Cooking apparatus

Abstract

A cooking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a cavity in which a cooking chamber is formed; a casing, which encompasses at least a part of the cavity so as to define an air flow space in which air flows between the cavity and the casing; an imaging module provided in the air flow space so as to acquire an image of the inside of the cavity; a blower fan for allowing the air to flow in the air flow space; and an air guide for guiding, to the imaging module, some of the air flowing in the air flow space.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking device, and more specifically, to a cooking device for cooling an image module that acquires an image inside a cavity.

[0002] Various cooking appliances are being distributed, such as microwave ovens using microwaves, ovens using heaters, and cooktops.

[0003] Microwave ovens heat food by irradiating microwaves generated by a magnetron into a sealed cooking chamber to vibrate the water molecules of the food stored inside, while ovens heat food stored inside a cooking chamber by using a heater to heat the sealed cooking chamber.

[0004] In addition, cooking appliances are trending toward diversifying their functions, and cooking appliances are being developed that perform functions previously performed by two or more separate appliances in a single appliance.

[0005] Meanwhile, lightwave ovens are being developed that use light heaters emitting light and radiant heat to heat food; food is placed on an exposed shelf at the top to allow the light and radiant heat to be absorbed by the food, and the oven is operated.

[0006] For the convenience of the user, when an item is placed in the oven's cooking chamber, the image module acquires an image of the item, determines the type, weight, and location of the item based on the acquired image, and automatically cooks the item using the appropriate cooking method.

[0007] However, the interior of the cavity is heated by various heaters, causing heat to be generated. Consequently, a problem arises where the image module acquiring images inside the cavity becomes heated.

[0008] In addition, if the image module is placed outside the cavity, a hole is formed in the cavity to secure the image module's field of view; however, there is a problem of microwave leakage inside the cavity through this hole.

[0009] Patent Document 1 describes an optimal structure of a camera module and a blower fan that can be used in an oven. It is characterized by installing the camera module on the top to obtain a camera image through an opening, and positioning a fan on the side to satisfy the allowable temperature. That is, the camera module is cooled through a separate fan.

[0010] However, cooling the camera module with a separate fan requires a separate power supply to operate the fan, and there is a problem in that the space available for electrical components is reduced due to the fan cooling the camera module.

[0011] Patent Document 2 also discloses a structure in which a camera module placed in a cavity is cooled by a fan. When the camera module is cooled by a separate fan, a separate power supply is required to drive the cooling fan, and there is a problem that the space for placing electrical components is reduced by the fan cooling the camera module.

[0012] [Prior Art Literature]

[0013] [Patent Literature]

[0014] Patent Document 1 - US 2020-0166276 A1

[0015] Patent Document 2 - US 11585541 B2

[0016]

[0017] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a cooking device that prevents an image module from malfunctioning due to heating caused by heat generated as the food is heated.

[0018] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling device that cools an image module by using a blower fan to cool electrical components without a fan to directly cool the image module.

[0019] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking device that prevents leakage of microwaves inside a cavity while providing a field of view for acquiring an image of the cavity without blind spots.

[0020] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking device that detects the image and weight of a food item and automatically cooks the food item using an appropriate cooking method according to its type and weight.

[0021] The problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0022] To achieve the above objective, a cooking device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a cavity forming a cooking chamber inside; a casing that surrounds at least a portion of the cavity and defines an air flow space through which air flows between the cavity and the casing; an image module installed in the air flow space to acquire an image of the interior of the cavity; a blower fan that flows air into the air flow space; and an air guide that guides a portion of the air flowing in the air flow space to the image module.

[0023] The above air guide may include an air passage comprising an inlet into which air from the air flow space is introduced, and an outlet into which the air introduced from the inlet is discharged toward the image module.

[0024] The cross-sectional area of ​​the above inlet may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the above outlet.

[0025] The cross-sectional area of ​​the above air passage may increase from the above outlet to the above inlet.

[0026] The cross-sectional area of ​​the above air passage can increase from the above outlet to the above inlet and then decrease again.

[0027] The above air guide can define the air passage together with one side of the cavity.

[0028] The above air guide can define the air passage together with one side of the cavity and one side of the casing.

[0029] The air guide may include two first guide sides that are in contact with the upper surface of the cavity and are spaced apart from each other, a first guide upper surface connecting the upper ends of the first guide sides, two second guide sides that are in contact with the upper surface of the cavity and are spaced apart from each other, with one end connected to the first guide sides, and a second guide upper surface connecting the upper ends of the second guide sides and connected to one end of the second guide upper surface.

[0030] The distance between the first guide sides may become wider as it goes from the rear to the front, and the distance between the second guide sides may become closer as it goes from the rear to the front.

[0031] Additionally, the present disclosure further includes a barrier wall protruding from the top of the cavity and positioned between the image module and the air guide, and the barrier wall may further include a flow groove communicating with the outlet.

[0032] The above image module includes an image sensor disposed outside the cavity and acquiring an image of the interior of the cavity through a camera hole formed in the cavity, and a window disposed inside the cavity that covers at least the camera hole and is made of a material that transmits light, and the image sensor can be cooled by air discharged from the outlet.

[0033] The image sensor is positioned spaced apart from the camera hole, and the window can be positioned spaced apart from the camera hole.

[0034] The above cavity includes a side forming the left and right sides of the cooking chamber, an upper surface forming the upper side, a lower surface forming the lower side, and a rear surface forming the rear side, and the cooking chamber can be opened forward.

[0035] The above cavity further includes a module installation part in which the camera hole is formed, and the module installation part may be located adjacent to the front end on the upper surface of the cavity.

[0036] The above air guide may be positioned adjacent to the front end on the upper surface of the cavity.

[0037] The above air guide may be positioned adjacent to the rear end on the upper surface of the cavity.

[0038] A portion of the air guide may be coupled to the rear surface of the cavity, and another portion of the air guide may be coupled to the upper surface of the cavity.

[0039] The above air flow space includes an upper flow space between the upper surface of the cavity and the casing, and a rear flow space between the rear surface of the cavity and the casing, and the baller fan may be installed in the rear flow space.

[0040] The above outlet and the above inlet can be placed in the above upper flow space.

[0041] The above outlet may be positioned in the upper flow space, and the above inlet may be positioned in the rear flow space.

[0042] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0043] According to the cooking appliance of the present disclosure, there is one or more of the following effects.

[0044] The present disclosure has the advantage of not requiring a separate fan to cool the image module because it cools the image module through air supplied from a blower fan that cools the electrical components placed on the upper surface of the cavity.

[0045] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of effectively cooling the image module by guiding air supplied from a blower fan that cools electrical components placed on the upper surface of the cavity to the image module through an air guide.

[0046] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to cool the image module more effectively by increasing the flow rate and velocity of the air supplied through the blower fan and supplying it to the image module, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the air guide is formed to be smaller than the inlet.

[0047] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of reducing the manufacturing cost of the air guide because the air passage of the air guide is defined together with the upper surface of the cavity and / or one surface of the casing, and thus a part of the cavity and a part of the casing are shared during the process of making the air guide.

[0048] The present disclosure has the advantage of reducing heat transferred to the image sensor and improving the reliability of the image sensor by positioning an image sensor that acquires an image inside a cavity outside the cavity, acquiring an image inside the cavity through a camera hole formed in the cavity, and covering the camera hole by a window located inside the cavity so that the image sensor is positioned far from the center of the cavity and an air gap is formed by the window located inside.

[0049] In addition, the present disclosure further includes an imaging cover that covers a window, thereby double-covering the camera hole, and double-positioning air gaps between the window and the imaging cover and between the window and the camera hole, so that heat transferred to the image sensor is reduced and the reliability of the image sensor is further improved.

[0050] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of preventing external leakage of microwaves while securing the field of view of the image sensor, as the camera hole has a size such that microwaves are not emitted inside the cavity and the image sensor is spaced apart from the camera hole.

[0051] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that a module mounting portion is formed on the upper surface of a cavity to which an image module is coupled, and the module mounting portion is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the cavity and is positioned adjacent to the front edge of the upper surface of the cavity so that the image module is positioned furthest from the center of the cavity and the image sensor acquires an image diagonally, thereby securing a large field of view and being spaced apart from a sheath heater positioned in the center of the upper surface of the cavity, so that the image module is not damaged by the heat of the sheath heater.

[0052] In addition, the present disclosure provides a cooking device that eliminates the need to flip the food during grilling by including a light heater installed on the upper surface of the cavity, a microwave module emitting microwaves, a convection module installed on the rear surface of the cavity, and a bottom heater installed on the bottom surface of the cavity, and also has the advantage of automatically cooking according to the type and weight of the food.

[0053] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 2 is a front view of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 3 is a drawing of the cooking appliance of Figure 2 with the door open.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1 with the casing removed and viewed from the rear.

[0058] Figure 5 is a top view of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 4.

[0059] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 6-6' line shown in Figure 1.

[0060] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the part where the image module shown in Figure 6 is installed.

[0061] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the image module shown in Fig. 6.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 4 with the image module and other parts removed.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air guide around FIG. 10.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12' of FIG. 10.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the air guide illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a top view of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with the cabinet removed.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0072] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a cooking appliance (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a front view of the cooking appliance (1) shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a view of the cooking appliance (1) of FIG. 2 with the door opened, FIG. 4 is a view of the cooking appliance (1) shown in FIG. 1 with the casing (10) removed and viewed from the rear, FIG. 5 is a view of the cooking appliance (1) shown in FIG. 4 viewed from the top.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a casing (10) forming an exterior and a cavity (30) provided inside the casing (10). The casing (10) has an open front surface. The cavity (30) includes a front panel (31) covering the open front surface of the casing (10).

[0075] The cavity (30) forms a cooking chamber (32) inside. The cavity (30) includes a side surface (33) forming the left and right sides of the cooking chamber (32), an upper surface (37) forming the upper side, a lower surface (38) forming the lower side, and a rear surface (35) forming the rear side. The front surface of the cavity (30) is open. Food can be fed into the open front surface of the cavity (30).

[0076] A cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sealed roasting chamber (not shown) that is detachably disposed in a cooking chamber (32) formed inside a cavity (30). The sealed roasting chamber slides inside the cooking chamber (32) and can be detached from the cavity (30).

[0077] A cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a door (20) rotatably provided on a front panel (31). The door (20) can selectively open or close the front opening of the cavity (30). The door (20) is in close contact with the front panel (31) to prevent heat and microwaves emitted into the cooking chamber (32) from escaping to the outside of the cooking chamber (32).

[0078] The door (20) may include a door handle (21) to facilitate the user's opening and closing of the door (20). The door (20) may include a viewing window (23) to allow the user to see inside the kitchen (32). The door handle (21) may be provided above the viewing window (23).

[0079] The cooking appliance (1) includes a control unit (130) (not shown) for controlling the operation of various heaters (40, 50, 60) and a microwave assembly (70) described later, a display unit (81) for displaying the operating status, and an input unit (83) for receiving the operation of the cooking appliance (1) from the user. The display unit (81) and the input unit may be located on the upper side of the door (20). The display unit (81) and the input unit (83) may be located on the upper side of the door handle (21).

[0080] The cavity (30) forms a space with its upper, lower, left, right, and rear sides spaced apart from the casing (10), and various electrical components can be accommodated in the spaced-apart space between the cavity (30) and the casing (10). The space between the upper, lower, left, right, and rear sides of the cavity (30) and the casing (10) can be defined as an air flow space (11, 14, 15) through which air flows.

[0081] Additionally, the cooking device (1) may further include a blower fan (80) that circulates air within the air flow spaces (11, 14, 15). The blower fan (80) provides air to cool electrical components placed in the air flow spaces (11, 14, 15).

[0082] The cooking device (1) may further include a back plate (16). The back plate (16) may be positioned at the rear of the cavity and positioned to face the front panel (31). The top of the back plate (16) may be joined to the upper surface of the casing (10). The side of the back plate (16) may be joined to the rear of the casing. The back plate (16) maintains a gap between the casing (10) and the cavity (30). The back plate (16) may have a hole formed therein through which air supplied from the blower fan (80) passes.

[0083] Specifically, the blower fan (80) may be located behind the back surface (35) of the cavity (30). The blower fan (80) may be located in the air flow space (11, 14, 15) between the back surface (35) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10).

[0084] The blower fan (80) can supply air from outside the cavity (30) to the image module (90). The air that has been heat-exchanged with the image module (90) can be discharged to the outside of the cavity (30).

[0085] More specifically, air from outside the casing (10) flows into the air flow space (11, 14, 15) between the back surface (35) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10), moves to the air flow space (11, 14, 15) between the top surface (37) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10), exchanges heat with the electrical components and the image module (90), moves to the air flow space (11, 14, 15) between the side surface (33) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10), and is discharged to the outside of the casing (10).

[0086] Below, various heaters (40, 50, 60) and microwave assemblies (70) for heating food are described.

[0087] The cooking device (1) includes a light heater (40) installed on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). The electrode portion (42) of the light heater (40) is located in the space between the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10), and the heater portion (41) that emits light (infrared rays) and radiant heat may be positioned on the lower side of the upper surface (37). The heater portion (41) of the light heater (40) may be positioned on the lower side of the upper surface (37) and exposed to the cooking chamber (32).

[0088] The light heater (40) emits radiant heat while emitting light when in operation. The operation of the light heater (40) can be visualized by the light generated when in operation. Additionally, the light heater (40) can rapidly raise the temperature inside the cooking chamber (32).

[0089] It is known that food items such as grains, meat, and fish can absorb radiant energy with a wavelength of 1.4 to 5 μm (hereinafter also referred to as the 'maximum absorption region'). Light reaching the wavelength range of the maximum absorption region is absorbed more by food, while other light is not absorbed by food but is reflected, making it ineffective for cooking food.

[0090] The light heater (40) may be a carbon heater. According to Planck's law, in order to emit wavelengths in the range of 1.4 to 5 μm, a surface temperature in the range of 1100 to 1400°C is required, and a carbon heater can be suitably used in this temperature range.

[0091] A cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a microwave assembly (70) comprising a magnetron that generates microwaves. The microwave assembly (70) may heat a food item using microwaves emitted from the magnetron. Microwaves emitted from the magnetron may heat the food item by vibrating the water contained in the food item.

[0092] A microwave assembly (70) may be installed on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). The microwave assembly (70) may emit microwaves toward the cooking chamber (32) to heat the food contained in the cooking chamber (32).

[0093] A cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a convection module (60) that supplies heat to a cooking chamber (32). The convection module (60) is installed on the back surface (35) of a cavity (30), and a blower opening (36) through which heat emitted from the convection module (60) passes is formed on the back surface (35).

[0094] The convection module (60) may include a convection heater (not shown) that emits heat, a convection fan (not shown) that supplies heat emitted from the convection heater into the cooking chamber (32), and a convection motor (not shown) that rotates the convection fan.

[0095] When the convection heater and convection motor are operated, the air is heated by the heat emitted from the convection heater, and the heated air is supplied into the cooking chamber (32) through the air outlet by the convection fan. The heat supplied by the convection module (60) can heat the food contained in the cooking chamber (32) by heat transfer by convection.

[0096] A cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a lower heater (50) that supplies heat to a cooking chamber (32) from the lower side at the bottom surface (38) of the cavity (30). The heat supplied by the lower heater (50) may be provided to the cooking chamber (32) as radiant heat.

[0097] Guides (34) protruding toward the cooking chamber (32) may be formed on the left and right sides (33) of the cavity (30). The sealed grilling chamber may be detachably seated on the guides (34). The sealed grilling chamber may be slid to be inserted into and withdrawn from the cooking chamber (32), and when inserted into the cooking chamber (32), it may be seated on the guides (34).

[0098] The guide (34) can be formed integrally with the side (33) of the cavity (30). The guide (34) can be protruded into the cooking chamber (32) through the plastic processing of the side (33) during the manufacturing process of the cavity (30).

[0099] Guides (34) are formed in pairs at the same height on both the left and right sides of the cavity (30). Guides (34) may include a plurality of guides (34) formed at different heights on the sides of the cavity (30).

[0100] Meanwhile, the cooking device (1) may further include a shelf (12, see FIG. 6) on which food is placed and which is inserted into the cooking chamber (32) to partition the cooking chamber (32).

[0101] The guide (34) may include a shelf guide (34a) that supports the shelf (12). The shelf guide (34a) may include a plurality of shelf guides (34a) formed at different heights on the side of the cavity (30), and the plurality of shelf guides (34a) may be provided in pairs on both the left and right sides of the cavity (30). The shelf guides (34a) formed on each of the left and right sides and forming pairs with each other may be formed at the same height.

[0102] The shelf (12) is inserted between adjacent guides among a plurality of guides (34) and can be inserted into and withdrawn from the cooking chamber (32).

[0103] The cavity (30) includes a stopper (34b) protruding from the side (33) toward the cooking chamber (32). The stopper (34b) may be located behind the guide (34) and may be formed between a plurality of guides (34) in the height direction. Thus, when the shelf (12) is inserted, the shelf (12) is not inserted excessively, thereby preventing the shelf (12) from impacting the convection module (60), etc., located on the back (35) of the cavity (30).

[0104] The stopper (34b) can be formed by plastically processing the cavity (30) in the same way as the guide (34) and protrude toward the cooking chamber (32).

[0105] The guide (34) includes a roasting chamber guide (34c) that supports the sealed roasting chamber. The sealed roasting chamber can be detachably seated on the roasting chamber guide (34c).

[0106] The roasting room guide (34c) may be located above the shelf guide (34a). If multiple shelf guides (34a) are provided, the roasting room guide (34c) may be located above the uppermost shelf guide (34a). The roasting room guide (34c) is the uppermost guide among the multiple guides (34).

[0107] By forming the grilling chamber guide (34c) at the uppermost position of the guide (34), the sealed grilling chamber can be positioned close to the light heater (40).

[0108] Meanwhile, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment may further include an image module (90) for acquiring an image inside a cavity (30).

[0109] The image module (90) has a field of view that captures an image of the entire interior of the cavity (30) and is positioned so as not to be damaged by heat inside the cavity (30). The image module (90) is positioned in an air flow space (11, 14, 15) and can be cooled by air flowed by a blower fan (80).

[0110] The structure of the video module (90) is described in detail below.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view cut along the 6-6' line shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the part where the image module (90) shown in FIG. 6 is installed, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the image module (90) shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view with the image module (90) and other parts removed from the cooking device (1) shown in FIG. 4.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 9, the image module (90) acquires an image of the inside of the cavity (30). The image module (90) has a field of view capable of securing an image of the entire inside of the cavity (30) and can be positioned in a location protected by heat inside the cavity (30).

[0113] The cavity (30) may further include a module installation section (371) in which an image module (90) is installed. The module installation section (371) may include a camera hole (372) through which light supplied to the image sensor (91), described later, passes.

[0114] The module installation portion (371) may be a portion of the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). The module installation portion (371) may be formed by bending a portion of the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). Specifically, the module installation portion (371) may be an inclined surface having an incline with respect to the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0115] More specifically, the module installation part (371) may be inclined upward toward the rear. Preferably, the angle of inclination between the module installation part (371) and the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) may be 20 to 30 degrees.

[0116] The module installation part (371) may be located adjacent to the front end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). Additionally, the module installation part (371) may be positioned in the center of the left and right directions on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0117] If the module installation part (371) is adjacent to the front end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and slopes upward toward the rear, the image sensor (91) installed in the module installation part (371) views the interior of the cavity (30) diagonally, thus providing the advantage of being able to achieve the widest viewing angle in the limited space of the cavity (30) and the advantage of eliminating blind spots that occur when the image sensor (91) is installed on the door.

[0118] The module installation part (371) is positioned adjacent to the front end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30), thereby reducing the distance between the optical heater (40) placed on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and the image module (90) by the heat generated from the optical heater (40).

[0119] The camera hole (372) may be formed by penetrating the module installation part (371). The camera hole (372) may be circular. The camera hole (372) may be located in the center of the module installation part (371).

[0120] The camera hole (372) allows light to pass through but not microwaves, and can have a size that allows the image sensor (91) to have a suitable field of view. Preferably, the width (D1) of the camera hole (372) can be 8mm to 12mm. This is because if the width (D1) of the camera hole (372) is smaller than 8mm, the field of view of the image sensor (91) becomes too small, and if the width (D1) of the camera hole (372) is larger than 12mm, microwaves are emitted through the camera hole (372).

[0121] The image module (90) has a structure that secures an image of the inside of the cavity (30) without a blind and is protected by heat generated inside the cavity (30).

[0122] For example, the image module (90) may include an image sensor (91) and a window (94).

[0123] An image sensor (91) is positioned outside the cavity (30) and acquires an image of the inside of the cavity (30) through a camera hole (372) formed in the cavity (30). The image acquired by the image sensor (91) is transmitted to the control unit (130).

[0124] The image sensor (91) is a device that detects subject information and converts it into an electrical image signal. The image sensor (91) may include any one of a vidicon, a plumbeacon, a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS), and a charge-coupled device (CCD).

[0125] The image module (90) may further include a heat sink (93) that dissipates heat from the image sensor (91) and a power supply unit (92) that provides power to the image sensor (91). The power supply unit (92) may include a printed circuit board. The image sensor (91) may be positioned between the power supply unit (92) and the camera hole (372).

[0126] The heat sink (93) is made of a material with high heat transfer efficiency, such as metal, and can have a structure with a large surface area in contact with air. The heat sink (93) can be in contact with the power supply unit (92).

[0127] The image sensor (91) is positioned outside the cavity (30). The image sensor (91) may be positioned in the air flow space (11, 14, 15) between the cavity (30) and the casing (10). The image sensor (91) may be positioned spaced apart from the cavity (30). Thus, heat transfer to the image sensor (91) through the cavity (30) is suppressed.

[0128] If the image sensor (91) is positioned too far apart from the cavity (30) (camera hole (372)), the width of the camera hole (372) must be large to secure the field of view of the image sensor (91), but if the camera hole (372) becomes large, there is a problem that microwaves are emitted through the camera hole (372). In addition, if the image sensor (91) is positioned too close to the cavity (30) (camera hole (372)), heat from inside the cavity (30) is transferred to the image sensor (91) through the camera hole (372), which may cause the image sensor (91) to malfunction.

[0129] Therefore, to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is preferable that the width of the camera hole (372) be greater than the distance (T1) between the camera hole (372) and the image sensor (91). More preferably, the width of the camera hole (372) may be 5 to 6 times the distance (T1) between the camera hole (372) and the image sensor (91).

[0130] The image sensor (91) can be positioned to overlap with the camera hole (372). Specifically, the image sensor (91) can be positioned to overlap with the camera hole (372) along the axial direction (Ax) of the camera hole (372). Thus, light inside the cavity (30) can be accurately detected by the image sensor (91).

[0131]

[0132] The window (94) is placed inside the cavity (30) to prevent the image sensor (91) from being damaged by various contaminants generated from the food inside the cavity (30) and to form an air gap to reduce the heat transferred to the image sensor (91).

[0133] The window (94) includes a material through which light is transmitted. The window (94) may include a resin or glass material.

[0134] The window (94) can cover at least the camera hole (372). Specifically, the window (94) can cover the camera hole (372) and a portion of the module installation part (371) surrounding the camera hole (372). The window (94) can come into contact with the upper surface (37) and the lower surface of the cavity (30).

[0135] Preferably, a gasket (96) may be positioned to seal the inner surface of the cavity (30) around the window (94) and the camera hole (372). The gasket (96) may be shaped to wrap around the edge of the camera hole (372). The gasket (96) may be in contact with one side of the cavity (30) forming the edge of the camera hole (372) and the window (94).

[0136] The window (94) may be positioned to overlap with the camera hole (372). Specifically, at least a portion of the window (94) may be positioned to overlap with the camera hole (372) along the axial direction (Ax) of the camera hole (372).

[0137] The window (94) may be positioned apart from the camera hole (372). If the window (94) is positioned too far apart from the cavity (30) (camera hole (372)), the width of the window (94) must be large to secure the field of view of the image sensor (91). However, if the width of the window (94) increases, the size of other components such as the bracket also increases, which raises manufacturing costs and reduces the space inside the cavity (30). Additionally, if the window (94) is positioned too close to the cavity (30) (camera hole (372)), heat from inside the cavity (30) is transferred to the image sensor (91) through the window (94), which may cause the window (94) to malfunction.

[0138] Therefore, to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is preferable that the width of the camera hole (372) be greater than the distance (T2) between the camera hole (372) and the window (94). More preferably, the width of the camera hole (372) may be 5 to 6 times the distance (T2) between the camera hole (372) and the window (94).

[0139] The image sensor (91) acts as an air gap between the internal space of the camera hole (372), the space between the camera hole (372) and the image sensor (91), and the space between the window (94) and the camera hole (372), so that heat inside the cavity (30) is primarily delayed by the window (94) and secondarily delayed by the air gap. In addition, since the image sensor (91) is spaced apart from the cavity (30), the heat transferred from the cavity (30) is reduced.

[0140] It is preferable that the width of the window (94) be greater than the width of the camera hole (372). This is because if the width of the window (94) is small, it is difficult to provide a sufficient field of view to the image sensor (91). It is preferable that the width of the window (94) be greater than the distance (T2) between the camera hole (372) and the window (94).

[0141]

[0142] The image module (90) may further include an imaging cover (95) that is spaced apart from the window (94) and covers the window (94).

[0143] The imaging cover (95) is placed inside the cavity (30) to prevent the window (94) from being damaged by various contaminants generated from the food inside the cavity (30) and to form an air gap to reduce the heat transferred to the window (94).

[0144] The imaging cover (95) includes a material that transmits light. The imaging cover (95) may include a resin or glass material.

[0145] The imaging cover (95) can cover at least the window (94). Specifically, the imaging cover (95) can be positioned to overlap with the window (94). Specifically, at least a portion of the imaging cover (95) can be positioned to overlap with the window (94) along the axial direction (Ax) of the camera hole (372).

[0146] The imaging cover (95) may be positioned apart from the window (94). If the imaging cover (95) is positioned too far apart from the window (94), the width of the imaging cover (95) must be large to secure the field of view of the window (94). However, if the width of the imaging cover (95) increases, the size of other components such as brackets also increases, which raises manufacturing costs and reduces the space inside the cavity (30). Additionally, if the imaging cover (95) is positioned too close to the window (94), heat from inside the cavity (30) is transferred to the window (94) through the imaging cover (95), which may cause the image sensor (91) to malfunction.

[0147] Therefore, to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is preferable that the width of the camera hole (372) be greater than the distance (T3) between the window (94) and the imaging cover (95). More preferably, the width of the camera hole (372) may be 5 to 6 times the distance (T3) between the window (94) and the imaging cover (95).

[0148] It is preferable that the width of the imaging cover (95) be greater than the width of the camera hole (372). This is because if the width of the imaging cover (95) is small, it is difficult to provide a sufficient field of view to the image sensor (91). It is also preferable that the width of the imaging cover (95) be greater than the distance (T3) between the window (94) and the imaging cover (95).

[0149] The image sensor (91), window (94), and imaging cover (95) can be positioned so as to overlap in the axial direction (Ax) of the camera hole (372).

[0150] The cooking device (1) may further include a bracket for fixing the positions of the image sensor (91), the window (94), and the imaging cover (95). The bracket may further include a sensor bracket (96) and a cover bracket (97).

[0151] The sensor bracket (96) is attached to the outside of the cavity (30) to secure the image sensor (91). The sensor bracket (96) can be attached to the upper surface of the module mounting portion (371). A fastening hole (373) can be formed in the module mounting portion (371) to which a fastening member penetrating the sensor bracket (96) is attached.

[0152] The sensor bracket (96) fixes the position of the image sensor (91). The sensor bracket (96) can accommodate the power supply unit (92) and the heat sink (93). The sensor bracket (96) can support the image sensor (91) so as to be spaced apart from the camera hole (372). The sensor bracket (96) may include a plurality of through holes through which air flows to cool the image sensor (91) and the power supply unit (92).

[0153] The cover bracket (97) is coupled to the interior of the cavity (30) to secure the window (94). The cover bracket (97) can be coupled to the lower surface of the module installation part (371). A fastening hole (373) can be formed in the module installation part (371) to which a fastening member penetrating the cover bracket (97) is coupled.

[0154] The cover bracket (97) fixes the position of the window (94). The cover bracket (97) can support the window (94) so ​​as to be spaced apart from the camera hole (372). The cover bracket (97) fixes the position of the imaging cover (95). The cover bracket (97) can support the imaging cover (95) so as to be spaced apart from the window (94).

[0155] Specifically, the cover bracket (97) may include a ring-shaped receiving portion (973) that accommodates the window (94) and the imaging cover (95), and a spacing projection (971) that protrudes from the receiving portion (973) while maintaining a gap between the window (94) and the imaging cover (95). A space (972) between the window (94) and the imaging cover (95) is formed inside the receiving portion (973). At this time, the gasket (96) can seal the gap between the cover bracket (97) and the module installation portion (371).

[0156] The cooking device may include an air guide to increase the airflow velocity and flow rate of the air supplied from the blower fan to the video module. The air guide guides the air supplied from the blower fan to the video module.

[0157] Hereinafter, a cooking device (1') including an air guide (200) will be described in detail.

[0158] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooking device (1') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air guide (200) shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12' of FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the air guide (200) shown in FIG. 10.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a cooking device (1') according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present disclosure includes a casing (10) that encloses at least a portion of a cavity (30) and defines an air flow space in which air flows between the cavity (30), an image module (90) installed in the air flow space to acquire an image inside the cavity (30), a blower fan (80) that flows air in the air flow space, and an air guide (200) that guides a portion of the air flowing in the air flow space to the image module (90).

[0160] In addition, the cooking device (1') according to the second embodiment is characterized by having an air guide (200) additionally installed in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 9 (first embodiment). Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the configuration of the second embodiment without special description will be considered identical to the first embodiment.

[0161] The cavity (30) forms a space with the upper surface, left side, right side, and rear side separated from the casing (10), and various electrical components can be accommodated in the spaced-apart space between the cavity (30) and the casing (10). The space between the upper, left, right, and rear sides of the cavity (30) and the casing (10) can be defined as an air flow space (11, 14, 15) through which air flows.

[0162] The air flow spaces (11, 14, 15) can be defined as an upper flow space (11) between the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and the upper surface of the casing (10), a rear flow space (15) between the rear surface (35) of the cavity (30) and the back surface (13) of the casing (10), and a side flow space (14) between the side surface (33) of the cavity (30) and the side surface of the casing (10). The back surface (13) of the casing (10) may also be referred to as a back cover.

[0163] The upper flow space (11), rear flow space (15), and side flow space (14) are connected to each other so that air can flow.

[0164] A blower fan (80) can be installed in the rear flow space (15). Specifically, the blower fan (80) can be installed at the rear end of the rear side (35) of the cavity (30). An image module (90) is located in the upper flow space (11).

[0165] Air flowing from the blower fan (80) flows through the rear flow space (15) to the upper flow space (11), and from the upper flow space (11) through the side flow space (14) to the discharge port (not shown) at the bottom of the cavity (30). At this time, the blower fan (80) is installed so that air flows from the bottom to the top of the rear flow space (15).

[0166] The air guide (200) guides a portion of the air flowing in the air flow space to the image module (90), thereby cooling the image module (90) quickly and effectively.

[0167] For example, the air guide (200) may include an air passage (270) comprising an inlet (213) into which air from the air flow space is introduced, and an outlet (223) into which the air introduced from the inlet (213) is discharged toward the image module (90).

[0168] The air passage (270) may be closed except for the inlet (213) and outlet (223), but may also be open except for the inlet (213) and outlet (223).

[0169] The inlet (213) may be located closer to the video module (90) than the outlet (223). The outlet (223) may be located closer to the blower fan (80) than the inlet (213). Specifically, the inlet (213) may be located further forward than the outlet (223). The outlet (223) and the inlet (213) may be placed in the upper flow space (11).

[0170] At least a portion of the outlet (223) may be positioned to overlap with the image module (90) in the front-rear direction. It is preferable that the outlet (223) and the inlet (213) completely overlap or at least partially overlap in the front-rear direction.

[0171] The outlet (223) and the inlet (213) may not overlap in the front-rear direction, but in this case, the air flow path is formed with a large slope in the front-rear direction, so air resistance is increased.

[0172] The inlet (213) may be open in the front-rear direction and closed in the up-down and left-right directions. Accordingly, a portion of the air flowing from the rear to the front within the upper flow space (11) may be introduced into the inlet (213).

[0173] The outlet (223) may be open in the front-rear (FR) direction and closed in the up-down (UD) and left-right (LeRi) directions. Accordingly, air introduced through the inlet (213) can be supplied to the image module (90) through the outlet (223).

[0174] Of course, depending on the embodiment, the inlet (213) and outlet (223) may be open in the front-rear direction, open in either the up-down direction or the left-right direction, and closed in the remaining direction.

[0175] The cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (213) may be the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet (223). In order to increase the flow rate and volume of air supplied to the image module (90) and improve heat exchange efficiency, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (213) be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet (223). Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (213) and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet (223) refer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (213) and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet (223) when the cooking device is cut along a plane parallel to the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0176] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage (270) can increase from the outlet (223) to the inlet (213).

[0177] As another example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage (270) may increase from the outlet (223) to the inlet (213) and then decrease again.

[0178] Below, the detailed structure of the air guide (200) is described.

[0179] The air guide (200) can define an air passage (270) together with one side of the cavity (30). Specifically, the air guide (200) is coupled to the top of the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and can define an air passage (270) together with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0180] For example, the air guide (200) may include two first guide sides (212) that are in contact with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and are spaced apart from each other, a first guide upper surface (211) connecting the upper ends of the first guide sides (212), two second guide sides (222) that are in contact with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and are spaced apart from each other, with one end connected to the first guide sides (212), and a second guide upper surface (221) that connects the upper ends of the second guide sides (222) and is connected to one end of the second guide upper surface (221).

[0181] The lower ends of the two first guide sides (212) are in contact with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30), and the upper ends of the first guide sides (212) are connected by the first guide upper surface (211), so that an inlet (213) is defined surrounded by the two first guide sides (212), the first guide upper surface (211), and the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) facing the first guide upper surface (211).

[0182] Of course, depending on the embodiment, the lower ends of the two first guide sides (212) may be joined to the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0183] The lower ends of the two second guide sides (222) are in contact with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30), and the upper ends of the second guide sides (222) are connected by the second guide upper surface (221), so that an outlet (223) is defined surrounded by the two second guide sides (222), the second guide upper surface (221), and the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) facing the second guide upper surface (221).

[0184] The front end of the first guide side (212) is connected to the rear end of the second guide side (222), and the front end of the first guide upper surface (211) is connected to the rear end of the second guide upper surface (221).

[0185] The air guide (200) may have a shape in which an inlet (213) is formed at the rear end, an outlet (223) is formed at the front end, and an opening (230) is formed at the bottom end. The bottom opening (230) of the air guide (200) is covered by the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0186] The first guide sides (212) and the second guide sides (222) extend in a direction that intersects the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30), and the first guide upper surface (211) and the second guide upper surface (221) may extend in a direction parallel to or at an acute angle to the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0187] Specifically, the second guide upper surface (221) may be inclined downward from the rear to the front. If the second guide upper surface (221) is inclined downward from the rear to the front, air directed downward from the rear to the front is efficiently supplied to the image module (90) installed at an angle on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0188] The distance between the first guide sides (212) can be further from the rear to the front, and the distance between the second guide sides (222) can be closer from the rear to the front.

[0189] The cooking device (1') may further include a barrier wall (39) protruding from the top of the cavity (30). The barrier wall (39) prevents air flowing from the rear to the front of the cavity (30) from leaking out through the door.

[0190] The barrier wall (39) may protrude upward from the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and extend in the left and right directions. The barrier wall (39) may be positioned between the image module (90) and the air guide (200). The barrier wall (39) may further include a flow groove (39a) communicating with the outlet (223).

[0191] The flow groove (39a) may be formed by a portion of the barrier wall (39) being sunken in. For example, the flow groove (39a) may be formed by sunken from the top to the bottom of the barrier wall (39). Of course, depending on the embodiment, the flow groove (39a) may be defined as a hole between the two barrier walls (39) when the barrier wall (39) is separated into two.

[0192] The flow groove (39a) can be connected to the outlet (223). Here, being connected means that it is positioned so that air flows between the flow groove (39a) and the outlet (223).

[0193] Specifically, the left side (39b) of the flow groove (39a) may be connected to or adjacent to one of the front sides (222) of the second guide side, and the right side (39c) of the flow groove (39a) may be connected to or adjacent to the other front side (222) of the second guide side.

[0194] The fluid groove (39a) may be positioned adjacent to the image module (90). Specifically, the fluid groove (39a) may be positioned to overlap with the image module (90) in the front-rear direction. Of course, the fluid groove (39a) may be positioned to overlap with the outlet (223) in the front-rear direction.

[0195] The barrier wall (39) may be positioned adjacent to the front end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). The air guide (200) may be positioned adjacent to the front end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). When the air guide (200) is positioned adjacent to the front end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30), it has the advantage of having a short air guide (200) length and efficiently providing air to the image module (90).

[0196] There is no limitation on the length of the air guide (200) in the forward direction, but since other electrical components are placed in the upper flow space (11), it is preferable that it be shorter than half the length of the upper front-rear direction of the cavity (30). That is, the distance between the inlet (213) and the outlet in the forward direction is preferable to be shorter than half the length of the upper front-rear direction of the cavity (30).

[0197]

[0198] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking device (1'') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 14, a cooking device (1'') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (third embodiment) has a difference from the first embodiment in that it further includes an air guide (200'). Additionally, the third embodiment has a difference in the structure and arrangement of the air guide (200') compared to the second embodiment.

[0200] Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the second embodiment, and configurations not specifically described will be considered similar to the second embodiment.

[0201] In the third embodiment, the air guide (200') has an outlet (223') positioned in the upper flow space (11) and an inlet (213') positioned in the rear flow space (15). Thus, a part of the air guide (200') can be positioned in the upper flow space (11), and another part of the air guide (200') can be positioned in the rear flow space (15).

[0202] A part of the air guide (200') can be connected to the rear surface (35) of the cavity (30), and another part of the air guide (200') can be connected to the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0203] The inlet (213') of the air guide (200') may be open downward, and the outlet (223') may be open forward. The air passage (270) may be in the shape of an "L". Air discharged upward from the blower fan (80) may be drawn into the inlet (213') in the rear space, diverted, and then exhausted forward through the outlet (223').

[0204] The air guide (200') may be tubular in shape. Specifically, the air guide (200') may include a first flow path (214) located in the rear flow space (15) and having an inlet (213') at the bottom, and a second flow path (224) that extends forward in communication with the top of the first flow path (214) and has an outlet (223') at the front end. At least a portion of the first flow path (214) may be located in the upper flow space (11).

[0205] Of course, although not shown in the drawing, the front end of the first flow path (214) may be open and the front end of the first flow path (214) may be closed by the rear surface (35) of the cavity (30), and the bottom end of the second flow path (224) may be open and the bottom end of the second flow path (224) may be closed by the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0206]

[0207] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking device (1''') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 15, the cooking device (1''') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (fourth embodiment) has a difference in the arrangement of the air guide (200'') compared to the second embodiment.

[0209] Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the second embodiment, and configurations not specifically described will be considered similar to the second embodiment.

[0210] The air guide (200'') of the fourth embodiment may be positioned adjacent to the rear end on the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). The inlet (213) of the air guide (200'') may be positioned adjacent to the rear end of the cavity (30) than the outlet (223).

[0211]

[0212] FIG. 16 is a top view of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with the cabinet removed.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 16, the cooking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (the fifth embodiment) has a structural difference in the air guide (200''') compared to the second embodiment.

[0214] Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment is described with a focus on the differences from the second embodiment, and configurations not specifically described are considered to be similar to the second embodiment.

[0215] The air guide (200''') of the fifth embodiment may include a first guide surface (252) and a second guide surface (253).

[0216] The first guide surface (252) and the second guide surface (253) are arranged facing each other so that a space (251) can be defined between the first guide surface (252) and the second guide surface (253). The space (251) between the first guide surface (252) and the second guide surface (253) defines an air passage (270).

[0217] The first guide surface (252) may be extended in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The first guide surface (252) may be extended in the vertical direction and may have an acute angle of inclination in the front-rear direction.

[0218] The second guide surface (253) may be extended in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The second guide surface (253) may be extended in the vertical direction and may have an acute angle of inclination in the front-rear direction.

[0219] The first guide surface (252) and the second guide surface (253) may be positioned between the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30) and the upper surface of the casing (10). The upper end of the first guide surface (252) may be connected to the upper end of the casing (10), and the lower end of the first guide surface (252) may be spaced apart from or in contact with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). Conversely, the upper end of the first guide surface (252) may be spaced apart from or in contact with the upper end of the casing (10), and the lower end of the first guide surface (252) may be coupled to the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0220] The upper end of the second guide surface (253) is connected to the upper end of the casing (10), and the lower end of the second guide surface (253) may be spaced apart from or in contact with the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30). Of course, conversely, the upper end of the second guide surface (253) may be spaced apart from or in contact with the upper end of the casing (10), and the lower end of the second guide surface (253) may be coupled to the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30).

[0221] Accordingly, the air guide (200) can cool the image module (90) through an air passage (270) defined by two opposing plates, the upper surface (37) of the cavity (30), and the upper surface of the casing (10). Thus, there is an advantage of reducing the manufacturing cost of the air guide (200).

[0222] The left side (39b) of the flow groove (39a) may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the first guide surface (252) or may be in contact with the front end of the first guide surface (252). The right side (39c) of the flow groove (39a) may be positioned adjacent to the front end of the second guide surface (253) or may be in contact with the front end of the first guide surface (252).

[0223] The distance between the first guide surface (252) and the second guide surface (253) can be reduced as it moves forward. Accordingly, the velocity and flow rate of the air moving from the rear to the front are increased.

[0224]

[0225] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 17, the cooking device (1) may further include a weight sensor (110), a gas sensor (120), and a control unit (130).

[0227] The weight sensor (110) detects the weight of the food located in the cooking chamber (32) and provides the weight information of the food to the control unit (130).

[0228] The gas sensor (120) detects gas generated in the cooking room (32) and provides gas information to the control unit (130).

[0229] The control unit (130) can determine the type of food from an image of food acquired from an image sensor (91) and control at least one of a light heater (40), a microwave assembly (70), and a convection module (60) according to a cooking method corresponding to the type of food.

[0230] Therefore, the cooking device (1) determines the type of food itself and automatically cooks it using an appropriate cooking method.

[0231] Additionally, the control unit (130) can determine the type of food from the image of the food acquired from the image sensor (91), determine the weight of the food, and control at least one of the light heater (40), microwave assembly (70), and convection module (60) according to the cooking method corresponding to the type of food and the weight of the food.

[0232] Accordingly, the cooking device (1) determines the type and weight of the food to be cooked and automatically cooks it using an appropriate cooking method.

[0233] In addition, the control unit (130) can determine whether the cooking of the food is complete based on the gas information provided by the gas sensor (120).

[0234] Of course, the control unit (130) may also determine whether the cooking of the food is complete through image analysis of the food, by changing the color, saturation, and brightness of the food.

[0235]

[0236] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A cavity forming a cooking chamber inside; A casing that encloses at least a portion of the cavity and defines an air flow space through which air flows between the cavity and the casing; An image module installed in the air flow space and acquiring an image of the inside of the cavity; A blower fan that flows air into the above air flow space; and A cooking device comprising an air guide that guides a portion of the air flowing in the above air flow space to the above image module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above air guide is, A cooking device comprising an air passage including an inlet into which air from the above air flow space is introduced, and an outlet into which the air introduced from the inlet is discharged toward the image module.

3. In Paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet.

4. In Paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage increases from the outlet to the inlet.

5. In Paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage increases from the outlet to the inlet and then decreases again.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above air guide is, A cooking appliance that defines the air passage together with one side of the cavity.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above air guide is, A cooking appliance that defines the air passage together with one side of the cavity and one side of the casing.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above air guide is, Two first guide sides that are in contact with the upper surface of the cavity and are spaced apart from each other; A first guide upper surface connecting the upper ends of the first guide sides; Two second guide sides that are in contact with the upper surface of the cavity and are spaced apart from each other, with one end connected to the first guide sides; and A cooking device comprising a second guide upper surface connected to one end of the second guide upper surface, and a second guide upper surface connected to the upper end of the second guide upper surface.

9. In Paragraph 8, The distance between the first guide sides above increases as it goes from the rear to the front, and A cooking appliance in which the distance between the above-mentioned second guide sides becomes closer as it goes from the rear to the front.

10. In Paragraph 2, It further includes a barrier wall protruding from the top of the cavity and positioned between the image module and the air guide, The above barrier wall further comprises a flow groove communicating with the above outlet.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above air guide is, A cooking appliance located adjacent to the front end on the upper surface of the above cavity.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above air guide is, A cooking device located adjacent to the rear end on the upper surface of the above cavity.

13. In Paragraph 1, A cooking appliance in which a portion of the air guide is coupled to the rear surface of the cavity and another portion of the air guide is coupled to the upper surface of the cavity.

14. In Paragraph 2, The above air flow space is, The upper flow space between the upper surface of the cavity and the casing, and It includes a rear flow space between the rear surface of the cavity and the casing, The above blower fan is a cooking appliance installed in the above rear flow space.

15. In Paragraph 14, A cooking appliance in which the above outlet is positioned in the above upper flow space and the above inlet is positioned in the above rear flow space.

Images