DE102018114140A1 - Cookware and positioning method - Google Patents

Abstract

Cookware (1) comprising a base (2) and a wall (3) which provide a receptacle volume (4) for preparing dishes, in particular for use on a hob (100) with an induction device (101). The cookware (1) comprises a positioning device (5), which includes a detection device (6) with two or more detector elements (7) and a signal device (8), the detector elements (7) being suitable and designed to measure the strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field of an induction device (101) of a hob (100) and / or the temperature and wherein the signal device (8) is suitable and designed to provide a user with at least one displacement direction (9) to achieve a suitable one Signal position. In the method for positioning cookware (1) on a hob (100), the strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field of at least one induction device (101) of the hob (100) and / or detected by two or more detector elements (7) is or the temperature is recorded and compared and the signaling device (8) signals a user the direction of displacement (9) into a suitable position.

Description

The present invention relates to a cookware such as a pan, a pot, a roasting pan or the like, comprising at least one base and at least one wall, which provide at least one receptacle volume for preparing dishes. The present invention also relates to a method for positioning such cookware on a hob.

Hobs have become known which have one or more predetermined cooking zones on which cookware, for example a saucepan, can be placed in order to prepare dishes in the pot. The specified cooking zones are usually marked or visually indicated so that a user knows where to place the pot on the hob. Such hobs can be designed in particular as an induction hob, heat radiation hob and / or gas hob.

Food is understood to mean solid and liquid foods, liquid foods also including water, for example for the preparation of tea. The terms food, food and liquid are to be interpreted broadly and include, for example, mixtures of food, liquids or solid and liquid substances.

Even with predetermined or marked cooking zones, the optimal positioning of the pot on the cooking zone can be difficult. In addition, for technical design reasons, the cooking zones are not always optimal in terms of energy. B. marked on the footprint.

In the case of surface induction cooktops, in which a large number of induction coils are arranged below the installation surface and which can be connected to specific cooking zones as required, suitable or optimal placement of the pot is even more difficult.

Positioning aids have become known, which a user, e.g. B. display suitable positions on a display or on the edge of the hob. The disadvantage here, however, is that responding to the positioning instructions is often perceived as not being particularly intuitive. Another disadvantage is the often constructively and technically complex implementation. Furthermore, retrofitting such a positioning aid is generally not possible.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a user with a positioning aid in order to place cookware on a hob as cheaply as possible or in an energy-efficient manner, which is convenient to use and can also be used as universally as possible and in particular can also be used with existing hobs.

This object is achieved by a cookware with the features of claim 1 and by a method for positioning cookware with the features of claim 9. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments.

The cookware according to the invention comprises at least one base and at least one wall, which provide at least one receptacle volume for preparing dishes. The cookware according to the invention is intended in particular for use on a hob with at least one induction device. The cookware according to the invention comprises at least one positioning device which comprises at least one detection device with at least two detector elements and at least one signal device. The detector elements are suitable and designed to detect the strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field of at least one induction device of a hob and / or the temperature. The signaling device is suitable and designed to signal little at least one direction of displacement to a user in order to achieve an energetically favorable or suitable position.

The cookware is used to prepare food, especially food, dishes, liquids. The cookware can be designed, for example, as a pot, pan, roasting pan or also as other cookware, in particular as a kettle or kettle. The positioning device provides a user with a positioning aid or a positioning support, so that a user can provide the most suitable or optimal position for a cookware on a hob if required. A suitable position is to be understood in particular to mean that a position is sought in which the most effective and / or efficient energy transfer from the hob to the cookware is achieved. In this case, particularly in the case of an induction hob with freely selectable cooking zones, an energetically favorable position can be signaled, or a direction of displacement to an energetically favorable position is signaled. In the case of surface induction cooktops, as a rule, a plurality of induction coils are interconnected to form a cooking zone, so that the use of induction coils in terms of energy efficiency can be ensured by means of the cookware according to the invention.

In particular, an energetically favorable position is signaled.

The positioning device and / or the detection device preferably comprises at least one evaluation device which compares the detected data or values of the detector elements and sets them in relation to one another, so that a direction for an optimal pot position can be signaled.

In particular if the cookware is not placed on an induction hob, but rather on a conventional heat radiation hob or gas hob, a particularly favorable position can be recognized by using temperature sensors as detector elements, for example.

The energy required for the positioning device can be made available, for example, by a battery. In particular, it is also possible to provide the power supply via induction, which is particularly advantageous in the case of induction hobs.

The signaling device is provided in particular on at least one wall of the cookware. Depending on the configuration, the signaling device or, depending on the configuration, the entire positioning device can also be outsourced, for example, to the cookware lid.

The cookware according to the invention offers many advantages. A considerable advantage is that a user is shown an energetically optimal or favorable position for a cookware, in particular when using a hob on which there are no predetermined or marked cooking zones, so that the cookware is heated particularly evenly and thus effectively is made possible.

Even with hobs with fixed cooking zones, a more effective position for a cookware can be achieved.

At least one detector element preferably comprises at least one voltage sensor system and / or at least one magnetic field sensor system and / or at least one temperature sensor. In particular, at least one detector element can be designed as a coil, as a Hall sensor, as a TMR sensor, as a GMR sensor and / or as an AMR sensor and / or as a temperature sensor. The use of a Peltier element is also advantageous, in which case the temperature acting on the Peltier element is converted, for example, into a voltage, which is then taken into account in the evaluation device.

At least one detector element is particularly preferably assigned to the base of the cookware. In this case, such a detector element can be provided in particular on the outside of the base, or also inside the pot base or, in the case of a multi-walled configuration of the base, in an intermediate space. Depending on the configuration, the arrangement of such a detector element can also be provided within the receiving volume.

In preferred configurations, the at least two detector elements are evenly distributed over the base of the cookware. In particular, the arrangement in or on a radially outer region or on the edge of the pot base is provided. The use of more than two detector elements, for example 3, 4, 5, 6 or more detector elements, is advantageous, and depending on the number of detector elements, these are preferably evenly distributed over the circumference of the pot base. In principle, the use of a large number of detector elements is preferred, since the accuracy of the positioning and thus the direction of displacement can be improved via a larger number of detector elements.

The signal device is preferably assigned to the wall at least in sections. In particular, the signaling device is attached at least in sections to the outside of the wall of the cookware. In particular when using double-walled walls, the signal device can also be provided at least in sections or completely in the space between the inner and the outer wall. For example, a signaling device or a lighting element of the signaling device can, for. B. be arranged on the inner wall, the outer wall at this point then e.g. is transparent or translocated. In general, an arrangement of the signaling device in the region of the pot chute is advantageous.

The signal device particularly preferably comprises at least one acoustic signal element and / or at least one optical signal element. When using an optical signal element, the direction of displacement can be indicated to a user via optical signals, for example a light signal. Also by using a discolouring coating such as A direction can be indicated optically on a thermochromic outer surface. When using an acoustic signal element, an optimal position can be indicated, for example, via a signal tone or via a tone sequence or different volume levels or via the time interval between two signal tones.

The signal device preferably comprises at least one lighting element. Such a lighting element can show a user in a certain direction.

The lighting element is particularly preferably designed as a light ring or is provided by a light ring. Particularly when using a light ring, a large number of detector elements are preferred, which are preferably distributed uniformly over the circumference of the pot base. Depending on the number of sensors, for example, a corresponding section of the light ring can be assigned to one or the detector elements arranged below it, a section being illuminated in accordance with the determined values. The light ring can be provided as a continuous light strip or through the use of individual light elements.

Individual areas of the light ring can preferably be illuminated differently. It is particularly preferred that individual areas of the light ring can be switched on and off, a preferred direction of displacement being indicated by the lighting in sections, and the complete ring being illuminated when the optimal position is reached. Optionally or additionally, different colors and / or brightnesses and / or flashing patterns can also be provided.

The method according to the invention for positioning a cookware on a hob can in particular be carried out using a cookware as described above. The strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field of at least one induction device of the hob and / or temperature detected by at least two detector elements is detected and compared, the signal device signaling the direction of displacement to a suitable position to a user.

In particular, at least one parameter of an energy received or detected by the hob can be determined, a displacement value being determined by comparing the detected parameters, this displacement value in particular being able to define a direction and / or a path length.

According to the invention, the parameter is understood in particular to be heat, in particular in gas or heat radiation cooktops, and / or the induced voltage, in particular gas, heat radiation and / or induction cooktops, and / or the strength of the magnetic field, in particular in induction cooktops ,

The method according to the invention also offers the advantages which have already been stated for the cookware according to the invention.

The signal device preferably comprises at least one light ring and / or a plurality of light elements, in particular uniformly distributed over the circumference, the area of the light ring or the light elements being illuminated for the voltage and / or the strongest magnetic field induced by the detector elements and / or the highest temperature was detected in order to signal a direction of displacement to a user.

The position of the cookware is determined in particular each time the pot position is changed or when the cookware is moved, so that the user is shown permanently or sequentially in which direction the cookware is to be moved.

Particularly preferably, the light ring or all light elements light up completely when an optimal position is reached. Alternatively, the light ring or the individual light elements can also be switched off when an optimal pot position is reached, so that a user can recognize an optimal pot position in this way.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the attached figures.

• 1 eine rein schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kochgeschirrs auf einem Kochfeld in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 2 eine rein schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kochgeschirrs auf einem Kochfeld in einer Schnittansicht von der Seite;
• 3 drei rein schematische Darstellungen von unterschiedlichen Ausführungsbeispielen erfindungsgemäßer Kochgeschirre jeweils in einer Draufsicht;
• 4 eine rein schematische Darstellung eines nächsten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kochgeschirrs in einer Draufsicht und einer Schnittansicht von der Seite;
• 5 eine rein schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kochgeschirrs auf einem Kochfeld in einer ersten Position;
• 6 das Kochgeschirr gemäß 5 in einer nächsten Position; und
• 7 das Kochgeschirr gemäß 5 in einer weiteren Position.

The figures show:

• 1 a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a cookware according to the invention on a hob in a perspective view;
• 2 a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a cookware according to the invention on a hob in a sectional view from the side;
• 3 three purely schematic representations of different embodiments of cookware according to the invention, each in a top view;
• 4 a purely schematic representation of a next embodiment of a cookware according to the invention in a plan view and a sectional view from the side;
• 5 a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a cookware according to the invention on a hob in a first position;
• 6 the cookware according to 5 in a next position; and
• 7 the cookware according to 5 in another position.

In 1 is a purely schematic of a kitchenette 200 with one in a countertop 201 recessed hob 100 shown. The stove top 100 is designed as a surface induction hob, which is below the installation surface 102 for cookware 1 a variety of induction devices 101 or primary coils 103 having.

With such a hob 100 there are no predetermined cooking zones, which are limited or indicated, for example, by an imprint, but are, depending on the location of a cookware 1 certain induction coils can be variably connected to form a temporary or flexible cooking zone.

The cookware according to the invention 1 comprises a positioning device 5 which a user with an optimal positioning of the cookware 1 on the hob 100 supported.

In 2 is a schematic sectional side view of a cookware according to the invention 1 shown, which here as a saucepan 50 is trained. The cookware 1 includes a floor 2 and a wall 3 , which together have a volume 4 provide for food.

The positioning device 5 here comprises a detection device 6 which, depending on the design, a voltage sensor system 10 and / or a magnetic sensor system 11 and / or can include a sensor system for determining the temperature, which has two detector elements 7 includes. Depending on the design of the detection device 6 can this or is from the detector elements 7 the strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field below the cookware 1 located induction devices 101 and / or the temperature is recorded.

An evaluation device 18 evaluates the determined or received values for the induced voltage and / or the strength of the magnetic field and / or the temperature and compares these between the two detector elements.

The positioning device also includes 5 in the embodiment shown, a signal device 8th which here are optical signal elements 13 has, which here as a lighting element 14 are trained.

In other embodiments, not shown, the signal device can also exclusively or additionally an acoustic signal element 14 exhibit.

There is a different strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field and / or the temperature between the two detector elements 7 determined, the signal device is determined 8th towards the detector element 7 activated, which has received a stronger signal. This gives the user the direction of movement 9 in which he put a saucepan 50 has to move to ensure a particularly even energy supply for the saucepan 50 to ensure. The exact mode of operation is explained in more detail in the following figures.

In 3 is shown purely schematically that the detector elements 7 depending on the number, preferably essentially uniformly over the circumference and preferably in the edge region in the region of the pot base or the base 2 cookware 1 are arranged.

In the left figure you can see that two detector elements 7 are provided, which are essentially opposite to each other. In the middle and the right representation is based on three and four detector elements 7 indicated that this is even across the circumference of the floor 2 of the cookware 1 are distributed. The more and the more uniform the detector elements 7 are arranged, the more precisely can a direction of displacement 9 be displayed or given to a user.

In 4 is purely schematically another embodiment of a cookware according to the invention 1 shown in two representations. It can be seen that the positioning device 5 in the exemplary embodiment shown here, a detection device 6 with eight detector elements 7 which covers evenly across the circumference of the floor 2 of a cookware 1 are distributed.

The detection device 6 stands over an evaluation device 18 with the signaling device 8th in connection, the signaling device 8th here as a light ring 15 is formed, which is the wall 3 of the cookware 1 is circumferential and is arranged in the embodiment shown here in the region of the chute.

In the 5 . 6 and 7 the functionality of the cookware according to the invention is purely schematic with reference to FIG 4 shown embodiment of a cookware according to the invention 1 shown.

In 5 you can see that the saucepan 50 with a very small area on the right primary coil 103 the hob 100 gets up. This causes the detector element marked with an "x" 7 compared to the other detector elements 7 a higher induced voltage or a larger or stronger magnetic field is detected. This becomes apparent to a user by illuminating the area 16 of the illuminated ring 15 indicated, the rest of the area 17 the illuminated ring is not illuminated.

By lighting in this area 16 becomes a direction of movement for a user 9 given, the user through the highly limited illuminated area 16 immediately recognizes that the saucepan 50 in a relatively unfavorable position on the hob 100 is arranged.

The user moves the saucepan 50 in the direction of the displacement 9 , the determined values for induced voltage or strength of the magnetic field change, so that the direction of displacement 9 can be adjusted if necessary. Here is in 6 shown that the saucepan 50 continue on the right primary coil 103 was pushed so that now for the three with an "x" marked detector elements 7 one compared to the rest of the detector elements 7 Detect stronger induced voltage or a stronger magnetic field emanating from the induction coil. As a result, the corresponding areas of the illuminated ring 15 addressed or illuminated, so that a larger area 16 is lit and the rest of the area 17 of the illuminated ring 15 is not lit. Depending on which areas of the illuminated ring 15 are more illuminated, a user will find a suitable direction of movement 9 indicated.

In 7 is indicated how the lighting of the illuminated ring 15 expanded the further the saucepan 50 centrally via a primary coil 103 is pushed. As soon as the saucepan 50 essentially an induction coil or primary coil over the entire surface or evenly or in the middle 103 covers, the complete light ring shines in the embodiment shown here 15 (not shown).

Depending on the configuration, it can also be the other way round that the light ring is illuminated at those points which detect a lower voltage or a weaker magnetic field. Then the light ring 15 be completely off when the pot 50 at an optimal location on the hob 100 stands.

In other configurations, not shown, a user can move in addition to the direction 9 preferably also a shift distance can be indicated. Here, for example, a path direction and / or a path can be given to a user by means of different colored illumination or by means of different color strengths or luminosities or also by means of flashing signals.

The operation of the positioning device described above 5 can also be used with the use of temperature sensors or by evaluating the temperature at various points on the base of the pot in the case of heat radiation hobs and / or gas hobs and / or induction hobs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Cookware

2

ground

3

wall

4

receiving volume

5

positioning

6

detection device

7

detector elements

8th

signaling device

9

displacement direction

10

voltage sensor

11

magnetic field sensors

12

acoustic signal element

13

optical signal element

14

light element

15

light ring

16

Area

17

Area

18

evaluation

19

temperature sensor

50

cooking pot

100

hob

101

inductor

102

footprint

103

primary coil

200

kitchenette

201

countertop

Claims (11)

Cookware (1) comprising at least one base (2) and at least one wall (3) which provide at least one receiving volume (4) for preparing food, in particular for use on a hob (100) with at least one induction device (101) . characterized in that the cookware (1) comprises at least one positioning device (5), which comprises at least one detection device (6) with at least two detector elements (7) and at least one signal device (8), the detector elements (7) being suitable and designed for this purpose are able to detect the strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field of an induction device (101) of a hob (100) and / or the temperature, and wherein the signal device (8) is suitable and designed to provide at least one direction of displacement (9 ) to reach a suitable position. Cookware (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one detector element (7) comprises at least one voltage sensor system (10) and / or at least one magnetic field sensor system (11) and / or at least one temperature sensor (19). Cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one detector element (7) is assigned to the base (2). Cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal device (8) is assigned to the wall (3) at least in sections. Cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal device comprises at least one acoustic signal element (12) and / or optical signal element (13). Cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device (8) comprises at least one lighting element (14). Cookware (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element (14) is designed as a light ring (15). Cookware (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that individual areas (16, 17) of the light ring (15) can be illuminated differently. Method for positioning a cookware (1) according to one of the preceding claims on a hob (100), characterized in that the strength of the induced voltage and / or the magnetic field of at least one induction device (101) detected by at least two detector elements (7) Cooktop (100) and / or the temperature is detected and compared and the signaling device (8) signals a user the displacement direction (9) into a suitable position. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the signal device (8) comprises at least one light ring (15), and in that the area (16) of the light ring is illuminated for which the strongest induced voltage and / or by the detector elements (7) the strongest magnetic field was recognized in order to signal a direction of displacement (9) to a user. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the light ring (15) lights up completely when an optimal position is reached.

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