Cooking appliance

Abstract

A cooking appliance according to an embodiment disclosed herein comprises: a cavity that forms a cooking chamber therein and includes a camera hole; and an imaging module for capturing an image of the inside of the cavity. The imaging module includes: an image sensor that is disposed outside the cavity to obtain the image of the inside of the cavity via the camera hole; and a window that is made of a light-transmitting material and is disposed inside the cavity to cover at least the camera hole, wherein the image sensor is spaced apart from the camera hole.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking device, and more specifically, to a cooking device comprising an image module for acquiring 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 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.

[0019] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking device that cools an image module without a fan that directly cools the image module.

[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 an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a cavity having a cooking chamber formed therein and including a camera hole, and an image module for acquiring an image of the interior of the cavity. The image module comprises an image sensor disposed outside the cavity to acquire an image of the interior of the cavity through the camera hole, and a window disposed inside the cavity that covers at least the camera hole and is made of a material that transmits light. The image sensor is characterized by being disposed spaced apart from the camera hole.

[0023] The above window may be positioned spaced apart from the camera hole.

[0024] The width of the camera hole may be greater than the distance between the camera hole and the image sensor.

[0025] The width of the camera hole may be greater than the distance between the camera hole and the window.

[0026] The width of the camera hole may be greater than the distance between the image sensor and the window.

[0027] The above image module may further include an imaging cover made of a light-transmitting material that is spaced apart from the window and covers the window.

[0028] The width of the camera hole may be greater than the distance between the imaging cover and the window.

[0029] The image sensor and the window may be positioned to overlap in the axial direction of the camera hole.

[0030] The above image module may further include a heat sink for dissipating heat from the image sensor.

[0031] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a sensor bracket coupled to the outside of the cavity to fix the image sensor and a cover bracket coupled to the inside of the cavity to fix the window.

[0032] The above image module may further include a gasket that seals the space between the window and the inner surface of the cavity around the camera hole.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The above module installation part may have an incline with the upper surface of the cavity.

[0036] The above module installation part may be inclined upward toward the rear.

[0037] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a casing that is positioned to surround a portion of the cavity and defines an air flow space through which air flows between the cavity and the casing, and a blower fan that flows air into the air flow space.

[0038] The image sensor above can be placed in the air flow space and cooled by air flowed by the blower fan.

[0039] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a light heater installed in the cavity and emitting radiant heat toward the cooking chamber, a microwave assembly that emits microwaves to heat the food contained within the sealed roasting chamber, and a convection module that supplies heated air to the cooking chamber.

[0040] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a control unit that determines the type of food item from an image of the food item acquired by the image sensor and controls at least one of the light heater, the microwave assembly, and the convection module according to a cooking method corresponding to the type of food item.

[0041] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include a control unit that detects the weight of a food item located in the cooking chamber and determines the type of the food item from an image of the food item acquired by the image sensor, determines the weight of the food item, and controls at least one of the light heater, the microwave assembly, and the convection module according to a cooking method corresponding to the type of the food item and the weight of the food item.

[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 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In addition, 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 2 is a front view of the cooking appliance shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 3 is a drawing of the cooking appliance of Figure 2 with the door open.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1 with the casing removed and viewed from the rear.

[0055] Figure 5 is a top view of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 4.

[0056] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 6-6' line shown in Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the part where the image module shown in Figure 6 is installed.

[0058] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the image module shown in Fig. 6.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 4 with the image module and other parts removed.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a cooking appliance (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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) through which air flows.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Additionally, the cooking device (1) may further include a blower fan (80) that circulates air within the air flow space (11). The blower fan (80) provides air to cool electrical components placed in the air flow space (11).

[0073] 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) between the back surface (35) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10).

[0074] 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).

[0075] More specifically, air from outside the casing (10) flows into the air flow space (11) between the back surface (35) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10), moves to the air flow space (11) 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) between the side surface (33) of the cavity (30) and the casing (10), and is discharged to the outside of the casing (10).

[0076] Below, various heaters (40, 50, 60) and microwave assemblies (70) for heating food are described.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] Meanwhile, a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment may further include an image module (90) for acquiring an image inside a cavity (30).

[0099] 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) and can be cooled by air flowed by a blower fan (80).

[0100] The structure of the video module (90) is described in detail below.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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).

[0112] For example, the image module (90) may include an image sensor (91) and a window (94).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] The image sensor (91) is positioned outside the cavity (30). The image sensor (91) may be positioned in the air flow space (11) between the cavity (30) and the casing (10). The image sensor (91) may be positioned spaced apart from the cavity (30) or the camera hole (372). Thus, heat transfer to the image sensor (91) through the cavity (30) is suppressed. Positioning the image sensor (91) spaced apart from the camera hole (372) means that the image sensor (91) is spaced apart from one side of the cavity (30) that forms the perimeter of the camera hole (372).

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121]

[0122] 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).

[0123] The window (94) includes a material through which light is transmitted. The window (94) may include a resin or glass material.

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] The window (94) may be positioned spaced apart from the camera hole (372). Positioning the window (94) spaced apart from the camera hole (372) means that the window (94) is spaced apart from one side of the cavity (30) that forms the edge of the camera hole (372).

[0128] 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 brackets 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.

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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).

[0132]

[0133] The image module (90) may further include an imaging cover (95) that is spaced apart from the window (94) and covers the window (94).

[0134] 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).

[0135] The imaging cover (95) includes a material that transmits light. The imaging cover (95) may include a resin or glass material.

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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).

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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).

[0147]

[0148] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a cooking device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 10, the cooking device (1) may further include a weight sensor (110), a gas sensor (120), and a control unit (130).

[0150] 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).

[0151] The gas sensor (120) detects gas generated in the cooking room (32) and provides gas information to the control unit (130).

[0152] 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.

[0153] Therefore, the cooking device (1) determines the type of food itself and automatically cooks it using an appropriate cooking method.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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).

[0157] Of course, the control unit (130) may 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.

[0158]

[0159] 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.

[0160]

[0161] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0162] 10: Casing 20: Door

[0163] 30: Cavity 32: Kitchen

[0164] 34: Guide 40: Optical Heater

[0165] 50: Bottom heater 60: Convection module

[0166] 70: Microwave Assembly 80: Blower Fan

[0167] 90: Video Module

Claims

1. A cavity forming a cooking chamber inside and including a camera hole; and It includes an image module for acquiring an image inside the cavity; and The above video module is, An image sensor disposed outside the cavity and acquiring an image of the interior of the cavity through the camera hole; and A window made of a light-transmitting material disposed inside the cavity, covering at least the camera hole, and The above image sensor is a cooking device positioned spaced apart from the camera hole.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above window is, A cooking appliance positioned spaced apart from the above camera hole.

3. In Paragraph 2, The width of the camera hole is greater than the distance between the camera hole and the image sensor, and A cooking appliance in which the width of the camera hole is greater than the distance between the camera hole and the window.

4. In Paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the width of the camera hole is greater than the distance between the image sensor and the window.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above video module is, A cooking appliance that further includes an imaging cover made of a light-transmitting material, which is spaced apart from the window and covers the window.

6. In Paragraph 5, A cooking appliance in which the width of the camera hole is greater than the distance between the imaging cover and the window.

7. In Paragraph 1, A cooking device in which the above image sensor and the above window are positioned to overlap in the axial direction of the camera hole.

8. In Paragraph 1, A sensor bracket coupled to the outside of the cavity to fix the image sensor; and A cooking appliance further comprising a cover bracket coupled to the interior of the cavity to secure the window.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above video module is, A cooking appliance further comprising a gasket that seals between the window and the inner surface of the cavity around the camera hole.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above cavity is, A cooking device comprising side surfaces 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, wherein the cooking chamber is open to the front.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above cavity is, It further includes a module installation part in which the above-mentioned camera hole is formed, and The above module installation part is a cooking device located adjacent to the front end on the upper surface of the cavity.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above module installation part is, A cooking appliance having an upper surface and an incline of the above cavity.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above module installation part is, A cooking appliance that slopes upward toward the rear.

14. In Paragraph 1, A casing disposed to surround a portion of the cavity, defining an air flow space through which air flows between the cavity and the casing; and It further includes a blower fan that flows air into the above air flow space, The above image sensor is placed in the air flow space and is a cooking appliance cooled by air flowed by the blower fan.

15. In Paragraph 1, A light heater installed in the above cavity and emitting radiant heat toward the cooking chamber; A microwave assembly that emits microwaves to heat the food contained within the sealed roasting chamber; A convection module that supplies heated air to the above cooking chamber; and A cooking device further comprising a control unit that determines the type of food from an image of the food acquired from the image sensor and controls at least one of the light heater, the microwave assembly, and the convection module according to a cooking method corresponding to the type of food.

Images