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, a first glass 61, and an imaging device 4. 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 first glass 61 closes an opening 310 formed in a part of the panel member 3. The imaging device 4 is positioned outside the heating chamber 2 and images the internal space Sp1 through the first glass 61. An insulating layer 60 is located between the first glass 61 and the imaging device 4.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As related art, cooking heaters such as microwave ovens are known that irradiate an object to be heated (heated object) in a heating chamber with electromagnetic waves (microwaves) to heat the object to be heated (see, for example, 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 recess formed in a concave shape is provided upward from the periphery of the wall surface opening. At the bottom of the wall surface recess, that is, on the upper side, a bottom recess opening that is an opening for imaging is provided. The side wall of the wall surface recess has a tapered shape that narrows from the heating chamber side toward the wall surface opening side. Below the upper wall, a substantially flat 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 bottom recess opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the opening surface of the wall surface opening. Thus, by making the opening of the bottom recess opening smaller, it is possible to suppress leakage of electromagnetic waves from the inside of the heating chamber while ensuring 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, although leakage of electromagnetic waves from the inside of the heating chamber can be suppressed, there is a possibility that the imaging device may deteriorate due to heat 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, a first glass panel, and an imaging device. The heating chamber has a panel member surrounding an internal space capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and heats the object to be heated using electromagnetic waves. The first glass panel closes an opening formed in a part of the panel member. The imaging device is positioned outside the heating chamber and images the internal space through the first glass panel. An insulating layer is located between the first glass panel and the imaging device. [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 exploded perspective view of the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic right side view showing the main parts of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 1. [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] In this disclosure, "electromagnetic waves" refers to a physical phenomenon in which electromagnetic energy propagates through space while vibrating, and includes radio waves and light. The heating cooker 100, for example, irradiates the object to be heated in the heating chamber 2 with microwaves, which are electromagnetic waves of 2.45 GHz. As a result, the electromagnetic waves (microwaves) vibrate water molecules, etc., in the object to be heated, causing the temperature of the entire object to rise.

[0014] There are two types of this kind of cooking heater 100, namely, the "flat table type" and the "rotating table type". The flat table type cooking heater 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 rotating table type cooking heater has a rotating table 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 rotating table, the object to be heated on the rotating table is uniformly heated. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the cooking heater 100 is a flat table type microwave oven.

[0015] The cooking heater 100 is, for example, an electric device that operates by receiving power supply from a power system (AC power supply). That is, the cooking heater 100 operates to irradiate electromagnetic waves to the object to be heated to heat the object to be heated when receiving power supply.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking heater 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 cooking heater 100 stands on its own on the installation surface X1 in a state of being placed on the installation surface X1. That is, the cooking heater 100 according to this embodiment is a self-standing and portable device, and the user can install the cooking heater 100 at an arbitrary position on the installation surface X1.

[0017] In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the vertical direction in the state where the cooking heater 100 can be used is defined as the up-down direction D1. Further, with reference to the direction when the cooking heater 100 is viewed from the front, the left-right direction D2 is defined, and the front-rear direction D3 is defined with the front side of the cooking heater 100 as the front and the rear side as the rear. However, these directions are not intended to limit the usage direction (direction during use) of the cooking heater 100.

[0018] The heating cooker 100 includes a heating chamber 2 capable of accommodating an object to be heated, and a heating source for heating the object to be heated. The heating source irradiates electromagnetic waves into the space (the internal space Sp1 in the chamber) in the heating chamber 2 to heat the object to be heated accommodated in the heating chamber 2.

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

[0020] Here, the door body 22 is supported by a support portion (hinge) provided at the lower part on the front surface side of the box body 21 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the box body 21. The door body 22 is in an open position (see FIG. 1) when its upper part falls forward, and is in a closed position when it stands upright on the back side. Further, the door body 22 has a door window 221 for visually recognizing the inside (the internal space Sp1) of the heating chamber 2 through the door body 22, and a handle 222 that can be gripped by a user.

[0021] The door window 221 includes a double glass structure including an inner glass facing the inside (the internal space Sp1) of the door body 22 and an outer glass facing the outside of the door body 22. The door window 221 has a punching metal which is a metal plate (or metal sheet) with many holes. By providing the punching metal, electromagnetic waves are prevented from leaking outside the heating chamber 2 through the door window 221.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, when the door body 22 is in an open state (open position), the internal space Sp1 in the heating chamber 2 is exposed from the front surface of the box body 21, and the object to be heated can be taken in and out of the heating chamber 2. On the other hand, when the door body 22 is in a closed state (closed position), the internal space Sp1 in the heating chamber 2 is in a sealed state, and the object to be heated accommodated in the heating chamber 2 can 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 9.

[0037] Figures 2 to 8 show 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 glass holder 51 and cover plate 52, while other components are omitted as appropriate. In addition, in Figures 4 to 8, only the peripheral portion of the first panel 31 surrounding the imaging device 4 is shown.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heating appliance 100 according to this embodiment includes a glass holder 51, a cover plate 52, a camera holder 53, a screw 54, a first glass 61 and a second glass 62, etc. The heating appliance 100 also further includes an elastic member 55 (see Figure 5).

[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 5) 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 rectangular in shape with a length in the left-right direction D2. 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 to 6, 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 resin molded product).

[0044] The camera holder 53 is attached to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) from the outside (upper side) 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, the camera holder 53 is fixed to the cover plate 52 by fasteners such as screws. The cover plate 52 is then fixed to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) by a pair of screws 54 that sandwich the glass holder 51 around the opening 310 in the first panel 31, thereby fixing the camera holder 53 to the panel member 3 (first panel 31). The imaging device 4 is fixed to the multiple legs 531 by fasteners such as screws.

[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, each of the multiple legs 531 of the camera holder 53 has a screw hole 532 (see Figure 5) formed at one end (lower end). On the other hand, the cover plate 52 has multiple through holes 524 (see Figure 5) formed at positions corresponding to these multiple screw holes 532. The camera holder 53 is fixed to the cover plate 52 by fastening fasteners such as screws through the through holes 524 from the cover plate 52 side (lower side) into the screw holes 532.

[0047] The first glass 61 is positioned to close the opening 310. In this embodiment, the first glass 61 has the function of limiting (regulating) the transmission of electromagnetic waves (microwaves in this embodiment) used to heat the object to be heated. In other words, the first glass 61 has the function of an electromagnetic wave shielding glass (electromagnetic wave shielding glass) that limits the passage of electromagnetic waves by shielding and / or absorbing high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as microwaves. The first glass 61 only needs to limit the transmission of electromagnetic waves (microwaves), and it is not essential that it completely shields the electromagnetic waves.

[0048] Furthermore, the first glass 61 is made of heat-reflective glass. In this disclosure, "heat-reflective glass" is a glass member that has the function of limiting the passage of heat (heat rays) by reflecting heat rays such as infrared rays. Here, "heat" includes at least the heat for heating the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 2, and / or the heat generated in the heated object. The first glass 61 made of heat-reflective glass only needs to limit the transmission of heat rays, and it is not essential that it completely shields the heat rays.

[0049] Specifically, the first glass 61 comprises a glass plate 611 (see Figure 7) and a heat-reflective layer 612 (see Figure 7). The glass plate 611 is tempered glass with sufficient heat resistance and durability, and is formed in a rectangular shape with a length in the left-right direction D2. The heat-reflective layer 612 is, for example, a very thin metal film, and is arranged on one surface in the thickness direction of the glass plate 611. The heat-reflective layer 612 is not limited to a single-layer metal film, but may also be a multi-layer metal film. As a result, when heat rays are incident on the first glass 61, at least a portion of the heat rays are reflected by the heat-reflective layer 612, and the transmission of heat rays through the first glass 61 is limited.

[0050] Here, the first glass 61 is transparent to light in the wavelength range to which the imaging device 4 is sensitive. In other words, the first glass 61 has relatively high transmittance (transparency) to light in the visible light range, while limiting the transmission of high-frequency electromagnetic waves such as microwaves and heat rays.

[0051] Therefore, by the first glass 61 closing the opening 310, the imaging device 4 can image the interior space Sp1 through the first glass 61. On the other hand, by the first glass 61 closing the opening 310, it is possible to suppress the leakage of electromagnetic waves (microwaves in this embodiment) irradiated into the interior space Sp1 to the outside of the heating oven 2 (outside the interior space Sp1) through the opening 310. Furthermore, by the first glass 61, which is made of heat-reflective glass, closing the opening 310, it is possible to suppress the leakage of heat (radiant heat) from inside the interior space Sp1 to the outside of the heating oven 2 (outside the interior space Sp1) through the opening 310.

[0052] The first glass 61 is attached to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) by being sandwiched between the glass holder 51 and the cover plate 52 in the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4. Specifically, the glass holder 51 and the cover plate 52 are both frame-shaped members having through holes 511 and 522, and are joined to each other by being fixed to the peripheral portion of the opening 310 in the first panel 31 with the first glass 61 sandwiched between them.

[0053] The glass holder 51 is located on the outside (above) side of the heating chamber 2 relative to the first panel 31, and the cover plate 52 is located on the outside (above) side of the heating chamber 2 relative to the glass holder 51. Here, as an example, both the glass holder 51 and the cover plate 52 are formed in the shape of a rectangular frame with a length in the left-right direction D2. Also, as an example, the glass holder 51 is made of resin (resin molded product), and the cover plate 52 is made of metal.

[0054] Then, with the glass holder 51 and cover plate 52 sandwiching the first glass 61, they are fixed to the area surrounding the opening 310 in the first panel 31 with a pair of screws 54. In this embodiment, the pair of screws 54 are inserted from the inside of the heating chamber 2, that is, from the first panel 31 side, and tightened through the glass holder 51 to the cover plate 52. As a result, the glass holder 51 and cover plate 52 are fixed to the first panel 31. Consequently, the first glass 61, held in place by the glass holder 51 and cover plate 52, is attached to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) so as to close the opening 310.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the glass holder 51 has a rectangular through-hole 511, and the cover plate 52 has a circular through-hole 522. Therefore, the first glass 61, held between the glass holder 51 and the cover plate 52, is exposed to the inside (downward side) of the heating chamber 2 through the through-hole 511 (and the opening 310), and to the outside (upward side) of the heating chamber 2 through the through-hole 522. Consequently, the imaging device 4 can image the interior space Sp1 of the heating chamber through the first glass 61 via the through-hole 522, the through-hole 511, and the opening 310.

[0056] More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the glass holder 51 has a through hole 511 in the center of the surface (bottom surface) facing inward (downward) of the heating chamber 2, which penetrates the glass holder 51 in the thickness direction. The through hole 511 opens in a rectangular shape with a length in the left-right direction D2. Furthermore, the glass holder 51 has a peripheral wall 512 that protrudes outward (upward) of the heating chamber 2 around the through hole 511 on the back surface (top surface) facing outward (upward) of the heating chamber 2. The inner edge of the peripheral wall 512 is slightly larger than the inner edge of the through hole 511. In other words, when viewed from the outside (upward) of the heating chamber 2, the through hole 511 is located inside the peripheral wall 512.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cover plate 52 has a recess 521 in the center of the surface (bottom surface) facing inward (downward) of the heating chamber 2. The recess 521 opens in a rectangular shape with a length in the left-right direction D2. A through hole 522 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the recess 521, penetrating the cover plate 52 in the thickness direction. The through hole 522 opens in a circular shape. Furthermore, the cover plate 52 has a peripheral wall 523 that protrudes outward (upward) of the heating chamber 2 around the through hole 522 on the back surface (top surface) facing outward (upward) of the heating chamber 2. The inner edge of the peripheral wall 523 coincides with the inner edge of the through hole 522. In other words, the inner surface of the peripheral wall 523 and the inner surface of the through hole 522 are seamlessly continuous. The presence of such a peripheral wall 523 (burring) makes it more difficult for electromagnetic waves to pass through the through-hole 522 compared to a case where the through-hole 522 is the same diameter but without the peripheral wall 523. In other words, by providing the peripheral wall 523, the diameter of the through-hole 522 can be slightly enlarged while suppressing the transmission of electromagnetic waves, making it easier to secure the field of view of the imaging device 4. In addition, multiple (four in this case) through-holes 524 for fixing the camera holder 53 are formed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the recess 521 of the cover plate 52.

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the first glass 61 is housed in the area enclosed by the peripheral wall 512 on the back (top) side of the glass holder 51. In this state, the movement of the first glass 61 in the plane along the back surface of the glass holder 51 is restricted by the peripheral wall 512, and the movement of the first glass 61 toward the inside (downward) side of the heating chamber 2 is restricted by the glass holder 51. The first glass 61 and the peripheral wall 512 are housed in the recess 521 of the cover plate 52. In this state, the glass holder 51 is in close contact with the area surrounding the recess 521 on the surface (bottom) of the cover plate 52.

[0059] Here, the heat-reflective layer 612 of the heat-reflective glass (first glass 61) is positioned facing outwards (upwards) from the heating chamber 2. That is, the first glass 61 has a heat-reflective layer 612 on one surface in the thickness direction, and this heat-reflective layer 612 is positioned on the surface (back surface) of the first glass 61 that faces the bottom surface of the recess 521 of the cover plate 52.

[0060] This allows the first glass 61 to efficiently reflect the heat rays from inside the heating chamber 2, making it easier to reduce the leakage of heat rays from the heating chamber 2.

[0061] Furthermore, the heat reflective layer 612 of the heat reflective glass (first glass 61) is electrically connected to the panel member 3 (first panel 31). If the heat reflective layer 612 of the first glass 61 were not grounded or otherwise electrically isolated, the electromagnetic wave shielding performance of the first glass 61 would not be sufficient, and in some cases, electromagnetic waves could leak outside the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat reflective layer 612 of the first glass 61 is electrically connected to the panel member 3 (first panel 31) and brought to the same potential as the panel member 3, thereby improving the electromagnetic wave shielding performance of the heat reflective layer 612 and preventing electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310.

[0062] In other words, by electrically connecting the heat reflective layer 612 of the first glass 61 to the panel member 3, the first glass 61 becomes at the same potential as the panel member 3, improving the shielding performance of the first glass 61 against electromagnetic waves (microwaves). Therefore, the heating cooker 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the first glass 61 more reliably prevents electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310, making it less likely for electromagnetic waves to leak outside the heating chamber 2.

[0063] In short, while the imaging device 4 can image the interior space Sp1, the opening 310 is closed by the first glass 61, and the heat reflective layer 612 is electrically connected to the panel member 3, thereby preventing electromagnetic waves from leaking through the opening 310. In particular, in this embodiment, since the panel member 3 (first panel 31) is grounded, the heat reflective layer 612 of the first glass 61 is also grounded. As a result, the shielding effect against electromagnetic waves (microwaves in this case) is also enhanced for the first glass 61, making it less likely for electromagnetic waves to leak out of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310.

[0064] The heat reflective layer 612 only needs to be electrically connected to the panel member 3 (first panel 31), and various means such as crimping, bonding, and welding can be used for this connection. Alternatively, the heat reflective layer 612 and the panel member 3 (first panel 31) may be electrically connected via bumps or bonding wires.

[0065] Furthermore, an elastic member 55 is interposed between the bottom surface of the recess 521 of the cover plate 52 and the first glass 61. The elastic member 55 has elasticity at least in the portion that contacts the first glass 61 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. With such an elastic member 55 positioned between the bottom surface of the recess 521 and the first glass 61, the first glass 61 is pressed against the glass holder 51 by the elastic member 55 and compressed against the glass holder 51.

[0066] In short, the heating appliance 100 is equipped with an elastic member 55 that presses the first glass 61 against the glass holder 51. This makes it less likely for the first glass 61 to shift position even if, for example, vibration is applied to the panel member 3.

[0067] However, since the first glass 61 is made of heat-reflective glass, it is possible to suppress the leakage of heat (radiant heat) from the interior space Sp1 to the outside of the heating chamber 2 (outside the interior space Sp1) through the opening 310. Nevertheless, it is difficult to completely shield the heat rays with the first glass 61. Therefore, some heat from the interior space Sp1 may leak to the outside of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310 (first glass 61). Furthermore, since the imaging device 4 is located at the position corresponding to the opening 310, if heat is transferred to the imaging device 4, it may lead to deterioration of the imaging device 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, measures are taken to prevent the heat from the interior space Sp1 from being transferred to the imaging device 4, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the imaging device 4.

[0068] In short, the heating cooker 100 according to this embodiment comprises a heating chamber 2, a first glass 61, and an imaging device 4, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. 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 first glass 61 closes an opening 310 formed in a part of the panel member 3. The imaging device 4 is positioned outside the heating chamber 2 and images the internal space Sp1 through the first glass 61. Here, an insulating layer 60 is located between the first glass 61 and the imaging device 4.

[0069] In other words, on the outside (upper side) of the heating chamber 2 as viewed from the first glass 61, the insulating layer 60 is positioned in front of the imaging device 4. In this embodiment, the insulating layer 60 is an air layer located between the first glass 61 and the optical system of the imaging device 4 in the optical axis direction of the imaging device 4's optical system. However, the insulating layer 60 is not limited to an air layer; for example, it can be a vacuum layer, a gas layer other than air, or a liquid layer, as long as it has a lower thermal conductivity than the first glass 61. In short, the insulating layer 60 thermally separates the optical system of the imaging device 4 from the first glass 61, making it difficult for heat transmitted through the first glass 61 to reach the imaging device 4.

[0070] Thus, the presence of the insulating layer 60 makes it difficult for heat from the internal space Sp1 to leak out of the heating chamber 2 through the opening 310 (first glass 61), even if some of the heat leaks out. Therefore, the heating cooker 100 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the imaging device 4 can be protected from the heat of the internal space Sp1, and the imaging device 4 is less likely to deteriorate.

[0071] In this embodiment, the heating appliance 100 further includes a second glass 62 positioned between the heat insulating layer 60 and the imaging device 4. That is, the second glass 62 is located on the outside (upper side) of the heating chamber 2 as seen from the first glass 61, and is positioned in front of the imaging device 4. The heat insulating layer 60 is located between the first glass 61 and the second glass 62 in the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4. In other words, as seen from the imaging device 4, in the optical axis direction of the optical system of the imaging device 4, there is a double layer of glass consisting of the first glass 61 and the second glass 62 with the heat insulating layer 60 in between, between the imaging device 4 and the internal space Sp1.

[0072] With this configuration, even if the temperature of the insulation layer 60 itself rises, the heat from the insulation layer 60 is only transferred to the second glass 62, and is less likely to be transferred to the imaging device 4. Therefore, compared to the case without the second glass 62, the heat from the interior space Sp1 is less likely to reach the imaging device 4.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the camera holder 53 has a rectangular frame-shaped connecting portion 533 that connects the multiple legs 531 at the longitudinal intermediate portion of the multiple legs 531. The connecting portion 533 is formed in a substantially square shape, and the second glass 62 is supported by the camera holder 53 by being fitted into the connecting portion 533. The second glass 62 is a substantially square single-pane glass. The holding structure of the second glass 62 by the camera holder 53 can employ appropriate means such as fitting, snap-fitting, or bonding. Furthermore, the camera holder 53 may be integrally molded with the second glass 62.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second glass 62, like the first glass 61, has the function of limiting (regulating) the transmission of electromagnetic waves (microwaves in this embodiment) used to heat the object to be heated. Furthermore, like the first glass 61, the second glass 62 is made of heat-reflective glass and has the function of limiting the passage of heat (heat rays).

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the heat insulating layer 60 forms part of the air passage through which airflow passes. The cooking appliance 100 according to this embodiment includes a cooling fan 7 that generates airflow, a cooling duct 71, and a branch duct 72.

[0076] For example, the cooling fan 7 is located at the lower rear of the heating chamber 2. The cooling duct 71 is connected to the cooling fan 7 and forms an air passage for the airflow generated by the cooling fan 7. The cooling duct 71 is connected to an outlet located above the heating chamber 2 on the front of the cooking appliance 100, through the space above the first panel 31. As a result, the airflow generated by the cooling fan 7 is blown forward through the cooling duct 71 and out of the outlet located above the heating chamber 2.

[0077] The branch duct 72 is connected to the middle of the cooling duct 71, and branches the airflow path. The tip of the branch duct 72 (the end opposite to the cooling duct 71) opens towards the imaging device 4. In other words, the airflow generated by the cooling fan 7 is branched into two: an airflow that is blown out of the outlet through the cooling duct 71 to the outside of the cooking appliance 100, and an airflow that is blown towards the imaging device 4 through the cooling duct 71 and the branch duct 72.

[0078] Here, the airflow blown out from the branch duct 72 (shown by the white arrow in Figure 9) passes around the imaging device 4 as cooling air, passing between the multiple legs 531 of the camera holder 53. Furthermore, at least a portion of the airflow blown out from the branch duct 72 passes through the heat insulating layer 60. This suppresses the temperature rise of the heat insulating layer 60, making it more difficult for heat to be transferred to the imaging device 4.

[0079] [3] Variant The following lists some modifications of Embodiment 1. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0080] The first glass 61 may have, in addition to or instead of, the function of heat-reflective glass (the function of reflecting heat rays). Heat-absorbing glass is glass that has been colored by adding a small amount of metal component to the glass composition and has the function of absorbing heat rays.

[0081] Furthermore, at least one of the first glass 61 and the second glass 62 may omit the function of limiting the transmission of electromagnetic waves such as microwaves and the function of limiting the transmission of heat rays. In other words, at least one of the first glass 61 and the second glass 62 may not have the function of limiting the transmission of heat rays, for example, as a heat-reflective glass (and heat-absorbing glass).

[0082] Furthermore, the heat reflective layer 612 of the first glass 61 is not necessarily positioned facing outwards (upwards) from the heating chamber 2, but may also be positioned facing inwards (downwards) from the heating chamber 2.

[0083] Furthermore, it is not essential that the heat reflective layer 612 of the heat reflective glass (first glass 61) be electrically connected to the panel member 3 (first panel 31); the heat reflective layer 612 may be electrically disconnected from the panel member 3.

[0084] Furthermore, 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. In addition, if the imaging device 4 is located on the door body 22, the opening 310 may be provided on the panel member constituting the inner surface of the door body 22.

[0085] Furthermore, the various components such as the glass holder 51 and the camera holder 53 are not limited to being made of resin, but may, for example, be made of metal in some parts. Also, the cover plate 52 is not limited to being made of metal, but may, for example, be made of resin (resin molded product) in some parts.

[0086] 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.

[0087] [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.

[0088] <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, A first glass that closes an opening formed in a part of the panel member, The heating chamber is equipped with an imaging device positioned on the outside of the heating chamber and imaging the internal space through the first glass, A thermal insulation layer is located between the first glass and the imaging device. Heating cooker.

[0089] <Note 2> The system further comprises a second glass placed between the thermal insulation layer and the imaging device. The heating appliance described in Appendix 1.

[0090] <Note 3> The aforementioned insulating layer forms part of the air passage through which air flows. A cooking appliance as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0091] <Note 4> The first glass is made of heat-reflective glass. A cooking appliance as described in any of the notes 1 to 3.

[0092] <Note 5> The heat-reflective layer of the heat-reflective glass is positioned facing outwards from the heating chamber. The heating appliance described in Appendix 4.

[0093] <Note 6> The heat-reflective layer of the heat-reflective glass is electrically connected to the panel member. A cooking appliance as described in Appendix 4 or 5. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 2 Heating cabinet 3 Panel members 4. Imaging device 60 Insulation layer 61 First Glass 62 Second Glass 100 Cooker 310 Opening 612 Heat reflective layer 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, A first glass that closes an opening formed in a part of the panel member, The heating chamber is equipped with an imaging device positioned on the outside of the heating chamber and imaging the internal space through the first glass, A thermal insulation layer is located between the first glass and the imaging device. Heating cooker.

2. The system further comprises a second glass placed between the thermal insulation layer and the imaging device. A heating appliance according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned insulating layer forms part of the air passage through which air flows. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first glass is made of heat-reflective glass. A heating appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The heat-reflective layer of the heat-reflective glass is positioned facing outwards from the heating chamber. A cooking appliance according to claim 4.

6. The heat-reflective layer of the heat-reflective glass is electrically connected to the panel member. A cooking appliance according to claim 4.

Images