AU2021105122A4

AU2021105122A4 - Portable operating device for controlling a kitchen appliance from different operating positions and kitchen appliance system

Info

Publication number: AU2021105122A4
Application number: AU2021105122A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christof Dessl; Michael Jungmann; Julian SCHMICKAL; Kay Schuster; Julia TÜCHLER
Original assignee: Bora Vertriebs GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Bora Vertriebs GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2021-02-25
Filing date: 2021-08-09
Publication date: 2021-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-09
Also published as: DE102021201800B3

Abstract

A portable operating device (22) for controlling a kitchen appliance (2, 3) from different operating positions (23, 24) having a base body (34), at least 5 one control element (38) for the input of control information by the user, wherein the at least one control element (38) is displaceable relative to the base body (34), at least one sensor (40, 45) for detecting a relative move ment between the at least one control element (38) and the base body (34), and a communication unit (25) connected with the at least one sensor (40, 10 45) in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the communication unit (25) is configured for wireless transmission of control information, correlating with the relative movement, to the kitchen appliance (2, 3). 15 - Fig. 1 06.08.2021 G/L- 10183AUDesrption 2/5 30 31 26 _, ---- --- | Fig228 27 ------- - 32 25 38a -i.29 Fig. 2 38 43a 38a Fig. 3

Description

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Portable operating device for controlling a kitchen appliance from dif ferent operating positions and kitchen appliance system

The invention relates to a portable operating device for controlling a kitch en appliance from different operating positions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a kitchen appliance system with such an operating device.

DE 10 2010 039 560 Al discloses a portable operating device for a hob which, fixed by means of a magnet, rests on an operating surface of a cook ing goods carrier equipped with sensors and can be rotated and tilted rela tive to the cooking goods carrier in order to input commands for control ling the hob. It is disadvantageous that such an operating device for con trolling a hob must be arranged at a predetermined operating position, which reduces the ease of operation.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved operating device for controlling a kitchen appliance, which in particular ensures a particularly comfortable, efficient and safe operation of the kitchen appliance.

This object is achieved by a portable operating device having the features of claim 1. A portable operating device for controlling a kitchen appliance can have a user interface for inputting control information by a user and a communication unit connected to the user interface in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the user interference is configured for wireless transmis sion of the control information to the kitchen appliance, in order to ensure particularly convenient, efficient and safe operation of the kitchen appli ance. Due to the fact that the control information can be transmitted wire lessly to the kitchen appliance by means of the communication unit, the operating device can be arranged in different operating positions from

06.08.202 1 G/LzP10183AUI Descrpin which the kitchen appliance can be controlled by means of the operating device. For example, the operating device for controlling the kitchen appli ance can be arranged on a cooking goods carrier of a hob, on a kitchen worktop and/or on a kitchen table. The operating device can be flexibly positioned in the region of the user's current location. Operating surfaces which are complex in terms of production and assembly, equipped with sensors at each individual operating position for detecting the relative movement of the operating device, can be avoided. In particular, the oper ating positions can be freely selectable and not predetermined by the posi tion of a corresponding operating surface.

According to a particularly preferred, in particular independent, aspect of the invention, the user interface may have at least one control element dis placeable relative to the base body for the input of control information by the user. Preferably, the user interface further comprises at least one sensor for detecting a relative movement between the at least one control element and the base body. For wireless transmission of the control information, correlating with the relative movement, to the kitchen appliance, the at least one sensor may be connected to the communication unit in a signal transmittingmanner. The control element, which can be displacedrelative to the base body, ensures a particularly intuitive input ofuser commands and thus further increases the ease of operation. The displaceability of the at least one control element relative to the base body enables control inputs to be made by displacing the control element while the base body remains fixed, in particular relative to the kitchen appliance. Advantageously, as a result, the orientation of the base body relative to the user can be main tained in an unchanged manner throughout the control input. A preferred orientation of the base body relative to the user, which is particularly ad- vantageous, for example, due to the shape of the base body and/or due to visual information displayed on the base body, can thus remain unchanged.

According to a particularly preferred, in particular independent, aspect of the invention, the portable operating device may have at least one heat pro tection means for protecting the operating device from harmful heat input from the environment. Preferably, the heat protection means is designed to protect the operating device against heat input via hot surfaces on which the operating device is, for example, unintentionally placed. The heat pro tection means can be designed as an active heat protection means with at least one electrical consumer or as a passive heat protection means without a consumer, in particular an electrical consumer. The protection against harmful heat input is preferably provided by the heat protection means not only once, but repeatedly, in particular continuously and/or without a re placement of the heat protection means. The at least one heat protection means advantageously ensures that a base body, in particular a housing and/or a support structure, and/or electronic components, such as a sensor, a display means and/or an actuator, are not damaged by excessive heat in put from the environment. In particular, heat is understood to mean tem peratures ofup to 100 °C, in particular up to 150 °C, in particular up to 200 °C, in particular up to 250 °C, in particular up to 350 °C, in particular up to 500 °C. The operating device can thus be operated in a particularly robust and reliable manner.

Control information is understood to mean information, in particular data and/or signals, comprising control commands for controlling the kitchen appliance and/or status information about the kitchen appliance, in particu lar about the operating state.

The portable design of the operating device is understood to mean that it can be manually displaced by the user between the different operating posi tions. Preferably, the portable operating device has a mass in a range of 0.05 g to 5 kg, in particular of0.2 kg to 2 kg, for this purpose.

The portable operating device preferably has at least one electrical con sumer, in particular an electronic component. The consumer may, for ex ample, be a sensor and/or a user interface or be coupled to a user interface. The operating device may have a switch, in particular a button, for switch ing the operating device on and off, in particular for interrupting the power supply to the at least one electrical consumer.

The portable operating device may have an interface for the cable-based transmission of data and/or power. The interface may have a plug and/or a socket and/or a part of a spring contact connection, in particular a spring contact pin connection. Preferably, the interface and/or the switch are de signed to be splash-proof, in particular waterproof. For this purpose, the switch can be arranged behind a reversibly deformable region of the hous ing. The interface can be sealed, in particular closed, by means of a sealing element.

The user interface can have, in particular for inputting control information, at least one switch, in particular a button, a touch-sensitive sensor, in par ticular a sensor foil, and/or a vibration motor, for outputting haptically de tectable signals and/or a loudspeaker for outputting acoustic signals.

The control element and the sensor can be a part of a user interface for in putting control information by the user. The sensor for detecting relative movement between the at least one control element and the base body may comprise a photoelectric sensor and/or a Hall sensor and/or a potentiome ter. The sensor can be designed as a linear encoder or as a rotary encoder.

The communication unit may have a radio interface, in particular a Blue tooth interface, in particular a Bluetooth low-energy interface, and/or a Wifi interface and/or a 433 MHz interface and/or a ZigBee interface and/or an RFID interface, and/or an infrared interface. Preferably, the communica tion unit is designed for wireless transmission of the control information, in particular in an obstacle-free environment, over a distance of at least 1 m, in particular at least 2 m, in particular at least 5 m, in particular at least 10 m, in particular at least 20 m, and/or a maximum of 25 m, in particular a maximum of 10 m, in particular a maximum of5 m, in particular a maxi mum of 2 im. The communication unit is preferably designed to determine a distance to the communication partner on the basis of the signal strength. In particular, the operating device or the communication partner, in particular a communication partner of the kitchen appliance, can be designed to limit the controllability of the kitchen appliance, in particular the scope of con trol functions that can be adjusted by means of the operating device, de pending on the signal strength. The specified range for the wireless connec tion ensures a high resolution of the signal strength over the distance to the communication partner. Thus, the controllability can be precisely adjusted on the basis of the distance. In addition, interference due to signal overlap is avoided to a large extent.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the operating device can be designed for simultaneous control of at least two, in particular at least three, in particular four kitchen appliances, and/or a maximum of two kitchen appliances, in particular one single kitchen appliance. The commu nication unit may be designed to establish a wireless connection for trans- mitting the control information simultaneously to at least two, in particular at least three, kitchen appliances, in particular communication partners. A plurality of wireless data connections formed simultaneously can be estab lished via one single, a plurality of identical or different interfaces, in par ticular a Bluetooth interface and a Wifi interface. For example, the connec tion to a kitchen appliance configured as a hob system may be established via a Bluetooth interface and a connection to a kitchen appliance config ured as an oven may be established via a Wifi interface.

The communication unit and/or the communication partner of the kitchen appliance are preferably designed such that possible operating positions for controlling the kitchen appliance lie exclusively within an operating radius in a range of0.5 m to 20 m, in particular of 1 m to 15 m, in particular of 2 m to 10m, around the kitchen appliance, in particular the communication partner. As a result, the control of the kitchen appliance by means of the operating device can be carried out particularly flexibly, wherein interfer ence by or to other wireless communication links is reduced.

According to one aspect of the invention, the operating device may be con figured to establish a connection to the Internet directly or indirectly, in particular via the kitchen appliance, in particular by means of the WiFi in terface. For example, the operating device may be configured to obtain and/or install online updates and/or cooking recipes from an online server.

According to one aspect of the invention, the operating device has at least one processor for electronic data processing, in particular for processing the control information and/or controlling electrical and/or electronic com ponents of the operating device. The processor is preferably in signal communication, in particular cable-based signal communication, with the user interface, in particular the sensor, and the communication unit. Prefer ably, the processor is in signal communication, in particular cable-based signal communication, with all electrical and/or electronic components of the operating device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control element has a knurl for non-slip operability by hand. The control element may also have an engagement, in particular a groove, in particular an annular circumfer ential groove, and/or a recess and/or a concave region for improved grip pability. The knurl and/or the engagement can be arranged on an outer side of the control element. The control element may in particular have a sub stantially rotationally symmetrical circumference. It may preferably have one or more symmetry-breaking elements. As a result, the intuitive detec tion of the position and/or displacement of the control element is improved.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the operating device may have a cooking goods sensor for detecting a physical property, in particular the temperature and/or visual appearance, of the cooking goods. The cook ing goods sensor may be configured as a temperature sensor and/or a sen sor, in particular an optical sensor, in particular a camera, in particular for spectral analysis. The cooking goods sensor is preferably arranged on an underside, in particular on the side of a floor area of the operating device. Via the floor area, the operating device for operating the kitchen appliance can be set up on a supporting body, for example on a kitchen worktop. A detection direction of the cooking goods sensor preferably points down ward in a vertical direction. In this case, the vertical direction corresponds to the direction of gravity. In particular, it is perpendicular to the kitchen worktop. Advantageously, a vertical detection direction ensures that the cooking goods sensor is arranged opposite to a top side of the operating device used for outputting visual information. The cooking goods sensor can also have a detection direction with a horizontal component. This makes it possible to detect, for example, the position of the pots and/or oth er components of the hob system.

According to one aspect of the invention, electrical or electronic compo nents, in particular the communication unit and/or the processor and/or the sensor, in particular all electrical or electronic components of the operating device, can be attached exclusively to the base body or exclusively to the control element. Advantageously, as a result, a feed-through of electrical conduction between the base body and the control element, which can be displaced relative thereto, can be avoided.

The operating device can have an output means for outputting information. The operating device can in particular have at least one, in particular at least two, loudspeakers, in particular a beeper and/or resonance loudspeak er and/or a vibration loudspeaker. Resonance or vibration loudspeakers are loudspeakers which excite a body in contact therewith, in particular a table top, to vibrate in order to emit more sound, and in particular do not have their own loudspeaker diaphragm. The operating device can be designed to output acoustic signals, such as control information and/or status infor mation of the kitchen appliance and/or a confirmation signal for a user in put and/or a warning signal and/or music. The operating device can also have a visual output means, in particular in the form of a display and/or a screen.

Recipe information and/or cooking instructions can b e output visually and/or acoustically via the output means.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the operating device has a data memory. A computer program for controlling the operating device and/or the kitchen appliance may be stored on the data memory. Preferably, the data memory has a size of at least 1 GB, in particular at least 2 GB, in particular at least 4 GB. Music and/or recipes and/or cooking instructions can be stored and/or storable on the data memory. The data memory may be physically replaceable. The data memory may also be permanent, i.e. non-replaceable. Its content is preferably at least partially exchangeable. In particular, it may be exchangeable by the user. It is also possible to design the data memory in such a way that it can only be overwritten after a spe cific activation, for example with a code or a physical activation element. This makes it possible to reserve certain changes exclusively for authorized persons, for example the customer service.

One, in particular independent, aspect of the invention relates to a comput er program product for operating the operating device. Preferably, the computer program is stored on the data memory. Preferably, the computer program is further developed with at least one of the features described in connection with the operating device. The computer program product may comprise control sequences for controlling the operating device and/or the kitchen appliance and/or for controlling user actions. In particular, it may also comprise control sequences for implementing cooking recipes.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one control ele ment is rotatably mounted relative to the base body. The relative movement between the at least one control element and the base body, which can be detected by the at least one sensor, may be a rotational movement. The control element is preferably mounted relative to the base body by means of a sliding bearing or a ball bearing, in particular without metallic compo- nents. The control element may be rotatable relative to the base body over an angle of rotation of at least 900, in particular of at least 270, in particu lar of at least 7200, and/or a maximum of 3600, in particular a maximum of 270, in particular a maximum of 900. The sensor maybe designed to de tect the relative movement over the entire range of movement. The rotata ble control element can be used in a particularly intuitive and time -efficient manner, in particular for selecting list elements and/or for entering power levels.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the at least one control element, in particular in a top view, is round, in particular circular, and/or annular, in particular circular ring-shaped, and/or rotationally symmetrical. A main dimension, in particular an outer diameter, of the control element is preferably in a range of 40 mm to 120 mm, in particular of 50 mm to 100 mm, in particular at 90 mm.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the at least one control element is reversibly removable from the base body. Advantageously, as a result, the operating device can be cleaned in a simple manner. The control element is preferably removable from the base body without tools. For this purpose, the control element can be attached to the base body with a form fit connection, in particular a snap-in connection. The base body may be designed in two parts, for example, wherein the control element is held re versibly between the respective parts of the base body. The control element may also be attached to the base body by means of a force -fit connection, in particular a screw connection.

The operating device, in particular the base body and/or the control ele ment, may be designed to be water-resistant, in particular dishwasher- proof, and/or temperature-resistant, in particular up to at least 1000 C, in particular up to at least 1500 C, in particular up to at least 300 °C.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a sealing means is provided between the base body and the at least one control element for sealing a gap between the base body and the control element. An ingress of contami nants between the base body and the control element can thus be prevented.

According to another aspect of the invention, the operating device has at least one display means for visually outputting information. The display means preferably comprises a screen, in particular a touch -sensitive screen. The screen may be designed as an LED screen, in particular as an OLED screen. The display means may also have individual light sources, in par ticular LEDs. Preferably, the display means is designed to display symbols and/or digits and/or letters. The display means may be in signal communi cation with an ambient light sensor for automatic adjustment of the display brightness. The display means may in particular be part of the output means.

Preferably, the display means comprises a cover which overlaps the display means for the sake of protection. The cover may comprise glass, in particu lar scratch-resistant glass and/or a transparent, in particular glass-like, plas tic material. Preferably, the cover has a tint, in particular a black tint. The display means is detectable through the cover preferably only in the acti vated state.

The dimensions, in particular the outer diameter, of the cover preferably correspond to the dimensions, in particular the outer diameter, of the con trol element. The display surface, in particular the recess of a display mask via which visual information can be output, is preferably round, in particu lar circular, in a top view. A main dimension, in particular a diameter, of the display surface is preferably in a range of 40 mm to 100 mm, in par ticular of50 mm to 90 mm, in particular it is 85 mm. A difference between the main dimension, in particular the outer diameter, of the control element and the main dimension, in particular the diameter, of the display surface is preferably a maximum of 40 mm, in particular a maximum of20 mm, in particular a maximum of 10 mm.

Preferably, an outline of the control element encloses a geometrical center of area of the at least one display means, in particular of the display sur face, in a top view. The control element may be arranged concentrically to the display means, in particular the display surface. The axis of rotation of the control element is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the surface, in particular the display surface, of the display means. The control element may overlap the display means along the axis of rotation and/or be ar ranged below the display means.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the operating device has a microphone for the input of acoustic signals, in particular for voice input. The computer program stored on the data memory may be configured to evaluate voice commands. Alternatively, a control device of the kitchen appliance or an online server in signal communication with the operating device may be designed to evaluate the voice input. Preferably, the operat ing device and/or the kitchen appliance can be controlled by voice input via the at least one microphone. The operating device, in particular the micro phone, may also be designed for conducting telephone calls, in particular Voice Over IP telephone calls.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the at least one touch sensitive sensor, in particular the touch-sensitive screen of the display means and/or the processor and/or the computer program are configured to detect gestures input via the touch-sensitive sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the at least one control element is attached to the base body for translational displacement relative to the base body. The relative movement between the control element and the base body, which can be detected by the sensor, may be a translational movement. The sensor may be designed as a linear encoder and/or as a ro tary encoder and/or as a feeler. Preferably, the control element can be dis placed relative to the base body over a path length in a range of 0.2 mm to 100 mm, in particular of0.5 mm to 50 mm, in particular of 1 mm to 10 mm. Preferably, the path length for which the control element is displacea ble relative to the base body is a maximum of 5 mm, in particular a maxi mum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm. The path along which the control element is translationally displaceable relative to the base body may follow a curve, in particular a straight line, which is in particular par allel to the surface of the display means and/or tangential to a curved sur face of the operating device.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the operating device has an orientation sensor for determining the orientation of the operating de vice, in particular the orientation relative to a kitchen space and/or a kitch en furniture and/or the kitchen appliance. The orientation sensor may have a magnetic sensor, in particular for detecting the earth's magnetic field or the magnetic field of at least one reference transmitter, in particular a refer ence magnet. The at least one reference transmitter may be designed as a permanent magnet and/or as an electromagnet. The kitchen appliance and/or the kitchen furniture may have the at least one reference magnet. Alternatively, the operating device may have a freely positionable refer ence magnet. The orientation sensor may also be designed as a radio re ceiver for detecting a radio signal. The orientation of the operating device may be determined depending on the nature of the radio signal. Preferably, the orientation sensor has a directional antenna for this purpose. The oper ating device and/or the kitchen appliance and/or the kitchen furniture may have a reference transmitter for emitting an electromagnetic reference sig nal.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the operating device, in particular the computer program, is configured for calibrating the orien tation of the operating device by means of the orientation sensor. The cali bration process may comprise at least one of the steps of prompting the user to orient the operating device in a preferred orientation and/or detect ing the preferred orientation by means of the orientation sensor and/or stor ing the detected orientation as a reference orientation and/or detecting the direction of the information output via the display means and/or storing the direction of the information output via the display means as a reference direction and/or repeatedly detecting the orientation of the operating de vice, in particular continuously, and/or that a difference between the de tected orientation of the operating device and the reference orientation is determined and/or that the direction of the visual information output via the display means is changed on the basis of this difference and/or on the basis of the difference between the instantaneous direction and the reference di rection, in particular in such a way that the direction of the displayed in formation corresponds to the reference direction. Advantageously, as a re sult, the direction of the information displayed via the display means, irre spectively of the orientation of the operating device, in particular when the orientation of the operating device is changed, always corresponds to the reference orientation preferred by the user.

According to another aspect of the invention, the operating device may have an energy storage for storing electrical energy. The energy storage is preferably a chemical energy storage, in particular an accumulator, in par ticular a lithium polymer accumulator and/or a battery, and/or a capacitor. Advantageously, this allows the operating device to be handled in a partic ularly flexible manner. The energy storage preferably has a capacity of at least 0.1 kJ, in particular at least 1 kJ, in particular at least 10 kJ, in particu lar at least 50 kJ, in particular at least 100 kJ, and/or a maximum of 50kJ. The energy storage is preferably in energy-transmitting communication with the processor and/or the communication unit and/or the sensor.

The operating device can be designed in such a way that the kitchen appli ance controlled therewith, if the residual energy in the energy store falls below a predetermined limit value, for example of 5% of the maximum storable energy, remains in the current operating state or switches off au tomatically. This may happen immediately or after a predefined transition period during which the kitchen appliance can still be controlled by the operating device. In particular, it may be provided that the user can choose between these different options.

Preferably, the kitchen appliance is manually controllable irrespectively of the status of the operating device, in particular irrespectively of the charg ing state of the energy storage.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the operating device has an energy receiver for wirelessly receiving energy and/or for supplying electrical energy to the operating device, in particular to the energy storage. The energy receiver may be configured to wirelessly receive electromag netic energy, in particular as a coil. The energy receiver is preferably in energy-transmitting communication with the energy storage.

Preferably, the energy receiver is configured to receive electrical energy from a transmitter of the kitchen appliance, in particular from induction cookingzones.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the operating device has an electrical actuator for causing a force and/or a moment acting be tween the at least one control element and the base body. Preferably, the electrical actuator is configured to output forced feedback signals. Forced feedback signals are signals that can be haptically detected by the user, in particular signals coupled to a control input and/or a control state and/or a control state change. For a corresponding activation of the electrical actua tor, the latter may be in signal communication with the processor.

Preferably, the processor and/or the electrical actuator and/or the computer program are designed in such a way that the haptically detectable signals transmitted to the control element are coupled to signals which are output in parallel, in particular simultaneously, via the display means and/or are coupled to the change between menu items and/or list elements and/or con trol parameters and/or to reaching a list end point. Advantageously, it is achieved as a result that the user receives haptic feedback on control inputs. In particular, the change between list elements and/or menu items and/or control parameters can be fed back via a force applied to the control ele ment and/or a moment applied thereto. The operation of the operating de- vice can thus be performed particularly intuitively or without continuous eye contact with the display means.

The processor and/or the electrical actuator and/or the computer program may also be designed to simulate snap-in points, in particular with a stable state of balance, along the relative movement between the control element and the base body.

According to another aspect of the invention, the operating device may have an adhesive means for reversibly arranging the operating device in a non-slip manner on a surface, in particular a flat surface and/or a smooth surface, in particular a glass surface. The adhesive means may have a push button and/or a hook-and-loop element and/or a suction cup and/or a sili cone layer. The silicone layer increases the friction to the underlying sup porting body. The supporting body may be, for example, a cooking goods carrier of the hob, in particular a glass -ceramic plate, and/or a kitchen worktop. A floor area for contacting the supporting body preferably has a concave portion. As a result, a negative pressure may be generated between the floor area and the supporting body and an improved adhesion may be achieved.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the operating device may have at least one heat protection means for protecting the operating device from harmful heat input from the environment, in particular from a sup porting body onto which the operating device is placed. The heat protection means may have at least one active heat protection element, in particular an electrical and/or electronic consumer, and/or a passive heat protection ele ment, in particular a thermal insulator. The heat protection means may be permanently connected with the operating device, in particular with the base body.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the at least one heat protec tion means may have at least one heat protection body for thermally de coupling, in particular thermally insulating, the base body with respect to the environment, in particular with respect to the supporting body. In par ticular, the heat protection means may have the floor are for contacting the supporting body, thereby ensuring protection against hot surfaces. Prefera bly, the heat protection means has one single or at least one, in particular at least two, in particular at least three of the heat protection bodies. The heat protection body may be configured to shield thermal radiation.

According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one heat prote c tion body has a material, in particular the latter is made of a material which is heat resistant up to at least 1500 C, in particular at least 2000 C, in par ticular at least 2500 C, in particular at least 300 C.

Preferably, the at least one heat protection body may have, in particular be made of, a material which has a thermal conductivity of a maximum of 5 W/mK, in particular a maximum of 2 W/mK, in particular a maximum of 1 W/mK, in particular a maximum of 0.5 W/mK, in particular a maxi mum of 0.25 W/mK. The material may have ceramics, in particular glass ceramics and/or a metal and/or a heat-resistant plastic material, in particu lar silicone and/or PEEK.

The thickness of the heat protection body, in particular between the floor area and the base body and/or the at least one control element, is preferably in a range of0.5 mm to 10 mm, in particular in a range of t mm to 5 mm, in particular in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one heat protec tion body may be replaceably attached to the base body. As a result, the heat protection body may be cleaned particularly easily. In particular, the heat protection body may be replaced after damage, in particular thermal damage.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the at least one heat protection body has the adhesive means for reversible non -slip arrangement of the operating device on a surface, in particular a glass surface.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one heat pr otec tion means may have a position sensor for determining the position of the operating device relative to the cooking appliance. The position sensor may be configured to detect an electromagnetic signal and/or a magnetic signal and/or as a Hall sensor and/or as a magnetic sensor.

Preferably, the position sensor is designed to detect a reference signal of a reference transmitter of the kitchen appliance and/or of the kitchen furni ture and/or of a freely positionable reference transmitter. For example, the position sensor may detect a reference signal, in particular the signal strength and/or the signal orientation of the reference signal, for determin ing a distance to the kitchen appliance, in particular to cooking zones of a hob. The position sensor may also be designed to detect electrically con ductive materials, in particular, for example, energized conductor tracks. Preferably, it may be detected by means of the position sensor whether the operating device is arranged on the cooking zones of a hob or not. Advan- tageously, as a result, the arrangement of the operating device on a cooking zone may be indicated to the user, for example by issuing a warning signal, and may thus be avoided.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the at least one heat protection means has a temperature sensor. Preferably, the temperature sensor is arranged on an underside of the operating device. A detection di rection of the temperature sensor may be oriented downward in a vertical direction. In particular, the temperature sensor may be designed for detect ing a surface, in particular the supporting body, onto which the operating device is placed. The temperature sensor may be designed for contacting or contactless detection of the temperature of a surface. In particular, the tem perature sensor may be designed as an infrared sensor. The temperature sensor is preferably attached to the base body and/or to the heat protection body. Preferably, the temperature sensor is in signal communication with a means for outputting a warning signal to the user. Advantageously, this enables the user to be warned when or before the operating device is placed on a hot surface. Preferably, the detection range of the contactless measur ing of the temperature sensor is at least 50 mm, in particular at least 200 mm.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the operating device has a signal emitter for warning the user of harmful heat input from the environ ment. The signal emitter may be configured to output an acoustic and/or optical and/or haptically detectable signal. In particular, the signal emitter may have the display means and/or the loudspeaker and/or the vibration motor.

A further object of the invention is to create an improved kitchen appliance system which in particular is especially intuitive, flexible, time-efficient and convenient to operate.

This object is achieved by a kitchen appliance system having at least one kitchen appliance, in particular in the form of a cooking appliance for heat ing cooking goods, and at least one portable operating device according to the foregoing description. The cooking appliance may be an oven, in par ticular a baking oven and/or a steam cooking oven, and/or a hob and/or a warming drawer. Preferably, the respective kitchen appliance has a control device for exchanging data with the operating device, in particular for sending and/or receiving data.

The kitchen appliance may have the at least one reference transmitter for providing a reference signal detectable by the orientation sensor and/or the position sensor. The kitchen appliance may be configured to be controlled by the operating device with respect to all of or a reduced portion of its available control range. In particular, the control scope released to the op erating device can be dynamically changed, in particular depending on the distance between the operating device and the kitchen appliance and/or the signal strength of the wireless data connection.

The at least one kitchen appliance may have a kitchen appliance orientation sensor and/or a kitchen appliance position sensor for detecting the orienta tion and/or the position of the operating device relative to the kitchen ap pliance. Preferably, the kitchen appliance is configured for wireless trans mission of corresponding measurement signals from the kitchen appliance orientation sensor and/or the kitchen appliance position sensor to the oper ating device. These measurement signals may be used in accordance with the measurement signals of the orientation sensor and/or the position sen sor of the operating device. As a result, the operating device is particularly safe and robust in operation and ensures convenient control of the respec tive kitchen appliance.

According to one aspect of the invention, the kitchen appliance has a user interface, in particular rigidly attached thereto, which in particular cannot be detached without tools and/or non-destructively. Preferably, control commands from this user interface are given priority over control com mands from the portable operating device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the kitchen appliance system has at least one kitchen appliance configured as a fume extractor device. The fume extractor device is preferably configured to extract cooking va pors downwardly. The fume extractor device may be a component of a hob system comprising a hob. The fume extractor device may have one single fan or at least one fan, in particular at least two fans, in particular at least three fans.

The hob preferably has at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, cooking zones, in particular induction cooking zones.

A cooking goods carrier of the hob may have a penetration through which the cooking vapors are drawn into the fume extractor device. This penetra tion preferably forms the inflow opening of the fume extractor device. A cross-sectional area of the inflow opening is preferably oriented in a paral lel manner to a horizontal plane.

The hob system may have an installation height of a maximum of 250 mm, in particular a maximum of 200 mm, in particular a maximum of 150 mm, in particular a maximum of 100 mm. The installation height is preferably measured between the upper side of the cooking goods carrier and the un derside of a fan and/or a negative pressure duct portion of the fume extrac tor device.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the fig ures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a kitchen appliance system with two kitchen appliances designed as cooking appliances for heating cooking goods and a portable operating device for controlling the kitchen appliance from different operatingpositions,

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the portable operatingdevice inFig. 1, having a base body, a display means attached to the base body for visually outputting of information and an annular control ele ment displaceable relative to the base body for inputting control information by the user,

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the annular control element in Fig. 2, wherein the control element has a knurl around its circumference for non-slip operation by the user,

Fig. 4 shows a front view of the portable operating device in Fig. 1, with the control element and an adhesive means for reversible,non slip arrangement of the operating device on a glass surface,

Fig. 5 shows a bottomview of the portable operating device in Fig. 1, with the adhesive, a switch for switching the operating device on and off, and an optical sensor arranged behind a viewing opening,

Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the operating device in Fig. 1 from the side, and

Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a base body element of the operat ing device according to Fig. 1.

With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, an embodiment of a kitchen appliance system 1 is described. The kitchen appliance system 1 comprises two kitchen appliances, which are designed as a hob system2 and as an oven 3, in particular as a steam cooking oven.

The oven 3 comprises a cooking chamber 4, into which cooking goods can be introduced for heating, an oven user interface 5 for exchanging infor mation with the user, in particular for the input and output of information, and an oven control device 6 for controlling the oven 3. The cooking chamber 4 can be reversibly closed by means of a cooking chamber door 7. The oven user interface 5 comprises a touch-sensitive screen 8, in particu lar with a capacitive foil sensor for detecting a touch and an OLED display. The oven control device 6 is in signal-transmitting communication, in par ticular via a cable connection, with the oven user interface 5 and a heating device, not shown, for heating the air inside the cooking chamber 4.

The hob system2 has a hob 9, a fume extractor device 10, a hob user inter face 11 and a hob control device 12. The hob 9 is formed with four cooking zones for heating cooking goods placed thereon. The cooking zones 13 are induction cooking zones. The hob user interface 11 has a touch -sensitive screen 14 for exchanging information with the user. The hob control device 12 is configured for controlling the hob 9 and the fume extractor device 10. In particular, the hob control device 12 is in signal communication, in par ticular cable-based signal communication, with the hob 9, in particular the cooking zones 13, the fume extractor device 10 and the hob user interface 11.

The hob system2 comprises a cooking goods carrier 15, which is designed as a glass-ceramic plate. An extraction recess 16 penetrates the cooking goods carrier 15, through which cooking vapors are extracted downwardly by means of the fume extraction device 10. The extraction recess 16 forms an inflow opening 17 of the fume extractor device 10, through which the cooking vapors may flow into the fume extractor device 10.

An inflow grille 8 is inserted into the inflow opening 17. The inflow grille 8 has flow guide elements arranged concentrically with respect to one an other. The inflow grille 8 is reversibly removable upwardly from the fume extractor device 10.

The hob system 2 is attached to a kitchen worktop 19, in particular inserted into a plate recess 20 which penetrates the kitchen worktop 19. The cook ing goods carrier 15 is arranged flush with the kitchen worktop 19, in par ticular an upper side of the kitchen worktop 19. The kitchen worktop 19 rests on a kitchen base cabinet 21. The oven 3 is installed in the kitchen base cabinet 21.

The kitchen appliance system 1 has a portable operating device 22. The operating device 22 is shown in Fig. 1 in a first operating position 23, in which it is arranged on the kitchen worktop 19. The operating device is flexibly displaceable between different operating positions 23,24. In par ticular, the operating device 22 is designed for controlling the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3 in the different operating positions 23, 24. For ex ample, the operating device 22 can be arranged in a second operating posi tion 24 on the cooking goods carrier 15.

The portable operating device 22 is shown in further detail in Fig. 2 to Fig. 7. The operating device 22 has a communication unit 25 for wireless ex change of information, in particular status and control information, with the hob system 2, in particular the hob control device 12, and the oven 3, in particular the oven control device 6. The communication unit 25 has a Wifi interface and a Bluetooth interface. The operating device 22 is connected with the oven control device 6 in a wireless signal-transmitting manner via the Wifi interface. The operating device 22 is connected with the hob con trol device 12 in a wireless signal-transmitting manner via the Bluetooth interface. The exchange of information includes sending and receiving in formation.

The operating device 22 has a processor 26 for processing information, a data memory 27 for storing information, and an energy storage 28 for stor ing electrical energy. The energy storage 28 is designed as a chemical en ergy storage, in particular as an accumulator, in particular as a lithium pol ymer accumulator. The processor 26 is in signal-transmitting communica tion, in particular cable-based connection, with the data memory 27 and the communication unit 25. For the supply with electrical energy, the processor

26 is connected with the energy storage 28 in an energy-transmitting man ner.

For visually outputting information to the user, the operating device 22 has a display means 29 in the form of a screen, in particular an OLED screen. The display means 29, in particular the screen, is round, in particular circu lar in shape, in a top view. Along its main extension direction, the display means 29, in particular over its diameter, has 100 to 2,000, in particular 250 to 1,100, in particular 512, individually actuatable image points.

The display means 29 is designed to display digits 30, symbols 31 and let ters. The display means 29 is designed as a touch-sensitive screen. For this purpose, the display means 29 comprises a sensor foil, in particular a ca pacitive sensor foil, for detecting a touching of the display means 29 with one or more fingers. The screen and the sensor foil are in signal communi cation with the processor 26. The sensor foil is round, in particular circular in shape, in a top view, corresponding to the display screen.

The display means 29 comprises a cover 32. The cover 32 is made of scratch-resistant glass. In a top view, the cover 32 is round, in particular circular in shape. A diameter DA of the cover 32 is 90 mm.

For charging the energy storage 28 with electrical energy, the operating device 22 has an energy receiver 33. The energy receiver 33 is designed to receive energy wirelessly, in particular as a coil for receivingelectromag netic energy. The energy storage 28 is connected with the energy receiver 33 in an energy-transmitting manner, in particular in a cable-based manner. Alternatively or in addition to the design of the energy receiver 33 for wire less energy absorption, it may have a socket, in particular a USB port or individual contacts, in particular arranged on a surface of the operating de vice 22, in particular for forming a spring pin contact, for energy and/or data transmission.

The operating device 22 has a base body 34. In particular, the processor 26, the energy storage 28 and the display means 29 with the cover 32 are at tached, in particular rigidly attached, to the base body 34. The base body has a plastic material, in particular ABS, PEEK or PP. The base body 34 is formed in several pieces. The base body 34 comprises a first base body element 35, a second base body element 36 and a third b ase body element 37. The base body elements 35, 36, 37 are, in particular rigidly, fastened to one another, in particular screwed or locked to one another. The base body elements 35, 36, 37, in particular the first base body element 35 and the second base body element 36, are detachably connected with one another.

A control element 38 is displaceably attached to the base body 34. The control element 38 is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rota tion 39 relative to the base body 34. The axis of r otation 39 is oriented per pendicularly to an image area of the screen of the display means 29. In par ticular, the display means 29, in particular the image area and/or the cover 32, are arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation 39. The operating device 22 is formed substantially as to be rotationally symmet rical to the axis of rotation 39.

The control element 38 is held in a form-fit manner and rotatably mounted between the first base body 35 and the second base body 36. The detacha ble connection between the first base body element 35 and the second base body element 36 ensures the reversible removability of the control element 38 from the base body 34.

Preferably, the control element 38 is removable from the base body 34 without tools.

The control element 38 is made of a metal, in particular of aluminum. For non-slip gripping of the control element 38 by hand, the latter has a knurl 38a. A diameter Ds of the control element 38 is 90 mm. In particular, the diameter Ds of the control element 38 corresponds to the diameter DA of the cover 32. The cover 32 preferably overlaps the control element 38. A gap t between the cover 32, in particular an underside of the cover 32 and the control element 38, in particular an top side of the control element 38, is preferably a maximum of 1 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.2 mm, and/or at least 0.05 mm, in particular at least 0.1 mm, in particular at least 0.2 mm.

The operating device 22 has a sensor 40 for detecting a relative movement between the control element 38 and the base body 34. The sensor 40 is de signed as an optical rotary encoder, in particular as an incremental rotary encoder.

The communication unit 25 is connected with the sensor 40 in a signal transmitting manner for wirelessly transmitting a control information, cor relating with the relative movement, to the kitchen appliance 2, 3. In par ticular, the sensor 40 is connected with the communication unit 25 via the processor26.

The operating device 22 has an electrical actuator 41 for causing a moment M acting between the control element 38 and the base body 34. The actua tor 41 is in signal communication with the processor 26. The actuator 41 comprises an electric motor 42 and a pinion 43. The pinion 43 engages a ring gear 43a of the control element 38 for driving the control element 38 in rotation about the axis of rotation 39 relative to the base body 34.

By means of the electrical actuator 41, snap-in points, menu points, menu end points and/or warning signals are preferably signaled to the user in a haptically detectable manner. The actuator 41 preferably acts along the dis placement movement of the control element 38 relative to the base body 34.

The processor 26 and the actuator 41 are configured to output a signal hap tically detectable by the user at the control element 38, in particular during the actuation of the control element 38 by the user. In particular, the actua tor 41 is configured as a forced feedback device. The haptically detectable signal is provided in the form of moments M between the control element 38 and the base body 34. The signal can, for example, indicate the change between different adjustment options, list elements and/or menu items, and/or signify reaching a setting limit, in particular an end of a list and/or a limit value of a value range, and/or represent a warning.

Preferably, the actuator 41 is controlled by means of the processor 26 on the basis of a power with which the actuator 41 is acted upon and/or de pending on the change in the relative arrangement between the control el ement 38 and the base body 34.

By means of the actuator 41, the control element 38 is rotated, in particular in a continuous movement, preferably by an angle of rotation a about the axis of rotation 39 in a range of 0.5 to 5°, in particular up to 3°.

The moment effected between the base body 34 and the control element 38 by means of the actuator 41 is preferably in a range of0.005 Nm to 1 Nm, in particular of 0.05 Nm to 0.5 Nm.

The period of time over which the moment M is exerted on the control el ement 38, in particular without interruption, is preferably in a range of 0.1 s to 2 s, in particular in a range of 0.5 s to1 s. Such short-duration, impul sively exerted, haptic signals can be perceived particularly reliably.

Preferably, the processor 26 and the actuator 41 are designed to adjust the moment M in its strength, in particular steplessly, and/or with regard to the direction of rotation.

The information output optically via the display means 29, in particular the screen, is preferably coupled with the information output haptically via the actuator 41. In particular, the output of mutually corresponding information via the actuator 41 and via the display means 29 takes place in parallel in terms of time. For example, a menu item and/or a list item can change via the display means 29, wherein the moment M is exerted on the control el ement 38 in parallel in time, in particular simultaneously.

The control element 38 can be displaced in the vertical direction, in par ticular along the axis of rotation 39, relative to the base body 34. By means of a spring element 44, the control element 38 is pretensioned relative to the base body 34 upwards in the vertical direction, in particular in the di rection of the display means 29. A sensor 45 in the form of a feeler is de signed for detecting the translational movement of the control element 38 relative to the base body 34 along the axis of rotation 39.

The operating device 22 has a microphone 46 for voice input. In particular, the operating device 22, in particular the processor 26, is configured to en able a voice control of the operating device 22 and/or the kitchen appliance 2, 3. A computer program for executing the voice recognition is stored on the data memory 27.

The operating device 22 further has an orientation sensor 47 for determin ing the orientation of the operating device 22, in particular relative to the kitchen room, the kitchen base cabinet 21, the kitchen worktop 19 and/or the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3. The orientation sensor 47 can be a magnetic field sensor, in particular for detecting a reference magnetic field, in particular the earth's magnetic field. The orientation that can be detected by the orientation sensor 47 relates to the orientation about the vertical ax is, in particular about the axis of rotation 39.

According to an alternative embodiment, the kitchen appliance system 1, in particular the kitchen appliance 2, 3, comprises a reference transmitter, in particular a reference magnet, which is detectable by the orientation sensor 47 for determining the orientation of the operating device 22.

According to a further, alternative embodiment, the orientation sensor 47 is configured to detect an electromagnetic signal. The reference transmitter may have one or more transmitters for outputting an electromagnetic sig nal. The orientation of the operating device 22 may be determined on the basis of the signal strength of one or more signals from the reference transmitter.

The processor 26 and/or a computer program stored on the data memory 27 are configured to perform a calibration process. Preferably, the user is prompted by a signal from the processor 26, in particular by a correspond ing display on the display means 29, to align the operating device 22 in a preferred orientation about the vertical axis, in particular about the axis of rotation 39. The orientation of the operating device 22 is detected by means of the orientation sensor. The orientation is stored in the data memory 27 as a reference orientation. Furthermore, the direction of the visual information output via the display means 29 is determined and stored as a reference direction. The calibration process is completed.

The orientation of the operating device 22 is preferably continuously de tected by means of the orientation sensor 47. A change in the orientation, for example due to the rearrangement of the operating device 22 in another operating position 23, 24, can thus be determined. The processor 26 may be configured to adjust the direction of the information output via the display means 29 corresponding to the detected orientation, in particular in de pendence on the difference between the detected orientation and the refer ence orientation and/or on the reference direction. Preferably, the infor mation displayed by the display means 29 is aligned such that it is directed according to the reference direction regardless of the orientation of the base body 34. The above-described functionality is particularly effective in the formation of the operating device 22 with the circular display means 29, in particular the circular display screen.

Alternatively or in addition, the kitchen appliance 2, 3 may have a kitchen appliance orientation sensor for detecting the orientation of the operating device 22 relative to the kitchen appliance 2, 3. The information about the orientation may be transmitted from the kitchen appliance 2, 3 to the oper ating device 22 by means of the communication unit 25. The calibration process and/or the direction of the information displayed via the display means 29 may be performed on the basis of the orientation received from the kitchen appliance 2, 3 according to the aforementioned description.

The operating device 22 has an optical sensor 48, in particular a camera. The optical sensor 48, together with a computer program for image analy sis stored on the data memory 27, enables automatic recognition of objects, in particular of ingredients of the cooking goods. In particular, the optical sensor 48 and/or the computer program for image analysis are designed for spectral analysis of the detected object. A detection direction 49 of the op tical sensor 48 is oriented downward, in particular vertically downward. The base body 34 has a viewing window 50 through which the optical sen sor 48 can detect the respective object.

The operating device 22 has a temperature sensor 51. The temperature sen sor 51 is designed as an infrared thermometer for contactless detection of the temperature of a supporting body arranged in particular below the oper ating device 22. The supporting body is understood to be a body on which the operating device 22 can be placed, in particular in one of the operating positions 23,24. For example, the cooking goods carrier 15 or the kitchen worktop 19 can serve as the supporting body. Preferably, the temperature sensor is designed to detect temperatures in a range of -20° C to 300 C. The temperature sensor 51 is in signal communication with the processor 26.

The operating device 22 has a position sensor 52 for determining the posi tion of the operating device 22 relative to the kitchen appliance, in particu lar to the hob system 2 and/or the oven 3. In particular, the position sensor 52 is configured to detect an arrangement of the operating device 22 on a cooking zone 13 or spaced apart from each or all of the cooking zones 13.

The position sensor 52 may have a receiver for electromagnetic radiation, in particular of a Bluetooth signal or an RFID signal for determining a dis tance between the operating device 22 and the kitchen appliance 2, 3. The position sensor 52 may have a Hall sensor for detecting conductor tracks arranged in the kitchen appliance 2, 3, in particular on the cooking goods carrier 15.

The operating device 22 has a heat protection body 53. The heat protection body 53 is attached to the base body 34 and can be replaced, in particular without tools. The heat protection body 53 has a floor area 54 on which the operating device 22 can be placed. In the respective operating position 23, 24, the operating device 22 contacts an underlying object on which the op erating device 22 is placed, in particular the kitchen worktop 19 or the cooking goods carrier 15, exclusively via the floor area 54 of the heat pro tection body 53.

The heat protection body 53 is preferably heat resistant up to at least 2500 C. The conductivity of a material of the heat protection body 53 is a maxi mum of 5 W/mK. In particular, the thermal conductivity is in a range of 0.1 W/mK to 0.5 W/mK. The heat protection body 53 is made of silicone.

For reversible, non-slip arrangement of the operating device 22, in particu lar on a glass surface, the operating device 22 has an adhesive means 55. The adhesive means 55 is attached to the base body 34. The adhesive means 55 is formed by a silicone layer, in particular of the heat protection body 53, which has the floor area 54. The silicone layer causes an in creased friction between the operating device 22 and the underlying sup porting body, in particular due to a negative pressure effect. The silicone layer may be concave in shape to enhance the negative pressure effect.

The operating device 22 has an acoustic signal emitter 56, in particular a beeper or a loudspeaker. The acoustic signal emitter 56, which is designed as a loudspeaker, can be designed to play music, in particular music files stored on the data memory 27. In particular, the acoustic signal emitter 56 is designed for the output of a warning signal.

The operating device 22 comprises a vibration motor 57 for outputting hap tically detectable vibration signals. The vibration motor 57 and the acoustic signal emitter 56 are in signal communication with the processor 26.

The operating device 22 has a switch 58 for switching the operating device 22 on and off, in particular for interrupting the energy -transmitting connec tion between the energy storage 28 and the processor 26. The switch 58 is arranged on the underside of the operating device 22. Preferably, the switch 58 is designed to be splash-proof, in particular waterproof.

The mode of operation of the kitchen appliance system 1, in particular the operating device 22, is as follows:

The operating device 22 and the kitchen appliances 2, 3 are switched off. The kitchen appliances 2, 3 are activatable and controllable via their re spective user interface 5, 11. A temperature within the cooking chamber 4 is controllable via the oven user interface 5. A power output delivered by the cooking zones 13 is controllable via the hob user interface.

The operating device 22 is switched on by actuating the switch 58. The energy storage 28 supplies electrical energy to the processor 26. A comput- er program stored in the data memory 27 is processed by means of the pro cessor 26.

The communication unit 25 establishes a signal communication for trans mitting information between the hob control device 12 and/or the oven control device 6 and the operating device 22. The hob system 2, in particu lar the hob 9 and the fume extractor device 10, and/or the oven 3 can be controlled by means of the operating device 22. In particular, the heating performance of the hob 9 and/or the temperature in the cooking chamber 4 of the oven 3 and/or the extraction performance of the fume extractor de vice 10 can be controlled by means of the operating device 22.

The connection between the operating device 22 and the kitchen appliances 2, 3 is wireless. This makes it possible to control the kitchen appliance 2, 3 by means of the portable operating device 22 from different operating posi tions 23, 24.

Information concerning the control options and/or status parameters of the kitchen appliance 2, 3 is output via the display means 29.

By moving the control element 38 relative to the base body 34 rotationally about the axis of rotation 39 and/or translationally along the axis of rotation 39, user commands can be detected. In particular, menu items can be se lected or status parameters of the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3, such as power values, can be adjusted by rotating the operating device 22. By translationally displacing the control element 38 relative to the base body 34, a confirmation, in particular of a selection or change, can be made.

Furthermore,user inputs are possible via the touch-sensitive screen, in par ticular the sensor foil, of the display means 29. The user inputs are trans mitted as control information via the communication unit 25 to the respec tive kitchen appliance 2, 3 in particular to the respective control device 6, 12.

The energy storage 28 is wirelessly charged with electrical energy by means of the energy receiver 33. For this purpose, the operating device 22 can be arranged on one of the cooking zones 13. By means of the energy receiver 33, the electromagnetic energy emitted by the cooking zones 13, which are designed as induction cooking zones, can be converted into the electrical energy that can be stored by the energy storage 28.

When the control element 38 is displaced relative to the base body 34, changes, for example in status parameters or list elements, are output to the user in a haptically detectable manner by means of the electrical actuator 49, in accordance with the representation via the display means 29. Based on a corresponding signal from the processor 26, the actuator 41 causes a moment between the base body 34 and the control element 38, which is in particular coupled to the information represented by the display element 29.

For cleaning purposes, the control element 38 is removable from the base body 34. For this purpose, a snap-in connection between the first base body element 35 and the second base body element 36 is to be released. After cleaning the control element 38, the latter can be reassembled between the interlockable base body elements 35, 36.

Via the microphone 46, the user can enter voice commands for controlling the operating device 22 and the kitchen appliances 2, 3. The evaluation of the voice commands can be carried out by means of the processor 26, the respective control device 6, 12 or an online service. For evaluation by means of the online service, the operating device 22 may be connected to the Internet, in particular via the Wifi interface of the communication unit 25.

Recipe programs for the preparation of cooking goods can be processed via the operating device 22. By means of the optical sensor 48, ingredients may be detected automatically. In order to simplify the processing of the recipe programs, the ingredients specified for addition can be automatically detected and the corresponding information can be fed to the recipe pro gram.

By means of the temperature sensor 52, the temperature of the cooking goods may be detected and/or the temperature of the surface of the support ing body 15, 19 on which the operating device 22 is arranged. The tem perature will preferably be displayed by the display means 29. In particular, automated control of the kitchen appliance 2, 3 can be performed based on the detected temperature value.

The temperature sensor 51 can be designed to protect the operating device 22 from harmful heat input from the environment. Preferably, a warning signal, in particular a warning tone, a vibration and/or a visual warning signal is emitted via the display means 29 if the temperature sensor 51 de tects a temperature that is harmful to the operating device 22, in particular a temperature above 1000 C, in particular above 1500 C, in particular above

2500C, in particular once or over a period of at least 1 s, in particular at least 2 s, in particular at least 5 s, in particular at least 10 s.

By means of the orientation sensor 47, an orientation of the operating de vice 22 is calibrated as described above. As a result, information can be displayed via the display means 29 independently of the orientation of the base body 34 in accordance with a preferred direction of the display select ed by the user. The preferred direction can be set in the course of calibra tion, for example relative to the kitchen space or the kitchen appliance 2, 3.

The position of the operating device 22 relative to the kitchen appliance is detected by means of the position sensor 52. In particular, it is detected where the operating device 22 is located on the cooking zones 13 or next to them, in particular at a distance from them. As a result, it can be avoided that the operating device 22 is exposed to harmful heat input by the cook ing zones 13. When the operating device 22 is arranged on one of the cook ing zones 13, a warning signal can be output via the display means 29, the acoustic signal emitter 56 or the vibration motor 27.

The heat protection body 53 ensures a thermal decoupling of the operating device 22 from hot surfaces, in particular of the supporting body, for ex ample from the cooking zones 13. Compared to the sensory detection of the surface temperature by means of the temperature sensor 51 and/or the ar rangement of the operating device 22 by means of the position sensor 52, the heat protection by means of the heat protection body 53 takes place passively, i.e. without the use of electrical energy, whereby the heat protec tion is ensured in a particularly efficient, reliable and robust manner.

By means of the operating device 22, the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3 can be activated or deactivated. All or a reduced scope of functions of the respective cooking appliance 2, 3 may be controlled by means of the oper ating device 22. After completion of the cooking process, the kitchen ap pliances 2, 3 can be deactivated by means of a user input via the operating device 22. The operating device 22 can be switched off by actuating the switch 58.

The operating device 22 ensures particularly convenient and safe operation of the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3. Due to the design of the operating device 22 with the control element 38 that can be displaced relative to the base body 34, the operation of the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3 can be carried out intuitively, time-efficiently and at the same time safely. The communication unit 25 ensures wireless signal transmission between the operating device 22 and the respective kitchen appliance 2, 3 an d thus flex ible control of the kitchen appliances 2, 3 from different, in particular freely selectable, operating positions 23, 24. The design of the operating device 22 with the respective heat protection means 51 prevents harmful heat input to the operating device 22. The operating device 22 is thus par ticularly safe, robust and reliable in operation.

EDITORIAL NOTE 2021105122

There are 2 pages of claims only.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. A portable operating device (22) for controlling a kitchen appliance (2, 3) from different operating positions (23, 24) having 1.1. a base body (34), 1.2. at least one control element (38) for the input of control infor mation by the user, wherein the at least one control element (38) is displaceable relative to the base body (34), 1.3. at least one sensor (40, 45) for detecting a relative movement be tween the at least one control element (38) and the base body (34), and 1.4. a communication unit (25) connected with the at least one sensor (40, 45) in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the communica tion unit (25) is configured for wireless transmission of control information, correlating with the relative movement, to the kitch en appliance (2, 3).

2. A portable operating device (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one control element (38) is rotatably mounted rela tive to the base body (34), wherein the relative movement detectable by the at least one sensor (40) is a rotational movement.

3. A portable operating device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, character ized by at least one display means (29) for visually outputting infor mation.

4. A portable operating device (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an orientation sensor (47) for determining the orientation of the operating device (22).

06.08.221 G/LP10183 AUD pl

5. A kitchen appliance system (1) with 5.1. at least one cooking appliance (2, 3) for heating cooking goods, and 5.2. a portable operating device (22) designed for controlling the at least one cooking appliance (2, 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9 15 16, 10 12 13 20 19 1 13 17 18 11 2 14 24 22 13 29 23 6 1/5

8 4 7 3 21

Fig. 1