Multi-function self-cleaning oven thermostat

Abstract

A multi-function, pyrolytic self-cleaning oven thermostat for regulating bake and clean temperatures and oven door unlatching. The thermostat includes separate bistable and creep-action switch mechanisms actuated by a single thermally expansive hydraulic wafer responsive to oven temperature changes. An axially movable partially threaded shaft, rotatable between two end positions, is provided for operator adjustment of the temperature switching point of the bistable mechanism. At one end position of the rotative shaft a minimum baking temperature switching point is provided while at the other end position a maximum temperature switching point is established for pyrolytic self-cleaning of the oven. A generally linearly increasing temperature range of bistable mechanism switching points is provided from the minimum to the maximum temperature switching point end positions. A portion of the temperature range not suitable for baking or pyrolytic cleaning and corresponding to a sector of shaft rotation between the two end positions may be utilized as an off position separating a larger sector of baking temperature shaft positions and a smaller self-cleaning shaft position sector. The maximum temperature switching point end position is adjustable to facilitate clean temperature calibration. The creep action switch mechanism is utilized during a self-cleaning operation to preclude oven door unlatching above a predetermined temperature.