Cooking apparatus

Abstract

This cooking apparatus comprises: a cooking plate on which a cooking container is placed; a sensor for sensing vibration generated in the cooking container placed on the cooking plate; a metal bracket attached to the cooking plate; a sensor cover detachably mounted on the metal bracket, and provided to press the sensor toward the cooking plate when mounted on the metal bracket; and a fastening member for fixing the sensor cover to the metal bracket.

Description

cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance including an induction heating coil.

[0002] An induction heating cooking device is a cooking device that uses the principles of induction heating to heat a cooking vessel and cook food. The induction heating cooking device may include a cooking plate on which a cooking vessel is mounted, and an induction heating coil located beneath the cooking plate that generates a magnetic field when current is applied.

[0003] When current is applied to an induction heating coil, a magnetic field is generated, inducing a secondary current in the cooking vessel. This Joule heat is generated by the electrical resistance of the vessel itself. The Joule heat heats the vessel, thereby heating the food contained within.

[0004] Induction cooking appliances have a higher heat transfer rate than gas ranges that burn fossil fuels and heat the cooking utensils through the combustion heat, do not produce harmful gases, and reduce the risk of fire.

[0005] The cooking appliance may include a sensor for detecting vibrations in the cooking container generated as food in the cooking container boils. Based on the vibrations detected by the sensor in the cooking container, the output of the cooking appliance may be adjusted.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cooking appliance capable of improving the accuracy of a sensor for detecting vibration of a cooking vessel.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0008] A cooking appliance according to the invention comprises a cooking plate for mounting a cooking vessel, a sensor for detecting vibration generated from the cooking vessel mounted on the cooking plate, a metal bracket attached to the cooking plate, a sensor cover detachably mountable to the metal bracket, the sensor cover being configured to press the sensor toward the cooking plate when mounted on the metal bracket, and a fastening member for mounting the sensor cover to the metal bracket.

[0009] A cooking appliance according to the invention comprises a cooking plate for mounting a cooking vessel, a sensor bracket attached to the cooking plate, a sensor for detecting vibration generated from a cooking vessel mounted on the cooking plate, a sensor mountable to the sensor bracket, and a fastening member detachably connectable to the sensor bracket, the fastening member being configured to press the sensor toward the cooking plate when mounted to the sensor bracket.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a part of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the configurations for mounting a sensor of a cooking appliance to a cooking plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-section of a portion where a sensor of a cooking appliance is located according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a cooking plate.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from a cooking plate.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a cooking plate.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from a cooking plate.

[0019] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0020] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0021] In addition, the terminology used in this specification is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but 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.

[0022] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” etc. used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0023] Meanwhile, the terms "front," "rear," "left," and "right" used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the Y direction in which the second region is formed is defined as the front, the Y direction in which the first region is formed is defined as the rear, and the left, right, upper, and lower directions are defined based on this.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of some components of the cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooking device (1) may include a main body (10) that forms the exterior of the cooking device (1) and in which various components constituting the cooking device (1) are installed.

[0027] The cooking device (1) may include a cooking plate (100) provided on the upper side of the main body (10). The cooking plate (100) may have a flat shape on which a cooking container (90) can be placed. For example, the cooking plate (100) may include ceramic glass and / or tempered glass. For example, the cooking plate (100) may include heat-resistant glass that is strong against heat.

[0028] The cooking plate (100) may be made of various materials. The cooking plate (100) may have a property of not allowing light to pass through. In addition, the cooking plate (100) may have a property of transmitting a touch signal to a circuit board (12) provided on the lower side through touch.

[0029] An induction heating coil (11) is housed inside the main body (10) and can generate a magnetic field to inductively heat the cooking container (90). The induction heating coil (11) can be electrically connected to a main board provided inside the main body (10) via a wire. The induction heating coil (11) can be positioned below the cooking plate (100).

[0030] For example, when a driving current is supplied to the induction heating coil (11), a magnetic field can be induced around the induction heating coil (11). In particular, when a current whose size and direction change over time, i.e., an alternating current, is supplied to the induction heating coil (11), a magnetic field whose size and direction change over time can be induced around the induction heating coil (11).

[0031] The magnetic field surrounding the induction heating coil (11) can pass through the cooking plate (100) made of tempered glass and reach the cooking vessel (90) placed on the cooking plate (100).

[0032] Due to a magnetic field whose size and direction change over time, an eddy current that rotates around the magnetic field may be generated in the cooking container (90). This phenomenon of eddy currents being generated due to a magnetic field that changes over time is called electromagnetic induction. Due to the eddy current, electric resistance heat may be generated in the cooking container (90). Electric resistance heat is heat generated in a resistor when current flows through the resistor, and is also called Joule heat. The cooking container (90) is heated by this electric resistance heat, and food contained in the cooking container (90) may be heated.

[0033] When a magnetic field passes through the metal forming the cooking vessel (90), eddy currents are generated due to the resistance of the metal (e.g., iron) of the cooking vessel (90). The eddy currents generated in the cooking vessel (90) can generate heat in the cooking vessel (90) and heat the food inside.

[0034] In this way, the induction heating coil (11) can heat the cooking vessel (90) by using electromagnetic induction and electric resistance heat.

[0035] The cooking vessel (90) may include a pot, a frying pan, a steamer, a rice cooker, etc. The type of the cooking vessel (90) is not limited thereto. In this description, a pot will be used as an example.

[0036] For example, the induction heating coil (11) may include a first induction heating coil (11a) and a second induction heating coil (11b) having a different size and / or shape from the first induction heating coil (11). As an example, the first induction heating coil (11) may have a different output from the second induction heating coil (11b). As an example, the second induction heating coil (11b) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0037] The cooking plate (100) may include a cooking zone (101) corresponding to an induction heating coil (11). A cooking vessel (90) may be placed in the cooking zone (101). The cooking zone (101) may be formed on the upper surface of the cooking plate (100). The number and location of the cooking zones (101) are not limited to the present invention.

[0038] For example, the cooking zone (101) may include a first cooking zone (101a) corresponding to a first induction heating coil (11a) and a second cooking zone (101b) corresponding to a second induction heating coil (11b). As an example, the second cooking zone (101b) may include an area in which a plurality of second induction heating coils (11b) are provided. The cooking device (1) can uniformly heat the cooking vessel (90) regardless of the position of the cooking vessel (90) in the second cooking zone (101b).

[0039] A user interface (102) may be provided on one side of the cooking plate (100) to receive control commands from a user and display operation information of the cooking device (1) to the user. However, the location of the user interface (102) is not limited to the cooking plate (100), and may be provided in various locations, such as the front and / or side of the main body (10). The user interface (102) may include a display unit (102a) and an input unit (102b).

[0040] A circuit board (12) may be placed under a cooking plate (100). The circuit board (12) may include a display (13) and a touch unit (14). The circuit board (12) may include a printed board assembly (PBA) including a display, a switch element, an integrated circuit element, etc. for implementing a user interface (102), and a printed circuit board (PCB) on which these are installed.

[0041] The display (13) may be arranged to correspond to the display portion (102a) of the cooking plate (100). The display (13) may indicate whether the cooking vessel (90) is heated by the induction heating coil (11). Accordingly, the user can check whether the cooking vessel (90) is heated through the display portion (102a).

[0042] The touch unit (14) may be arranged to correspond to the input unit (102b) of the cooking plate (100). The touch unit (14) may receive a touch signal from the input unit (102b). For example, the touch unit (14) may receive input using a capacitive touch method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the touch unit (14) may also receive input using a pressure-sensitive touch method. The user may control the current flowing to the induction heating coil (11) through the input unit (102b) and determine the degree to which the cooking vessel (90) is heated.

[0043] An induction heating coil (11) can be mounted on the coil mounting plate (15). A coil mounting hole for mounting the induction heating coil (11) can be provided on the coil mounting plate (15). A plurality of coil mounting holes can be provided.

[0044] A printed circuit board assembly (19) implementing a circuit for supplying a driving current to the induction heating coil (11) may be provided below the induction heating coil (11). The printed circuit board assembly (19) may include a switch element, an integrated circuit element, etc. for supplying the driving current, and a printed circuit board on which these are installed.

[0045] For example, the printed circuit board assembly (19) may include a sub-assembly having a sensing circuit installed to detect the presence or absence of a cooking vessel (90) and to sense the temperature of the cooking vessel (90), a drive assembly having a driving circuit installed to supply a driving current to an induction heating coil (11), and / or a power assembly having a power circuit installed to supply power to the drive circuit.

[0046] The main body (10) may include a first frame (16) provided to support the cooking plate (100). The first frame (16) may be provided to support the cooking plate (100) on the upper portion. The first frame (16) may be formed to extend upward from the four ends of the coil mounting plate (15). The first frame (16) may be provided to allow the cooking plate (100) to be mounted and supported on the main body (10).

[0047] A fastening hole (18) for fastening to a second frame (103) provided on a cooking plate (100) may be formed in the first frame (16). The fastening hole (18) formed in the first frame (16) may be referred to as a first fastening hole (18a).

[0048] A second frame (106) may be provided on the cooking plate (100). The cooking plate (100) is provided so as to be supported by the first frame (16) of the main body (10). A second frame (106) corresponding to the first frame (16) may be provided on the lower surface of the cooking plate (100).

[0049] The second frame (106) is provided so as to be in contact with the first frame (16) of the main body (10). The second frame (106) may be provided so that the cooking plate (100) is secured to the main body (10). The second frame (106) may be provided on the outer edge of the lower surface of the cooking plate (100). The second frame (106) may be fixed to the lower surface of the cooking plate (100). The second frame (106) may be attached to the outer edge of the lower surface of the cooking plate (100) using heat-resistant silicone. A plurality of second frames (106) may be provided. The second frames (106) may be arranged on both sides and the rear of the cooking plate (100).

[0050] The second frame (106) may be provided to correspond to the first frame (16). A fastening hole (18) for fastening to the first frame (16) of the main body (10) may be formed in the second frame (106). The fastening hole (18) formed in the second frame (106) is referred to as a second fastening hole (18b). The second fastening hole (18b) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first fastening hole (18a). A plurality of second fastening holes (18b) may be formed on both sides and the rear of the second frame (130).

[0051] The cooking plate (100) can be secured to the upper portion of the main body (10) by the combination of the second frame (106) fixed to the lower portion of the cooking plate (100) and the first frame (16) of the main body (10).

[0052] A cooking device (1) may include a sensor (110) for detecting vibrations of a cooking plate (100). The cooking plate (100) may include a first side on which a cooking vessel (90) is mounted, and a second side on which a sensor (110) is positioned. The second side may be opposite the first side. For example, the first side may face upward, and the second side may face downward.

[0053] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the components for mounting a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to a cooking plate. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-section illustrating a portion of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure where a sensor is located. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensor (110) for detecting vibration of a cooking vessel (90) placed on a cooking plate (100). The sensor (110) may detect vibration of the cooking vessel (90) generated as food contained in the cooking vessel (90) boils. The vibration of the cooking vessel (90) may be transmitted to the cooking plate (100), and the sensor (110) may detect vibration transmitted to the cooking plate (100).

[0055] When food in a cooking vessel (90) placed on a cooking plate (100) is heated, the food may flow. This flow of the food may physically affect the cooking vessel (90) to generate vibrations. The vibrations of the cooking vessel (90) may be transmitted to the cooking plate (100) on which the cooking vessel (90) is placed. The sensor (110) detects the vibrations of the cooking plate (100), thereby detecting the vibration pattern of the cooking vessel (90) through the cooking plate (100). Therefore, by analyzing the vibration pattern of the cooking vessel (90) that occurs during the boiling process of the food, it is possible to determine whether the food contained in the cooking vessel (90) is boiled.

[0056] For example, the sensor (110) may be a single-axis acceleration sensor that detects any one of the X-axis acceleration, the Y-axis acceleration, or the Z-axis acceleration of the cooking vessel (90). For example, the sensor (110) may be a two-axis acceleration sensor that detects two of the X-axis acceleration, the Y-axis acceleration, or the Z-axis acceleration of the cooking vessel (90). For example, the sensor (110) may be a three-axis acceleration sensor or a three-axis MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) sensor that detects all of the X-axis acceleration, the Y-axis acceleration, and the Z-axis acceleration of the cooking vessel (90).

[0057] The sensor (110) can collect sensor data regarding the vibration of the cooking vessel (90). For example, the sensor (110) can obtain the acceleration of an axis corresponding to the vibration of the cooking vessel (90).

[0058] The sensor (110) can be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the induction heating coil (11) by a preset distance. As the sensor (110) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the induction heating coil (11) by a preset distance, the sensor (110) can be prevented from being damaged by heat generated from the induction heating coil (11).

[0059] A sensor (110) may be placed between the first cooking zone (101a) and the second cooking zone (101b) to detect vibrations generated from a cooking vessel placed in the first cooking zone (101a) and vibrations generated from a cooking vessel placed in the second cooking zone (101b).

[0060] The cooking device (1) may include a metal bracket (120) attached to a cooking plate (100). The metal bracket (120) may be composed of metal. The metal bracket (120) may be attached to the cooking plate (100) by an adhesive (150). For example, the adhesive (150) may include a silicone adhesive or a double-sided tape.

[0061] The metal bracket (120) may include an adhesive receiving portion (125) for receiving at least a portion of an adhesive (150) when attached to the cooking plate (100). The adhesive receiving portion (125) may be formed to be spaced apart from the cooking plate (100) when the metal bracket (120) is attached to the cooking plate (100). When the metal bracket (120) is attached to the cooking plate (100), a space may be formed between the adhesive receiving portion (125) and the cooking plate (100). The adhesive (150) may be filled in the space formed between the adhesive receiving portion (125) and the cooking plate (100).

[0062] The metal bracket (120) may form a space for accommodating the sensor (110). The metal bracket (120) may include a bracket cover portion (127) that is provided to surround the edge of the sensor (110). The bracket cover portion (127) may extend along the edge of the sensor (110). The sensor (110) may be positioned in the space formed by the metal bracket (120).

[0063] The cooking appliance (1) may include a sensor cover (130) detachably mountable to a metal bracket (120). The sensor cover (130) may be configured to press the sensor (110) toward the cooking plate (100) when mounted on the metal bracket (120). For example, the sensor cover (130) may include a different material than the metal bracket (120). For example, the sensor cover (130) may include a material that is more flexible than the metal bracket (120).

[0064] The cooking appliance (1) may include a fastening member (140) for fastening the sensor cover (130) to the metal bracket (120). For example, the fastening member (140) may include a screw.

[0065] The metal bracket (120) may include a bracket fastening portion (123). The bracket fastening portion (123) may protrude from one edge of the metal bracket (120). For example, the bracket fastening portion (123) may include a hole having a thread so that a fastening member (140) may be screw-connected.

[0066] The sensor cover (130) may include a cover fastening portion (133). The cover fastening portion (133) may protrude from one edge of the sensor cover (130). For example, the cover fastening portion (133) may include a hole having a thread so that a fastening member (140) can be screw-coupled.

[0067] When the bracket fastening portion (123) and the cover fastening portion (133) are aligned, the fastening member (140) can be screw-connected to the bracket fastening portion (123) and the cover fastening portion (133). As the fastening member (140) is screw-connected to the bracket fastening portion (123) and the cover fastening portion (133), the sensor cover (130) can be mounted and fixed to the metal bracket (120).

[0068] The metal bracket (120) may include a bracket connecting portion (124) provided on one side opposite to the side where the bracket fastening portion (123) is provided. The sensor cover (130) may include a cover connecting portion (134) provided on one side opposite to the side where the cover fastening portion (133) is provided and capable of being connected to the bracket connecting portion (124).

[0069] For example, the bracket coupling portion (124) may have a groove or hole shape, and the cover coupling portion (134) may have a hook or protrusion shape that can be inserted into the bracket coupling portion (124), but is not limited thereto, and the shapes of the bracket coupling portion (124) and the cover coupling portion (134) may be provided in the opposite manner to that described above.

[0070] In order to attach the sensor cover (130) to the metal bracket (120), the cover attachment portion (134) is attached to the bracket attachment portion (124), the bracket attachment portion (123) and the cover attachment portion (133) are aligned, and then the attachment member (140) can be attached to the bracket attachment portion (123) and the cover attachment portion (133). The metal bracket (120) and the sensor cover (130) can be mutually fixed by the attachment of one side to the cover attachment portion (134) and the bracket attachment portion (124), and the other side can be mutually fixed by the attachment member (140) being attached to the bracket attachment portion (123) and the cover attachment portion (133).

[0071] The fastening member (140) may be provided to be screw-coupled to the bracket fastening member (123) and the cover fastening member (133) in a direction in which the sensor cover (130) presses the sensor (110) toward the cooking plate (100). As the fastening member (140) is coupled to the bracket fastening member (123) and the cover fastening member (133) in a direction in which the sensor cover (130) presses the sensor (110) toward the cooking plate (100), the adhesion between the sensor (110) and the cooking plate (100) may be improved.

[0072] The cooking device (1) may include a buffer member (160) to alleviate shock transmitted from the cooking plate (100) to the sensor (110). The buffer member (160) may be provided between the sensor (110) and the cooking plate (100). For example, the buffer member (160) may include a material that is more flexible than the cooking plate (100).

[0073] For example, the buffer member (160) may be provided so that a cross-section perpendicular to the direction from the cooking plate (100) toward the sensor (110) has a rectangular shape. The buffer member (160) may have a cross-section perpendicular to the up-down direction having a rectangular shape. The upper surface of the buffer member (160) may contact the cooking plate (100), and the lower surface of the buffer member (160) may contact the sensor (110). The buffer member (160) may extend along the edge of the sensor (110).

[0074] In a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the sensor (110) can be brought into close contact with the cooking plate (100) when the fastening member (140) presses the sensor cover (130), the vibration detection performance of the cooking container (90) transmitted through the cooking plate (100) can be improved. In a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the degree of close contact between the sensor (110) and the cooking plate (100) can be improved, the vibration detection performance of the sensor (110) can be improved.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, the cooking device (1) includes a user interface (102), a sensor (110), an induction heating coil (11), a control unit (80), and a communication unit (70).

[0076] The induction heating coil (11) can generate a magnetic field and / or an electromagnetic field for heating the cooking vessel (90).

[0077] The user interface (102) may include a display unit (102a) that receives a touch input from a user and displays an image regarding the operation of the cooking device (1) in response to the user's touch input, and an input unit (102b) that receives a control command from the user.

[0078] For example, the display unit (102a) may include a touch panel that receives a touch input from a user, a display panel that displays an image regarding the operation of the cooking appliance (1), and a touch screen controller that controls the operation of the touch panel and the display panel.

[0079] The display unit (102a) can display an image related to the operation of the cooking device (1) and output a user's touch input to the control unit (80). In addition, it can receive information related to the operation of the cooking device (1) from the control unit (80) and display an image corresponding to the received information.

[0080] The input unit (102b) may include a plurality of buttons that receive a predetermined control command from a user and output an electrical signal corresponding to the user's control command to the control unit (80). For example, the input unit (102b) may include an operation button that receives a power on / off command for the cooking device (1), a power up button and a power down button that receive the strength of a magnetic field and / or electromagnetic field output by the cooking device (1), etc.

[0081] The input unit (102b) can be implemented with various types of buttons (or switches), such as a push button, a slide button, a toggle button, a touch button, or a dial.

[0082] In this way, the user interface (102) can receive a control command from a user and output an electrical signal corresponding to the user's control command to the control unit (80). In addition, the user interface (102) can receive information regarding the operation of the cooking device (1) from the control unit (80) and display an image corresponding to the information regarding the operation of the cooking device (1).

[0083] The sensor (110) can detect the vibration of the cooking vessel (90) placed on the cooking plate (100). The sensor (110) can detect the vibration of the cooking vessel (90) generated as the food contained in the cooking vessel (90) boils. The vibration of the cooking vessel (90) can be transmitted to the cooking plate (100), and the sensor (110) can detect the vibration transmitted to the cooking plate (100).

[0084] The control unit (80) may include at least one memory (81) in which a program for performing an operation is stored and at least one processor (82) for executing the stored program.

[0085] At least one processor (82) may include a microprocessor. A microprocessor is a processing device having an arithmetic logic unit, registers, a program counter, an instruction decoder, or a control circuit provided on at least one silicon chip.

[0086] Microprocessors may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) for processing images or videos. Microprocessors may be implemented as a system-on-chip (SoC) that includes cores and a GPU. Microprocessors may include single-core, dual-core, triple-core, quad-core, or multiples thereof.

[0087] Additionally, at least one processor (82) may include an input / output processor that mediates data input and output between various components included in the cooking appliance (1) and the control unit (80).

[0088] At least one memory (81) may include non-volatile memory such as ROM, high-speed random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage, flash memory device, or other types of non-volatile semiconductor memory devices.

[0089] For example, at least one memory (81) may include one of an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, an SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) memory card, a mini SD memory card, a mini SDHC memory card, a TF (Trans Flash) memory card, a micro SD memory card, a micro SDHC memory card, a memory stick, a CF (Compact Flash), an MMC (Multi-Media Card), an MMC micro, and an XD (eXtreme Digital) card as a semiconductor memory device.

[0090] Additionally, at least one memory (81) may include a network attached storage device that is accessed via a network.

[0091] The control unit (80) can control the induction heating coil (11) based on the vibration value received from the sensor (110). For example, the control unit (80) can control the output of the induction heating coil (11) to be lowered based on the vibration value received from the sensor (110) being determined to be higher than a preset vibration value. The control unit (80) can determine that the food inside the cooking vessel (90) is boiling based on the vibration value received from the sensor (110) being determined to be higher than a preset vibration value.

[0092] The communication unit (70) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0093] The communication unit (70) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (70) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0094] To this end, the communication unit (70) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (70) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0095] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0096] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0097] In one embodiment, the communication unit (70) can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the cooking appliance (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The cooking appliance (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0098] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a cooking plate. FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from the cooking plate.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensor bracket (220) attached to a cooking plate (100) and a sensor (210) detachably mounted to the sensor bracket (220).

[0100] The sensor (210) can detect vibrations generated from a cooking vessel (90) placed on a cooking plate (100). The sensor (210) can detect vibrations of the cooking vessel (90) generated as food contained in the cooking vessel (90) boils. The vibrations of the cooking vessel (90) can be transmitted to the cooking plate (100), and the sensor (210) can detect vibrations transmitted to the cooking plate (100).

[0101] The sensor bracket (220) may be attached to the cooking plate (100) using an adhesive. For example, the sensor bracket (220) may include metal. The sensor bracket (220) may support the sensor (210) when the sensor (210) is mounted.

[0102] The sensor bracket (220) may include a guide rail (223). The guide rail (223) may be provided so that the sensor (210) may be mounted thereon. The sensor (210) may slide along the guide rail (223) and be mounted on the sensor bracket (220). The guide rail (223) may support the sensor (210) when the sensor (210) is mounted on the sensor bracket (220).

[0103] The sensor bracket (220) may include a support member (224). The support member (224) may be provided at one end of the guide rail (223). When the sensor (210) is mounted on the sensor bracket (220), the support member (224) may support one side of the sensor (210).

[0104] The cooking appliance (1) may include a fastening member (240). The fastening member (240) may be detachably coupled to the sensor bracket (220). The fastening member (240) may be configured to press the sensor (210) toward the cooking plate (100) when fastened to the sensor bracket (220). When the sensor (210) is mounted on the sensor bracket (220), the fastening member (240) may support an opposite side of a side supported by the support member (224) of the sensor (210). The fastening member (240) may support the sensor (210) to prevent shaking of the sensor (210) mounted on the sensor bracket (220). The fastening member (240) may be omitted.

[0105] A sensor (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is detachably mounted on a sensor bracket (220), thereby facilitating maintenance and / or repair.

[0106] FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a cooking plate. FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which a sensor of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from the cooking plate.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sensor bracket (320) attached to a cooking plate (100) and a sensor (310) detachably mounted to the sensor bracket (320).

[0108] The sensor (310) can detect vibrations generated from a cooking vessel (90) placed on a cooking plate (100). The sensor (310) can detect vibrations of the cooking vessel (90) generated as food contained in the cooking vessel (90) boils. The vibrations of the cooking vessel (90) can be transmitted to the cooking plate (100), and the sensor (310) can detect vibrations transmitted to the cooking plate (100).

[0109] The sensor bracket (320) may be attached to the cooking plate (100) using an adhesive. For example, the sensor bracket (320) may include metal. The sensor bracket (320) may support the sensor (310) when the sensor (310) is mounted.

[0110] The sensor bracket (320) may include a bracket fastening portion (323). The bracket fastening portion (323) may have a groove or hole shape with threads so that the fastening member (340) may be screw-connected. The bracket fastening portion (323) may be provided to correspond to the corners of the sensor (310). For example, since the sensor (310) has a rectangular shape, the bracket fastening portion (323) may be provided to correspond to the four corners of the sensor (310).

[0111] The cooking device (1) may include a fastening member (340). The fastening member (340) may be detachably coupled to the sensor bracket (320). The fastening member (340) may be configured to press the sensor (310) toward the cooking plate (100) when fastened to the sensor bracket (320). The sensor (310) may include a groove-shaped guide at an edge for the fastening member (340).

[0112] When the sensor (310) is mounted on the sensor bracket (320), the fastening member (340) may include a pressing portion (341) for pressing the sensor (310) toward the cooking plate (100). For example, the pressing portion (341) may be provided at one end of the fastening member (340). The pressing portion (341) may be provided to have a wider cross-sectional area than other portions of the fastening member (340).

[0113] The fastening member (340) may be provided to correspond to the corners of the sensor (310). For example, the fastening member (340) may include a first fastening member (340a) provided to press a first corner of the sensor (310) and a second fastening member (340b) provided to press a second corner different from the first corner of the sensor (310). For example, since the sensor (310) has a rectangular shape, the fastening members (340) may be provided to correspond to four corners.

[0114] A sensor (310) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is detachably mounted on a sensor bracket (320), thereby facilitating maintenance and / or repair.

[0115] A cooking device (1) according to the invention includes a cooking plate (100) for mounting a cooking vessel (90), a sensor (110) for detecting vibration generated from the cooking vessel mounted on the cooking plate, a metal bracket (120) attached to the cooking plate, a sensor cover (130) detachably mountable to the metal bracket, the sensor cover being configured to press the sensor toward the cooking plate when mounted on the metal bracket, and a fastening member (140) for fixing the sensor cover to the metal bracket.

[0116] The metal bracket may include a bracket fastening portion (123). The sensor cover may include a cover fastening portion (133). When the bracket fastening portion and the cover fastening portion are aligned, the fastening member may be arranged to be screw-coupled to the bracket fastening portion and the cover fastening portion.

[0117] The metal bracket may include a bracket connecting portion (124) provided on one side opposite to the side where the bracket fastening portion is provided. The sensor cover may include a cover connecting portion (134) provided on the one side opposite to the side where the cover fastening portion is provided and capable of being connected to the bracket connecting portion.

[0118] The above fastening member may be provided so that the sensor cover is screw-connected to the bracket fastening portion and the cover fastening portion in a direction in which the sensor cover presses the sensor.

[0119] The above metal bracket can be attached to the cooking plate by an adhesive (150).

[0120] The metal bracket may include an adhesive receiving portion (125) formed to be spaced apart from the cooking plate to receive at least a portion of the adhesive when attached to the cooking plate.

[0121] The above cooking appliance may further include a buffer member (160) provided between the sensor and the cooking plate to alleviate shock transmitted from the cooking plate to the sensor.

[0122] The above-mentioned buffer member may be provided so that a cross-section perpendicular to the direction from the cooking plate toward the sensor has a rectangular shape.

[0123] The cooking plate may include a first side for mounting a cooking vessel, and a second side opposite the first side and on which the sensor is located.

[0124] The sensor cover may comprise a different material than the metal bracket.

[0125] The above cooking device may further include an induction heating coil (11) for heating a cooking vessel placed on the cooking plate, and a control unit (80) for controlling the induction heating coil based on a vibration value received from the sensor.

[0126] The control unit can control the output of the induction heating coil to be lowered based on the vibration value received from the sensor being determined to be higher than a preset vibration value.

[0127] The above sensor may be positioned a preset distance away from the induction heating coil.

[0128] The above metal bracket may include a bracket cover portion (127) provided to surround the frame of the sensor.

[0129] A cooking appliance (1) according to the invention includes a cooking plate (100) for mounting a cooking vessel, a sensor bracket (220, 320) attached to the cooking plate, a sensor (210, 310) mountable on the sensor bracket as a sensor for detecting vibration generated from a cooking vessel mounted on the cooking plate, and a fastening member (240, 340) detachably connectable to the sensor bracket, the fastening member being arranged to press the sensor toward the cooking plate when mounted to the sensor bracket.

[0130] The above sensor bracket may include a guide rail (223). The sensor may slide along the guide rail and be mounted on the sensor bracket.

[0131] When the sensor is mounted on the sensor bracket, the support member (224) of the sensor bracket provided at one end of the guide rail may support one side of the sensor, and the fastening member coupled to the sensor bracket may be provided to support the opposite side of one side of the sensor.

[0132] The above fastening member may include a first fastening member (340a) provided to press a first edge of the sensor when coupled to the sensor bracket, and a second fastening member (340b) provided to press a second edge of the sensor that is different from the first edge.

[0133] The above fastening member may include a pressing portion (341) that is provided to pressurize the sensor when coupled to the sensor bracket.

[0134] The above cooking appliance may further include an induction heating coil (11) for heating a cooking vessel placed on the cooking plate. The sensor may be positioned at a preset distance from the induction heating coil.

[0135] According to the invention of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance can have a sensor for detecting vibration of a cooking vessel placed in close contact with a cooking plate, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensor.

[0136] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0137] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Cooking plate for placing the cooking container; A sensor for detecting vibrations generated in the cooking vessel placed on the cooking plate; A metal bracket attached to the above cooking plate; A sensor cover detachably mountable on the metal bracket, wherein the sensor cover is configured to press the sensor toward the cooking plate when mounted on the metal bracket; and A cooking appliance comprising a fastening member for fastening the sensor cover to the metal bracket.

2. In paragraph 1, The above metal bracket includes a bracket fastening portion, The above sensor cover includes a cover fastening portion, A cooking appliance in which, when the bracket fastening portion and the cover fastening portion are aligned, the fastening member is provided to be screw-connected to the bracket fastening portion and the cover fastening portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above metal bracket includes a bracket connecting portion provided on one side and an opposite side where the bracket fastening portion is provided, A cooking appliance wherein the sensor cover includes a cover coupling portion provided on one side opposite to the side where the cover fastening portion is provided and capable of being coupled to the bracket coupling portion.

4. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the above fastening member is provided so as to be screw-connected to the bracket fastening portion and the cover fastening portion in the direction in which the sensor cover presses the sensor.

5. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance wherein the above metal bracket is attached to the above cooking plate by an adhesive.

6. In paragraph 5, A cooking appliance wherein the metal bracket comprises an adhesive receiving portion formed to be spaced apart from the cooking plate to receive at least a portion of the adhesive when attached to the cooking plate.

7. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance further comprising a buffer member provided between the sensor and the cooking plate to cushion shock transmitted from the cooking plate to the sensor.

8. In paragraph 7, A cooking appliance in which the above-mentioned buffer member is provided so that a cross-section perpendicular to the direction from the cooking plate to the sensor has a rectangular shape.

9. In paragraph 1, The above cooking plate, A first side for mounting the cooking vessel; and A cooking appliance comprising a second side opposite to the first side and wherein the sensor is positioned.

10. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance wherein the sensor cover comprises a different material from the metal bracket.

11. In paragraph 1, An induction heating coil for heating a cooking vessel mounted on the above cooking plate; and A cooking appliance further comprising a control unit for controlling the induction heating coil based on the vibration value received from the sensor.

12. In paragraph 11, A cooking appliance in which the control unit controls the output of the induction heating coil to be lowered based on the vibration value received from the sensor being determined to be higher than a preset vibration value.

13. In paragraph 11, A cooking appliance wherein the sensor is positioned a preset distance from the induction heating coil.

14. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance wherein the metal bracket includes a bracket cover portion configured to surround a rim of the sensor.

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