Cooking utensil

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of cooking utensils, and particularly provides a cooking utensil. An image acquisition device in an existing cooking utensil has an acquisition blind area. Therefore, the invention provides the cooking utensil which comprises a machine body, a machine cover and an image acquisition device, wherein a cooking cavity is defined in the machine body, the cross section, perpendicular to the central axis of the cooking cavity, of the cooking cavity is circular, the cooking cavity has the maximum containing height position, and the diameter of the cross section at the maximum containing height position is recorded as Rg. The machine cover is used for sealing the cooking cavity, and the image collecting device is arranged on the machine body or the machine cover and used for collecting images in the cooking cavity. On the plane where the cross section is located, the distance between the image acquisition device and the central axis is L, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the cross section is located, the distance between the image acquisition device and the maximum containing height position is H1, H1 meets the following conditions that the value range of L is 0-Rg, and phi is the minimum field angle of the image acquisition device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cooking utensil technology, and specifically provides a cooking utensil. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of smart home technology, users' demand for visualized monitoring of the cooking process is becoming increasingly urgent. Cooking appliances with image acquisition capabilities (such as rice cookers, microwave ovens, and ovens) have become one of the mainstream products on the market. These cooking appliances can capture the cooking status of food inside the cooking cavity in real time by setting image acquisition devices on the body or lid, allowing users to intuitively grasp the cooking progress of food and greatly improving the user experience.

[0003] However, some cooking appliances currently have image acquisition devices installed in unsuitable locations, resulting in blind spots in the image acquisition devices, preventing users from fully understanding the overall cooking status of the food through the acquired images. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem of blind spots in image acquisition devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cooking utensil, comprising: The appliance body has an internally defined cooking cavity. The cross-section of the cooking cavity, perpendicular to its central axis, is circular, and the cooking cavity has a maximum holding height position. The diameter of the cross-section at the maximum holding height position is denoted as R. g ; The lid is used to close the cooking cavity; An image acquisition device, mounted on the body or cover, is used to acquire images of the cooking cavity. In the plane containing the cross-section, the distance between the image acquisition device and the central axis is L. In the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the cross-section, the distance between the image acquisition device and the position of the maximum loading height is H1, where H1 satisfies the following condition: The value of L ranges from 0 to R. g ; φ is the minimum field of view of the image acquisition device.

[0006] Furthermore, the normal direction of the cross-section is parallel to the vertical direction of the cooking appliance.

[0007] Furthermore, the image acquisition device also includes a camera and a fill light; The camera is positioned so that it is pointing towards the cooking cavity; The supplemental light is used to illuminate the cooking cavity so that the camera can capture a clear image.

[0008] Furthermore, the image acquisition device also includes a light-shielding component, at least a portion of which is disposed between the camera and the fill light to prevent the light from the fill light from directly propagating to the camera.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one of the cover and the body defines a receiving cavity to accommodate the image acquisition device; the cooking appliance also includes a transparent plate for shielding the receiving cavity; the fill light and the camera are both directly opposite the transparent plate so that the light from the fill light passes through the transparent plate to the cooking cavity, thereby enabling the camera to capture a clear image.

[0010] Furthermore, the image acquisition device also includes a receiving box disposed in the receiving cavity; the receiving box includes a fixing hole and a mounting cavity, the fixing hole is fixedly connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity, the mounting cavity accommodates at least a portion of the camera and at least a portion of the fill light, a clearance structure is provided on the side of the receiving box facing the cooking cavity, at least a portion of the fill light and at least a portion of the camera both extend from the mounting cavity to the side of the receiving box facing the cooking cavity through the clearance structure; the light shield is disposed on the side of the receiving box facing the cooking cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the clearance structure includes an illumination hole and an image acquisition hole, the illumination hole being aligned with the supplementary light, and the image acquisition hole being aligned with the camera; and / or the camera being disposed on the top side of the cooking cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, with the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the cross-section as the axis, the light-shielding element is arranged around the camera.

[0013] Furthermore, the transparent panel is a component made of heat-insulating material.

[0014] Furthermore, the cooking appliance is a rice cooker.

[0015] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of the present invention, the distance between the image acquisition device and the central axis on the plane containing the cross-section is L, and the distance between the image acquisition device and the maximum loading height position in the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the cross-section is H1, wherein H1 satisfies the following condition: This eliminates the blind spots in the image acquisition device.

[0016] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improved objectives, features and advantages of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar parts or components in different drawings; the drawings of the present invention are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is an isometric view of a rice cooker; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of a Chinese electric rice cooker with its lid open. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the hood; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Right view of the electric rice cooker; Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 Sectional view of AA; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part A in the middle; Figure 7 It is a combined state diagram of the image acquisition device, transparent plate, sealing components and fixed pressure plate; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Exploded view of the combined states; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the central seal; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation location of the image acquisition device.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 001. Rice cooker; 100. Body; 110. Cooking cavity; 111. Maximum serving height position; 200. Machine cover; 210. Inner cover; 211. Connecting port; 220. Receiving cavity; 300. Transparent board; 400. Seal; 410. Inner groove; 420. Outer groove; 430. Inner rib; 440. Outer rib; 500. Fixed pressure plate; 510. Clamping part; 520. Fixing part; 600, Image acquisition device; 610, Image acquisition component; 611, Camera; 620, Illumination component; 621, Fill light; 630, Light shield; 631, Tapered hole; 640, Receiving box; 641, Fixing hole; 642, Mounting cavity; 643, Relief structure; 644, Illumination hole; 645, Image acquisition hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments of the present invention. These partial embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the corresponding device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. For example, unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" can specifically refer to any feasible connection form such as bolted connections, screw connections, welding, insertion, riveting, fusion welding, and snap-fitting.

[0022] Cooking appliances can be devices such as rice cookers (001), microwave ovens, and ovens. This invention uses rice cookers (001) as an example to illustrate cooking appliances.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the rice cooker 001 includes a body 100, a lid 200, a transparent plate 300, a sealing element 400, a fixing plate 500, and an image acquisition device 600. The image acquisition device 600 can acquire images of the food inside the rice cooker 001, thereby monitoring the cooking status of the food in real time. The transparent plate 300 is used to block heat transfer from the cooking cavity 110 to the image acquisition device 600, the sealing element 400 is used to prevent moisture from the cooking cavity 110 from entering the image acquisition device 600, and the fixing plate 500 is used to fix the sealing element 400 and the transparent plate 300. Further explanation of each component follows: The cooking chamber 100 includes an upward-facing cooking cavity 110, which can hold food for cooking. The side wall of the cooking cavity 110 has a maximum food filling mark, indicating the maximum filling height 111. This maximum filling mark prevents overfilling and overflow. The cooking cavity 110 has a circular cross-section perpendicular to its central axis.

[0024] The cover 200 is pivotally connected to the upper side of the body 100 to open or close the cooking cavity 110. The interior of the cover 200 defines a receiving cavity 220 for accommodating the image acquisition device 600. The cover 200 also includes an inner cover 210 facing the cooking cavity 110 to separate the cooking cavity 110 and the receiving cavity 220. The inner cover 210 has a connecting opening 211 that connects the receiving cavity 220 and the cooking cavity 110. The receiving cavity 220 provides installation space for the image acquisition device 600, preventing it from being directly exposed to the high temperature and humidity environment of the cooking cavity 110. The inner cover 210 separates the cooking cavity 110 from the receiving cavity 220, and the connecting opening 211 provides a channel for imaging and supplementary lighting of the image acquisition device 600.

[0025] The area of ​​the transparent plate 300 is larger than the area of ​​the connecting opening 211, so that the transparent plate 300 completely covers the connecting opening 211, thereby shielding the receiving cavity 220. The image acquisition device 600 can acquire images of the cooking cavity 110 through the transparent plate 300. The transparent plate 300 can be a component made of heat-insulating material, so it can block the heat transfer from the cooking cavity 110 to the image acquisition device 600, avoid high temperature damage to the image acquisition device 600, and ensure its normal operation.

[0026] Among them, the heat insulation materials can be high borosilicate glass, high temperature resistant modified acrylic (PMMA), etc.

[0027] In other embodiments, those skilled in the art may omit at least one of the transparent plate 300, the sealing element 400, and the fixing plate 500 as needed.

[0028] In some other embodiments, the rice cooker 001 may not have a receiving cavity 220. The image acquisition device 600 itself has a heat insulation structure and a water vapor barrier structure.

[0029] The following refers to Figures 6 to 9 The following will provide a more detailed description of the sealing element 400 of the present invention.

[0030] The seal 400 is an elongated oval ring-shaped component. A portion of the cross-section of the seal 400 is S-shaped, forming an inner groove 410 and an outer groove 420. The inner groove 410 is located on the inner annular surface of the seal 400, and the outer groove 420 is located on the outer circumferential surface of the seal 400. Both the inner groove 410 and the outer groove 420 are continuously distributed along the circumference of the seal 400.

[0031] Furthermore, the inner groove 410 is provided with continuous inner ribs 430 along its extending direction, and the inner ribs 430 are provided on the groove wall of the inner groove 410 on the side away from the connecting opening 211. The circumferential edge of the transparent plate 300 is embedded in the inner groove 410 so that the sealing member 400 surrounds and wraps around the circumferential edge of the transparent plate 300, and the inner ribs 430 abut against the edge of the transparent plate 300. The sealing member 400 is provided with a plurality of outer ribs 440 abutting against the inner cover 210 on the side facing the receiving cavity 220.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that the double-groove structure formed by the S-shaped cross-section provides a suitable space for the installation of the transparent plate 300 and the connection of the fixing plate 500. The inner groove 410, in conjunction with the inner convex rib 430, can firmly wrap around and abut against the circumferential edge of the transparent plate 300, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the sealing element 400 on the transparent plate 300. The outer convex rib 440 abuts against the inner cover 210, enhancing the fit between the sealing element 400 and the inner cover 210, effectively preventing moisture in the cooking cavity 110 from entering the receiving cavity 220 through the connecting port 211, and avoiding damage to the image acquisition device 600 by moisture.

[0033] In other embodiments, the seal 400 may also be a component of other shapes, such as triangular, square, etc. The inner ribs 430 of the inner groove 410 along its extension direction may also be discontinuously distributed, and the inner ribs 430 may also be provided on the groove wall of the inner groove 410 near the communication port 211. The side of the seal 400 facing the inner cover 210 may also not have an outer rib 440 that abuts against the inner cover 210.

[0034] The following reference Figures 6 to 9 The following is a further detailed description of the fixing plate 500 of the present invention.

[0035] The fixing plate 500 has a clamping part 510 and a fixing part 520. The clamping part 510 is at least partially embedded in the outer groove 420 to fix the fixing plate 500 and the sealing member 400 together. The fixing part 520 is fixedly connected to the cover 200 to fix the sealing member 400 and the transparent plate 300 to the cover 200 by the fixing plate 500, preventing the transparent plate 300 and the sealing member 400 from falling off due to vibration or air pressure changes during cooking, and ensuring the stability of the sealing and heat insulation structure.

[0036] The following reference Figures 5 to 10 The image acquisition device 600 of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0037] The image acquisition device 600 includes an image acquisition component 610, an illumination component 620, a light-shielding component 630, and a receiving box 640. The receiving box 640 is disposed within the receiving cavity 220 and is used to house the image acquisition component 610 and the illumination component 620. At least a portion of the light-shielding component 630 is disposed between the image acquisition component 610 and the illumination component 620 to prevent light from the illumination component 620 from directly propagating to the image acquisition component 610, thus avoiding problems such as halos and overexposure caused by strong light directly hitting the camera 611 and ensuring image quality.

[0038] like Figure 10 As shown, the diameter of the cross-section at the maximum loading height position 111 is denoted as R. g The normal direction of the cross-section can be parallel to the vertical direction of the cooking utensil. On the plane containing the cross-section, the distance between the image acquisition device 600 and the central axis is L. In the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the cross-section, the distance between the image acquisition device 600 and the maximum serving height position 111 is H1, where H1 satisfies the following condition: The value of L ranges from 0 to R. g ; φ is the minimum field of view of the image acquisition device 600.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that the field of view is divided into a horizontal field of view and a vertical field of view, with the minimum field of view referring to the smaller of the horizontal and vertical field of view. The installation distance ensures that the field of view of the image acquisition device 600 completely covers the food at the maximum serving height position 111, avoiding missed shots due to insufficient field of view and ensuring the integrity of image acquisition. In actual installation, as long as H1 is greater than or equal to this calculated value, the camera 611 can completely capture the image of the food at its maximum serving height within the cooking cavity 110, completely avoiding monitoring blind spots.

[0040] Specifically, when L=0, Where S is the area of ​​the cross-section of the cooking cavity at the maximum serving height position.

[0041] In other embodiments, the normal direction of the cross-section may not be parallel to the vertical direction of the cooking appliance. That is, the cooking cavity 110 is not oriented directly upwards. For example, the cooking cavity of a microwave oven faces to one side.

[0042] The following is a further explanation of each component of the image acquisition device 600: The image acquisition component 610 can be a camera 611, which shoots towards the inside of the cooking cavity 110.

[0043] The lighting component 620 can be a supplementary light 621. A circuit board is housed in the receiving box 640, and both the supplementary light 621 and the camera 611 are mounted on the circuit board. Specifically, there are two supplementary lights 621, positioned on opposite sides of the camera 611. When the camera 611 captures an image, the supplementary lights 621 are activated, illuminating the cooking cavity 110 and resolving the image blurring problem caused by insufficient light in the cooking cavity 110, thus improving image clarity. The symmetrical arrangement of the two supplementary lights 621 ensures even light distribution, preventing overly bright or dark reflective blind spots on the food surface and guaranteeing the accuracy of image color and detail.

[0044] The receiving box 640 includes a fixing hole 641 and a mounting cavity 642. The fixing hole 641 is fixedly connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 220. A clearance structure 643 is provided on the side of the receiving box 640 facing the cooking cavity 110. At least a part of the lighting component 620 and at least a part of the image acquisition component 610 extend from the mounting cavity 642 to the side of the receiving box 640 facing the cooking cavity 110 through the clearance structure 643.

[0045] Specifically, the clearance structure 643 includes an illumination hole 644 and an image acquisition hole 645. The illumination hole 644 is aligned with the fill light 621, and the image acquisition hole 645 is aligned with the camera 611. A portion of the fill light 621 extends from the housing 640 through the illumination hole 644, and a portion of the camera 611 extends from the housing 640 through the image acquisition hole 645.

[0046] The light-shielding member 630 can be positioned on the side of the receiving box 640 facing the cooking cavity 110. With the shooting direction of the camera 611 as the axis, the light-shielding member 630 can be positioned around the camera 611. The light-shielding member 630 can have a tapered hole 631 to avoid the shooting path of the camera 611. The smallest end of the tapered hole 631 surrounds the camera 611, and the diameter of the tapered hole 631 increases along the shooting direction of the camera 611.

[0047] The side of the light-shielding component 630 away from the camera 611 can abut against the transparent plate 300 to cover the conical hole 631, thereby sealing the conical hole 631 and further reducing the possibility of moisture entering the conical hole 631.

[0048] In some other embodiments, the aforementioned clearance structure 643 may be omitted. Instead, a light-transmitting structure may be provided on the side of the receiving box 640 facing the cooking cavity 110. The lighting component 620, the light shield 630, and the image acquisition component 610 may be completely disposed in the mounting cavity 642. The light from the lighting component 620 can be transmitted to the cooking cavity 110 through the light-transmitting structure, and the image acquisition component 610 can acquire an image through the light-transmitting structure.

[0049] In other embodiments, the number of fill lights 621 may also be other numbers, such as one, three, four, etc.

[0050] In other embodiments, the two fill lights 621 may also be located on the same side of the camera 611.

[0051] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 10 Here is a simple explanation of how the rice cooker 001 works: An image acquisition device 600 is built into the receiving cavity 220 of the cover 200. The device acquires images of food inside the cooking cavity 110 through the communication port 211 of the inner cover 210. A transparent plate 300 made of heat-insulating material seals the communication port 211, preventing heat transfer from the cooking cavity 110 to the image acquisition device 600. A sealing element 400 wraps around the edge of the transparent plate 300 through an inner groove 410 and, in conjunction with an outer protruding rib 440, fits snugly against the cover 200, preventing moisture from the cooking cavity 110 from entering the receiving cavity 220. A fixing plate 500 clamps the outer groove 420 of the sealing element 400 and fixes it to the cover 200, ensuring the installation stability of the transparent plate 300 and the sealing element 400.

[0052] When the image acquisition device 600 is working, the supplementary light 621 is turned on simultaneously to provide supplementary lighting. The light shield 630 blocks the light from the supplementary light 621 from directly shining on the camera 611, thus preventing image overexposure. The installation distance of the camera 611 meets the preset conditions, ensuring that the field of view covers the food area at the maximum serving height, enabling real-time and clear monitoring of the cooking status.

[0053] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 10 Here is a simple explanation of how to use the rice cooker 001: Open the lid 200 and place the food to be cooked into the cooking cavity 110 of the body 100. Note that the height of the food should not exceed the maximum filling mark on the side wall.

[0054] Close the lid 200 and start the rice cooker 001. At this time, the cooking cavity 110 starts heating, and the image acquisition device 600 inside the lid 200 starts synchronously.

[0055] During the cooking process, the supplementary light 621 of the image acquisition device 600 provides supplementary lighting, and the camera 611 captures food images in real time through the transparent plate 300, allowing users to view the cooking status of the food.

[0056] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to related technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of the present invention will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. In the present invention, the term "connection" means fluid communication, allowing fluid (e.g., air, liquid) to flow between two interconnected entities. Furthermore, this "connection" can be a leak-free flow of fluid between two interconnected entities, or a flow with slight leakage of fluid between two interconnected entities.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil, wherein, include: The appliance body has an internally defined cooking cavity. The cross-section of the cooking cavity, perpendicular to its central axis, is circular, and the cooking cavity has a maximum holding height position. The diameter of the cross-section at the maximum holding height position is denoted as R. g ; The lid is used to close the cooking cavity; An image acquisition device, mounted on the body or cover, is used to acquire images of the cooking cavity. In the plane containing the cross-section, the distance between the image acquisition device and the central axis is L. In the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the cross-section, the distance between the image acquisition device and the position of the maximum loading height is H1, where H1 satisfies the following condition: The value of L ranges from 0 to R. g ; φ is the minimum field of view of the image acquisition device.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The normal direction of the cross-section is parallel to the vertical direction of the cooking appliance.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The image acquisition device also includes a camera and a fill light; The camera is positioned so that it is pointing towards the cooking cavity; The supplemental light is used to illuminate the cooking cavity so that the camera can capture a clear image.

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein, The image acquisition device also includes a light shield, at least a portion of which is disposed between the camera and the fill light to prevent the light from the fill light from directly propagating to the camera.

5. The cooking utensil according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one of the cover and the body defines a receiving cavity to accommodate the image acquisition device; The cooking appliance also includes a transparent panel for concealing the receiving cavity; Both the fill light and the camera are directly facing the transparent panel, so that the light from the fill light can pass through the transparent panel and propagate to the cooking cavity, thereby allowing the camera to capture a clear image.

6. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The image acquisition device also includes a receiving box disposed in the receiving cavity; The housing includes a fixing hole and a mounting cavity. The fixing hole is fixedly connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity. The mounting cavity accommodates at least a portion of the camera and at least a portion of the fill light. A clearance structure is provided on the side of the housing facing the cooking cavity. At least a portion of the fill light and at least a portion of the camera both extend from the mounting cavity to the side of the housing facing the cooking cavity through the clearance structure. The light-shielding element is disposed on the side of the receiving box facing the cooking cavity.

7. The cooking utensil according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clearance structure includes an illumination hole and an image acquisition hole, wherein the illumination hole is aligned with the fill light and the image acquisition hole is aligned with the camera; and / or The camera is located on the top side of the cooking cavity.

8. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, With the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the cross-section as the axis, the light-shielding element is arranged around the camera.

9. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transparent panel is a component made of heat-insulating material.

10. The cooking utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The cooking appliance is an electric rice cooker.

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