Cooking appliance and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The cooking utensil according to the present disclosure comprises: a cooking range comprising a cooking plate and a heating device, the cooking plate having a cooking area and an inlet, the heating device being arranged below the cooking plate corresponding to the cooking area; a range hood including a chamber housing disposed below the stove and having an outlet, a fan disposed inside the chamber housing and sucking air on the cooking plate through the inlet to discharge the air to the outlet, and a gas sensor disposed inside the chamber housing and measuring a level of pollution of the air; and a control unit that operates the fan at a predetermined rotational speed on the basis of activation of a heating operation of the heating device, determines a reference pollution level on the basis of a first pollution level measured by the gas sensor within a first predetermined time after the fan is operated at the predetermined rotational speed, and controlling the rotational speed of the fan by comparing a second pollution level measured by the gas sensor within a second predetermined time after determining the reference pollution level with the reference pollution level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to cooking appliances including a range hood and methods for controlling the cooking appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Cooking equipment is a appliance used to heat and cook objects (e.g., food), and it can provide many cooking-related functions such as heating, defrosting, drying, and sterilizing the objects. Cooking equipment may include a stove that uses electricity or gas to heat the cooking container holding the food.

[0003] A gas stove of the gas stove type is a device that uses gas to cook food. It ignites and burns gas from a small electric generator by turning a lever, generating heat and cooking food with that heat.

[0004] An induction-type electric stove is a device that uses electricity to generate an electromagnetic field in an internal coil, and uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to induce eddy currents in the cooking container to generate heat and cook food.

[0005] Stoves can produce pollutants during cooking, such as oil mist, unburned gas, and odors. A range hood is needed to expel the air containing these pollutants to the outside. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] This disclosure provides cooking equipment with improved ease of use.

[0008] This disclosure provides cooking appliances including a range hood capable of operating with minimal noise.

[0009] This disclosure provides cooking equipment including a range hood capable of automatic operation.

[0010] The technical aspects that can be achieved through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical aspects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a cooking appliance may include a stove, a range hood, and a controller. The stove includes a cooking plate and a heating element. The cooking plate includes a cooking area and an inlet. The heating element is disposed below the cooking plate corresponding to the cooking area. The range hood includes a chamber housing, a fan, and a gas sensor. The chamber housing is disposed below the stove and includes an outlet. The fan is disposed in the chamber housing and configured to draw in air from above the cooking plate through the inlet and exhaust the air to the outlet. The gas sensor is disposed on a side of the chamber housing where the outlet is not formed and is configured to measure the pollution level of the air. The controller is configured to: operate the fan at a defined rotational speed based on the initiation of heating operation of the heating element; determine a baseline pollution level based on a first pollution level measured by the gas sensor during a first defined time period after the fan is operated at the defined rotational speed; and control the rotational speed of the fan by comparing the baseline pollution level with a second pollution level measured by the gas sensor during a second defined time period after the baseline pollution level is determined.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a cooking appliance may include: activating a fan at a defined rotational speed based on the initiation of heating operation of a heating device; determining a baseline contamination level based on a first contamination level measured by a gas sensor during a first defined time period after the fan is activated at the defined rotational speed; and controlling the rotational speed of the fan by comparing the baseline contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor during a second defined time period after the baseline contamination level is determined. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example of removing a cooking plate from a cooking device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating a portion of the interior of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6This is a view illustrating a portion of the interior of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the location of the gas sensor in the range hood of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a top view of the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a control block diagram of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 and Figure 13 It is used to schematically illustrate from a time perspective. Figure 11 The flowchart is shown.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic control of the fan of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 It is used to schematically illustrate from a time perspective. Figure 14 The flowchart is shown.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface provided by a cooking device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The various embodiments and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to a particular form, and this disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents and / or substitutions to the corresponding embodiments.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or define the disclosed invention.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated in this document or clearly contradicted by the context, singular expressions may include plural expressions.

[0033] The terms “comprising”, “having”, etc., are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, elements, steps, operations, components, components, or combinations thereof.

[0034] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0035] Throughout the description, when an element is "on another element," this includes not only the case when the element is in contact with another element, but also the case when there is another element between the two elements.

[0036] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” used in the following description are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side, and the rear side may be defined as the -X side. For example, based on the accompanying drawings, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side may be defined as the -Y side. For example, based on the accompanying drawings, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side may be defined as the -Z side.

[0037] In this document, the terms “first,” “second,” “first,” “second,” etc., can be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, but do not limit the other aspects of the element (e.g., importance or order).

[0038] Additionally, as used herein, the terms “part,” “device,” “block,” “component,” and “module” refer to a unit for performing at least one function or operation. For example, these terms may refer to at least one process that can be processed by at least one piece of hardware (such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) or by at least one piece of software or processor stored in memory.

[0039] In the following description, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals or names may refer to parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0040] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The illustration shows an example of removing a cooking plate from a cooking device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0042] The cooking apparatus 1 may include a stove 10. The stove 10 may be configured to cook food. The stove 10 may be configured to heat food.

[0043] The cooktop 10 may include a cooking plate 11 on which cooking containers can be placed. For example, the cooking plate 11 may have a substantially flat shape. For example, the cooking plate 11 may include tempered glass, such as ceramic glass. The cooking plate 11 may have cooking areas on which cooking containers can be placed. For example, the cooking plate 11 may include multiple cooking areas to allow for the placement of multiple cooking containers.

[0044] The stove 10 may include an inlet 12. The inlet 12 may be formed on the cooking plate 11. The inlet 12 may be formed through the cooking plate 11. For example, the inlet 12 may be formed at approximately the center of the cooking plate 11. The inlet 12 may draw in air surrounding the stove 10. The inlet 12 may draw in air containing contaminants generated during cooking. Here, contaminants may include harmful gases, combustion gases, fine dust, oil mist, heat, and / or odors generated during cooking.

[0045] The stove 10 may include a user interface device (14, see cooking plate 11) on the cooking plate 11. Figure 10 Input interface device (14b, see ). Figure 10 It can receive commands from the user. The output interface device 14a can display various information about the cooking device 1. The output interface device 14a can be an area displayed to the user, through which at least a portion of the display component 15, which will be described below, is transmitted.

[0046] The stove 10 may include a housing 13. The housing 13 may be positioned below the cooking plate 11. The housing 13 may be attached to the lower part of the cooking plate 11.

[0047] The housing 13 may have a shape with an open top. For example, the housing 13 may include a bottom 13a and a side 13b extending upward from the bottom 13a.

[0048] Housing 13 may accommodate multiple components constituting the cooktop 10. Housing 13 may accommodate electronic components. Housing 13 may accommodate a display assembly 15, which will be described below. Housing 13 may accommodate a heating element 16, which will be described below. Housing 13 may accommodate a printed circuit board assembly (PBA, 17), which will be described below. Housing 13 may include a fan 18, which will be described below.

[0049] The stove 10 may include a display assembly 15. The display assembly 15 may be configured to implement an output interface device 14a. The display assembly 15 may be positioned corresponding to the output interface device 14a. For example, the display assembly 15 may be configured as a printed circuit board assembly (PBA) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) and including a display panel, switching elements, integrated circuit elements, etc.

[0050] The stove 10 may include a heating element 16. The heating element 16 may be configured to heat a cooking plate 11. The heating element 16 may be positioned below the cooking plate 11, corresponding to the cooking area of ​​the cooking plate 11. The heating element 16 may include a coil 16a.

[0051] A current whose amplitude varies with time can be applied to coil 16a. When current is applied to coil 16a, a magnetic field can be formed around coil 16a. As the current applied to the coil changes, the magnetic field formed around coil 16a can also change. According to the change of magnetic field, eddy currents can flow on the surface of the cooking container that is in contact with the cooking plate 11, thereby heating the cooking container.

[0052] Although the stove 10 is illustrated as an induction electric stove, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The type of stove 10 is not limited, as long as it can heat cooking containers. For example, the stove 10 can be configured as a gas stove, an electric ceramic stove, a combination stove, or an oven.

[0053] The stove 10 may include a power supply arm (PBA) 17. The PBA 17 may provide drive current to the heating element 16. The PBA 17 may be configured to implement circuitry for operating the heating element 16. The PBA 17 may include various components and / or circuitry for providing drive current to the heating element 16.

[0054] The heating device 16 may be positioned below the cooking plate 11 in correspondence with the cooking area, which will be described below. For example, the heating device 16 may be positioned below the cooking area of ​​the cooking plate 11.

[0055] PBA 17 may include a controller (110, see below) which will be described below. Figure 10 ) and / or communication circuits (120, see Figure 10 ).

[0056] The cooktop 10 may include a fan 18. The fan 18 may be configured for heat dissipation within the housing 13. The fan 18 may blow outside air to reduce the temperature of the PBA 17 and / or display component 15. The fan 18 may draw in outside air. The fan 18 may exhaust air flowing inside the housing 13. The outside air introduced into the housing 13 by the fan 18 can cool the interior of the housing 13 and is then exhausted to the exterior of the housing 13.

[0057] For example, the housing 13 may have an air inlet 19a and an exhaust outlet 19b. For example, the air inlet 19a may be formed in the bottom 13a of the housing 13. For example, the exhaust outlet 19b may be formed in the side 13b of the housing 13. External air can be drawn into the housing 13 through the air inlet 19a by the blowing force of the fan 18, and then discharged to the outside of the housing 13 through the exhaust outlet 19b. Although the air inlet 19a and exhaust outlet 19b are illustrated as being multiple, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of air inlets 19a and the number of exhaust outlets 19b are not limited.

[0058] Cooking appliance 1 may include a range hood 20. The range hood 20 allows air drawn in through inlet 12 to flow. The range hood 20 can direct the air drawn in through inlet 12. The range hood 20 can allow exhaust or recirculation of the air drawn in through inlet 12. The range hood 20 can exhaust the air drawn in through inlet 12 to the outside of the space (e.g., indoors) where the cooking appliance 1 is installed. The range hood 20 can recirculate the air drawn in through inlet 12 back into the space (e.g., indoors) where the cooking appliance 1 is installed. In summary, the range hood 20 can direct the air drawn in through inlet 12 to the outside of the space or back into the space. At least one filter 61 and / or 71 may be provided in the range hood 20, and the air flowing through the range hood 20 can be filtered by passing through at least one filter 61 and / or 71, as will be described below. Air that has traveled through at least one filter 61 and / or 71 can be discharged to the outside of the space or reintroduced into the space by the range hood 20.

[0059] The range hood 20 can be installed below the cooking plate 11. The range hood 20 can be installed below at least a portion of the stove 10. The range hood 20 can be installed below the bottom 13a of the housing 13. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the stove 10 and the range hood 20 can be integrally formed.

[0060] Because the range hood 20 is installed below the stove 10, sufficient upper space above the cooking equipment 1 is ensured. This empty space above the cooking equipment 1 ensures adequate cooking space and improves the cooking environment.

[0061] The range hood 20 may include a chamber housing 30. The chamber housing 30 may be positioned below the cooking plate 11. The chamber housing 30 may be detachably attached to at least a portion of the lower part of the cooktop 10. For example, the chamber housing 30 may be detachably attached to the bottom 13a of the outer casing 13. The chamber housing 30 provides a protected space for airflow management and filtration. By positioning the chamber housing 30 below the cooktop 10, space is saved and a clean appearance is maintained in the kitchen.

[0062] The chamber housing 30 can receive air drawn in through inlet 12. The chamber housing 30 can form a chamber 31 in which air can flow. Chamber 31 can include flow paths for guiding air into the space within the chamber housing 30. Air drawn in through inlet 12 can be guided by frame 210 and flow into the chamber housing 30, as will be described below. Inlet 12 helps draw air from cooking surfaces, which captures contaminants generated during cooking, such as fumes, oil mist, and odors, thus promoting a cleaner environment around the stovetop.

[0063] Various components may be housed in chamber 31. For example, at least one filter 61 and / or 71 may be housed in chamber 31. For example, a fan assembly 50, which will be described below, may be housed in chamber 31. For example, a tray 80, which will be described below, may be housed in chamber 31.

[0064] As another example, the gas sensor 90 can be housed within the chamber 31. In one embodiment, the gas sensor 90 can be mounted within the chamber housing 30. The gas sensor 90 can be disposed within the chamber housing 30 to measure the pollution level of the air within the chamber housing 30.

[0065] The chamber housing 30 can connect the stove 10 and the duct 40. The chamber housing 30 can guide air drawn in through the inlet 12 to the duct 40. For example, the chamber housing 30 may include an outlet (35, see...) Figure 4 Air is discharged from the chamber housing 30 through this outlet. Outlet 35 can allow efficient air exhaust to the outside of the cooking space or recirculate filtered air back into the room, thereby ensuring proper ventilation and reducing indoor air pollution during cooking. Outlet 35 can be connected to duct 40.

[0066] The range hood 20 may include a duct 40. The duct 40 may receive air exhausted from the chamber housing 30. The duct 40 may direct the air exhausted from the chamber housing 30 to the outside, or to a space where the cooking appliance 1 is installed. For example, one end of the duct 40 may be connected to the outlet 35 of the chamber housing 30. For example, the other end of the duct 40 may be connected to the outside or an indoor space. Therefore, the duct 40 may exhaust air that has been filtered by at least one filter 61 and / or 71 to the outside after it has been drawn in through the inlet 12, or it may recirculate the air back into the indoor space.

[0067] Although the chamber housing 30 and the conduit 40 are illustrated as separate components, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on various factors such as the type of stove 10 and the available installation space, the chamber housing 30 and the conduit 40 may be integrally formed.

[0068] The cooking appliance 1 may include a fan assembly 50. The fan assembly 50 may be housed within the range hood 20. Although the fan assembly 50 is illustrated as being housed within a chamber housing 30, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fan assembly 50 may be housed within a duct 40. For example, the fan assembly 50 may be configured as a component of the range hood 20.

[0069] The fan assembly 50 may include a fan 51. The fan 51 can force airflow. The fan 51 can generate suction. Air can flow through inlet 12 into the cooking appliance 1 via the suction of the fan 51. The fan 51 can be configured to draw air in from above the cooking plate 11 through inlet 12 and exhaust air through outlet 35. The fan 51 in the chamber housing 30 can generate the necessary suction to draw air containing contaminants from the cooking surface through inlet 12 and direct that air toward outlet 35. This configuration enhances the removal of cooking fumes and contaminants, thus ensuring cleaner air in the cooking environment. The placement of the fan 51 in the chamber housing 30 helps optimize space and airflow efficiency.

[0070] The fan assembly 50 may include a fan motor 53. The fan motor 53 may drive the fan 51. The fan motor 53 may provide rotational force to the fan 51.

[0071] The fan assembly 50 may include a fan housing 52. The fan housing 52 may cover the fan 51 and the fan motor 53. The fan housing 52 may accommodate the fan 51 and the fan motor 53.

[0072] The cooking device 1 may include at least one filter 61 and / or 71.

[0073] The cooking appliance 1 may include a first filter 61. The cooking appliance 1 may include a first filter holder 62 on which the first filter 61 is mounted. The first filter 61 can filter air drawn in through the inlet 12. The first filter 61 and the first filter holder 62 can be housed in the range hood 20. For example, the first filter 61 and the first filter holder 62 can be housed in the chamber 31. For example, the first filter holder 62 can be detachably connected to the frame 210.

[0074] The cooking appliance 1 may include a filter device 70. The filter device 70 may be housed within the chamber housing 30. The filter device 70 may include a second filter 71.

[0075] The filter device 70 may include a second filter holder 72 on which a second filter 71 is mounted. The second filter 71 can filter air that has traveled through the first filter 61. The second filter 71 may be positioned downstream of the first filter 61 along the direction of airflow. The second filter 71 and the second filter holder 72 may be housed in the range hood 20. For example, the second filter 71 and the second filter holder 72 may be housed in the chamber 31. For example, the second filter holder 72 may be detachably connected to the chamber housing 30.

[0076] For example, at least one of the first filter 61 or the second filter 62 may be a grease filter for removing oil particles contained in the air. For example, at least one of the first filter 61 or the second filter 62 may be a deodorizing filter for removing odor particles contained in the air.

[0077] Meanwhile, the first filter 61 and the first filter holder 62 can be referred to as a first filter assembly. For example, the first filter assembly can be configured as a component of the range hood 20. The second filter 72 and the second filter holder 72 can be referred to as a second filter assembly. For example, the second filter assembly can be configured as a component of the range hood 20.

[0078] Cooking appliance 1 may include a tray 80. The tray 80 can hold foreign matter, such as powder, debris, and water generated during cooking. The tray 80 may be positioned below the first filter assembly. The tray 80 may be housed within the chamber housing 30. For example, the tray 80 may be positioned on the underside of the chamber housing 30. For example, the tray 80 may be configured as a component of the range hood 20.

[0079] For example, tray 80 may include a handle 81 that can be gripped by a user. For example, a user can pull tray 80 out of chamber housing 30 or insert tray 80 into chamber housing 30 by gripping handle 81. For example, handle 81 may protrude toward inlet 12.

[0080] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating a portion of the interior of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. Figure 6 This is a view illustrating a portion of the interior of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0081] Cooking apparatus 1 may include a lid 100. Lid 100 may cover or open inlet 12. Lid 100 may be movable to cover or open inlet 12. Lid 100 may be rotatable to cover or open inlet 12. According to various embodiments, lid 100 may be omitted. That is, cooking apparatus 1 may not include lid 100. In the case where cooking apparatus 1 does not include lid 100, components associated with lid 100 (e.g., actuator 200) may also be omitted.

[0082] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of airflow is described. The cover 100 can open the inlet 12. Air can be introduced into the stove 10 through the inlet 12 opened by the cover 100. The air drawn in through the inlet 12 can flow to the range hood 20. The air drawn in through the inlet 12 can flow to the chamber housing 30. For example, the air drawn in through the inlet 12 can be guided by the frame 210 and flow to the chamber housing 30. One side of the frame 210 can communicate with the inlet 12, and the other side of the frame 210 can communicate with the chamber housing 30. The air introduced into the chamber housing 30 can travel through the first filter 61. The air that has traveled through the first filter 61 can travel through the second filter 71. The air that has traveled through the second filter 71 can flow to the intake side 50a of the fan device 50. The air introduced into the fan device 50 can be discharged through the exhaust side 50b of the fan device 50. The exhaust side 50b of the fan device 50 can be opened toward the outlet 35 of the chamber housing 30. Air discharged from fan unit 50 can flow out of chamber housing 30 through outlet 35. Air exiting chamber housing 30 can flow into duct (40, see...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air introduced into duct 40 can be exhausted to the outside or circulated indoors.

[0083] In the case where the cooking device 1 according to the embodiment does not include the cover 100, the air above the cooking plate 11 can flow into the stove 10 through the inlet 12.

[0084] In the case where the cooking device 1 according to the embodiment includes a lid 100, the cooking device 1 may include a drive 200.

[0085] The actuator 200 can generate a driving force. The driving force generated by the actuator 200 can be transmitted to the cover 100. The actuator 200 can move the cover 100. The actuator 200 can rotate the cover 100. Therefore, the cover 100 can be operated to cover or open the entrance 12.

[0086] At least a portion of the actuator 200 may be housed in the stove 10, and another portion of the actuator 200 may be housed in the range hood 20. For example, at least a portion of the actuator 200 may be housed in the housing 13, and another portion of the actuator 200 may be housed in the chamber housing 30. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the actuator 200 may be housed in various locations, as long as the actuator 200 can drive the cover 100.

[0087] The drive unit 200 may include a frame 210. The frame 210 may direct air drawn in through inlet 12 to the range hood 20. The frame 210 may form a flow path 210f for directing the air drawn in through inlet 12 to the range hood 20. The flow path 210f may be formed in the cooktop 10 (see [link]). Figure 7 The flow path 210f can be separated from the internal space 13c of the housing 13. Therefore, air flowing along the flow path 210f will not be introduced into the internal space 13c of the housing 13. This prevents airborne contaminants from entering the internal space 13c of the housing 13.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the location of the gas sensor in the range hood of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0089] exist Figure 8 The diagram shows a top view of the chamber housing 30.

[0090] The operation of fan 51 of fan device 50 causes air above cooking plate 11 to be introduced into chamber housing 30 through inlet 12. The air introduced into chamber housing 30 can travel through first filter 61. The air that has traveled through first filter 61 can travel through second filter 71 of filter device 70.

[0091] Air that has passed through the filter device 70 can be introduced into the fan device 50, and the air introduced into the fan device 50 can be discharged through the exhaust side 50b of the fan device 50. Because the exhaust side 50b of the fan device 50 is open toward the outlet 35 of the chamber housing 30, most of the air introduced into the fan device 50 can eventually be discharged through the outlet 35.

[0092] As a result, when the fan device 50 is in operation, the space between the inlet 12, the filter device 70 and the fan device 50 can correspond to a position with high flow rate.

[0093] On the other hand, the space ta on the corner side of the chamber shell 30 can correspond to a position with low flow velocity.

[0094] In particular, because the air that has traveled through the filter device 70 can be dispersed to both sides, and most of the air introduced into the fan device 50 can be discharged through the outlet 35, the flow rate in the space ta on the corner side of the chamber housing 30 near the fan device 50 may be low even when the fan device 50 is operating.

[0095] In one embodiment, where the outlet 35 is formed on the rear side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51, the gas sensor 90 may be disposed on the front side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51.

[0096] In other words, within the chamber housing 30, the gas sensor 90 can be positioned on the side opposite to the side forming the outlet 35. Specifically, the gas sensor 90 can be positioned on the side of the chamber housing 30 where the outlet 35 is not formed. Placing the gas sensor 90 on the side opposite to the outlet ensures that the sensor accurately measures the pollution level before the air is exhausted or recirculated. This position prevents direct exposure to fast-moving air, thereby extending the sensor's lifespan and improving its ability to detect fine particles and gases. The measured pollution level allows the system to automatically adjust the fan speed based on air quality, thus improving both performance and energy efficiency.

[0097] According to this disclosure, the gas sensor 90 can be installed in the chamber housing 30 in a location where there is almost no airflow during normal times, thereby extending the lifespan of the gas sensor 90. In other words, regarding the lifespan of the gas sensor 90, installing the gas sensor 90 in the chamber housing 30 may be preferred over installing the gas sensor 90 outside the cooking appliance 1.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, since the gas sensor 90 can be installed in the space ta in the chamber housing 30 where the flow rate is low, the lifespan of the gas sensor 90 can be extended.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a top view of the cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0100] refer to Figure 9 According to the embodiment, the cooking device 1 may include at least one cooking zone ca.

[0101] The cooking plate 11 may include visual indicators for distinguishing cooking areas ca. For example, visual indicators (e.g., visual lines) may be provided on the cooking plate 11 to distinguish multiple cooking areas from one another.

[0102] The cooking device 1 may include an entrance 12 located adjacent to the cooking area ca.

[0103] For example, if the cooking plate 11 includes multiple cooking zones ca, the inlet 12 can be located between the multiple cooking zones ca.

[0104] More specifically, the cooking plate 11 may include a first cooking area ca based on the inlet 12 on a first side (e.g., the left or upper side) and a second cooking area ca based on the inlet 12 on a second side opposite to the first side (e.g., the right or lower side).

[0105] According to this disclosure, because the inlet 12 is located between multiple cooking zones ca, contaminants generated in the cooking zones ca on both sides during cooking can be effectively drawn in through the inlet 12 when the fan 51 is running.

[0106] The cooking device 1 may include a user interface device 14 for interaction between the user and the cooking device 1.

[0107] User interface device 14 may include output interface device 14a and input interface device 14b. In one embodiment, output interface device 14a and input interface device 14b may be formed on cooking plate 11.

[0108] At least one output interface device 14a can generate sensing information and transmit various information related to the operation or running of the cooking device 1 to the user.

[0109] For example, at least one output interface device 14a can transmit information related to the settings of the cooking appliance 1 and the operation or running time of the cooking appliance 1 to the user. Information related to the operation or running of the cooking appliance 1 can be output via a display, indicator, and / or voice. At least one output interface device 14a may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0110] At least one input interface device 14b can convert perceived information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0111] At least one input interface device 14b may include: a control button k1 for controlling the heating intensity of the heating device, a power button k2 for turning on the cooking device 1, a run / pause button k3, a setting button k4, a timer button k5, and / or a range hood button k6.

[0112] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., a statement, an icon, etc.) that can indicate the function of the button.

[0113] At least one input interface device 14b may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0114] In this disclosure, a “button” may be replaced by a user interface (UI) element, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0115] The power button k2 is used to turn the cooking device 1 on or off.

[0116] When cooking device 1 is turned on, control button k1 can be activated.

[0117] Control button K1 is used to adjust the heating intensity of the cooking zone CA.

[0118] The heating operation of the heating device 16 corresponding to the cooking zone ca can be started by controlling button k1. Starting the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include applying a drive current to the coil 16a.

[0119] Additionally, the heating intensity of the heating device 16 corresponding to the cooking zone ca can be adjusted via control button k1. Adjusting the heating intensity of the heating device 16 may include adjusting the intensity of the drive current applied to the coil 16a.

[0120] The user can activate at least one of multiple cooking zones ca using control button k1. Activating a cooking zone ca may include operating or running the corresponding cooking zone ca. Operating or running a cooking zone ca may include operating or running the heating device 16 corresponding to the corresponding cooking zone ca.

[0121] The Run / Pause button k3 is used to temporarily disable the cooking area ca or reactivate a temporarily disabled cooking area ca.

[0122] In one embodiment, based on the selection of the run / pause button k3 in a first manner (tap), a command can be entered to temporarily deactivate the cooking area ca or reactivate the temporarily deactivated cooking area ca.

[0123] In one embodiment, the input interface device 14b can be locked or unlocked based on the selection of the run / pause button k3 in a second manner (touch and hold).

[0124] For example, locking the input interface device 14b may include placing the control button k1 in an inoperable state.

[0125] The setting button k4 is used to make various settings related to cooking equipment 1.

[0126] Based on the selection of the setting button k4, an interface or interface for changing various settings related to the cooking device 1 can be provided through the output interface device 14a.

[0127] The timer button K5 is used to set a timer for the operation or running of the cooking area CA.

[0128] The range hood button k6 is used to control the range hood 20. For example, the range hood button k6 is used to turn the fan 51 on / off, control the rotation speed of the fan 51, or activate / deactivate the automatic control function of the fan 51.

[0129] In one embodiment, based on the selection of the range hood button k6 in the first manner (tap), the rotational speed of the fan 51 can be increased or decreased depending on the number of times the first manner is selected (executed).

[0130] In one embodiment, the automatic mode of the fan 51 can be turned on or off based on the selection of the range hood button k6 in a second manner (touch and hold). Turning off the automatic mode can include turning on the manual mode.

[0131] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a user can easily control the range hood via the range hood button k6.

[0132] In addition, according to embodiments of this disclosure, users can easily switch the range hood to automatic or manual mode using the range hood button k6.

[0133] Figure 10 This is a control block diagram of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0134] refer to Figure 10 According to the embodiment, the cooking device 1 includes a controller 110. Furthermore, the cooking device 1 may include a user interface device 14, a gas sensor 90, a fan motor 53 that provides driving force to a fan 51, a heating device 16, and a communication circuit 120.

[0135] As described above, the user interface device 14 enables interaction between the user and the cooking device 1.

[0136] The cooking device 1 can process user input received through the input interface device 14b, or output information related to the cooking device 1 through the output interface device 14a.

[0137] For example, user input received through input interface device 14b can be transmitted to controller 110.

[0138] The gas sensor 90 can be installed in the chamber housing 30 and can measure the pollution level of the air introduced into the chamber housing 30.

[0139] Gas sensor 90 may include various sensors capable of detecting pollutants in the air.

[0140] For example, the gas sensor 90 may include a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, etc.

[0141] TVOC sensors can detect various pollutants present in the air and measure the pollution level corresponding to the amount of pollutants.

[0142] The gas sensor 90 can transmit data related to the level of air pollution to the controller 110.

[0143] Fan motor 53 can provide driving force to fan 51. Fan motor 53 may include a motor capable of controlling rotational speed. For example, fan motor 53 may be a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. Controller 110 can control the rotational speed of fan 51 by controlling fan motor 53.

[0144] The heating device 16 may include various devices for heating a cooking container placed on the cooking area ca.

[0145] The heating device 16 can be positioned below the cooking zone ca. For example, if multiple cooking zones ca are formed on the cooking plate 11, the cooking device 1 may include a heating device 16 corresponding to each of the multiple cooking zones ca.

[0146] The heating device 16 may include, for example, a coil 16a and a drive circuit for driving the coil 16a. The controller 110 can operate the heating device 16 by controlling the drive circuit. For example, the controller 110 can allow the heating device 16 to perform a heating operation by controlling the drive circuit to allow a drive current to be applied to the coil 16a.

[0147] The controller 110 can adjust the heating intensity of the heating device 16 by controlling the drive circuit. For example, the controller 110 can control the heating intensity of the heating device 16 by controlling the drive circuit to allow adjustment of the intensity of the drive current applied to the coil 16a.

[0148] The drive circuit for driving coil 16a may include a current sensor for detecting the current applied to coil 16a. The current data collected by the current sensor may be transmitted to controller 110.

[0149] The cooking appliance 1 may include a communication circuit 120 for communicating with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or other household appliances) via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0150] The communication circuit 120 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.

[0151] The communication circuit 120 can send data to or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication circuit 120 can establish communication with servers, user devices, and / or other household appliances, and send and receive various types of data.

[0152] For communication, communication circuit 120 can establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices and support communication through the established communication channel. According to embodiments, communication circuit 120 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with external devices through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network, such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0153] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, near-field communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0154] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuit 120. The mobile communication circuit 120 transmits and receives radio signals using at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0155] In one embodiment, the communication circuit 120 can communicate with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and other home appliances) via a nearby access point (AP). The access point can connect a local area network (LAN) connected to the cooking appliance 1, another home appliance, and / or the user device to a wide area network (WAN) connected to the server. The cooking appliance 1, the other home appliance, and / or the user device can then be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0156] The controller 110 can process user input received from the input interface device 14b.

[0157] The controller 110 can process data collected from various sensors, such as the gas sensor 90 and a current sensor for measuring the current applied to the coil 16a.

[0158] The controller 110 can control various components of the cooking equipment 1 (e.g., user interface device 14, fan motor 53, heating device 16, communication circuit 120).

[0159] For example, the controller 110 can operate the heating device 16 in response to receiving a user input for starting the heating operation of the heating device 16 through the input interface device 14b.

[0160] As another example, the controller 110 can adjust the heating intensity of the heating device 16 in response to receiving user input for adjusting the heating intensity of the heating device 16 via the input interface device 14b.

[0161] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may control the rotational speed of the fan 51 in response to receiving user input for adjusting the rotational speed of the fan 51 via the input interface device 14b.

[0162] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may also automatically control the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on data collected from various sensors, such as a gas sensor 90 and a current sensor for measuring the current applied to the coil 16a.

[0163] Controlling the fan 51 via controller 110 may include controlling the fan motor 53 via controller 110.

[0164] Controller 110 may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcomputer, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, controller 110 may include: at least one memory 112 for storing data of algorithms and program types for controlling the operation of components in cooking appliance 1; and at least one processor 111 configured to perform the aforementioned operations and operations described in more detail below using the data stored in at least one memory 112. Memory 112 and processor 111 may each be implemented as separate chips. Processor 111 may include one or more processor chips, or may include one or more processing cores. Memory 112 may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Memory 112 and processor 111 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0165] At least one memory 112 may store an algorithm for automatically controlling the rotational speed of the fan 51. In addition, at least one memory 112 may temporarily store at least one parameter (e.g., a reference value) for automatically controlling the rotational speed of the fan 51.

[0166] For example, controller 110 may determine a reference value for determining the start time of automatic control of fan 51 based on data collected from gas sensor 90, and may temporarily store the determined reference value in memory.

[0167] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may determine whether the cooking container is placed on the cooking area ca based on current data collected by a current sensor used to detect the current applied to the coil 16a.

[0168] For this purpose, memory 112 can store an algorithm for detecting a cooking container. The algorithm for detecting a cooking container may include an algorithm that can determine whether a cooking container is placed on the cooking area ca based on current data collected by a current sensor for detecting the current applied to coil 16a.

[0169] The controller 110 can apply a test current to the coil 16a based on user input received through the input interface device 14b, and can perform a container detection process to detect whether a cooking container is placed on the cooking area ca before the cooking area ca is operated or run.

[0170] Detecting whether a cooking container is placed on the cooking area ca may include: detecting whether a cooking container suitable for use with cooking equipment 1 is placed on the cooking area ca.

[0171] The cooking container suitable for use in cooking device 1 may include, for example, a cooking container that can be used in an induction heating device.

[0172] The controller 110 can activate or operate the cooking area ca based on the detection that a cooking container is placed on the cooking area ca.

[0173] For example, controller 110 can be installed on PBA 17, but the location of controller 110 is not limited to this.

[0174] The controller 110 can be electrically connected to the user interface device 14, the gas sensor 90, the fan motor 53, the heating device 16 and / or the communication circuit 120.

[0175] Figure 10 The components shown are merely examples of the construction of the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may also include, in addition to... Figure 10 Other components besides those shown, and may not include... Figure 10 Some of the components shown.

[0176] For example, if the cooking device 1 includes a cover 100 for covering the inlet 12, the cooking device 1 may also include a drive 200 for moving the cover 100.

[0177] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may control the driver 200 to open the inlet 12 based on the cooking device 1 being turned on. In one embodiment, the controller 110 may also control the driver 200 to open the inlet 12 based on the initiation of heating operation in the cooking zone ca. In one embodiment, the controller 110 may also control the driver 200 to open the inlet 12 based on the initiation of operation of the fan device 50. Conversely, the controller 110 may also control the driver 200 to close the inlet 12 based on the termination of operation of the fan device 50.

[0178] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. Figure 12 and Figure 13 It is used to schematically illustrate from a time perspective. Figure 11 The flowchart is shown.

[0179] More specifically, Figure 11 The illustration shows an example flowchart of a method for controlling the cooking appliance 1 when the automatic mode of the fan 51 is activated. The user can activate or deactivate the automatic mode of the fan 51 via the user interface device 14 (e.g., setting button k4 or range hood button k6). When the automatic mode of the fan 51 is deactivated, the rotational speed of the fan 51 can be changed solely based on user input via the input interface device 14b.

[0180] In the following text, see references Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 A method for controlling cooking equipment 1 according to an embodiment is described.

[0181] refer to Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 Cooking device 1 can be turned on (1010). For example, cooking device 1 can be turned on based on the selection of power button k2.

[0182] With cooking device 1 turned on, it is strongly assumed that the user will begin cooking with cooking device 1.

[0183] In one embodiment, the controller 110 can store the air pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 in memory 112 in real time based on the activation of the cooking device 1.

[0184] For example, the controller 110 can accumulate the air pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 based on the activation of the cooking device 1, and store the air pollution level in the memory 112.

[0185] The cooking device 1 can initiate a heating operation (1020). For example, the cooking device 1 can initiate a heating operation on the cooking area ca based on user input received via control button k1 to operate the cooking area ca.

[0186] When the controller 110 receives user input via the control button k1 to operate the first cooking zone ca among the multiple cooking zones ca, the controller 110 can operate or run the first heating device 16 among the multiple heating devices 16 corresponding to the first cooking zone ca.

[0187] When the controller 110 receives user input via the control button k1 to operate the second cooking zone ca among the multiple cooking zones ca, the controller 110 can operate or run the second heating device 16 among the multiple heating devices 16 corresponding to the second cooking zone ca.

[0188] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may operate the fan 51 at a defined rotational speed (1030) based on the activation of the heating operation of the heating device 16 ("Yes" in operation 1020). The controller's ability to operate the fan 51 at a predetermined speed when the heating device is activated ensures that air is continuously drawn from the cooking area even before contaminants accumulate. This proactive measure can reduce the buildup of smoke or odors from the start of cooking, thereby enhancing user comfort and reducing potential air quality problems.

[0189] In this case, the defined rotational speed is the speed at which fan 51 can provide only minimum suction force without generating noise, and this defined rotational speed can be pre-stored in memory 112. For example, the defined rotational speed can be preset so that the airflow of fan 51 can be set to a rotational speed of approximately 250 cmh to 350 cmh. Alternatively, other reasonable sub-ranges can be considered, such as 260 cmh to 340 cmh for higher target efficiency, or 275 cmh to 325 cmh to ensure consistent performance in standard cooking scenarios. Furthermore, a range such as 300 cmh to 350 cmh may be beneficial for higher suction performance, while a wider range (such as 200 cmh to 400 cmh) can be applied to different fan models, thus providing flexibility in balancing power and energy efficiency.

[0190] In other words, controller 110 can cause fan 51 to operate at minimum airflow based on the activation of heating operation of heating device 16 ("Yes" in operation 1020).

[0191] The heating operation of starting the heating device 16 may include: receiving a command for the heating operation of the heating device 16, preparing to perform the heating operation through the heating device 16, or actually starting the heating operation performed by the heating device 16.

[0192] In one embodiment, activating the fan 51 based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include activating the fan 51 in response to receiving user input via control button k1 for operating the heating device 16.

[0193] In one embodiment, activating the fan 51 based on the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include applying a drive current to the coil 16a in response to activation to activate the fan 51.

[0194] In one embodiment, activating the fan 51 based on the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include activating the fan 51 in response to detecting that a cooking container has been placed on the cooking area by applying a test current to the coil 16a.

[0195] According to this disclosure, when the heating device 16 starts heating operation, the fan 51 is automatically operated at a minimum airflow, thereby pre-measuring the air pollution level before cooking.

[0196] The controller 110 can determine a baseline contamination level (1040) based on a first contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 within a first defined time period pd1 after the fan 51 has been operated at a defined rotational speed (after t1). Determining the baseline contamination level after the defined time period pd1 ensures that the fan 51 starts at a baseline level of air cleanliness. By establishing a baseline, the system can accurately detect any deviations caused by contaminants from cooking. This prevents unnecessary adjustments to the speed of the fan 51 when no contaminants are present and ensures that changes in fan speed are based on the actual contamination level.

[0197] In this context, the first defined time period PD1 can be preset as the time period used to measure air pollution levels before cooking begins. For example, the first defined time period PD1 could be set to approximately 30 seconds, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, other reasonable sub-ranges can be considered, such as 25 to 35 seconds for slight flexibility in varying cooking scenarios, or 28 to 32 seconds for a more precise measurement period. Wider ranges, such as 20 to 60 seconds or 30 to 45 seconds, can also be used to accommodate different environments or fan system configurations. In special cases, alternative ranges can be applied, such as 15 to 30 seconds for faster detection, or 30 to 90 seconds for a more sensitive system.

[0198] The first pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the first defined time period pd1 may include the average value of the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the first defined time period pd1.

[0199] Determining a baseline pollution level based on a first pollution level can include setting the first pollution level as the baseline pollution level.

[0200] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may determine a first pollution level as a baseline pollution level.

[0201] According to this disclosure, the cooking device 1 can make the fan 51 operate at a minimum airflow to make air flow in the range hood, and can set the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 before the pollutants are generated by cooking as a baseline pollution level, and thus the environmental conditions before the pollutants are generated by cooking can be taken into account when the automatic control of the fan 51 is performed later.

[0202] As another example, determining a baseline contamination level based on a first contamination level may include comparing an initial contamination level measured by a gas sensor 90 before the heating operation of the heating device 16 is started (before t1) with the first contamination level, and determining the initial contamination level or the first contamination level as the baseline contamination level based on the result of the comparison.

[0203] For example, the initial contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 before the heating operation of the heating device 16 is started ("No" in operation 1020) may include: the average contamination level value measured by the gas sensor 90 from the time point t0 when the cooking device 1 is turned on to the time point t1 when the heating operation is started.

[0204] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may determine the first pollution level as a baseline pollution level in response to the first pollution level being less than or equal to the initial pollution level.

[0205] In one embodiment, controller 110 may determine the initial pollution level as a baseline pollution level in response to a first pollution level being greater than an initial pollution level. In other words, controller 110 may determine the smaller of the first pollution level and the initial pollution level as the baseline pollution level.

[0206] Generally, when the cooking appliance 1 operates the fan 51 at minimum airflow to allow air to circulate in the range hood before cooking, fresh air in the space where the cooking appliance 1 is installed flows into the range hood, and the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 does not increase.

[0207] However, if air is circulated in the range hood by running the fan 51 at minimum airflow before cooking begins, and the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 is higher than the pollution level before the fan 51 was running, this could indicate that an unexpected change has occurred in the air, such as when the user quickly starts cooking.

[0208] Therefore, if air is circulated in the range hood by running the fan 51 at minimum airflow before cooking begins, and the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 is higher than the pollution level before the fan 51 was running, the initial pollution level can be set as the baseline pollution level, thereby more accurately taking into account the environmental conditions before the pollutants are generated by cooking.

[0209] A baseline contamination level can be used as a criterion for determining whether to later initiate automatic control of fan 51. As will be described below, controller 110 can compare the contamination level measured by gas sensor 90 after cooking has started with the baseline contamination level in order to control the rotational speed of fan 51.

[0210] The controller 110 can temporarily store the determined baseline contamination level in the memory 112. In one embodiment, if the heating device 16 restarts its heating operation within a limited time period (e.g., 1 hour) after the heating operation of the heating device 16 has ended, the controller 110 can control the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the baseline contamination level stored in the memory 112. That is, if the heating device 16 restarts its heating operation within a limited time period (e.g., 1 hour) after the heating operation of the heating device 16 has ended, the operation 1040 of determining the baseline contamination level can be omitted.

[0211] The controller 110 can compare a baseline pollution level with a second pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 during a second defined time period pd2 after the time point t2 in which the baseline pollution level is determined (1050).

[0212] The second pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within a second defined time period pd2 after the baseline pollution level is determined may include: the average value of the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the second defined time period pd2.

[0213] Controller 110 can cause fan 51 to operate at a limited rotational speed until time point t3, which is the second limited time period pd2 since the baseline pollution level was determined. In other words, controller 110 can cause fan 51 to operate at minimum airflow until time point t3, which is the second limited time period pd2 since the baseline pollution level was determined.

[0214] In one embodiment, the second defined time period pd2 can be determined as an appropriate time period until contaminants are generated during cooking with the cooking equipment 1.

[0215] Because it takes some time from when the user starts cooking until contaminants are generated through cooking, the second time period pd2 can be set to be longer than the first time period pd1.

[0216] According to this disclosure, by setting the second defined time period pd2 to be longer than the first defined time period pd1, the rotation speed of the fan 51 can be prevented from being automatically adjusted due to an unexpected increase in the level of contamination measured by the gas sensor 90, even if the user does not start cooking or cooking does not produce contaminants.

[0217] However, if the second time period pd2 is set to be extremely long, even if a considerable amount of time has elapsed since cooking started and contaminants have been generated, the rotation speed of fan 51 may not change.

[0218] At the same time, it can be estimated that the more heating devices 16 that perform the heating operation, the shorter the time it takes for contaminants to be generated by cooking, and the fewer heating devices 16 that perform the heating operation, the longer the time it takes for contaminants to be generated by cooking.

[0219] In one embodiment, when the cooking device 1 includes multiple cooking zones ca, the controller 110 can determine the second defined time period pd2 based on the number of cooking zones ca that are in operation or running among the multiple cooking zones ca.

[0220] In other words, the controller 110 can set the second time period pd2 based on the number of heating devices 16 performing heating operations among the plurality of heating devices 16.

[0221] In one embodiment, as the number of heating devices 16 performing heating operations increases, the controller 110 can set the second defined time period pd2 to be shorter.

[0222] For example, when a single cooking zone CA is operating, controller 110 can define a first time period as the second defined time period pd2. When two cooking zones CA are operating, controller 110 can define a second time period as the second defined time period pd2. When three cooking zones CA are operating, controller 110 can define a third time period as the second defined time period pd2. When four cooking zones CA are operating, controller 110 can define a fourth time period as the second defined time period pd2. In this case, the first time period can be set to approximately 2 minutes, the second time period can be set to approximately 1.5 minutes, the third time period can be set to approximately 1 minute, and the fourth time period can be set to approximately 1 minute, but the above examples of the first to fourth time periods are not limited to this.

[0223] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may also determine a second defined time period pd2 based on the time point at which the cooking area ca is operated and the number of cooking areas ca in operation.

[0224] For example, if an operation is started in one cooking zone ca while another cooking zone ca has been operating for 1 minute, the fifth period, which is shorter than the first period and longer than the second period, can be defined as the second limited period pd2.

[0225] According to this disclosure, the second time period pd2 can vary depending on the number of cooking zones ca in operation, and thus it is possible to determine whether to initiate automatic control of fan 51 at the optimal time.

[0226] Because fan 51 operates at minimum airflow until time point t3, which is the second defined time period pd2 since the baseline pollution level was determined, the user may hardly notice any noise generated by the rotation of fan 51.

[0227] Meanwhile, since the gas sensor 90 according to the embodiment is housed in the chamber housing 30, accurate data about the air above the cooking plate 11 can be collected by operating the fan 51. Therefore, the cooking apparatus 1 according to the embodiment can continuously collect accurate data about the air above the cooking plate 11 by operating the fan 51 at minimum airflow, based on the activation of the heating operation of the heating device 16.

[0228] The controller 110 can control the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on comparing the second pollution level with a baseline pollution level.

[0229] In this disclosure, a pollution level greater than another pollution level may include: the pollution level being greater than the other pollution level by a first margin pollution level.

[0230] In other words, in this disclosure, a pollution level greater than another pollution level may include: the pollution level being greater than the sum of the other pollution level and the first margin pollution level.

[0231] In this disclosure, a pollution level less than or equal to another pollution level may include: the pollution level not being greater than the other pollution level by a first margin pollution level.

[0232] In other words, in this disclosure, a pollution level less than or equal to another pollution level may include: the pollution level being less than or equal to the sum of the other pollution level and the first margin pollution level.

[0233] In this disclosure, a pollution level being less than another pollution level may include: the pollution level being less than the other pollution level by a second margin pollution level.

[0234] In other words, in this disclosure, a pollution level being less than another pollution level may include: the pollution level being less than the difference between the other pollution level and the second margin pollution level.

[0235] In this disclosure, a pollution level equal to another pollution level may include: the pollution level not being greater than the other pollution level by a first margin pollution level, or the pollution level not being less than the other pollution level by a second margin pollution level.

[0236] In other words, in this disclosure, a pollution level equal to another pollution level may include: the pollution level being less than the sum of the other pollution level and the first margin pollution level, and greater than the difference between the other pollution level and the second margin pollution level.

[0237] In this case, the first margin contamination level and the second margin contamination level can be pre-stored in memory 112, or the first margin contamination level and the second margin contamination level can be determined based on the ratio relative to the contamination level to be compared (e.g., about 10%).

[0238] Furthermore, the first margin pollution level and the second margin pollution level can be different from each other. For example, the first margin pollution level can be lower than the second margin pollution level. According to this disclosure, by setting the first margin pollution level to be lower than the second margin pollution level, the rotational speed of the fan 51 can increase rapidly in response to an increase in the pollution level and decrease gradually in response to a decrease in the pollution level.

[0239] According to various embodiments, the first margin pollution level and the second margin pollution level can also be set by the user through the user interface device 14.

[0240] In one embodiment, controller 110 may increase the rotational speed of fan 51 (1060) based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level ("yes" in operation 1050).

[0241] Increasing the rotational speed of fan 51 may include increasing the rotational speed of fan 51 by a predetermined speed (e.g., about 5% to 10% of the maximum rotational speed). Increasing the rotational speed of fan 51 may also include increasing the airflow of fan 51 by a predetermined airflow (e.g., about 5% to 10% of the maximum airflow).

[0242] In one embodiment, controller 110 may initiate automatic control of fan 51 based on a second pollution level being greater than a baseline pollution level.

[0243] The following will refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 This describes the automatic control of fan 51.

[0244] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may increase the rotational speed of the fan 51 and initiate automatic control of the fan 51 based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0245] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may initiate automatic control of the fan 51 without increasing the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0246] Once automatic control of fan 51 is initiated, controller 110 can be based on Figure 15 The flowchart is used to control the cooking equipment 1.

[0247] In one embodiment, controller 110 may maintain the rotational speed of fan 51 (1055) based on a second pollution level being less than or equal to a baseline pollution level ("No" in operation 1050).

[0248] The controller 110 can repeatedly compare the third pollution level with the reference pollution level (1057). Here, the third pollution level can be measured by the gas sensor 90 within a third defined time period pd3 starting from the time point t3 when the rotational speed of the fan 51 is maintained based on the comparison result between the second pollution level and the reference pollution level.

[0249] For example, the controller 110 may repeatedly compare the third pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the third defined time period pd3 with the reference pollution level (1057) until it is determined that the third pollution level is greater than the reference pollution level.

[0250] The third pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the third defined time period pd3 may include: the average value of the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the third defined time period pd3.

[0251] Assuming time point t4 is the current time, then the third pollution level can be obtained at the current time t4. Similarly, assuming time point t5 is the current time, then the third pollution level can be obtained at the current time t5. Therefore, the third pollution level can be defined as the current pollution level.

[0252] In other words, the controller 110 can compare the current pollution level with the baseline pollution level within each third defined time period pd3.

[0253] Based on the fact that the current pollution level at time point t4 is less than or equal to the baseline pollution level, the controller 110 can again perform operation 1057 at time point t5, which compares the third pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within the third limited time period pd3 with the baseline pollution level.

[0254] The controller 110 can perform operation 1060 based on the fact that the current pollution level at time point t5 is greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0255] In other words, based on the fact that the current pollution level is greater than the baseline pollution level, the controller 110 can: increase the rotation speed of the fan 51; initiate automatic control of the fan 51; or increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 and initiate automatic control of the fan 51.

[0256] The time point t3 at which the controller 110 maintains the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on the comparison between the second contamination level and the baseline contamination level is a considerable amount of time that has elapsed since the cooking zone ca was started. In other words, time point t3 can be estimated as a sufficient amount of time that has elapsed for contaminants generated by cooking. Therefore, the third defined time period pd3 can be set to a shorter time than the second defined time period pd2.

[0257] For example, the third time period pd3 can be set to 10 seconds, but it is not limited to this.

[0258] According to this disclosure, the automatic control of fan 51 is not activated until sufficient time has elapsed for contaminants generated by cooking; and whether to activate the automatic control of fan 51 can be determined in a short period after sufficient time has elapsed for contaminants generated by cooking, thereby allowing the automatic control of fan 51 to be activated at the optimal time.

[0259] Effective air management is achieved by dynamically controlling fan speed by comparing pollution levels measured over time. If pollution levels rise, the system can increase fan speed to remove pollutants more quickly, while if pollution levels remain low, the system can reduce fan speed to save energy and reduce noise. This provides an intelligent ventilation system that adapts to real-time conditions, thereby improving both energy efficiency and user experience.

[0260] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic control of the fan of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. Figure 15 It is used to schematically illustrate from a time perspective. Figure 14 The flowchart is shown.

[0261] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 An example is described of the process by which the cooking device 1, according to an embodiment, performs automatic control of the fan 51.

[0262] refer to Figure 14 The cooking device 1 can initiate automatic control (1060) of the fan 51.

[0263] As described above, the controller 110 can initiate automatic control of the fan 51 based on the satisfaction of the automatic control start conditions for the fan 51.

[0264] For example, controller 110 can be from Figure 12 Time point t3 or Figure 13 The automatic control of fan 51 is initiated at time point t5.

[0265] Based on the activation of the automatic control of fan 51, controller 110 can repeatedly compare the previous pollution level with the current pollution level (1070).

[0266] In this case, the previous pollution level may include the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from the previous first time point to the previous second time point, and the current pollution level may include the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from the previous second time point to the current time.

[0267] The pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from the previous first time point to the previous second time point may include: the average pollution level value measured by gas sensor 90 from the previous first time point to the previous second time point.

[0268] The pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from the previous second time point to the current time may include: the average value of the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from the previous second time point to the current time.

[0269] The time period between the first time point and the second time point can be the same as the time period between the second time point and the current time.

[0270] In other words, the controller 110 can compare the pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 during the fourth defined time period pd4 with the pollution level that will be measured by the gas sensor 90 during a future fourth defined time period pd4.

[0271] The fourth time interval pd4 can be similar to the third time interval pd3. For example, the fourth time interval pd4 can be set to approximately 10 seconds.

[0272] Assuming time point t6 is the current time, the current pollution level can correspond to the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 within the fourth defined time period pd4 from time point t5 to time point t6, and the previous pollution level can correspond to the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 within the fourth defined time period pd4 from the time point before time point t5 to time point t5.

[0273] Assuming time point t7 is the current time, the current pollution level can correspond to the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 during the fourth defined time period pd4 from time point t6 to time point t7, and the previous pollution level can correspond to the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 during the fourth defined time period pd4 from time point t5 to time point t6.

[0274] Assuming time point t8 is the current time, the current pollution level can correspond to the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 during the fourth defined time period pd4 from time point t7 to time point t8, and the previous pollution level can correspond to the pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 during the fourth defined time period pd4 from time point t6 to time point t7.

[0275] The controller 110 can maintain the rotational speed of the fan 51 (1085) based on the current pollution level being equal to the previous pollution level ("yes" in operation 1080).

[0276] The controller 110 can increase the rotational speed of the fan 51 (1095) based on the current pollution level being greater than the previous pollution level ("yes" in operation 1090).

[0277] The controller 110 can reduce the rotational speed of the fan 51 (1096) based on the fact that the current pollution level is lower than the previous pollution level ("No" in operation 1090).

[0278] In other words, based on the automatic control of the fan 51, the controller 110 can repeatedly execute the process of maintaining the rotational speed of the fan 51, increasing the rotational speed of the fan 51, or decreasing the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on the comparison between the current pollution level and the previous pollution level.

[0279] According to this disclosure, after the automatic control of the fan 51 is initiated, the air volume of the fan 51 can be changed within a short period (fourth limited time period pd4) according to the air pollution level, thereby effectively drawing in pollutants generated above the cooking plate 11 through the inlet 12.

[0280] According to this disclosure, the cooking device 1 can automatically adjust the airflow of the fan 51 without requiring the user to adjust it, thereby improving user convenience.

[0281] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking appliance according to an embodiment.

[0282] refer to Figure 16 Cooking device 1 can determine the end of cooking (2010).

[0283] For example, cooking device 1 can determine that cooking is complete based on the end of the heating operation of heating device 16.

[0284] As another example, cooking device 1 can determine that cooking is complete based on cooking device 1 being turned off.

[0285] As another example, cooking device 1 can determine that cooking is complete based on the fact that the amount of change in the amount of pollution level decreases per unit time after the pollution level collected by gas sensor 90 is greater than a baseline pollution level.

[0286] The controller 110 can reduce the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the end of cooking, and make the fan 51 operate at the reduced rotation speed for a limited period of time (2020).

[0287] For example, controller 110 may reduce the rotational speed of fan 51 based on the end of heating operation of heating device 16, and make fan 51 operate at reduced rotational speed for a limited period of time (e.g., about 10 minutes).

[0288] In this case, reducing the rotational speed of fan 51 may include reducing the rotational speed of fan 51 by a predetermined ratio (e.g., 0.5 times).

[0289] According to this disclosure, the cooking device 1 can effectively draw in pollutants dispersed in the air through the inlet 12 after cooking is completed.

[0290] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may reduce the rotational speed of the fan 51 and keep the fan 51 running for a limited period of time, and then perform a delayed operation (2030).

[0291] The delayed operation may include: operating fan 51 at a limited rotational speed for a limited time period. The limited rotational speed in the delayed operation can be related to... Figure 11 The rotational speed is the same as that specified in operation 1030.

[0292] In other words, after cooking is completed and an operation is performed to effectively remove pollutants dispersed in the air, the cooking device 1 can perform a delayed operation to remove the remaining pollutants with minimal noise.

[0293] The controller 110 can automatically stop the fan 51 after a delayed operation.

[0294] According to this disclosure, even when cooking is complete, the fan 51 can automatically remove pollutants from the air and then stop, thereby improving user convenience.

[0295] A method for controlling cooking equipment 1 according to an embodiment has been described. Figure 11 and Figure 14 The illustrated process is an example of a method for controlling cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The method for controlling cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may further include, in addition to... Figure 11 and Figure 14 Other processes besides those illustrated, and conversely, Figure 11 and Figure 14 Some of the processes illustrated can be omitted.

[0296] For example, the method for controlling the cooking device 1 may also include: the process by which the cooking device 1 determines whether the gas sensor 90 has malfunctioned.

[0297] If the automatic control of the fan 51 is not activated even after the heating device 16 of the cooking equipment 1 has been operated more than a limited number of times or for a limited time period, the controller 110 may determine that the gas sensor 90 has malfunctioned.

[0298] Based on the determination that the gas sensor 90 has malfunctioned, the controller 110 can output information notifying the gas sensor 90 of the malfunction through the output interface device 14a, or transmit the information notifying the gas sensor 90 of the malfunction to an external device through the communication circuit 120.

[0299] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface provided by a cooking device according to an embodiment.

[0300] refer to Figure 17 According to the embodiment, the cooking device 1 can provide an interface or interface for setting up the range hood 20.

[0301] For example, the output interface device 14a can provide an interface or interface for setting the range hood 20.

[0302] The interface for setting the range hood 20 may include: elements for adjusting the control sensitivity of the fan 51, elements for turning the fan 51 on / off in an automatic mode, and / or elements for setting a delayed operation time.

[0303] Users can change the aforementioned first margin pollution level and / or second margin pollution level by using the element used to adjust the control sensitivity of fan 51.

[0304] For example, when the control sensitivity of fan 51 is set to high, the first margin pollution level and the second margin pollution level can be lower than when the control sensitivity of fan 51 is set to low.

[0305] In other words, as the control sensitivity of fan 51 is set to a high level, the rotational speed of fan 51 may change even if the pollution level changes slightly.

[0306] The controller 110 can change the first margin pollution level and the second margin pollution level based on the control sensitivity of the fan 51, which is changed based on user input.

[0307] Users can activate or deactivate the automatic mode of fan 51 using the component used to turn fan 51 on / off.

[0308] Only when the automatic mode of fan 51 is activated can controller 110 perform the operation of making fan 51 run at a limited rotational speed based on the start of heating operation of heating device 16. Figure 11 (1030).

[0309] Users can change the delayed operation time of fan 51 using the component used to set the delayed operation time of fan 51.

[0310] Controller 110 can perform delayed operation during the user-defined delayed operation time. Figure 16 (2030).

[0311] According to this disclosure, in a cooking appliance 1 in which a stove 10 and a range hood 20 are integrated, a gas sensor 90 can be installed in an optimal position to ensure a long lifespan for the gas sensor 90.

[0312] According to this disclosure, in the cooking appliance 1 in which the stove 10 and the range hood 20 are integrated, the speed of the fan 51 can be increased only when pollutants are generated by cooking.

[0313] According to this disclosure, the ease of use of the range hood 20 can be improved in a cooking appliance 1 in which a stove 10 and a range hood 20 are integrated.

[0314] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cooking device 1 may include a stove 10, a range hood 20, and a controller 110. The stove 10 includes a cooking plate 11 and a heating device 16. The cooking plate 11 includes a cooking area ca and an inlet 12. The heating device 16 is disposed below the cooking plate 11 corresponding to the cooking area ca. The range hood 20 includes a chamber housing 30, a fan 51, and a gas sensor 90. The chamber housing 30 is disposed below the stove 10 and includes an outlet 35. The fan 51 is disposed in the chamber housing 30 and configured to draw in air from above the cooking plate 11 through the inlet 12 and discharge air to the outlet 35. A sensor 90 is disposed on the side of the chamber housing 30 where the outlet 35 is not formed, and is configured to measure the pollution level of the air; the controller 110 is configured to: operate the fan 51 at a defined rotational speed based on the activation of the heating operation of the heating device 16; determine a reference pollution level based on a first pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within a first defined time period pd1 after the fan 51 is operated at the defined rotational speed; and control the rotational speed of the fan 51 by comparing the reference pollution level with a second pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 within a second defined time period pd2 after the reference pollution level is determined.

[0315] The controller 110 can be configured to increase the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0316] The controller 110 can be configured to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on a second pollution level being less than or equal to a baseline pollution level.

[0317] The controller 110 can be configured to determine a first pollution level as a baseline pollution level.

[0318] The controller 110 can be configured to: compare an initial contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 before the heating device 16 starts heating operation with a first contamination level; determine the first contamination level as a baseline contamination level in response to the first contamination level being less than or equal to the initial contamination level; and determine the initial contamination level as a baseline contamination level in response to the first contamination level being greater than the initial contamination level.

[0319] The controller 110 can be configured to set a second time period pd2 based on the number of heating devices performing heating operations among a plurality of heating devices.

[0320] The controller 110 can be configured to shorten the second defined time period pd2 as the number of heating devices performing heating operations among the multiple heating devices increases.

[0321] The controller 110 can be configured to initiate automatic control of the fan 51 based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0322] The controller 110 can be configured to repeatedly compare a third pollution level measured by the gas sensor 90 with a baseline pollution level within a third defined time period, based on the second pollution level being less than or equal to a baseline pollution level.

[0323] The controller 110 can be configured to initiate automatic control of the fan 51 based on the third pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0324] Based on the automatic control of the start of fan 51, controller 110 can be configured to compare the previous pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from a first time point to a second time point with the current pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from the second time point to the current time, where the first time point and the second time point are previous time points.

[0325] The controller 110 can be configured to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 51 in response to the current pollution level being equal to the previous pollution level.

[0326] The controller 110 can be configured to increase the rotational speed of the fan 51 in response to the current pollution level being greater than the previous pollution level.

[0327] The controller 110 can be configured to reduce the rotational speed of the fan 51 in response to the current pollution level being lower than the previous pollution level.

[0328] The controller 110 can be configured to reduce the rotational speed of the fan 51 based on the end of the heating operation of the heating device 16, and to keep the fan 51 running at the reduced rotational speed for a limited period of time.

[0329] The controller 110 can be configured to store a reference contamination level in a memory and, in response to restarting the heating operation of the heating device 16 within a defined time period after the heating operation of the heating device 16 has ended, compare the reference contamination level stored in the memory with a second contamination level to control the rotational speed of the fan 51.

[0330] The controller 110 can be configured to execute the process of making the fan 51 run at a limited rotational speed only when the automatic mode is activated based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16.

[0331] An outlet 35 can be formed toward the rear side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51, and the gas sensor 90 can be mounted on the front side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51.

[0332] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a cooking appliance 1 may include: activating a fan 51 at a defined rotational speed based on the initiation of a heating operation of a heating device 16; determining a reference contamination level based on a first contamination level measured by a gas sensor 90 during a first defined time period after the fan 51 is activated at the defined rotational speed; and controlling the rotational speed of the fan 51 by comparing the reference contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 during a second defined time period pd2 after the reference contamination level is determined.

[0333] Controlling the rotational speed of fan 51 may include: increasing the rotational speed of fan 51 and initiating automatic control of fan 51 based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

[0334] Controlling the rotational speed of fan 51 may include: maintaining the rotational speed of fan 51 based on the second pollution level being less than or equal to the reference pollution level, and repeatedly comparing the third pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 within a third defined time period pd3 with the reference pollution level; and initiating automatic control of fan 51 based on the third pollution level being greater than the reference pollution level.

[0335] The method may further include: based on the initiation of automatic control of fan 51, comparing a previous pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from a first time point to a second time point with a current pollution level measured by gas sensor 90 from a second time point to the current time point, wherein the first time point and the second time point are previous or past time points.

[0336] The method may further include maintaining the rotational speed of fan 51 in response to the current pollution level being equal to the previous pollution level.

[0337] The method may further include increasing the rotational speed of fan 51 in response to the current pollution level being greater than the previous pollution level.

[0338] The method may further include reducing the rotational speed of fan 51 in response to the current pollution level being lower than the previous pollution level.

[0339] Determining the baseline contamination level may include: comparing an initial contamination level measured by a gas sensor 90 before the heating device 16 starts heating operation with a first contamination level; determining the first contamination level as the baseline contamination level in response to the first contamination level being less than or equal to the initial contamination level; and determining the initial contamination level as the baseline contamination level in response to the first contamination level being greater than the initial contamination level.

[0340] The method may further include setting a second time period pd2 based on the number of heating devices 16 performing heating operations among a plurality of heating devices 16.

[0341] The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, these instructions can create a program module to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0342] Computer-readable recording media can include all kinds of recording media that store instructions that can be interpreted by a computer. For example, computer-readable recording media can be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0343] Computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transient storage media, wherein "non-transient storage media" refers to a storage medium of a tangible means and may not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, "non-transient storage media" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0344] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein can be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be stored at least semi-permanently in a storage medium or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0345] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that other specific modifications can be readily made without departing from the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance, comprising: A stove, the stove including a cooking plate and a heating device, the cooking plate including a cooking area and an inlet, the heating device being disposed below the cooking plate corresponding to the cooking area; A range hood includes a chamber housing, a fan, and a gas sensor. The chamber housing is disposed below a stove and includes an outlet. The fan is disposed in the chamber housing and configured to draw in air from above the cooking plate through the inlet and exhaust the air to the outlet. The gas sensor is disposed on one side of the chamber housing where the outlet is not formed and is configured to measure the pollution level of the air. and The controller is configured to: The fan is operated at a limited rotational speed based on the activation of the heating operation of the heating device. A baseline pollution level is determined based on a first pollution level measured by the gas sensor within a first defined time period after the fan is operated at the defined rotational speed, and The fan's rotational speed is controlled by comparing the baseline pollution level with a second pollution level measured by the gas sensor within a second defined time period after the baseline pollution level is determined.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to increase the rotational speed of the fan based on the fact that the second pollution level is greater than the baseline pollution level.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to maintain the fan's rotational speed based on the second pollution level being less than or equal to the baseline pollution level.

4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the first pollution level as the baseline pollution level.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: The initial pollution level measured by the gas sensor before the heating device starts the heating operation is compared with the first pollution level; In response to the first pollution level being less than or equal to the initial pollution level, the first pollution level is determined as the baseline pollution level; as well as In response to the first pollution level being greater than the initial pollution level, the initial pollution level is determined as the baseline pollution level.

6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The cooking area includes multiple cooking zones. The heating device includes multiple heating devices corresponding to the multiple cooking zones, and The controller is configured to set a second defined time period based on the number of heating devices performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices.

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is configured to shorten the second defined time period as the number of heating devices performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices increases.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to initiate automatic control of the fan based on the second pollution level being greater than the baseline pollution level.

9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: Based on the premise that the second pollution level is less than or equal to the baseline pollution level, the third pollution level measured by the gas sensor within a third defined time period is repeatedly compared with the baseline pollution level; and Automatic control of the fan is initiated based on the fact that the third pollution level is greater than the baseline pollution level.

10. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, Based on the initiation of automatic control over the fan, the controller is configured to: The previous pollution level measured by the gas sensor from a first time point to a second time point is compared with the current pollution level measured by the gas sensor from the second time point to the current time point, where the first time point and the second time point are previous time points; In response to the current pollution level being equal to the previous pollution level, the fan's rotational speed is maintained; In response to the current pollution level being greater than the previous pollution level, the rotational speed of the fan is increased; as well as In response to the current pollution level being lower than the previous pollution level, the rotational speed of the fan is reduced.

11. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the fan based on the end of the heating operation of the heating device, and to operate the fan at the reduced rotational speed for a defined period of time.

12. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: The baseline contamination level is stored in memory, and In response to restarting the heating operation of the heating device within a defined time period after the heating operation of the heating device has ended, the reference contamination level stored in the memory is compared with the second contamination level to control the rotational speed of the fan.

13. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to execute the process of making the fan operate at the defined rotational speed only when the automatic mode is activated based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device.

14. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The outlet is formed relative to the fan and towards the rear side of the chamber housing. The gas sensor is mounted on the front side of the chamber housing based on the fan.

15. A method for controlling a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance including a stove and a range hood, the stove including a cooking plate and a heating element, the cooking plate including a cooking area and an inlet, the heating element being disposed below the cooking area corresponding to the cooking area, the range hood including a chamber housing, a fan and a gas sensor, the chamber housing being disposed below the stove and including an outlet, the fan being disposed in the chamber housing and configured to draw in air from above the cooking plate through the inlet and exhaust the air to the outlet, the gas sensor being disposed in the chamber housing and configured to measure the pollution level of the air, the method comprising: The fan is operated at a limited rotational speed based on the activation of the heating operation of the heating device; A baseline pollution level is determined based on a first pollution level measured by the gas sensor during a first defined time period after the fan is operated at the defined rotational speed; as well as The fan's rotational speed is controlled by comparing the baseline pollution level with a second pollution level measured by the gas sensor within a second defined time period after the baseline pollution level is determined.

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