Heating Regulator

Abstract

To provide a cooking device with an imaging device that is less prone to deterioration. [Solution] The heating appliance comprises a heating chamber 2, an imaging device 4, and a shutter 71. The heating chamber 2 has a panel member 3 that surrounds an internal space capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and heats the object using electromagnetic waves. The imaging device 4 is positioned outside the heating chamber 2 and images the internal space through an opening 310 formed in a part of the panel member 3. The shutter 71 is movable between a closed position that closes the opening 310 and an open position that opens the opening 310. The shutter 71 is electrically connected to the panel member 3 at least when it is in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking heater.

Background Art

[0002] As related art, there is known a cooking heater such as a microwave oven that irradiates an object to be heated (heated object) in a heating chamber with electromagnetic waves (microwaves) to heat the object to be heated (for example, see Patent Document 1). The cooking heater according to the related art includes an imaging device (camera) that images (photographs) the inside of the heating chamber.

[0003] The imaging device is disposed on the upper wall of the heating chamber so as to face the inside of the heating chamber, and photographs the inside of the heating chamber through an opening (top plate opening) provided in the top plate portion of the heating chamber. A wall surface opening is provided in the upper wall of the heating chamber, and a wall surface concave portion formed in a concave shape is provided upward from the periphery of the wall surface opening. At the bottom of the wall surface concave portion, that is, on the upper side, a concave bottom opening that is an opening for photographing is provided. The side wall of the wall surface concave portion has a tapered shape that narrows from the heating chamber side toward the wall surface opening side. Below the upper wall, a substantially flat plate-shaped top plate portion having an opening (top plate opening) is provided so as to be parallel to the upper wall. The cross-sectional area of the opening surface of the concave bottom opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the opening surface of the wall surface opening. Thus, by making the opening of the concave bottom opening smaller, it is possible to suppress the leakage of electromagnetic waves from the inside of the heating chamber while securing a wide viewing range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of the related art described above, the imaging device may be deteriorated by electromagnetic waves or the like leaking from the inside of the heating chamber.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cooking appliance in which the imaging device is less prone to deterioration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A heating appliance according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a heating chamber, an imaging device, and a shutter. The heating chamber has a panel member surrounding an internal space capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and heats the object using electromagnetic waves. The imaging device is positioned outside the heating chamber and images the internal space through an opening formed in a part of the panel member. The shutter is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening. The shutter is electrically connected to the panel member at least when it is in the closed position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance in which the imaging device is less prone to deterioration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the main part of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the main part of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1, viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main parts of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the main part of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are examples that embody this disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall overview First, an overview of the heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0012] The heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment heats, for example, ingredients, food, beverages, or various other objects to be heated. The heating appliance 100 heats the objects to be heated in the heating chamber 2 by irradiating them with electromagnetic waves, for example, like a microwave oven. The heating appliance 100 only needs to have the function of heating objects using electromagnetic waves, and may also have, for example, a grill function, an oven function that heats by convection heat, and / or a steam function that heats by steam.

[0013] As used in this disclosure, "electromagnetic wave" refers to a physical phenomenon in which electromagnetic energy propagates while vibrating in space, including radio waves and light. The heating cooker 100 irradiates, as an example, microwaves, which are electromagnetic waves of 2.45 GHz, onto an object to be heated in the heating chamber 2. As a result, the electromagnetic waves (microwaves) vibrate water molecules and the like in the object to be heated, causing the temperature of the entire object to rise.

[0014] There are two types of this kind of heating cooker 100: "flat table type" and "turntable type". The flat table type heating cooker has an antenna below the bottom surface of the heating chamber, and by irradiating electromagnetic waves from the antenna into the heating chamber while rotating the antenna, the electromagnetic waves are efficiently diffused in the heating chamber to uniformly heat the object to be heated. The turntable type heating cooker has a turntable for placing the object to be heated in the heating chamber, and by irradiating electromagnetic waves from a fixed antenna into the heating chamber while rotating the turntable, the object to be heated on the turntable is uniformly heated. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the heating cooker 100 is a flat table type microwave oven.

[0015] The heating cooker 100 is, for example, an electric device that operates by receiving power supply from a power system (alternating current power supply). That is, the heating cooker 100 operates to irradiate electromagnetic waves onto the object to be heated by receiving power supply, thereby heating the object to be heated.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the heating cooker 100 is used, for example, in a state of being placed on an installation surface X1 composed of a shelf or a counter in a house. The heating cooker 100 stands on its own on the installation surface X1 in a state of being placed on the installation surface X1. That is, the heating cooker 100 according to this embodiment is a self-standing and portable device, and the user can install the heating cooker 100 at an arbitrary position on the installation surface X1.

[0017] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the vertical direction when the cooking appliance 100 is in a usable state is defined as the up-down direction D1. Furthermore, the left-right direction D2 is defined based on the direction in which the cooking appliance 100 is viewed from the front, and the front-back direction D3 is defined with the front side of the cooking appliance 100 being the front and the back side being the rear. However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction in which the cooking appliance 100 is used (the direction in which it is used).

[0018] The cooking appliance 100 comprises a heating chamber 2 capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and a heat source for heating the object to be heated. The heat source heats the object to be heated contained in the heating chamber 2 by irradiating electromagnetic waves into the space inside the heating chamber 2 (internal space Sp1).

[0019] In this embodiment, the heating chamber 2 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped and comprises a box body 21 and a door body 22. The box body 21 is formed in a box shape with one side (the front in this embodiment) open. The door body 22 is attached to the box body 21 in a manner that allows the opening surface (the front in this embodiment) of the box body 21 to be opened and closed.

[0020] Here, the door body 22 is supported by a support part (hinge) provided at the lower front side of the box body 21, allowing it to be opened and closed relative to the box body 21. The door body 22 is in the open position (see Figure 1) when its upper part tilts forward, and in the closed position when it stands upright towards the rear. Furthermore, the door body 22 has a door window 221 that allows the inside of the heating chamber 2 (internal space Sp1) to be viewed through the door body 22, and a handle 222 that can be grasped by the user.

[0021] The door window 221 includes a double-pane glass structure consisting of an inner glass facing the inside of the door body 22 (internal space Sp1) and an outer glass facing the outside of the door body 22. The door window 221 has perforated metal, which is a metal plate (or metal sheet) with numerous holes. The presence of perforated metal prevents electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the heating chamber 2 through the door window 221.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, when the door 22 is open (open position), the internal space Sp1 inside the heating chamber 2 is exposed from the front of the box 21, allowing objects to be heated to be placed in and out of the heating chamber 2. On the other hand, when the door 22 is closed (closed position), the internal space Sp1 inside the heating chamber 2 is sealed, allowing objects to be heated inside the heating chamber 2 to be heated.

[0023] Therefore, the user first opens the door 22, places the object to be heated into the heating chamber 2, and then closes the door 22. In this state, the object to be heated is heated by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves from the heating source into the heating chamber 2. After the object has been heated, the user opens the door 22 and removes the object from the heating chamber 2.

[0024] Here, the heating chamber 2 has panel members 3 surrounding the internal space Sp1. The panel members 3 are components that make up the inner surface (inner surface) of the heating chamber 2. The inner surface of the heating chamber 2 includes the top surface, bottom surface, left side, right side, back, and front of the internal space Sp1. In other words, the panel members 3 are provided in each part of the box body 21 and door body 22 that face the internal space Sp1.

[0025] In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in Figure 1, the box body 21 includes a first panel 31, a second panel 32, a third panel 33, a fourth panel 34, and a fifth panel 35 as panel members 3. The first panel 31 constitutes the upper surface (top surface) of the internal space Sp1, the second panel 32 constitutes the lower surface (bottom surface) of the internal space Sp1, the third panel 33 constitutes the left side of the internal space Sp1, the fourth panel 34 constitutes the right side of the internal space Sp1, and the fifth panel 35 constitutes the rear surface of the internal space Sp1.

[0026] In other words, the space enclosed by the panel member 3 becomes the internal space of the heating chamber 2 capable of accommodating the object to be heated (i.e., the chamber space Sp1). The panel member 3 is made of metal so as to reflect electromagnetic waves irradiated into the heating chamber 2. That is, the panel member 3 is made of metal, which reflects electromagnetic waves irradiated into the chamber space Sp1 and efficiently irradiates the object to be heated with electromagnetic waves.

[0027] In this embodiment, as an example, the box body 21 alone is provided with panel members 3, specifically a first panel 31 to a fifth panel 35, each of which is made of a metal plate having a predetermined thickness. However, the panel members 3 may be divided into multiple members, or, for example, a second panel 32, a third panel 33, and a fourth panel 34 may be formed as a single unit.

[0028] Here, at least the first panel 31 to the fifth panel 35, which are panel members 3, are electrically connected to a grounding point, such as the grounding terminal of an outlet with an earthing terminal. In other words, by grounding the first panel 31 to the fifth panel 35, the shielding effect against electromagnetic waves (microwaves in this case) is enhanced. Therefore, electromagnetic waves are shielded by the panel members 3 and are less likely to leak outside the heating chamber 2 (outside the internal space Sp1).

[0029] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 100 according to this embodiment further includes a power supply unit, an operation unit, and a control unit. In addition, the cooking appliance 100 includes various sensors such as a weight sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0030] The control unit is located, for example, on the front of the door body 22. The control unit includes a number of buttons, dials, etc., that can be operated by the user. The control unit accepts, for example, the start and stop of heating of the object to be heated, as well as the setting of heating intensity, heating time, and heating mode.

[0031] The control unit is electrically connected to the heating source, power supply unit, and operating unit, etc. The control unit mainly consists of a computer system having one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and performs various processes (information processing). The control unit controls each part of the heating cooker 100 in response to the operation of the operating unit.

[0032] Incidentally, the heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment further includes an imaging device 4 for imaging the internal space Sp1. The imaging device 4 is a camera having an image sensor (photoelectric conversion element) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor. In addition to the image sensor, the imaging device 4, which consists of a camera, has an optical system such as a lens and outputs an image of the internal space Sp1 in real time.

[0033] In this embodiment, the imaging device 4 is connected to the control unit, and the images captured by the imaging device 4 are input to the control unit periodically or irregularly. The control unit monitors the conditions inside the heating chamber 2 (internal space Sp1) by performing appropriate image processing on the images, and uses this information to ensure proper control of each part of the cooking appliance 100.

[0034] For example, the control unit estimates what the object to be heated is located inside the heating chamber 2, or in what condition (e.g., whether or not it has a lid), based on the image acquired from the imaging device 4, and automatically sets the heating intensity, heating time, heating mode, etc. The control unit may also use the image acquired from the imaging device 4 to detect when the object to be heated is being taken in or out of the heating chamber 2, to detect dirt inside the heating chamber 2 (or the door window 221), and for other monitoring (including outside the heating chamber 2).

[0035] Here, the imaging device 4 is fixed to the panel member 3 surrounding the interior space Sp1 so as to include the interior space Sp1 in its field of view. In this embodiment in particular, the imaging device 4 is fixed to the first panel 31 of the panel member 3, which constitutes the upper surface (top surface) of the interior space Sp1, facing diagonally downward. This makes it possible for the imaging device 4 to image the interior space Sp1 from diagonally above, looking down at it.

[0036] [2] Detailed configuration around the imaging device Next, a more detailed description of the configuration of the heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment, specifically the area around the imaging device 4 (camera), will be given with reference to Figures 2 to 10.

[0037] In Figures 2 to 10, only the first panel 31 to which the imaging device 4 is fixed, the imaging device 4, and peripheral components of the imaging device 4 such as the camera holder 53 are shown, and other components are omitted as appropriate. Also, in Figures 4, 6 to 8, and 10, only the peripheral portion of the first panel 31 surrounding the imaging device 4 is shown. In Figures 5 and 9, the first panel 31 is omitted from the illustration, and in Figure 6, the support plate 51 is omitted from the illustration.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment includes a support plate 51, a glass holder 52, a camera holder 53, a screw 54, and a glass 6. The heating appliance 100 also further includes a shutter mechanism 7 (see Figure 4).

[0039] The imaging device 4 is fixed to the center of the front end of the first panel 31 in the left-right direction D2. Specifically, the first panel 31 is made by bending a metal plate and has inclined portions 311 and 312 at both ends in the front-rear direction D3, which are inclined so that they become lower towards the ends in the front-rear direction D3.

[0040] The imaging device 4 is supported by the inclined portion 311 on the front side of the first panel 31. More specifically, an opening 310 (see Figure 2) is formed in the center of the inclined portion 311 of the first panel 31 in the left-right direction D2. The opening 310 is a through hole that penetrates the first panel 31 (or its inclined portion 311) in the thickness direction. Here, as an example, the opening 310 is circular in shape. The imaging device 4 is positioned above the first panel 31, that is, outside the heating chamber 2, and in a position corresponding to the opening 310.

[0041] Furthermore, the imaging device 4 is positioned such that the optical axis of the optical system passes approximately through the center of the aperture 310, with the optical axis of the optical system tilted downward (diagonally downward) from the horizontal. In this embodiment, as an example, the inclined section 311 is tilted 45 degrees backward. Therefore, the imaging device 4 is also positioned such that the optical axis of the optical system is tilted 45 degrees backward with respect to the vertical.

[0042] As a result, the imaging device 4, positioned on the outside of the heating chamber 2 (above the first panel 31), can image the inside of the heating chamber 2 (cabinet space Sp1) through the opening 310. In other words, the imaging device 4 can image the cabin space Sp1 from a bird's-eye view, from diagonally in front and above.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the imaging device 4 is supported by a camera holder 53 above the first panel 31, that is, outside the heating chamber 2. The camera holder 53 has multiple (four in this case) legs 531 that extend along the optical axis of the optical system of the imaging device 4. In this example, the camera holder 53 is made of resin (a molded resin product).

[0044] The camera holder 53 is attached to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) from the outside (upper side) of the heating chamber 2 with one end (lower end) of the multiple legs 531 facing the panel member 3 (first panel 31), and the imaging device 4 is attached to the other end (upper end) of the multiple legs 531. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the camera holder 53 is fixed to the support plate 51 by multiple (four in this case) screws 54. The camera holder 53 is then fixed to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) by the support plate 51 being fixed to the area around the opening 310 in the first panel 31 so as to sandwich the glass holder 52. The support plate 51 is fixed to the first panel 31 by adhesive, welding, or fasteners such as screws. The imaging device 4 is fixed to the multiple legs 531 by fasteners such as screws. Here, as an example, the support plate 51 is made of metal and is formed in a rectangular shape with a length in the left-right direction D2.

[0045] Therefore, the imaging device 4 is supported by the camera holder 53 at a distance from the panel member 3 (first panel 31) toward the outside (upward) of the heating chamber 2. Furthermore, since cavities are secured between the multiple legs 531 of the camera holder 53, cooling air can be passed around the imaging device 4, making it easier to obtain a cooling effect for the imaging device 4.

[0046] More specifically, the camera holder 53 has a frame-shaped flange portion 532 that is continuous with one end (lower end) of a plurality of legs 531. In this embodiment, as an example, the flange portion 532 is formed in the shape of a rectangle (rectangular frame) with a length in the left-right direction D2. The camera holder 53 is fixed to the support plate 51 by tightening screws 54, which are inserted from the outside (upper side) of the heating chamber 2 through holes formed in the four corners of the flange portion 532, onto the support plate 51.

[0047] In the support plate 51, an opening hole 511 is formed at a position corresponding to the opening 310 in the first panel 31. The opening hole 511 is a through hole that penetrates the support plate 51 in the thickness direction. The opening hole 511 is circular in shape, similar to the opening 310. In the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4, the center of the opening hole 511 and the center of the opening 310 are aligned in a straight line.

[0048] Here, an elastic member 55 is interposed between the flange portion 532 of the camera holder 53 and the support plate 51. The elastic member 55 has elasticity at least in the portion that contacts the flange portion 532 and is formed in a frame shape. In this embodiment, as an example, the elastic member 55 is made of rubber (rubber gasket) and is formed in a rectangular frame shape having a length in the left-right direction D2. By positioning such an elastic member 55 between the flange portion 532 and the support plate 51, the gap between the flange portion 532 and the support plate 51 is filled.

[0049] Furthermore, between the flange portion 532 of the camera holder 53 and the support plate 51, a plurality (four in this case) of spacers 56 are interposed around the elastic member 55. The spacers 56 ensure a predetermined amount of space between the flange portion 532 and the support plate 51. The spacers 56 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and screws 54 are inserted into them.

[0050] The glass 6 is positioned to block the opening 511. The glass 6 is transparent to light in the wavelength range to which the imaging device 4 is sensitive. In other words, the glass 6 has relatively high transmittance (transparency) to light in the visible light range. Therefore, by blocking the opening 511 with the glass 6, the imaging device 4 can image the interior space Sp1 through the glass 6.

[0051] The glass 6 is attached to the support plate 51 by being sandwiched between the glass holder 52 and the support plate 51 in the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4. Specifically, the glass holder 52 is a frame-shaped member having a through hole 521, and is coupled to the support plate 51 by being fixed to the peripheral portion of the opening hole 511 in the support plate 51 with the glass 6 sandwiched between it and the support plate 51.

[0052] The glass holder 52 is located on the outside (above) side of the heating chamber 2 relative to the first panel 31, and the support plate 51 is located on the outside (above) side of the heating chamber 2 relative to the glass holder 52. Here, as an example, the glass holder 52 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame with a length in the left-right direction D2. Also, as an example, the glass holder 52 is made of resin (resin molded product).

[0053] Then, with the glass holder 52 sandwiching the glass 6 between itself and the support plate 51, it is fixed to the area surrounding the opening 511 in the support plate 51 with a pair of screws 57. In this embodiment, the pair of screws 57 are inserted from the inside of the heating chamber 2, that is, from the first panel 31 side, and tightened onto the support plate 51 through the glass holder 52. As a result, the glass holder 52 is fixed to the support plate 51. Consequently, the glass 6, held in place by the glass holder 52 and the support plate 51, is attached to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) between the opening 310 and the opening 511, closing the opening 511.

[0054] Therefore, when the shutter 71, described later, is in the open position, the glass 6, which is held in place by the glass holder 52 and the support plate 51, is exposed to the inside (downward side) of the heating chamber 2 through the through hole 521 (and opening 310), and to the outside (upward side) of the heating chamber 2 through the opening hole 511. Thus, when the shutter 71 is in the open position, the imaging device 4 can image the interior space Sp1 of the heating chamber through the glass 6 via the opening hole 511, the through hole 521, and the opening 310.

[0055] By the way, in the heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment, the shutter mechanism 7 is supported on the support plate 51 to which the camera holder 53 and the like are fixed. In other words, the support plate 51 is a member that supports the shutter mechanism 7.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the shutter mechanism 7 includes a shutter 71, a drive unit 72, a drive gear 73, a rotating shaft 74, and a regulating pin 75. The shutter mechanism 7 is configured to switch between a state in which the opening 310 is closed (the "closed position" in Figure 6) and a state in which the opening 310 is open (the "open position" in Figure 6) by driving the shutter 71.

[0057] In other words, the shutter 71 is a movable member that can move between a closed position and an open position, as shown in Figure 6. The "closed position" is the position of the shutter 71 when it closes the opening 310 of the panel member 3 (first panel 31). On the other hand, the "open position" is the position of the shutter 71 when it opens the opening 310 of the panel member 3 (first panel 31). In short, the shutter 71 opens and closes the opening 310 provided in the panel member 3 by moving between the closed position and the open position.

[0058] In this disclosure, "closing" means the state in which the opening 310 is closed by the shutter 71 when viewed from the inside (bottom side) of the heating chamber 2, and includes not only the form of sealing without any gaps, but also the form of simply shielding. In other words, in the closed position, the shutter 71 only needs to be positioned in front of the imaging device 4 (actually the glass 6 located in front of the imaging device 4) and face the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the panel member 3.

[0059] Furthermore, "open" as used in this disclosure means that when the opening 310 is viewed from the inside (bottom side) of the heating chamber 2, the opening 310 is not blocked by the shutter 71. In other words, when the shutter 71 is in the open position, it is sufficient that it is retracted from at least the front of the imaging device 4 (actually the glass 6 located in front of the imaging device 4).

[0060] The drive unit 72 is a device that generates power to drive the shutter 71. The drive unit 72 is supported by the support plate 51. The drive unit 72 is controlled by an electrical signal from the control unit to drive the shutter 71 and move it to the closed or open position. In this embodiment, as an example, the drive unit 72 is an electric motor such as a stepping motor that can rotate at least in both directions. The drive unit 72 may be, for example, a geared motor, a linear motor, or other actuator.

[0061] The drive gear 73 is a component that transmits power from the drive unit 72 to the shutter 71. In this embodiment, the drive gear 73 is a pinion gear that is coupled to the output shaft of the drive unit 72 and rotates in both directions in accordance with the rotation of the drive unit 72.

[0062] The rotating shaft 74 is an axial member that serves as the rotation center of the shutter 71. The rotating shaft 74 is supported by the support plate 51. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotating shaft 74 is a pin-shaped member and has a length along the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4. The rotating shaft 74 passes through the central part of the shutter 71, thereby supporting the shutter 71 so that it can rotate.

[0063] The regulating pin 75 is a component that restricts the range of movement of the shutter 71. The regulating pin 75 is supported by the support plate 51. In this embodiment, as an example, the regulating pin 75 is a pin-shaped component with a length along the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4. The regulating pin 75 is positioned opposite the shutter 71 in the direction of movement (rotation direction) of the shutter 71 and restricts the range of movement of the shutter 71 by contacting the shutter 71. As an example, the regulating pin 75 restricts the range of movement on the open side by restricting the movement of the shutter 71 only in one direction (here, counterclockwise when viewed from the outside of the heating chamber 2).

[0064] With the configuration described above, the shutter mechanism 7 closes the opening 310 when the shutter 71 is in the closed position. Then, the shutter mechanism 7 moves the shutter 71 from the closed position to the open position by the drive unit 72 rotating the shutter 71 via the drive gear 73. Here, when viewed from the outside (above) of the heating chamber 2, the shutter 71 moves from the closed position to the open position by rotating clockwise around the rotation axis 74 (in the direction of the thick arrow in Figure 6) until the shutter 71 contacts the regulating pin 75.

[0065] The shutter mechanism 7 opens the opening 310 with the shutter 71 in the open position. Then, the shutter mechanism 7 moves the shutter 71 from the open position to the closed position by rotating the shutter 71 via the drive gear 73 using the drive unit 72. Here, when viewed from the outside (above) of the heating chamber 2, the shutter 71 moves from the open position to the closed position by rotating counterclockwise around the rotation axis 74 (in the direction of the thick arrow in Figure 6).

[0066] More specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, among the components of the shutter mechanism 7, the shutter 71, drive gear 73, rotating shaft 74, and regulating pin 75 are arranged between the support plate 51 and the panel member 3 (first panel 31). In other words, the shutter 71, drive gear 73, rotating shaft 74, and regulating pin 75 are arranged on the panel member 3 (first panel 31) side of the support plate 51. On the other hand, the drive unit 72 is arranged on the opposite side of the support plate 51 from the panel member 3 (first panel 31).

[0067] Here, of the components of the shutter mechanism 7, at least the shutter 71 is made of a conductive material. In other words, at least the shutter 71 of the shutter mechanism 7 is conductive. In this embodiment, as an example, among the components of the shutter mechanism 7, the shutter 71, the drive gear 73, the rotating shaft 74, and the regulating pin 75 are all made of conductive metal.

[0068] The shutter 71 has an opening / closing section 711 and a gear section 712. The opening / closing section 711 and the gear section 712 are joined together by appropriate joining means such as welding, adhesive, or fasteners such as screws, forming a single plate-shaped shutter 71. The shutter 71 is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 74 at the joint between the opening / closing section 711 and the gear section 712.

[0069] The opening / closing section 711 is a plate-shaped member formed in a substantially fan shape when viewed from one side in the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4, and is configured to move in and out between the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and the glass holder 52 as the shutter 71 rotates. As a result, when the shutter 71 is in the closed position, the opening / closing section 711 is inserted between the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and the glass holder 52 to close the opening 310. On the other hand, when the shutter 71 is in the open position, the opening / closing section 711 is retracted from between the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and the glass holder 52 to open the opening 310.

[0070] The gear section 712 is a plate-shaped member formed in a roughly fan shape when viewed from one side in the direction of the optical axis of the imaging device 4, and is a member that receives power from the drive unit 72. The gear section 712 constitutes a spur gear having gears (external teeth) on its outer circumference. The gear section 712 meshes with the drive gear 73, and as the drive unit 72 rotates the drive gear 73, the entire shutter 71, including the gear section 712, rotates around the rotation axis 74.

[0071] As a result, the drive unit 72 rotates the drive gear 73, which in turn rotates the gear unit 712, allowing the opening / closing unit 711 to move back and forth between the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and the glass holder 52, thereby opening and closing the opening 310 with the opening / closing unit 711.

[0072] However, if the shutter 71 is not grounded and is electrically floating, then even in the closed position, the shielding performance of the shutter 71 against electromagnetic waves may not be sufficient, and in some cases, electromagnetic waves may leak out of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shutter 71 is electrically connected to at least a part of the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and brought to the same potential as the panel member 3, thereby improving the shielding performance of the shutter 71 against electromagnetic waves and preventing electromagnetic waves from leaking out of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310.

[0073] In short, the heating cooker 100 according to this embodiment comprises a heating chamber 2, an imaging device 4, and a shutter 71. The heating chamber 2 has a panel member 3 surrounding an internal space Sp1 capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and heats the object using electromagnetic waves. The imaging device 4 is positioned outside the heating chamber 2 and images the internal space Sp1 through an opening 310 formed in a part of the panel member 3. The shutter 71 is movable between a closed position that closes the opening 310 and an open position that opens the opening 310. Here, the shutter 71 is electrically connected to the panel member 3 at least when it is in the closed position.

[0074] In other words, the shutter 71 is conductive and is electrically connected to the panel member 3 (in this case, the first panel 31) at least when it is in the closed position. This electrical connection of the shutter 71 to the panel member 3 in the closed position brings the shutter 71 to the same potential as the panel member 3, improving the shielding performance of the shutter 71 against electromagnetic waves (microwaves). Therefore, in the cooking appliance 100 according to this embodiment, the shutter 71 more reliably prevents electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310, making it more difficult for electromagnetic waves to reach the imaging device 4. Consequently, the cooking appliance 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage of protecting the imaging device 4 from electromagnetic waves, thus reducing the likelihood of deterioration of the imaging device 4.

[0075] Furthermore, in the heating cooker 100 according to this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 71 is controlled in conjunction with the irradiation of electromagnetic waves in the heating chamber 2. In other words, the control unit controls the drive unit 72 in conjunction with the irradiation operation of electromagnetic waves in the heating chamber 2, thereby opening and closing the shutter 71 in accordance with the irradiation state of electromagnetic waves in the heating chamber 2.

[0076] Specifically, the shutter 71 is in the closed position at least during the irradiation period when electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the object to be heated. In short, during the period when electromagnetic waves are irradiated into the internal space Sp1 of the heating chamber 2 (irradiation period), the shutter 71 is in the closed position, thereby blocking the opening 310.

[0077] As a result, electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 2 are shielded by the shutter 71, and leakage of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310 is suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shutter 71 is in the open position during the non-irradiation period when electromagnetic waves are not irradiated onto the object to be heated. In other words, the shutter 71 is in the closed position while electromagnetic waves are being irradiated onto the object to be heated, but when the irradiation of electromagnetic waves ends, the control unit moves the shutter 71 to the open position by controlling the drive unit 72. Therefore, in the internal space Sp1 of the heating chamber 2, the opening 310 is opened because the shutter 71 is in the open position during the period when electromagnetic waves are not being irradiated (non-irradiation period).

[0079] Therefore, during periods when electromagnetic waves are not irradiated inside the heating chamber 2 (non-irradiation period), the imaging device 4 can image the space inside the chamber Sp1. Moreover, since electromagnetic waves are not irradiated inside the heating chamber 2 at this time, degradation of the imaging device 4 due to electromagnetic waves can be avoided.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the shutter 71 has a conductive portion 76 that contacts the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and is electrically connected to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) when at least in the closed position. That is, the shutter 71 is electrically connected to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) by bringing the conductive portion 76 into contact with the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the panel member 3 (first panel 31). The conductive portion 76 can be any structure that can electrically connect the shutter 71 and the panel member 3, such as an electrode or a terminal.

[0081] As a result, the shutter 71 is directly connected to the panel member 3 by bringing the conductive portion 76 into contact with the panel member 3. Therefore, the structure for electrically connecting the shutter 71 and the panel member 3 can be simplified, and the electrical resistance between the shutter 71 and the panel member 3 can be kept low.

[0082] Here, the conductive portion 76 includes a plurality of contacts 761. In this embodiment, as an example, the conductive portion 76 includes four contacts 761. Each of these four contacts 761 is a protruding contact that projects toward the panel member 3 (first panel 31) from the surface (bottom surface) facing the panel member 3 (first panel 31) at the opening / closing portion 711 of the shutter 71.

[0083] As a result, compared to the case where the shutter 71 is electrically connected to the panel member 3 by a single contact 761, the shutter 71 and the panel member 3 can be stably connected by multiple contacts 761, and the electrical resistance between the shutter 71 and the panel member 3 can be kept low.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing between the multiple contacts 761 is less than or equal to one-quarter of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the four contacts 761 are arranged in the closed position of the shutter 71 in the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the panel member 3 (first panel 31), surrounding the opening 310. Here, as an example, the four contacts 761 are arranged at equal intervals (90-degree intervals) on the concentric circles of the opening 310. The spacing L1 between adjacent pairs of contacts 761 in the circumferential direction, that is, the minimum spacing between multiple contacts 761, is set to less than or equal to "λ / 4", which is one-quarter of the wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave (microwave).

[0085] As a result, electromagnetic waves are less likely to leak through the gap between adjacent pairs of contacts 761, and the electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 2 are shielded by the shutter 71, thereby suppressing the leakage of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310.

[0086] Furthermore, the shutter 71 is pressed against the panel member 3 (first panel 31) when it is at least in the closed position. Specifically, the shutter 71 has a shape in which the end opposite to the rotation axis 74 of the opening / closing part 711, which is made of a metal plate (left end), is aligned toward the panel member 3. By assembling the shutter 71 between the support plate 51 and the panel member 3, the opening / closing part 711 undergoes elastic deformation, and this elasticity presses the conductive part 76 against the panel member 3 (first panel 31).

[0087] This ensures that the shutter 71 is in reliable contact with the area surrounding the opening 310 in the panel member 3 (first panel 31), making it difficult for electromagnetic waves to leak through the gap between the shutter 71 and the panel member 3. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 2 are shielded by the shutter 71, and leakage of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310 is suppressed.

[0088] In this embodiment, the shutter 71 moves between a closed position and an open position along the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the panel member 3 (first panel 31). The modes of movement include rotation, sliding (translational movement), and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, as described above, the shutter 71 moves between the closed position and the open position by rotating around the rotation axis 74.

[0089] This allows the clearance between the shutter 71 and the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the panel member 3 (first panel 31) to be kept constant at all times. Therefore, electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 2 are shielded by the shutter 71, and leakage of electromagnetic waves to the outside of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310 is suppressed.

[0090] [3] Variant The following lists some modifications of Embodiment 1. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0091] The opening 310 may be located at any position on the panel member 3, for example, at the rear end of the first panel 31, or on the second panel 32, third panel 33, fourth panel 34, or fifth panel 35. Furthermore, if the imaging device 4 is located in the door body 22, the opening 310 may be provided in the panel member constituting the inner surface of the door body 22.

[0092] Furthermore, the various components such as the glass holder 52 and the camera holder 53 are not limited to being made of resin, but may, for example, be made of metal in part. Also, the support plate 51 is not limited to being made of metal, but may, for example, be made of resin in part (resin molded product), or it may be an insert molded product in which a metal plate is inserted into a resin molded product.

[0093] Furthermore, the elastic member 55 is not limited to being made of rubber; for example, it may be composed of a leaf spring, a coil spring, or other elastic material.

[0094] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the configuration of the shutter mechanism 7 in the heating cooker 100A according to this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0095] In this embodiment, the shutter 71, together with the imaging device 4, constitutes a rotating body 78. The rotating body 78 is rotatable between a non-imaging position where the shutter 71 is in a closed position facing the opening 310 (see upper part of Figure 13) and an imaging position where the imaging device 4 faces the opening 310 (see lower part of Figure 13).

[0096] Specifically, the shutter mechanism 7 includes a rotating body 78 and a support 77 that rotatably supports the rotating body 78. The rotating body 78 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the imaging device 4 and shutter 71 are arranged on the front and back of its outer circumferential surface. The support 77 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is fixed to the panel member 3 (first panel 31).

[0097] The shutter mechanism 7 rotates the rotating body 78 by 180 degrees using the drive unit 72, so that the shutter 71 of the rotating body 78 moves alternately between a closed position and an open position, as shown in Figure 13. In other words, when the shutter 71 is in the closed position, the imaging device 4 is pointed away from the aperture 310, and when the shutter 71 is in the open position, the imaging device 4 is pointed towards the aperture 310.

[0098] With this configuration, as the shutter 71 moves between the closed and open positions, the orientation of the imaging device 4 also changes. Therefore, in the non-imaging position where the shutter 71 is in the closed position, electromagnetic waves irradiated onto the object being heated in the heating chamber 2 are less likely to reach the imaging device 4. Consequently, the imaging device 4 can be more reliably protected from electromagnetic waves.

[0099] The configuration of Embodiment 2 can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified versions) described in Embodiment 1.

[0100] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0101] <Note 1> A heating chamber having panel members surrounding an internal space capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and heating the object using electromagnetic waves, An imaging device positioned on the outside of the heating chamber and imaging the internal space of the chamber through an opening formed in a part of the panel member, The system includes a shutter that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, The shutter is electrically connected to the panel member at least when it is in the closed position. Heating cooker.

[0102] <Note 2> At least during the irradiation period in which the electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the object to be heated, the shutter is in the closed position. The heating appliance described in Appendix 1.

[0103] <Note 3> The shutter moves between the closed position and the open position along the peripheral portion of the opening in the panel member. A cooking appliance as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0104] <Note 4> The shutter, together with the imaging device, constitutes a rotating body. The rotating body is rotatable between a non-imaging position in which the shutter is positioned in the closed position with the shutter facing the opening and an imaging position in which the imaging device faces the opening. A cooking appliance as described in any of the notes 1 to 3.

[0105] <Note 5> The shutter has a conductive portion that, at least when in the closed position, contacts the peripheral portion of the opening in the panel member and is electrically connected to the panel member. A cooking appliance as described in any of the notes 1 to 4.

[0106] <Note 6> The conductive portion includes a plurality of contacts, The heating appliance described in Appendix 5.

[0107] <Note 7> The distance between the plurality of contacts is less than or equal to one-quarter of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. The heating appliance described in Appendix 6.

[0108] <Note 8> The shutter is pressed against the panel member side, at least when it is in the closed position. A cooking appliance as described in any of the notes 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 2 Heating cabinet 3 Panel members 4. Imaging device 71 Shutter 76 Conductive section 78. Solids of revolution 100,100A heating cooker 310 Opening 761 Contacts Sp1 Interior space

Claims

1. A heating chamber having panel members surrounding an internal space capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and heating the object using electromagnetic waves, An imaging device positioned on the outside of the heating chamber and imaging the internal space of the chamber through an opening formed in a part of the panel member, The system includes a shutter that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, The shutter is electrically connected to the panel member at least when it is in the closed position. Heating cooker.

2. At least during the irradiation period in which the electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the object to be heated, the shutter is in the closed position. A heating appliance according to claim 1.

3. The shutter moves between the closed position and the open position along the peripheral portion of the opening in the panel member. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The shutter, together with the imaging device, constitutes a rotating body. The rotating body is rotatable between a non-imaging position in which the shutter is positioned in the closed position with the shutter facing the opening and an imaging position in which the imaging device faces the opening. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The shutter has a conductive portion that, at least when in the closed position, contacts the peripheral portion of the opening in the panel member and is electrically connected to the panel member. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The conductive portion includes a plurality of contacts, A cooking appliance according to claim 5.

7. The distance between the plurality of contacts is less than or equal to one-quarter of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. A cooking appliance according to claim 6.

8. The shutter is pressed against the panel member side, at least when it is in the closed position. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

Images