COOKING APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COOKING APPLIANCE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. §365(c), of an International application No. PCT/KR2024/017750, filed on Nov. 11, 2024, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0183717, filed on Dec. 15, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus including a hood and a method for controlling the cooking apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

A cooking apparatus is an appliance for heating and cooking an object to be cooked, such as food, and may provide a number of functions related to cooking, such as heating, defrosting, drying, and sterilizing the object to be cooked. The cooking apparatus may include a cooktop that uses electricity or gas to heat a cooking vessel containing food.

A gas cooktop, a type of a gas stove, is a device that uses gas to cook food by turning a lever to ignite and burn gas from a small generator, generating heat and cooking food with the heat.

An electric cooktop, a type of an induction, is a device that uses electricity to generate an electromagnetic field in an internal coil and induces an eddy current in a cooking vessel using the principle of electromagnetic induction to generate heat and cook food with the heat.

Cooktops may produce contaminants such as oil mist, unburned gases, and odors during cooking. A hood is required to exhaust air containing these contaminants to the outside.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The disclosure provides a cooking apparatus with improved ease of use.

The disclosure provides a cooking apparatus including a hood capable of operating with minimal noise.

The disclosure provides a cooking apparatus including a hood capable of automatic operation.

The technical aspects that may achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other technical aspects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cooking apparatus may include a cooktop including a cooking plate including a cooking area and an inlet, and a heating device disposed below the cooking plate in correspondence with the cooking area, a hood including a chamber housing disposed below the cooktop and including an outlet, a fan disposed in the chamber housing and configured to draw air from above the cooking plate through the inlet and discharge the air to the outlet, and a gas sensor disposed on a side of the chamber housing where the outlet is not formed and configured to measure a contamination level of air, and a controller configured to operate the fan at a defined rotation speed based on a start of a heating operation of the heating device, determine a reference contamination level based on a first contamination level measured by the gas sensor for a first defined period of time after operating the fan at the defined rotation speed, and control a rotation speed of the fan by comparing the reference contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor for a second defined period of time after determining the reference contamination level.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling a cooking apparatus may include operating a fan at a defined rotation speed based on a start of a heating operation of a heating device, determining a reference contamination level based on a first contamination level measured by a gas sensor for a first defined period of time after operating the fan at the defined rotation speed, and controlling a rotation speed of the fan by comparing the reference contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor for a second defined period of time after determining the reference contamination level.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which a cooking plate is removed from a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a portion of an interior of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a portion of an interior of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a position of a gas sensor of a hood of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for schematically illustrating the flowchart of FIG. 11 from a temporal perspective.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic control of a fan of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for schematically illustrating the flowchart of FIG. 14 from a temporal perspective.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface provided by a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

MODES OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and/or define the disclosed invention.

A singular expression may include a plural expression unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

The terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled,” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

Throughout the description, when an element is “on” another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.

The terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper” and “lower” used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side and the rear side may be defined as the −X side. For example, based on the drawings, the right side may be defined as the +Y side and the left side may be defined as the −Y side. For example, based on the drawings, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side and the lower side may be defined as the −Z side.

Herein, the expressions “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, “the second”, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (e.g., importance or order) of elements.

In addition, the terms “portion”, “device”, “block”, “member”, and “module” used herein refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one process that may be processed by at least one hardware such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or at least one software or processor stored in a memory.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical reference numerals or designations in the accompanying drawings may refer to parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which a cooking plate is removed from a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

A cooking apparatus 1 may include a cooktop 10. The cooktop 10 may be provided to cook food. The cooktop 10 may be provided to heat food.

The cooktop 10 may include a cooking plate 11 on which a cooking vessel may be placed. For example, the cooking plate 11 may have a substantially flat shape. For example, the cooking plate 11 may include tempered glass such as ceramic glass. The cooking plate 11 may have a cooking area on which a cooking vessel may be placed. For example, the cooking plate 11 may include a plurality of cooking areas to allow a plurality of cooking vessels to be placed.

The cooktop 10 may include an inlet 12. The inlet 12 may be formed on the cooking plate 11. The inlet 12 may be formed to penetrate the cooking plate 11. For example, the inlet 12 may be formed at approximately the center of the cooking plate 11. The inlet 12 may draw air around the cooktop 10. The inlet 12 may draw in air containing contaminants generated during cooking. Here, the contaminants may include harmful gases, combustion gases, fine dust, oil mist, heat, and/or odors generated during cooking.

The cooktop 10 may include a user interface device (14, see FIG. 10) on the cooking plate 11. An input interface device (14b, see FIG. 10) may receive a command from a user. An output interface device 14a may display various information of the cooking apparatus 1. The output interface device 14a may be an area displayed to the user through which at least a portion of a display assembly 15 to be described below is transmitted.

The cooktop 10 may include a case 13. The case 13 may be disposed below the cooking plate 11. The case 13 may be coupled to a lower portion of the cooking plate 11.

The case 13 may have a shape with an open top. For example, the case 13 may include a bottom portion 13a and a side portion 13b extending upward from the bottom portion 13a.

The case 13 may accommodate various components constituting the cooktop 10. The case 13 may accommodate electronic components. The case 13 may accommodate the display assembly 15 to be described below. The case 13 may accommodate a heating device 16 to be described below. The case 13 may accommodate a printed board assembly (PBA, 17) to be described below. The case 13 may include a fan 18 to be described below.

The cooktop 10 may include the display assembly 15. The display assembly 15 may be provided to implement the output interface device 14a. The display assembly 15 may be disposed to correspond to the output interface device 14a. For example, the display assembly 15 may be provided as a printed board assembly (PBA) including a display panel, a switching element, an integrated circuit element, and the like, installed on a printed circuit board (PCB).

The cooktop 10 may include the heating device 16. The heating device 16 may be disposed to heat the cooking plate 11. The heating device 16 may be disposed below the cooking plate 11 in correspondence with the cooking area of the cooking plate 11. The heating device 16 may include a coil 16a.

A current whose magnitude varies with time may be applied to the coil 16a. When the current is applied to the coil 16a, a magnetic field may be formed around the coil 16a. As the current applied to the coil varies, the magnetic field formed around the coil 16a may also vary. According to the change in magnetic field, eddy current may flow on the surface of the cooking vessel in contact with the cooking plate 11, thereby heating the cooking vessel.

Although the cooktop 10 is illustrated as an induction electric cooktop, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The type of the cooktop 10 is not limited as long as the cooktop 10 may heat the cooking vessel. For example, the cooktop 10 may be provided as a gas stove, a highlight, a hybrid, or an oven.

The cooktop 10 may include the PBA 17. The PBA 17 may provide a driving current to the heating device 16. The PBA 17 may be provided to implement circuitry for an operation of the heating device 16. The PBA 17 may include various components and/or circuitry for providing a driving current to the heating device 16.

The heating device 16 may be disposed below the cooking plate 11 in correspondence with the cooking area to be described below. For example, the heating device 16 may be disposed below the cooking area of the cooking plate 11.

The PBA 17 may include a controller (110, see FIG. 10) and/or communication circuitry (120, see FIG. 10) to be described below.

The cooktop 10 may include the fan 18. The fan 18 may be provided for heat dissipation in the case 13. The fan 18 may blow outside air to lower a temperature of the PBA 17 and/or the display assembly 15. The fan 18 may draw in outside air. The fan 18 may discharge air flowing inside the case 13. The outside air introduced into the case 13 through the fan 18 may cool the inside of the case 13 and then be discharged to the outside of the case 13.

For example, the case 13 may be formed with an intake hole 19a and a discharge hole 19b. For example, the intake hole 19a may be formed in the bottom portion 13a of the case 13. For example, the discharge hole 19b may be formed in the side portion 13b of the case 13. The outside air may be drawn into the case 13 through the intake hole 19a by a blowing force of the fan 18 and then discharged to the outside of the case 13 through the discharge hole 19b. Although the intake hole 19a and the discharge hole 19b are illustrated as being formed in multiples, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of intake holes 19a and discharge holes 19b is not limited.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include a hood 20. The hood 20 may allow air drawn in through the inlet 12 to flow. The hood 20 may guide the air drawn in through the inlet 12. The hood 20 may allow the air drawn in through the inlet 12 to be discharged or circulated. The hood 20 may discharge the air drawn in through the inlet 12 to the outside of a space (e.g., indoors) in which the cooking apparatus 1 is installed. The hood 20 may circulate the air drawn in through the inlet 12 back into the space (e.g., indoors) in which the cooking apparatus 1 is installed. In summary, the hood 20 may guide the air drawn in through the inlet 12 to the outside or back into the space. At least one filter 61 and/or 71 may be provided in the hood 20, and the air flowing through the hood 20 may be filtered by passing through the at least one filter 61 and/or 71, which will be described below. The air that has passed through the at least one filter 61 and/or 71 may be discharged to the outside or reintroduced into the space by the hood 20.

The hood 20 may be disposed below the cooking plate 11. The hood 20 may be disposed below at least a portion of the cooktop 10. The hood 20 may be disposed below the bottom portion 13a of the case 13. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooktop 10 and the hood 20 may be formed integrally.

Because the hood 20 is disposed below the cooktop 10, an upper space above the cooking apparatus 1 may be secured. The upper space of the cooking apparatus 1 is an empty space, thereby securing a cooking space and improving a cooking environment.

The hood 20 may include a chamber housing 30. The chamber housing 30 may be disposed below the cooking plate 11. The chamber housing 30 may be detachably coupled to at least a portion of a lower part of the cooktop 10. For example, the chamber housing 30 may be detachably coupled to the bottom portion 13a of the case 13. The chamber housing 30 may provide a protected space for airflow management and filtering. By being positioned below the cooktop 10, it may save space and maintains a clean appearance in the kitchen.

The chamber housing 30 may receive air drawn in through the inlet 12. The chamber housing 30 may form a chamber 31 in which air may flow. The chamber 31 may include a flow path for guiding air to a space in the chamber housing 30. The air drawn in through the inlet 12 may be guided by a frame 210 and flow into the chamber housing 30, which will be described below. The inlet 12 may help to draw in air from the cooking surface, which captures contaminants such as smoke, oil mist, and odors produced during cooking, promoting a cleaner environment around the cooktop.

Various components may be disposed in the chamber 31. For example, the at least one filter 61 and/or 71 may be disposed in the chamber 31. For example, a fan device 50 to be described below may be disposed in the chamber 31. For example, a tray 80 to be described below may be disposed in the chamber 31.

As another example, a gas sensor 90 may be disposed in the chamber 31. In an embodiment, the gas sensor 90 may be installed in the chamber housing 30. The gas sensor 90 may be provided in the chamber housing 30 to measure a contamination level of air in the chamber housing 30.

The chamber housing 30 may connect the cooktop 10 and a duct 40. The chamber housing 30 may guide the air drawn in through the inlet 12 to the duct 40. For example, the chamber housing 30 may include an outlet (35, see FIG. 4) through which air is discharged from the chamber housing 30. The outlet 35 may allow efficient air discharge, either outside the cooking space or recirculating filtered air back indoors, thus ensuring proper ventilation and reducing indoor air pollution during cooking. The outlet 35 may be connected to the duct 40.

The hood 20 may include the duct 40. The duct 40 may receive air discharged from the chamber housing 30. The duct 40 may guide the air discharged from the chamber housing 30 to the outside, or to the space where the cooking apparatus 1 is installed. For example, one end of the duct 40 may communicate with the outlet 35 of the chamber housing 30. For example, the other end of the duct 40 may communicate with the outside or the indoor space. Accordingly, the duct 40 may discharge the air that has been filtered by the at least one filter 61 and/or 71, after being drawn in through the inlet 12, to the outside, or may circulate the air back into the indoor space.

Although the chamber housing 30 and the duct 40 are illustrated as separate components, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on various factors such as the type of cooktop 10 and the installation space, the chamber housing 30 and the duct 40 may be provided integrally.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include the fan device 50. The fan device 50 may be disposed in the hood 20. Although the fan device 50 is illustrated as being accommodated in the chamber housing 30, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fan device 50 may be accommodated in the duct 40. For example, the fan device 50 may be provided as a component of the hood 20.

The fan device 50 may include a fan 51. The fan 51 may force air to flow. The fan 51 may generate suction force. The air may flow into the cooking apparatus 1 through the inlet 12 by the suction force of the fan 51. The fan 51 may be configured to draw air from above the cooking plate 11 through the inlet 12 and discharge the air through the outlet 35. The fan 51 in the chamber housing 30 may create the necessary suction force to pull air containing contaminants from the cooking surface through the inlet 12 and direct it toward the outlet 35. This setup enhances the removal of cooking fumes and contaminants, ensuring cleaner air in the cooking environment. The placement of the fan 51 in the chamber housing 30 may help optimize space and airflow efficiency.

The fan device 50 may include a fan motor 53. The fan motor 53 may drive the fan 51. The fan motor 53 may provide a rotational force to the fan 51.

The fan device 50 may include a fan housing 52. The fan housing 52 may cover the fan 51 and the fan motor 53. The fan housing 52 may accommodate the fan 51 and the fan motor 53.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include the at least one filter 61 and/or 71.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include the first filter 61. The cooking apparatus 1 may include a first filter bracket 62 on which the first filter 61 is mounted. The first filter 61 may filter the air drawn in through the inlet 12. The first filter 61 and the first filter bracket 62 may be disposed in the hood 20. For example, the first filter 61 and the first filter bracket 62 may be disposed in the chamber 31. For example, the first filter bracket 62 may be detachably coupled to the frame 210.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include a filter device 70. The filter device 70 may be accommodated in the chamber housing 30. The filter device 70 may include the second filter 71.

The filter device 70 may include a second filter bracket 72 on which the second filter 71 is mounted. The second filter 71 may filter air that has passed through the first filter 61. The second filter 71 may be disposed downstream of the first filter 61 along a direction of air flow. The second filter 71 and the second filter bracket 72 may be disposed in the hood 20. For example, the second filter 71 and the second filter bracket 72 may be disposed in the chamber 31. For example, the second filter bracket 72 may be detachably coupled to the chamber housing 30.

For example, at least one of the first filter 61 or the second filter 62 may be a grease filter for removing oil particles contained in the air. For example, at least one of the first filter 61 or the second filter 62 may be a deodorizing filter for removing odor particles contained in the air.

Meanwhile, the first filter 61 and the first filter bracket 62 may be referred to as a first filter assembly. For example, the first filter assembly may be provided as a component of the hood 20. The second filter 72 and the second filter bracket 72 may be referred to as a second filter assembly. For example, the second filter assembly may be provided as a component of the hood 20.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include the tray 80. The tray 80 may accommodate foreign substances, such as powder, crumbs, and water generated during cooking. The tray 80 may be disposed below the first filter assembly. The tray 80 may be disposed in the chamber housing 30. For example, the tray 80 may be seated on the bottom side of the chamber housing 30. For example, the tray 80 may be provided as a component of the hood 20.

For example, the tray 80 may include a handle 81 that may be gripped by a user. For example, the user may pull the tray 80 out of the chamber housing 30 or insert the tray 80 into the chamber housing 30 by gripping the handle 81. For example, the handle 81 may protrude toward the inlet 12.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a portion of an interior of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a portion of an interior of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include a cover 100. The cover 100 may cover or open the inlet 12. The cover 100 may be movable to cover or open the inlet 12. The cover 100 may be rotatable to cover or open the inlet 12. According to various embodiments, the cover 100 may be omitted. That is, the cooking apparatus 1 may not include the cover 100. In a case where the cooking apparatus 1 does not include the cover 100, components related to the cover 100 (e.g., a driver 200) may also be omitted.

An example of air flow is described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7. The cover 100 may open the inlet 12. Air may be introduced into the cooktop 10 through the inlet 12 opened by the cover 100. The air drawn in through the inlet 12 may flow to the hood 20. The air drawn in through the inlet 12 may flow to the chamber housing 30. For example, the air drawn in through the inlet 12 may be guided by the frame 210 and flow to the chamber housing 30. One side of the frame 210 may communicate with the inlet 12, and the other side of the frame 210 may communicate with the chamber housing 30. The air introduced into the chamber housing 30 may pass through the first filter 61. The air that has passed through the first filter 61 may pass through the second filter 71. The air that has passed through the second filter 71 may flow to an intake side 50a of the fan device 50. The air introduced into the fan device 50 may be discharged through a discharge side 50b of the fan device 50. The discharge side 50b of the fan device 50 may be opened toward the outlet 35 of the chamber housing 30. The air discharged from the fan device 50 may flow out of the chamber housing 30 through the outlet 35. The air flowing out of the chamber housing 30 may flow into the duct (40, see FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). The air introduced into the duct 40 may be discharged to the outside or circulated indoors.

In a case where the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment does not include the cover 100, air above the cooking plate 11 may flow into the cooktop 10 through the inlet 12.

In a case where the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment includes the cover 100, the cooking apparatus 1 may include the driver 200.

The driver 200 may generate a driving force. The driving force generated by the driver 200 may be transmitted to the cover 100. The driver 200 may move the cover 100. The driver 200 may rotate the cover 100. Accordingly, the cover 100 may operate to cover or open the inlet 12.

At least a portion of the driver 200 may be disposed in the cooktop 10, and another portion of the driver 200 may be disposed in the hood 20. For example, the at least a portion of the driver 200 may be disposed in the case 13, and the other portion of the driver 200 may be disposed in the chamber housing 30. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the driver 200 may be disposed in various locations as long as the driver 200 may drive the cover 100.

The driver 200 may include the frame 210. The frame 210 may guide the air drawn in through the inlet 12 to the hood 20. The frame 210 may form a flow path 210f for guiding the air drawn in through the inlet 12 to the hood 20. The flow path 210f may be formed in the cooktop 10 (see FIG. 7). The flow path 210f may be partitioned from an internal space 13c of the case 13. Accordingly, air flowing along the flow path 210f may not be introduced into the internal space 13c of the case 13. Contaminants in the air may be prevented from entering into the internal space 13c of the case 13.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a position of a gas sensor of a hood of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

A top view of the chamber housing 30 is shown in FIG. 8.

Operation of the fan 51 of the fan device 50 may cause air above the cooking plate 11 to be introduced into the chamber housing 30 through the inlet 12. The air introduced into the chamber housing 30 may pass through the first filter 61. The air that has passed through the first filter 61 may pass through the second filter 71 of the filter device 70.

The air that has passed through the filter device 70 may be introduced into the fan device 50, and the air introduced into the fan device 50 may be discharged through the discharge side 50b of the fan device 50. Because the discharge side 50b of the fan device 50 is open toward the outlet 35 of the chamber housing 30, most of the air introduced into the fan device 50 may eventually be discharged through the outlet 35.

As a result, in a case where the fan device 50 operates, a space among the inlet 12, the filter device 70, and the fan device 50 may correspond to a position where a flow rate is high.

On the other hand, a space ta on the corner side of the chamber housing 30 may correspond to a position where a flow rate is low.

In particular, because the air that has passed through the filter device 70 may be dispersed to both sides, while most of the air introduced into the fan device 50 may be discharged through the outlet 35, a flow rate in the space ta on the corner side of the chamber housing 30 near the fan device 50 may be low even in a case where the fan device 50 operates.

In an embodiment, in a case where the outlet 35 is formed on a rear side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51, the gas sensor 90 may be provided on a front side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51.

That is, in the chamber housing 30, the gas sensor 90 may be disposed on the side opposite to the side where the outlet 35 is formed. That is, the gas sensor 90 may be disposed on the side where the outlet 35 is not formed in the chamber housing 30. The placement of the gas sensor 90 on the side opposite the outlet may ensure that the sensor measures the contamination level accurately before air is discharged or recirculated. This location may prevent direct exposure to the fast-moving air, extending the sensor's life and improving its ability to detect fine particles and gases. The measured contamination level may allow the system to adjust fan speed automatically based on air quality, improving both performance and energy efficiency.

According to the disclosure, the gas sensor 90 may be installed in the chamber housing 30 where there is little air flow in normal times, thereby extending the life of the gas sensor 90. That is, it may be preferable for the gas sensor 90 to be installed in the chamber housing 30 than to be installed outside the cooking apparatus 1 in terms of the life of the gas sensor 90.

Furthermore, according to the disclosure, because the gas sensor 90 may be installed in the space ta where a flow rate is low in the chamber housing 30, the life of the gas sensor 90 may be extended.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include at least one cooking area ca.

The cooking plate 11 may include a visual indicator for distinguishing the cooking area ca. For example, a visual indicator (e.g., a visual line) may be provided on the cooking plate 11 to distinguish a plurality of cooking areas ca from each other.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include the inlet 12 positioned adjacent to the cooking area ca.

For example, in a case where the cooking plate 11 includes a plurality of cooking areas ca, the inlet 12 may be provided between the plurality of cooking areas ca.

More specifically, the cooking plate 11 may include a first cooking area ca on a first side (e.g., left or upper side) based on the inlet 12, and a second cooking area ca on a second side (e.g., right or lower side) opposite to the first side based on the inlet 12.

According to the disclosure, because the inlet 12 is positioned among the plurality of cooking areas ca, in a case where the fan 51 operates, contaminants generated during cooking in the cooking areas ca on both sides may be efficiently drawn in through the inlet 12.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include a user interface device 14 for interaction between a user and the cooking apparatus 1.

The user interface device 14 may include the output interface device 14a and the input interface device 14b. In an embodiment, the output interface device 14a and the input interface device 14b may be formed on the cooking plate 11.

The at least one output interface device 14a may generate sensory information and convey various information related to an operation of the cooking apparatus 1 to the user.

For example, the at least one output interface device 14a may convey information related to settings of the cooking apparatus 1 and an operation time of the cooking apparatus 1 to the user. The information related to the operation of the cooking apparatus 1 may be output by a display, an indicator, and/or a voice. The at least one output interface device 14a may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, and the like.

The at least one input interface device 14b may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface device 14b may include a control button k1 for controlling a heating intensity of the heating device, a power button k2 for turning on the cooking apparatus 1, an operation/pause button k3, a setting button k4, a timer button k5, and/or a hood button k6.

Each of the buttons may include a visual indicator (e.g., a phrase, an icon, etc.) that may indicate its function.

The at least one input interface device 14b may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

In the disclosure, a ‘button’ may be replaced by a user interface (UI) element, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The power button k2 is a button for turning the cooking apparatus 1 on or off.

When the cooking apparatus 1 is turned on, the control button k1 may be activated.

The control button k1 is a button for adjusting the heating intensity of the cooking area ca.

A heating operation of the heating device 16 corresponding to the cooking area ca may be started through the control button k1. Starting the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include starting to apply a driving current to the coil 16a.

In addition, a heating intensity of the heating device 16 corresponding to the cooking area ca may be adjusted through the control button k1. Adjusting the heating intensity of the heating device 16 may include adjusting an intensity of the driving current applied to the coil 16a.

The user may activate at least one cooking area ca from the plurality of cooking areas ca through the control button k1. Activating the cooking area ca may include operating the corresponding cooking area ca. Operating the cooking area ca may include operating the heating device 16 corresponding to the corresponding cooking area ca.

The operation/pause button k3 is a button for temporarily deactivating the cooking area ca or reactivating the temporarily deactivated cooking area ca.

In an embodiment, based on a selection of the operation/pause button k3 in a first manner (tap), a command to temporarily deactivate the cooking area ca or reactivate the temporarily deactivated cooking area ca may be input.

In an embodiment, based on a selection of the operation/pause button k3 in a second manner (touch and hold), the input interface device 14b may be locked or unlocked.

For example, locking the input interface device 14b may include placing the control button k1 to an inoperable state.

The setting button k4 is a button for making various settings related to the cooking apparatus 1.

Based on a selection of the setting button k4, an interface for changing various settings related to the cooking apparatus 1 may be provided through the output interface device 14a.

The timer button k5 is a button for setting a timer for the operation of the cooking area ca.

The hood button k6 is a button for controlling the hood 20. For example, the hood button k6 is a button for turning the fan 51 on/off, controlling a rotation speed of the fan 51, or activating/deactivating an automatic control function of the fan 51.

In an embodiment, based on a selection of the hood button k6 in the first manner (tap), the rotation speed of the fan 51 may increase or decrease depending on the number of times the first manner is selected (executed).

In an embodiment, based on a selection of the hood button k6 in the second manner (touch and hold), an automatic mode of the fan 51 may be turned on or off. Turning off the automatic mode may include turning on a manual mode.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the user may easily control the hood through the hood button k6.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the user may easily switch the hood to the automatic mode or the manual mode through the hood button k6.

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment includes the controller 110. Further, the cooking apparatus 1 may include the user interface device 14, the gas sensor 90, the fan motor 53 providing a driving force to the fan 51, the heating device 16, the communication circuitry 120.

As described above, the user interface device 14 may enable interaction between a user and the cooking apparatus 1.

The cooking apparatus 1 may process a user input received through the input interface device 14b, or may output information related to the cooking apparatus 1 through the output interface device 14a.

For example, the user input received through the input interface device 14b may be transmitted to the controller 110.

The gas sensor 90 may be installed in the chamber housing 30 and may measure a contamination level of air introduced into the chamber housing 30.

The gas sensor 90 may include various sensors that may detect contaminants in the air.

For example, the gas sensor 90 may include a total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) sensor, a volatile organic compounds (VOC) sensor, and the like.

The TVOC sensor may detect various contaminants present in the air and measure a contamination level corresponding to the amount of contaminants.

The gas sensor 90 may transmit data related to the contamination level of the air to the controller 110.

The fan motor 53 may provide a driving force to the fan 51. The fan motor 53 may include a motor capable of controlling a rotation speed. For example, the fan motor 53 may be a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The controller 110 may control the rotation speed of the fan 51 by controlling the fan motor 53.

The heating device 16 may include various devices for heating a cooking vessel placed on the cooking area ca.

The heating device 16 may be disposed below the cooking area ca. For example, in a case where a plurality of cooking areas ca are formed on the cooking plate 11, the cooking apparatus 1 may include the heating devices 16 corresponding to the plurality of cooking areas ca.

The heating device 16 may include, for example, the coil 16a and driving circuitry for driving the coil 16a. The controller 110 may operate the heating device 16 by controlling the driving circuitry. For example, the controller 110 may allow the heating device 16 to perform a heating operation by controlling the driving circuitry to allow the driving current to be applied to the coil 16a.

The controller 110 may adjust a heating intensity of the heating device 16 by controlling the driving circuitry. For example, the controller 110 may control the heating intensity of the heating device 16 by controlling the driving circuitry to allow an intensity of driving current applied to the coil 16a to be adjusted.

The driving circuitry for driving the coil 16a may include a current sensor for detecting the current applied to the coil 16a. Current data collected by the current sensor may be transmitted to the controller 110.

The cooking apparatus 1 may include the communication circuitry 120 for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or other home appliance) via wired and/or wireless communication.

The communication circuitry 120 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.

The communication circuitry 120 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication circuitry 120 may establish communication with a server, a user device, and/or other home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

For the communication, the communication circuitry 120 may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication circuitry 120 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

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

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include mobile communication circuitry 120. The mobile communication circuitry 120 transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

In an embodiment, the communication circuitry 120 may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point may connect a local area network (LAN), to which the cooking apparatus 1, another home appliance, and/or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The cooking apparatus 1, the other home appliance, and/or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

The controller 110 may process the user input received from the input interface device 14b.

The controller 110 may process data collected from various sensors (e.g., the gas sensor 90, the current sensor for measuring a current applied to the coil 16a).

The controller 110 may control various components of the cooking apparatus 1 (e.g., the user interface device 14, the fan motor 53, the heating device 16, the communication circuitry 120).

For example, the controller 110 may operate the heating device 16 in response to receiving a user input for starting a heating operation of the heating device 16 through the input interface device 14b.

As another example, the controller 110 may adjust a heating intensity of the heating device 16 in response to receiving a user input for adjusting the heating intensity of the heating device 16 through the input interface device 14b.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may control a rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to receiving a user input for adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 51 through the input interface device 14b.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may also automatically control the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on processing the data collected from various sensors (e.g., the gas sensor 90, the current sensor for measuring current applied to the coil 16a).

Controlling the fan 51 by the controller 110 may include controlling the fan motor 53 by the controller 110.

The controller 110 may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 110 may include at least one memory 112 for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the cooking apparatus 1, and at least one processor 111 configured to perform the above-described operations and operations to be described in greater detail below using the data stored in the at least one memory 112. The memory 112 and the processor 111 may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor 111 may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory 112 may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. The memory 112 and the processor 111 may be implemented as a single chip.

The at least one memory 112 may store an algorithm for automatically controlling the rotation speed of the fan 51. In addition, the at least one memory 112 may temporarily store at least one parameter (e.g., a reference value) for automatically controlling the rotation speed of the fan 51.

For example, the controller 110 may determine a reference value for determining a start time of the automatic control of the fan 51 based on processing the data collected from the gas sensor 90, and may temporarily store the determined reference value in the memory.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine whether a cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area ca based on current data collected by the current sensor for detecting the current applied to the coil 16a.

To this end, the memory 112 may store an algorithm for detecting a cooking vessel. The algorithm for detecting a cooking vessel may include an algorithm that may determine whether the cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area ca based on the current data collected by the current sensor for detecting the current applied to the coil 16a.

The controller 110 may apply a test current to the coil 16a based on a user input received through the input interface device 14b, and may perform a vessel detection process to detect whether a cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area ca before operating the cooking area ca.

Detecting whether the cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area ca may include detecting whether a cooking vessel suitable for the cooking apparatus 1 is placed on the cooking area ca.

The cooking vessel suitable for the cooking apparatus 1 may include, for example, a cooking vessel that may be used in an induction heating device.

The controller 110 may operate the cooking area ca based on detecting that the cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area ca.

For example, the controller 110 may be mounted on the PBA 17, but the location of the controller 110 is not limited thereto.

The controller 110 may be electrically connected to the user interface device 14, the gas sensor 90, the fan motor 53, the heating device 16, and/or the communication circuitry 120.

The components shown in FIG. 10 are simply examples of configuration of the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may further include other components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 10, and may not include some of the components shown in FIG. 10.

For example, in a case where the cooking apparatus 1 includes the cover 100 for covering the inlet 12, the cooking apparatus 1 may further include the driver 200 for moving the cover 100.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the driver 200 to open the inlet 12 based on the cooking apparatus 1 being turned on. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may also control the driver 200 to open the inlet 12 based on a start of a heating operation on the cooking area ca. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may also control the driver 200 to open the inlet 12 based on a start of an operation of the fan device 50. Conversely, the controller 110 may also control the driver 200 to close the inlet 12 based on an end of the operation of the fan device 50.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for schematically illustrating the flowchart of FIG. 11 from a temporal perspective.

More specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for controlling the cooking apparatus 1 in a case where an automatic mode of the fan 51 is activated. A user may activate or deactivate the automatic mode of the fan 51 through the user interface device 14 (e.g., the setting button k4 or the hood button k6). In a case where the automatic mode of the fan 51 is deactivated, a rotation speed of the fan 51 may be changed only according to a user input through the input interface device 14b.

Hereinafter, the method for controlling the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the cooking apparatus 1 may be turned on (1010). For example, the cooking apparatus 1 may be turned on based on a selection of the power button k2.

In a case where the cooking apparatus 1 is turned on, it is strongly estimated that the user will start cooking with the cooking apparatus 1.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may store an air contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 in the memory 112 in real time, based on the turning on of the cooking apparatus 1.

For example, the controller 110 may accumulate the air contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 based on the turning on of the cooking apparatus 1, and store the air contamination level in the memory 112.

The cooking apparatus 1 may start a heating operation (1020). For example, the cooking apparatus 1 may start the heating operation on the cooking area ca, based on receiving a user input for operating the cooking area ca through the control button k1.

In a case where a user input for operating the first cooking area ca of the plurality of cooking areas ca is received through the control button k1, the controller 110 may operate the first heating device 16 corresponding to the first cooking area ca of the plurality of heating devices 16.

In a case where a user input for operating the second cooking area ca of the plurality of cooking areas ca is received through the control button k1, the controller 110 may operate the second heating device 16 corresponding to the second cooking area ca of the plurality of heating devices 16.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may operate the fan 51 at a defined rotation speed (1030), based on a start of the heating operation of the heating device 16 (Yes in operation 1020). The controller's ability to operate the fan 51 at a pre-defined speed when the heating device is activated may ensure that air is constantly being drawn from the cooking area, even before contaminants accumulate. This proactive measure may reduce the buildup of smoke or odors right from the start of cooking, enhancing user comfort and reducing potential air quality issues.

In this instance, the defined rotation speed is a rotation speed of the fan 51 that may provide only a minimum suction force that does not generate noise, and may be stored in the memory 112 in advance. For example, the defined rotation speed may be preset as a rotation speed at which an air volume of the fan 51 may be set to approximately 250 cmh to 350 cmh. Additionally, other reasonable subranges can be considered, such as 260 cmh to 340 cmh for more targeted efficiency, or 275 cmh to 325 cmh to ensure consistent performance in standard cooking scenarios. Furthermore, ranges like 300 cmh to 350 cmh could be beneficial for higher suction performance, while broader ranges, such as 200 cmh to 400 cmh, may be suitable for different fan models, offering flexibility in balancing power and energy efficiency.

That is, the controller 110 may operate the fan 51 at a minimum air volume based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16 (Yes in operation 1020).

Starting the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include receiving a command for the heating operation of the heating device 16, being ready for the heating operation by the heating device 16, or actually starting the heating operation by the heating device 16.

In an embodiment, operating the fan 51 based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include operating the fan 51 in response to receiving a user input to operate the heating device 16 through the control button k1.

In an embodiment, operating the fan 51 based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include operating the fan 51 in response to a start of applying a driving current to the coil 16a.

In an embodiment, operating the fan 51 based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16 may include operating the fan 51 in response to detecting that a cooking vessel is placed on the cooking area ca by applying a test current to the coil 16a.

According to the disclosure, in a case where the heating device 16 starts the heating operation, the fan 51 is automatically operated at the minimum air volume, thereby measuring an air contamination level in advance before cooking.

The controller 110 may determine a reference contamination level (1040), based on a first contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for a first defined period of time pd1 after operating the fan 51 at the defined rotation speed (after t1). Determining a reference contamination level after a defined period pd1 may ensure that the fan 51 starts at a base level of cleanliness in the air. By establishing a baseline, the system can accurately detect any deviations due to contaminants from cooking. This may prevent unnecessary adjustments to fan 51 speed when no contaminants are present and ensures that changes in fan speed are based on actual contamination levels.

In this instance, the first defined period of time pd1 may be preset to a period of time to measure the air contamination level before the start of cooking. For example, the first defined period of time pd1 may be set to approximately 30 seconds, without being limited thereto. Furthermore, other reasonable subranges can be considered, such as 25 seconds to 35 seconds for slight flexibility in varying cooking scenarios or 28 seconds to 32 seconds for more precise measurement periods. Broader ranges like 20 seconds to 60 seconds or 30 seconds to 45 seconds may also be employed to accommodate different environments or fan system configurations. In special cases, alternative ranges such as 15 seconds to 30 seconds for faster detection or 30 seconds to 90 seconds for more sensitive systems can be applied.

The first contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the first defined period of time pd1 may include an average of contamination level values measured by the gas sensor 90 for the first defined period of time pd1.

Determining the reference contamination level based on the first contamination level may include determining the first contamination level as the reference contamination level.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine the first contamination level as the reference contamination level.

According to the disclosure, the cooking apparatus 1 may operate the fan 51 at the minimum air volume to flow air in the hood, and may set, as the reference contamination level, the contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 before contaminants are generated by cooking, and thus a state of atmosphere before contaminants are generated by cooking may be considered in case of performing automatic control of the fan 51 later.

As another example, determining the reference contamination level based on the first contamination level may include comparing an initial contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 before the heating operation of the heating device 16 starts (before t1) with the first contamination level, and determining the initial contamination level or the first contamination level as the reference contamination level based on the result of comparison.

For example, the initial contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 before the heating operation of the heating device 16 starts (No in operation 1020) may include an average of contamination level values measured by the gas sensor 90 from the time point t0 at which the cooking apparatus 1 is turned on to the time point t1 at which the heating operation starts.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine the first contamination level as the reference contamination level in response to the first contamination level being less than or equal to the initial contamination level.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine the initial contamination level as the reference contamination level in response to the first contamination level being greater than the initial contamination level. In other words, the controller 110 may determine the lesser of the first contamination level and the initial contamination level as the reference contamination level.

In general, in a case where the cooking apparatus 1 operates the fan 51 at the minimum air volume before cooking to flow air in the hood, fresh air in the space where the cooking apparatus 1 is installed flows into the hood, and a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 does not increase.

However, even though the air flows in the hood by operating the fan 51 at the minimum air volume before cooking starts, the contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 increases compared to the contamination level before the fan 51 was operated, which may be estimated that an unexpected change in the air, such as a user quickly starting cooking, has occurred.

Accordingly, in a case where the contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 increases compared to the contamination level before the fan 51 was operated even though the air flows in the hood by operating the fan 51 at the minimum air volume before cooking starts, the reference contamination level may be set as the initial contamination level, thereby more accurately taking into account the state of the atmosphere before contaminants are generated by cooking.

The reference contamination level may be used as a criterion for determining whether to start the automatic control of the fan 51 later. As will be described below, the controller 110 may compare the contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 after the start of cooking with the reference contamination level to control the rotation speed of the fan 51.

The controller 110 may temporarily store the determined reference contamination level in the memory 112. In an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the reference contamination level stored in the memory 112, in a case where the heating device 16 starts the heating operation again within a defined period of time (e.g., 1 hour) after the heating operation of the heating device 16 has ended. That is, in a case where the heating device 16 starts the heating operation again within the defined period of time (e.g., 1 hour) after the end of the heating operation of the heating device 16, the operation 1040 of determining the reference contamination level may be omitted.

The controller 110 may compare the reference contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for a second defined period of time pd2 (1050), after a time point t2 at which the reference contamination level is determined.

The second contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the second defined period of time pd2 after the reference contamination level is determined may include an average of contamination level values measured by the gas sensor 90 for the second defined period of time pd2.

The controller 110 may operate the fan 51 at the defined rotation speed until a time point t3 at which the second defined period of time pd2 has elapsed since the reference contamination level was determined. That is, the controller 110 may operate the fan 51 at the minimum air volume until the time point t3 at which the second defined period of time pd2 has elapsed since the reference contamination level was determined.

In an embodiment, the second defined period of time pd2 may be determined as a proper period of time spent until contaminants are generated by cooking with the cooking apparatus 1.

Because it takes some time until contaminants are generated by cooking from a time the user starts cooking, the second defined period of time pd2 may be set longer than the first defined period of time pd1.

According to the disclosure, by setting the second defined period of time pd2 to be longer than the first defined period of time pd1, the rotation speed of the fan 51 may be prevented from being automatically adjusted due to an unexpected increase in contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90, even in a case where the user does not start cooking or contaminants are not generated by cooking.

However, in a case where the second defined period of time pd2 is set extremely long, the rotation speed of the fan 51 may not be changed even though a considerable amount of time has passed since cooking started and contaminants have been generated.

Meanwhile, it may be estimated that the more the number of heating devices 16 performing the heating operation, the shorter the time taken for the generation of contaminants by cooking, and the fewer the number of heating devices 16 performing the heating operation, the longer the time taken for the generation of contaminants by cooking.

In an embodiment, in a case where the cooking apparatus 1 includes the plurality of cooking areas ca, the controller 110 may determine the second defined period of time pd2 based on the number of cooking areas ca in operation from among the plurality of cooking areas ca.

That is, the controller 110 may set the second defined period of time pd2 based on the number of heating devices 16 performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices 16.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may set the second defined period of time pd2 to be shorter as the number of heating devices 16 performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices 16 increases.

For example, in a case where a single cooking area ca is in operation, the controller 110 may determine a first period as the second defined period of time pd2. In a case where two cooking areas ca are in operation, the controller 110 may determine a second period as the second defined period of time pd2. In a case where three cooking areas ca are in operation, the controller 110 may determine a third period as the second defined period of time pd2. In a case where four cooking areas ca are in operation, the controller 110 may determine a fourth period as the second defined period of time pd2. In this case, the first period may be set to approximately 2 minutes, the second period may be set to approximately 1.5 minutes, the third period may be set to approximately 1 minute, and the fourth period may be set to approximately 1 minute, but the above examples of the first to fourth periods are not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may also determine the second defined period of time pd2 according to a time point at which the cooking area ca is operated and the number of cooking areas ca in operation.

For example, in a case where one cooking area ca starts operating while another cooking area ca has been operating for 1 minute, a fifth period shorter than the first period and longer than the second period may be determined as the second defined period of time pd2.

According to the disclosure, the second defined period of time pd2 may be varied depending on the number of cooking areas ca in operation, and thus whether to start the automatic control of the fan 51 may be determined at an optimal time.

Because the fan 51 operates at the minimum air volume until the time point t3 at which the second defined period of time pd2 has elapsed since the reference contamination level was determined, the user may hardly notice any noise generated by the rotation of the fan 51.

Meanwhile, because the gas sensor 90 according to an embodiment is disposed in the chamber housing 30, accurate data about the air above the cooking plate 11 may only be collected by operating the fan 51. To this end, the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may continuously collect accurate data about the air above the cooking plate 11 by operating the fan 51 at the minimum air volume based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16.

The controller 110 may control the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on comparing the second contamination level with the reference contamination level.

In the disclosure, one contamination level being greater than another contamination level may include the one contamination level being greater than the other contamination level by a first margin contamination level.

That is, in the disclosure, one contamination level being greater than another contamination level may include the one contamination level being greater than a sum of the other contamination level and the first margin contamination level.

In the disclosure, one contamination level being less than or equal to another contamination level may include the one contamination level not being greater than the other contamination level by the first margin contamination level.

That is, in the disclosure, one contamination level being less than or equal to another contamination level may include the one contamination level being less than or equal to a sum of the other contamination level and the first margin contamination level.

In the disclosure, one contamination level being less than another contamination level may include the one contamination level being less than the other contamination level by a second margin contamination level.

That is, in the disclosure, one contamination level being less than another contamination level may include the one contamination level being less than a difference between the other contamination level and the second margin contamination level.

In the disclosure, one contamination level being equal to another contamination level may include the one contamination level not being greater than the other contamination level by the first margin contamination level, or the one contamination level not being less than the other contamination level by the second margin contamination level.

That is, in the disclosure, one contamination level being equal to another contamination level may include the one contamination level being less than a sum of the other contamination level and the first margin contamination level and being greater than a difference between the other contamination level and the second margin contamination level.

In this instance, the first and second margin contamination levels may be stored in the memory 112 in advance, or may be determined according to a ratio (e.g., approximately 10%) with respect to a contamination level to be compared.

In addition, the first and second margin contamination levels may be different from each other. For example, the first margin contamination level may be less than the second margin contamination level. According to the disclosure, by setting the first margin contamination level to be smaller than the second margin contamination level, the rotation speed of the fan 51 may be rapidly increased in response to an increase in the contamination level, and may be gradually decreased in response to a decrease in the contamination level.

According to various embodiments, the first and second margin contamination levels may also be set by the user through the user interface device 14.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 (1060), based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level (Yes in operation 1050).

Increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 may include increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 by a defined speed (e.g., approximately 5% to 10% of a maximum rotation speed). Increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 may include increasing an air volume of the fan 51 by a defined air volume (e.g., approximately 5% to 10% of a maximum air volume).

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may start the automatic control of the fan 51 based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

The automatic control of the fan 51 will be described below with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 and start the automatic control of the fan 51, based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may start the automatic control of the fan 51 without increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51, based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

Once the automatic control of the fan 51 is started, the controller 110 may control the cooking apparatus 1 based on the flowchart of FIG. 15.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may maintain the rotation speed of the fan 51 (1055), based on the second contamination level being less than or equal to the reference contamination level (No in operation 1050).

The controller 110 may repeatedly compare a third contamination level with the reference contamination level (1057). Here, the third contamination level may be measured by the gas sensor 90 for a third defined period of time pd3 from the time point t3 at which the rotation speed of the fan 51 is maintained based on the result of comparison between the second contamination level and the reference contamination level.

For example, the controller 110 may repeatedly compare the third contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the third defined period of time pd3 with the reference contamination level (1057) until the third contamination level is determined to be greater than the reference contamination level.

The third contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the third defined period of time pd3 may include an average of contamination levels measured by the gas sensor 90 for the third defined period of time pd3.

Assuming that a time point t4 is the present time, the third contamination level may be obtained at the present time t4. Assuming that a time point t5 is the present time, the third contamination level may be obtained at the present time t5. Accordingly, the third contamination level may be defined as a current contamination level.

That is, the controller 110 may compare the current contamination level with the reference contamination level every third defined period of time pd3.

Based on the current contamination level being less than or equal to the reference contamination level at the time point t4, the controller 110 may perform the operation 1057 of comparing the third contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the third defined period of time pd3 with the reference contamination level again at the time point t5.

The controller 110 may perform the operation 1060, based on the current contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level at the time point t5.

That is, based on the current contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level, the controller 110 may increase the rotation speed of the fan 51, start the automatic control of the fan 51, or increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 and start the automatic control of the fan 51.

The time point t3 at which the controller 110 maintains the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the comparison result between the second contamination level and the reference contamination level is a time after a considerable amount of time has elapsed since the cooking area ca started operating. That is, the time point t3 may be estimated to be a time when sufficient time has elapsed for contaminants to be generated by cooking. Accordingly, the third defined period of time pd3 may be set to a shorter time than the second defined period of time pd2.

For example, the third defined period of time pd3 may be set to 10 seconds, without being limited thereto.

According to the disclosure, the automatic control of the fan 51 does not start until sufficient time has elapsed for contaminants to be generated by cooking, whereas whether to start the automatic control of the fan 51 may be determined in a short cycle after sufficient time has elapsed for contaminants to be generated by cooking, thereby allowing the automatic control of the fan 51 to start at an optimal time.

The ability to dynamically control the fan speed by comparing the contamination levels measured over time may enable efficient air management. If the contamination level rises, the system can increase the fan speed to remove contaminants more quickly, while if the contamination level remains low, it can reduce the fan speed to save energy and reduce noise. This provides an intelligent air extraction system that adapts to real-time conditions, improving both energy efficiency and user experience.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic control of a fan of a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for schematically illustrating the flowchart of FIG. 14 from a temporal perspective.

Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, an example of a process in which the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment performs the automatic control of the fan 51 is described.

Referring to FIG. 14, the cooking apparatus 1 may start the automatic control of the fan 51 (1060).

As described above, the controller 110 may start the automatic control of the fan 51 based on an automatic control start condition of the fan 51 being satisfied.

For example, the controller 110 may start the automatic control of the fan 51 from the time point t3 of FIG. 12 or the time point t5 of FIG. 13.

Based on the start of the automatic control of the fan 51, the controller 110 may repeatedly compare a past contamination level with a current contamination level (1070).

In this instance, the past contamination level may include a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 from a first time point in the past to a second time point in the past, and the current contamination level may include a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 from the second time point in the past to the present time.

The contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 from the first time point in the past to the second time point in the past may include an average of contamination level values measured by the gas sensor 90 from the first time point in the past to the second time point in the past.

The contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 from the second time point in the past to the present time may include an average of contamination level values measured by the gas sensor 90 from the second time point in the past to the present time.

A period of time between the first time point and the second time point may be the same as a period of time between the second time point and the present time.

That is, the controller 110 may compare a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for a fourth defined period of time pd4 with a contamination level to be measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 in the future.

The fourth defined period of time pd4 may be similar to the third defined period of time pd3. For example, the fourth defined period of time pd4 may be set to approximately 10 seconds.

Assuming that a time point t6 is the present time, the current contamination level may correspond to a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 from the time point t5 to the time point t6, and the past contamination level may correspond to a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 from a time point before the time point t5 to the time point t5.

Assuming that a time point t7 is the present time, the current contamination level may correspond to a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 from the time point t6 to the time point t7, and the past contamination level may correspond to a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 from the time point t5 to the time point t6.

Assuming that a time point t8 is the present time, the current contamination level may correspond to a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 from the time point t7 to the time point t8, and the past contamination level may correspond to a contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for the fourth defined period of time pd4 from the time point t6 to the time point t7.

The controller 110 may maintain the rotation speed of the fan 51 (1085), based on the current contamination level being equal to the past contamination level (Yes in operation 1080).

The controller 110 may increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 (1095), based on the current contamination level being greater than the past contamination level (Yes in operation 1090).

The controller 110 may decrease the rotation speed of the fan 51 (1096), based on the current contamination level being less than the past contamination level (No in operation 1090).

That is, based on the start of automatic control of the fan 51, the controller 110 may repeatedly perform the process of maintaining the rotation speed of the fan 51, increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51, or decreasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the comparison of the current contamination level and the past contamination level.

According to the disclosure, after the automatic control of the fan 51 is started, the air volume of the fan 51 may be changed in a short cycle (the fourth defined period of time pd4) according to the air contamination level, thereby effectively drawing in contaminants generated from above the cooking plate 11 through the inlet 12.

According to the disclosure, the cooking apparatus 1 may automatically adjust the air volume of the fan 51 without the user having to adjust the air volume of the fan 51, thereby improving user convenience.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the cooking apparatus 1 may determine an end of cooking with the cooking apparatus 1 (2010).

For example, the cooking apparatus 1 may determine that cooking is completed based on an end of a heating operation of the heating device 16.

As another example, the cooking apparatus 1 may determine that cooking is completed based on the cooking apparatus 1 being turned off.

As still another example, the cooking apparatus 1 may determine that cooking is completed, based on the amount of change in the decrease in contamination level for a unit time being greater than a defined amount of change after the contamination level collected by the gas sensor 90 is greater than the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may decrease the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the end of cooking and operate the fan 51 at the decreased rotation speed for a defined period of time (2020).

For example, the controller 110 may decrease the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the end of the heating operation of the heating device 16 and operate the fan 51 at the decreased rotation speed for the defined period of time (e.g., approximately 10 minutes).

In this instance, decreasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 may include decreasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 by a defined ratio (e.g., 0.5 times).

According to the disclosure, the cooking apparatus 1 may effectively draw in contaminants scattered in the air through the inlet 12 after cooking is completed.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may decrease the rotation speed of the fan 51 and operate the fan 51 for a defined period of time, and then perform an after run operation (2030).

The after run operation may include operating the fan 51 at a defined rotation speed for a defined period of time. The defined rotation speed in the after run operation may be the same as the defined rotation speed in operation 1030 of FIG. 11.

That is, after performing the operation to effectively remove the contaminants scattered in the air after cooking is completed, the cooking apparatus 1 may perform the after run operation to remove remaining contaminants with minimal noise.

The controller 110 may automatically stop the fan 51 after the after run operation.

According to the disclosure, even when cooking is completed, the fan 51 may automatically remove contaminants in the air and then stop, thereby improving user convenience.

The method for controlling the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment has been described. The processes illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14 are examples of the method for controlling the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The method for controlling the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may further include other processes in addition to the processes illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14, and conversely, some of the processes illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 14 may be omitted.

For example, the method for controlling the cooking apparatus 1 may further include a process in which the cooking apparatus 1 determines whether the gas sensor 90 is malfunctioning.

The controller 110 may determine that the gas sensor 90 is malfunctioning in a case where the automatic control of the fan 51 is not started even though the heating device 16 of the cooking apparatus 1 has been operated more than a defined number of times or for more than a defined period of time.

Based on determining that the gas sensor 90 is malfunctioning, the controller 110 may output information notifying of the malfunction of the gas sensor 90 through the output interface device 14a, or transmit information notifying of the malfunction of the gas sensor 90 to an external device through the communication circuitry 120.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface provided by a cooking apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, the cooking apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may provide an interface for setting the hood 20.

For example, the interface for setting the hood 20 may be provided by the output interface device 14a.

The interface for setting the hood 20 may include an element for adjusting a control sensitivity of the fan 51, an element for turning on/off the automatic mode of the fan 51, and/or an element for setting an after-run operation time.

A user may change the above-described first margin contamination level and/or second margin contamination level through the element for adjusting the control sensitivity of the fan 51.

For example, the first and second margin contamination levels in a case where the control sensitivity of the fan 51 is set high may be lower than the first and second margin contamination level in a case where the control sensitivity of the fan 51 is set low.

That is, as the control sensitivity of the fan 51 is set higher, the rotation speed of the fan 51 may change, even with slight changes in the contamination level.

The controller 110 may change the first and second margin contamination levels according to the control sensitivity of the fan 51 changed based on a user input.

The user may activate or deactivate the automatic mode of the fan 51 through the element for turning the automatic mode of the fan 51 on/off.

Only in a case where the automatic mode of the fan 51 is activated, the controller 110 may perform the operation (1030 of FIG. 11) of operating the fan 51 at the defined rotation speed based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16.

The user may change the after-run operation time of the fan 51 through the element for setting the after-run operation time of the fan 51.

The controller 110 may perform the after run operation (2030 of FIG. 16) during the after-run operation time set by the user.

According to the disclosure, in the cooking apparatus 1 in which the cooktop 10 and the hood 20 are integrated, the gas sensor 90 may be installed at an optimal position to secure its long lifespan.

According to the disclosure, in the cooking apparatus 1 in which the cooktop 10 and the hood 20 are integrated, a speed of the fan 51 may be increased only when contaminants are generated by cooking.

According to the disclosure, in the cooking apparatus 1 in which the cooktop 10 and the hood 20 are integrated, the ease of use of the hood 20 may be increased.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cooking apparatus 1 may include: cooktop 10 including a cooking plate 11 including a cooking area ca and an inlet 12, and a heating device 16 disposed below the cooking plate 11 in correspondence with the cooking area ca; a hood 20 including a chamber housing 30 disposed below the cooktop 10 and including an outlet 35, a fan 51 disposed in the chamber housing 30 and configured to draw air from above the cooking plate 11 through the inlet 12 and discharge the air to the outlet 35, and a gas sensor 90 disposed on a side of the chamber housing 30 where the outlet 35 is not formed and configured to measure a contamination level of air; and a controller 110 configured to: operate the fan 51 at a defined rotation speed based on a start of a heating operation of the heating device 16, determine a reference contamination level based on a first contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for a first defined period of time pd1 after operating the fan 51 at the defined rotation speed, and control a rotation speed of the fan 51 by comparing the reference contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for a second defined period of time pd2 after determining the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to maintain the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on the second contamination level being less than or equal to the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to determine the first contamination level as the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to: compare an initial contamination level, measured by the gas sensor 90 before the heating device 16 starts the heating operation, with the first contamination level, determine the first contamination level as the reference contamination level in response to the first contamination level being less than or equal to the initial contamination level, and determine the initial contamination level as the reference contamination level in response to the first contamination level being greater than the initial contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to set the second defined period of time pd2 based on a number of heating devices performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices.

The controller 110 may be configured to set the second defined period of time pd2 to be shorter as the number of heating devices performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices increases.

The controller 110 may be configured to start an automatic control of the fan 51 based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to repeatedly compare a third contamination level, measured by the gas sensor 90 for a third defined period of time, with the reference contamination level, based on the second contamination level being less than or equal to the reference contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to start an automatic control of the fan 51 based on the third contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

Based on the start of the automatic control of the fan 51, the controller 110 may be configured to compare a past contamination level, measured by the gas sensor 90 from a first time point to a second time point, with a current contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 from the second time point to a present time, wherein the first time point and the second time point are in a past.

The controller 110 may be configured to maintain the rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to the current contamination level being equal to the past contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to increase the rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to the current contamination level being greater than the past contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to decrease the rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to the current contamination level being less than the past contamination level.

The controller 110 may be configured to decrease the rotation speed of the fan 51 based on an end of the heating operation of the heating device 16, and operate the fan 51 at the decreased rotation speed for a defined period of time.

The controller 110 may be configured to store the reference contamination level in a memory, and compare the reference contamination level stored in the memory with the second contamination level to control the rotation speed of the fan 51, in response to a restart of the heating operation of the heating device 16 within a defined period of time after an end of the heating operation of the heating device 16.

The controller 110 may be configured to perform a process of operating the fan 51 at the defined rotation speed based on the start of the heating operation of the heating device 16, only in a case where an automatic mode is activated according to a user input.

The outlet 35 may be formed toward a rear side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51, and the gas sensor 90 may be disposed on a front side of the chamber housing 30 based on the fan 51.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling a cooking apparatus 1 may include: operating a fan 51 at a defined rotation speed based on a start of a heating operation of a heating device 16; determining a reference contamination level based on a first contamination level measured by a gas sensor 90 for a first defined period of time after operating the fan 51 at the defined rotation speed; and controlling a rotation speed of the fan 51 by comparing the reference contamination level with a second contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 for a second defined period of time pd2 after determining the reference contamination level.

The controlling of the rotation speed of the fan 51 may include, based on the second contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level, increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 and starting an automatic control of the fan 51.

The controlling of the rotation speed of the fan 51 may include: based on the second contamination level being less than or equal to the reference contamination level, maintaining the rotation speed of the fan 51, and repeatedly comparing a third contamination level, measured by the gas sensor 90 for a third defined period of time pd3, with the reference contamination level; and starting an automatic control of the fan 51 based on the third contamination level being greater than the reference contamination level.

The method may further include, based on the start of the automatic control of the fan 51, comparing a past contamination level, measured by the gas sensor 90 from a first time point to a second time point, with a current contamination level measured by the gas sensor 90 from the second time point to a present time, wherein the first time point and the second time point are in the past.

The method may further include maintaining the rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to the current contamination level being equal to the past contamination level.

The method may further include increasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to the current contamination level being greater than the past contamination level.

The method may further include decreasing the rotation speed of the fan 51 in response to the current contamination level being less than the past contamination level.

The determining of the reference contamination level may include: comparing an initial contamination level, measured by the gas sensor 90 before the heating device 16 starts the heating operation, with the first contamination level, determining the first contamination level as the reference contamination level in response to the first contamination level being less than or equal to the initial contamination level, and determining the initial contamination level as the reference contamination level in response to the first contamination level being greater than the initial contamination level.

The method may further include setting the second defined period of time pd2 based on a number of heating devices 16 performing the heating operation among the plurality of heating devices 16.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing instructions that may be interpreted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disc, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

The computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, wherein the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ is a storage medium that is tangible device, and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in 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 machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) online 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 stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, a person having ordinary skilled in the art will appreciate that other specific modifications may be easily made without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting in all aspects.