Cooking device with weighing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooking device (100) comprising a housing (112) arranged around a cooking chamber (104). The cooking device also comprises a food holder (102). The food holder comprises a food support (123) for supporting food materials contained inside the cooking chamber. The food holder also has an extension portion (122) for extending outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing. The cooking device comprises an air circulation system (106) for circulating air to the food materials contained inside the cooking chamber. A weighing system (108) is coupled to the food support via the extension portion so that the extension portion exerts a force on the weighing system corresponding to the weight of the food support contained in the cooking chamber and any food materials supported thereon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking device with an air circulation system and a weighing system. Background Art

[0002] Various weighing systems (e.g., scales) can be used to weigh food. Such systems can be independent or, in some cases, can be integrated into kitchen appliances (such as food processors or cooking appliances) to supplement the main functions of kitchen appliances.

[0003] A user can utilize an independent weighing system to measure the weight of food ingredients in order to follow a recipe to achieve a desired end result and / or to have the food cooked within a predictable cooking time. In the case where the kitchen appliance weighs the food ingredients (e.g., automatically), the kitchen appliance can use the weight to control or indicate an operating parameter of the kitchen appliance.

[0004] The conventional way to implement a weighing system in a kitchen appliance is to integrate the load cell into the support foot of the kitchen appliance. The disadvantage of this approach is that the user's physical interaction with the kitchen appliance may interfere with the weight measurement. This may require providing instructions to the user to avoid touching the kitchen appliance while the measurement is being taken. Additional sources of error may come from short-term slack in the power cord, and from support feet made of rubber.

[0005] Other solutions utilize strain gauges or piezoelectric load cells. However, the temperature sensitivity of such components may hinder their integration into certain kitchen appliances, especially cooking appliances.

[0006] Alternative solutions include integrating a device for food volume measurement into a kitchen appliance, and using an approximate multiplication factor associated with a specific food type to estimate the weight of food raw materials using food volume measurement. However, many such methods add an undesirable large number of components to the kitchen appliance, including expensive components. For example, in order to estimate the depth dimension of the food raw materials, estimating the weight via volume measurement can utilize optical components, such as stereo vision or time-of-flight cameras. Such optical components require optical interrogation of the food preparation chamber of the kitchen appliance, but may also need to be protected from exposure to harsh conditions. This may require a protective window into the chamber (which needs to be kept clean by the user) and / or a solution for cooling the optical elements.

[0007] Accordingly, it remains a challenge to provide a simple, relatively inexpensive and reliable way to modify kitchen appliances (eg, cooking appliances) to allow food ingredients to be weighed.

[0008] EP 3 760 085 A1 discloses a cooking device for cooking food on a support (e.g. in a basket) in a cooking chamber. Cooking parameters are sensed over time so that a required cooking time can be determined. User intervention with the food is sensed during cooking, such as shaking the basket. The required cooking time is then re-determined.

[0009] WO 2021 / 004816 A1 discloses a cooking device for cooking food on a support (e.g., in a basket) in a cooking chamber. The required cooking time is determined based solely on the temporal evolution of the temperature in the cooking chamber and the power of the heating device. A first, less accurate estimate of the required cooking time is determined within a first time period (e.g., 90 seconds) after the heating device is switched on, and a second, more accurate estimate of the required cooking time is then determined, e.g., within five minutes after the heating device is switched on. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0011] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, a cooking device is provided, comprising: a shell defining a cooking chamber; a food retainer comprising a food support for supporting food ingredients contained within the cooking chamber and an extension portion for extending to the outside of the cooking chamber to contact the shell; an air circulation system for circulating air to the food ingredients contained within the cooking chamber; and a weighing system connected to the food support via the extension portion so that the extension portion applies a force on the weighing system corresponding to the weight of the food support contained in the cooking chamber and any food ingredients supported thereon.

[0012] Due to the effect of circulating air on the cooking process, and in particular its ability to speed up cooking, it may be beneficial to monitor the weight of food ingredients cooked and / or being cooked by a cooking device having an air circulation system. In addition, it is desirable to weigh the food ingredients in a manner that minimizes interference with the cooking device, for example, so as to minimize interference with the cooking process taking place in the cooking chamber. By coupling the weighing system to the extension, weighing of the food ingredients in the cooking chamber can be achieved without requiring the user to interact with the food holder (e.g., without requiring the user to hold / support the food holder themselves to weigh the food ingredients).

[0013] In addition, since the extension portion extends outside the cooking chamber to connect the food support to the weighing system, the weighing system (e.g., its weighing sensor) can be arranged outside the cooking chamber. In this way, the risk of damaging the weighing system due to conditions inside the cooking chamber can be reduced.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air circulation system is capable of being activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and is capable of being deactivated to stop the air circulation, and the cooking device also includes one or more processors, which are configured to: receive a first signal indicating an initial weight of food ingredients, the first signal being provided by a weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated; receive a second signal indicating the initial weight of the food ingredients and the air circulation, the second signal being provided by the weighing system after the air circulation system is activated; compare the first signal and the second signal; receive a third signal indicating a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and the air circulation, the third signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is activated; and determine a measure of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and based on the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

[0015] The signal from the weighing system may be affected by the air circulation in the cooking chamber containing the food support. One possible way to solve this problem is to deactivate the circulation system before weighing. However, interrupting the air circulation in this way is undesirable due to the risk of disrupting and / or prolonging the cooking process. Such an interruption may also confuse users of the cooking device, for example because they may mistake the interruption for the end of the cooking program, for which weighing has been reached.

[0016] By comparing the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and after activation of the air circulation system, a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients can be accurately obtained from the third signal provided while the air circulation system, for example, remains activated. In this way, during use of the cooking device, the weight of the food ingredients can be monitored relatively accurately without having to deactivate the air circulation system and without the risk of disruption, user confusion and prolonged cooking process.

[0017] Thus, a subsequent measure of the weight of the food matter may be considered a measure of the subsequent weight of the food matter when corrected for the effects of air circulation.

[0018] In some embodiments, the housing includes a drawer that can slide to enter the cooking chamber. In such embodiments, the food support can be connected to the drawer via an extension. Connecting the food support to the drawer via an extension can make it particularly convenient to arrange the weighing system in the cooking device.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking device may include a lid that can be opened to provide access to the cooking chamber. In such an embodiment, food can be loaded onto the food support by opening the lid, for example, by loading the food support from the top when the openable lid is disposed over the cooking chamber when the cooking device is oriented for use.

[0020] In some embodiments, the food holder includes a handle, wherein the food support is coupled to the handle via an extension portion.

[0021] Coupling the food support to such a handle via an extension portion may enable a particularly convenient arrangement of the weighing system in the cooking device.

[0022] For example, the food holder may include a plurality of handles, wherein the weighing system is coupled to at least one of the plurality of handles.

[0023] More generally, the food holder can include a plurality of extensions, each of the plurality of extensions being configured to extend outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing. In such an embodiment, the weighing system can be coupled to the food support via at least one of the plurality of extensions, such that at least one of the plurality of extensions exerts a force on the weighing system corresponding to the weight of the food support received in the cooking chamber and any food ingredients supported thereon.

[0024] In some embodiments, the food support can be removed from the cooking chamber. This can facilitate cleaning of the cooking device, including the cooking chamber, the food support, and, in at least some examples, the exposed surfaces of the weighing system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the food retainer is removable from the housing.

[0026] In such an embodiment, the food support and extension (as well as any other components of the food retainer, such as the handle described above) may be removable from the housing.

[0027] The weighing system may include a load cell.

[0028] In some embodiments, such a load cell may be mounted at the housing or on the food support.

[0029] The load cell may be arranged outside the cooking chamber. This may help protect the load cell from conditions within the cooking chamber during the cooking process.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cooking device, and in particular the housing thereof, may include a bottom housing portion, and side housing portions that extend upwardly from the bottom housing portion when the cooking device is oriented for use.

[0031] In such an embodiment, the weighing system may include a load cell disposed adjacent to the side housing portion, wherein the extension portion couples the load cell to the food support.

[0032] Arranging the load cell adjacent to a side housing portion in this manner may help to minimize the risk of damage to the load cell (eg, due to contaminants dripping onto the load cell during the cooking process).

[0033] In at least some embodiments, the extension portion is coupled to (in other words, fixed to) a single load cell. This can provide a relatively simple, inexpensive and robust weighing system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the side housing portion is disposed between the load cell and the cooking chamber.

[0035] By arranging the side housing portion between the load cell and the cooking chamber, cooling of the load cell (e.g., a strain gauge or piezoelectric load cell included therein) can be avoided due to the heat shielding provided by the side housing portion. In addition, such an arrangement can protect the load cell from being soiled during the cooking process, thereby reducing the burden on the user in cleaning the load cell.

[0036] In some embodiments, the load cell includes a strain gauge arrangement including strain gauges arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge.

[0037] For example, the strain gauge arrangement includes two strain gauges for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges for transverse strain.

[0038] In at least some embodiments, the cooking device includes a heater for heating the cooking chamber and / or circulating air.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be configured to control the heater to heat the cooking chamber and / or the circulating air before receiving the third signal. The heating of the cooking chamber and / or the circulating air may cause a weight loss of the food material during the cooking process. By receiving the third signal after the heater is controlled to heat the cooking chamber and / or the circulating air, such a weight loss of the food material may be determined.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to control the heater to heat the cooking chamber only after the weighing system has provided the first signal and the second signal. This may help avoid the first signal and the second signal being affected by the initial cooking of the food material and the accompanying initial weight loss.

[0041] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to determine a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

[0042] The difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight (eg, weight loss) can help monitor the cooking process.

[0043] The one or more processors may, for example, be configured to control the heater based on a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to control the air circulation system based on a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cooking device includes a user interface, and the one or more processors are configured to control the user interface to provide an output based on a measure of the subsequent weight of the food material. The measure can be provided to the user via the user interface in grams, for example.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to provide an output based on a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

[0047] For this purpose, any suitable user interface may be considered, such as one or more light emitting diodes whose illumination provides an output, a display configured to provide an output in alphanumeric form thereon (e.g., a touch screen), etc. For example, in embodiments in which a user device is included in the cooking apparatus, such a user interface may be included in such a user device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet).

[0048] In such an embodiment, the output may be transmitted from the cooking appliance to the user device, for example, via an electrical connection or wireless communication established between the cooking appliance and the user device.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the output may be presented on a display integrated in the handle and / or on a display included in the cooking appliance.

[0050] More generally, measurement of subsequent weight of food ingredients can be used to help, for example, define / control portion sizes of food, follow recipes to achieve desired food doneness and / or taste levels, predict cooking times, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, the output based on the measurement of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients may include at least one of a cooking time prediction (eg, provided in hours, minutes, and seconds) and an indication of the level of doneness of the food.

[0052] In some embodiments, the output provided by the user interface may indicate to the user that the cooking process has been completed or is nearly complete because the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight indicates that the cooking process has been completed or is nearly complete.

[0053] In a non-limiting example, the food holder includes a handle, and the handle includes a user interface (e.g., a user interface including a display). In such an example, the one or more processors are configured to control the user interface to present an output.

[0054] In such an example, the food support may also be removed from the cooking chamber, thereby allowing the food ingredients to be weighed before the food support is received in the cooking chamber.

[0055] The food support may include a base upon which food matter may be supported when the food holder is oriented for use.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cooking device includes a vent arrangement configured to direct airflow generated by the air circulation system normal to the base.

[0057] Such airflow direction may provide air frying type conditions within the cooking chamber. While such airflow may potentially affect the signal from the weighing system due to buoyancy effects and / or opposing downward force effects of the airflow, this may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and after activation of the air circulation system.

[0058] The food support may include a basket having an opening that allows circulating air to pass therethrough. Such an opening may allow circulating air (e.g., circulating hot air heated by a heater) to reach the food material. While this may affect the signal from the weighing system, this may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and after activation of the air circulation system.

[0059] More generally, a cooking device may include a cooking appliance, such as a household cooking appliance.

[0060] For example, such a cooking appliance may include a cooking chamber and an air circulation system, and in some examples, also a food holder and a weighing system.

[0061] The cooking appliance (eg a household cooking appliance) may be, for example, an air fryer, an oven or a steamer. An air fryer is particularly mentioned.

[0062] According to another aspect, a method of using a cooking device is provided, the cooking device having a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for accommodating the food support, an air circulation system that can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation, and a weighing system connected to the food support, the method comprising: receiving a first signal indicating an initial weight of the food ingredients, the first signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated; receiving a second signal indicating the initial weight of the food ingredients and the air circulation, the second signal being provided by the weighing system after the air circulation system is activated; comparing the first signal and the second signal; receiving a third signal indicating a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and the air circulation, the third signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is activated; and determining a measure of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and based on the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

[0063] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided comprising computer program code configured to cause the one or more processors to implement the method described herein when the computer program is run on one or more processors included in a cooking device, the cooking device also comprising a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for accommodating the food support, an air circulation system that can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the circulation of the air, and a weighing system coupled to the food support.

[0064] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media may be provided, the non-transitory computer-readable media having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program including computer program code configured to cause the one or more processors to implement a method according to any of the embodiments described herein when the computer program is run on the one or more processors.

[0065] One or more processors may be included in a cooking appliance included in a cooking apparatus, in a user device (eg, a smartphone or tablet) separate from such cooking appliance, and / or in a cloud-based server.

[0066] According to another aspect, a kitchen appliance is provided, comprising a food support for supporting food ingredients, a handle graspable by a user's hand to support the food support, and a weighing system, wherein the food support is coupled to the handle via the weighing system.

[0067] The food support, handle and weighing system may be any embodiment of the cooking device and method of using the cooking device as described herein.

[0068] In some embodiments, the handle includes a user interface, such as a user interface including a display. In such examples, the kitchen appliance may also include one or more processors configured to receive a measurement of the weight of the food material supported by the food support and control the user interface to provide an output based on the measurement.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the food support may include or be a basket, the openings of the basket allowing circulating air to pass therethrough, for example where the food support is received in a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance having an air circulation system for circulating air in the cooking chamber.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the food support may be inserted into or removed from a cooking chamber of the cooking appliance.The kitchen appliance may allow the food ingredients to be weighed before the food support is received in the cooking chamber.

[0071] It should be noted that the kitchen appliance may be combined with a cooking appliance comprising a cooking chamber in which the food support can be accommodated and an air circulation system for circulating air in the cooking chamber. Such a combination may provide a cooking device according to the embodiments described herein.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the weighing system may include a load cell and the kitchen appliance may further include an extension portion for coupling the load cell to the food support.

[0073] In at least some embodiments, the extension portion is coupled to (in other words, secured to) a single load cell.

[0074] The load cell may comprise a strain gauge arrangement comprising strain gauges arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge.

[0075] For example, the strain gauge arrangement includes two strain gauges for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges for transverse strain.

[0076] More generally, the embodiments described herein relating to a cooking device may be applicable to the method, computer program / non-transitory computer-readable medium, and kitchen appliance, and the embodiments described herein relating to the method and computer program / non-transitory computer-readable medium and kitchen appliance may be applicable to a cooking device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0078] Figure 1 schematically depicts a cooking device according to an example;

[0079] Figure 2 A schematic plan view of a food support and handle is provided;

[0080] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D illustrates the design of a load cell included in an exemplary weighing system;

[0081] Figure 4 schematically depicts a food support and weighing system according to an example;

[0082] Figure 5 schematically depicts a food support and weighing system according to another example;

[0083] Figure 6 providing a graph of buoyancy generated due to air circulation by an air circulation system versus partial obstruction of an opening of a food support placed in the circulating air; and

[0084] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method of using a cooking device according to an example is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood based on the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0087] A cooking device is provided, comprising a housing arranged around a cooking chamber. The cooking device further comprises a food holder. The food holder comprises a food support for supporting food ingredients contained within the cooking chamber. The food holder further comprises an extension portion for extending outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing. The cooking device comprises an air circulation system for circulating air to the food ingredients contained within the cooking chamber. A weighing system is coupled to the food support via the extension portion, such that the extension portion exerts a force on the weighing system corresponding to the weight of the food support contained in the cooking chamber and any food ingredients supported thereon.

[0088] Due to the effect of circulating air on the cooking process, and in particular its ability to speed up cooking, it may be beneficial to monitor the weight of food ingredients cooked and / or being cooked by a cooking device having an air circulation system. In addition, it is desirable to weigh the food ingredients in a manner that minimizes interference with the cooking device, for example, so as to minimize interference with the cooking process taking place in the cooking chamber. By coupling the weighing system to the extension, weighing of the food ingredients in the cooking chamber can be achieved without requiring the user to interact with the food holder (e.g., without requiring the user to hold / support the food holder themselves to weigh the food ingredients).

[0089] Furthermore, since the extension extends outside the cooking chamber to couple the food support to the weighing system, the weighing system (eg, its weighing sensor) can be arranged outside the cooking chamber. In this way, the risk of damaging the weighing system can be reduced.

[0090] In some embodiments, the air circulation system can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation, and the cooking device also includes one or more processors configured to receive a first signal indicating the initial weight of the food material, the first signal provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated. The one or more processors can receive a second signal indicating the initial weight of the food material and the air circulation, wherein the second signal is provided by the weighing system after the air circulation system is activated. The one or more processors can compare the first signal and the second signal. The one or more processors can receive a third signal indicating the subsequent weight of the food material and the air circulation, wherein the third signal is provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is activated. In such an embodiment, the one or more processors determine a measure of the subsequent weight of the food material based on the third signal and based on the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

[0091] Also disclosed herein is a method of using a cooking device and a computer program for implementing the method.

[0092] A kitchen appliance including a weighing system and a food support is also described herein.

[0093] Figure 1 A cooking device 100 according to an example is schematically depicted. The cooking device 100 comprises a food holder 102 for supporting food ingredients (not visible). The cooking device 100 further comprises a cooking chamber 104 in which at least a portion of the food holder 102 can be received.

[0094] The cooking apparatus 100 includes an air circulation system 106 for circulating air to food ingredients contained in the cooking chamber 104 .

[0095] In some embodiments, the air circulation system 106 can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber 104, and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation. In other words, the air circulation system 106 can be turned on to cause air circulation, and can be turned off so that the air circulation system 106 does not circulate such air.

[0096] The air circulation system 106 may include a fan and a motor, wherein the fan driven by the motor rotates to cause air circulation. Such a fan is schematically depicted in FIG. Figure 1 middle.

[0097] The cooking apparatus 100 further includes a weighing system 108 coupled to the food holder 102. The weighing system 108 is configured to enable food ingredients supported by the food holder 102 to be weighed.

[0098] The food holder 102 is connected to the weighing system 108 to provide a convenient weighing arrangement, in particular a convenient weighing arrangement relative to the solution of the weighing system to weigh the entire cooking device. In other words, the weight measurement can be regarded as including weighing the food raw materials and the food holder, rather than weighing the entire cooking appliance including the cooking chamber and the air circulation system, thereby helping to minimize the errors associated with user interaction. However, the signal from the weighing system 108 may be affected by the air circulation in the cooking chamber 104, in which at least a portion of the food holder 102 is accommodated when the air circulation system 106 is started. A possible way to solve this problem is to deactivate the circulation system 106 before weighing. However, since the user may mistakenly understand the interruption to signal the end of the cooking program, it is undesirable to interrupt the air circulation in this way due to the risk of user confusion. In addition, such an interruption may have the risk of disturbing and / or prolonging the cooking process.

[0099] For this reason, the cooking device 100 may include one or more processors 110 configured to receive a first signal indicative of an initial weight of food matter, wherein the first signal is provided by the weighing system 108 when the air circulation system 106 is deactivated. Thus, the food holder 102 and any food matter supported by the food holder 102 are initially weighed without air circulation.

[0100] The one or more processors 110 may receive a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food matter and the air circulation, wherein the second signal is provided by the weighing system 108 after activation of the air circulation system 106. In this manner, the food holder 102 and any food matter supported by the food holder 102 are weighed in the presence of circulating air.

[0101] The one or more processors 110 may compare the first signal and the second signal to assess the effect of the air circulation on the initial weight of the food matter. For example, the one or more processors may determine a weight adjustment factor based on the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

[0102] The second signal may be provided, for example, by the weighing system 108 when the air circulation of the air circulation system 106 is balanced and / or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the air circulation system 106 is activated, so that the second signal provides a representative indication of the effect of the air circulation provided by the activated air circulation system 106 on the weighing.

[0103] When a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food material and air circulation is received from the weighing system 108 (where the third signal is provided by the weighing system 108 when the air circulation system 106 is activated), the one or more processors 110 can determine a measure of the subsequent weight of the food material based on the third signal and based on a comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

[0104] A subsequent weight of the food matter may, for example, be based on the third signal and on a weight adjustment factor derived from the above-mentioned comparison of the first signal and the second signal.

[0105] By comparing the first and second signals initially provided by the weighing system 108 before and after activation of the air circulation system 106, a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients can be accurately obtained from the third signal provided while the air circulation system, for example, remains activated. In this way, the weight of the food ingredients can be relatively accurately monitored during use of the cooking device 100 without having to deactivate the air circulation system 106 and without the risk of user confusion, disruption and / or prolonged cooking process.

[0106] It should be noted that a tare weight of the weighing system 108 may not be required because the empty weight of the food holder 102 when no food matter is supported may already be known and preprogrammed into the one or more processors 110. The empty weight of the food holder 102 may be used by the one or more processors 110 to determine subsequent weight measurements of the food matter.

[0107] One or more processors 110 may be implemented in a variety of ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions required. One or more processors 110 may, for example, employ one or more microprocessors programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. Examples of processor components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0108] In various embodiments, one or more processors 110 may be associated with one or more storage media (e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM). The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that perform the desired functions when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers. The various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller, or may be removable so that one or more programs stored thereon may be loaded into one or more processors 110.

[0109] Although the above-described processing using the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal may be implemented on one or more onboard processors 110 included in the cooking appliance in the cooking device 100, such as Figure 1 As shown, but this is not intended to be limiting, in other examples, the processing may alternatively or additionally be implemented in a cloud-based server and / or a separate user device (such as a smart phone or tablet).

[0110] In some embodiments, the food retainer 102, the cooking chamber 104, the air circulation system 106, and the weighing system 108 are included in a cooking appliance (e.g., a household cooking appliance), and one or more processors 110 included in a user device and / or a cloud-based server communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the cooking appliance (particularly the weighing system 108) to enable the one or more processors 110 to determine a subsequent weight measurement of the food ingredients.

[0111] More generally, when a cooking appliance is included in the cooking device 100 or defines the cooking device in some non-limiting examples, such a cooking appliance may be a household cooking appliance, such as an air fryer, an oven or a steamer. An air fryer is particularly mentioned.

[0112] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooking device 100 includes a housing 112 disposed around the cooking chamber 104. The housing 112 thus defines / bounds the cooking chamber 104.

[0113] In some embodiments, the food holder 102 may be coupled to the housing 112 via the weighing system 108. Coupling the food holder 102 to the housing 112 via the weighing system 108 may provide a particularly convenient way to arrange the weighing system 108 in the cooking device 100. Although such an arrangement presents a risk that the signal from the weighing system 108 is affected by air circulation in the cooking chamber 104, the effect of air circulation may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system 108 before and after activation of the air circulation system 106.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking device 100 may include a handle 114 for the food holder 102 , and wherein the food holder 102 is coupled to the handle 114 via the weighing system 108 .

[0115] Coupling the food holder 102 to such a handle 114 via the weighing system 108 may provide a particularly convenient way of arranging the weighing system 108 in the cooking device 100. Although such an arrangement presents a risk that the signal from the weighing system 108 is affected by the air circulation in the cooking chamber 104, the effect of the air circulation may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system 108 before and after activation of the air circulation system 106.

[0116] exist Figure 1 In the non-limiting example shown, the weighing system 108 is mounted on a portion 113 of the housing 112 .

[0117] For example, the housing 112 may include a drawer ( Figure 1 In such a non-limiting example, the food holder 102 may be coupled to the drawer via a weighing system 108.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the cooking device may include a lid ( Figure 1 In such an embodiment, food can be loaded into the food holder 102 by opening the lid, for example, by loading the food holder 102 from the top when the openable lid is disposed over the cooking chamber 104 when the cooking device 100 is oriented for use.

[0119] The weighing system 108 may include a weighing sensor 120. The weighing sensor 120 may provide the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal, and its design will be described in more detail below.

[0120] The load cell 120 may be disposed outside of the cooking chamber 104. This may help protect the load cell 120 from conditions within the cooking chamber 104 during the cooking process.

[0121] like Figure 1 As shown, when the cooking device 100 is oriented for use, the cooking device 100 and in particular the housing 112 thereof may include a bottom housing portion 116 and a side housing portion 118 extending upwardly from the bottom housing portion 116. Thus, the bottom housing portion 116 may be considered a base portion of the housing 112, which, for example, faces and is adjacent to a kitchen countertop during use of the cooking device 100.

[0122] In such an embodiment, the load cell 120 may be disposed at the side housing portion 118 , and an extension portion 122 (eg, a lever) may be coupled to the load cell 120 .

[0123] Arranging the load cell 120 at the side housing portion 118 in this manner may help minimize the risk of damage to the load cell 120 (eg, due to contaminants dripping onto the load cell 120 during the cooking process).

[0124] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the side housing portion 118 is disposed between the load cell 120 and the cooking chamber 104. By disposing the side housing portion 118 between the load cell 120 and the cooking chamber 104 in this manner, the side housing portion 118 can act as a barrier to protect the load cell 120 from conditions within the cooking chamber 104.

[0125] By arranging the side housing portion 118 between the load cell 120 and the cooking chamber 104, cooling of the load cell 120 (e.g., a strain gauge or a piezoelectric load cell included therein) can be avoided due to the heat shielding provided by the side housing portion 118. In addition, such an arrangement can protect the load cell 120 from being contaminated during the cooking process, thereby reducing the burden on the user in cleaning the load cell 120.

[0126] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the food support 123 included in the food holder 102 can be fully supported by the extension 122 (e.g., lever). This can help provide a more direct weight measurement. Thus, the food holder 102 may, for example, not include any feet for resting the food holder 102 on the pot surface at the bottom of the cooking chamber 104.

[0127] The presence of interior walls defining cooking chamber 104 may still help protect load cell 120 from damage due to excessive stress, as such interior walls may help provide a physical limit to the bending of food holder 102 (eg, extension 122).

[0128] The load cell 120 may be connected, for example, via wiring, to one or more processors 110 included in the cooking device 100 , for example, one or more processors 110 included in a cooking appliance such as an air fryer.

[0129] The data from the load cell 120 can be used to calculate the weight of the food at the beginning and after the cooking process (e.g., during the cooking process). For example, depending on the type of food, the degree of doneness can be estimated by the weight loss over a period of time, and the end point of the cooking process can be determined via the weight loss. This will be further described below.

[0130] It should be noted that when the food holder 102 (e.g., its basket or grid) is able to move under the food load, the weight of the food ingredients can be measured. This is the so-called displacement. The weighing system 108 can be respectively directly connected to the food support 123 (e.g., basket); connected to the food support via an extension 122 (e.g., a lever), or for example connected to a holding part (e.g., a plastic holding part) included in the housing 112; connected to the handle 114 at such a holding part; connected to the grid of the above-mentioned basket, etc.

[0131] More generally, such an extension portion 122 is included in the food holder 102, and the extension portion 122 is configured to extend outside the cooking chamber 104 to contact the housing 112. Typically, the food holder 102 also includes a food support 123 for supporting food ingredients contained inside the cooking chamber 104.

[0132] The weighing system 118 is coupled to the food support 123 via the extension 122 such that the extension 122 exerts a force on the weighing system 108 corresponding to the weight of the food support 123 and any food matter supported thereon contained in the cooking chamber 104 .

[0133] In embodiments where housing 112 includes a drawer that can slide into cooking chamber 104, food support 123 can be coupled to the drawer via extension 122. Coupling food support 123 to the drawer via extension 122 can make it particularly convenient to arrange weighing system 108 in cooking device 100.

[0134] In some embodiments, food holder 102 includes handle 114 as described above, wherein food support 123 is coupled to handle 114 via extension 122. Coupling food support 123 to such handle 114 via extension 122 may enable placement of weighing system 108 in cooking device 100 particularly conveniently.

[0135] The food holder 102 may, for example, include a plurality of handles (in Figure 1 ), wherein the weighing system 108 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of handles.

[0136] More generally, the food retainer 102 may include a plurality of extensions ( Figure 1104 to contact the housing 112. In such an embodiment, the weighing system 108 can be coupled to the food support 123 via at least one of the plurality of extensions, such that at least one of the plurality of extensions exerts a force on the weighing system 108 corresponding to the weight of the food support 123 contained in the cooking chamber 104 and any food ingredients supported thereon.

[0137] In some embodiments, food support 123 can be removed from cooking chamber 104. This can facilitate cleaning of cooking device 100, including cooking chamber 104, food support 123, and, in at least some examples, exposed surfaces of weighing system 108.

[0138] For example, handle 114 (when present) may assist in removing food support 123 from cooking chamber 104 .

[0139] In some embodiments, the food holder 102 can be detachable from the housing 112. In such embodiments, the food support 123 and the extension 122 (as well as any other components of the food holder 102, such as the handle 114 described above) can be detachable from the housing 112 together.

[0140] In some embodiments, the weighing sensor 120 may be installed at the housing 112 or at the food support 123 .

[0141] In embodiments where load cell 120 is disposed adjacent to a side housing portion, extension portion 122 may couple load cell 120 to food support 123 .

[0142] In at least some embodiments, extension portion 122 is coupled to (in other words, secured to) a single load cell 102. This can provide a relatively simple, inexpensive, and robust weighing system.

[0143] In at least some embodiments, cooking apparatus 100 includes a heater 124 for heating cooking chamber 104 and / or circulating air.

[0144] In other words, heater 124 may be arranged to directly heat food matter supported by food support 123 when food support 123 is received in cooking chamber 104 , and / or may be arranged to heat air circulated by air circulation system 106 .

[0145] The heater 124 may be of any suitable design, and may, for example, include a resistive heating element. Figure 1 The coil of a helical resistive heating element is schematically depicted.

[0146] In such an embodiment, the one or more processors 110 may be configured to control the heater 124 to heat the cooking chamber 104 and / or circulate air prior to receiving the third signal.

[0147] The heating of the cooking chamber 104 and / or the circulating air may result in a weight loss of the food material during the cooking process. This weight loss of the food material may be determined by receiving a third signal after the heater 124 is controlled to heat the cooking chamber 104 and / or the circulating air.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors 110 can be configured to control the heater 124 to heat the cooking chamber 104 and / or circulate air only after the weighing system 108 has provided the first signal and the second signal. This can help prevent the first signal and the second signal from being affected by the initial cooking of the food material and the accompanying initial weight loss.

[0149] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 110 are configured to determine a difference between a subsequent weight and an initial weight. The difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight (eg, weight loss) can be helpful in monitoring the cooking process.

[0150] It should be noted that the one or more processors 110 may be configured to receive one or more additional signals, such as a fourth signal, a fifth signal, a sixth signal, a seventh signal, etc., respectively indicating one or more additional subsequent weights of the food material and the air circulation, the one or more additional signals being provided by the weighing system 108 upon activation of the air circulation system 106. The one or more processors 110 may determine one or more measurements of the one or more additional subsequent weights of the food material based on the one or more additional signals and the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

[0151] Thus, the weight of the food ingredients may be closely monitored at intervals during the cooking process.In addition, the one or more processors 110 may be configured to determine a difference between one or more additional subsequent weights and the initial weight.

[0152] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 110 are configured to control the heater 124 based on a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight and / or based on a difference between one or more additional subsequent weights and the initial weight.

[0153] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors 110 may be configured to control the air circulation system 106 based on a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight and / or based on a difference between one or more additional subsequent weights and the initial weight.

[0154] For example, if the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight indicates that the cooking process is complete or nearly complete, heater 124 and / or air circulation system 106 may be controlled by one or more processors 110 to lower the temperature in cooking chamber 104 and / or reduce the air velocity.

[0155] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the cooking apparatus 100 includes a user interface 126, and the one or more processors 110 are configured to control the user interface 126 to provide an output based on the measurement of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients.

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors 110 may be configured to provide an output based on a difference between a subsequent weight and the initial weight and / or based on a difference between one or more additional subsequent weights and the initial weight.

[0157] For this purpose, any suitable user interface 126 is contemplated, such as one or more light emitting diodes whose illumination provides output, a display configured to provide output in alphanumeric form thereon (e.g., a touch screen), etc. For example, in embodiments where such a user device is included in the cooking apparatus 100, such a user interface 126 may, for example, be included in the above-mentioned user device (e.g., a smart phone or tablet).

[0158] In such an embodiment, the output may be transmitted from the cooking appliance to the user device, for example, via an electrical connection or via wireless communication.

[0159] Alternatively or additionally, the output may be presented on a display integrated into the handle 114 and / or on a display included in a cooking appliance in the cooking apparatus 100 .

[0160] The measurement of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients can be used to help, for example, define / control food portion sizes, follow recipes to achieve a desired food doneness and / or taste level, predict cooking times, etc.

[0161] In some embodiments, the output based on the measurement of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients may include at least one of a cooking time prediction (eg, provided in hours, minutes, and seconds) and an indication of the level of doneness of the food.

[0162] For example, the output provided by the user interface 126 may indicate to the user that the cooking process has been completed or is nearly complete because the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight indicates that the cooking process has been completed or is nearly complete.

[0163] In a non-limiting example, cooking device 100 includes handle 114, food support 123 coupled to handle 114 via extension 122, and handle 114 includes user interface 126 (e.g., user interface 126 including a display). In such an example, one or more processors 110 are configured to control user interface 126 to present a food weight output based on a signal received from weighing system 108.

[0164] In such an example, the food support 123 may also be removed from the cooking chamber 104, thereby allowing the food material to be weighed before the food support 123 is received in the cooking chamber 104 (e.g., when the food support 123 is supported by a user). As previously described, the food material may also be weighed when the food support 123 is received in the cooking chamber 104 and / or when the air circulation system 106 is activated.

[0165] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, food support 123 can include a base upon which food matter can be supported when food holder 102 is oriented for use.

[0166] The cooking device 100 may include a vent arrangement 130A, 130B configured to direct airflow normal to the base when the air circulation system 106 circulates air, such as when the air circulation system 106 is activated.

[0167] Such airflow directions may provide air frying type conditions in the cooking chamber 104. While such airflow may potentially affect the signal from the weighing system due to the buoyancy effect and / or opposing downward force effect of the airflow, this may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first and second signals initially provided by the weighing system 108 before and after activation of the air circulation system 106, provided that the air circulation system 106 when providing the second signal also generates air circulation when providing the third signal.

[0168] The cooking device 100 may include, for example, a lower vent 130A facing the base of the food support 123 and an upper vent 130B disposed above the food support 123. Air flow may be drawn into the duct 131 from the cooking chamber 104 through the upper vent 130B by the air circulation system 106 (e.g., a fan). The air flow may return from the duct 131 to the cooking chamber 104 via the lower vent 130A. The air flow direction is Figure 1 Indicated by arrow 133.

[0169] Alternatively or additionally, air flow may be directed downwardly through the cooking chamber 104 toward the lower vent 130A by the air circulation system 106, into the duct 131, and, for example, by causing a fan to flow in a manner similar to that used to provide Figure 1 The airflow rotates in the opposite direction to the airflow direction indicated by arrow 133 and returns to the cooking chamber 104 through the upper vent 130B.

[0170] In some embodiments, cooking device 100 includes an air directing member 134 in duct 131 , wherein air directing member 134 is configured to direct air from duct 131 to lower vent 130A and / or to direct air from lower vent 130A into duct 131 .

[0171] The air guiding member 134 may, for example, comprise a so-called star shape. The star shape comprises a plurality of radial fins shaped to guide air in the duct 131 toward and through the lower vents 130A into the cooking chamber 104 and / or from the lower vents 130A into the duct 131 .

[0172] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the food support 123 (eg, base) has one or more openings 132 for allowing airflow therethrough.

[0173] In a non-limiting example, food support 123 includes or is a basket having openings 132 that allow circulating air to pass therethrough.

[0174] Such openings 132 can allow circulating air (e.g., circulating hot air heated by heater 124) to reach the food material. Although this may affect the signal from weighing system 108, this can be mitigated by the above-mentioned comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by weighing system 108 before and after air circulation system 106 is activated.

[0175] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The design of a load cell 120 included in an exemplary weighing system 108 is schematically illustrated.

[0176] In this non-limiting example, the load cell 120 includes a mounting portion 136 to which is attached a flex beam 138. The flex beam 138 includes a flex beam region 140 that includes strain gauge arrangements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D.

[0177] Load cell mounting area 144 is also shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3C middle. Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A A cross section AA of a load cell 120 is shown.

[0178] A gap 146 is provided between the mounting portion 136 and the flex beam 138 to accommodate flexure of the flex beam 138 relative to the mounting portion 136 , and in particular, flexure toward and away from the mounting portion.

[0179] The opening 148 defined by the curved beam 138 may enable a load (in this case the food support 123) to be secured thereto, such as via screws ( FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D ) secures the extension portion 122 (eg, a lever) to the curved beam 138. As shown in FIG.

[0180] In some embodiments, the load cell 120 includes strain gauge arrangements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D including two strain gauges 142B, 142C for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges 142A, 142D for transverse strain.

[0181] The two strain gauges 142A, 142D for lateral strain may be provided at least in part for the purpose of temperature compensation.

[0182] The strain gauges of the strain gauge arrangements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D may be covered by a protective layer 150, such as Figure 3B shown.

[0183] In some embodiments, the strain gauges of the strain gauge arrangements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are switched in a full Wheatstone bridge 149 . Figure 3D An example of this is shown in . This can help ensure that the weight is independent of the distance of the weight from the load cell 120, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0184] Strain gauges 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are Figure 3D 1 is shown connected to a full Wheatstone bridge 149 via wiring 151 .

[0185] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , M B is the bending moment at position B, M C is the bending moment at position C, B is the strain at location B, and C is the strain at location C.

[0186] Figure 3C The load L shown is equal to Figure 3B The force F is shown. Further, the bending moment M is equal to the distance D multiplied by F.

[0187] M B =F(b+c)–FD

[0188] M C =Fc–FD

[0189] ε = M / WE, where W is the bending beam section modulus and E is the Young's modulus of the sensor material.

[0190] therefore, B =(F(b+c)–FD) / (WE), and C =(Fc–FD) / WE.

[0191] The output of the full Wheatstone bridge 149 is proportional to:

[0192] ε B -ε C =Fb / WE

[0193] This result means that the output is independent of the distance D.

[0194] The weight of the food support 123 and the food material can generate a shear force in the load cell 120. Depending on the distance D of the center of gravity of the food material from the load cell 120, the magnitude of the momentum can vary. However, it can be observed that the output of the load cell 120 can correspond to the same (correct) load regardless of the distance D from the center of gravity of the food material to the load cell 120. This can be attributed to the intelligence of the load cell 120 to compensate for the torsion of the extension portion 122 (e.g., lever). The deflection measured by the extension portion 122 can be used alone to calculate the weight of the food material.

[0195] It has been discovered that the weighing system 108 employed in embodiments of the present disclosure can have a resolution of less than 5 g, and can therefore distinguish relatively small weight changes of food ingredients during the cooking process.

[0196] Furthermore, the weighing system 108 can provide accurate and consistent measurements: when the effect of air circulation of the air circulation system 106 is taken into account, it has been found to be less than ±10 g:

[0197]

[0198] Figure 4 Schematically depicted is a food support 123 and a weighing system 108 coupled thereto. In such an example, the food support 123 and the weighing system 108 may be considered to be included in the kitchen appliance 152.

[0199] The kitchen appliance 152 includes a handle 114, wherein the handle 114 can be grasped by a user's hand to support the food support 123. The kitchen appliance 152 also includes a weighing system 108, wherein the food support 123 is coupled to the handle 114 via the weighing system 108.

[0200] It should be noted that the kitchen appliance 152 can be used with a cooking appliance ( Figure 4 In combination with a cooking device 100 (not visible in the figure), the cooking appliance includes a cooking chamber 104 capable of accommodating a food support 123 and an air circulation system 106 for circulating air in the cooking chamber 104. Such a combination can provide the above-mentioned cooking device 100.

[0201] In other words, the food support 123 may be inserted into and removed from such a cooking chamber 104 of the cooking appliance. The kitchen appliance 152 may allow the food ingredients to be weighed before the food support 123 is received in the cooking chamber 104.

[0202] Although in Figure 4 114 may include a user interface, such as a user interface including a display. In such an example, the kitchen appliance 152 may also include one or more processors (in Figure 4 ), the one or more processors are configured to receive a signal indicating the weight of food material supported by the food support 123, and control the user interface to provide a food weight output based on the signal.

[0203] In a non-limiting example, the food weight output includes food portion sizes or dietary suggestions provided to the user when loading food into the food support 123 (e.g., a basket). In such an example, the food weight output may include an alert signal that the food support 123 supports enough food, for example, for a selected number of people. Alternatively or additionally, the suggestions may include recipe-related suggestions.

[0204] In embodiments where the food weight output includes a cooking time estimate and / or one or more process requirements for desired doneness, several possibilities are contemplated. For example, a user may add food ingredients to the food support 123, read the food weight output as a measure of the food ingredient weight on a display included in the handle 114, and enter the measure as input into an external user device, such as a smartphone or tablet. An algorithm employed via such a user device may use the input to calculate one or more process requirements for cooking time and / or desired doneness.

[0205] In another non-limiting example, a user may add food ingredients to the food support 123, and a signal from the weighing system 108 or a measurement of the weight of the food ingredients may be transmitted to an external user device, for example, via a wireless communication unit included in the kitchen appliance 152, and an algorithm may then calculate one or more processing requirements for cooking time and / or desired doneness.

[0206] In another non-limiting example, a user may add food ingredients to the food support 123, and the kitchen appliance 152 has an interface (e.g., a flexible pin connection) connectable to the cooking appliance such that when the food support 123 is received in the cooking chamber 104, a connection is established and a signal indicating the weight of the food ingredients supported by the food support 123 (or weighing data based on such a signal) is transmitted to one or more processors 110 included in the cooking appliance, which are configured to receive the signal and calculate one or more processing requirements for cooking time and / or desired doneness.

[0207] The weighing system 108 may include a load cell 120 and an extension 122 (eg, a lever) for coupling the load cell 120 to a food support 123 .

[0208] The load cell 120 may include a strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D including strain gauges arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge 149 .

[0209] For example, the strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D includes two strain gauges 142B, 142C for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges 142A, 142D for transverse strain, as described above with respect to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D described.

[0210] It should be noted that the design of such a load cell 120 and the manner in which it is incorporated into the kitchen appliance 152 and / or cooking device 100 can be relatively simple, and therefore can be relatively inexpensive and robust, for example, because the load cell 120 can withstand relatively high temperatures and can resist contamination from smoke, splashes, or debris. In addition, as previously described, cooling solutions and regular cleaning may not be required.

[0211] It should be noted that Figure 4 In the non-limiting example shown, screws 154 are used to secure the extension portion 122 (e.g., lever) to the curved beam 138 via the aforementioned opening 148 defined by the curved beam 138. However, any suitable connection element may be utilized to secure the extension portion 122 (e.g., lever) to the load cell 120, such as the curved beam 138 thereof.

[0212] In this regard, in some non-limiting examples, the extension portion 122 may include a rail secured to the food support 123 that is also secured to the load cell 120, such as to the curved beam 138 thereof.

[0213] Figure 4A design is shown that improves the sensitivity of relatively low weights by including support for extension 122 at point F1. This may increase the force on load cell F2, although the sensitivity to the position of load G may be increased.

[0214] Figure 5 A design is shown in which the weighing system 108 further comprises a preloaded (see force Fx) spring element 156 arranged between the extension 122 and the load cell 120. This can reduce the force on the load cell 120. The maximum total load on the load cell 120 can be halved in this way.

[0215] Purely for the purpose of providing illustrative, non-limiting examples, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , D1 is 115mm, D2 is 20mm, D3 is 52mm, D4 is 72mm, and D5 is 5mm.

[0216] More generally, the kitchen appliance 152 can be used in a variety of applications, such as in combination with a cooking appliance such as an air fryer as described above. When used in combination with an air fryer, the food support 123 can be in the form of a basket, the opening 132 of the basket allowing air circulating in the cooking chamber 104 to pass therethrough.

[0217] However, the kitchen appliance 152 may be used, for example, as a kitchen scale or portion measurer. In such a case, the food support 123 in the form of a basket may be detachably coupled (e.g., via a snap connection) to the handle 114 via the weighing system 108, and accordingly may be replaced by, for example, a kitchen scale pan, a cup, or a spoon, etc., configured to be detachably coupled to the handle 114 via the weighing system 108.

[0218] In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance may be provided as a kit of parts including a plurality of different food supports 123 , wherein each food support 123 is configured to be removably coupled to a handle 114 via a weighing system 108 .

[0219] Figure 6 A graph is provided of the buoyancy generated due to air circulation of the air circulation system 106 of the cooking device 100 versus the partial obstruction of the opening 132 of the food support 123 placed in the circulating air.

[0220] In this particular non-limiting example, the cooking device 100 comprises an air fryer which, when activated, i.e. turned on, causes the apparent weight of the food support 123 (in this case in the form of a basket) and the food ingredients to decrease due to the buoyancy effect of the airflow. In this particular example, the buoyancy generated by the airflow is approximately 40 grams of buoyancy generated by 1 bell pepper.

[0221] like Figure 6 As shown, this buoyancy can increase as the coverage of the basket surface by the food material increases, because the greater the coverage, the greater the air flow resistance.

[0222] As previously described, weighing errors due to buoyancy effects can be mitigated by comparing the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and after the air circulation system is activated.

[0223] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method 200 of using a cooking device having a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for accommodating the food support, an air circulation system that can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation, and a weighing system coupled to the food support is provided. The cooking device can be, for example, the cooking device 100 according to any of the above embodiments.

[0224] The method 200 includes receiving 202 a first signal indicative of an initial weight of food matter, the first signal provided by a weighing system while an air circulation system is deactivated.

[0225] At 204, a second signal indicative of an initial weight of the food material and the air circulation is received, the second signal being provided by the weighing system after the air circulation system is activated.

[0226] The method includes comparing 206 the first signal and the second signal.

[0227] It should be noted that if a comparison 206 of the first signal and the second signal can be performed, steps 202 and 204 can be implemented in any order. More generally, Figure 7 The order of steps indicated by the flow charts should not be considered limiting.

[0228] At 208, a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food matter and the air circulation is received, wherein the third signal is provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is activated.

[0229] Based on the third signal and based on said comparison between the first signal and the second signal, a subsequent measurement of the weight of the food matter is performed in 210 .

[0230] The computer program including computer program code can be configured to cause the one or more processors 110 to implement the method 200 when the computer program is executed on one or more processors 110 included in the cooking device 100, wherein the cooking device also includes a food support 123 for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber 104 for accommodating the food support 123, an air circulation system 106 that can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation, and a weighing system 108 connected to the food support 123.

[0231] The one or more processors 110 may be included in a cooking appliance, such as a cooking appliance including the cooking chamber 104 and the air circulation system 106. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors 110 may be included in a user device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet), separate from such a cooking appliance, and / or included in a cloud-based server.

[0232] Variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0233] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0234] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0235] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A cooking device (100), comprising: A food support (123), the food support being used to support food materials; a cooking chamber (104), the cooking chamber being used to accommodate the food support; an air circulation system (106) which can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation; a weighing system (108) coupled to the food support; as well as One or more processors (110), the one or more processors configured to: receiving a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food material, the first signal being provided by the weighing system (108) when the air circulation system is deactivated; receiving a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food material and the air circulation, the second signal being provided by the weighing system after the air circulation system is activated; comparing the first signal and the second signal; receiving a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food material and the air circulation, the third signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is activated; as well as A measure of the subsequent weight of the food matter is determined based on the third signal and based on the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

2. The cooking device (100) according to claim 1, comprising: a housing (112) defining the cooking chamber (104); A food holder (102), the food holder comprising an extension portion (122) and the food support (123), the food support being used to support food material contained inside the cooking chamber, the air circulation system (106) being used to circulate air to the food material contained in the cooking chamber, and the extension portion being used to extend outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing, wherein the weighing system is coupled to the food support via the extension portion so that the extension portion applies a force on the weighing system corresponding to the weight of the food support contained in the cooking chamber and any food material supported thereon.

3. The cooking device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The food holder (102) includes a handle (114), and wherein the food support (123) is coupled to the handle via the extension (122).

4. The cooking device (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The housing (112) includes a drawer that is slidable to access the cooking chamber (104), and wherein the food support (123) is coupled to the drawer via the extension portion (122).

5. The cooking device (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, comprising: a bottom housing portion (116); A side housing portion (118) extends upwardly from the bottom housing portion when the cooking device is oriented for use, and wherein the weighing system (108) includes a load cell (120) disposed adjacent to the side housing portion, the extension portion (122) coupling the load cell to the food support (123).

6. The cooking device (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The side housing portion (118) is arranged between the load cell (120) and the cooking chamber (104).

7. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a heater (124) for heating the cooking chamber (104) and / or circulating air.

8. The cooking device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more processors (110) are configured to control the heater (124) to heat the cooking chamber and / or the circulating air before receiving the third signal.

9. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The one or more processors (110) are configured to determine a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

10. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a user interface (126), wherein the one or more processors (110) are configured to control the user interface to provide an output based on the measurement of the subsequent weight of the food material.

11. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The food support (123) has a base on which the food material can be supported when the food holder is oriented for use, and wherein the cooking device includes a vent arrangement (130A, 130B) configured to direct airflow generated by the air circulation system (106) normal to the base.

12. The cooking device (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The base has one or more openings (132) for allowing the airflow to pass therethrough.

13. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The food support (123) is removable from the cooking chamber (104).

14. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The food support (123) includes a basket having an opening (132) that allows the circulating air to pass therethrough.

15. The cooking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The cooking device comprises a cooking appliance in the form of an air fryer.

16. A method (200) of using a cooking device having a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for receiving the food support, an air circulation system activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to stop the circulation of the air, and a weighing system coupled to the food support, the method comprising: receiving (202) a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food material, the first signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated; receiving (204) a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food material and the air circulation, the second signal being provided by the weighing system after the air circulation system is activated; comparing (206) the first signal and the second signal; receiving (208) a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food matter and the air circulation, the third signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is activated; and A measure of the subsequent weight of the food matter is determined (210) based on the third signal and based on the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

17. A computer program product comprising computer program code, wherein the computer program code is configured to cause the one or more processors included in a cooking device to implement the method (200) according to claim 16 when the computer program is run on the one or more processors included in the cooking device, the cooking device also comprising a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for accommodating the food support, an air circulation system that can be activated to circulate air in the cooking chamber and can be deactivated to stop the air circulation, and a weighing system connected to the food support.

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