Cooking apparatus

Abstract

A cooking apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed invention comprises a camera disposed outside of a cavity, wherein an open hole for exposing a light incident part of the camera to the inside of a cooking chamber is formed in the cavity, and the open hole is formed in a polygonal shape or is surrounded by a protrusion protruding from the cavity.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, and more particularly, to a cooking appliance equipped with a camera that photographs the inside of a cooking chamber.

[0002] Cooking appliances are a type of home appliance used for cooking food. They are installed in kitchens and cook food according to the user's preferences. These cooking appliances can be categorized in various ways based on the heat source, form, or type of fuel used.

[0003] Cooking appliances can be categorized by their cooking method. They can be categorized into open and closed types, based on the space in which the food is placed. Closed types include ovens and microwave ovens, while open types include cooktops, hobs, and griddles.

[0004] A closed cooking appliance is a cooking appliance that seals the space where food is placed and heats the sealed space to cook the food. A closed cooking appliance has a chamber, or cooking chamber, provided within the main body of the appliance. This cooking chamber is essentially the space where the food is cooked. A heat source is provided within or outside the cooking chamber to heat the cooking chamber.

[0005] Among closed cooking appliances, a microwave oven is a cooking device that uses electricity to generate high frequency waves, which are then passed through the cooking object stored inside the cooking chamber, thereby heating the object by causing molecular movement inside.

[0006] Microwave ovens are kitchen appliances that heat the inside and outside of food simultaneously by irradiating it with high-frequency waves generated by a magnetron. They are widely used due to their advantages, such as high thermal efficiency, which significantly reduces cooking time, reducing nutritional loss during cooking, defrosting, and reheating, and allowing food to be cooked directly while stored in a container.

[0007] Among sealed cooking appliances, some combine the functions of an oven and a microwave oven. These sealed cooking appliances can incorporate both an electric heater, similar to an oven, and a magnetron, similar to a microwave oven. The heat generated by the electric heater and the high-frequency energy from the magnetron can be used separately or together to cook.

[0008] Additionally, sealed cooking appliances equipped with built-in cameras have recently been developed. These appliances can capture images of food stored within the cooking chamber through the built-in camera. Images captured by the built-in camera can be displayed on the appliance's display or the user's smart device, and can also be used as data for controlling the appliance's cooking operations.

[0009] When an image acquired by a built-in camera is used as data for controlling the cooking operation of a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance can analyze the food-related image acquired by the built-in camera to determine the type of food or determine the cooking progress of the food, and control the cooking operation of the cooking appliance based on the information analyzed in this way.

[0010] Typically, built-in cameras are installed in the cavity forming the cooking chamber or in a door positioned at the front of the cooking chamber. For example, the built-in camera can be installed on the upper exterior surface of the cavity to capture images of the cooking chamber from above. Alternatively, the built-in camera can be installed in the door to capture images of the cooking chamber from the front.

[0011] When a built-in camera is installed on the upper outer surface of the cavity, the wider the field of view of the built-in camera, the more effectively it can capture the food contained within the cooking chamber. For example, the larger the food contained within the cooking chamber and the higher the food is located within the cooking chamber, the wider the field of view of the built-in camera is required to effectively capture the entire food.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance with an improved structure so that automatic cooking using a camera that photographs the cooking room and cooking using a high-frequency heat source can be effectively performed simultaneously.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having an improved structure so that the viewing angle of the camera can be expanded without increasing the risk of electromagnetic wave leakage.

[0014] In order to achieve the above purpose, a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a camera arranged on the outside of a cavity, an open hole is formed in the cavity to expose a light-input portion of the camera to the inside of the cooking chamber, and the open hole is characterized in that it is formed in a polygonal shape or surrounded by a protrusion protruding from the cavity.

[0015] In addition, another form of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a camera arranged on the outside of a cavity, an open hole is formed in the cavity to expose a light-input portion of the camera to the inside of the cooking chamber, and the open hole is formed in a polygonal shape.

[0016] In addition, another form of the present invention includes a camera disposed outside a cavity, the cavity including an open hole exposing a light-input portion of the camera to the inside of the cooking chamber, and a shielding protrusion protruding from the cavity, the shielding protrusion surrounding the open hole and protruding from the cavity.

[0017] A cooking appliance according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a cavity in which a cooking chamber is formed; and a camera disposed outside the cavity.

[0018] Additionally, it is preferable that the camera include a light-input section that passes light into the interior of the camera.

[0019] In addition, it is preferable that an open hole be formed in the cavity to expose the light-input portion to the inside of the cooking chamber.

[0020] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned open hole be formed in a polygonal shape.

[0021] In addition, it is preferable that the above open hole is formed to penetrate the cavity.

[0022] Additionally, it is preferable that the open hole be arranged on the outside of the light-input portion in a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the open hole.

[0023] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned open hole be formed in a square shape that forms a plane parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the above-mentioned open hole.

[0024] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned open hole be formed into a square that forms a plane parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the above-mentioned open hole.

[0025] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned open hole be formed as a circumscribed square that is in contact with a circle or ellipse formed by the light-input portion.

[0026] In addition, the present invention may further include a magnetron that supplies a high-frequency heat source inside the cooking chamber.

[0027] In addition, a cooking appliance according to another aspect of the present invention may include: a cavity in which a cooking chamber is formed inside; a camera disposed outside the cavity; and a shielding protrusion protruding from the cavity.

[0028] In addition, it is preferable that an open hole be formed in the cavity to expose the light-input portion to the inside of the cooking chamber.

[0029] Additionally, it is preferable that the shielding protrusion surrounds the open hole and protrudes from the cavity.

[0030] In addition, it is preferable that the shielding protrusion protrudes from the inner surface of the cavity surrounding the open hole in the penetrating direction of the open hole.

[0031] Additionally, it is preferable that the camera be placed on the upper side of the cavity.

[0032] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned open hole is formed to penetrate vertically through the upper surface of the cavity.

[0033] In addition, it is preferable that the shielding protrusion protrudes upward and downward from the inner surface of the cavity surrounding the open hole.

[0034] Additionally, it is preferable that the shielding protrusion protrudes upward from the cavity.

[0035] In addition, the present invention may further include a transparent cover that covers the open hole and is coupled to the cavity.

[0036] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned transparent cover is placed on the lower side of the open hole, and the shielding protrusion protrudes upward from the inner surface of the cavity surrounding the open hole.

[0037] The cooking appliance of the present invention can effectively perform automatic cooking using a camera and cooking using a high-frequency heat source simultaneously by providing stable electromagnetic wave shielding performance even under conditions where an open hole for camera shooting is formed.

[0038] In addition, the present invention can provide an effect that allows for more effective shooting of large food or food located at the upper part of a cooking chamber by allowing the camera's field of view to be expanded while providing stable electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation structure of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the shape of an open hole of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an open hole of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation structure of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the shielding protrusion illustrated in Figure 5.

[0048] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0049] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0051] The attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in an exaggerated size or thickness for convenience of understanding, etc., but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0052] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" in the specification do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0054] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0055] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components present in between.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0057] When the cooker is placed on the floor, the direction in which the door is installed relative to the center of the cooker is defined as the front. Therefore, the direction in which the door opens and the cooker enters is the rear. For convenience, these forward and rearward directions can be referred to as the first direction. Therefore, the front can be considered one side of the first direction, and the rear can be considered the other side of the first direction.

[0058] Additionally, we can define the direction of gravity as downward, and the opposite direction of gravity as upward.

[0059] Also, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the forward-backward direction of the cooking appliance, i.e., the width direction of the cooking appliance when looking at it from the front of the cooking appliance door, can be referred to as the left-right direction. For convenience, the left-right direction can be referred to as the second direction. Then, the right side can be considered one side of the second direction, and the left side can be considered the other side of the second direction.

[0060] Additionally, the width direction of the above cooking appliance may be referred to as the lateral direction. Then, the right side may be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side may be referred to as the other side of the lateral direction.

[0061] And, the above-mentioned up-down direction can be called the third direction. Then, the up direction can be said to be one side of the third direction, and the down direction can be said to be the other side of the third direction.

[0062] Additionally, the vertical direction described above can be called the vertical direction. Then, the horizontal direction can be included including the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction.

[0063] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0064] <First Embodiment>

[0065] [Overall structure of the cooking appliance]

[0066] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the cooking appliance may have an exterior formed by a main body (10). The main body (10) may be provided in a shape that includes a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be formed of a material having a predetermined strength to protect a number of components installed in its internal space.

[0068] The above body (10) includes a cavity (11) that forms the skeleton of the body (10). The cavity (11) can be formed in the shape of a hexahedron with an open front, and a cooking chamber (10a) is provided inside the cavity (11).

[0069] The cavity (11) can be formed in the shape of a hexahedron with an open front, and the cooking chamber (10a) can be formed inside this cavity (11). That is, the cooking chamber (10a) can be formed as a space having a roughly hexahedral shape placed inside the cavity (11), and can be formed as a space that is open to the front.

[0070] In a state where the cooking chamber (10a) is sealed, food can be cooked while the interior of the cooking chamber (10a) is heated. That is, in the cooking appliance of the present embodiment provided as a sealed cooking appliance, the cooking chamber (10a) is actually the space where food is cooked.

[0071] In a cooking appliance, a door (30) that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber (10a) may be provided in a rotatable manner. As an example, the door (30) may be provided in a form that opens and closes the cooking chamber (10a) in a pull-down manner in which the upper portion of the door (30) rotates up and down around the lower portion.

[0072] An electrical room (10b) may be provided outside the cavity (11), more specifically, on the upper part of the cavity (11). The electrical room (10b) may be positioned on the upper part of the cavity (11) and behind the control panel (30). A space for installing electrical components may be formed inside the electrical room (10b).

[0073] The lower boundary surface of the main chamber (10b) can be defined by an upper panel (15) arranged on the upper side of the cavity (11). The upper panel (15) can be arranged to block the space between the cavity (11) and the upper space (10b). This upper panel (15) can be arranged on the upper side of the cavity (11) to define the lower boundary surface of the upper space (10b).

[0074] The front of the electrical compartment (10b) can be shielded by a front panel (12). The front panel (12) is positioned between the cavity (11) and the door (20) and can form the front of the main body (10). This front panel (12) can be positioned so that at least a portion blocks the front of the electrical compartment (10b).

[0075] For example, the upper area of ​​the front panel (12) positioned above the cooking chamber (10a) can shield the front of the electrical compartment (10b). This front panel (12) can protrude above the cavity (11) to define the front boundary surface of the electrical compartment (10b).

[0076] [Heating unit]

[0077] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the cooking appliance is provided with a heating unit that heats the cooking chamber (10a). The heating unit may include a magnetron (25) capable of generating high frequency waves. The magnetron (25) can receive high-voltage current from a high-voltage transformer and supply a high-frequency heat source to the interior of the cooking chamber (10a).

[0079] The magnetron (25) is installed inside the main body (10), and may be positioned on the upper or side of the cooking chamber (10a). In the present embodiment, the magnetron (25) is positioned in the electric chamber (10b), and is exemplified as being positioned at a position offset to the side within the electric chamber (10b).

[0080] In addition, the heating unit may further include a grill heater (21) and a convection device (23). According to the present embodiment, a grill heater (21) may be provided on the upper side of the cooking chamber (10a), and a convection device (23) may be provided on the rear side of the cooking chamber (10a).

[0081] The grill heater (21) can heat the interior space of the cooking chamber (10a) from the upper side. In addition, the convection device (23) sucks in the air inside the cooking chamber (10a), heats it, and then discharges it into the interior space of the cooking chamber (10a) while causing the air to flow, thereby enabling the interior space of the cooking chamber (10a) to be heated evenly.

[0082] The above grill heater (21) can heat the inside of the cooking chamber (10a) from the upper part of the cooking chamber (10a). That is, the grill heater (21) is provided so that it can directly apply heat to food to be cooked from the upper part of the cooking chamber (10a).

[0083] The convection device (23) is positioned at the rear of the cooking chamber (10a) and can be installed on the rear surface of the cavity (11). This convection device (23) can include a convection cover installed on the rear surface of the cooking chamber, a convection heater installed in the inner space of the convection cover (51), and a convection fan.

[0084] [Camera Structure]

[0085] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation structure of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the cooking appliance may include a camera (50). The camera (50) is positioned outside the cooking chamber (10a) and the cavity (11), and is configured to capture images of the cooking chamber (10a). As an example, the camera (50) may be positioned on the upper side of the cavity (11).

[0087] The camera (50) may include an image processing unit (51). The image processing unit (51) may include one or more image sensors. As the image sensor, a CCD or CMOS may be used.

[0088] As an example, the image sensor may be provided in a form mounted on a circuit board. In this case, the image sensor may be placed on the bottom surface of the circuit board facing the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11).

[0089] Additionally, the camera (50) may include a lens unit (53). The lens unit (53) may include at least one lens. As an example, the lens unit (53) may be provided in a form in which a plurality of lenses arranged along a first direction are accommodated in a barrel.

[0090] The lens unit (53) collects light reflected from a subject to form an optical image in the imaging area, and the image sensor can receive light incident through the lens unit (53) and convert it into an image signal.

[0091] In addition, the camera (50) may further include various processors necessary for composing an image based on an image signal output from an image sensor, and may further include lighting composed of LEDs, etc.

[0092] The above camera (50) may include a case (55). The case (55) forms the exterior of the camera (50), and various components constituting the camera (50), such as an image sensor, a lens unit (53), lighting, etc., may be accommodated inside the case (55).

[0093] A through hole may be provided on the bottom surface of the case (55), and the through hole may penetrate the bottom surface of the case (55) in an up-down direction. The lens portion (53) may be exposed to the lower side of the case (55) through this through hole.

[0094] In addition, the camera (50) may include a light-input portion (50a). The light-input portion (50a) is a portion that allows light to pass into the interior of the camera (50). That is, light reflected from a subject may enter the interior of the camera (50) through the light-input portion (50a), and the light entering the interior of the camera (50) may be received by an image sensor and converted into an image signal.

[0095] As an example, the light-input portion (50a) may be defined as a concept including a through hole and a lens portion (53). In addition, the light-input portion (50a) may also be defined as a concept including a through hole, a lens portion (53), and an image sensor. The lower end of the light-input portion (50a) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the case (55) and may be exposed downward from the bottom surface of the case (55).

[0096] The field of view of the camera (50) may change depending on the forward-backward and left-right positions of the light-input portion (50a), and the field of view of the camera (50) may change depending on the size of the light-input portion (50a). For example, as the position of the light-input portion (50a) shifts forward, the field of view of the camera (50) may also shift forward, and as the diameter of the light-input portion (50a) increases, the field of view of the camera (50) may expand.

[0097] Additionally, the field of view of the camera (50) may change depending on the size of the light-input portion (50a). For example, as the diameter of the light-input portion (50a) increases, the field of view of the camera (50) may expand.

[0098] Additionally, the field of view of the camera (50) may change depending on the direction in which the light-input portion (50a) faces. For example, if the light-input portion (50a) faces downward, the field of view of the camera (50) also faces downward, and if the direction in which the light-input portion (50a) faces changes between the forward and downward directions, the field of view of the camera (50) may also change between the forward and downward directions.

[0099] A camera (50) having the above configuration may be placed on the upper side of the cavity (11). As an example, the camera (50) may be placed in the space between the cooking chamber (10a) and the power chamber (10b), that is, in the space between the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) and the upper panel (15). As another example, the camera (50) may be placed in the upper space of the upper panel (15), that is, in the power chamber (10b).

[0100] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that the camera (50) is placed in the space between the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) and the upper panel (15). In this case, the bottom surface of the case (55) may be placed at a position facing the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11). In addition, the light-input unit (50a) may also be placed at a position facing the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11).

[0101] The camera (50) arranged as above can obtain an image related to food contained inside the cooking room (10a) by photographing the inside of the cooking room (10a) from the upper side of the cooking room (10a).

[0102] As an example, the camera (50) may be installed on the upper panel (15). That is, the camera (50) may be positioned at a predetermined distance upward from the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11). This camera (50) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the high-temperature cooking chamber (10a), that is, at a position where the influence of heat transferred from the cooking chamber (10a) is minimal.

[0103] As another example, the camera (50) may be installed on the upper surface of the cavity (11). In this case, the camera (50) may be positioned very close to the open hole (H). The camera (50) positioned in this manner may not only be positioned so that the light-input portion (50a) faces downward in the vertical direction, but may also be positioned so that the light-input portion (50a) faces in a direction inclined from the vertical direction. That is, the camera (50a) positioned very close to the open hole (H) as described above may be positioned so as to be inclined toward the center of the planar direction of the cooking chamber (10a).

[0104] When the camera (50) is positioned very close to the open hole (H) as described above, a configuration for cooling the camera (50) may be installed around the camera (50). For example, a cooling fan may be installed around the camera (50), or an air guide for guiding a cool air flow around the camera (50) may be installed around the camera (50).

[0105] Additionally, the camera (50) may be positioned at a forward-leaning position in the forward-rear direction and at a lateral end position in the lateral direction. For example, the camera may be positioned adjacent to the front left corner.

[0106] When a heater in the form of a sheath heater is installed on the ceiling surface of a cavity (11) inside a cooking chamber (10a), the above-mentioned location is a location where the heat generated by the heater has a minimal effect. Therefore, by arranging the camera (50) in the above-mentioned location, the possibility of malfunction or damage to the camera (50) due to the heat generated by the heater can be reduced.

[0107] [Camera Installation Related Structure]

[0108] An open hole (H) may be provided in the cavity (11). The open hole (H) may form a passage for light to pass between the outside of the cavity (11) and the cooking chamber (10a). This open hole (H) may be formed to penetrate vertically through the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11).

[0109] An open hole (H) may be positioned between the light-input portion (50a) and the cooking chamber (10a). Light reflected from a subject inside the cooking chamber (10a) may pass through the open hole (H) to the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11). In this way, light emitted outside the cavity (11) through the open hole (H) may be incident into the interior of the camera (50) through the light-input portion (50a).

[0110] As an example, the diameter of the open hole (H) may be set to 8 to 12 mm. If the diameter of the open hole (H) is less than 8 mm, a problem may occur in which the field of view of the camera (50) is not properly secured, such as when a structure around the open hole (H) blocks part of the field of view of the camera (50). In addition, considering that the maximum diameter of the open hole (H) to satisfy the electromagnetic wave permissible leakage is 12 mm, it can be seen that if the diameter of the open hole (H) exceeds 12 mm, the risk of electromagnetic wave leakage through the open hole (H) significantly increases.

[0111] In addition, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may further include a see-through cover (60). The see-through cover (60) is provided to shield the open hole (H). This see-through cover (60) is provided to block the movement of heat while allowing the transmission of light.

[0112] As an example, the transparent cover (60) may be formed of a transparent heat-resistant glass material, may cover the open hole (H) from the lower side, and may be installed on the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11). This transparent cover (60) may be provided in the form of a glass plate forming a horizontal plane, and may be coupled to the lower side of the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) by a bracket (65) installed on the lower side of the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11).

[0113] [Operation and effect of cooking appliances]

[0114] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the shape of an open hole of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the function of an open hole of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the cooking appliance according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cooking appliance according to the present embodiment can provide an automatic cooking function using a camera (50). The cooking appliance can obtain an image or video of food stored inside the cooking chamber (10a) using the camera (50).

[0117] According to this embodiment, the light-input portion (50a) of the camera (50) can be positioned to face the open hole (H). Light reflected from a subject inside the cooking chamber (10a) can pass through the open hole (H) and enter the interior of the camera (50), and the camera (50) can capture an image illuminated through the open hole (H).

[0118] The cooking appliance can analyze a video or image related to food acquired by a camera (50) that photographs the inside of the cooking chamber (10a) as described above to determine the type and size of the food or determine the cooking progress of the food, and control the cooking operation of the cooking appliance based on the information analyzed in this way.

[0119] For example, the cooking appliance can set the type of heating element, heating intensity, and heating time suitable for cooking food whose size and type are identified based on the video or image analysis results acquired by the camera (50). The cooking appliance can then control the operation of the heating element so that cooking is performed at the set heating intensity and heating time.

[0120] When the heating unit of the cooking appliance operates to perform cooking using a high-frequency heat source, the cooking appliance can operate the magnetron (25), and accordingly, the magnetron (25) can receive a high-voltage current from a high-voltage transformer and supply a high-frequency heat source to the inside of the cooking chamber (10a).

[0121] When a high-frequency heat source is supplied inside the cooking chamber (10a) as described above, leakage of electromagnetic waves through the open hole (H) may occur, and as the size of the open hole (H) increases, the likelihood of leakage of electromagnetic waves through the open hole (H) increases.

[0122] Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of electromagnetic wave leakage through the open hole (H), the size of the open hole (H) must be reduced. However, if the size of the open hole (H) is reduced, it becomes difficult to secure a field of view for the camera (50) and the field of view of the camera (50) becomes narrow, which causes a problem.

[0123] Taking these points into consideration, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the open hole (H) provided in the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may be formed in a polygonal shape. This open hole (H) may be arranged on the outside of the light-input portion (50a) with respect to a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the open hole (H), i.e., with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0124] As an example, the open hole (H) may be formed as a square that forms a plane in a direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the open hole (H), i.e., a horizontal plane. Preferably, the open hole (H) may be formed as a square that forms a horizontal plane.

[0125] For example, the open hole (H) may be formed as a circumscribed square that is in contact with a circle or ellipse formed by the light-input portion (50a). In the present embodiment, the open hole (H) is exemplified as being formed as a square that is slightly larger than the circumscribed square that is in contact with the circle formed by the light-input portion (50a).

[0126] The formula below is for calculating propagation loss according to the size of the open hole (H).

[0127]

[0128] T dB : Propagation loss (dB)

[0129] d: diameter of the open hole

[0130] λ: wavelength of free space wave (122mm@2.45GHz)

[0131] h b : Thickness of the upper surface of the cavity (mm)

[0132] Looking at the above formula, we can see that as the diameter (d) of the open hole (H) increases, the propagation loss decreases. In other words, as the diameter (d) of the open hole (H) increases, the amount of electromagnetic wave leakage may increase.

[0133] In order to increase the field of view of the camera (50), the size of the open hole (H) must be increased or the camera (50) must be brought as close as possible to the open hole (H). However, as described above, as the diameter (d) of the open hole (H) increases, the possibility of electromagnetic wave leakage increases, and as the distance between the camera (50) and the open hole (H) decreases, the camera (50) gets closer to the cooking chamber (10a), which increases the possibility of the camera (50) being exposed to high temperatures.

[0134] In other words, if the size of the open hole (H) is increased, the risk of electromagnetic wave leakage increases, and if the camera (50) is brought close to the open hole (H), the camera (50), which is composed of parts vulnerable to heat, is exposed to a high-temperature environment.

[0135] Considering these points, in the present embodiment, the open hole (H) may be formed as a square that forms a horizontal plane. This open hole (H) may be formed in a shape that surrounds the light-input portion (50a) from the lateral outer side when viewed from above. Preferably, the open hole (H) may be formed as a square that is slightly larger than the circumscribed square that touches the circle formed by the light-input portion (50a).

[0136] d [mm]h b [mm]T dB [dB] Comparative Example 80.5-17 This Example 80.5-17

[0137] According to the above table, as shown in (a) of Fig. 7, when a circular open hole (Ha) is formed on the upper surface (13) of a cavity (11) having a thickness of 0.5 mm, and the diameter (d) of this circular open hole (Ha) is 8 mm, the measured propagation loss in this case is confirmed to be approximately -17 dB (comparative example). In comparison, as shown in (b) of Fig. 7, when the open hole (H) is formed in a square that surrounds the light-incident portion (50a) from the lateral outer side, and the side length of this open hole (H) is 8 mm, which is the same as the diameter (d) of the circular open hole (Ha), the measured propagation loss in this case is confirmed to be approximately -17 dB, the same as in the comparative example (this embodiment).

[0138] The total area of ​​the open hole (H) of the present embodiment as described above is larger than the area of ​​the open hole (Ha) exemplified in the comparative example. This open hole (H) forms a passage necessary for light from the cooking chamber (10a) to enter the light-input portion (50a) of the camera (50), but can form a wider passage than the open hole (Ha) exemplified in the comparative example.

[0139] Accordingly, the viewing angle of the camera (50) that is provided to capture the cooking room (10a) through the open hole (H) of the present embodiment can be effectively expanded.

[0140] That is, as in the present embodiment, when the open hole (H) is formed in a square shape that surrounds the light-input portion (50a) from the outside in the lateral direction, the field of view of the camera (50) can be expanded without increasing the risk of electromagnetic wave leakage compared to an open hole (Ha) formed in a circle having a diameter equal to the side length of the open hole (H).

[0141] The cooking appliance of the present embodiment as described above can provide stable electromagnetic shielding performance even under conditions where an open hole (H) for filming by the camera (50) is formed, thereby effectively performing automatic cooking using the camera (50) and cooking using a high-frequency heat source simultaneously.

[0142] In addition, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can provide an effect that allows for more effective shooting of large food or food located at the upper side of the cooking chamber by allowing the viewing angle of the camera (50) to be expanded while providing stable electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0143] <Second Embodiment>

[0144] [Structure of the shielding protrusion]

[0145] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation structure of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the shielding protrusion shown in FIG. 5.

[0146] Hereinafter, the structure and operation of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Here, the same reference numerals as in the previously illustrated drawings indicate the same components performing the same functions, and therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0147] Referring to Fig. 8, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may include a shielding protrusion (70). The shielding protrusion (70) may be provided to protrude from the cavity (11).

[0148] The shielding protrusion (70) is provided on the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11), and may protrude from the cavity (11) while surrounding an open hole (11a) formed on the upper surface of the cavity (11). As an example, the shielding protrusion (70) may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) surrounding the open hole (11a) in the penetrating direction of the open hole (11a).

[0149] For example, the open hole (11a) may be formed to penetrate the upper surface of the cavity (11), and the shielding protrusion (70) may be formed to protrude upward and downward from the inner circumferential surface (13) of the upper surface of the cavity (11) surrounding the open hole (11a).

[0150] In this embodiment, the open hole (11a) is formed in a circular shape, and the shielding protrusion (70) is formed to surround the open hole (11a) from the lateral outer side and protrude upward from the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11). The shielding protrusion (70) may be provided in the shape of a circular pipe that surrounds the open hole (11a) from the lateral outer side and protrudes vertically from the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11).

[0151] [Operation and effect of cooking appliances]

[0152] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the shielding protrusion shown in Figure 8.

[0153] Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the cooking appliance according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4 and FIGS. 8 to 9.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4 and FIG. 8, when the heating unit is operated to perform cooking using a high-frequency heat source, the cooking appliance can operate the magnetron (25), and accordingly, the magnetron (25) can receive a high-voltage current from a high-voltage transformer and supply a high-frequency heat source inside the cooking chamber (10a).

[0155] When a high-frequency heat source is supplied inside the cooking chamber (10a) as described above, leakage of electromagnetic waves through the open hole (11a) may occur, and as the size of the open hole (11a) increases, the likelihood of leakage of electromagnetic waves through the open hole (11a) increases.

[0156] Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of electromagnetic wave leakage through the open hole (11a), the size of the open hole (11a) must be reduced. However, if the size of the open hole (11a) is reduced, it becomes difficult to secure a field of view for the camera (50), and the field of view of the camera (50) becomes narrow, which causes a problem.

[0157] Taking these points into consideration, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment is provided with a shielding protrusion (70). The shielding protrusion (70) may be provided in a form that surrounds the open hole (11a) from the outside and protrudes upward from the open hole (11a).

[0158] The formula below is a formula for calculating propagation loss according to the height of the shielding protrusion (70).

[0159]

[0160] T dB : Propagation loss (dB)

[0161] d: diameter of the open hole

[0162] λ: wavelength of free space wave (122mm@2.45GHz)

[0163] h c : Thickness of the upper surface of the cavity and height of the shielding protrusion (mm)

[0164] Looking at the above formula, it can be seen that as the height of the shielding protrusion (70) increases, the propagation loss increases. In other words, as the height of the shielding protrusion (70) increases, the amount of electromagnetic wave leakage can be reduced. These results can be confirmed through the table below.

[0165] d [mm]h c [mm]T dB [dB] Comparative Example 80.5-17 This Example 132.5-25

[0166] According to the table above, when the diameter (d) of the open hole (11a) formed on the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) with a thickness of 0.5 mm is 8 mm, the measured propagation loss is confirmed to be approximately -17 dB (comparative example). In comparison, when a shielding protrusion (70) with a height of 2 mm is provided on the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) with a thickness of 0.5 mm (this embodiment), even if the open hole (11a) is formed with a diameter (d) longer than the diameter of the open hole (11a) in the comparative example, for example, 13 mm, the propagation loss measured at this time is measured to be -25 dB.

[0167] That is, if a shielding protrusion (70) is provided on the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11) as in the present embodiment, even if the size of the open hole (11a) is larger than in the comparative example, the possibility of electromagnetic wave leakage can be reduced compared to the comparative example.

[0168] In other words, as in this embodiment, by providing a shielding protrusion (70) on the upper surface (13) of the cavity (11), the size of the open hole (11a) can be increased while reducing the possibility of electromagnetic wave leakage, thereby expanding the field of view of the camera (50).

[0169] The cooking appliance of the present embodiment as described above can provide stable electromagnetic shielding performance even under conditions where an open hole (11a) for filming by the camera (50) is formed, thereby effectively performing automatic cooking using the camera (50) and cooking using a high-frequency heat source simultaneously.

[0170] In addition, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can provide the effect of enabling more effective shooting of large food or food located at the upper side of the cooking chamber by increasing the size of the open hole (11a) while providing stable electromagnetic shielding performance and thereby expanding the viewing angle of the camera (50).

[0171] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

[0172] <Explanation of symbols>

[0173] 10: Body

[0174] 10a: Kitchen

[0175] 10b: Battle room

[0176] 11: Cavity

[0177] 11a: Open Hall

[0178] 12: Top surface

[0179] 13: Front panel

[0180] 15: Upper panel

[0181] 21: Grill Heater

[0182] 23: Convection device

[0183] 25: Magnetron

[0184] 30: Door

[0185] 50: Camera

[0186] 50a: Light entrance

[0187] 51: Image processing unit

[0188] 53: Lens section

[0189] 55: Case

[0190] 60: See-through cover

[0191] 65: Bracket

[0192] 70: Shielding protrusion

Claims

1. A cavity in which a cooking room is formed inside; and a camera disposed outside the cavity; The above camera includes a light-input unit that passes light into the interior of the camera, In the above cavity, an open hole is formed to expose the light-input part to the inside of the cooking chamber, A cooking appliance in which the above open hole is formed in a polygonal shape or is surrounded by a protrusion protruding from the cavity.

2. In paragraph 1, The above open hole is formed to penetrate the cavity, A cooking appliance in which the open hole is arranged on the outside of the light-intake portion in a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the open hole.

3. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the above open hole is formed in a square shape that forms a plane parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the above open hole.

4. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the above open hole is formed as a square that forms a plane parallel to a plane perpendicular to the penetration direction of the above open hole.

5. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the above open hole is formed as a circumscribed square that is in contact with a circle or ellipse formed by the light-input portion.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a shielding protrusion protruding from the cavity, A cooking appliance in which the above shielding protrusion surrounds the open hole and protrudes from the cavity.

7. In paragraph 6, The above open hole is formed to penetrate the cavity, A cooking appliance in which the above shielding protrusion protrudes from the inner surface of the cavity surrounding the open hole in the penetrating direction of the open hole.

8. In paragraph 6, The above camera is placed on the upper side of the cavity, The above open hole is formed to penetrate vertically through the upper surface of the cavity, A cooking appliance in which the above shielding protrusion protrudes upward and downward from the inner surface of the cavity surrounding the open hole.

9. In paragraph 6, A cooking appliance further comprising a see-through cover covering the above open hole and coupled to the cavity.

10. In paragraph 9, The above-mentioned transparent cover is placed on the lower side of the open hole, The above shielding protrusion is a cooking appliance that protrudes upward from the inner surface of the cavity surrounding the open hole.

Images