Touch display, shutdown device for a chef machine and chef machine

Abstract

A touch display (6), a shut-off device (8), and an electric food processor (1) with a heating function are disclosed. The touch display (6) has an operation panel (14) for inputting adjustment and control commands to the food processor (1). The shut-off device (8) for generating a shut-off signal for the heating function includes a sensor area (16) with a plurality of sensors (18a, 18b, 30a, 30b). The shut-off device is configured such that a shut-off signal is generated when liquid (12) is detected on the operation panel (14) by at least one of the sensors (18a, 18b, 30a, 30b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch display for an electric food processor (Kuechenmaschine) with heating function as described in the preamble of claim 1, and to a shutdown device for integration into the touch display and an electric food processor with heating function. Background Technology

[0002] In electric food processors with heating functions (such as multi-functional kitchen appliances), liquids may boil over due to excessive heating. This can only be prevented by measuring the temperature of the liquids, knowing which liquids were just heated, as the heating function then adjusts itself. However, boiling can still occur if the wrong type of liquid or the wrong temperature is set. If the boiled liquid later spreads onto the food processor's control panel (usually a touchscreen display as the user interface), operability is limited, making it difficult to turn off the appliance via the touchscreen. The heating function should only automatically shut off when the set temperature is reached. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a touch display for an electric food processor with a heating function, the touch display enabling automatic termination of liquid boiling over, so that the heating function can be turned off without manual intervention; to provide a shutdown device for integration into such a touch display and an electric food processor whose heating function is automatically terminated upon boiling over, regardless of the type of liquid boiling over.

[0004] The objective of the present invention is achieved by a touch display having the features of claim 1, a shut-off device having the features of claim 8, and an electric food processor having the features of claim 9.

[0005] The touch display for an electric food processor with a heating function according to the present invention has an operation panel for inputting adjustment and control commands for the food processor. According to the present invention, the touch display has a shutdown device for generating a shutdown signal for the heating function. The shutdown device includes a sensor area with multiple sensors, and is configured such that a shutdown signal is generated when liquid is detected on the operation panel by at least one of the sensors.

[0006] Once the sensor area detects boiling liquid, the food processor is placed in a restricted state, more specifically, the heating function is shut off to prevent further boiling. Furthermore, the stirring function can be automatically shut off via a shut-off device as long as it is present. Manual input to terminate the heating function and, preferably, the stirring function as well, is not required. Shutdown is automatic regardless of the type of liquid. In other words, upon boiling, the heating element and (if present) the stirring motor are automatically shut off. This invention assists the user if the operability of the control panel or user interface is limited. Overflowing liquid is identified by shutting off and minimized by shutting off the heating element. Contamination of the food processor and its surrounding environment caused by boiling liquid is significantly reduced. Covering by boiling liquid is identified by the shut-off device and operation is paused; this coverage can severely restrict both the visibility of the touchscreen display (the food processor's status) and its operability.

[0007] Suitable sensors include touch-sensitive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, and / or temperature sensors. The evaluation is performed independently of actual finger recognition. Larger objects can be identified by appropriately evaluating all signal levels of each sensor. This evaluation may, for example, distinguish spilled liquid from normal finger input. Preferably, a locking function is provided that locks the control panel upon the generation of an off signal. This prevents unintentional accidental input via the control panel.

[0008] To unlock the control panel, it is advantageous to provide a manual release function. Locking the control panel is preferred, allowing it to be unlocked by manually entering a release indicator. For example, the release indicator could be an input combination of numbers, or, for example, by simultaneously activating two switches, signaling to the device electronics that input was intentionally made via the control panel and not unintentionally due to cleaning.

[0009] To ensure the sensor area of ​​the shut-off device completely covers the operation panel, adjacent sensors are preferably arranged close together. This prevents insensitive free surfaces between sensors. For example, the sensors are implemented as surface sensors. Each surface sensor has multiple triangular surface areas extending in one direction from a common sensor base. Two opposing surface sensors are connected by their opposing triangles in an alternating pattern. Of course, other sensor layouts and sensor representations are also possible. For example, the sensor can have a diamond-like appearance in a top view. Importantly, free space between adjacent sensors is minimized, preferably eliminated, and the sensor area extends almost entirely, preferably the entire, operation panel.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the sensors are arranged such that at least one sensor (preferably all sensors as well) has its maximum extension in the direction in which the boiling liquid is most likely to first reach the control panel. In the case of a touchscreen display oriented towards the user, the liquid may move from the upper or higher edge of the touchscreen display towards the lower or lower edge. Depending on the layout of the touchscreen display, at least several sensors may therefore extend to the entire height or width of the control panel. To cover the control panel in their respective second or lateral directions, the sensors can be arranged side-by-side in rows or overlapping vertically in rows.

[0011] Sensors can be identical, meaning they have the same physical principles, the same surface, and the same sensitivity. For example, all sensors can be touch-sensitive sensors.

[0012] Alternatively, at least two different sensor types can be provided. That is, the sensors are based on different physical principles and / or have different surface sizes and / or different sensitivities. For example, a temperature sensor can also be provided next to the touch-sensitive sensor, so that the shut-off device is only activated when a section of the control panel is covered or wetted by hot liquid. If a cold liquid such as cold water or cold milk is accidentally dripped onto the control panel, the shut-off device will not intervene in the control and adjustment of the food processor.

[0013] The shut-off device according to the invention, for integration into a touch display of an electric food processor with a heating function, is used to generate a shut-off signal for the heating and / or stirring functions. The shut-off device has a sensor area with multiple sensors and is configured such that when liquid is detected on the operation panel of the touch display by at least one of the sensors, a shut-off signal is generated, thereby automatically terminating boiling over.

[0014] The electric food processor with heating function according to the invention has a touch display according to the invention or a shut-off device according to the invention, such that boiling over is terminated by automatic shut-off, which also advantageously affects the operability of the food processor.

[0015] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the other dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] In the following description, specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying, schematically simplified figures. These specific features may represent the general characteristics of the invention, regardless of the specific relationships in which they are referred to, and may be considered individually or in another combination as necessary.

[0017] Figure 1 A side view of the food processor according to the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A side view shows the liquid boiling over in the food processor according to the invention.

[0019] Figure 3 A top view of a touch display according to the present invention is shown, and

[0020] Figure 4 A top view of the sensor area according to the invention is shown for the shut-off device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] exist Figure 1 The electric food processor 1 according to the present invention is shown in a side view. The food processor 1 is a multi-functional kitchen appliance with heating and stirring functions, used for cooking meals and / or for warming liquids such as water and milk. The multi-functional kitchen appliance has a base 2, in which the electronic devices and electrical components necessary for operation are specifically arranged, such as a heating device 4 for warming meals (heating function or cooking function) and a drive motor for driving the stirrer 5 (stirring function).

[0022] In the front area of ​​base 2 that is usually facing the user (in) Figure 1 Arranged on the left side according to the side view, a touch display 6 is provided as the user interface, that is, for operating the food processor 1. For improved comfort, the touch display 6 is slightly tilted towards the user. The touch display 6 is equipped with a shut-off device 8 according to the invention for shutting off the heating function, and also for shutting off the mixing function due to the presence of the stirrer 5. The shut-off device 8 is described in more detail below.

[0023] In the rear area, base 2 (in Figure 1 The container 10 (arranged on the right side according to the side view) has a standflaeche for holding a container 10 used as a pot for food and / or liquids. The container 10 can be removed from the standflaeche.

[0024] exist Figure 2 The simulation depicts a scenario where a liquid 12, such as water, is placed in container 10 and boils over. This could occur, for example, due to excessive heating set by the user, or because the container 10 is filled beyond its maximum value. The boiling liquid 12 overflows from container 10 across the container's edge and flows outwards along the container wall due to gravity. Upon reaching the base 2, the liquid 12 is at least partially distributed onto the touchscreen display 6.

[0025] Now, the shut-off device 8 detects the overflowing liquid and generates a shut-off signal for the heating device 4 and the stirrer 5, causing the heating and stirring functions to automatically terminate and the boiling over to stop due to the shutdown of the heating function, thus preventing further liquid from flowing out of the container. Furthermore, the shut-off device 8 locks the operation panel 14 of the touch display 6 via an automatic locking function, preventing the input of any other adjustment and control commands to the food processor. Other adjustment and control commands can only be input when the release function of the shut-off device 8 unlocks the operation panel 14 by manually entering a release flag.

[0026] exist Figure 3 The image shows an exemplary touch display 6 of a food processor 1. The touch display 6 has a touch-sensitive control panel 14 for inputting adjustment and control commands for the food processor 1. In the embodiment shown here, the control panel 14 has a screen diagonal of 5 inches, arranged horizontally with a width greater than its height. From the user's perspective, the control panel 14 is positioned behind a transparent cover and is therefore protected from damage, as is often the case in the field of household appliances. From the cover, the shut-off device 8 according to the invention is visible... Figure 4 The sensor area 16 shown in the example is arranged behind the operation panel 14.

[0027] The sensor area 16 of the shut-off device 8 includes multiple individual sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b. These sensors extend together across the entire control panel 14, ensuring no free space exists between adjacent sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b. In the embodiment shown here, 14 sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b are provided. The number and shape of the sensors vary depending on the size of the control panel 14. The sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b are arranged vertically overlapping in two horizontal rows (bottom row, top row) when the food processor 1 is assembled as specified, with seven sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b positioned in each row. By averaging all signal levels with respect to each sensor 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b, larger objects, such as a hand or pot on the touch display 6, can be identified, thus preventing the heating function from being forcibly shut off, and in this case, the stirring function is also not forcibly shut off. With proper evaluation, distinguishing between objects and liquids may result in different device behaviors.

[0028] The preferred form and layout of sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b are described below, based on sensors 18a in the lower left and sensors 18b in the upper left of the figure.

[0029] Sensors 18a and 18b are configured as touch-sensitive surface sensors, such that each sensor 18a and 18b includes triangular faces 36a, b, c and 38a, b, c, d, which extend from common sensor bases 40 and 42 in a common direction: the bottom row sensor 18a rests against the lower boundary of the operation panel 14 with its base 40 and extends upwards towards the upper boundary of the operation panel 14 with its triangular faces 36a, b, c, and thus across the entire height of the operation panel 14. The top row sensor 18b rests against the upper boundary of the operation panel 14 with its base 42 and extends downwards towards the lower boundary of the operation panel 14 with its triangular faces 38a, b, c, d, and thus also across the entire height of the operation panel 14. Sensors 18a and 18b are alternately connected by their triangular faces 36a, b, c, 38a, b, c, and d. Since the top sensor 18b has one more triangular facet, it forms two outer triangular faces 38a and 38d, which are placed on the sides of the bottom sensor 18b. The triangular faces 36a, b, c, 38b, and c of sensors 18a and 18b are in principle the same size. However, the two outer triangular faces 38a and 38d of the top sensor have only half the size of the other triangular faces 36a, b, c, 38b, and c, so that the two outer triangular faces 38a and 38d have the same total area as the other triangular faces 36a, b, c, 38b, and c.

[0030] Therefore, one bottom sensor 18a and one top sensor 18b can be combined into a sensor pair. Since 14 sensors 18a, 18b up to 30a, 30b are provided, the shut-off device 8 has seven identical sensor pairs in this embodiment.

[0031] A touch display for an electric food processor with a heating function, a shut-off device, and an electric food processor are disclosed. The touch display has an operation panel for inputting adjustment and control commands for the food processor, wherein the shut-off device for generating a shut-off signal for the heating function includes a sensor area with multiple sensors and is configured such that a shut-off signal is generated when liquid is detected on the operation panel by at least one of the sensors.

[0032] List of reference numerals

[0033] 1. Food processor

[0034] 2. Base

[0035] 4. Heating device

[0036] 5. Mixer

[0037] 6. Touchscreen display

[0038] 8. Shutdown device

[0039] 10 containers

[0040] 12. Liquid, boiling

[0041] 14. Control Panel

[0042] 16 Sensor Area

[0043] Sensors 18a and 18b

[0044] Sensors 20a and 20b

[0045] Sensors 22a and 22b

[0046] 24a, b sensors

[0047] Sensors 26a and 26b

[0048] Sensors 28a and 28b

[0049] 30a, b sensors

[0050] 36a, b, c sides

[0051] 38a, b, c, d sides

[0052] 40 Sensor Base

[0053] 42 Sensor Base

Claims

1. Touch display (6) for an electric kitchen machine (1) with heating function, with an operating panel (14) for inputting adjustment and control commands for the kitchen machine (1), characterized in that A shutdown device (8) for generating a shutdown signal for the heating function, wherein the shutdown device (8) comprises a sensor field (16) with a plurality of sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) and is designed such that the shutdown signal is generated when a liquid (12) is recognized on the operating panel (14) by at least one of the sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b).

2. The touch display of claim 1, wherein, An automatic locking function is provided, which locks the operating panel (14) when the shutdown signal is generated.

3. The touch display of claim 2, wherein, A manual release function is provided, which unlocks the operating panel (14) after input of a release sign.

4. The touch display of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein, Adjacent sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) adjoin one another.

5. The touch display of claim 4, wherein, At least one sensor (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) extends over the entire height of the operating panel (14) or over the entire width of the operating panel (14).

6. The touch display of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein, The sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) are identical.

7. The touch display of claim 6, wherein, The sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) are of the same type, have the same sensitive surface size and the same sensitivity.

8. The touch display of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein, At least two different sensor types are provided.

9. The touch display of claim 8, wherein, At least two different sensor types of different types and / or sensitive surface sizes and / or different sensitivities are provided.

10. A shutdown device (8) for integration into a touch display of an electric kitchen machine with a heating function, the shutdown device (8) being for generating a shutdown signal for the heating function, the shutdown device (8) having a sensor field (16) with a plurality of sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) and being designed such that the shutdown signal is generated when a liquid (12) is recognized on an operating panel (14) of the touch display (6) by at least one of the sensors (18a, 18b; 20a, 20b; 22a, 22b; 24a, 24b; 26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b).

11. An electric kitchen machine (1) having a heating function and having a touch display (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or having a switch-off device (8) according to claim 10.

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