Basket and cooking apparatus including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a basket and a cooking apparatus. The basket comprises: a body part including an inner space that is open in an upward direction; and a rotation part coupled to the body part so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a first direction intersecting with the upward direction. When a direction intersecting with both the first direction and the upward direction is referred to as a second direction, the rotation part is rotatable between a first position, at which the rotation part is in contact with the inner surface of a sidewall of the body part in the second direction, and a second position, at which the end of the rotation part is in contact with the inner surface of the body part in the direction opposite the second direction. The rotation part at the second position can partition the inner space into an upper portion and a lower portion.

Description

Basket and cooking device including same

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications]

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0076791, filed June 15, 2023, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0146013, filed October 27, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0077850, filed June 14, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a basket and a cooking device.

[0004] As robotic automation technology advances, robots are increasingly being deployed to perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans to perform. Recently, with the advancement of artificial intelligence technology, the development of robots that can perform diverse functions according to programmed instructions is expanding beyond simple, repetitive tasks.

[0005] Additionally, food tech, which integrates technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into the food industry, is gaining attention. These technologies are being developed to maximize cooking efficiency and enable customized cooking.

[0006] Meanwhile, fried foods such as fried chicken require a step of coating raw materials such as chicken pieces with flour, etc. to create a semi-finished product, placing it in a basket, and then placing the basket in boiling frying oil to fry the semi-finished product.

[0007] Conventional cooking devices have a problem where, when multiple semi-finished products are placed in the space inside the basket, they stick to each other.

[0008] In addition, conventional cooking devices have a problem in that semi-finished products are placed in the space inside one basket, so raw products requiring different frying times cannot be placed in one basket, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of product cooking.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a basket and cooking device that reduce sticking of products during the frying process and enable efficient cooking of products.

[0010] In one example, the basket includes a body portion including an interior space opened upwardly, a rotating portion coupled to the body portion so as to be rotatable about a rotating axis extending in a first direction intersecting upwardly, and when the first direction and the direction intersecting upwardly are referred to as a second direction, the rotating portion is rotatable between a first position in contact with an inner surface of a wall of the body portion in the second direction and a second position in which an end thereof contacts an inner surface on a side opposite to the second direction of the body portion, and at the second position, the rotating portion can partition the interior space upwardly and downwardly.

[0011] In another example, the second direction side wall of the body part may be arranged to be inclined in the second direction with respect to the bottom surface of the body part, and the second direction opposite side wall of the body part may be arranged to be inclined in the opposite direction of the second direction with respect to the bottom surface of the body part.

[0012] In another example, when the rotating part is located at the second position, and the space located below the rotating part among the internal spaces is referred to as the lower space, and the space located above the rotating part is referred to as the upper space, the basket may further include a partition part that is at least partially disposed in the lower space to partition the lower space.

[0013] In another example, the partition may include a first lower partition member extending along the first direction to partition the lower space and a second lower partition member extending along the second direction to partition the lower space.

[0014] In another example, the length of the first lower partition member and the second lower partition member in the vertical direction may be shorter than the vertical separation distance between the rotating member and the bottom surface of the body member when the rotating member is located at the second position.

[0015] In another example, the first lower partition member may be formed with a first lower through hole penetrating along the second direction, and the second lower partition member may be formed with a second lower through hole penetrating along the first direction.

[0016] In another example, the first lower compartment member may be formed with a seating groove that is opened either upwardly or downwardly so that the second lower compartment member is arranged therein.

[0017] In another example, the partition may further include a first upper partition member extending upward from the first lower partition member to partition the upper space, and the rotation member may include a first rotation hole extending along the first direction and penetrating in the up-and-down direction so as to penetrate the first upper partition member when positioned at the second position.

[0018] In another example, the first upper partition member may have a first upper through hole formed therein that penetrates along the second direction.

[0019] In another example, the partition may further include a second upper partition member extending upward from the second lower partition member to partition the upper space, and the rotation member may include a second rotation hole extending along the second direction and penetrating in the vertical direction so as to penetrate the second upper partition member when positioned at the second position.

[0020] In another example, the basket further includes a cover portion that is rotatably coupled to the body portion about a cover rotation axis extending in the first direction, and the cover portion is rotatable between a first cover position in contact with an inner surface of a side wall opposite to the second direction of the body portion and a second cover position in which an end thereof is in contact with an inner surface on the side of the second direction of the body portion, and when the rotation portion is at the second position and the cover portion is at the second cover position, the cover portion can be positioned above the rotation portion.

[0021] In another example, the rotating portion may include a protruding region, which is a region that protrudes upwardly from the second direction side wall of the body portion when positioned at the first position.

[0022] For example, a cooking device may include a gripper configured to hold an object, a gripper moving module configured to move the gripper, and a basket configured to receive an object held by the gripper, wherein the basket may include a body portion including an inner space opened upward, and a rotating portion coupled to the body portion so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis extending in a first direction intersecting upward, wherein when the first direction and the direction intersecting upward are referred to as a second direction, the rotating portion may be rotatable between a first position in contact with an inner surface of a wall of the body portion in the second direction and a second position in which an end thereof is in contact with an inner surface of a side of the body portion opposite to the second direction, and the gripper moving module may be configured to move the gripper in a direction opposite to the second direction to bring it into contact with the rotating portion located at the first position.

[0023] In another example, the rotating part includes a protruding area that is an area that protrudes upward from the second direction side wall of the body part when positioned at the first position, and the gripper moving module can press the protruding area in a direction opposite to the second direction by bringing the gripper into contact with the second direction side wall of the protruding area.

[0024] In another example, the cooking device further includes a control unit electrically connected to the gripper and the gripper moving module to control the gripper and the gripper moving module, and when the rotating unit is located at the second position, a space located below the rotating unit among the internal spaces is referred to as a lower space, and a space located above the rotating unit is referred to as an upper space, the control unit can control the gripper and the gripper moving module so that the gripper presses the protruding region after the object gripped by the gripper is placed in the lower space.

[0025] In another example, the control unit may control the gripper and the gripper movement module so that, after the gripper presses the protruding area, the gripper grasps another object and places it into the upper space.

[0026] In another example, the basket further includes a partition portion that is at least partially disposed in the lower space to partition the lower space, and the grippers are provided in a plurality, and the number of the lower spaces partitioned by the partition portion corresponds to the number of the grippers, so that a plurality of the grippers can be arranged correspondingly on the upper side of the lower space partitioned by the partition portion.

[0027] In another example, the control unit may control the gripper movement module to move the gripper so that the lower end of the gripper is positioned in the second direction of the protruding area after the object gripped by the gripper is placed in the lower space.

[0028] In another example, the control unit may control the gripper and the gripper movement module so that after the gripper presses the protruding area, the gripper grasps another object and places it into the upper space after a reference time.

[0029] In another example, the baskets are provided in a plurality and arranged along the second direction, and the control unit can control the gripper and the gripper movement module so that objects are sequentially placed in the lower space of the plurality of baskets.

[0030] According to the present invention, product sticking is reduced during the frying process, and product cooking can be carried out efficiently.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the rotating part in Figure 2 moved to the second position.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the rotating part in Figure 4 moved to the second position.

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Example 3 of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the rotating part in Fig. 6 moved to the second position.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Example 4 of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the rotating part in Fig. 8 moved to the second position.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Example 5 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the rotating part in Figure 10 moving to the second position and the cover part moving to the second cover position.

[0042] Figure 12 shows the first semi-finished product positioned on the upper side of the basket.

[0043] Figure 13 shows the first semi-finished product being introduced into the internal space.

[0044] Figure 14 shows a gripper positioned in the second direction of the protruding area.

[0045] Figure 15 shows the rotating part moved to the second position.

[0046] Figure 16 shows a second semi-finished product positioned on the upper side of the basket.

[0047] Figure 17 shows the second semi-finished product being introduced into the upper space.

[0048] Figure 18 shows the second semi-finished product positioned in the upper space.

[0049] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, identical components are given the same reference numerals, wherever possible, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known components or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Hereinafter, a basket (100) and a cooking device will be described in detail. The cooking device may be a device that produces a product by frying a semi-finished product (P2) in oil. The semi-finished product (P2) may be a raw material (P1) coated with batter liquid (B). The raw material (P1) may be chicken. The product may be fried chicken. However, this is not limited thereto, and a person skilled in the art can produce the semi-finished product (P2) and the product based on various types of raw materials (P1).

[0051] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] A cooking device may include a gripper (200), a gripper moving module (300), and a basket (100). The gripper (200) may be configured to grip an object. The object may be a semi-finished product (P2). The gripper moving module (300) may be configured to move the gripper (200). The basket (100) may be configured to receive an object gripped by the gripper (200). That is, after the gripper (200) grips a raw material (P1), it may be moved by the gripper moving module (300) to immerse the raw material (P1) in a batter liquid (B) to produce a semi-finished product (P2). Thereafter, the gripper (200), while gripping the semi-finished product (P2), may be moved by the gripper moving module (300) to place the semi-finished product (P2) into the basket (100). The semi-finished product (P2) placed in the basket (100) can be fried in oil to become a product.

[0053] Below, the basket (100) will be described in detail, and then the cooking device will be described in detail.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating the rotating part in Fig. 2 moved to a second position.

[0056] A basket (100) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a body portion (110) and a rotating portion (120). The body portion (110) may include an internal space (111) that is opened upward. The body portion (110) may have a mesh structure to allow oil to flow in and out. In addition, the internal space (111) may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area increases as it goes upward. For this purpose, the side surfaces of the body portion (110) may have a shape similar to a trapezoid in which the upper side is longer than the lower side.

[0057] A handle (112) and a hanging member (113) may be formed on the body portion (110). The handle (112) may be a portion that a user can grip. The hanging member (113) may be a portion that is hung on a lifter (400) of a cooking device, which will be described later, to secure the basket (100). The handle (112) and the hanging member (113) may be respectively coupled to facing sides of the body portion (110).

[0058] An anti-sticking member (114) may be placed on the bottom surface of the body portion (110). The anti-sticking member (114) is made of a material to which fried food does not stick, thereby preventing fried food from sticking to the bottom surface of the body portion (110).

[0059] The rotating part (120) can be connected to the body part (110) so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis (A1) extending in a first direction (D1). The first direction (D1) may be a direction intersecting upwards. Hereinafter, the first direction (D1) and the direction intersecting upwards are referred to as a second direction (D2).

[0060] The rotating member (120) may be rotatable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position where the rotating member (120) contacts the inner surface of the wall of the body member (110) on the second direction (D2) side. The second position may be a position where the rotating member (120) has an end contacting the inner surface of the body member (110) on the opposite side of the second direction (D2).

[0061] In the second position, the rotating part (120) can partition the internal space (111) into upper and lower parts. Hereinafter, when the rotating part (120) is located in the second position, the space located below the rotating part (120) among the internal space (111) is referred to as the lower space (111a), and the space located above the rotating part (120) is referred to as the upper space (111b).

[0062] As the rotating part (120) divides the internal space (111) into upper and lower parts, a semi-finished product (P2) can be placed in each of the upper space (111b) and the lower space (111a), thereby reducing sticking of the product.

[0063] In addition, since the rotating part (120) divides the internal space (111) into upper and lower parts, products with different frying times can be fried together. For example, let's say there is a first semi-finished product (P2') that requires a frying time of a first hour and a second semi-finished product (P2'') that requires a frying time of a second hour shorter than the first hour. At this time, if the first semi-finished product (P2') is first placed in the lower space (111a) and fried for a time equal to the difference between the first and second hours, and then the second semi-finished product (P2'') is placed in the upper space (111b) and fried for the second hour, a first product obtained by frying the first semi-finished product (P2') and a second product obtained by frying the second semi-finished product (P2'') can be produced simultaneously. That is, cooking efficiency can be increased, and products with different frying times can be produced simultaneously.

[0064] Additionally, fried foods generally tend to float while being fried in oil, which can result in the upper portion being undercooked. The basket (100) according to Example 1 of the present invention has the effect of preventing the semi-finished products (P2) located in the lower space (111a) from floating through the rotating part (120), thereby producing a product that is well-cooked up to the upper portion.

[0065] The rotating part (120) may include a protruding region (121). The protruding region (121) may be a region that protrudes upward from the second direction (D2) side wall of the body part (110) when the rotating part (120) is positioned at the first position. The protruding region (121) may be a portion for switching the rotating part (120) from the first position to the second position. For example, when the rotating part (120) is at the first position, the gripper (200) presses the protruding region (121) in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) while moving, so that the rotating part (120) may rotate in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) and be positioned at the second position.

[0066] For example, first, the gripper (200) can place the semi-finished product (P2) in the internal space (111), and then the gripper (200) can press the protruding area (121) in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) to place the rotating part (120) in the second position. In this process, the internal space (111) is divided into a lower space (111a) and an upper space (111b), and the semi-finished product (P2) that was previously inserted is located in the lower space (111a). Thereafter, the gripper (200) can again grip the semi-finished product (P2) and place it in the upper space (111b).

[0067] The basket (100) according to Example 1 of the present invention can reduce sticking of products through the rotating part (120) and increase cooking efficiency.

[0068] The rotating part (120) may further include a catch groove (124). The catch groove (124) may be a portion of the protruding region (121) that is sunken inward. The catch groove (124) may be a portion on which a gripper (200) or a separate tool may catch when the rotating part (120) is positioned at the second position. Due to the presence of the catch groove (124), the rotating part (120) positioned at the second position can be conveniently moved to the first position.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the rotating part in Fig. 4 has moved to a second position. Hereinafter, a basket (100) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The basket (100) according to Embodiment 2 differs from the basket (100) according to Embodiment 1 in the partition (130). The same or equivalent drawing reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent configurations as those of the basket (100) according to Embodiment 1, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0071] The basket (100) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention may further include a partition (130). At least a portion of the partition (130) may be disposed in the lower space (111a) to partition the lower space (111a). The partition (130) may include a first lower partition member (131) and a second lower partition member (132). The first lower partition member (131) may extend along a first direction (D1) to partition the lower space (111a). The second lower partition member (132) may extend along a second direction (D2) to partition the lower space (111a). At least a portion of the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) may be coupled to the body member (110).

[0072] The first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) may each be formed in one or more pieces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in order to partition the lower space (111a) into six spaces, one first lower partition member (131) and two second lower partition members (132) may be provided. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number of the first lower partition members (131) and the second lower partition members (132) may be modified depending on the number of intended spaces.

[0073] As the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) partition the lower space (111a), a plurality of semi-finished products (P2) can be placed in the lower space (111a) without sticking to each other, so that sticking of products can be reduced.

[0074] The lengths of the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) in the up-down direction may be shorter than the vertical separation distance between the rotating member (120) and the bottom surface of the body part (110) when the rotating member (120) is positioned at the second position. Since the lengths of the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) in the up-down direction are formed to be shorter than the vertical separation distance between the rotating member (120) and the bottom surface of the body part (110) when the rotating member (120) is positioned at the second position, when the rotating member (120) is changed from the first position to the second position, the rotating member (120) can be positioned at the second position without being obstructed by the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132).

[0075] A first lower through hole (133) may be formed in the first lower partition member (131). The first lower through hole (133) may be penetrated along the second direction (D2). A second lower through hole (134) may be formed in the second lower partition member (132). The second lower through hole (134) may be penetrated along the first direction (D1). Oil may flow in and out through the first lower through hole (133) and the second lower through hole (134), so that even when the semi-finished product (P2) is placed in the partitioned lower space (111a), the semi-finished product (P2) may be smoothly fried.

[0076] The first lower partition member (131) may be formed with a mounting groove (135) that is open toward either the upper or lower direction. The second lower partition member (132) may be provided to be mounted in the mounting groove (135). This may mean that the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) have a structure in which they are interlocked so as to cross each other. With this structure, even if only one of the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) is mounted to the body portion (110), the other can be easily mounted. In addition, since the position of the mounting groove (135) may become a reference position at which the second lower partition member (132) is positioned, it may be convenient to evenly partition the lower space (111a).

[0077] However, the method of joining the first lower partition member (131) and the second lower partition member (132) is not necessarily limited to this type of engagement, and various joining methods may be possible, such as a method of joining the end of the second lower partition member (132) to the first lower partition member (131).

[0078] In addition, it will be considered possible that the settling groove (135) is formed in the second lower partition member (132) in addition to the method in which it is formed in the first lower partition member (131).

[0079] Example 3

[0080] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the rotating part in Fig. 6 has moved to a second position. Hereinafter, a basket (100) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. The basket (100) according to Embodiment 3 differs from the basket (100) according to Embodiment 2 in the shape of the partition (130). The same or equivalent drawing reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent configurations as those of the basket (100) according to Embodiment 2, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0081] The basket (100) according to Example 3 may further include a first upper partition member (136). The first upper partition member (136) may extend upward from the first lower partition member (131) to define an upper space (111b). As the first upper partition member (136) defines the upper space (111b), a plurality of semi-finished products (P2) may be arranged in the upper space (111b) without sticking to each other, thereby reducing sticking of the products.

[0082] The rotating part (120) may include a first rotating hole (122). The first rotating hole (122) may extend along the first direction (D1) and penetrate in the vertical direction so that the first upper partition member (136) may penetrate therethrough when positioned at the second position. The first rotating hole (122) may be a portion through which oil may flow.

[0083] A first upper through hole (137) may be formed in the first upper partition member (136). The first upper through hole (137) may be penetrated along the second direction (D2). Oil may flow in and out through the first lower through hole (133), so that even when the semi-finished product (P2) is placed in the partitioned upper space (111b), the semi-finished product (P2) may be smoothly fried.

[0084] Example 4

[0085] Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the rotating part in Fig. 8 has moved to a second position. Hereinafter, a basket (100) according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The basket (100) according to Embodiment 4 differs from the basket (100) according to Embodiment 3 in the shape of the partition (130). The same or equivalent drawing reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent configurations as those of the basket (100) according to Embodiment 3, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0086] The partition (130) may further include a second upper partition member (138). The second upper partition member (138) may extend upward from the second lower partition member (132) to partition an upper space (111b). The rotation member (120) may include a second rotation hole (123). The second rotation hole (123) may extend along the second direction (D2) and penetrate in the vertical direction so as to penetrate the second upper partition member (138) when positioned at the second position.

[0087] A second upper through hole (139) may be formed in the second upper partition member (138). The second upper through hole (139) may be penetrated along the first direction (D1). Oil may flow in and out through the second lower through hole (134), so that even when the semi-finished product (P2) is placed in the partitioned upper space (111b), the semi-finished product (P2) may be smoothly fried.

[0088] Example 5

[0089] Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a basket according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the rotating part of Fig. 10 moves to a second position and the cover part moves to a second cover position. Hereinafter, a basket (100) according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. The basket (100) according to Embodiment 5 differs from the basket (100) according to Embodiment 1 in the presence of the cover part (140). The same or equivalent drawing reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent configurations as those of the basket (100) according to Embodiment 1, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0090] The basket (100) according to Example 5 may further include a cover portion (140). The cover portion (140) may be rotatably coupled to the body portion (110) about a cover rotation axis (A2) (A1) extending in a first direction (D1). The cover portion (140) may be rotatable between a first cover position and a second cover position. The first cover position may be a position where the cover portion (140) contacts the inner surface of a side wall of the body portion (110) opposite to the second direction (D2). The second cover position may be a position where an end thereof contacts the inner surface of the body portion (110) on the side of the second direction (D2). When the rotation portion (120) is in the second position and the cover portion (140) is in the second cover position, the cover portion (140) may be positioned above the rotation portion (120).

[0091] The point at which the cover part (140) is connected to the body part (110) may be located higher than the point at which the rotation part (120) is connected to the body part (110). In general, fried food tends to float while being fried in oil, which may result in the upper part being undercooked. The basket (100) according to Example 5 of the present invention has the effect of preventing the semi-finished products (P2) located in the upper space (111b) from floating, thereby producing a product that is well-cooked up to the upper part.

[0092] The cover portion (140) may include a cover protrusion region (141). The cover protrusion region (141) may be a region that protrudes upward from the side wall opposite to the second direction (D2) of the body portion (110) when the cover portion (140) is positioned at the first cover position. The cover protrusion region (141) may be a portion for switching the cover portion (140) from the first cover position to the second cover position.

[0093] First, in a situation where the rotating part (120) is at the first position, as the gripper (200) presses the protruding area (121) in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) while moving, the rotating part (120) can be rotated in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) and positioned at the second position. Thereafter, first, as the gripper (200) presses the cover protruding area (141) in the second direction (D2), the cover part (140) can be rotated in the second direction (D2) and positioned at the second cover position. The pressing of the cover protruding area (141) by the gripper (200) can be performed after the semi-finished product (P2) is positioned in the upper space (111b).

[0094] The cover portion (140) may further include a cover catch groove (142). The cover catch groove (142) may be a portion of the cover protrusion area (141) that is sunken inward. The cover catch groove (142) may be a portion on which a gripper (200) or a separate tool may be caught when the cover portion (140) is positioned at the second cover position. Due to the presence of the cover catch groove (142), the cover portion (140) positioned at the second cover position can be conveniently moved to the first cover position.

[0095] Meanwhile, the contents regarding the compartment (130) disclosed in the basket (100) according to embodiments 2 to 4 may also be further applied to the basket (100) according to embodiment 5.

[0096] cooking device

[0097] Figures 12 to 18 are sequential drawings illustrating the cooking process of a product. Figure 12 shows a first semi-finished product positioned on the upper side of the basket. Figure 13 shows a first semi-finished product being introduced into the internal space. Figure 14 shows a gripper positioned in the second direction (D2) of the protruding area. Figure 15 shows a rotating part moved to the second position. Figure 16 shows a second semi-finished product positioned on the upper side of the basket. Figure 17 shows a second semi-finished product being introduced into the upper space. Figure 18 shows a second semi-finished product being introduced into the upper space.

[0098] Hereinafter, a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings and the contents of the aforementioned basket (100). Since the contents of the basket (100) according to the aforementioned embodiments 1 to 5 can be applied, the same or equivalent drawing reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent configurations, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0099] The cooking device may include a gripper (200), a gripper movement module (300), and a basket (100). The gripper (200) may be configured to grip an object. The object may be a raw material (P1), a semi-finished product (P2), or a finished product. The gripper (200) may be provided in multiple units. In this case, the number of lower spaces (111a) partitioned by the partition (130) and the number of grippers (200) may correspond to each other. Accordingly, a plurality of grippers (200) may be arranged correspondingly on the upper portions of the lower spaces (111a) partitioned by the partition (130).

[0100] The basket (100) can be coupled with a lifter (400). The lifter (400) can move the basket (100) up and down. For example, the lifter (400) can move the basket (100) downward so that the basket (100) is completely immersed in oil. In addition, the lifter (400) can move the basket (100) upward so that at least a portion of the basket (100) is not immersed in oil.

[0101] For example, the number of grippers (200) may correspond to the number of lower spaces (111a) partitioned by the first lower partition members (131) and the second lower partition members (132). For example, if there is one first lower partition member (131) and two second lower partition members (132), the lower space (111a) may be partitioned into six spaces, and accordingly, six grippers (200) may also be provided. Accordingly, the gripper (200) may grab six semi-finished products (P2) at a time and place the semi-finished products (P2) in each of the partitioned lower spaces (111a) at a time.

[0102] The gripper movement module (300) may be configured to move the gripper (200). For example, the gripper movement module (300) may move the gripper (200) in the up-and-down direction, and in the second direction (D2) and the opposite direction. For example, the gripper movement module (300) may be connected to a rail (R) extending in the second direction (D2).

[0103] The gripper movement module (300) may be arranged to move the gripper (200) in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) to bring it into contact with the rotating part (120) located at the first position. For example, the gripper movement module (300) may pressurize the contact area in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) by bringing the gripper (200) into contact with the wall on the second direction (D2) side of the contact area of ​​the rotating part (120), thereby rotating the rotating part (120) to the second position.

[0104] The cooking device may further include a control unit (500). The control unit (500) may be electrically connected to the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300) to control the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300).

[0105] The control unit (500) may include a processor and memory. The processor may include a microprocessor such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The memory may store control commands (instructions) that serve as the basis for generating commands in the processor, such as commands for determining whether the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300) are operating. The memory may be a data store such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), a volatile medium, or a non-volatile medium.

[0106] The control unit (500) can control the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300) so that the gripper (200) presses the protruding area (121) after the object gripped by the gripper (200) is placed in the lower space (111a).

[0107] In addition, the control unit (500) can control the gripper movement module (300) to move the gripper (200) so that the lower end of the gripper (200) is positioned in the second direction (D2) of the protruding area (121) after the object gripped by the gripper (200) is placed in the lower space (111a). At this time, the lower end of the gripper (200) and the protruding area (121) can overlap when viewed along the second direction (D2). Accordingly, the gripper (200) can move in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2) to press the protruding area (121) in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2).

[0108] In addition, the control unit (500) can control the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300) so that after the gripper (200) presses the protruding area (121), the gripper (200) grasps another object and places it into the upper space (111b). For example, after the gripper (200) presses the protruding area (121), the control unit (500) can control the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300) so that after a reference time, the gripper (200) grasps another object and places it into the upper space (111b). As described above, the reference time can be the difference between the first time and the second time.

[0109] For example, when the object placed in the lower space (111a) is the first semi-finished product (P2'), the other object may be the first semi-finished product (P2''). At this time, the control unit (500) may first place the first semi-finished product (P2') in the lower space (111a), and after a time equal to the difference between the first time and the second time, may place the second semi-finished product (P2'') in the upper space (111b). Afterwards, by frying for the second time, the first product obtained by frying the first semi-finished product (P2') and the second product obtained by frying the second semi-finished product (P2'') may be produced simultaneously. This can be seen with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18.

[0110] A plurality of baskets (100) may be provided and arranged along the second direction (D2). The control unit (500) may control the gripper (200) and the gripper movement module (300) so that objects are sequentially placed into the lower space (111a) of the plurality of baskets (100). Of course, during this process, the process of pressurizing the rotating unit (120) and placing objects into the upper space (111b) may also be performed simultaneously.

[0111] Cooking process

[0112] Below, based on the above-described content, a process for cooking a product using a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0113] First, a raw material (P1) is gripped by a gripper (200), and the gripper (200) is moved by a gripper movement module (300). Thereafter, the gripper (200) is moved by a gripper movement module (300) to immerse the raw material (P1) in a battery liquid (B) to produce a semi-finished product (P2). The semi-finished product (P2) is gripped by the gripper (200).

[0114] Next, the gripper (200) is moved again through the gripper movement module (300) to position the gripper (200) on the upper side of the basket (100). The gripper (200) places the semi-finished product (P2) into the internal space (111) of the basket (100). This may be similar to the process of FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0115] Next, the gripper movement module (300) is operated to move the gripper (200) so that the lower end of the gripper (200) is positioned in the second direction (D2) of the protruding area (121). Thereafter, the gripper (200) presses the protruding area (121) in the opposite direction of the second direction (D2), and the rotating part (120) moves from the first position to the second position. That is, the semi-finished product (P2) is positioned in the lower space (111a). This may be similar to the process of FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0116] Next, the lifter (400) lowers the basket (100) and immerses it in oil. Thereafter, the semi-finished product (P2) can be fried for the required cooking time to produce the product.

[0117] Meanwhile, if it is desired to place a semi-finished product (P2) in the upper space (111b), the raw material (P1) is gripped again through the gripper (200) and the gripper (200) is moved through the gripper movement module (300). The raw material at this time may be different from the raw material located in the lower space (111a).

[0118] Next, the gripper (200) is moved through the gripper movement module (300) to immerse the raw material (P1) in the battery liquid (B) to produce a semi-finished product (P2), and the gripper (200) is moved to position the gripper (200) on the upper side of the basket (100). The gripper (200) places the semi-finished product (P2) into the upper space (111b) of the basket (100). Before the gripper (200) places the semi-finished product (P2) into the upper space (111b) of the basket (100), the lifter (400) can move the basket (100) upward. This may be similar to the process of FIGS. 16 to 18.

[0119] Next, the lifter (400) lowers the basket (100) and immerses it in oil. Thereafter, the semi-finished product (P2) can be fried for the required cooking time to produce the product.

[0120] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A body portion including an internal space open upwards; A rotating part is connected to the body part so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis extending in a first direction intersecting upwards, When the direction intersecting the first direction and the direction above is called the second direction, The above rotating part, A first position in contact with the inner surface of the second direction side wall of the above body portion; and Rotatable between the second positions where the end contacts the inner surface of the second direction opposite side of the body part, In the second position, the rotating part is a basket that divides the internal space into upper and lower parts.

2. In claim 1, The second direction side wall of the above body part is arranged to be inclined in the second direction with respect to the bottom surface of the above body part, A basket in which the side wall opposite to the second direction of the body portion is arranged to be inclined in the opposite direction of the second direction with respect to the bottom surface of the body portion.

3. In claim 2, When the above rotating part is located at the second position, the space located below the rotating part among the internal spaces is called the lower space, and the space located above the rotating part is called the upper space. A basket further comprising a partition portion that divides the lower space by having at least a portion disposed in the lower space.

4. In claim 3, The above section is, A first lower partition member extending along the first direction and partitioning the lower space; and A basket including a second lower partition member extending along the second direction and partitioning the lower space.

5. In claim 4, A basket in which the lengths of the first lower partition member and the second lower partition member in the vertical direction are shorter than the vertical separation distance between the rotating member and the bottom surface of the body member when the rotating member is located at the second position.

6. In claim 4, In the above first lower compartment member, A first lower through hole is formed that penetrates along the second direction, In the above second lower compartment member, A basket in which a second lower through hole is formed penetrating along the first direction.

7. In claim 4, A basket in which a seating groove is formed in the first lower partition member, which is opened either upwardly or downwardly, and in which a second lower partition member is arranged to be placed inside.

8. In claim 4, The above section is, Further comprising a first upper partition member extending upward from the first lower partition member to partition the upper space, The above rotating part, A basket including a first rotation hole extending along the first direction and penetrating in the vertical direction so as to penetrate the first upper partition member when positioned at the second position.

9. In claim 8, In the above first upper partition member, A basket in which a first upper through hole is formed penetrating along the second direction.

10. In claim 8, The above section is, It further includes a second upper partition member extending upward from the second lower partition member to partition the upper space, The above rotating part, A basket including a second rotation hole extending along the second direction and penetrating in the vertical direction so as to penetrate the second upper partition member when positioned at the second position.

11. In claim 1, Further comprising a cover part that is rotatable and connected to the body part around a cover rotation axis extending in the first direction; The above cover part, A first cover position in contact with the inner surface of the side wall opposite to the second direction of the above body part; and Rotatable between the second cover positions where the end contacts the inner surface of the second direction side of the above body part, A basket in which the cover part is located above the rotating part when the rotating part is at the second position and the cover part is at the second cover position.

12. In claim 1, The above rotating part, A basket comprising a protruding region, which is an region protruding upward from the second direction side wall of the body portion when positioned at the first position.

13. A gripper designed to grip an object; A gripper moving module configured to move the gripper; and It includes a basket into which the object gripped by the gripper is placed, The above basket is, A body portion including an inner space open upwards; A rotating part is connected to the body part so as to be rotatable around a rotating axis extending in a first direction intersecting upwards, When the direction intersecting the first direction and the direction above is called the second direction, The above rotating part, A first position in contact with the inner surface of the second direction side wall of the above body portion; and Rotatable between the second positions where the end contacts the inner surface of the body part opposite to the second direction, The above gripper movement module, A cooking device in which the gripper is moved in the opposite direction to the second direction to bring it into contact with the rotating part located at the first position.

14. In claim 13, The above rotating part, When positioned at the first position, it includes a protruding area which is an area that protrudes upward from the second direction side wall of the body part, The above gripper movement module, A cooking device that contacts the gripper with the second direction side wall of the protruding area to pressurize the protruding area in a direction opposite to the second direction.

15. In claim 14, Further comprising a control unit electrically connected to the gripper and the gripper movement module to control the gripper and the gripper movement module, When the above rotating part is located at the second position, the space located below the rotating part among the internal spaces is called the lower space, and the space located above the rotating part is called the upper space. The above control unit, A cooking device that controls the gripper and the gripper movement module so that the gripper presses the protruding area after the gripper inserts the object it has gripped into the lower space.

16. In claim 15, The above control unit, A cooking device, wherein the gripper and the gripper movement module are controlled so that the gripper grips another object and places it into the upper space after the gripper presses the protruding area.

17. In claim 16, The above basket is, At least a portion of the lower space is arranged to further include a partition that divides the lower space, The above gripper is provided in multiple pieces, A cooking device in which the number of the lower spaces partitioned by the above-mentioned partition and the number of the grippers correspond to each other, so that a plurality of the grippers can be arranged correspondingly on the upper side of the lower spaces partitioned by the above-mentioned partition.

18. In claim 16, The above control unit, A cooking device that controls the gripper movement module to move the gripper so that the lower end of the gripper is positioned in the second direction of the protruding area after the gripper inserts the object it has gripped into the lower space.

19. In claim 16, The above control unit, A cooking device, wherein the gripper and the gripper movement module are controlled so that after the gripper presses the protruding area, the gripper grasps another object and places it into the upper space after a reference time.

20. In claim 15, The above baskets are provided in multiple pieces and arranged along the second direction, The above control unit, A cooking device that controls the gripper and the gripper movement module so that objects are sequentially placed in the lower space of a plurality of the baskets.

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