Cooking apparatus and method for controlling cooking apparatus

Abstract

A cooking apparatus according to an embodiment may comprise: first, second, third, and fourth electrodes spaced apart from each other between a housing and a cooking chamber; an RF power supply unit that supplies RF power to each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode; a plate detachably provided in the cooking chamber and partitioning the inside of the cooking chamber into a plurality of accommodation spaces in which an electric field is generated by at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode; and a processor configured to adjust the RF power supplied from the RF power supply to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode, such that an independent electric field is generated in each of the plurality of accommodation spaces partitioned by the plate.

Description

Cooking appliance and method for controlling the cooking appliance

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a cooking apparatus capable of cooking food through dielectric heating and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A cooking device refers to a device used to heat and cook a food object, such as food, and is capable of providing various cooking-related functions, including heating, thawing, drying, and sterilization of the object.

[0003] Recently, there has been a steady development of cooking devices that allow users to enjoy food for a longer period by reducing the time spent preparing and cooking.

[0004] Since each food item has its own unique cooking time based on the properties of its ingredients and specific products, the user can only add the second ingredient to the cooking device and begin cooking after the first food item has been fully prepared. In this process, the user must repeat the same action until the cooking process for all food placed on the table is completed, and there was a problem in that already cooked food cools down while other food is thawing or cooking, thereby degrading the overall quality of the meal.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides a cooking apparatus and a control method thereof that divides the internal space of a cooking chamber into multiple receiving spaces using a detachable plate within the cooking chamber, and can simultaneously and independently cook various types of food items received in the multiple receiving spaces.

[0006] A cooking device according to one embodiment may include: a housing; a cooking chamber provided inside the housing; a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode spaced apart from each other between the housing and the cooking chamber; an RF power supply unit that supplies RF power to each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode; a plate detachably provided in the cooking chamber and dividing the interior of the cooking chamber into a plurality of receiving spaces in which an electric field is generated by at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode; and a processor that regulates RF power supplied from the RF power supply unit to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode so that an independent electric field is generated in each of the plurality of receiving spaces divided by the plate.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a control method for a cooking device comprising: a housing; a cooking chamber provided inside the housing; a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode spaced apart from each other between the housing and the cooking chamber; an RF power supply unit that supplies RF power to each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode; and a plate detachably provided in the cooking chamber and dividing the interior of the cooking chamber into a plurality of receiving spaces in which an electric field is generated by at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, wherein the method may include adjusting the RF power supplied from the RF power supply unit to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode so that an independent electric field is generated in each of the plurality of receiving spaces divided by the plate.

[0008] The disclosed cooking appliance and control method can divide the internal space of the cooking chamber into multiple accommodation spaces using a removable plate within a cabinet, and the multiple accommodation spaces can be used as independent cooking spaces. This can improve the usability and energy efficiency of the cooking appliance.

[0009] The disclosed cooking device and control method can improve the quality of meals by completing the cooking of various types of food contained in multiple receiving spaces at the same time, thereby preventing the food from cooling down.

[0010] The disclosed invention can improve the user experience by providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates the exterior of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a cooking appliance with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a dielectric heating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an RF power amplifier circuit system according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing a cooking apparatus according to one embodiment cut in the AA' direction of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 7 is another example of a cross-sectional view showing a cooking apparatus according to one embodiment cut in the AA' direction of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for further explaining a method of performing cooking in a simultaneous cooking completion mode according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing cooking information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing cooking information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing cooking information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a user interface screen for providing cooking information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to a method of providing a user with a notification regarding plate installation according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a flowchart regarding a method of providing a user with a notification regarding the installation of an auxiliary plate according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the change in electric field due to the installation of an auxiliary plate according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the change in electric field due to the installation of an auxiliary plate according to one embodiment.

[0029] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0030] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0035] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0037] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0038] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0039] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2) or a server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0042] The home appliance (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), a cooking appliance (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a garment care appliance (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), and a microwave oven (19), as illustrated.

[0043] The home appliance (10) is not limited to that exemplified in FIG. 1. For example, the home appliance (10) may include various home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television that are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, other home appliances, user devices (2), or devices that can be connected to a server (3) to perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (10) according to one embodiment.

[0044] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. This server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0045] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server (3) through a user device (2). A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (10) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control home appliances (10) by linking identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account. The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance (10) or the server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0046] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc.

[0047] A program, i.e., an application, for controlling the home appliance (10) can be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold with the user device (2) already installed, or it may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0048] By running an application installed on the user device (2), the user can connect to the server (3) to create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register the home appliance device (10).

[0049] For example, if the home appliance (10) is operated in accordance with the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2) so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3), the home appliance (10) can be registered to the user account by registering the identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account on the server (3).

[0050] The user can control the home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into the user account using an application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when the user inputs a control command for the home appliance (10), the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) through the server (3).

[0051] A network may include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0052] The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an access point (AP). The short-range wireless network may include, for example, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., but is not limited to those exemplified.

[0053] The access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0054] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (10) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through the access relay (AP).

[0056] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0057] For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0058] As another example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0059] As another example, a home appliance (10) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0060] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0061] The home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information regarding operation or status from the home appliance (10), it can update the stored information regarding operation or status of the home appliance (10) and transmit the updated information regarding operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user devices (2) via a network. Here, updating information may include various operations that change existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0062] The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (10) (e.g., recipes, laundry methods, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and can output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0063] The home appliance (10) may operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from servers (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) may operate according to control commands received from servers (3). Here, the control commands received from servers (3) may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through user devices (2) or control commands based on pre-set conditions.

[0064] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or server (3) through a communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) upon the user's prior approval.

[0065] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process it using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0066] The cooking appliance (13) described below may correspond to the aforementioned home appliance (10).

[0067] FIG. 2 illustrates the exterior of a cooking device (13) according to one embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a cooking appliance (13) with the door (20) open according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the cooking appliance (13) may include a housing (1h) forming an exterior and a door (20) provided to open and close an opening of the housing (1h). The door (20) may be connected to the housing (1h) by a hinge.

[0070] The door (20) may include at least one transparent glass plate (21). For example, the door (20) may include a first transparent glass plate (21a) forming the outer surface of the door (20) and a second transparent glass plate (21b) forming the inner surface of the door (20). Additionally, a third transparent glass plate (not shown) may be disposed between the first transparent glass plate (21a) and the second transparent glass plate (21b). Although the door (20) has been exemplified as including a triple transparent glass plate, it is not limited thereto. The door (20) may include a double transparent glass plate or a quadruple transparent glass plate.

[0071] At least one transparent glass plate (21a, 21b) included in the door (20) can serve as a window. When the door (20) is closed, the user can observe the inside of the kitchen (30) through the transparent glass plate (21a, 21b). The transparent glass plate (21a, 21b) can be formed of heat-resistant glass.

[0072] The door (20) may include a handle (20a) provided so that a user can grasp it to open and close the door (20). To allow the user to easily open and close the door (20), the handle (20a) may be positioned adjacent to a part of the door (20) opposite to the axis of rotation of the door (20). Although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment in which the handle (20a) is provided on the front of the door (20), it is not limited thereto, and the handle (20a) may be provided at various locations on the door (20).

[0073] A user interface (40) for interaction between a user and a cooking appliance (13) may be provided in the housing (1h) of the cooking appliance (13). The location of the user interface (40) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The user interface (40) may be provided at various locations in the housing (1h).

[0074] The user interface (40) may include an output interface (41) that displays information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (13) and an input interface (42) that obtains user input related to the operation of the cooking appliance (13). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the output interface (41) may include a display that outputs information related to the operation of the cooking appliance as visual information.

[0075] The output interface (41) and the input interface (42) may be provided at various locations on the housing (1h). For example, the output interface (41) and the input interface (42) may be located on the upper front side of the housing (1h), but are not limited thereto.

[0076] The output interface (41) may be provided with various types of display panels. For example, the output interface (41) may include a Liquid Crystal Display Panel (LCD Panel), a Light Emitting Diode Panel (LED Panel), an Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel (OLED Panel), or a Micro LED Panel. The output interface (41) may also be used as an input device, including a touch screen.

[0077] The output interface (41) can display information entered by the user or information provided to the user on various screens. The output interface (41) can display information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (13) as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the output interface (41) can display a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables control of the cooking appliance (13). That is, the output interface (41) can display UI elements such as icons.

[0078] The input interface (42) can transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to user input to the processor (310). The input interface (42) may include various buttons and / or a dial. For example, the input interface (42) may include at least one of a power button for turning the power of the cooking appliance (13) on or off, a start / stop button for starting or stopping a cooking operation, a cooking mode button for selecting a cooking mode, a temperature button for setting the cooking temperature, and a time button for setting the cooking time. The various buttons may be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons.

[0079] A dial included in the input interface (42) may be rotatably provided. One of a plurality of cooking modes may be selected by rotating the dial. UI elements displayed on the output interface (41) may move sequentially according to the rotation of the dial. The cooking device (13) may perform cooking according to the selected cooking mode. The cooking mode may include cooking parameters such as cooking temperature and cooking time. Different cooking modes may be selected depending on the position of the plate (23) in the cooking chamber (30), the type of food, quantity and / or size.

[0080] The cooking device (13) may include a cooking chamber (30) that is provided inside a housing (1h) and where a food item (C) can be placed. An opening may be provided at the front of the housing (1h). A user can place the food item (C) inside the cooking chamber (30) through the opening of the housing (1h). The cooking chamber (30) may be provided in a rectangular shape.

[0081] A plurality of supports (22) for mounting the plate (23) may be provided on both side walls of the cooking chamber (30). The supports may also be referred to as 'rails'. For example, the plurality of supports (22) may be formed to protrude from the left inner wall and the right inner wall of the cooking chamber (30). For another example, the plurality of supports (22) may be provided as separate structures that can be mounted on the left inner wall and the right inner wall of the cooking chamber (30).

[0082] Each of the plurality of supports (22) has a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. The plurality of supports (22) may be provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. For example, each of the plurality of supports (22) may be provided at a different height from the floor of the kitchen (30).

[0083] A plate (23) can be mounted at various heights within the cooking chamber (30) by means of a plurality of supports (22). For example, the plate (23) can be mounted on a first support (22a) or a second support (22b). The plate (23) can be detachably provided inside the cooking chamber (30). When the plate (23) is placed inside the cooking chamber (30), the upper surface of the plate (23) may face the ceiling of the cooking chamber (30). A food item (C) may be placed on the upper surface of the plate (23).

[0084] The plate (23) may have various shapes. For example, the plate (23) may be provided in a rectangular or circular shape. The plate (23) may be provided as a first plate (23a) comprising a conductive material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum or copper) and a connector, or as a second plate (23b) comprising a fifth electrode (95), a sixth electrode (96), a conductive material, and a connector. The first plate (23a) may be a two-part plate that divides the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into two receiving spaces. Additionally, the second plate (23b) may be a four-part plate that divides the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into four receiving spaces.

[0085] At this time, the first plate (23a) may include a section extending in the left-right direction. The section may be made of a conductive material. The conductor included in the first plate (23a) can act as a shield so that independent electric fields generated in the up-down direction with respect to the first plate (23a) do not affect each other.

[0086] The second plate (23b) may include a first section extending in the left-right direction and a second section extending in the up-down direction. The first section of the second plate (23b) may serve as a shield so that independent electric fields generated in the up-down direction at the boundary do not affect each other. Inside the second section of the second plate (23b), a fifth electrode (95) or a sixth electrode (96) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the fifth electrode (95) may be arranged between the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93) so as to be parallel to the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93). The sixth electrode (96) may be arranged between the second electrode (92) and the fourth electrode (94) so ​​as to be parallel to the second electrode (92) and the fourth electrode (94). When the second plate (23b) is installed inside the cooking chamber (30), the fifth electrode (95) and the sixth electrode (96) can be connected to ground or connected to the power amplifier circuit system of the dielectric heating device (100). Accordingly, the second plate (23b) can further create receiving spaces that are independently generated in the electric field on both the left and right sides, bordered by the second section.

[0087] Various parts necessary for the operation of the cooking device (13) may be arranged between the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h). For example, the cooking device (13) may include a fan (45) and / or a plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94).

[0088] A fan (45) can circulate air inside the cooking chamber (30). The fan (45) may include a motor and blades. One or more fans (45) may be provided. As the fan (45) operates, air heated by an electric field generated by a pair of electrodes (e.g., 91, 92, 93, 94) can circulate inside the cooking chamber (30). Thus, the heated air can be evenly distributed from the top to the bottom of the cooking chamber (30). The rotation speed and rotation time of the fan (45) can be controlled by a processor (310). The operation of the fan (45) can be controlled differently depending on the cooking mode. The output and rotation time of the fan (45) can be controlled differently depending on the position of the plate (23) inside the cooking chamber (30), the type, quantity and / or size of the food (C).

[0089] A plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) may be positioned between the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the cooking device (13) may include a first electrode (91) positioned between one of the two left-right sides of the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h), a second electrode (92) positioned between one of the two left-right sides of the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h) and spaced apart in a vertical direction from the first electrode (91), a third electrode (93) positioned to face the first electrode (91) between the remaining one of the two left-right sides of the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h), and a fourth electrode (94) positioned between the third electrode (93) and the housing (1h) and spaced apart in a vertical direction from the second electrode (92). The first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) may have a flat plate shape.

[0090] A plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, or 94) may include a conductor, an electrode cover, and a connector. The conductor and the electrode cover may each have a flat plate shape. Depending on the design, the conductor and the electrode cover may be formed integrally or formed separably. Additionally, the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, or 94) may not include an electrode cover. Depending on the design, the length, area, and thickness of each of the plurality of electrodes (61, 62, 63, 64) may vary.

[0091] The food (C) can be cooked by the electric field generated by applying RF power to the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, or 94). The magnitude of the RF power applied to the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, or 94) can be adjusted by the processor (310). That is, the magnitude or duration of the RF power provided to the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, or 94) can be adjusted differently depending on whether the plate (23) is installed in the cooking chamber (30), the installation location, the type, quantity, and / or size of the food (C). That is, the RF power provided to the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) can be adjusted according to the cooking mode.

[0092] In the present disclosure, it is described that four electrodes are provided between the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h), but the location or number thereof should not be interpreted as being limited to the present disclosure.

[0093] An electrical room may be provided between the cooking room (30) and the housing (1h). The electrical room may be located behind the cooking room (30). Various components necessary to operate the cooking device (13) may be arranged within the electrical room. For example, a circuit system for supplying RF power to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) may be provided within the electrical room.

[0094] A cooking device (13) according to one embodiment may include a dielectric heating device (100), which will be explained below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0095] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a dielectric heating device (100) according to one embodiment.

[0096] A dielectric heating device (100) according to one embodiment may generate RF power by receiving power from a commercial power source (101), and may include at least one electrode (91, 92, 93 or 94) for the generated RF power. At this time, a potential difference is generated between a pair of electrodes based on the provided RF power, and accordingly, a high-frequency electric field (230) may be formed between a pair of electrodes (e.g., the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93) of FIG. 4).

[0097] If an object (e.g., a food item (C)) located between the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93) contains polar molecules (240) (e.g., water molecules), it may rotate and / or vibrate by the high-frequency electric field (230). The object may be heated by the movement of the polar molecules (240) within the object.

[0098] Polar molecules (240) within the object may be located on the surface and inside the object, and the part of the object that is heated may be determined according to the location where the polar molecules (240) are placed within the object.

[0099] According to a dielectric heating device (100) according to one embodiment, an object can be uniformly heated due to the movement of polar molecules (240) within the object.

[0100] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, an RF power amplifier circuit system (102) that generates RF power applied to at least one electrode (91, 92, 93 or 94) will be described.

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates an RF power amplifier circuit system (102) according to one embodiment.

[0102] The RF power amplifier circuit system (102) may include an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (110), a power factor compensation circuit (120), a switch section (130), a DC converter section (140), an RF power supply section (150), an impedance matching section (160), and / or an electrode section (90).

[0103] The EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (110) can remove noise contained in AC power supplied from a commercial power source (101). The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The EMI filter (110) can discharge noise contained in AC power through a ground wire. The EMI filter (110) can be provided as a passive filter or an active filter.

[0104] The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor of AC power. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can compensate the power factor by reducing or eliminating the reactive power among the active power and reactive power constituting the AC power. By compensating the power factor, power loss can be reduced. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be provided as a circuit in which various electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. The power factor compensation circuit (120) can be controlled by a processor (310).

[0105] The switch unit (130) may include a first switch (SE1) that connects or disconnects between the power factor compensation circuit (120) and the first DC converter (141), a second switch (SE2) that connects or disconnects between the power factor compensation circuit (120) and the second DC converter (142), a third switch (SE3) that connects or disconnects between the power factor compensation circuit (120) and the third DC converter (143), and a fourth switch (SE4) that connects or disconnects between the power factor compensation circuit (120) and the fourth DC converter (144). The processor (310) may supply or not supply RF power to the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (94), or the fourth electrode (94) by controlling the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), the third switch (SE3), and the fourth switch (SE4) to turn them on or off.

[0106] The DC converter unit (140) can convert power output from the power factor compensation circuit (120) into DC power suitable for the RF power supply unit (150). The DC converter unit (140) can deliver the converted DC power to the RF power supply unit (150). The DC converter unit (140) may include a first DC converter (141) that supplies DC power to the first RF power supply unit (151), a second DC converter (142) that supplies DC power to the second RF power supply unit (152), a third DC converter (143) that supplies DC power to the third RF power supply unit (153), and a fourth DC converter (144) that supplies DC power to the fourth RF power supply unit (154). The first DC converter (141), the second DC converter (142), the third DC converter (143), and the fourth DC converter (144) may be provided as circuits in which various electronic components, such as transistors, inductors, and diodes, are connected in parallel and / or series. An RF power amplifier circuit system (102) according to one embodiment may generate independent electric fields by individually providing DC converters (141, 142, 143, 144) that supply DC power to generate RF power supplied to each of a plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) and simultaneously supplying RF power independently to a plurality of electrodes.

[0107] The processor (310) can control the DC converter unit (140) to adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode unit (90). In other words, the processor (310) can individually control the first DC converter (141), the second DC converter (142), the third DC converter (143), or the fourth DC converter (144) to independently adjust the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94). When the power supplied from the DC converter unit (140) to the RF power supply unit (150) increases, the amplitude of the RF power increases, and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode unit (90) can increase. The magnitude of the voltage can be expressed as an RMS value.

[0108] The RF power supply unit (150) can generate RF power and can apply RF power to the electrode unit (90). The RF power supply unit (150) may include a first RF power supply unit (151) that supplies RF power to the first electrode (91), a second RF power supply unit (152) that supplies RF power to the second electrode (92), a third RF power supply unit (153) that supplies RF power to the third electrode (93), and a fourth RF power supply unit (154) that supplies RF power to the fourth electrode (94). The RF power supplied to the electrode unit (90) from the RF power supply unit (150) may be referred to as an RF signal. Accordingly, sinusoidal power may be applied to the electrode unit (90). The processor (310) can control the RF power supply unit (150) to adjust the RF power applied to the electrode unit (90). In other words, the processor (310) can individually control the first RF power supply (151), the second RF power supply (152), the third RF power supply (153), or the fourth RF power supply (154) to independently adjust the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94). When RF power is supplied to the electrode (90), an electric field for dielectric heating of the food in the cooking chamber (30) can be generated.

[0109] An impedance matching unit (160) may be provided between the RF power supply unit (150) and the electrode unit (90). RF power generated by the RF power supply unit (150) may be transmitted to the electrode unit (90) through the impedance matching unit (160). The impedance matching unit (160) may match the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (150) with the electrode impedance of the electrode unit (90). In other words, the impedance matching section (160) may include a first impedance matching circuit (161) that matches the output impedance of the first RF power supply section (151) with the electrode impedance of the first electrode (91), a second impedance matching circuit (162) that matches the output impedance of the second RF power supply section (152) with the electrode impedance of the second electrode (92), a third impedance matching circuit (163) that matches the output impedance of the third RF power supply section (153) with the electrode impedance of the third electrode (93), and a fourth impedance matching circuit (164) that matches the output impedance of the fourth RF power supply section (154) with the electrode impedance of the fourth electrode (94). If there is a difference between the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (150) and the electrode impedance of the electrode unit (90), reflected power is generated from the electrode unit (90), and the power transmission efficiency is reduced. To minimize reflected power, it is necessary to perform matching between the output impedance of the RF power supply unit (150) and the electrode impedance of the electrode unit (90). The control unit (300) can perform impedance matching by controlling the impedance matching unit (160).

[0110] The electrode portion (90) may include a first electrode (91), a second electrode (92), a third electrode (93), or a fourth electrode (94). At least one of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode portion (90) may receive RF power from an RF power supply unit (150). At this time, the remaining electrodes, excluding at least one of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode portion (90), may be connected to ground and be in a grounded state. The phase of the RF power applied to each of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) included in the electrode portion (90) may be different.

[0111] The strength of the electric field generated between two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode section (90) can periodically increase and decrease. Accordingly, a rotating electric field can be generated within the cooking chamber (30).

[0112] FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing the cooking device (13) cut in the AA' direction of FIG. 2 when the first plate (23a) is placed in the cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 6, as the first plate (23a) is placed within the cooking chamber (30), the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) can be divided into a plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32). A first receiving space (31) can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93). A second receiving space (32) can be formed between the second electrode (92) and the fourth electrode (94). A food item can be placed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32). At this time, the first plate (23a) can serve as a shelf to support the food item received in the first receiving space (31).

[0114] The food can be placed on at least one of the lower surface (i.e., bottom surface) of the cooking chamber (30) or the upper surface of the first plate (23a).

[0115] In the present disclosure, four electrodes are described as being spaced apart in the vertical direction, with two electrodes each placed between the left and right sides of the housing (1h) and the cooking chamber (30), but the number and position of the electrodes are not limited to those exemplified. For example, one additional electrode may be placed between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), and one additional electrode may be placed between the third electrode (93) and the fourth electrode (94). Depending on the number and position of the electrodes placed between the housing (1h) and the cooking chamber (30), the number of receiving spaces formed within the cooking chamber (30) may vary, and the size of the receiving spaces may also vary.

[0116] The first plate (23a) may include a connector (231) formed on at least one side. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first plate (23a) may include a first connector (231a) and a second connector (232b) on the left and right sides. Additionally, the first plate (23) may have only one of the first connector (231a) or the second connector (232b) provided on the left or right side of the first plate (23a).

[0117] At least one connection terminal (232) connected to the connector (231) of the first plate (23a) may be provided on the inner surface of the cooking chamber (30). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first connection terminal (232a) and the second connection terminal (232b) may be included on the left inner surface and the right inner surface of the inner surface of the first cooking chamber (30). Additionally, only one of the first connection terminal (232a) or the second connection terminal (232b) may be provided on the left inner surface or the right inner surface of the inner surface of the cooking chamber (30).

[0118] The connector (231) may include a plurality of pins, and the connection terminal (232) may include a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of pins. When the connector (231) is coupled with the connection terminal (232), an electrical signal is generated, and the generated electrical signal can be transmitted to the processor (310) of the cooking device (13). For example, the plurality of pins of the connector (231) may include a magnetic material, and a Hall sensor may be provided in the hole of the connection terminal (232). Accordingly, when the connector (231) is coupled with the connection terminal (232), an electrical signal may be generated through the interaction between the magnetic material and the Hall sensor.

[0119] The processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a plurality of receiving spaces based on the placement of the first plate (23a) within the cooking chamber (30). That is, the processor (310) receives an electrical signal generated by the coupling of the connector (231) and the connection terminal (232) as the first plate (23a) is placed within the cooking chamber, and can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a first receiving space (31) and a second receiving space (32).

[0120] When RF power is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94), an electric field can be generated in the horizontal direction in each of the plurality of receiving spaces.

[0121] Depending on whether RF power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94), an electric field may or may not be generated in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32). For example, referring to FIG. 6, if RF power is supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), and RF power is not supplied to the third electrode (93) and the fourth electrode (94), the third electrode (93) and the fourth electrode (94) are connected to ground and are in a grounded state, so an electric field in the A->A' direction (i.e., left to right direction) may be generated in the first receiving space (31) and the second receiving space (32), respectively, due to the potential difference. At this time, the strength of the electric field generated in the first receiving space (31) and the second receiving space (32), respectively, may differ depending on the magnitude of the RF power supplied to the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), respectively. Additionally, the polarity of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) can be determined according to the phase of the RF power supplied to each of the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92). Depending on the polarity of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94), the direction of the electric field generated in the first receiving space (31) and the second receiving space (32) can also be changed.

[0122] Accordingly, the processor (310) can adjust the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an independent electric field is generated in the horizontal direction in each of the first receiving space (31) and the second receiving space (32), based on identifying the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) as the first receiving space (31) and the second receiving space (32).

[0123] FIG. 7 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing the cooking device (13) cut in the AA' direction of FIG. 2 when the second plate (23b) is placed in the cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 7, as the second plate (23b) is placed within the cooking chamber (30), the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) can be divided into a plurality of receiving spaces (33, 34, 35, 36). A third receiving space (33) can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the fifth electrode (95).

[0125] A fourth receiving space (34) may be formed between the fifth electrode (95) and the third electrode (93). A fifth receiving space (35) may be formed between the second electrode (92) and the sixth electrode (96). A sixth receiving space (36) may be formed between the sixth electrode (96) and the fourth electrode (94). A food item may be placed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (33, 34, 35, 36). At this time, the first section of the second plate (23b) may serve as a shelf to support the food item received in the third receiving space (33) or the fourth space (34).

[0126] The food can be placed on at least one of the lower surface (i.e., the bottom surface) of the cooking chamber (30) or the upper surface of the second plate (23b).

[0127] In the present disclosure, four electrodes are described as being spaced vertically apart, with two each between the left and right sides of the housing (1h) and the cooking chamber (30), and two electrodes are described as being spaced vertically apart in the second section of the second plate (23b), but the number and position of the electrodes are not limited to those exemplified. For example, one additional electrode may be placed between the first electrode (91) and the second electrode (92), one additional electrode may be placed between the third electrode (93) and the fourth electrode (94), and one additional electrode may be placed between the fifth electrode (95) and the sixth electrode (96). Depending on the number and position of the electrodes placed between the housing (1h) and the cooking chamber (30), the number of receiving spaces formed within the cooking chamber (30) may vary, and the size of the receiving spaces may also vary.

[0128] The second plate (23b) may include a plurality of connectors (231) formed on a plurality of sides. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second plate (23b) may include a third connector (231c) and a fourth connector (232d) on the left and right sides of the first section, and a fifth connector (231e) and a sixth connector (231f) on the upper and lower sides of the second section.

[0129] Additionally, according to various embodiments, the second plate (23b) may have only one of the first connector (231a) or the second connector (232b) provided on the left or right side of the first section of the second plate (23b).

[0130] A plurality of connection terminals (232) connected to a plurality of connectors (231) of a second plate (23b) may be provided on the inner surface of the cooking chamber (30). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a third connection terminal (232c) and a fourth connection terminal (232d) may be included on the left inner surface and the right inner surface of the first cooking chamber (30), and a fifth connection terminal (232e) and a sixth connection terminal (232f) may be included on the upper inner surface and the lower inner surface.

[0131] Additionally, only one of the third connection terminal (232c) or the fourth connection terminal (232d) may be provided on the left inner side or the right inner side of the cooking chamber (30).

[0132] The connector (231) may include a plurality of pins, and the connection terminal (232) may include a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of pins. When the connector (231) is coupled with the connection terminal (232), an electrical signal is generated, and the generated electrical signal can be transmitted to the processor (310) of the cooking device (13). For example, a plurality of pins of the third connector (231c) or the fourth connector (231d) may include a magnetic material, and a Hall sensor may be provided in the hole of the third connection terminal (232c) or the fourth connection terminal (232d). Accordingly, when the third connector (231c) or the fourth connector (231d) is coupled with the third connection terminal (232c) or the fourth connection terminal (232d), respectively, an electrical signal may be generated through the interaction between the magnetic material and the Hall sensor. As a plurality of pins of the fifth connector (231e) or the sixth connector (231f) are each coupled to the fifth connection terminal (232e) or the sixth connection terminal (232f), the fifth electrode (95) or the sixth electrode (96) is each connected to ground or an RF power amplifier circuit system, and an electrical signal can be generated accordingly.

[0133] The processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces based on the placement of the second plate (23b) within the cooking chamber. That is, the processor (310) receives an electrical signal generated by the coupling of the connector (231) and the connection terminal (232) as the second plate (23b) is placed within the cooking chamber, and can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a third receiving space (33), a fourth receiving space (34), a fifth receiving space (35), and a sixth receiving space (36).

[0134] When RF power is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96), an electric field can be generated in the horizontal direction in each of the plurality of receiving spaces.

[0135] Depending on whether RF power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96), an electric field may or may not be generated in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (33, 34, 35, 36). For example, referring to FIG. 7, when RF power is supplied to the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94), and RF power is not supplied to the fifth electrode (95) and the sixth electrode (96), the fifth electrode (95) and the sixth electrode (96) are connected to ground and are in a grounded state, so an electric field may be generated in the third receiving space (33), the fourth receiving space (34), the fifth receiving space (35), and the sixth receiving space (36) by the potential difference. At this time, the direction of the electric field generated in the third receiving space (33) and the fifth receiving space (35) may be opposite to the direction of the electric field generated in the fourth receiving space (34) and the sixth receiving space (36).

[0136] At this time, the strength of the electric field generated in each of the third receiving space (33), fourth receiving space (34), fifth receiving space (35), and sixth receiving space (36) may differ depending on the magnitude of the RF power supplied to each of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93), and fourth electrode (94). Additionally, the polarity of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93), fourth electrode (94), fifth electrode (95), and sixth electrode (96) may be determined according to the phase of the RF power supplied to each of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93), and fourth electrode (94). Depending on the polarity of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93) and fourth electrode (94), fifth electrode (95) and sixth electrode (96), the direction of the electric field generated in the third receiving space (33), fourth receiving space (34), fifth receiving space (35) and sixth receiving space (36) may also change.

[0137] Accordingly, the processor (310) can adjust the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93) and the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an independent electric field is generated in the horizontal direction in each of the third receiving space (33), the fourth receiving space (34), the fifth receiving space (35) and the sixth receiving space (36), based on identifying the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) as the third receiving space (33), the fourth receiving space (34), the fifth receiving space (35), and the sixth receiving space (36).

[0138] According to various embodiments, the fifth electrode (95) and the sixth electrode (96) may be connected to one end of an RF power amplification circuit system to receive RF power so as to form a potential difference with the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94). Accordingly, the processor (310) may adjust the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), the fourth electrode (94), the fifth electrode (95), and the sixth electrode (96) so as to generate an independent electric field in the horizontal direction in each of the third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34), the fifth electrode (35), and the sixth electrode (36), based on identifying the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) as the third receiving space (33), the fourth receiving space (34), the fifth receiving space (35), and the sixth receiving space (36).

[0139] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of a cooking device according to one embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (300) can be electrically connected to the components of the cooking appliance (13) and can control the components of the cooking appliance (13). The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Additionally, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided.

[0141] The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, algorithms, programs and / or software stored in memory (320). The processor (310) can generate control signals for controlling the components of the cooking device (13). The processor (310) may include one core or multiple cores.

[0142] The processor (310) may be configured to perform various operations of the cooking device (13). The processor (310) may perform operations of the cooking device (13) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction, algorithm, program and / or software stored in memory (320). The processor (310) may control one or any combination of components of the cooking device (13). The processor (310) may include various types of circuits. For example, the processor (310) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator.

[0143] The cooking device (13) may include a sensor unit (70) for acquiring data regarding food placed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). For example, the sensor unit (70) may include one or more of an image sensor (71), a temperature sensor (72), a humidity sensor (73), and / or a pressure sensor (74). Additionally, the sensor unit (70) may include a door sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door (20). The sensor unit (70) may be referred to as the sensor (70).

[0144] The image sensor (71) can acquire image data inside a plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). The image sensor (71) may include various types of cameras. The image sensor (71) may have a field of view facing the interior space of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). The image sensor (71) can transmit the acquired image data to a processor (310). According to various embodiments, the cooking device (13) may further include lighting (not shown) for acquiring clear image data.

[0145] The processor (310) can process image data to obtain various information regarding the characteristics of the food. For example, the processor (310) can process image data to obtain information regarding the number, type, color, size, volume, shape, and / or location of the food within the receiving space.

[0146] The temperature sensor (72) can acquire temperature data of food contained within a plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). For example, the temperature sensor (72) can acquire temperature data of food by being located on the bottom surface of the cooking chamber (30) or on the upper surface of the plate (23). The temperature sensor (72) may include a thermopile temperature sensor capable of acquiring temperature data of food by detecting infrared radiation energy emitted from food without directly contacting food contained within the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). The temperature sensor (72) can transmit the acquired temperature data to the processor (310). The processor (310) can process temperature data to determine whether food is contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). The processor (310) can process temperature data to identify the temperature of the food contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30).

[0147] A humidity sensor (73) can acquire humidity data of food contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). For example, the humidity sensor (73) can acquire humidity data of food contained in the cooking chamber (30) by being located on the bottom surface of the cooking chamber (30) or on the upper surface of the plate (23). The humidity sensor (73) can transmit the acquired humidity data to a processor (310). The processor (310) can process the humidity data to determine whether food contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). The processor (310) can process the humidity data to identify the humidity of food contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30).

[0148] The pressure sensor (74) can acquire pressure or weight data of food contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). For example, the pressure sensor (74) may be provided on the bottom surface of the cooking appliance (13) or on the upper surface of the plate (23). The pressure sensor (74) can transmit the acquired pressure or weight data to the processor (310). The processor (310) can process the pressure or weight data to determine whether food is contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). Additionally, the processor (310) can process the pressure or weight data to identify the weight of food contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) within the cooking chamber (30). The processor (310) can identify the moisture content of the food based on the difference between the weight of the food and a predetermined reference weight. Accordingly, the processor (310) can determine how much cooking has been performed on the food.

[0149] The door sensor can detect the opening and closing of the door (20). The door sensor can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the opening and closing of the door (20) to the processor (310). The processor (310) can pause the cooking operation in response to the opening of the door (20) during the execution of the cooking operation. The processor (310) can resume the cooking operation in response to the door (20) closing again.

[0150] The cooking device (13) may include a user interface (40) and / or a communication interface (200). The user interface (40) may receive user input regarding the operation of the cooking device (13) and may display various information regarding the operation of the cooking device (13). The user interface (40) may include an output interface (41) for receiving user input and an input interface (42) for outputting information.

[0151] The output interface (41) may include a display for outputting various visual information. Additionally, the output interface (41) may include a speaker for outputting various sounds.

[0152] The output interface (41) can display various information regarding the operation of the cooking device (13). For example, the processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to display cooking information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces. That is, the processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to display the plurality of receiving spaces by dividing them into at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking spaces. Additionally, the processor (310) can control the output interface to output information regarding at least one of the number or type of food items received in each of the at least one cooking space, the cooking mode corresponding to each of the at least one cooking space, or the cooking time required in each of the at least one cooking space.

[0153] The cooking mode may include predetermined cooking settings (e.g., degree of heating, partial intensive heating, heating time) depending on the type (e.g., frozen food, meat, instant food, etc.) and quantity of the food. For example, the defrosting mode may allow the food to thaw evenly by slowly applying heat to the frozen food using low energy. The low-temperature cooking mode is a method of slowly cooking the food at a low temperature (generally between 50°C and 100°C) and can be used mainly to preserve the soft texture and flavor of ingredients such as meat or fish. Various cooking modes may be stored in memory (320).

[0154] Additionally, the processor (310) may control the output interface (41) to provide a cooking completion notification for each of the plurality of receiving spaces based on the completion of cooking of the food in each of the plurality of receiving spaces. The processor (310) may also control the output interface (41) to provide a food withdrawal notification based on the completion of cooking of the food in each of the plurality of receiving spaces. Alternatively, the processor (310) may control the output interface (41) to provide a simultaneous withdrawal notification for all food items when user input regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode is obtained. The output interface (41) may provide cooking completion notifications and food withdrawal notifications using various graphical user interfaces.

[0155] The input interface (42) may include at least one of various buttons and dials. For example, the input interface (42) may include at least one of a power button for turning the power of the cooking appliance (13) on or off, a start / stop button for starting or stopping the cooking operation, a cooking course button for selecting a cooking course, a temperature button for setting the cooking temperature, and a time button for setting the cooking time. The various buttons may be provided as physical buttons or touch buttons. For example, the processor (310) may receive input from the user regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode through the input interface (42).

[0156] The communication interface (200) can establish a connection with at least one of the user device (2) or the server (3) via a network. The processor (310) can obtain various information, various signals, and / or various data from the user device (2) or the server (3) through the communication interface (200). For example, the communication interface (200) can receive a remote control signal from the user device (2). The processor (310) can obtain firmware and / or software for the operation of the cooking device (13) from the server (3) through the communication interface (200). The processor (310) can transmit various information regarding the operation of the cooking device (13) to the user device (2) or the server (3) through the communication interface (200). Accordingly, various information regarding the operation of the cooking device (13), which can be output to the output interface (42), can be output through the output interface of the user device (2) or another electronic device (10) (e.g., the display of the user device (2)).

[0157] The communication interface (200) may include various communication circuits. The communication interface (200) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. For example, a communication circuit supporting wireless communication methods such as wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

[0158] The cooking device (13) may include an RF power amplifier circuit system (102) for performing cooking of food. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the RF power amplifier circuit system (102) may include a switch unit (130), a DC converter unit (140), an RF power supply unit (150), an impedance matching unit (160), and / or an electrode unit (90). The switch unit (130) may include a first switch (SE1), a second switch (SE2), a third switch (SE3), and / or a fourth switch (SE4). The electrode unit (90) may include a first electrode (91), a second electrode (92), a third electrode (93), and / or a fourth electrode (94).

[0159] The first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and / or the fourth electrode (94) may be spaced apart from each other between the housing (1h) and the cooking chamber (30). The first electrode (91) may be provided between one of the two sides of the cooking chamber (30) in the left-right direction and the housing (1h). The second electrode (92) may be provided between one of the two sides of the cooking chamber (30) in the left-right direction and the housing (1h), and spaced apart in a vertical direction from the first electrode (91). The third electrode (93) may be provided between the remaining one of the two sides of the cooking chamber (30) in the left-right direction and the housing (1h) so as to face the first electrode (91). The fourth electrode (94) may be spaced apart in a vertical direction from the third electrode (93) and positioned opposite the second electrode (92) between the remaining side of the left and right sides of the cooking chamber (30) and the housing (1h). Although four spaced-apart electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) have been described in this disclosure, the number of electrodes is not limited to the examples provided. The cooking device (13) may include a varying number of electrodes depending on the design.

[0160] The processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces based on the installation of a plate (23) within the cooking chamber (30). Specifically, the processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces by detecting an electrical signal generated as at least one connector (231) included in the plate (23) is coupled with at least one connector (231) provided on the inner surface of the cooking chamber (30). For example, the processor (310) can divide the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces (e.g., 31, 32 in FIG. 6) as the first plate (23a) is installed within the cooking chamber (30). A first receiving space (31) can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93). A second receiving space (32) can be formed between the second electrode (92) and the fourth electrode (94). A food item can be placed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (31, 32). As another example, the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) of the processor (310) can be divided into a plurality of receiving spaces (33, 34, 35, 36) as the second plate (23b) is placed within the cooking chamber (30). A third receiving space (33) can be formed between the first electrode (91) and the fifth electrode (95). A fourth receiving space (34) can be formed between the fifth electrode (95) and the third electrode (93). A fifth receiving space (35) can be formed between the second electrode (92) and the sixth electrode (96). A sixth receiving space (36) can be formed between the sixth electrode (96) and the fourth electrode (94). A food item can be placed in each of the plurality of receiving spaces (33, 34, 35, 36).

[0161] At this time, controlling the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) may include the processor (310) turning on or off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), the third switch (SE3), and the fourth switch (SE4) to supply or block DC power for generating RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94).

[0162] Additionally, controlling the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) may include the processor (310) determining the phase of the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94). The processor (310) may control the phase of the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) such that the polarities of the two electrodes forming the cooking space are opposite to each other, and the polarities of the two electrodes forming the non-cooking space are the same.

[0163] The processor (310) can adjust the RF power supplied from the RF power supply (150) to at least one of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93), and fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an electric field is independently generated in a plurality of receiving spaces based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70).

[0164] The processor (310) can divide a plurality of receiving spaces into at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking spaces based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70).

[0165] The processor (310) can process data obtained from at least one sensor (70) to determine each of the plurality of receiving spaces as a cooking space or a non-cooking space. For example, the processor (310) can process data obtained from the sensor (70) to identify whether a food item is contained in each of the plurality of receiving spaces and the moisture content of the food item placed in each receiving space. The processor (310) can determine each of the plurality of receiving spaces as a cooking space or a non-cooking space based on whether a food item is contained and the moisture content of the food item. The processor (310) can determine a receiving space containing a food item as a cooking space based on whether the moisture content of the food item is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value. A predetermined reference value for determining whether a food item is contained may be stored in a memory (320).

[0166] The processor (310) can control the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93), and fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an electric field is generated in at least one cooking space and no electric field is generated in the remaining non-cooking space.

[0167] Whether a food item is contained within a plurality of receiving spaces can be identified by various methods. For example, the processor (310) can determine whether a food item is contained within a receiving space by using at least one of image data obtained by an image sensor (71) and pressure data or weight data obtained by a pressure sensor (74).

[0168] In another example, the processor (310) can determine whether to accept food based on electrode impedance data obtained by the voltage sensor (180). One end of the voltage sensor (180) may be connected to the input terminal of a plurality of impedance matching circuits (161, 162, 163, 164), and the other end may be connected to the processor (310). According to various embodiments, one end of the voltage sensor (180) may be connected to the output terminal of a plurality of impedance matching circuits (161, 162, 163, 164). Accordingly, the processor (310) can obtain data regarding the electrode impedance of a plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) from the voltage sensor (180). The memory (320) may store the reference electrode impedance of the electrode when the food is not accepted. Based on the difference between the processor reference electrode impedance and the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94), it is possible to determine whether to accommodate the food in the accommodation space.

[0169] The processor (310) can identify the number or type of food contained in each of at least one cooking space based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70).

[0170] The processor (310) can identify the number or type of food placed in each of at least one cooking space using image data obtained by the image sensor (71). For example, the processor (310) can obtain processed data by processing the image data using various artificial intelligence algorithms (e.g., deep learning algorithms), and can identify the number or type of food based on the processed data and the data regarding the food stored in the memory (420).

[0171] Additionally, the processor (310) can identify the number or type of food using pressure data or weight data obtained by the pressure sensor (74). The memory (320) can store reference weight values ​​corresponding to various food items. The processor (310) can identify the type or number of food items by comparing the weight data of the food items obtained by the pressure sensor (74) with the reference weight values ​​of the food items stored in the memory (320).

[0172] Additionally, the processor (310) can identify the number or type of food items using humidity data obtained by the humidity sensor (74). For example, the processor (310) can obtain a humidity value within the receiving space from the humidity sensor (73). The memory (320) can store reference moisture content data corresponding to various food items. The processor (310) can convert the humidity value obtained by the humidity sensor (73) into moisture content data of the food items. The processor (310) can identify the number or type of food items by comparing the moisture content data of the food items with the reference moisture content data.

[0173] Additionally, the processor (310) can identify the number or type of food using electrode impedance data obtained by the voltage sensor (180). The memory (320) can store the reference electrode impedance of the electrode corresponding to the various food items. The processor (310) can determine the electrode impedance of each of the multiple electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) based on the magnitude of the voltage detected at the input terminals of the multiple impedance matching circuits (161, 162, 163, 164) each connected to the multiple electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94). The electrode impedance of each of the multiple electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94) may vary depending on various factors such as the material of the food placed on each electrode (91, 92, 93, 94), the amount of food, the size of the food, and the moisture content of the food. Accordingly, the processor (310) may identify the number or type of food based on the difference between the reference electrode impedance corresponding to the characteristics of the food and the electrode impedance of each of the plurality of electrodes (91, 92, 93, 94).

[0174] For example, if a dielectric having a high permittivity (e.g., a country with a high moisture content) is present between two electrodes (e.g., the first electrode (91) and the third electrode (93) of FIG. 6), the strength of the electric field formed between the two electrodes may decrease because charge accumulates in the dielectric. When the strength of the electric field decreases, the magnitude of the voltage detected in each of the impedance matching circuits connected to the two electrodes may decrease (i.e., the electrode impedance may decrease).

[0175] The processor (310) can determine a cooking mode corresponding to each of at least one cooking space based on the number or type of identified food items. For example, if the type of food item identified as being contained in a cooking space is frozen meat, the cooking mode of that cooking space may be determined to be a defrosting mode. As another example, if the food item identified as being contained in a cooking space is bread, the cooking mode of that cooking space may be determined to be a baking mode. The memory (320) can store data regarding a preset cooking mode based on the type or number of each food item.

[0176] The processor (310) can calculate the cooking time required in each of at least one cooking space when a reference RF power is supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) while cooking is performed in a determined cooking mode for each of at least one cooking space. When a reference RF power is supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94), the cooking time required until cooking is completed can be determined according to the moisture content of the food contained in each cooking space. At this time, the reference RF power can be pre-set and stored in the memory (420). For example, the reference RF power may refer to RF power capable of producing a heating effect, such as supplying 700W of energy from a heat source, such as a heater, to the receiving space.

[0177] The processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to output information regarding at least one of the number or type of food contained in each of at least one cooking space, a cooking mode corresponding to each of at least one cooking space, or a cooking time required in each of at least one cooking space.

[0178] The processor (310) may receive input from a user via an input interface (42) regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode for food items contained in each of at least one cooking space. At this time, upon receiving the input regarding the simultaneous cooking completion mode, the processor (310) may adjust the reference RF power to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that the cooking of the food items contained in each of at least one cooking space is completed simultaneously. The processor (310) may recalculate the reference RF power to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that the cooking for at least one cooking space is completed as the reference time elapses, using the longest time among the cooking times calculated to be required in each of at least one cooking space as the reference time. For example, the processor (310) can recalculate reference RF power to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) based on Equation 1 below.

[0179] [Equation 1]

[0180] Recalculated RF Power (W) = [(Cooking time calculated when reference RF power is supplied) (s) / (Reference time) (s)] x Reference RF Power (W)

[0181] Accordingly, the user can extract different types of cooked food from the cooking device (13) at the same time, thereby preventing some of the cooked food from cooling down due to the long cooking time.

[0182] The processor (310) can control the output interface to provide a plate (23) installation alarm based on determining that at least one cooking space contains two or more types of food. For example, the processor (310) can determine that one cooking space contains two or more types of food based on image data obtained from an image sensor (71). Accordingly, the processor (310) can provide a notification regarding the installation of the plate (23) so that only one type of food can be contained in one cooking space. At this time, the notification regarding the installation of the plate (23) can be conveyed not only as visual information but also as various sensory information such as auditory information. The processor (310) can control the output interface to provide a plate (23) installation alarm by specifying the type of plate (23) so that only one type of food can be contained in one cooking space based on the number of types of food contained in one cooking space. For example, if the processor (310) determines that three types of food are included in one cooking space, it can control the output interface to provide a second plate (23b), that is, a four-part plate installation alarm.

[0183] The processor (310) may control the output interface (41) to provide an alarm to the user regarding the installation of an auxiliary plate based on the fact that at least one of the cooking modes determined for each of at least one cooking space is determined to be a preset partial intensive heating mode. For example, the processor (310) may determine the cooking mode corresponding to the cooking space as a partial intensive heating mode if the food item (e.g., pizza or steak) identified as being contained in the cooking space requires intensive heating of one side of the food item (e.g., top or bottom surface). Accordingly, the processor (310) may provide a notification regarding the installation of an auxiliary plate so that an auxiliary plate (23c, 23d) can be installed on one side of the cooking space. At this time, the auxiliary plate (23c, 23d) may be made of a conductor such as copper. The electric field generated within the cooking space by supplying RF power to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) cannot pass directly through the auxiliary plate (23c, 23d), so it creates a path around the auxiliary plate (23c, 23d). As a result, the path of the electric field may change and be distorted around the copper plate.

[0184] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a plurality of receiving spaces based on the installation of a plate (23) within the cooking chamber (30) (1000). The processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a plurality of receiving spaces by detecting an electrical signal generated as a result of combining at least one connection terminal provided inside the cooking chamber (30) and at least one connector provided on the plate (23).

[0186] For example, the processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a plurality of receiving spaces based on the placement of the first plate (23a) within the cooking chamber (30). That is, the processor (310) receives an electrical signal generated by the coupling of the connector (231) and the connection terminal (232) as the first plate (23a) is placed within the cooking chamber, and can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a first receiving space (31) and a second receiving space (32).

[0187] As another example, the processor (310) can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces based on the placement of the second plate (23b) within the cooking chamber. That is, the processor (310) receives an electrical signal generated by the coupling of the connector (231) and the connection terminal (232) as the second plate (23b) is placed within the cooking chamber, and can identify the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into a third receiving space (33), a fourth receiving space (34), a fifth receiving space (35), and a sixth receiving space (36).

[0188] The processor (310) can adjust the RF power supplied from the RF power supply (150) to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an electric field is independently generated in a plurality of receiving spaces based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70) (2000).

[0189] At this time, controlling the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) may include the processor (310) turning on or off the first switch (SE1), the second switch (SE2), the third switch (SE3), and the fourth switch (SE4) to supply or block DC power for generating RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94).

[0190] Additionally, controlling the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) may include the processor (310) determining the phase of the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94). The processor (310) may control the phase of the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) such that the polarities of the two electrodes forming the cooking space are opposite to each other, and the polarities of the two electrodes forming the non-cooking space are the same.

[0191] For example, the processor (310) can adjust the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an independent electric field is generated in the horizontal direction in each of the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32), based on identifying the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) as a first receiving space (31) and a second receiving space (32).

[0192] As another example, the processor (310) can adjust the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), and the fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an independent electric field is generated in the horizontal direction in each of the third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34), the fifth electrode (35), and the sixth electrode (36), based on identifying the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) as the third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34), the fifth electrode (35), and the sixth electrode (36).

[0193] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for further explaining a method of performing cooking in a simultaneous cooking completion mode according to one embodiment.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can divide a plurality of receiving spaces into a cooking space and a non-cooking space (1100). The processor (310) can determine each of the plurality of receiving spaces as a cooking space or a non-cooking space by processing data obtained from at least one sensor (70). For example, the processor (310) can determine whether a cooking object is received in each of the plurality of receiving spaces and the moisture content of the cooking object placed in each receiving space by processing data obtained from the sensor (70). The processor (310) can determine each of the plurality of receiving spaces as a cooking space or a non-cooking space based on whether a cooking object is received and the moisture content of the cooking object. The processor (310) can determine a receiving space in which a cooking object is received as a cooking space based on the moisture content of the cooking object being greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value. A predetermined reference value for determining whether a cooking object is received may be stored in a memory (320). Accordingly, the processor (310) can control the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), second electrode (92), third electrode (93), and fourth electrode (94) so ​​that an electric field is generated in at least one cooking space and no electric field is generated in the remaining non-cooking space.

[0195] The processor (310) can identify the number or type of food items contained in each cooking space (1200). At this time, the processor (310) can identify the number or type of food items based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70). For example, the data obtained from at least one sensor (70) may include at least one of image data obtained by an image sensor (71), pressure data or weight data obtained by a pressure sensor (74), humidity data obtained by a humidity sensor (74), or electrode impedance data obtained by a voltage sensor (180).

[0196] The processor (310) can determine the cooking mode of each cooking space (1300). For example, if the type of food identified as being contained in the cooking space is frozen meat, the cooking mode of the cooking space may be determined to be a defrosting mode. As another example, if the food identified as being contained in the cooking space is bread, the cooking mode of the cooking space may be determined to be a baking mode. The memory (320) can store data regarding a preset cooking mode based on the type or number of each food item.

[0197] The processor (310) can calculate the cooking time required for each cooking space when reference RF power is supplied to each electrode in each cooking mode (1400). When reference RF power is supplied to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94), the cooking time required until cooking is completed can be determined according to the moisture content of the food contained in each cooking space. At this time, the reference RF power can be pre-set and stored in memory (420). For example, the reference RF power may refer to RF power capable of producing a heating effect, such as supplying 700W of energy from a heat source, such as a heater, to the receiving space.

[0198] The processor (310) can determine whether it has received input from the user regarding the simultaneous cooking completion mode through the input interface (42) (1500).

[0199] If the processor (310) does not receive input from the user regarding the simultaneous cooking completion mode (No to 1500), it can perform cooking independently in each cooking space based on the cooking time calculated for each cooking space (1600).

[0200] When the processor (310) receives input from the user regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode (e.g., 1500), it can recalculate the RF power applied to each electrode so that cooking in all cooking spaces is completed based on the longest time among the calculated cooking times (1700). At this time, the longest time may correspond to the reference time.

[0201] The processor (310) can apply regenerated RF power to each electrode to perform cooking for the longest possible time in all cooking spaces (1800). Accordingly, cooking in all cooking spaces can be completed simultaneously. Accordingly, the user can extract different types of cooked food from the cooking device (13) at the same time, thereby preventing some cooked food from cooling down due to the long cooking time.

[0202] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate an example of a user interface screen for providing cooking information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the cooking information may include at least one of information regarding whether a plate (23) is installed in the cooking chamber (30), the type of the plate (23), and each of a plurality of receiving spaces formed in the cooking chamber (30). At this time, the information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces formed in the cooking chamber (30) may include information regarding at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking space, the number or type of food contained in each of the at least one cooking space, a cooking mode corresponding to each of the at least one cooking space, or at least one of the cooking time required in each of the at least one cooking space.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the processor (310) can control the user interface (40) to display information regarding at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking space, including information regarding whether a plate (23) is installed in the cooking chamber (30), the type of the plate (23), and each of the plurality of receiving spaces formed in the cooking chamber (30).

[0205] The processor (310) can determine whether a plate (23) is installed inside the cooking chamber (30) before cooking according to the cooking mode begins. Accordingly, when the identification of whether a plate (23) is installed inside the cooking chamber (30) and the corresponding multiple receiving spaces is completed, the user interface (40) can be controlled to display the user interface screen (3100 or 3200) of FIG. 11 or FIG. 12. As described above, the processor (310) can identify whether a plate (23) is installed, what type of plate (23) is installed, or multiple receiving spaces formed inside the cooking chamber (30) by detecting an electrical signal generated by the combination of at least one connector (231) provided on the plate (23) and at least one terminal (232) provided inside the cooking chamber (30).

[0206] For example, a user interface screen (3100 or 3200) may include a first section (S1) containing information regarding whether a plate (23) is installed and what type of plate (23) is installed. A processor (310) determines whether a plate (23) is installed and what type of plate (23) is installed, and based on the determined content, may display one of a first indicator (G1) containing information that a plate (23) is not installed, a second indicator (G2) containing information that a first plate (23a) is installed, or a third indicator (G3) containing information that a second plate (23b) is installed.

[0207] Displaying one of the first indicator (G1), the second indicator (G2), and the third indicator (G3) may include displaying a different color or flashing.

[0208] The user interface screen (3100 or 3200) may include a second section (S2) containing information regarding whether a certain type of plate (23) is installed or a plurality of receiving spaces formed inside the cooking chamber (30). The second section (S2) may display the number of receiving spaces formed according to the type of installed plate.

[0209] For example, when the first plate (23a), i.e., the two-part plate, is installed, the second section (S2), as shown in FIG. 11, may include two information boxes displaying information about two independent receiving spaces (31 and 32 in FIG. 6). That is, the second section (S2) may include a first information box (G4) containing information about space A and a second information box (G5) containing information about space B. In this case, space A may correspond to the aforementioned first receiving space (31). Space B may correspond to the aforementioned second receiving space (32).

[0210] As another example, when a second plate (23b), i.e., a four-part plate, is installed, as shown in FIG. 12, the second section (S2) may include four information boxes displaying information about four independent receiving spaces (33, 34, 35, 36 of FIG. 7). That is, the second section (S2) may include a third information box (G6) containing information about space A, a fourth information box (G7) containing information about space B, a fifth information box (G8) containing information about space C, and a sixth information box (G9) containing information about space D. In this case, space A may correspond to the aforementioned third receiving space (33). Space B may correspond to the aforementioned fourth receiving space (34). Space C may correspond to the aforementioned fifth receiving space (35). Space D may correspond to the aforementioned sixth receiving space (36).

[0211] Additionally, the user interface screen (1200) may include a third section (S3) that displays various notification messages regarding the operation of the cooking device (13).

[0212] For example, the processor (310) may display a text notification from the user regarding the simultaneous cooking completion mode in the third section (S3). Additionally, the processor (310) may display a text notification regarding the installation of plates (23a, 23b). Additionally, the processor (310) may display a text notification regarding the installation of auxiliary plates (23c, 23d).

[0213] Referring to FIG. 13, the processor (310) can control the user interface (40) to display information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces formed within the cooking chamber (30), such as information regarding at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking space, or information regarding the number or type of food contained in each of the at least one cooking space.

[0214] The processor (310) can identify a plurality of receiving spaces as cooking spaces and non-cooking spaces based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70). Additionally, the processor (310) can identify the number or type of food contained within each cooking space based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70). Accordingly, once the plurality of receiving spaces are identified as cooking spaces and non-cooking spaces and the number or type of food contained within each cooking space is identified, the user interface (40) can be controlled to display the user interface screen (3300) of FIG. 13.

[0215] For example, the third information column (G6) can display a GUI (Graphic User Interface) indicating that the food contained in space A is frozen meat. The fourth information column (G7) can display a GUI indicating that the food contained in space B is a fish dish. The fifth information column (G8) can display a GUI indicating that the food contained in space C is bread. In FIG. 13, the type of food contained in each cooking space is indicated by displaying a GUI, but it can also be indicated via text.

[0216] For example, if space D is empty, that is, if it corresponds to a non-cooking space, the sixth information box (G9) may display at least one of text or graphic elements indicating that space D is empty. In this case, the cooking device (13) may not perform a cooking operation in space D.

[0217] In addition, the processor (310) can control the user interface (40) to display a cooking mode corresponding to each cooking space (e.g., defrosting mode, fish cooking mode, baking mode, etc.).

[0218] For example, the third information column (G6) can display a defrosting mode determined as a cooking mode corresponding to space A as text. The fourth information column (G7) can display a creation cooking mode determined as a cooking mode corresponding to space B as text. The fifth information column (G8) can display a baking mode determined as a cooking mode corresponding to space C as text. In FIG. 13, the cooking mode determined for each cooking space where text is displayed can also be displayed via a GUI.

[0219] Additionally, the processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to display the calculated cooking time corresponding to each cooking space as text or GUI.

[0220] For example, the third information cell (G6) can display the cooking time corresponding to space A as text (e.g., 3 minutes 30 seconds). The fourth information cell (G7) can display the cooking time corresponding to space B as text (e.g., 1 minute 20 seconds). The fifth information cell (G8) can display the cooking time corresponding to space C as text (e.g., 4 minutes 15 seconds). In FIG. 13, the calculated cooking time for each cooking space with text displayed can also be displayed through a GUI.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 14, the processor (310) may control the output interface (41) to display the cooking time required in each cooking space as information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces formed within the cooking chamber (30), based on receiving input from a user through the input interface (42) regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode for a food item received in each of at least one cooking space. At this time, the cooking time required in each cooking space may be the same in the mode cooking space as the longest time determined as a reference time (e.g., 4 minutes 15 seconds among 3 minutes 30 seconds, 1 minute 20 seconds, and 4 minutes 15 seconds in FIG. 13). Additionally, the processor (310) may control the output interface (41) to display text or a GUI indicating that cooking is being performed in a simultaneous cooking completion mode, based on receiving input from a user through the input interface (42) regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode for a food item received in each of at least one cooking space.

[0222] In other words, the processor (310) can control the user interface (40) to display the user interface screen (3400) of FIG. 14 based on receiving input regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode for a food item accommodated in each of at least one cooking space.

[0223] For example, the third information box (G6), the fourth information box (G7), the fifth information box (G8), and the sixth information box (G9) may indicate that cooking is performed in a simultaneous cooking completion mode for all of the spaces A, B, C, and D. Additionally, the third information box (G6), the fourth information box (G7), the fifth information box (G8), and the sixth information box (G9) may indicate that cooking is performed for a standard time for all of the spaces A, B, C, and D.

[0224] In addition, the processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to display a cooking mode corresponding to each cooking space (e.g., defrosting mode, fish cooking mode, baking mode, etc.) as text or GUI.

[0225] Additionally, the processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to display the calculated cooking time corresponding to each cooking space as text or GUI.

[0226] The display forms of various information are not limited to this city. Various information may also be provided in various text or various graphic elements (e.g., colors, icons, patterns, etc.).

[0227] The processor (310) controls the communication interface (200) to transmit cooking information to the user device (2) or server (3), thereby enabling the user interface screen (3100 to 3400) to also be provided through the user device (2) described in FIG. 1.

[0228] FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to a method of providing a user with a notification regarding plate installation according to one embodiment.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can control the output interface to provide a plate (23) installation alarm based on determining that two or more types of food are contained in one of the at least one cooking space, in identifying the number or type of food contained in each cooking space based on data obtained from at least one sensor (70).

[0230] The processor (310) can determine whether two or more types of food are contained in one cooking space (1201). For example, the processor (310) can determine that two or more types of food are contained in one cooking space based on image data obtained from an image sensor (71).

[0231] When the processor (310) determines that there are no two or more types of food items contained in one cooking space (No of 1201), that is, when it determines that there is only one type of food item contained in one cooking space, it can determine the cooking mode of each cooking space (1300).

[0232] If the processor (310) determines that two or more types of food are contained in one cooking space (example of 1201), it may provide a notification regarding the installation of a plate (23) so that only one type of food can be contained in one cooking space (1202). At this time, the notification regarding the installation of the plate (23) may be conveyed not only as visual information but also as various sensory information such as auditory information. Based on the number of types of food contained in one cooking space, the processor (310) may control the output interface to provide a plate (23) installation alarm by specifying the type of plate (23) so that only one type of food can be contained in one cooking space. For example, if the processor (310) determines that three types of food are contained in one cooking space, it may control the output interface to provide a second plate (23b), that is, a four-part plate installation alarm.

[0233] After the processor (310) provides a notification regarding the installation of the plate (23), it can determine whether the plate (23) has been installed by the user (1203).

[0234] The processor (310) can determine whether the plate (23) is installed, and if so, what type of plate (23) it is, based on whether it receives an electrical signal generated by the combination of at least one connector (231) provided on the plate (23) and at least one connection terminal (232) provided inside the cooking chamber (30).

[0235] If the processor (310) determines that the plate (23) is not installed (No in 1203), it can determine the cooking mode of each cooking space based on data obtained by at least one sensor (70) (1300).

[0236] When the processor (310) determines that a plate (23) is installed (e.g. 1203), it can re-identify the interior of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces (1204). Accordingly, the processor (310) can further divide the re-identified receiving spaces into cooking spaces and non-cooking spaces (1100).

[0237] FIG. 16 is a flowchart regarding a method of providing a user with a notification regarding the installation of an auxiliary plate according to one embodiment.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the processor (310) can control the output interface (41) to provide an alarm to the user regarding the installation of auxiliary plates (23c, 23d) based on the fact that at least one of the cooking modes for each of at least one cooking space is determined to be a preset partial intensive heating mode.

[0239] Specifically, the processor (310) can determine whether at least one of the cooking modes corresponding to at least one cooking space is determined to be a partial intensive heating mode (1301). For example, the processor (310) can determine the cooking mode corresponding to the cooking space as a partial intensive heating mode if the food item identified as being contained in the cooking space (e.g., pizza or steak) requires intensive heating of one side of the food item (e.g., top or bottom surface).

[0240] If at least one determined cooking mode is determined to be a concentrated heating mode (e.g., 1301), the processor (310) can provide a notification regarding the installation of auxiliary plates (23c, 23d) so that auxiliary plates (23c, 23d) can be installed on at least one side of the cooking space (1302). Then, the processor (310) can calculate the cooking time required in each cooking space when supplying reference RF power to each electrode in each cooking mode (14000).

[0241] On the other hand, if there is no cooking mode determined as an intensive heating mode among at least one determined cooking mode (No in 1301), the processor (310) does not provide a notification regarding the installation of auxiliary plates (23c, 23d) and can immediately calculate the cooking time required in each cooking space when supplying standard RF power to each electrode in each cooking mode (1400).

[0242] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the change in electric field due to the installation of an auxiliary plate according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the change in electric field due to the installation of an auxiliary plate according to one embodiment.

[0243] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, auxiliary plates (23c, 23d) may be attached to one side of the cooking chamber (30) or plates (23a, 23b). Auxiliary plates (23c, 23d) may be made of a conductor such as copper. An electric field generated within the cooking space by supplying RF power to at least one of the first electrode (91), the second electrode (92), the third electrode (93), or the fourth electrode (94) cannot pass directly through the auxiliary plates (23c, 23d), and therefore creates a path around the auxiliary plates (23c, 23d). As a result, the path of the electric field may change and be distorted around the copper plates.

[0244] Accordingly, when food requiring partially concentrated heating is accommodated within the cooking space, customized cooking of the food may be possible.

[0245] The disclosed invention provides a cooking device (13) and a control method thereof, which divides the internal space of a cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces using a detachable plate within the cooking chamber (30) and can simultaneously and independently cook various types of food contained in the multiple receiving spaces.

[0246] The disclosed cooking device (13) and control method can divide the internal space of the cooking chamber (30) into multiple receiving spaces using a detachable plate (23) within the cabinet, and the multiple receiving spaces can be used as independent cooking spaces. This improves the usability and energy efficiency of the cooking device (13).

[0247] The disclosed cooking device (13) and control method can improve the quality of the meal by completing the cooking of various types of food contained in multiple receiving spaces at the same time so that the food does not cool down.

[0248] The disclosed invention can improve the user experience by providing information regarding each of a plurality of receiving spaces.

[0249] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, they may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments.

[0250] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0251] Methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0252] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. Housing; A cooking chamber provided inside the above housing; A first electrode spaced apart from each other between the housing and the cooking chamber; a second electrode; a third electrode; and a fourth electrode; An RF power supply unit that supplies RF power to each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode; A plate detachably provided in the above cooking chamber and dividing the interior of the cooking chamber into a plurality of receiving spaces in which an electric field is generated by at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode and the fourth electrode; and A cooking device comprising: a processor for controlling RF power supplied from the RF power supply to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode so as to generate an independent electric field in each of the plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above plate; As the above plate is installed inside the cooking chamber, it includes at least one connector that is coupled to at least one connection terminal provided on the inner surface of at least one of the cooking chambers, and The above processor; is, A cooking device that detects an electrical signal generated as a result of combining the at least one connection terminal and the at least one connector, and identifies a plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the plate.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cooking appliance is, It further includes at least one sensor for acquiring data regarding a food item accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodation spaces, and The above processor; A cooking device that divides the plurality of receiving spaces into at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking spaces based on data obtained from at least one sensor.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above processor; is, A cooking device that controls the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode so that an electric field is generated in at least one cooking space and no electric field is generated in the remaining non-cooking space.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above processor; Identify the number or type of food contained in each of the at least one cooking space based on data obtained from the at least one sensor, and A cooking device that determines a cooking mode corresponding to each of the at least one cooking space based on the number or type of food contained in each of the at least one cooking space identified above.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor; is, A cooking device that calculates the cooking time required in each of the at least one cooking space when reference RF power is supplied to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode, in the case where cooking is performed in the cooking mode corresponding to each of the at least one cooking space.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above cooking appliance is, It further includes an output interface that provides information related to the operation of the above cooking device to the user, and The above processor; is, Control the output interface to output at least one piece of information among whether the plate is installed in the cooking chamber, the type of the plate, and information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces formed in the cooking chamber, and Information regarding each of the plurality of receiving spaces formed within the above-mentioned cooking chamber is, A cooking device comprising information regarding at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking space, the number or type of food items accommodated in each of the at least one cooking space, the cooking mode corresponding to each of the at least one cooking space, or the cooking time required in each of the at least one cooking space.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above cooking appliance is, A user interface further comprising an input interface for receiving commands regarding the operation of the cooking device from the user, and The above processor; is, A cooking device that recalculates RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode based on receiving input from the user through the input interface regarding a simultaneous cooking completion mode for the food contained in each of the at least one cooking space, using the longest time among the cooking times calculated to be required in each of the at least one cooking space as a reference time, so that cooking for the at least one cooking space is completed as the reference time has elapsed.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above processor; is, A cooking device that controls the output interface to provide a plate installation alarm based on the determination that two or more types of food are contained in one of the at least one cooking space.

10. In Paragraph 7, The above processor; is, A cooking device that controls the output interface to provide an alarm regarding the installation of an auxiliary plate to the user based on the fact that at least one of the cooking modes for each of the above-mentioned at least one cooking space is determined to be a preset partial intensive heating mode.

11. A housing; a cooking chamber provided inside the housing; a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode spaced apart from each other between the housing and the cooking chamber; an RF power supply unit that supplies RF power to each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode; and a plate detachably provided in the cooking chamber and dividing the interior of the cooking chamber into a plurality of receiving spaces in which an electric field is generated by at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode; wherein a control method for a cooking device comprising: A method for controlling a cooking device comprising adjusting RF power supplied from the RF power supply to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode so as to generate an independent electric field in each of the plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the plate.

12. In Paragraph 11, The control method of the above cooking device is, A method for controlling a cooking device comprising detecting an electrical signal generated by combining at least one connection terminal provided on the inner surface of the cooking chamber and at least one connector provided on the plate, and identifying a plurality of receiving spaces partitioned by the plate.

13. In Paragraph 11, The control method of the above cooking device is, A control method for a cooking device further comprising dividing the plurality of receiving spaces into at least one cooking space and the remaining non-cooking space based on data obtained from at least one sensor.

14. In Paragraph 13, The control method of the above cooking device is, A method for controlling a cooking device, further comprising controlling the RF power supplied to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode so that an electric field is generated in at least one cooking space and no electric field is generated in the remaining non-cooking space.

15. In Paragraph 14, Regulating the above RF power is, Identify the number or type of food contained in each of the at least one cooking space based on data obtained from the at least one sensor, and A method for controlling a cooking device, further comprising determining a cooking mode corresponding to each of the at least one cooking space based on the number or type of food contained in each of the at least one cooking space identified above.

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