Cooking appliance

Abstract

An invention relating to a cooking appliance is disclosed. The disclosed invention comprises: a body within which a cooking chamber is formed: a door which opens / closes the cooking chamber at the front of the body; a weight measurement unit which measures the weight of the body; and a plurality of legs which support the body from below the body, wherein the weight measurement unit includes one or more weight sensors which support the body from below, the number of the weight sensors being smaller than the number of the legs.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance.

[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 and hobs.

[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] Sealed cooking appliances typically have a door for opening and closing the cooking chamber formed within the main body. Depending on the opening method, the door can be a left-right door, a top-down door, or a sliding door. Of these, the most commonly used door type is a left-right door.

[0006] Additionally, a sealed cooking appliance may be equipped with a weight sensor. The weight sensor is designed to detect the weight of food stored within the cooking chamber.

[0007] As an example, a weight sensor may be installed inside a sealed cooking appliance. This weight sensor can measure the weight of food placed on a tray inside the cooking chamber.

[0008] As another example, a weight sensor may be installed on the exterior of a sealed cooking appliance. This weight sensor can measure the weight of the entire sealed cooking appliance, including the food inside. For example, the weight sensor installed on the exterior of a sealed cooking appliance may be installed on a leg that supports the sealed cooking appliance from below.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having an improved structure so as to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cooking appliance without lowering the accuracy of weight measurement.

[0010] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance with an improved structure that can effectively perform weight measurement while suppressing tilting of the cooking appliance, etc.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a cooking appliance, which includes a leg that supports a main body of the cooking appliance from the lower side, and a weight measuring unit that measures the weight of the main body, wherein the weight measuring unit supports the main body from the lower side and includes at least one weight sensor that measures the weight of the main body, but is characterized in that it includes a number of weight sensors less than the number of legs.

[0012] Through this, the present invention can reduce the number of weight sensors required for weight measurement without lowering the accuracy of weight measurement.

[0013] In addition, another form of the present invention includes a first weight sensor that supports the main body from the lower side and measures the weight of the main body, and a second weight sensor that supports the main body from the rear side of the first weight sensor and measures the weight of the main body, and is characterized in that the number of the second weight sensors is less than the number of the first weight sensors.

[0014] In addition, another form of the present invention includes a first weight sensor for measuring the weight of a main body, a second weight sensor for measuring the weight of the main body at the rear side of the first weight sensor, and a connecting support member for connecting a plurality of legs arranged at the rear side of the first weight sensor, wherein the connecting support member is supported by the plurality of legs, and the second weight sensor is supported by the connecting support member.

[0015] A cooking appliance according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a main body having a cooking chamber formed therein; a weight measuring unit for measuring the weight of the main body; and a plurality of legs for supporting the main body from a lower side of the main body.

[0016] Preferably, the weight measuring unit includes at least one weight sensor that supports the main body from the lower side and measures the weight of the main body, but may include a number of weight sensors less than the number of legs.

[0017] In addition, the weight measuring unit may include a first weight sensor that supports the main body from the lower side and measures the weight of the main body, and a second weight sensor that supports the main body from the rear side of the first weight sensor and measures the weight of the main body.

[0018] In addition, the present invention may further include a door for opening and closing the cooking chamber at the front of the main body.

[0019] Additionally, it is preferable that the first weight sensor be placed between the door and the second weight sensor.

[0020] Additionally, it is preferable that the weight measurement unit has a smaller number of second weight sensors than the number of first weight sensors.

[0021] Also, for the lateral direction, it is preferable that a pair of the first weight sensors are arranged at a predetermined interval, and one second weight sensor is arranged between the pair of the first weight sensors.

[0022] Additionally, with respect to the vertical direction, it is preferable that the first weight sensor and the second weight sensor are placed between the main body and the leg.

[0023] Additionally, it is preferable that the first weight sensor is supported by the legs, and the second weight sensor is supported by a number of legs greater than the number of legs supporting the first weight sensor.

[0024] Additionally, it is preferable that each of the first weight sensors is individually supported by one of the legs, and that a plurality of the legs support the second weight sensor together.

[0025] In addition, the present invention may further include a connecting support member that connects a plurality of the legs arranged on the rear side of the first weight sensor.

[0026] In addition, it is preferable that the connecting support member is supported by a plurality of the legs connected by the connecting support member, and the second weight sensor is disposed between the main body and the connecting support member and supported by the connecting support member.

[0027] In addition, the present invention may further include a connecting support member that connects a plurality of the legs spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

[0028] In addition, the connecting support member is preferably supported by a plurality of the legs connected by the connecting support member, and the weight sensor is preferably disposed between the main body and the connecting support member and supported by the connecting support member.

[0029] In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of the above-described connecting support members are arranged laterally spaced apart, and that each of the above-described connecting support members individually supports one of the above-described weight sensors.

[0030] The present invention can reduce the number of weight sensors required for weight measurement, thereby providing the effect of reducing the process and cost required for installing the weight sensors without lowering the accuracy of weight measurement.

[0031] In addition, the present invention can provide an effect of improving the accuracy of weight measurement while suppressing the cooking appliance from tilting forward or overturning due to the weight of the door or the force applied to open the door.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view showing the bottom of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a bottom view showing the bottom of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a lower portion of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a lower portion of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the bottom of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 10 is a side view showing the lower part of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 9 in isolation.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 due to this.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Additionally, we can define the direction of gravity as downward, and the opposite direction of gravity as upward.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] [Overall structure of the cooking appliance]

[0059] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1. In addition, Fig. 3 is a side sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is a plan sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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).

[0066] The front of the electrical compartment (10b) can be shielded by a front panel (13). The front panel (13) is positioned between the cavity (11) and the door (30) and can form the front of the main body (10). This front panel (13) can be positioned so that at least a portion blocks the front of the electrical compartment (10b).

[0067] For example, the upper area of ​​the front panel (13) positioned above the cooking chamber (10a) can shield the front of the electrical compartment (10b). This front panel (13) can protrude above the cavity (11) to define the front boundary surface of the electrical compartment (10b).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] The cooking appliance may include a camera (40). The camera (40) 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 (40) may be positioned on the upper side of the cavity (11).

[0075] The camera (40) may include an image processing unit. The image processing unit may include one or more image sensors. As the image sensor, a CCD or CMOS may be used.

[0076] In addition, the camera (40) may include a lens unit. The lens unit may include at least one lens. The lens unit collects light reflected from a subject and forms an optical image in the imaging area, and the image sensor may receive light incident through the lens unit and convert it into an image signal.

[0077] In addition, the camera (40) 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.

[0078] In addition, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may include a plurality of legs (50, 55). Each leg (50, 55) may be arranged on the lower side of the main body (10) to support the main body (10). As an example, assuming that the main body (10) is divided into two regions in the front-back direction, a pair of legs (50, 55) may be arranged in the front region, and a pair of legs (50, 55) may be arranged in the rear region. Hereinafter, the leg arranged in the front region will be referred to as the first leg (50), and the leg arranged in the rear region will be referred to as the second leg (55).

[0079] [Door Structure]

[0080] 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.

[0081] Additionally, a latch (35) may be provided between the main body (10) and the door (30). The latch (35) may be provided to fix the door (30) in a closed position.

[0082] In this embodiment, the latch (35) is exemplified as being installed in the door (30). The latch (35) installed in the door (30) in this way can be inserted into the interior of the main body (10) by penetrating the latch slot formed to penetrate the front of the main body (10) when the door (30) shields the cooking chamber (10a).

[0083] In this way, the latch (35) inserted into the interior of the main body (10) can selectively fix the door (30) to the main body (10) by engaging and combining with the catch lever installed inside the main body (10).

[0084] By limiting the rotation of the door (30) relative to the main body (10) by the action of the latch (35), the cooking chamber (10a) can be substantially maintained in a state in which it is shielded by the door (30). In addition, by detecting whether the latch (35) and the engaging lever are engaged, it is possible to detect whether the door (30) is closed, and through this, the operation of the cooking appliance can be controlled so that cooking does not proceed while the door (30) is open.

[0085] In addition, an electromagnetic shielding structure may be provided in the door (30). The electromagnetic shielding structure may be provided inside the door (30) and may include a structure such as a choke to prevent electromagnetic waves inside the cooking chamber (10a) from leaking to the outside of the cooking appliance through the gap between the cooking chamber (10a) and the door (30).

[0086] [Structure of the weight measurement unit]

[0087] Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the bottom of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 is a bottom view illustrating the bottom of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1. In addition, Fig. 7 is a side view illustrating a lower portion of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention in isolation, and Fig. 8 is a front view illustrating a lower portion of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention in isolation.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the cooking appliance according to the present embodiment may further include a weight measuring unit. The weight measuring unit is provided to measure the weight of the main body (10). As an example, the weight measuring unit is provided to measure the weight of the entire cooking appliance, including the main body (10) and the door (30), and the weight of food contained within the cooking chamber (10a).

[0089] The weight measuring unit may include at least one weight sensor (110, 120). The weight measuring unit may include a smaller number of weight sensors (110, 120) than the number of legs (50, 55) provided in the cooking appliance.

[0090] As an example, the cooking appliance may be equipped with four legs (50, 55), and the weight measuring unit may include two or three weight sensors (110, 120). In the present embodiment, the weight measuring unit is exemplified as including three weight sensors (110, 120).

[0091] Each weight sensor (110, 120) is provided to support the main body (10) from the lower side and measure the weight of the main body (10). As an example, each weight sensor (110, 120) may be provided in the form of a four-wire bar-type load cell. Each weight sensor (110, 120) provided in this form may be individually connected to one amplifier. For example, three amplifiers may be provided so that three weight sensors (110, 120) are each connected to an amplifier.

[0092] In this embodiment, the weight measurement unit is exemplified as including a first weight sensor (110) and a second weight sensor (120).

[0093] The first weight sensor (110) is provided to support the main body (10) from the lower side and measure the weight of the main body (10). This first weight sensor (110) can be placed in the front area of ​​the main body (10).

[0094] And the second weight sensor (120) is provided to support the main body (10) from the rear side of the first weight sensor (110) and measure the weight of the main body (10). This second weight sensor (120) is arranged in the rear area of ​​the main body (10) and can support the main body (10) from the lower side.

[0095] As an example, the weight measurement unit may be provided with a smaller number of second weight sensors (120) than the number of first weight sensors (110). That is, a greater number of weight sensors (110, 120) may be arranged in the front area of ​​the main body (10) than in the rear area of ​​the main body (10). In the present embodiment, it is exemplified that two first weight sensors (110) are arranged in the front area of ​​the main body (10) and one second weight sensor (120) is arranged in the rear area of ​​the main body (10).

[0096] In the front region of the main body (10), a pair of first weight sensors (110) may be arranged laterally spaced apart by a predetermined distance. For example, one of the pair of first weight sensors (110) may be arranged at the front left corner of the bottom surface of the main body (10), and the other of the pair of first weight sensors (110) may be arranged at the front right corner of the bottom surface of the main body (10).

[0097] Each first weight sensor (110) can be coupled to the main body (10) by a first bracket (111). Each first bracket (111) can be coupled to the bottom surface of the main body (10), and each first weight sensor (110) can be coupled to the first bracket (111) and installed on the bottom surface of the main body (10).

[0098] A first spacer (113) may be placed between the first bracket (111) and the first weight sensor (110). The first spacer (113) may be provided to adjust the gap between the bottom surface of the main body (10) and the first weight sensor (110).

[0099] In the vertical direction, the first weight sensor (110) may be placed between the bottom surface of the main body (10) and the first leg (50). More specifically, the first weight sensor (110) may be placed between the first spacer (113) and the first leg (50).

[0100] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that each first weight sensor (110) is individually supported by each first leg (50). Each of these first weight sensors (110) can be supported by the first leg (50) positioned on its lower side, and can support the main body (10) from the lower side and measure the weight of the main body (10).

[0101] In the rear region of the main body (10), a second weight sensor (120) may be arranged. In the lateral direction, a pair of first weight sensors (110) may be arranged at a predetermined interval, and the second weight sensor (120) may be arranged between a pair of first weight sensors (110).

[0102] The second weight sensor (120) can be coupled to the main body (10) by the second bracket (121). The second bracket (121) can be coupled to the bottom surface of the main body (10), and the second weight sensor (120) can be coupled to the second bracket (121) and installed on the bottom surface of the main body (10).

[0103] A second spacer (123) may be placed between the second bracket (121) and the second weight sensor (120). The second spacer (123) may be provided to adjust the gap between the bottom surface of the main body (10) and the second weight sensor (120).

[0104] In the vertical direction, the second weight sensor (120) may be placed between the bottom surface of the main body (10) and the second leg (55). More specifically, the second weight sensor (120) may be placed between the second spacer (123) and the second leg (55). The second weight sensor (120) may be supported by the second leg (55) placed on the lower side thereof, and may support the main body (10) from the lower side and measure the weight of the main body (10).

[0105] The second weight sensor (120) may be supported by a number of legs greater than the number of legs supporting the first weight sensor (110). That is, compared to each first weight sensor (110) being individually supported by one leg, multiple legs may support the second weight sensor (120) together.

[0106] For example, each first weight sensor (110) can be supported by one first leg (50), and each second weight sensor (120) can be supported by two second legs (55).

[0107] To this end, a connecting support member (130) may be provided in the present embodiment. The connecting support member (130) is provided to be able to connect a plurality of legs arranged on the rear side of the first weight sensor (110). As an example, the connecting support member (130) may be provided to be able to connect two second legs (55).

[0108] According to the present embodiment, two second legs (55) can be arranged laterally spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the pair of second legs (55) can be arranged laterally between a pair of first legs (50). That is, the distance between the pair of second legs (55) can be set narrower than the distance between the pair of first legs (50).

[0109] The connecting support member (130) may be formed in a plate shape in which the lateral length is longer than the front-back length. A pair of second legs (55) may be connected to the connecting support member (130) by being respectively connected to the connecting support member (130) at the lower side of the connecting support member (130). In this way, the connecting support members (130) respectively connected to the connecting support member (130) may be supported by a plurality of legs connected by the connecting support member (130), for example, a pair of second legs (55).

[0110] And the second weight sensor (120) can be placed between the main body (10) and the connecting support member (130), more specifically, between the second spacer (123) and the connecting support member (130). The second weight sensor (120) placed in this manner can measure the weight of the main body (10) at the lateral center of the rear area.

[0111] [Operation and effect of cooking appliances]

[0112] Below, the operation and effect of the cooking appliance according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, a weight measuring unit including a first weight sensor (110) and a second weight sensor (120) measures the weight of a cooking appliance and food contained therein, and can measure the weight at two points on either side of the front area and at one point in the rear area.

[0114] The results of weight measurement performed through the weight measurement unit in this way can be used by the cooking appliance to provide an automatic cooking function.

[0115] For example, a cooking appliance can use a camera (40) to capture images or videos of food stored within a cooking chamber (10a), and use these to determine the type and size of the food. Furthermore, the cooking appliance can determine the weight of the food based on the results obtained by the weight measuring unit.

[0116] The cooking appliance can use the image acquired by the camera (40) and the weight-related information acquired by the weight measuring unit to determine the type, size, and weight of the food, and based on this, can set and control the cooking operation of the cooking appliance. For example, the cooking appliance can set the type of heating unit to be operated, the heating intensity, the heating time, etc. based on the above information, and thereby provide an automatic cooking function.

[0117] As described above, a door (30) is arranged on the front side of the main body (10). A latch (35) for securing the door (30) may be provided on the door (30). In addition, an electromagnetic wave shielding structure may be provided on the inside of the door (30) to prevent electromagnetic waves inside the cooking chamber (10a) from leaking to the outside of the cooking appliance through the gap between the cooking chamber (10a) and the door (30).

[0118] As structures such as a latch (35) and an electromagnetic shielding structure are provided on the door (30), the weight of the door (30) increases. Accordingly, the center of gravity of the cooking appliance equipped with the door (30) inevitably shifts toward the front. In addition, due to the fastening force of the latch (35) that prevents the door (30) from opening, a force that tilts the cooking appliance forward may be applied more when the door (30) is opened.

[0119] For the above reasons, when the door (30) is opened, the cooking appliance may tilt forward, causing the legs, especially those positioned at the rear of the cooking appliance, to be easily lifted. In this case, the weight sensor positioned at the raised leg area may not be able to properly measure the weight of the cooking appliance, resulting in a problem in which the weight measurement accuracy of the weight sensor is reduced.

[0120] Taking these points into consideration, in the present embodiment, the first legs (50) installed in the front region of the main body (10) may be respectively positioned adjacent to the front corners on both sides of the main body (10). The lateral spacing between these first legs (50) may be set to be greater than the lateral spacing between the second legs (55).

[0121] Preferably, each first leg (50) may be positioned closest to the front end of the main body (10) and closest to the lateral end of the main body (10) within a range that can be coupled to the main body (10). That is, the first legs (50) of the present embodiment may be positioned at positions that are positioned as far forward as possible on the cooking appliance while being spaced as far apart from each other as possible in the lateral direction.

[0122] Each of the first weight sensors (110) positioned between the first leg (50) and the main body (10) as described above can be individually supported by one first leg (50). That is, since the first legs (50) are positioned far apart from each other as described above, the first legs (50) cannot support one first weight sensor (110) together.

[0123] However, if the first weight sensor (110) is installed only on one of the pair of first legs (50), weight measurement is performed only at a position that is biased to one side along the lateral direction in the front area of ​​the main body (10), so weight measurement in the front area of ​​the main body (10) cannot be performed properly.

[0124] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the first weight sensor (110) is individually installed on each first leg (50), and accordingly, a number of first weight sensors (110), corresponding to the number of first legs (50), for example, two, can be placed in the front region of the main body (10).

[0125] Meanwhile, in the rear area of ​​the cooking appliance where the second leg (55) and the second weight sensor (120) are positioned, no significant force is applied that would cause the cooking appliance to tilt backward. Therefore, there is little need for a support structure to be applied in the rear area of ​​the cooking appliance to prevent the cooking appliance from tilting backward.

[0126] Accordingly, the pair of second legs (55) do not need to be as far apart as the first legs (50), and accordingly, in the present embodiment, the distance between the pair of second legs (55) can be set to be much narrower than the distance between the first legs (50).

[0127] As an example, a pair of second legs (55) may be arranged between a pair of first legs (50) in the lateral direction. At this time, the lateral spacing between the pair of second legs (55) may be set to a range of about 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the lateral spacing between the pair of first legs (50).

[0128] Preferably, a pair of second legs (55) may be arranged approximately at the lateral center of the rear region of the main body (10). The second legs (55) arranged in this manner can stably support the rear region of the cooking appliance.

[0129] Meanwhile, as the second legs (55) are arranged adjacent to each other as described above, the second legs (55) can be sufficiently and effectively connected by the connecting support member (130). That is, the connecting support member (130) connects a plurality of second legs (55) and can be stably supported by these second legs (55). In addition, the second weight sensor (120) can be stably supported by the plurality of second legs (55) by being installed on the connecting support member (130).

[0130] As described above, since the second weight sensor (120) can be supported by a plurality of second legs (55) at the lateral center of the rear area of ​​the cooking appliance, there is no need to place the second weight sensors (120) in a number corresponding to the number of second legs (55) in the rear area of ​​the cooking appliance, and it is sufficient to place only one second weight sensor (120).

[0131] In other words, there is no need to install a second weight sensor (120) for each second leg (55), and if the second weight sensor (120) is installed on a connecting support member (130) supported by a plurality of second legs (55), weight measurement in the rear area of ​​the main body (10) can be performed sufficiently and effectively.

[0132] Accordingly, in the rear area of ​​the main body (10), weight measurement for the area can be performed sufficiently and effectively even if a smaller number of second weight sensors (120) than the number of second legs (55), for example, only one second weight sensor (120), is placed.

[0133] Accordingly, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can reduce the number of weight sensors required for weight measurement and provide the effect of reducing the process and cost required for installing the weight sensors.

[0134] [Another example of a weight measuring device]

[0135] FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the bottom of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side view showing a lower portion of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 9 in isolation.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a cooking appliance may be provided with a pair of connecting support members (130a). The main difference between the connecting support member (130) exemplified in the above-described embodiment and the connecting support member (130a) of the present embodiment is that the connecting support member (130a) of the present embodiment connects between the first leg (50) and the second leg (55a) arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0137] According to the present embodiment, a pair of connecting support members (130a) are arranged laterally spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and each connecting support member (130a) may be formed in a plate shape whose front-back length is longer than its lateral length. In addition, the second legs (55a) may be arranged to be spaced apart by a wider distance than the second legs (55; see FIG. 6) exemplified in the above-described embodiment.

[0138] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that the spacing between a pair of first legs (50) and the spacing between a pair of second legs (55a) are set to be substantially the same. Accordingly, a pair of first legs (50) arranged in the front region of the main body (10) and a pair of second legs (55a) arranged at the rear thereof can be arranged in a shape that forms approximately the corners of a rectangle.

[0139] Among the pair of connecting support members (130a), the connecting support member (130a) arranged on the left side can connect the first leg (50) and the second leg (55a) arranged in the front-back direction on the left side of the main body (10). And among the pair of connecting support members (130a), the connecting support member (130a) arranged on the right side can connect the first leg (50) and the second leg (55a) arranged in the front-back direction on the right side of the main body (10). That is, each connecting support member (130a) can connect and be supported by two legs (50, 55a) arranged in the front-back direction.

[0140] The weight sensor (150a) may be placed between the connecting support member (130a) and the main body (10). Since the structure and operation of the weight sensor (150a) are similar to the structure and operation of the weight sensor exemplified in the above-described embodiment, a detailed description of the weight sensor (150a) will be omitted here.

[0141] Additionally, a spacer (160a) may be placed between the main body (10) and the weight sensor (150a), and between the weight sensor (150a) and the connecting support member (130a). Since the structure and function of the spacer (160a) are similar to the structure and function of the spacer exemplified in the above-described embodiment, a detailed description of the spacer (160a) will be omitted here.

[0142] According to the present embodiment, a weight sensor (150a) may be installed on each connecting support member (130a). For example, by placing one weight sensor (150a) on the left and right sides of the main body (10), a total of two weight sensors (150a) may be installed in the cooking appliance.

[0143] Since each weight sensor (150a) can be supported by two legs (50, 55a), there is no need to place as many weight sensors (150a) as the number of legs (50, 55a) placed in the left area of ​​the main body (10) on the left area of ​​the main body (10), and it is sufficient to place only one weight sensor (150a). The same applies to the right area of ​​the main body (10).

[0144] Accordingly, in each area of ​​the main body (10) divided laterally, even if a smaller number of weight sensors (150a) than the number of legs (50, 55a), for example, only one weight sensor (150a), is arranged, weight measurement for the corresponding area can be performed sufficiently and effectively. For example, even if only two weight sensors (150a) are arranged in the cooking appliance, one each in the left area and the right area, weight measurement for the cooking appliance can be performed sufficiently and effectively.

[0145] Accordingly, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can more efficiently reduce the number of weight sensors required for weight measurement, and more effectively reduce the process and cost required for installing the weight sensors.

[0146] 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.

[0147] <Explanation of symbols>

[0148] 10: Body

[0149] 10a: Kitchen

[0150] 10b: Battle room

[0151] 11: Cavity

[0152] 13: Front panel

[0153] 15: Upper panel

[0154] 21: Grill Heater

[0155] 23: Convection device

[0156] 25: Magnetron

[0157] 30: Door

[0158] 35: Latch

[0159] 40: Camera

[0160] 50: First leg

[0161] 55,55a: Second leg

[0162] 110: First weight sensor

[0163] 111: First bracket

[0164] 113: 1st Spacer

[0165] 120: Second weight sensor

[0166] 121: Second bracket

[0167] 123: Second Spacer

[0168] 130,130a: Connecting support member

[0169] 150a: Weight sensor

[0170] 160a: Spacer

Claims

1. A main body with a cooking chamber formed inside; A weight measuring unit for measuring the weight of the above body; and A plurality of legs supporting the main body from the lower side of the main body; A cooking appliance in which the weight measuring unit supports the main body from the lower side and includes at least one weight sensor that measures the weight of the main body, but includes a number of weight sensors less than the number of legs.

2. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance including a first weight sensor that supports the main body from the lower side and measures the weight of the main body, and a second weight sensor that supports the main body from the rear side of the first weight sensor and measures the weight of the main body.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a door for opening and closing the cooking chamber at the front of the main body, The first weight sensor is a cooking appliance disposed between the door and the second weight sensor.

4. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the weight measuring unit has a smaller number of second weight sensors than the number of first weight sensors.

5. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which, with respect to the lateral direction, a pair of the first weight sensors are arranged at a predetermined interval, and one second weight sensor is arranged between the pair of the first weight sensors.

6. In paragraph 2, Regarding the vertical direction, the first weight sensor and the second weight sensor are a cooking appliance disposed between the main body and the leg.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first weight sensor is supported by the leg, A cooking appliance in which the second weight sensor is supported by a number of legs greater than the number of legs supporting the first weight sensor.

8. In paragraph 6, It further includes a connecting support member connecting a plurality of the legs arranged on the rear side of the first weight sensor, The above connecting support member is supported by a plurality of the above legs connected by the above connecting support member, The second weight sensor is a cooking appliance that is positioned between the main body and the connecting support member and supported by the connecting support member.

9. In paragraph 1, It further includes a connecting support member that connects a plurality of the legs spaced apart in the front-back direction, The above connecting support member is supported by a plurality of the above legs connected by the above connecting support member, A cooking appliance in which the weight sensor is disposed between the main body and the connecting support member and supported by the connecting support member.

10. In paragraph 9, A plurality of the above connecting support members are arranged laterally spaced apart, A cooking appliance in which each of the above connecting support members individually supports one of the above weight sensors.

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