EP2037178A2 - Safety method and device for a worktop - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (5) has a detecting unit for detecting exceed of a part i.e. handle (4') of a cooking container (4) e.g. frying pan, beyond a free side (2a) of a cooking surface (2') of a cooking appliance i.e. cooktop (2), of a worktop (1). A warning unit indicates exceed of the part of the cooking container. The detecting unit has a sensor (6) located along the free side of the surface of the worktop. Another sensor (7) i.e. telemeter, detects presence of a person (20) near the cooking surface. An independent claim is also included for a safety method against accidents caused by hitching of a cooking container placed on a worktop.

Description

The present invention relates to a safety device against domestic accidents, in particular those caused by a cooking vessel located on a surface, and in particular on a hob.

It also relates to a safety process against domestic accidents associated with such a device.

In addition, the invention relates to a cooking appliance comprising such a device and adapted to implement such a method.

Many household accidents occur when cooking food and liquid on a cooktop. Often, these accidents are due to exceeding a portion of the cooking vessel of the hob, and in particular, the passing of a handle of a pan or saucepan.

If the user of the hob places a pan so that the handle protrudes from one edge of the hob, there is a risk of a home accident. Thus, if for example the user moves away from the hob leaving the pan in such a position, there is a risk of snagging on his return to the hob.

In the same way, if the user moves away from the cooktop leaving the stove in such a situation and a child approaches the cooktop, there is also a risk of a home accident.

The document US 5,717,188 describes a cooktop having a safety device adapted to reduce the cooking power, when the cooking reaches a predetermined power and that no one approaches the hob for a period of time determined.

Nevertheless, accidents by hooking of the portion of the cooking vessel that exceeds the edge of the surface are not avoided.

In addition, cooking the food is not optimal when the power is different from the desired cooking power.

One solution to avoid accidents is to fix grids or nets at the edge of the cooktop, to prevent access to the cooktop by a child as well as to the controls of the cooktop and cooking containers. cooking.

This solution also prevents the attachment by an adult of the part of the cooking vessel that protrudes.

However, this solution, in addition to being unsightly, is especially not practical when cooking, since it requires to be installed when one moves away from the hob and d to be uninstalled when approaching and that one wants to continue in a comfortable way to cook.

The present invention aims to solve the above limitations and to provide a safety device against accidents for a work plan and a method associated with this device, for detecting a risk situation.

For this purpose, the present invention aims in a first aspect, a safety device for a worktop having a surface, and in particular a hob, adapted to receive a cooking vessel.

According to the invention, the device comprises means for detecting the passing of a portion of said cooking vessel beyond at least one free side of said surface.

Thus, the risk situation when part of the cooking vessel exceeds the free edge of a surface is detected, and can then be processed.

According to a preferred feature, the safety device comprises warning means adapted to indicate the passing of part of the cooking vessel beyond the at least one free side of the surface.

Therefore, the user is notified when a risk situation caused by exceeding a portion of the cooking vessel beyond a free edge of a surface is present.

It is thus possible to prevent a domestic accident, such as a burn due to the attachment of the handle of a stove.

In particular, the means for detecting the overflow of a portion of the cooking vessel comprise at least one sensor located along the at least one free side of the surface.

Thus, it is possible to detect the exceeding of the portion of the cooking vessel all along one side of the surface. For example, this side is the free side or side in front of which the person stands to cook. The surface is for example a hob and the person the user of the hob.

Advantageously, the security device further comprises means for detecting the presence of a person near the surface.

Thus, it is possible to detect when a person is close to the surface, for example the user of a hob. It is also possible to detect a situation in which there is no one near the surface.

According to one characteristic, the security device comprises timing means adapted to calculate the time elapsed since the time at which said means for detecting the presence of a person do not detect the presence of a person.

Thanks to these delaying means, it is possible to estimate the time during which a person is not present near the surface, and thus to identify the existence of a risk of domestic accident beyond a predetermined time during which no one is present near the surface.

The present invention relates to a second aspect, a method against accidents, caused in particular by the attachment of a cooking vessel located on a work surface having a surface, and in particular a hob.

According to the invention, the method comprises a step of detecting the passing of part of the cooking vessel beyond at least one free side of the surface.

Thus, the risk situation when part of the cooking vessel exceeds the free edge of the surface is detected and can be further processed.

Preferably, the safety method includes a warning step when a portion of the cooking vessel protrudes beyond the at least one free side of the surface.

Thus, the user is warned of the presence of a risk situation and can avoid the attachment of the cooking vessel.

According to a preferred feature, the security method further comprises a step of detecting the presence of a person near the surface.

With these detection means, it is possible to detect when a person is close to the surface, and when there is nobody near the surface.

In practice, a warning step is implemented, if the exceeding of a portion of the cooking vessel beyond the at least one free side of the surface is detected and if the presence of a person near the surface is not detected for a predetermined period of time.

Thus, when the person moves away from the surface for a certain period of time by letting go of part of the cooking vessel, the safety device warns him of the presence of a risk situation.

The person being warned can put back the protruding portion of the cooking vessel inside the surface, thus avoiding the risk of a domestic accident.

The present invention relates to a third aspect, a cooking appliance, in particular a hob having a cooking surface.

According to the invention, the cooking appliance comprises a safety device according to the invention.

In practice, the means for detecting the passing of a part of a cooking vessel beyond a free side of the cooking surface comprise at least one sensor situated under the plane of said cooking surface, along at least one free side of the cooking surface, between a cooking hearth and said at least one free side of said cooking surface.

Thus, it is possible to detect when a portion of the cooking vessel protrudes from at least one free edge of the cooking surface.

According to one characteristic, the safety device comprises means for detecting the presence of a person located under the plane of said cooking surface and arranged in a plane inclined with respect to the plane of said cooking surface.

With these detection means, it is possible to detect whether a person is close to the cooking surface. This person is for example a user of a hob.

Advantageously, the angle of inclination of the inclined plane in which are arranged the means for detecting the presence of a person is substantially equal to 45 °.

Thus, it is possible to detect whether an adult person is close to the hob, the angle of inclination being calculated so that the means of detecting the presence of a person can perform this detection.

The cooking appliance is adapted to implement the safety method according to the invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une vue du dessus d'un schéma illustrant une table de cuisson comprenant un dispositif de sécurité conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté d'un schéma illustrant un plan de travail comprenant une table de cuisson comprenant un dispositif de sécurité conforme à l'invention ; et
• la figure 3 est un schéma illustrant un dispositif de sécurité conforme à l'invention.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the figure 1 is a top view of a diagram illustrating a hob comprising a safety device according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a side view of a diagram illustrating a work plan comprising a hob comprising a safety device according to the invention; and
• the figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a safety device according to the invention.

We will first describe with reference to figures 1 and 2 , an embodiment of a safety device for a worktop proposed by the invention.

The worktop 1 comprises a hob 2 here with four fireplaces 3. The hob 2 has a cooking surface 2 'adapted to receive containers. Thus, a cooking vessel 4 (for example a pan) is located on the cooking surface 2 ', on one of the four foci 3.

Of course, the number of fireplaces 3 of the hob 2 may have different values.

Here, the cooking surface 2 'corresponds to the entire surface of the hob 2.

This hob 2 is for example a glass-ceramic plate, with radiant heating means or induction.

The hob 2 comprises a safety device 5. Here, the safety device 5 is located under the plane of the hob 2.

The safety device 5 comprises means 6 for detecting the passing of part of the cooking vessel 4, beyond an edge 2a of the cooking table 2. This edge 2a is the free edge of the cooking table. 2, or the one that is closest to a user 20 of the hob 2 and the one in front of which the user 20 is placed when he uses the hob 2.

Thus, the overflow detection means 6 detect when for example the handle 4 'of the pan 4 exceeds the free edge 2a or the edge closest to the user 20.

Here, the overflow detection means 6 comprise several presence detection sensors 6, located for example in a straight line, over a length substantially equal to the length of the side of the hob 2 closest to the user 20.

Two consecutive presence detection sensors 6 are located at a distance such that all the situations in which the handle 4 'of the stove 4 exceeds the free edge 2a of the hob 2 are detected, thus avoiding blind spots.

By way of illustrative and in no way limiting example, the distance between two consecutive presence detection sensors 6 may belong to a range of values between 4 and 10 cm, and the detection cone of the sensors 6 has a half-angle of opening of 20 °.

By way of non-limiting example, the overflow detection sensors 6 are infrared or ultrasonic sensors.

The security device 5 further comprises means for detecting the presence 7 of a person 20.

These detection means 7 comprise at least one sensor 7 located substantially in the middle of the hob 2 in this embodiment.

The sensor 7 could be located at other positions in other embodiments.

The sensor 7 is located in a plane A inclined relative to the plane of the hob 2. Thus, by means of the sensor 7, it is possible to detect the presence of a person 20 in front of the hob 2.

The angle of inclination α of the plane A on which the sensor 7 is situated is defined according to the minimum size of the person 20 to be detected, for a height ht at which the given hob 2 is located. Thus, when the value of the angle of inclination α of the plane A is increased, the minimum size of the person 20 to be detected is reduced.

By way of non-limiting example, it is considered that the minimum size of a person to be detected may belong to a range of values between 130 and 150 cm.

The angle of inclination α of the plane A is thus calculated in order to detect a person with a minimum size of 140 cm for example near the table.

Of course, these values of the size of a person can be different and are in no way limiting.

The presence sensor 7 may be a range finder.

Thus, by means of the range finder, the user of the cooktop 2 can be detected at a distance, for example, between 10 and 80 cm.

Thanks to the intrinsic characteristics of the range finder, the distance between the user 20 and the hob can be measured. It is thus possible to know if the user 20 changes position or if the user 20 approaches the hob 2.

The presence sensor 7 then makes it possible to distinguish between a moving person and an obstacle present in front of the hob 2.

Of course, other types of sensors may be used, such as for example an infrared radiation detection sensor emitted by the human body or an ultrasonic sensor.

We will then calculate the angle of inclination α of the plane A with an approximate numerical example.

For example, we consider that the height ht at which the hob 2 is located is 80 cm, the depth p of the hob 2 is 60 cm, that we want to detect a person of a minimum size h 140 cm and a person is close to the hob when the distance dp between the hob 2 and this person is 30 cm.

Of course, the values of these parameters are non-limiting examples. When these values are different, the angle of inclination α of the plane A is different.

Note that the user 20 shown on the figure 2 has a size greater than the minimum size h detected (140 cm) and is thus detected by the sensor 7.

Thus, the height overhang hp of the person (considering that the person has a height h of 140 cm) relative to the hob 2 is: $$\mathit{hp}\mathit{=}\mathit{h}\mathit{-}\mathit{ht}=140-80=60\mathit{cl}$$

On the other hand, the distance d between the person 20 and the sensor 7 (considering that the sensor 7 is positioned in the middle of the table, that is to say that the distance dt between the sensor 7 and the edge of the cooktop 2 closest to the user 20, corresponds to half the depth p of the hob 2) is approximately equal to: $$d\mathit{=}\mathit{dp}+\mathit{dt}=\mathit{dp}+\frac{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="p"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">p</figure-callout>}}{2}=30+30=60$$

Thus, the angle φ formed between the nominal direction of the sensor 7 and the plane of the hob 2 is approximately equal to: $$\mathrm{\phi }=\arctan \frac{\mathit{hp}}{d}=45°$$

Consequently, the plane A on which the sensor 7 is located forms with the plane of the hob 2 an angle of inclination α of at least 45 °: $$\mathrm{\alpha }\mathrm{=}\mathrm{90}\mathrm{°}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{\phi }\mathrm{=}\mathrm{45}\mathrm{°}$$

This calculation was made by considering a sensor detection cone with a very narrow half-angle of opening β.

However, the sensor 7 has a detection cone with a half opening angle β which can be variable from one sensor model to another.

Therefore, if this detection cone is taken into account with a half opening angle β of the sensor 7, the angle of inclination α required of the plane A on which the sensor 7 is located can be decreased.

By way of non-limiting example, the detection cone of an infrared rangefinder 7 has a half-opening angle β of 5 °.

Of course, when it is desired to detect the presence of a person of minimum size greater than 140 cm, the angle of inclination α of the plane A must be decreased. On the contrary, when it is desired to detect the presence of a person with a minimum size of less than 140 cm, the angle of inclination α of the plane A must be increased.

The angle of inclination α of the plane A thus varies according to the value of the opening half-angle β of the detection cone of the sensor 7 used, and also according to the distance dp at which it is desired to detect the presence of a nobody 20.

On the other hand, when the height ht at which the hob 2 is installed decreases (the angle of inclination α of the plane A being fixed by construction), the detection means 7 are adapted to detect the presence of a hob. person of a minimum minimum size; and when the height ht increases, the detection means 7 are able to detect the presence of a person of a greater minimum size.

Advantageously, during the installation of the hob 2, the angle of inclination α of the plane A on which the sensor 7 is located, can be adjusted by adjustment means (not shown in the figure).

These adjustment means may be for example a worm, located under the glass-ceramic plate.

Thus, the user can choose the minimum height of detection of the presence of a person at a given distance from the table, once he has chosen the height at which he wants to install the hob 2.

We will describe with reference to the figure 3 , other means used in this embodiment which are not visible on the figures 1 and 2 , and with reference to figures 1 , 2 and 3 the security method according to the invention.

The sensors 6, 7 are connected to an electronic control card which comprises a microprocessor or control unit 10, allowing, from the signals transmitted by the sensors 6, 7 and a processing algorithm which will be described below. , to detect the risk situations caused by the passing of a portion of a container 4 beyond a free side 2a of the hob 2.

When the means for detecting the overflow 6 of a part of the container detect the passing of the handle 4 'of the pan 4, detection signals are sent to the control unit 10.

At the same time, the detection means 7 of the presence of a person 20 detect the presence or absence of a person 20 near the hob 2.

As explained above, the presence detection means 7 of a person are adapted to detect the presence of a person of a minimum size.

Thus, when the detection means 7 of the presence of a person 20 do not detect the presence of the user 20, the control unit 10 instructs the delay means 12 to start measuring the time. absence of a user 20 near the hob 2.

When the user's absence time exceeds a predetermined period of time and the overshoot detection means 6 have detected the passing of a portion 4 'of the cooking vessel 4 (here, the exceeding of the handle 4 4), the control unit 10 gives the order to warning means 11 to warn the user 20 of the presence of a risk situation.

The predetermined period of time can be set by the user 20 of the hob 2.

Thus, the user sets by means of adjustment means of a timer (not shown in the figure), the period of time that it considers sufficient to go for example an ingredient or a kitchen utensil without causing the setting implement warning means, and at the same time short enough so that a child does not have time to approach the hob 2.

The user can thus take into account his particular environment, for example, the size of his kitchen.

For example, the predetermined period of time is three seconds.

It should be noted that the user is considered as an adult person (greater than 140 cm for example). Thus, when in the risk situation described above, the control unit 10 gives the order to warn the user 20 of the hob 2 of this risk situation, and the means of warning 11 warn the person 20 of the presence of a risk situation.

The presence of a child, smaller than the minimum size detected, near the hob is not detected and therefore the warning step is implemented in the same way as in the absence of an adult person.

In this embodiment, the warning is an audible warning. Thus the safety device comprises audible warning means 11, to warn the user of the hob of the existence of a risk situation.

The warning can also be visual. For example, the control unit 10 gives the order to turn on a light emitting diode.

Of course, other treatments of the detection of the situation of risk can be put in place. For example, when the control unit 10 is informed of the passing of the handle, it gives the order to extinguish the hobs 3.

Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to warn the user of a cooking appliance, for example a hob, the risk situation that represents a cooking vessel placed on the hob in a position such as part of the container protrudes from the cooktop, in the absence of a user.

Therefore, the warned user can deal with the risk situation, and thus avoid it.

In addition, the safety device in a situation such as that proposed by the invention is effective, practical as well as aesthetic.

Of course, many modifications can be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, when the cooking appliance is for example insulated, that is to say, which has no other element at its sides, means for detecting the overtaking of part of the cooking vessel can be installed along the lateral sides of the cooking appliance, and for example a stove.

In the same way, if there is no element around the cooking appliance, means for detecting the overflow of a portion of the cooking vessel may be installed along its entire periphery.

The means for detecting the presence of a person are adapted to detect a person present at least in front of the front of the cooking appliance.

Thus, the user would be notified of the passing of part of the cooking vessel by one of the free sides of the cooking apparatus, in the absence of a user in front of the cooking appliance.

Alternatively, the presence detection means of a person may be adapted to detect a person on several or all sides of the cooking appliance.

Furthermore, the cooking surface could have different shapes, such as, for example, circular or oval.

Finally, the warning of exceeding a portion of a container beyond at least one free side of the surface can be implemented without being coupled to delay means depending on the presence or absence of a adult person near the cooktop.

Claims (15)

Safety device (5) for a work surface (1) having a surface (2), and in particular a hob (2) adapted to receive a cooking vessel (4), characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the overflow (6) of a portion (4 ') of said cooking vessel (4) beyond at least one free side (2a) of said surface (2). Safety device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises warning means (11) adapted to indicate the passing of a portion (4 ') of said cooking vessel (4) beyond said at least one free side (2a) of said surface (2). Safety device (5) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for detecting the overflow (6) of a portion (4 ') of said cooking vessel (4) comprise at least one sensor (6) located along said at least one free side (2a) of said surface (2). Safety device (5) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises means (7) for detecting the presence of a person (20) close to said surface (2). ). Safety device (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises timing means (12) adapted to calculate the time elapsed since the instant at which said detection means (7) for the presence of a no one (20) detect the presence of a person (20). Safety device (5) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the means (7) for detecting the presence of a person (20) comprise a rangefinder (7). Cooking appliance (2), in particular a hob (2), having a cooking surface (2 '), characterized in that it comprises a safety device (5) according to one of Claims 1 to 6. Cooking apparatus (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for detecting the overtaking (6) of a portion (4 ') of a cooking vessel (4) beyond a free side (2a) of said cooking surface (2), comprise at least one sensor (6) located under the plane of said cooking surface (2 '), along at least one free side (2a) of the surface of the cooking surface (2'). cooking (2 '), between a cooking zone (3) and said at least one free side (2a) of said cooking surface (2'). Cooking appliance (2) according to one of Claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the safety device (5) comprises means (6) for detecting the presence of a person (20) situated under the plane of said cooking surface (2 ') and arranged in an inclined plane (A) with respect to the plane of said cooking surface (2'). Cooking appliance (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the angle of inclination (α) of said inclined plane (A) in which the detection means (7) of the presence of a person ( 20) is substantially equal to 45 °. A method of safety against accidents, caused in particular by the attachment of a cooking vessel (4) located on a work surface (1) having a surface (2), and in particular a hob (2), characterized in that that it comprises a step of detecting the overshooting of a portion (4 ') of said cooking vessel (4) beyond at least one free side (2a) of said surface (2). Safety method according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a warning step when a portion (4 ') of said cooking vessel (4) protrudes beyond said at least one free side (2a) of said surface (2). Security method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that it further comprises a step of detecting the presence of a person (20) near said surface (2). Safety method according to claim 13, characterized in that a warning step is carried out if the passing of a portion (4 ') of said cooking vessel (4) beyond said at least one side free (2a) of said surface (2) is detected and if the presence of a person (20) in the vicinity of said surface (2) is not detected for a predetermined period of time. Cooking appliance (2) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it is suitable for implementing the safety method according to one of Claims 11 to 14.

Images