is in the on state.

[0085] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operation unit is in an on state, the controller can maintain the safety operation unit in an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0086] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is not changed to the off state during the first waiting time.

[0087] In another embodiment, the controller can control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0088] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0089] In another embodiment, when the safety operating unit is in an on state, the heating switch and the safety switch are both closed, and the heating switch and the safety switch are both opened, the controller can maintain the safety operating unit in an on state until a predetermined third waiting time has elapsed.

[0090] In another embodiment, the heater may be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the third waiting time elapses.

[0091] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed.

[0092] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0093] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0094] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0095] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater, a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater, and a controller for controlling the open / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0096] In one embodiment, when the safety operating unit is in an on state, the heating switch and the safety switch are both closed, and the heating switch and the safety switch are both opened, the controller can maintain the safety switch in an on state until a predetermined third waiting time has elapsed.

[0097] In one embodiment, if the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the third waiting time has elapsed, the heating switch and the safety switch may be closed.

[0098] In one embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed.

[0099] In one embodiment, the controller can control the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0100] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0101] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operation unit is in an on state, the controller can maintain the safety operation unit in an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0102] In one embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is not changed to the off state during the first waiting time.

[0103] In one embodiment, when the safety operating unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operating unit is in an on state, the controller can change the safety operating unit to an off state.

[0104] In one embodiment, when the heating control is changed to an on state, the heating switch may close.

[0105] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0106] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0107] In one embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating unit may be illuminated when the safety operating unit is in an on state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating unit is in an off state.

[0108] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0109] In another embodiment, when the heater is operating, if the heating operation unit is changed to the off state, the controller can maintain the safety operation unit in the on state until a predetermined third waiting time has elapsed.

[0110] In another embodiment, the heater may be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the third waiting time elapses.

[0111] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed.

[0112] In another embodiment, the controller can control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0113] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0114] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operation unit is in an on state, the controller can maintain the safety operation unit in an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0115] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is not changed to the off state during the first waiting time.

[0116] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0117] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0118] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0119] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0120] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater, a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater, and a controller for controlling the open / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0121] In one embodiment, the controller can control the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety option is in the on state, the safety operation unit is in the on state, and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0122] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0123] In one embodiment, the controller can control the device so that when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0124] In one embodiment, the controller may control the safety switch to close if the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0125] In one embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if an operation other than an operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0126] In one embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0127] In one embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0128] In one embodiment, when the safety operating unit is changed from an off state to an on state, if the heating operating unit is in an on state, the controller can change the safety operating unit to an off state.

[0129] In one embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while all heaters are not driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0130] In one embodiment, when the heating control is changed to an on state, the heating switch may close.

[0131] The cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0132] In one embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the safety switch.

[0133] In one embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the safety switch.

[0134] The cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include a heating level adjustment switch that is opened or closed by operating the heating operation unit to adjust the heating level of the heater.

[0135] In one embodiment, one end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the other end of the safety switch, and the other end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the heater.

[0136] In one embodiment, the controller can change the on / off state of the heating switch depending on the heating level of the heater.

[0137] The cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0138] In one embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating unit may be illuminated when the safety operating unit is in an on state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating unit is in an off state.

[0139] In one embodiment, when the safety option is in an off state, the heating switch and the safety switch may each be closed when the heating operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state.

[0140] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater, a safety switch connected between the external power source and the heater, and a controller for controlling the open / closed state of the heating switch or the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0141] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0142] In another embodiment, the controller can control the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety option is in the on state, the safety operation unit is in the on state, and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0143] In another embodiment, the controller can control the device so that when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0144] In another embodiment, the controller may control the safety switch to close if the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0145] In another embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0146] In another embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0147] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0148] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0149] In another embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while no heaters are driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0150] In another embodiment, when the heating control is changed to an on state, the heating switch may close.

[0151] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0152] In another embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the safety switch.

[0153] In another embodiment, one end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to one end of the heating switch, and the other end of the operation indicator lamp may be connected to the other end of the safety switch.

[0154] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a heating level adjustment switch that is opened or closed by operating the heating operation unit to adjust the heating level of the heater.

[0155] In another embodiment, one end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the other end of the safety switch, and the other end of the heating level control switch may be connected to the heater.

[0156] In another embodiment, the controller can change the on / off state of the heating switch depending on the heating level of the heater.

[0157] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0158] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0159] In another embodiment, when the safety option is in an off state, the heating switch and the safety switch may each close when the heating operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state.

[0160] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0161] In another embodiment, the controller can control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety option is in the on state, the safety operation unit is in the on state, and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0162] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0163] In another embodiment, the controller can control the safety operation unit so that when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0164] In another embodiment, the controller may control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time elapses.

[0165] In another embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0166] In another embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0167] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0168] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0169] In another embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while no heaters are driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0170] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0171] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0172] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state.

[0173] In another embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a heater, a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater, a safety operation unit, and a controller that controls the operation of the heater by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit.

[0174] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller can change the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

[0175] In another embodiment, the controller can control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state when the safety option is in the on state, the safety operation unit is in the on state, and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

[0176] In another embodiment, the controller can control the safety operation unit so that when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

[0177] In another embodiment, the controller may control the heater to be driven when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time elapses.

[0178] In another embodiment, the controller can control the first warning operation to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second waiting time has elapsed, or if another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0179] In another embodiment, while the first warning action is being performed, a first warning message may be output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp.

[0180] In another embodiment, the controller may change the safety operating unit to an OFF state if the heating operating unit is not changed to an ON state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

[0181] In another embodiment, the controller can change the safety operating unit to the off state if the heating operating unit is in the on state when the safety operating unit is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0182] In another embodiment, the controller can control the second warning action to be performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while no heaters are driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

[0183] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch.

[0184] A cooking appliance according to another embodiment may further include a safety operating unit status display area that displays the status of the safety operating unit.

[0185] In another embodiment, the status display area of ​​the safety operating element may be illuminated when the safety operating element is in an ON state, and may be unilluminated when the safety operating element is in an OFF state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0186] The cooking appliance according to the embodiment can prevent the heater from being driven by an operation unintentional by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0187] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the cooktop and control panel of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the control panel shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary process for a user to set safety options for a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary process for a user to set safety options for a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary process for a user to set safety options for a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment in which a user operates a control panel of a cooking appliance. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment in which a user operates a control panel of a cooking appliance. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment in which a user operates a control panel of a cooking appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0188] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of known techniques according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or similar components.

[0189] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to indicate various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a first component may also be a second component.

[0190] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be embodied in various different forms and may be modified in various ways. However, these embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and should be understood to include any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as the substitution or addition of the configuration of any embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0191] The accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to include any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The components in the drawings may be exaggerated in size or thickness for ease of understanding, but this should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0192] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe particular embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, singular terms include plural terms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "comprises," "constitutes," and the like in the specification are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. In other words, terms such as "comprises," "constitutes," and the like in the specification should not be understood to preclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0193] Although terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used to describe various components, the components are not limited by the terms and are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0194] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components between them. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0195] When a component is referred to as being "on top of" or "under" another component, it should be understood that it may be located not only directly on top of the other component, but also that there may be other components therebetween.

[0196] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms similar to those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0197] When the cooking appliance is placed on the floor, the direction in which the door is installed relative to the center of the cooking appliance is defined as the front. Therefore, the direction in which you open the door and enter the cooking appliance is the rear. For convenience, these directions toward the front and rear can be called first directions. Therefore, the front can be called one side of the first direction, and the rear can be called the other side of the first direction.

[0198] In addition, the direction of gravity can be defined as downward, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity as upward.

[0199] The horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the cooking appliance, that is, the width direction of the cooking appliance when looking at the cooking appliance from the front of the door, can be called the left-to-right direction. For convenience, the left-to-right direction can be called the second direction. Then, the right side can be called one side of the second direction, and the left side can be called the other side of the second direction.

[0200] The width direction of the cooking appliance can also be called the side direction, and the right side can be called one side of the side direction, and the left side can be called the other side of the side direction.

[0201] The above-mentioned up and down directions can be called third directions. In this case, the up direction can be called one side of the third direction, and the down direction can be called the other side of the third direction.

[0202] The above-mentioned up-down direction can be called the vertical direction. Then, the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction, can be called the horizontal direction.

[0203] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means at least C and at most D unless otherwise specified.

[0204] Figure 1 is a front view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, Figure 2 shows the cooktop and control panel of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows a portion of the control panel shown in Figure 2.

[0205] 1 to 3, a cooking appliance 10 according to one embodiment includes a cooktop unit 100 and an oven unit 200. However, the operation and control method of the cooking appliance described below does not necessarily apply only to the cooking appliance 10 including the cooktop unit 100 and the oven unit 200. For example, the operation and control method of the cooking appliance described below can also be applied to a cooking appliance including only the cooktop unit 100 or only the oven unit 200.

[0206] The cooktop section 100 may be disposed above the oven section 200. The cooktop section 100 forms the exterior of the top surface of the cooking appliance 10 and may include a baking sheet 110 on which food containers are provided.

[0207] The top plate 110 may include one or more heating regions 121 to 125. Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment in which the top plate 110 includes five heating regions 121 to 125. However, this is merely an example, and the number of heating regions formed on the top plate 110 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0208] A heater may be disposed below each of the heating zones 121-125 to heat a container provided above the heating zones 121-125. In one embodiment, if the cooktop 100 is an induction heating device, the heater may be a heating coil driven by alternating current to heat the container. In another embodiment, if the cooktop 100 is a radiant heating device, the heater may be a planar heating element or a radiant burner that heats the container with radiant heat. In yet another embodiment, the heater may be a hot wire coil or a hot plate that generates heat by electrical energy. In yet another embodiment, the heater may be a gas burner that heats the container by burning gas. However, the type of heater is not limited thereto, and the cooktop 100 may include other types of heaters.

[0209] The oven unit 200 may be disposed below the cooktop unit 100. A cooking chamber for heating food or a container containing food may be formed inside the oven unit 200. A heater for heating food or a container containing food may be disposed inside the cooking chamber. Examples of the heater include a heating coil, a planar heating element or a radiant burner, a hot wire coil, a hot plate, a gas burner, a convection heater, etc., but the type of heater is not limited to these.

[0210] A door 210 for opening and closing the cooking chamber may be disposed on the front of the oven unit 200. The upper end of the door 210 may rotate up and down around the lower end of the oven unit 200, or may rotate back and forth around the left or right side of the oven unit 200. A handle for opening and closing the door 210 may be attached to one side of the door 210.

[0211] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may include a control panel 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the control panel 111 may be located between the cooktop section 100 and the oven section 200, facing the front of the cooking appliance 10. However, the location of the control panel 111 is not limited thereto.

[0212] In one embodiment, the control panel 111 may include one or more heating operation units 131-135, 220 for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance 10. Each of the heating operation units 131-135, 220 may correspond one-to-one to each of the heating zones 121-125. For example, the control panel 111 may include first to fifth heating operation units 131-135 for controlling the operation of the first to fifth heating zones 121-125, and a sixth heating operation unit 220 for controlling the operation of the oven unit 200. The control panel 111 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is merely an exemplary embodiment, and the number and locations of heating operation units included in the control panel 111 may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0213] In one embodiment, each of the heating operation units 131-135, 220 may be a rotatable knob. For example, the knob may be a push and turn type knob that is driven by a push action and a rotation action. As another example, the knob may be a rotary knob that is driven only by a rotation action without a push action. By rotating the knob, the user can drive the heaters arranged in each of the heating zones 121-125 or the oven unit 200, adjust the heating level or temperature of the heaters, or stop driving the heaters.

[0214] If the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 are knobs, a state in which the knob is maintained at an initial position can be defined as the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 being in an off state. Also, a state in which the knob is rotated to a position other than the initial position can be defined as the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 being in an on state. However, the types of the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 are not limited thereto, and the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 may be embodied as other types of devices.

[0215] In one embodiment, the control panel 111 may include a display panel 150. The display panel 150 may display information related to the operation of the cooking appliance 10. The display panel 150 may also include one or more controls for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance 10. For example, the display panel 150 may include one or more controls for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance 10 as physical buttons or touch-operable buttons. At least a portion of the display panel 150 may be implemented as a touch panel.

[0216] In one embodiment, display panel 150 may include a safety operation unit 163. A user can change the state of safety operation unit 163 between an on state and an off state by pressing or touching safety operation unit 163. In one embodiment, display panel 150 may include a safety operation unit status display area 165 that displays the on / off state of safety operation unit 163.

[0217] For example, when the safety operation unit 163 is in the off state, the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may be maintained in an unlit state. When the safety operation unit 163 is in the off state, if the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163, the safety operation unit 163 may be changed to an on state. When the safety operation unit 163 is changed to an on state, the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may be maintained in an lit state.

[0218] In one embodiment, the controller 30 can keep the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit in an off state even when the safety operating unit 163 is in an on state, and then light up the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit when certain conditions are met.

[0219] When the safety operation unit 163 is in the OFF state, the safety function described below may be deactivated. When the safety operation unit 163 is in the ON state, the safety function described below may be activated.

[0220] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the safety operation unit 163 may have two functions. For example, if a user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163 for a short time (e.g., less than 5 seconds), the user can use the safety operation unit 163 to control a safety function, which will be described later. If a user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163 for a long time (e.g., more than 5 seconds), the user can use the safety operation unit 163 to control a conventional lock function. However, in other embodiments, the safety operation unit 163 may be embodied to control only the safety function, which will be described later.

[0221] In other embodiments, the safety actuator 163 may be located at a location other than the display panel 150 .

[0222] In one embodiment, the control panel 111 may include an operation indicator lamp 160. The operation indicator lamp 160 may indicate the operation status of a heater, the operation status of the heating operation units 131-135, and 220, or the open / closed state of a safety switch (described later). For example, when power is supplied to any of the heaters included in the cooking appliance 10 and the heater is in an operable state, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit, and when none of the heaters is in an operable state, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be extinguished. As another example, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit when the heating operation units 131-135, and 220 are changed from an off state to an on state, and may be extinguished when the heating operation units 131-135, and 220 are changed from an on state to an off state. As another example, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit when the safety switch (described later) is closed, and may be extinguished when the safety switch is opened.

[0223] In one embodiment, the control panel 111 may include a temperature indicator lamp 170. The temperature indicator lamp 170 may indicate the temperature of a heater included in the cooking appliance 10. For example, if the temperature of any of the heaters included in the cooking appliance 10 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature, the temperature indicator lamp 170 may be lit, and if the temperature of any of the heaters is lower than the reference temperature, the temperature indicator lamp 170 may be turned off.

[0224] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment.

[0225] 4 and 5, the cooking appliance 10 may include a heater 120, a heating operation unit 130, a safety operation unit 163, a controller 30, a heating switch (HS), and a safety switch (SS).

[0226] A first power supply line (L1) and a second power supply line (L2) may be connected between the heater 120 and the external power supply 1. The heater 120 may be driven by power supplied from the external power supply 1 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). The external power supply 1 may be, for example, a single-phase four-wire AC power supply, but the type of the external power supply 1 is not limited thereto.

[0227] For example, heater 120 may be any one of a number of heaters located below heating zones 121-125 of cooking appliance 10 described above.

[0228] A heating switch (HS) and a safety switch (SS) may be disposed between the external power supply 1 and the heater 120, respectively.

[0229] One end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the first power supply line (L1), and the other end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the heater 120. One end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the second power supply line (L2), and the other end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the heater 120.

[0230] In one embodiment, a heating level adjustment switch (LS) may be connected between the safety switch (SS) and the heater 120. One end of the heating level adjustment switch (LS) may be connected to the safety switch (SS), and the other end of the heating level adjustment switch (LS) may be connected to the heater 120.

[0231] The heating operation unit 130 can adjust the open / close states of the heating switch (HS) and the heating level adjustment switch (LS). That is, the heating operation unit 130 can control the operation of the heater 120. For example, when a user changes the heating operation unit 130 from an off state to an on state, the heating switch (HS) may close. When a user changes the heating operation unit 130 from an on state to an off state, the heating switch (HS) may open. Furthermore, when a user sets the heating level of the heater 120 using the heating operation unit 130, the heating level adjustment switch (LS) may repeatedly open and close according to the heating level set by the user. The opening / closing time, opening / closing interval, and number of opening / closing times of the heating level adjustment switch (LS) can be set differently depending on each heating level.

[0232] For example, the heating operation unit 130 may be any one of the heating operation units 131 to 135 and 220 described above.

[0233] The safety operating unit 163 may activate or deactivate a safety function of the cooking appliance 10. For example, a user may change the safety operating unit 163 from an OFF state to an ON state to activate the safety function. Conversely, a user may change the safety operating unit 163 from an ON state to an OFF state to deactivate the safety function. In some embodiments, the controller 30 may change the safety operating unit 163 from an ON state to an OFF state.

[0234] The controller 30 can control the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS) by operating the safety operating unit 163. For example, when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close. Conversely, when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an on state to an off state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to open.

[0235] As will be described later, even if the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close only when a specific condition is satisfied. Also, when the safety operating unit 163 is in the on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to open when a specific condition is satisfied.

[0236] In this specification, the state in which the safety switch (SS) is closed can be referred to as a state in which the safety function is activated, and the state in which the safety switch (SS) is open can be referred to as a state in which the safety function is deactivated.

[0237] After the safety function is activated, i.e., when the safety switch (SS) is closed, the user can control the operation of the heater 120 using the heating operation unit 130. If the safety function is deactivated, i.e., when the safety switch (SS) is open, the heater 120 will not be driven even if the user operates the heating operation unit 130.

[0238] For example, the controller 30 may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or a microcomputer.

[0239] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may further include an operation indicator light 160.

[0240] The operation indicator lamp 160 can indicate the operation state of the heater 120, the operation state of the heating operation unit 130, or the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS).

[0241] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end of the safety switch (SS). When the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in FIG. 4, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on or off depending on the open / close state of the heating switch (HS). As a result, the operation indicator lamp 160 may indicate the driving state of the heater 120. Furthermore, because the heating switch (HS) may be opened or closed by the heating operation unit 130, the operation indicator lamp 160 may also indicate the operating state of the heating operation unit 130, i.e., the on / off state of the heating operation unit 130.

[0242] As another example, as shown in Fig. 5, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end of the safety switch (SS). When the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in Fig. 5, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on or off depending on the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS). As a result, the operation indicator lamp 160 may indicate the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS), in other words, whether the safety function is activated or not.

[0243] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may further include a speaker (not shown), which can output sound under the control of the controller 30.

[0244] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment.

[0245] 6 and 7, the cooking appliance 10 may include a heater 120, a heating operation unit 130, a safety operation unit 163, a controller 30, a heating switch (HS), and a safety switch (SS).

[0246] A first power supply line (L1) and a second power supply line (L2) may be connected between the heater 120 and the external power supply 1. The heater 120 may be driven by power supplied from the external power supply 1 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). The external power supply 1 may be, for example, a single-phase four-wire AC power supply, but the type of the external power supply 1 is not limited thereto.

[0247] For example, heater 120 may be any one of a number of heaters located below heating zones 121-125 of cooking appliance 10 described above.

[0248] In one embodiment, a heating switch (HS), a heating level adjustment switch (LS), and a safety switch (SS) may be disposed between the external power supply 1 and the heater 120, respectively.

[0249] One end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the first power supply line (L1), and the other end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the heater 120.

[0250] One end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the first power supply line (L1) or the second power supply line (L2), and the other end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the heater 120.

[0251] 6, in one embodiment, one end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the first power supply line (L1), and the other end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the heater 120. One end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the other end of the heating level adjustment switch (LS), and the other end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the heater 120. That is, the safety switch (SS) may be connected between the heating level adjustment switch (LS) and the heater 120.

[0252] 7, in another embodiment, one end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the first power supply line (L1), and the other end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to one end of the safety switch (SS). One end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the other end of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the heater 120. That is, the safety switch (SS) may be connected between the heating switch (HS) and the heater 120.

[0253] The heating operation unit 130 can adjust the open / close states of the heating switch (HS) and the heating level adjustment switch (LS). That is, the heating operation unit 130 can control the operation of the heater 120. For example, when a user changes the heating operation unit 130 from an off state to an on state, the heating switch (HS) may close. When a user changes the heating operation unit 130 from an on state to an off state, the heating switch (HS) may open. Furthermore, when a user sets the heating level of the heater 120 using the heating operation unit 130, the heating level adjustment switch (LS) may repeatedly open and close according to the heating level set by the user. The opening / closing time, opening / closing interval, and number of opening / closing times of the heating level adjustment switch (LS) may be set differently depending on each heating level.

[0254] For example, the heating operation unit 130 may be any one of the heating operation units 131 to 135 and 220 described above.

[0255] The safety operating unit 163 may activate or deactivate a safety function of the cooking appliance 10. For example, a user may change the safety operating unit 163 from an OFF state to an ON state to activate the safety function. Conversely, a user may change the safety operating unit 163 from an ON state to an OFF state to deactivate the safety function. In some embodiments, the controller 30 may change the safety operating unit 163 from an ON state to an OFF state.

[0256] The controller 30 can control the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS) by operating the safety operating unit 163. For example, when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close. Conversely, when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an on state to an off state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to open.

[0257] As will be described later, even if the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close only when a specific condition is satisfied. Also, when the safety operating unit 163 is in the on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to open when a specific condition is satisfied.

[0258] In this specification, the state in which the safety switch (SS) is closed can be referred to as a state in which the safety function is activated, and the state in which the safety switch (SS) is open can be referred to as a state in which the safety function is deactivated.

[0259] After the safety function is activated, i.e., when the safety switch (SS) is closed, the user can control the operation of the heater 120 using the heating operation unit 130. If the safety function is deactivated, i.e., when the safety switch (SS) is open, the heater 120 will not be driven even if the user operates the heating operation unit 130.

[0260] For example, the controller 30 may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or a microcomputer.

[0261] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may further include an operation indicator light 160.

[0262] The operation indicator lamp 160 can indicate the operation state of the heater 120, the operation state of the heating operation unit 130, or the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS).

[0263] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end (P1) of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end (P2) of the heating level adjustment switch (LS). As another example, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end (P1) of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end (P2) of the heating level adjustment switch (LS). In these cases, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit or extinguished depending on the open / closed state of the heating switch (HS). As a result, the operation indicator lamp 160 may indicate the driving state of the heater 120. Furthermore, because the heating switch (HS) may be opened or closed by the heating operation unit 130, the operation indicator lamp 160 may also indicate the operating state of the heating operation unit 130, i.e., the on / off state of the heating operation unit 130.

[0264] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end (P3) of the safety switch (SS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end (P4) of the safety switch (SS). In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end (P5) of the safety switch (SS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end (P2) of the heating level control switch (LS). In these cases, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit or extinguished depending on the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS). As a result, the operation indicator lamp 160 can indicate the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS), in other words, whether the safety function is activated or not.

[0265] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may further include a speaker (not shown), which can output sound under the control of the controller 30.

[0266] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment.

[0267] 8 and 9, the cooking appliance 10 may include a heater 120, a heating operation unit 130, a safety operation unit 163, a controller 30, a heating switch (HS), and a safety switch (SS).

[0268] A first power supply line (L1) and a second power supply line (L2) may be connected between the heater 120 and the external power supply 1. The heater 120 may be driven by power supplied from the external power supply 1 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). The external power supply 1 may be, for example, a single-phase four-wire AC power supply, but the type of the external power supply 1 is not limited thereto.

[0269] For example, heater 120 may be any one of a number of heaters located below heating zones 121-125 of cooking appliance 10 described above.

[0270] A heating switch (HS) and a safety switch (SS) may be disposed between the external power supply 1 and the heater 120, respectively.

[0271] One end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the first power supply line (L1), and the other end of the heating switch (HS) may be connected to the heater 120. One end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the second power supply line (L2), and the other end of the safety switch (SS) may be connected to the heater 120.

[0272] An encoder 180 may be disposed between the heating operation unit 130 and the controller 30. The encoder 180 detects whether the heating operation unit 130 is on / off and the rotation position of the heating operation unit 130, and can transmit the detected whether the heating operation unit 130 is on / off and the rotation position of the heating operation unit 130 to the controller 30.

[0273] The heating operation unit 130 can adjust the open / close state of the heating switch (HS). That is, the heating operation unit 130 can control the operation of the heater 120. The controller 30 can control the open / close state of the heating switch (HS) by operating the heating operation unit 130. For example, when a user changes the heating operation unit 130 from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 may close the heating switch (HS). When a user changes the heating operation unit 130 from an on state to an off state, the controller 30 may open the heating switch (HS). Furthermore, when a user sets the heating level of the heater 120 using the heating operation unit 130, the controller 30 can control the heating level adjustment switch (LS) to repeatedly open and close according to the heating level set by the user. The open / close time, open / close interval, and number of open / close operations of the heating level adjustment switch (LS) can be set differently depending on each heating level.

[0274] For example, the heating operation unit 130 may be any one of the heating operation units 131 to 135 and 220 described above.

[0275] The safety operating unit 163 can activate or deactivate a safety function of the cooking appliance 10. For example, a user can change the safety operating unit 163 from an off state to an on state to activate a safety function. Conversely, a user can change the safety operating unit 163 from an on state to an off state to deactivate a safety function. In some embodiments, the controller 30 can change the safety operating unit 163 from an on state to an off state.

[0276] The controller 30 can control the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS) by operating the safety operating unit 163. For example, when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close. Conversely, when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an on state to an off state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to open.

[0277] As will be described later, even if the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close only when a specific condition is satisfied. Also, when the safety operating unit 163 is in the on state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to open when a specific condition is satisfied.

[0278] After the safety function is activated, i.e., when the safety switch (SS) is closed, the user can control the operation of the heater 120 using the heating operation unit 130. If the safety function is deactivated, i.e., when the safety switch (SS) is open, the heater 120 will not be driven even if the user operates the heating operation unit 130.

[0279] For example, the controller 30 may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or a microcomputer.

[0280] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may further include an operation indicator light 160.

[0281] The operation indicator lamp 160 can indicate the operation state of the heater 120, the operation state of the heating operation unit 130, or the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS).

[0282] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end of the safety switch (SS). When the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in FIG. 8, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on or off depending on the open / close state of the heating switch (HS). As a result, the operation indicator lamp 160 may indicate the driving state of the heater 120. Furthermore, because the heating switch (HS) may be opened or closed by the heating operation unit 130, the operation indicator lamp 160 may also indicate the operating state of the heating operation unit 130, i.e., the on / off state of the heating operation unit 130.

[0283] As another example, as shown in Fig. 9, one end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to one end of the heating switch (HS), and the other end of the operation indicator lamp 160 may be connected to the other end of the safety switch (SS). When the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in Fig. 9, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on or off depending on the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS). As a result, the operation indicator lamp 160 may indicate the open / closed state of the safety switch (SS), in other words, whether the safety function is activated or not.

[0284] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 10 may further include a speaker (not shown), which can output sound under the control of the controller 30.

[0285] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0286] When the safety operating unit 163 is in the OFF state and the safety switch (SS) is in the open state, the controller 30 can check whether the safety option is in the ON state (400).

[0287] If it is determined in step (400) that the safety option is in the OFF state, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the heating operation units 130 have been changed to the ON state (420).

[0288] If it is determined in step (420) that no heater has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can further perform step (420).

[0289] In step (420), when any of the heating operation units 130 is changed to the ON state, the heating switch (HS) corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state may be closed (421). In addition, when it is confirmed in step (420) that any of the heating operation units 130 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state to be closed (422). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). As a result, the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state may be driven.

[0290] Thereafter, when the heating operation unit of the other heater is changed to the on state (410), the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to activate the other heater (411). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step (410), the control may be terminated.

[0291] If it is determined in step (400) that the safety option is on, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the one or more heaters included in the cooking appliance 10 are in operation (401).

[0292] In another embodiment, if the cooking appliance 10 does not have a safety option setting function, steps 400, 420, 421, and 422 may be omitted. In this case, when the cooking appliance 10 starts operating, the controller 30 may first perform step 401 shown in FIG. 10.

[0293] If there is a heater that is being driven in step 401, step 410 can be performed. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the driven heater is changed to the on state in step 410, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (411). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 410, the control may be terminated.

[0294] If it is confirmed in step (401) that no heaters are being driven, the controller 30 can check whether the safety operating unit 163 has been changed from an off state to an on state (402).

[0295] If it is determined in step (402) that the safety operating unit 163 has not been changed to the on state, the controller 30 can determine whether any of the heating operating units 130 are in the on state (409).

[0296] If it is confirmed in step (409) that all of the heating operation units 130 are in the off state, the controller 30 can further perform step (402).

[0297] In step (409), if it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can terminate the control. In another embodiment, in step (409), if it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can terminate the control after performing a second warning operation, which will be described later.

[0298] If it is confirmed in step 402 that the safety operating unit 163 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can check whether any heating operating unit 130 is in the OFF state (403). If it is confirmed in step 402 that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can light up the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit.

[0299] Even if it is confirmed in step (402) that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can maintain the safety switch (SS) in the open state.

[0300] If it is confirmed in step (403) that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can change the safety operation unit 163 to the OFF state (406). If the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the OFF state, the controller 30 can turn off the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit. After step (406) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (401).

[0301] If it is determined in step (403) that all of the heating operation units 130 are in the OFF state, the controller 30 can determine whether any of the heating operation units 130 should be changed to the ON state (404).

[0302] If it is determined in step 404 that the heating operation unit 130 has not been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may determine whether a first waiting time has elapsed in step 405. The first waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0303] If it is determined in step (405) that the first waiting time has not elapsed, the controller 30 can further perform step (404).

[0304] If it is determined in step (405) that the first waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 can change the safety operating unit 163 to an OFF state (406). If the safety operating unit 163 is changed to an OFF state, the controller 30 can turn off the safety operating unit status display area 165. After step (406) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (401).

[0305] According to steps (402) to (406), if the heating operation unit 130 is not operated within a certain time (first waiting time) after the safety operation unit 163 is changed from the off state to the on state, the safety operation unit 163 is automatically changed to the off state. According to these controls, even if the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the on state, if the heating operation unit 130 is not operated within the certain time, the safety operation unit 163 returns to the off state again, thereby maintaining the cooking appliance 10 in a safer state.

[0306] In step (404), if any of the heating operation units 130 is changed to the on state, the heating switch (HS) may be closed (407). Also, in step (404), if it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 has been changed to the on state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the on state to be closed (408). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the on state via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). As a result, the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the on state may be driven.

[0307] In other words, when the safety operation unit 163 is in the on state and the heating operation unit 130 is in the off state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close when the heating operation unit 130 is changed to the on state.

[0308] According to these controls, the user can operate the heating operation unit 130 to activate the heater only when all heating operation units 130 are in the off state and the user changes the safety operation unit 163 to the on state.

[0309] If the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in Figure 4, 6, 7 or 8, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit by closing the heating switch (HS) in step 407. This allows the user to know that the heater 120 is being driven or that the heating operation unit 130 is in an on state.

[0310] If the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in Fig. 5 or 9, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on by closing the safety switch (SS) in step 408. This allows the user to know that the safety function is activated.

[0311] After the heater 120 is driven in step 408, step 410 may be performed. In step 410, if the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the currently driven heater is changed to the on state, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (411). In step 410, if the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state, the control may be terminated.

[0312] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to another embodiment.

[0313] When the safety operating unit 163 is in the OFF state and the safety switch (SS) is in the open state, the controller 30 can check whether the safety option is in the ON state (500).

[0314] If it is determined in step (500) that the safety option is in the OFF state, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the heating operation units 130 have been changed to the ON state (520).

[0315] If it is determined in step (520) that no heater has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can further perform step (520).

[0316] In step (520), when any of the heating operating units 130 is changed to the ON state, the heating switch (HS) corresponding to the heating operating unit changed to the ON state may close (521).

[0317] Furthermore, if it is determined in step 520 that any of the heating operation units 130 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state to close (522). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). As a result, the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state may be driven.

[0318] Thereafter, if the heating operation unit of the other heater is changed to the on state (516), the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that was changed to the on state may be closed to activate the other heater (517). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step (516), the control may be terminated.

[0319] If it is determined in step (500) that the safety option is on, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the one or more heaters included in the cooking appliance 10 are in operation (501).

[0320] In another embodiment, if the cooking appliance 10 does not have a safety option setting function, steps 500, 520, 521, and 522 may be omitted. In this case, when the cooking appliance 10 starts operating, the controller 30 may first perform step 501 shown in FIG. 11.

[0321] If there is a heater that is currently being driven in step 501, step 516 can be performed. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the currently being driven heater is changed to the on state in step 516, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (517). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 516, the control may be terminated.

[0322] If it is confirmed in step (501) that no heaters are being driven, the controller 30 can check whether the safety operating unit 163 has been changed from an off state to an on state (502).

[0323] If it is determined in step (502) that the safety operating unit 163 has not been changed to the on state, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the heating operating units 130 are in the on state (514).

[0324] If it is determined in step (514) that all of the heating operating units 130 are in the off state, the controller 30 can further perform step (502).

[0325] If it is determined in step 514 that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the on state, the controller 30 may terminate the control after performing a second warning operation (515). When the second warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the image or text displayed on the display panel 150 to flash. As another example, when the second warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the output of a warning sound or voice through the speaker. As yet another example, when the second warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the operation indicator lamp 160 to flash.

[0326] In another embodiment, if it is confirmed in step (514) that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can terminate the control without performing the second warning action.

[0327] If it is confirmed in step 502 that the safety operating unit 163 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can check whether any heating operating unit 130 is in the OFF state (503). If it is confirmed in step 502 that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can light up the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit.

[0328] Even if it is confirmed in step (502) that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can maintain the safety switch (SS) in the open state.

[0329] If it is confirmed in step (503) that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the on state, the controller 30 can change the safety operation unit 163 to the off state (504). If the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the off state, the controller 30 can turn off the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit. After step (504) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (501).

[0330] If it is determined in step (503) that all of the heating operation units 130 are in the OFF state, the controller 30 can determine whether any of the heating operation units 130 are to be changed to the ON state (505).

[0331] If it is determined in step 505 that the heating operation unit 130 has not been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may determine whether a first waiting time has elapsed in step 506. The first waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0332] If it is determined in step (506) that the first waiting time has not elapsed, the controller 30 can further perform step (505).

[0333] If it is determined in step 506 that the first waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 may perform a first warning operation (507). When the first warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the image or text displayed on the display panel 150 to flash. As another example, when the first warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the output of a warning sound or voice through the speaker. As yet another example, when the first warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the operation indicator lamp 160 to flash.

[0334] While the first warning action is being performed, the controller 30 may check whether any of the heating operation units 130 are changed to the ON state (508).

[0335] If any of the heating operation units 130 is changed to the on state in step (508), the heating switch (HS) may be closed (512). Also, if it is confirmed in step (508) that any of the heating operation units 130 has been changed to the on state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the on state to be closed (513). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the on state via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). As a result, the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the on state may be driven.

[0336] If it is determined in step 508 that the heating operation unit 130 has not been changed to the on state, the controller 30 can determine (509) whether another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit 130 has occurred. An example of another operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit 130 is the door 210 being opened or closed.

[0337] In step (509), if it is confirmed that an operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit 130 has occurred, the controller 30 may terminate the first warning operation (511) and terminate the control.

[0338] If it is determined in step 509 that no operation other than the operation of the heating operation unit 130 has occurred, the controller 30 may determine whether a predetermined second waiting time has elapsed (510). The second waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0339] If it is determined in step 510 that the second waiting time has not elapsed, the controller 30 can further perform steps 507 to 509.

[0340] If it is determined in step (510) that the second waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 can change the safety operating unit 163 to an OFF state (504). If the safety operating unit 163 is changed to an OFF state, the controller 30 can turn off the safety operating unit status display area 165. After step (504) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (501).

[0341] If the heating operation unit 130 is changed to the on state in step 505, the heating switch (HS) may be closed (512). Also, if it is confirmed in step 505 that the heating operation unit 130 has been changed to the on state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) to be closed (513). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2), and the heater 120 may be driven.

[0342] In other words, when the safety operation unit 163 is in the on state and the heating operation unit 130 is in the off state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close when the heating operation unit 130 is changed to the on state.

[0343] According to these controls, the user can operate the heating operation unit 130 to activate the heater only when all heating operation units 130 are in the off state and the user changes the safety operation unit 163 to the on state.

[0344] If the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in Figure 4, 6, 7 or 8, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit by closing the heating switch (HS) in step 512. This allows the user to know that the heater 120 is being driven or that the heating operation unit 130 is in an on state.

[0345] 5 or 9, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on by closing the safety switch SS in step 513. This allows the user to know that the safety function is activated.

[0346] After the heater 120 is driven in step 513, step 516 may be performed. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the currently driven heater is changed to the on state in step 516, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (517). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 516, the control may be terminated.

[0347] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment.

[0348] When the safety control 163 is in the OFF state and the safety switch (SS) is in the open state, the controller 30 can check 600 whether the safety option is in the ON state.

[0349] If it is determined in step (600) that the safety option is in the OFF state, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the heating operation units 130 have been changed to the ON state (620).

[0350] If it is determined in step (620) that no heaters have been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can further perform step (620).

[0351] In step (620), when any of the heating operating units 130 is changed to the ON state, the heating switch (HS) corresponding to the heating operating unit changed to the ON state may close (621).

[0352] Furthermore, if it is determined in step 620 that any of the heating operation units 130 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state to close (622). This allows power to be supplied to the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2). This allows the heater 120 corresponding to the heating operation unit changed to the ON state to be driven.

[0353] Thereafter, when the heating operation unit of the other heater is changed to the on state (410), the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to activate the other heater (411). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step (410), the control may be terminated.

[0354] If it is determined in step (600) that the safety option is on, the controller 30 may determine whether any of the one or more heaters included in the cooking appliance 10 are in operation (601).

[0355] In other embodiments, if the cooking appliance 10 does not have a safety option setting function, steps 600, 620, 621, and 622 may be omitted. In this case, when the cooking appliance 10 starts operating, the controller 30 may first perform step 601 shown in FIG. 12.

[0356] If there is a heater that is being driven in step 601, step 610 can be performed. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the driven heater is changed to the on state in step 610, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (611). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 610, the control may be terminated.

[0357] If it is confirmed in step (601) that no heaters are being driven, the controller 30 can check whether the safety operating unit 163 has been changed from an off state to an on state (602).

[0358] If it is determined in step (602) that the safety operating unit 163 has not been changed to the on state, the controller 30 can determine whether any of the heating operating units 130 are in the on state (609).

[0359] If it is confirmed in step (609) that all of the heating operation units 130 are in the off state, the controller 30 can further perform step (602).

[0360] In step (609), if it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can terminate the control. In another embodiment, in step (609), if it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can terminate the control after performing a second warning operation, which will be described later.

[0361] If it is confirmed in step 602 that the safety operating unit 163 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can check whether any heating operating unit 130 is in the OFF state (603). If it is confirmed in step 602 that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can light up the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit.

[0362] If it is confirmed in step (603) that all the heating operation units 130 are in the OFF state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close (604).

[0363] If it is confirmed in step (603) that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can change the safety operation unit 163 to the OFF state (607). If the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the OFF state, the controller 30 can turn off the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit. After step (607) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (601).

[0364] After step (604) is performed, the controller 30 can check whether any of the heating operation units 130 are changed to the ON state (605).

[0365] If it is determined in step 605 that the heating operation unit 130 has not been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may determine whether a first waiting time has elapsed in step 606. The first waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0366] If it is determined in step (606) that the first waiting time has not elapsed, the controller 30 can further perform step (605).

[0367] If it is determined in step (606) that the first waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 can change the safety operating unit 163 to an OFF state (607). In addition, the controller 30 can change the safety switch (SS) to an open state. If the safety operating unit 163 is changed to an OFF state, the controller 30 can turn off the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit. After step (607) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (601).

[0368] According to steps (602) to (607), if the heating operation unit 130 is not operated within a certain time (first standby time) after the safety operation unit 163 is changed from the off state to the on state, the safety operation unit 163 is automatically changed to the off state. According to these controls, even if the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the on state, if the heating operation unit 130 is not operated within the certain time, the safety operation unit 163 returns to the off state again, thereby maintaining the cooking appliance 10 in a safer state.

[0369] When the heating operation unit 130 is changed to the on state in step 605, the heating switch (HS) may be closed (608), thereby supplying power to the heater 120 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2), thereby driving the heater 120.

[0370] In other words, the controller 30 can perform control so that the safety switch (SS) is closed when the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state and the heating operating unit 130 is in the OFF state.

[0371] According to these controls, the user can operate the heating operation unit 130 to activate the heater only when all heating operation units 130 are in the off state and the user changes the safety operation unit 163 to the on state.

[0372] If the operation indicator lamp 160 is arranged as shown in Figure 4, 6, 7, or 8, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit by closing the heating switch (HS) in step 608. This allows the user to know that the heater 120 is being driven or that the heating operation unit 130 is in an on state.

[0373] 5 or 9, the operation indicator lamp 160 may be turned on by closing the safety switch (SS) in step 604. This allows the user to know that the safety function is activated.

[0374] Step 610 may be performed after the heater 120 is driven in step 608. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the currently driven heater is changed to the on state in step 610, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (611). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 610, the control may be terminated.

[0375] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment.

[0376] When the safety operating unit 163 is in the OFF state and the safety switch (SS) is in the open state, the controller 30 can check whether any of the one or more heaters included in the cooking appliance 10 is in operation (701).

[0377] If there is a heater that is being driven in step 701, step 711 may be performed. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the heater that is being driven is changed to the on state in step 711, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (712). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 711, the control may be terminated.

[0378] If it is confirmed in step (701) that no heaters are being driven, the controller 30 can check whether the safety operating unit 163 has been changed from an OFF state to an ON state (702).

[0379] If it is determined in step (702) that the safety operating unit 163 has not been changed to the on state, the controller 30 can determine whether any of the heating operating units 130 are in the on state (710).

[0380] If it is confirmed in step (710) that all of the heating operation units 130 are in the off state, the controller 30 can further perform step (702).

[0381] In step (710), if it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can end the control.

[0382] In another embodiment, if it is determined in step 710 that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the on state, the controller 30 may perform a warning operation and then terminate the control. When the warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the image or text displayed on the display panel 150 to flash. As another example, when the warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the output of a warning sound or voice through the speaker. As yet another example, when the warning operation is performed, the controller 30 may control the operation indicator lamp 160 to flash.

[0383] If it is confirmed in step (702) that the safety operating unit 163 has been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 can check whether any heating operating units 130 are in the OFF state (703).

[0384] In one embodiment, if it is determined in step (702) that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can light up the safety operating unit status display area 165. In another embodiment, even if it is determined in step (702) that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can keep the safety operating unit status display area 165 in the OFF state.

[0385] Even if it is confirmed in step (702) that the safety operating unit 163 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can maintain the safety switch (SS) in the open state.

[0386] If it is determined in step 703 that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 may determine whether a predetermined first waiting time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since it was determined that any of the heating operation units 130 was in the ON state (706). The controller 30 may continue to perform step 703 until the first waiting time has elapsed. The first waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0387] If the heating operation unit 130 is not changed to the off state during a predetermined first waiting time elapses from the time when it is confirmed that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the on state, the controller 30 can change the safety operation unit 163 to the off state (707). If the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the off state, the controller 30 can turn off the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit. After step (707) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (701).

[0388] According to steps (702), (703), (706), and (707), when the safety operating unit 163 is changed from an off state to an on state, if the controller 30 confirms that any of the heating operating units 130 is in an on state, the controller 30 can maintain the safety operating unit 163 in an on state until a predetermined first waiting time has elapsed.

[0389] In the above-described embodiment, if the heating operation unit 130 is not changed from the ON state to the OFF state before the first standby time has elapsed, the safety operation unit 163 may be changed to the OFF state. Therefore, a user who wishes to operate a heater must change the safety operation unit 163 to the ON state before operating the heating operation unit 130. Therefore, in a situation where no heaters are operated and the heating operation unit 130 is in the ON state, the heaters cannot be operated even if the user operates the safety operation unit 163, thereby ensuring the safety of the cooking appliance 10.

[0390] In the above-described embodiment, if any of the heating operation units 130 are changed to the OFF state before the first waiting time has elapsed, the safety operation unit 163 continues to be maintained in the ON state, and step 704 can be performed. Therefore, in a situation where no heaters are driven and the heating operation units 130 are in the ON state, if the user changes the heating operation units 130 to the OFF state within a certain period of time, i.e., within the first waiting time, the user can drive the heaters without the need for the troublesome re-operation of the safety operation unit 163.

[0391] In another embodiment, if it is determined in step (703) that any of the heating operation units 130 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can immediately change the safety operation unit 163 to the OFF state.

[0392] If it is determined in step (703) that all of the heating operation units 130 are in the OFF state, the controller 30 can determine whether any of the heating operation units 130 are to be changed to the ON state (704).

[0393] If it is determined in step 704 that the heating operation unit 130 has not been changed to the ON state, the controller 30 may determine whether a predetermined second waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed (705). The second waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0394] If it is determined in step (705) that the second waiting time has not elapsed, the controller 30 can further perform step (704).

[0395] If it is determined in step (705) that the second waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 can change the safety operating unit 163 to an OFF state (707). If the safety operating unit 163 is changed to an OFF state, the controller 30 can turn off the safety operating unit status display area 165. After step (707) is performed, the controller 30 can further perform step (701).

[0396] According to steps (704), (705), and (707), if the heating operation unit 130 is not operated within a certain time, i.e., the second waiting time, after the safety operation unit 163 is changed from the off state to the on state, the safety operation unit 163 is automatically changed to the off state. According to these controls, even if the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the on state, if the heating operation unit 130 is not operated within the certain time, the safety operation unit 163 returns to the off state, thereby maintaining the cooking appliance 10 in a safer state.

[0397] If the heating operation unit 130 is changed to the on state in step 704, the heating switch (HS) may be closed (708). Also, if it is confirmed in step 704 that the heating operation unit 130 has been changed to the on state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) to be closed (709). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2), and the heater 120 may be driven.

[0398] In other words, when the safety operation unit 163 is in the on state and the heating operation unit 130 is in the off state, the controller 30 can control the safety switch (SS) to close when the heating operation unit 130 is changed to the on state.

[0399] According to these controls, the user can operate the heating operation unit 130 to activate the heater only when all heating operation units 130 are in the off state and the user changes the safety operation unit 163 to the on state.

[0400] In one embodiment, in step 708, the heating switch (HS) is closed, which may turn on the operation indicator lamp 160. This allows the user to know that the heater 120 is being driven or that the heating operation unit 130 is in an on state.

[0401] In another embodiment, the safety switch (SS) is closed in step 709, which may cause the operation indicator lamp 160 to light up, thereby allowing the user to recognize that the safety function is activated.

[0402] After steps 708 and 709 are performed to drive the heater 120, step 711 can be performed. If the heating operation unit 130 corresponding to a heater other than the currently driven heater is changed to the on state in step 711, the heating switch corresponding to the other heating operation unit 130 that has been changed to the on state may be closed to drive the other heater (712). If the heating operation unit of the other heater is not changed to the on state in step 711, the control can be terminated.

[0403] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to yet another embodiment.

[0404] After steps 708 and 709 in FIG. 13 are performed, i.e., after both the heating switch HS and the safety switch SS are closed, the controller 30 can check whether the heating operation unit 160, which is in the on state, has been changed to the off state (720).

[0405] If it is confirmed in step (720) that the heating operation unit 160 is in the ON state, the controller 30 can further perform step (720).

[0406] In step 720, when the heating operation unit 160 is changed to the off state, the heating switch (HS) may be opened (721). In addition, in step 720, when it is confirmed that the heating operation unit 160 has been changed to the off state, the controller 30 may change the safety switch (SS) to the open state (722). As a result, both the heating switch (HS) and the safety switch (SS) may be opened.

[0407] With both the heating switch (HS) and the safety switch (SS) open, the controller 30 can maintain the safety operating unit 163 in the on state (723). When the safety operating unit 163 is maintained in the on state, the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit can be maintained in the lit state.

[0408] With the safety operating unit 163 maintained in the ON state, the controller 30 can check whether the heating operating unit 160 has changed from the OFF state to the ON state (724).

[0409] In step 724, when the heating operation unit 160 is changed from an off state to an on state, the heating switch (HS) may be closed (708). In addition, in step 724, when the heating operation unit 160 is changed from an off state to an on state, the controller 30 may control the safety switch (SS) to be closed (709). As a result, power may be supplied to the heater 120 via the first power supply line (L1) and the second power supply line (L2), and the heater 120 may be driven.

[0410] If it is determined in step 724 that the heating operation unit 160 is in the off state, the controller 30 may determine whether a predetermined third waiting time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed since steps 721 and 722 were performed (725). The third waiting time may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0411] If it is determined in step (725) that the third waiting time has not elapsed, the controller 30 may perform step (723).

[0412] If it is determined in step 725 that the third waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 may change the safety operating unit 163 to the OFF state (726). If the safety operating unit 163 is changed to the OFF state in step 726, the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit may be turned off.

[0413] 14, when the heating operation unit 160 is changed to the OFF state while the heater is being driven and the driving of the heater is interrupted, the safety operation unit 163 may be maintained in the ON state for a certain period of time, i.e., the third waiting time, without being immediately changed to the OFF state. This allows the user to further drive the heater by simply operating the heating operation unit 160 without having to go through the trouble of operating the safety operation unit 163 again from the time the driving of the heater is interrupted until the third waiting time has elapsed.

[0414] However, if the heating operation unit 160 is not changed to the ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed from the time the heater operation is interrupted, the safety operation unit 163 may be changed to the OFF state. Therefore, if a user wants to operate the heater after the third waiting time has elapsed, he or she must again change the safety operation unit 163 to the ON state and then operate the heating operation unit 160. This ensures the safety of the cooking appliance 10.

[0415] 15 to 17 are diagrams illustrating an exemplary process in which a user sets safety options for a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0416] 15, the user can press or touch a setting operation unit 166 included in the display unit 150. When the user presses or touches the setting operation unit 166, a menu for setting the functions of the cooking appliance may be displayed in the second display area 152.

[0417] Each time the user presses or touches the setting operation unit 166, a different menu may be displayed in the first display area 152. For example, when the user presses or touches the setting operation unit 166 a predetermined number of times (e.g., eight times), a safety option setting menu (e.g., "CtOn") may be displayed in the first display area 152. With the safety option setting menu (e.g., "CtOn") displayed in the second display area 152, the user can press or touch a preset setting change operation unit (e.g., the "1" key in the number input area 167) to set the safety option to an on or off state.

[0418] For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , when a safety option setting menu (e.g., CtOn) is displayed in second display area 152, and the user presses the “1” key in numeric input area 167, a message indicating that the safety option is in an on state (e.g., “ON”) may be displayed in first display area 151 as shown in FIG. 16 . As shown in FIG. 16 , when a message indicating that the safety option is in an on state (e.g., “ON”) is displayed in first display area 151, and the user further presses the “1” key in numeric input area 167, a message indicating that the safety option is in an off state (e.g., “OFF”) may be displayed in first display area 151 as shown in FIG. 17 . As shown in FIG. 17 , when a message indicating that the safety option is in an off state (e.g., “OFF”) is displayed in first display area 151, and the user further presses the “1” key in numeric input area 167, a message indicating that the safety option is in an on state (e.g., “ON”) may be further displayed in first display area 151 as shown in FIG. 16 .

[0419] When "ON" or "OFF" is displayed in first display area 151 by operating the setting change operation unit (e.g., the "1" key in number input area 167), the user can complete the setting of the safety option by pressing or touching setting completion operation unit 168. For example, when "ON" is displayed in first display area 151, the safety option of the cooking appliance can be set to the ON state by the user pressing or touching setting completion operation unit 168. For example, when "OFF" is displayed in first display area 151, the safety option of the cooking appliance can be set to the OFF state by pressing or touching setting completion operation unit 168.

[0420] 18 to 20 are diagrams for explaining exemplary embodiments in which a user operates the control panel of a cooking appliance.

[0421] When the heater is not driven, the operation indicator lamp 160 and the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit may both be turned off, as shown in Fig. 3. Also, the safety operating unit 163 may be maintained in the off state.

[0422] When each of the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 is in the OFF state and no heaters are driven, the user can press or touch the safety operation unit 163. When the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163 to change the safety operation unit 163 from the OFF state to the ON state, the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may light up, as shown in FIG.

[0423] When safety operation unit 163 is in the ON state and each of heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 is in the OFF state, if the user rotates first heating operation unit 131 to change first heating operation unit 131 to the ON state, the heater arranged in first heating region 121 corresponding to first heating operation unit 131 may be driven. At this time, as shown in Fig. 19, operation indicator lamp 160 may be lit.

[0424] When the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163 and activates the safety function, the user rotates the first heating operation unit 131 to activate the heater arranged in the first heating area 121, and then when the user operates other heating operation units 132 to 135, 220, the other heaters corresponding to the operated heating operation unit may be immediately activated.

[0425] In one embodiment, when the safety operation unit 163 is in an off state and at least one of the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 is in an on state, if the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163, the controller 30 can maintain the safety operation unit 163 in an on state from the time the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163 until the first waiting time has elapsed.

[0426] If the heating operation unit, which is in the on state, is changed to the off state before the first waiting time has elapsed from the time the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163, the user can operate the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 to activate the heater without further pressing or touching the safety operation unit 163.

[0427] If the heating operation unit, which is in the ON state, is not changed to the OFF state until the first waiting time has elapsed since the user pressed or touched the safety operation unit 163, the controller 30 can change the safety operation unit 163 to the OFF state. Therefore, a user who wants to drive the heater must press or touch the safety operation unit 163 again.

[0428] In one embodiment, when safety operation unit 163 is in an off state and at least one of heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 is in an on state, if a user presses or touches safety operation unit 163, status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may be kept in an off state. If a user changes the on state of a heating operation unit to an off state before the first waiting time has elapsed, status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may be lit.

[0429] In another embodiment, when the safety operation unit 163 is in the OFF state and at least one of the heating operation units 131 to 135, 220 is in the ON state, if the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163, the controller 30 can immediately change the safety operation unit 163 to the OFF state. In this case, even if the user presses or touches the safety operation unit 163, the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit does not have to light up.

[0430] 18, if the user does not perform any operation until the second waiting time has elapsed while the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit is lit, the controller 30 can change the safety operating unit 163 to the off state, which can also turn off the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit.

[0431] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18 , if the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit is lit and the user does not perform any operation until the second waiting time has elapsed, the controller 30 may perform a warning action. When the warning action is performed, a warning message or a warning sound may be output through a speaker, as shown in FIG. 20 . As another example, when the warning action is performed, the operation indicator lamp 160 may flash, or the status display area 165 of the safety operating unit may flash. As another example, when the warning action is performed, a specific icon or character on the display panel 150 may also flash. As another example, when the warning action is performed, a warning message or an error code may be displayed and / or flashed on the display panel 150.

[0432] 19 , when the safety operation unit 163 is in the ON state, the first heating operation unit 131 is in the ON state, and only the heater corresponding to the first heating operation unit 131 is being driven, if the user changes the first heating operation unit 131 to the OFF state, the driving of the heater may be interrupted. The controller 30 may maintain the safety operation unit 163 in the ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed from the time the driving of the heater is interrupted. While the safety operation unit 163 is maintained in the ON state, the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may be maintained in a lit state.

[0433] The heaters may be driven if the heating operation units 131-135, 220 are changed to the ON state before the third waiting time has elapsed from the time the heater driving was interrupted. If the heating operation units 131-135, 220 are not changed to the ON state until the third waiting time has elapsed from the time the heater driving was interrupted, the controller 30 can change the safety operation unit 163 to the OFF state. When the safety operation unit 163 is changed to the OFF state, the status display area 165 of the safety operation unit may be turned off.

[0434] As described above, the present specification has been described with reference to exemplary drawings, but the present specification is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the present specification, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Note that even if the effects of the configurations of the present specification are not explicitly described in the above-described embodiments of the present specification, the effects that can be predicted by the configurations should also be recognized.

[0435] [One aspect of the present invention] The present invention proposes the following aspects of the present invention. [Claim 1] A heater and a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater; a safety operation unit; a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater; a safety switch connected between the external power supply and the heater; a controller that controls the open / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit, The cooking appliance, wherein the controller controls the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state while the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state. [Claim 2] 2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller changes the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time. [Claim 3] 2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the cooking appliance so that, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time. [Claim 4] The controller controls the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time has elapsed, 4. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the first warning operation is controlled to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second standby time has elapsed, or if an operation other than an operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second standby time has elapsed. [Claim 5] 4. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein a first warning message is output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp while the first warning action is being performed. [Claim 6] 4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein the controller changes the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state until the second standby time has elapsed. [Claim 7] 2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state and the heating operation unit is in an on state, the controller changes the safety operation unit to an off state. [Claim 8] 2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the cooking appliance so that a second warning action is performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while all heaters are not driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state. [Claim 9] The cooking appliance of claim 1 , wherein the heating switch closes when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state. [Claim 10] 2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, further comprising an operation indicator lamp that indicates the operating state of the heater, the operating state of the heating operation unit, or the open / closed state of the safety switch. [Claim 11] One end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to the other end of the heating switch; The cooking appliance according to claim 10, wherein the other end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to one end of the safety switch. [Claim 12] One end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to one end of the heating switch; The cooking appliance according to claim 10, wherein the other end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to the other end of the safety switch. [Claim 13] The cooking appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a heating level adjustment switch that is opened or closed by operating the heating operation unit to adjust the heating level of the heater. [Claim 14] One end of the heating level adjustment switch is connected to the other end of the safety switch, The cooking appliance according to claim 13, wherein the other end of the heating level adjustment switch is connected to the heater. [Claim 15] The cooking appliance of claim 1 , wherein the controller changes the on / off state of the heating switch depending on the heating level of the heater. [Claim 16] a safety operation unit status display area that displays a status of the safety operation unit; 2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the state display area of ​​the safety operation unit is lit when the safety operation unit is in an on state, and is unlit when the safety operation unit is in an off state.

Claims

1. A heater and a heating operation unit for controlling the operation of the heater; A safety operation unit; a heating switch connected between an external power source and the heater; a safety switch connected between the external power supply and the heater; a controller that controls the open / closed state of the safety switch by operating the heating operation unit or the safety operation unit, The cooking appliance, wherein the controller controls the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to the on state while the safety operation unit is in the on state and the heating operation unit is in the off state.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, the controller changes the safety operation unit to an off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to an on state for a predetermined first waiting time.

3. 2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the cooking appliance so that, when the safety operation unit is in an on state and the heating operation unit is in an off state, if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state for a predetermined first waiting time, a first warning operation is performed for a predetermined second waiting time.

4. The controller controls the safety switch to close when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state before the second waiting time has elapsed, 4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein the first warning operation is controlled to end if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state until the second standby time has elapsed, or if an operation other than an operation of the heating operation unit occurs before the second standby time has elapsed.

5. The cooking appliance of claim 3 , wherein a first warning message is output by at least one of a display, a speaker, and an operation indicator lamp while the first warning operation is being performed.

6. The cooking appliance according to claim 3 , wherein the controller changes the safety operation unit to the off state if the heating operation unit is not changed to the on state until the second waiting time has elapsed.

7. The cooking appliance according to claim 1 , wherein when the safety operation unit is changed from an off state to an on state and the heating operation unit is in an on state, the controller changes the safety operation unit to an off state.

8. The cooking appliance according to claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the cooking appliance so that a second warning operation is performed when the heating operation unit is in an on state while all heaters are not driven and the safety operation unit is in an off state.

9. The cooking appliance of claim 1 , wherein the heating switch closes when the heating operation unit is changed to an on state.

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation indicator lamp that indicates an operation state of the heater, an operation state of the heating operation unit, or an open / closed state of the safety switch.

11. One end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to the other end of the heating switch; The cooking appliance according to claim 10 , wherein the other end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to one end of the safety switch.

12. One end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to one end of the heating switch; The cooking appliance according to claim 10 , wherein the other end of the operation indicator lamp is connected to the other end of the safety switch.

13. The cooking appliance according to claim 1 , further comprising a heating level adjustment switch that is opened or closed by operating the heating operation unit to adjust the heating level of the heater.

14. One end of the heating level adjustment switch is connected to the other end of the safety switch, The cooking appliance according to claim 13 , wherein the other end of the heating level adjustment switch is connected to the heater.

15. The cooking appliance of claim 1 , wherein the controller changes the on / off state of the heating switch depending on the heating level of the heater.

16. a safety operation unit status display area that displays a status of the safety operation unit; The cooking appliance according to claim 1 , wherein the state display area of ​​the safety operation unit is lit when the safety operation unit is in an on state and is extinguished when the safety operation unit is in an off state.

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