Cooking appliances including a viewing window and an image sensor for capturing images through the viewing window.

Abstract

A cooking appliance (100) includes a cooking chamber (102), a heating element (112), and a circulation system (114, 116) arranged to circulate air heated by the heating element within the cooking chamber. The circulation system provides airflow (118) within the cooking chamber, such as along an internal surface (124) defining or disposed within the cooking chamber. The cooking appliance also includes a viewing window (108) toward which the airflow is directed; and an image sensor (110) arranged to enable image capture of food contained within the cooking chamber through the viewing window. A flow guiding element (120) is arranged in the path of the airflow. The flow guiding element includes a ramp arranged to displace at least a portion of the airflow away from the viewing window (e.g., a plane away from the viewing window) and to guide at least a portion of the airflow around the viewing window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance having a viewing window for enabling an image sensor to capture images of food being cooked in the cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of cooking appliances are known, such as countertop cooking appliances that can be placed by consumers on a table or kitchen workbench.

[0003] One type of countertop cooking appliance is the air fryer. Air fryers are already common kitchen appliances, but their popularity continues to grow. For example, air fryers can take the form of portable ovens and are designed to fit comfortably on a kitchen countertop.

[0004] The difference between an air fryer and a traditional convection oven lies at least in part in the direction of air circulation through the cooking chamber. When oriented for use, the cooking chamber of an air fryer has a top and a bottom. Referring to the air fryer in US2022 / 202236A1, a circulation system in the form of a motor-driven fan is arranged to circulate air upwards through the food contained in the cooking chamber in a topward direction, and / or downwards through the food contained in the cooking chamber in a bottomward direction.

[0005] For example, by mounting the heating element of the air fryer near the top of the cooking chamber, the air that has already passed over the food can be reheated by the heating element before it is drawn back into the food through the duct and to the bottom. This arrangement has various advantages, especially in that it allows for frying effects without or with only a relatively small amount of cooking oil.

[0006] Another type of countertop cooking appliance is the so-called air cooker, whose circulation system can be arranged to allow air to circulate laterally (e.g., horizontally) through and through the food contained in the cooking chamber, wherein the air is laterally directed toward the side portion of the cooking chamber.

[0007] Incorporating image sensors into cooking appliances such as air fryers or air cookers can play a significant role in intelligent, assisted cooking. For example, air fryers, as described in US2022 / 202236A1, can identify food types through food image recognition and determine cooking settings based on food image analysis. Furthermore, food images can be used for cooking process control, browning control, remote monitoring, flame retardancy, and content sharing on social media.

[0008] Other applications of image sensors in cooking appliances include capturing images and / or videos to identify food quantities, such as volume, food distribution within the cooking chamber, and doneness levels.

[0009] However, the relatively rapid airflow in cooking appliances with circulation systems, especially air fryers, and the aerosols generated during cooking can cause the viewing window (i.e., the view port) to become quickly contaminated, through which the image sensor captures images of the food contained in the cooking chamber.

[0010] This contamination could mean that algorithms (e.g., trained algorithms) used to derive the aforementioned food-related information from one or more images of the food may not function reliably. In the worst case, the viewing window could be contaminated to the point that it becomes impossible to capture an image of the cooking room through the viewing window.

[0011] One possible option for removing contaminants from the viewing window is pyrolysis cleaning. However, this relies on exposing the viewing window to relatively high temperatures, which may not be feasible when using the heating systems of typical cooking appliances, especially countertop cooking appliances such as air fryers and air cookers. Furthermore, such high temperatures could potentially damage the image sensor.

[0012] Other possible solutions, such as detachable viewing windows for easy cleaning and / or replacement, may be inconvenient for users and expensive to implement. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0014] According to an example of one aspect of the invention, a cooking appliance is provided, comprising: a cooking chamber; a heating element; a viewing window; an image sensor arranged to enable image capture of food contained in the cooking chamber through the viewing window; a circulation system arranged to circulate air heated by the heating element within the cooking chamber; and a flow guiding element arranged in a path of airflow toward the viewing window, the airflow being provided by the circulation system, the flow guiding element including a ramp arranged to displace at least a portion of the airflow away from the viewing window and to guide at least a portion of the airflow around the viewing window.

[0015] By setting a ramp in the flow guiding element to redirect airflow away from the observation window, for example, from the plane of the observation window, contamination of the observation window can be reduced, especially contamination caused by aerosols generated by the food contained in the cooking chamber during cooking. Furthermore, since the airflow displaced from the observation window is still guided around it by the ramp, interference with the heating air circulation in the cooking chamber by the flow guiding element can be minimized, and therefore the impact on the cooking of the food contained in the cooking chamber can be minimized.

[0016] As used herein, the term "plane of the viewing window" may refer to the plane of the flat surface on which the viewing window is located, such as a plane exposed inside the cooking chamber. Alternatively, the term "plane of the viewing window" may refer to a plane tangent to a non-flat surface of the viewing window, such as a plane exposed inside the cooking chamber.

[0017] This tangent plane can, for example, be perpendicular to the normal that extends through the center of the viewing window.

[0018] Therefore, the term "plane of the viewing window" is not intended to refer only to a flat viewing window. In some embodiments, the viewing window is non-flat, for example, having a non-flat surface.

[0019] Examples of non-flat viewing windows may include viewing windows with curved profiles (e.g., convex surfaces).

[0020] Such a non-flat viewing window can be, for example, a lens, such as a lens other than the lens contained in the image sensor and positioned behind the viewing window.

[0021] It is typically noted that airflow can be provided along the interior surfaces that define the cooking chamber or are arranged within it.

[0022] In other words, the airflow can be a surface airflow provided along such an internal surface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the interior surface is included in the surface of the cooking chamber wall that defines the cooking chamber. Alternatively, the interior surface may be included in the surface of a partition wall disposed within the cooking chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the flow guiding element includes a protrusion that protrudes from an inner surface, along which airflow is provided.

[0025] For example, such a protrusion can provide a relatively direct and efficient way of realizing a flow guiding element, compared to alternative solutions involving recesses including ramps that are confined in an internal surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the protrusion extends at least partially around the viewing window, for example, the ramp also extends at least partially around the viewing window.

[0027] In such embodiments, the protrusions can displace air flowing toward the viewing window from all directions away from the plane of the viewing window and around the viewing window.

[0028] The protrusion can define an aperture, such as a truncated conical aperture, through which light reaches the observation window.

[0029] In some embodiments, the protrusion is detachable from the inner surface.

[0030] This can help clean the viewing window (and the protrusion itself), especially in embodiments where the protrusion extends at least partially around the viewing window.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ramp extends toward the observation window to a point spaced apart from the observation window along an axis that extends perpendicular to the observation window. Therefore, the ramp can extend to a height different from the plane of the observation window, thereby facilitating airflow away from the plane of the observation window and around it.

[0032] The flow guiding element may include a defining edge at which the extension of the ramp toward the viewing window terminates. This defining (e.g., sharp) edge can help ensure that the airflow initially guided upward along the ramp is directed by the flow guiding element around the viewing window, rather than returning toward the viewing window.

[0033] In some embodiments, the flow guiding element is arranged to guide airflow partially laterally around the viewing window, for example, along the inner surface.

[0034] This lateral airflow guidance around the viewing window helps minimize the interference caused by the flow guiding element on the circulation of heated air in the cooking chamber, and thus helps minimize the impact of the flow guiding element on the food contained in the cooking chamber.

[0035] In some embodiments, the flow guiding element includes a side facing a direction transverse to the airflow, wherein one or both sides are connected to the base of the ramp via a curved portion extending curvedly from around the ramp to the respective side.

[0036] (One or more) such curved sections can help the flow guiding element guide the airflow laterally around the viewing window.

[0037] In some embodiments, the observation window is arranged in a cooking chamber wall that at least partially defines the cooking chamber. Alternatively, the observation window may be arranged in a partition wall located inside the cooking chamber.

[0038] In embodiments where the cooking appliance includes a partition wall, the inner surface of the partition wall can at least partially define the inner cooking chamber arranged in the cooking room, regardless of whether the viewing window is arranged in the partition wall.

[0039] Pipes may be defined between the outer surfaces of the cooking chamber walls and the partition walls that at least partially define the cooking chamber.

[0040] In such embodiments, the circulation system may be arranged such that at least a portion of the heated air circulates around a duct, enters and passes through the inner cooking chamber and returns to the duct, wherein the duct is arranged such that the top and bottom of the inner cooking chamber are fluidly connected to each other, such that at least a portion of the heated air passing through the inner cooking chamber circulates through the height of the inner cooking chamber.

[0041] By directing heated air through the height of the inner cooking chamber, heated air can be delivered through the food contained within it. This can help achieve a frying or simmering effect.

[0042] In some embodiments, the air guiding member is arranged to guide at least a portion of the heated air circulated by the circulation system into the inner cooking chamber, and to guide at least a portion of the heated air along the inner surface of the partition wall toward the viewing window.

[0043] In such embodiments, an air guiding member can be arranged within a duct. Therefore, the air guiding member can facilitate the guidance of at least a portion of the heated air from the duct into the inner cooking chamber.

[0044] Air guides (such as starfish-shaped air guides) can help provide airflow along the inner surface toward the viewing window.

[0045] In some embodiments, the air guiding member is arranged to guide airflow along an internal surface (e.g., the inner surface of a partition wall).

[0046] In such embodiments, the air guiding member can be arranged to provide a rotational component to the airflow, causing the airflow path to curve around the internal surface. This rotational component can be provided in addition to the height of the airflow through the inner cooking chamber.

[0047] More typically, the cooking chamber and circulation system can be arranged such that when the cooking appliance is oriented for use, at least a portion of the heated air passes through the height of the cooking chamber.

[0048] It should be noted that directing the heated airflow upwards and / or downwards through the cooking chamber may eliminate the need for the aforementioned partition wall, inner cooking chamber, and ductwork. Therefore, in some embodiments, the partition wall, inner cooking chamber, and ductwork may be omitted.

[0049] For example, instead of partition walls, an inner cooking chamber, and ductwork, the cooking appliance may include a perforated food support base, such as a mesh or grille, arranged or potentially arranged within the cooking chamber to support food. In such embodiments, a large volume of heated air can be circulated within the cooking chamber, wherein both upward and downward airflow directions through the cooking chamber are possible.

[0050] A cooking chamber may be defined at least partially by a base portion, a top portion, and a side portion extending between the base portion and the top portion. It should be noted that, in this context, the terms "base" and "top" may refer to the orientation of the cooking utensil in use, such that when the cooking utensil is placed on a kitchen table or countertop, the base portion is located near the kitchen table or countertop, the top portion is located at the far side relative to the kitchen table or countertop, and the side portion extends vertically from the base portion along the direction of the top portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the viewing window is arranged in or near the top portion. This positioning of the viewing window facilitates capturing images of the food contained in the cooking chamber.

[0052] The flow guiding element can be arranged at or near the top portion.

[0053] For example, both the flow guiding element and the viewing window can be arranged at or near the top portion.

[0054] Therefore, the flow guiding element can be arranged to minimize contamination of the observation window located in or near the top portion.

[0055] It should be noted that, in this context, the term “nearby” can mean that the relevant components (e.g., flow guide elements and / or viewing windows) are located in the side portion, but closer to the top portion than the base portion.

[0056] In some embodiments, the ramp slopes downwards from the top portion toward the base portion. Therefore, the ramp can direct airflow downwards toward the base portion of the cooking chamber, and thus away from the observation window, for example, away from the observation window located in the top portion.

[0057] In some embodiments, the top portion includes a heat reflector. This heat reflector can particularly help protect the image sensor from heat within the cooking chamber when the viewing window is positioned within the heat reflector and / or in the upper part of the side portion.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a seal around the viewing window that restricts fluid from flowing around the viewing window toward the image sensor.

[0059] This seal can help minimize the risk of damage to the image sensor, for example, due to hot air and / or steam passing between the cooking chamber wall or partition and the viewing window.

[0060] In at least some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes at least one light emitter arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the cooking chamber through an observation window and / or through another window arranged adjacent to the observation window.

[0061] In embodiments where the cooking appliance includes an additional window, the ramp of the flow guiding element can be arranged to displace at least a portion of the airflow away from the additional window (e.g., the plane of the other viewing window) and to guide at least a portion of the airflow around the additional window.

[0062] In such embodiments, mitigating contamination of the viewing window and / or other windows through flow guiding elements can also help minimize interference from the light emitters(s) to the cooking room lighting.

[0063] More generally, cooking appliances can be household cooking appliances, such as household cooking appliances in the form of countertop cooking appliances.

[0064] Cooking appliances (such as household cooking appliances) can be ovens.

[0065] This type of oven can be, for example, a countertop oven or a built-in oven installed in the kitchen.

[0066] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance is an air fryer or an air cooker.

[0067] It should be noted that air fryers and air cookers can be examples of countertop cooking appliances.

[0068] When the cooking appliance is an air fryer, the circulation system can be arranged to circulate air upwards through the food contained in the cooking chamber along the direction of the top portion, and / or downwards through the food contained in the cooking chamber along the direction of the base portion.

[0069] When the cooking appliance is an air cooker, the circulation system can be arranged to allow air to circulate laterally through and through the food contained in the cooking chamber, where the air is directed laterally toward the side portions.

[0070] These and other aspects will become apparent and elucidated with reference to one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0071] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how to implement it, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0072] Figure 1 The cooking utensils according to the first example are depicted schematically;

[0073] Figure 2 A perspective view of a camera component for a cooking appliance is provided, based on an example.

[0074] Figures 3A to 3C Various schematic diagrams of cooking utensils based on the second example are provided;

[0075] Figure 4The cooking utensils according to the third example are depicted schematically;

[0076] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The illustration schematically depicts airflow redirection performed via a flow guiding element according to an example;

[0077] Figure 6 This illustrates the simulated airflow near the observation window when the spherical flow guide element is positioned adjacent to the observation window;

[0078] Figures 7A to 7C It shows when Figure 5A and Figure 5B The simulated airflow near the observation window is shown when the flow guiding element is arranged close to the observation window.

[0079] Figure 8 A flow-guiding element according to another example is schematically depicted; and

[0080] Figure 9 A perspective view of the top portion of a cooking appliance, based on another example, is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention can be better understood in conjunction with the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0083] A cooking appliance is provided, including a cooking chamber, a heating element, and a circulation system arranged to circulate air heated by the heating element within the cooking chamber. The circulation system provides airflow within the cooking chamber, such as airflow along an internal surface defining or disposed within the cooking chamber. The cooking appliance also includes a viewing window toward which the airflow is directed; and an image sensor arranged to enable image capture of food contained within the cooking chamber through the viewing window. A flow guiding element is arranged in the path of the airflow. The flow guiding element includes a ramp arranged to displace at least a portion of the airflow away from the viewing window (e.g., away from the plane of the viewing window) and to guide the at least a portion of the airflow through the viewing window.

[0084] Figure 1A cooking appliance 100 according to an example is schematically depicted. In this example, the cooking appliance 100 is in the form of an air fryer. However, this disclosure is more generally applicable to any type of cooking appliance 100.

[0085] It is specifically mentioned that the cooking utensil 100 is a household cooking utensil 100, such as a household cooking utensil 100 in the form of a countertop cooking utensil 100.

[0086] In some embodiments, cooking appliance 100 is an air cooker. It should be noted that air fryers and air cookers can be examples of countertop cooking appliances 100.

[0087] The cooking appliance 100 includes a cooking chamber 102 in which food (not visible) can be contained. The cooking chamber 102 may be defined at least partially by a cooking chamber wall 103.

[0088] The cooking chamber 102 may be defined at least partially by a base portion 103A, a top portion 103B, and a side portion 103C extending between the base portion 103A and the top portion 103B. The base portion 103A, the top portion 103B, and the side portion 103C may be included in the cooking chamber wall 103, for example, the cooking chamber wall 103 may define the cooking chamber wall 103.

[0089] It should be noted that, in this context, the terms "base" and "top" can refer to the orientation of the cooking utensil 100 during use, such as... Figure 1 As shown. For example, when the cooking utensil 100 is located on a kitchen table or work surface, this orientation can be used, wherein the base portion 103A is located near the kitchen table or work surface, the top portion 103B is located on the far side relative to the kitchen table or work surface, and the side portion 103C is upright from the base portion 103A along the direction of the top portion 103B.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes a partition wall 106, the inner surface of which at least partially defines an inner cooking chamber 107 disposed within a cooking chamber 102. In such embodiments, food may be specifically contained within the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0091] In some embodiments, the top portion 103B includes a heat reflector. Such a heat reflector can particularly help protect sensitive components of the cooking appliance 100, such as control circuitry, from the heat in the cooking chamber 102.

[0092] Heat reflectors can be formed from any suitable material, such as metals or metal alloys, for example, steel. Heat reflectors are preferably formed from galvanized metal sheets.

[0093] The cooking appliance 100 includes a viewing window 108, the function of which will be explained in more detail below. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the observation window 108 is arranged in the cooking chamber wall 103. For example, the observation window 108 may be arranged in the top portion 103B or at least near the top portion 103B.

[0094] In alternative embodiments, such as Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4 As shown, the observation window 108 is arranged in the partition wall 106, which is of course limited by the cooking appliance 100 including such a partition wall 106.

[0095] In embodiments where the cooking appliance 100 includes a partition wall 106, a duct 109 may be defined between the outer surfaces of the cooking chamber wall 103 and the partition wall 106. Heated air may circulate around the duct 109, entering and passing through the inner cooking chamber 107 and returning to the duct 109.

[0096] In such embodiments, the conduit 109 may be arranged to fluidly connect the top and bottom of the inner cooking chamber 107 to each other, such that the circulating heated air through the inner cooking chamber 107 traverses the height of the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0097] For this purpose, one or more holes 107A can be provided at the bottom of the inner cooking chamber 107, and one or more openings 107B can be provided at the top of the inner cooking chamber 107. In such embodiments, the conduit 109 can provide a fluid connection between the opening(s) 107B and the orifice(s) 107A, the fluid connection extending around the outer surface of the partition wall 106.

[0098] In such embodiments, one or more holes 107A may be defined by holes in a perforated food support base. The perforated food support base can be considered as a platform that can support food for cooking / baking / frying / steaming.

[0099] In some embodiments, the cooking utensil 100 includes a basket, the bottom portion of which corresponds to a perforated food support base.

[0100] More generally, the cooking chamber 102 can be arranged such that when the cooking appliance 100 is oriented for use, at least a portion of the heated air passes through the height of the cooking chamber 102.

[0101] The height through the cooking chamber 102 can mean that at least part of the heated air passes through the cooking chamber 102 upwards and / or downwards.

[0102] In other words, this height through the cooking chamber 102 can mean that the heated airflow passes upward and / or downward through the food contained in the cooking chamber 102. This can help provide the frying effect provided by the cooking appliance 100 (e.g., an air fryer).

[0103] It should be noted that directing the heated airflow upwards and / or downwards through the cooking chamber 102 may eliminate the need for the aforementioned partition wall 106, inner cooking chamber 107, and duct 109. Therefore, in some embodiments, the partition wall 106, inner cooking chamber 107, and duct 109 may be omitted.

[0104] For example, instead of the partition wall 106, the inner cooking chamber 107, and the duct 109, the cooking appliance 100 may include a perforated food support base, such as a mesh or grille, arranged or capable of being arranged within the cooking chamber 102 to support food. In such embodiments, a large amount of heated air circulation can be provided within the cooking chamber 102, wherein both upward and downward airflow directions through the cooking chamber 102 are possible.

[0105] Cooking appliance 100 includes an image sensor 110, which is arranged to enable image capture of food contained in cooking chamber 102 through viewing window 108, for example in Figure 1 , Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4 In the case of the non-limiting example shown, images of food contained in the inner cooking chamber 107 are captured.

[0106] This image capture can enable the identification of the type, quantity, distribution, and / or cooking level of food contained in cooking chamber 102 (e.g., inner cooking chamber 107).

[0107] This identification can be achieved through image analysis performed by a processing system contained in the cooking appliance 100 and / or a processing system contained in a cloud-based server and / or an external user device (such as a smartphone or tablet) separate from the cooking appliance 100.

[0108] Any suitable type of image sensor 110 can be considered, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor 110 or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor 110.

[0109] In at least some embodiments, the viewing window 108 is formed of a suitable light-transmitting / transparent and thermally robust material.

[0110] The observation window 108 can be made of glass.

[0111] Such an observation window 108 (e.g., glass window 108) arranged between the cooking chamber 102 (e.g., inner cooking chamber 107) and the image sensor 110 can help protect the image sensor 110 from the cooking conditions in the cooking chamber 102.

[0112] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance 100 includes a seal around a viewing window 108 to restrict fluid from flowing around the viewing window 108 toward the image sensor 110.

[0113] This seal can help minimize the risk of damage to the image sensor 110, for example, due to the passage of hot air and / or steam between the cooking chamber wall 103 or partition wall 106 and the viewing window 108.

[0114] In such Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 includes a partition wall 106, an inner cooking chamber 107, and a pipe 109. The image sensor 110 and the viewing window 108 can be arranged such that the image sensor 110 can capture images of the inner cooking chamber 107 through the pipe 109.

[0115] For this purpose, a gap can be defined in the partition wall 106, through which the image sensor 110 can capture images of the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0116] In at least some embodiments, and see also Figure 2 The cooking appliance 100 includes at least one light emitter arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the cooking chamber 102, such as the inner cooking chamber 107, through an observation window 108 and / or through another window 111.

[0117] Any suitable type of light emitter can be considered. In at least some embodiments, at least one light emitter comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

[0118] In such Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 includes an additional window 111, which may be arranged adjacent to the observation window 108.

[0119] The observation window 108 can be considered to be included in a transparent plate, for example, it can be defined by the transparent plate. Alternatively, the observation window 108 can be included in a window assembly that includes a plurality of transparent elements.

[0120] In embodiments where the cooking appliance 100 includes an additional window 111, the additional window 111 and the viewing window 108 may, for example, correspond to corresponding transparent elements included in such window assemblies. Figure 2 An example of this is shown in the figure.

[0121] In some embodiments, the image sensor 110 and the viewing window 108 may be included in the camera assembly CA, for example, together with one or more light emitters and / or additional windows 111 (if present).

[0122] This camera assembly CA facilitates the mounting of the image sensor 110 and the viewing window 108 in the cooking appliance 100 because the spatial relationship between the image sensor 110 and the viewing window 108 can be defined before the camera assembly CA is positioned in the cooking appliance 100.

[0123] More generally, the cooking appliance 100 includes a heating element 112 and a circulation system 114, 116, which is arranged to circulate air heated by the heating element 112 within the cooking chamber 102.

[0124] The heating element 112 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the heating element 112 includes a resistance heating element 112. In particular, a spiral resistance heating element 112 is mentioned.

[0125] For example, through circulation systems 114 and 116, air can be circulated through the gap(s) between the coils of this spiral resistance heating element 112 to heat the air. Figure 1 , Figure 3A , Figure 3C and Figure 4 Such coils are schematically depicted in the figure.

[0126] In at least some embodiments, the circulation systems 114, 116 include a fan 114 and a motor 116, wherein the fan 114 is rotated by the motor 116, thereby causing air circulation.

[0127] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 , Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4 As shown, the circulation systems 114 and 116 are arranged such that at least a portion of the air heated by the heating element 112 circulates around the duct 109, enters and passes through the inner cooking chamber 107 and returns to the duct 109.

[0128] At least a portion of the air heated by the heating element 112 can be directed upwards through the inner cooking chamber 107, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3C As shown. Alternatively, at least a portion of the air heated by heating element 112 can be directed downwards through the inner cooking chamber 107, as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0129] It is also reiterated that, in alternative embodiments that omit the partition wall 106, the inner cooking chamber 107, and the duct 109, the circulation systems 114, 116 can provide a large amount of heated air circulation within the cooking chamber 102, wherein both upward and downward airflow directions through the cooking chamber 102 are possible.

[0130] See details Figure 1 and Figures 3A to 3C The cooking appliance 100 (e.g., an air fryer) may include an air guiding member 117 arranged to guide at least a portion of the heated air circulated through the circulation systems 114, 116 into the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0131] In such embodiments, an air guiding member 117 may be arranged in the duct 109. Thus, the air guiding member 117 may help guide at least a portion of the heated air from the duct 109 into the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0132] For the air guiding member 117, any suitable design may be considered. The air guiding member 117 may, for example, include a so-called starfish shape. The starfish shape includes a plurality of radial fins that are shaped to guide at least a portion of the heated air circulating through the circulation systems 114, 116 into the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0133] More generally, the circulation systems 114, 116 provide airflow 118 within the cooking chamber 102 along the direction of the observation window 108.

[0134] For the purpose of image sensor 110 capturing images of food, viewing window 108 (in other words, camera viewport) is located in an area near the cooking space where food can be contained in cooking chamber 102. However, this area could also be positioned (e.g., completely positioned) within the main cooking airflow path. This could mean that viewing window 108 is at risk of being contaminated by particles (e.g., oil particles) carried by the airflow.

[0135] The air velocity and direction within the cooking chamber 102 can be determined based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and laboratory analysis.

[0136] For example, it has been found that when motor 116 causes fan 114 to rotate at a speed of 2650 rpm + / - 10%, Figure 1 The cooking appliance 100 of the type shown provides the following flow rates: size: 3.5 to 5.0 m / s; X direction (at / near the top portion 103B): 2.3 to 3.2 m / s; Y direction (at / near the top portion 103B): 1.9 to 2.8 m / s; and Z direction (at / near the top portion 103B): <0.5 m / s.

[0137] The flow rate value can vary depending on the area of ​​interest, but the above value is considered to provide a representative insight into air velocity, which can be provided in the area where observation window 108 is located.

[0138] Generally, the air velocity provided by the circulation systems 114 and 116 can be in the range of 2 to 5 m / s.

[0139] Flow vectors can also be established based on CFD analysis. A "snapshot" of the dynamic process in a plane can be derived from such analysis. This is sufficient to obtain an indication of the flow in the region where observation window 108 is located.

[0140] For example, focusing on the plane in which the observation window 108 is arranged provides further insight into how the air moves. By dividing the flow into X / Y / Z directions, it can be observed that the Z-direction flow is secondary to the X and Y-direction flows. Therefore, the airflow in the area where the observation window 108 is located can be approximated as a planar problem.

[0141] Furthermore, potential causes of contamination of the viewing window 108 may include: (i) “pure” airflow that sporadically delivers relatively small particles to the vicinity of the surface of the viewing window 108, where they then adhere; (ii) airflow entering with aerosols, in other words, air combined with relatively viscous (e.g., oil-based) particles of various sizes, and the higher temperature of the surface of the viewing window 108 increases the risk of such particles (e.g., oil droplets) adhering to the surface; and (iii) the fat / oil (and possibly water) mixture in the cooking chamber 102 becoming hot enough to “explode,” thereby driving particles toward the surface of the viewing window 108.

[0142] It can be assumed that cause (i) has a relatively minor impact on the contamination of observation window 108. However, cause (ii) may have a major impact, noting that the surface temperature of observation window 108 may not be high enough to cause the pyrolytic removal of particles (e.g., oil droplets) already adhered to the surface.

[0143] The relative impact of cause (iii) may be highly dependent on temperature, view-related factors, and distance. For example, if the heating element 112 is arranged behind a heat reflector such that the food contained in the cooking chamber 102 is in the shadow of the radiation provided by the heating element 112, the impact of cause (iii) may be relatively small. However, particles generated by the aforementioned “explosion” may form part of the aerosol described with respect to cause (ii).

[0144] See also Figure 1 , Figures 3A to 3C , Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5BAccording to the present disclosure, the cooking appliance 100 accordingly includes a flow guiding element 120 arranged in the path of the airflow 118 provided by the circulation systems 114, 116 toward the viewing window 108.

[0145] like Figure 5A As best shown, the flow guiding element 120 includes a ramp 122 arranged to displace at least a portion of the airflow 118 away from the plane of the observation window 108, as shown by arrow 123A, and to guide at least a portion of the airflow 118 through the observation window 108, as shown by arrow 123B.

[0146] By redirecting the airflow 118 away from the plane of the observation window 108 via the ramp 122 of the flow guiding element 120, contamination of the observation window 108 can be reduced, particularly contamination caused by aerosols generated by the food contained in the cooking chamber 102 during cooking. Furthermore, since the airflow displaced from the plane of the observation window 108 is still guided around the observation window 108 by the ramp 122, interference of the flow guiding element 120 with the circulation of heated air in the cooking chamber 102 can be minimized, and thus the impact on the cooking of the food contained in the cooking chamber 102 can be minimized.

[0147] The flow guiding element 120 can be considered as one or more flow interruptors that redirect the flow around the critical area where the viewing window 108 is located without losing or interfering with the main air frying flow. The latter ensures that excellent cooking performance is maintained regardless of whether the flow guiding element 120 is included.

[0148] It should be noted that the flow guiding element 120 may be geometrically identifiable (e.g., visible), and its effect may be measurable, for example by measuring the decrease in air velocity in the relevant area where the observation window 108 is located.

[0149] The flow guiding element 120 can be arranged in any suitable manner, as long as the flow guiding element 120 can redirect the flow in the manner described above.

[0150] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow guiding element 120 is arranged at or near the top 103B of the cooking chamber wall 103. For example, both the flow guiding element 120 and the viewing window 108 can be arranged at or near the top 103B. Therefore, the flow guiding element 120 can be arranged to minimize contamination of the viewing window 108 arranged in or near the top portion 103B.

[0151] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the ramp 122 slopes downward from the top portion 103B toward the base portion 103A. Therefore, the airflow 118 can be directed downward toward the base portion 103A of the cooking chamber 102 via the ramp 122, and thus away from the observation window 108, for example away from the observation window 108 arranged in the top portion 103B.

[0152] As a general illustration, airflow 118 may be provided along the interior surface 124 that defines or is arranged in the cooking chamber 102. In other words, airflow 118 may be surface airflow 118 provided along such interior surface 124.

[0153] In some embodiments, the inner surface 124 is included in the surface of the cooking chamber wall 103 that defines the cooking chamber 102. Alternatively, the inner surface 124 may be included in the surface (e.g., the inner surface) of the partition wall 106.

[0154] In such Figure 1 and Figures 3A to 3C In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 includes an air guiding member 117, which can be arranged to guide airflow 118 along an inner surface 124 (e.g., the inner surface of a partition wall 106).

[0155] In such embodiments, and as Figure 3B As best shown, the air guide member 117 (e.g., a starfish-shaped air guide member 117) can be arranged to provide a rotational component to the airflow 118, such that the path of the airflow 118 bends forward around the inner surface 124. This rotational component can be provided in addition to the height of the airflow 118 through the inner cooking chamber 107.

[0156] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 , Figures 3A to 3C , Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the flow guiding element 120 includes a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 124, along which an airflow 118 is provided.

[0157] For example, compared to alternative solutions involving recesses including ramps defined in the inner surface 124, such protrusions can provide a relatively direct and efficient way to realize the flow guiding element 120.

[0158] In some embodiments, and see again Figure 5AThe ramp 122 extends toward the observation window 108 to a point separated from the observation window 108 along axis A1, which extends perpendicularly to the observation window 108. Therefore, the ramp 122 can extend to a height H different from the plane of the observation window 108, thereby facilitating the displacement of the airflow 118 away from the plane of the observation window 108 and through the observation window 108.

[0159] The flow guiding element 120 may include a defining edge 125 at which the extension of the ramp 122 toward the viewing window 108 (e.g., from the inner surface 124) terminates. This defining (e.g., sharp) edge 125 can help ensure that the airflow 123A initially guided upward along the ramp 122 is guided by the flow guiding element 120 through the viewing window 108, rather than returning toward the viewing window 108.

[0160] In some embodiments, and see now Figure 5B The flow guiding element 120 is arranged to guide portions 126A, 126B of the airflow 118 laterally around the viewing window 108, for example, along the inner surface 124. This lateral airflow 118 around the viewing window 108 can help minimize the interference of the flow guiding element 120 on the heating air circulation in the cooking chamber 102, and can therefore help minimize the impact of the flow guiding element 120 on the food contained in the cooking chamber 102.

[0161] It should be noted that, in Figure 5B The portion of airflow 118 indicated by arrow 126C corresponds to the portion of airflow 118 that is displaced away from the observation window 108 by the ramp 122 and guided around the observation window 108.

[0162] In some embodiments, and still see Figure 5B The flow guiding element 120 includes sides S1 and S2 facing a direction transverse to the airflow 118, wherein one or both sides S1 and S2 are connected to the base of the ramp 122 via curved portions CP1 and CP2, which extend curvedly from around the ramp 122 to the respective sides S1 and S2. These curved portions CP1 and CP2 can help the flow guiding element 120 laterally guide the airflow portions 126A and 126B around the observation window 108, as in... Figure 5B It is indicated by arrows 127A and 127B.

[0163] Figure 6 The image shows the CFD simulated airflow near the observation window 108 when the spherical flow guide element 120 is arranged adjacent to the observation window 108 (its location is indicated by arrow 128).

[0164] The CFD simulation used an idealized spatial configuration in which an inflow of 5 m / s was applied, entering the air chamber from the left in the +X direction (from left to right). It was found in this non-limiting example that a spherical flow guide element 120 with a diameter of 20 mm was able to reduce the airflow velocity near the observation window 108 to 1 to 2 m / s, compared to 3.5 to 5 m / s without the flow guide element 120. This represents approximately a two-fold improvement, which can be interpreted as a reduction of half the particulate matter deposited on the surface of the observation window 108 over time.

[0165] Figures 7A to 7C It is shown that when Figure 5A and 5B The flow guide element 120 is shown as the CFD simulated airflow near the observation window 108 when arranged adjacent to it. This design of the flow guide element 120 has been found to be effective in projecting flow shadows within the observation window 108. In this non-limiting example, the airflow velocity near the observation window 108 is less than 1 m / s, corresponding to a five-fold improvement compared to a scenario without the flow guide element 120.

[0166] Figure 7A and Figure 6 Together, they show the displacement of at least a portion of the airflow 118 away from the plane of the observation window 108, and guide at least a portion of the airflow 118 around the observation window 108.

[0167] Figure 7B and Figure 7C A portion 126A, 126B of the guided airflow 118 is shown laterally surrounding the observation window 108, for example, passing along the inner surface 124, as shown above. Figure 5B As described.

[0168] This evidence suggests that by using the flow guiding element 120 to redirect the flow, the observation window 108 can be protected from the airflow 118, or the local flow near the observation window 108 can be significantly reduced. This minimizes or prevents the accumulation of contaminants on the observation window 108 over time.

[0169] It should be noted that, Figure 6 and Figures 7A to 7C The flow guiding element 120 shown is provided only as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the specific shape / form, curvature, and size of the flow guiding element 120 may vary, for example, depending on the specific architecture of the cooking appliance 100 in which the flow guiding element 120 is incorporated.

[0170] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, the flow guiding element 120 includes a protrusion or is in the form of a protrusion that extends at least partially around the viewing window 108, for example, the ramp 122 also extends at least partially around the viewing window 108.

[0171] In such embodiments, the protrusions can cause air flowing toward the viewing window 108 from all directions to move away from the plane of the viewing window 108 and around the viewing window 108.

[0172] The protrusion may, for example, define a hole, such as a truncated conical hole, through which light reaches the observation window 108.

[0173] Alternatively or additionally, the protrusion can be detached from the inner surface 124.

[0174] This can help clean the viewing window 108 (and the protrusion itself), especially in embodiments where the protrusion extends at least partially around the viewing window 108.

[0175] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, the observation window 108 is arranged in the top portion 103B, and in particular in the heat reflector.

[0176] This positioning of the viewing window 108 (and to facilitate capturing images of the food in the cooking chamber 102) can help protect the image sensor 110 from the heat in the cooking chamber 102.

[0177] Alternatively or additionally, the flow guiding element 120 may be arranged at or near the top portion 103B, particularly at or near the heat reflector.

[0178] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the flow guiding element 120 can be arranged at the corner of the top 103B, for example at a heat reflector.

[0179] This corner positioning of the flow guide element 120 can facilitate the design of the flow guide element 120 with appropriate size, curvature, etc., to enhance the redirection of airflow 118 away from the observation window 108.

[0180] Furthermore, this corner positioning of the flow guiding element 120 can reflect, in fact, for example, in the architecture of an actual cooking appliance 100, the viewing window 108 and the image sensor 110 can be ideally positioned at or near the top portion 103B, such as at the heat reflector, to facilitate imaging of the cooking space by the image sensor 110.

[0181] In implementing the claimed invention, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0182] The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to gain an advantage.

[0183] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0184] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil (100), comprising: Cooking room (102); Heating element (112); Observation window (108); An image sensor (110) is arranged to enable image capture of food contained in the cooking chamber through the viewing window; A circulation system (114, 116) is arranged to circulate air heated by the heating element within the cooking chamber; wherein, A flow guiding element (120) is arranged in the path of an airflow (118) toward the observation window, the airflow (118) being provided by the circulation system. The flow guiding element includes a ramp (122) arranged to displace at least a portion of the airflow away from the observation window and to guide the at least a portion of the airflow around the observation window.

2. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The flow guiding element (120) includes a protrusion that protrudes from an inner surface (124), along which the airflow (118) is provided.

3. The cooking utensil (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion extends at least partially around the viewing window (108).

4. The cooking utensil (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The ramp (122) extends toward the observation window (108) to a point (125), which is spaced apart from the observation window along an axis (A1) that extends perpendicular to the observation window.

5. The cooking utensil (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The flow guiding element (120) includes a defining edge, and the extension of the ramp (122) toward the viewing window (108) terminates at the defining edge.

6. The cooking utensil (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The flow guiding element (120) is arranged to guide the airflow (118) partially laterally around the observation window (108).

7. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The flow guiding element (120) includes sides (S1, S2) facing a direction transverse to the airflow (118), wherein one or both sides are connected to the base of the ramp (122) via curved portions (CP1, CP2) extending curvedly from around the ramp to the respective side.

8. The cooking utensil (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The observation window (108) is arranged in the cooking chamber wall (103) or in the partition wall (106), the cooking chamber wall (103) at least partially defining the cooking chamber (102), and the partition wall (106) located inside the cooking chamber.

9. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The inner surface of the partition wall (106) at least partially defines an inner cooking chamber (107) arranged in the cooking chamber (102), and a duct (109) is defined between the cooking chamber wall (103) and the outer surface of the partition wall, wherein the circulation system (114, 116) is arranged to circulate at least a portion of the heated air around the duct, into and through the inner cooking chamber, and back to the duct, the duct being arranged to fluidly connect the top and bottom of the inner cooking chamber to each other such that at least a portion of the heated air circulates through the inner cooking chamber through the height of the inner cooking chamber.

10. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 9, comprising an air guiding member (117) arranged to guide at least a portion of the heated air circulated through the circulation system (114, 116) into the inner cooking chamber (107), and to guide at least a portion of the heated air along the inner surface of the partition wall (106) toward the viewing window (108).

11. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The air guiding component (117) is arranged in the duct (109).

12. The cooking utensil (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cooking chamber (102) is at least partially defined by a base portion (103A), a top portion (103B), and a side portion (103C) extending between the base portion and the top portion, wherein the observation window (108) is arranged in or adjacent to the top portion.

13. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The flow guiding element (120) is arranged at or near the top portion (103B).

14. The cooking appliance (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The ramp (122) slopes downward from the top portion (103B) toward the base portion (103A).

15. The cooking utensil (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein, The top portion (103B) includes a heat reflector.

16. The cooking appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one light emitter arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the cooking chamber (102) through the observation window (108) and / or through another window (111) arranged adjacent to the observation window.

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