Temperature sensor for a preparation device with at least one contact temperature probe and system with a temperature sensor

Abstract

Temperature sensor (2) for a preparation device (8) for food and / or liquid, comprising at least one contact temperature sensor (4) with a temperature measuring surface (6) and at least one retaining means (12) for detachably attaching the temperature sensor (2) to an outer surface (10) of the preparation device (8), characterized in that the temperature sensor (2) has at least one contact sensor (14) for detecting proper contact between the temperature measuring surface (6) of the contact temperature sensor (4) and the outer surface (10) of the preparation device (8), wherein, depending on a determined contact state between the temperature measuring surface (6) and the outer surface (10), optically and / or acoustically perceptible information can be output by means of at least one user interface.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a temperature sensor for a preparation device with at least one contact temperature sensor of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 and a system with a temperature sensor of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 8.

[0002] Such temperature sensors for cooking appliances, comprising at least one contact temperature probe with a temperature measuring surface and at least one retaining means for detachably attaching the temperature sensor to an outer surface of the cooking appliance, are generally known in the prior art. These temperature sensors are used, for example, to control a heating device designed as a cooktop.

[0003] For example, the publications WO 2010 066 556 A1 and DE 10 2015 212 778 A1 show a temperature sensor that can be removed from a cooking utensil.

[0004] The publication EP 2 824 393 A1 discloses a cooking vessel with a control unit, which is in particular removable. The control unit includes a sensor for detecting its movement.

[0005] From the publication DE 44 11 850 C2 it is known to equip a lid of a pot, in particular the handle of the lid, with a sensor for detecting temperatures of a cooking vessel.

[0006] The invention therefore addresses the problem of improving the reliability of temperature measurement using a temperature sensor for a preparation device with at least one contact temperature sensor, as well as for a system with such a temperature sensor.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a temperature sensor for a preparation device with at least one contact temperature sensor having the features of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor has at least one contact sensor for detecting proper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device, and wherein, depending on a determined contact state between the temperature measuring surface and the outer surface, optically and / or acoustically perceptible information can be output via at least one user interface. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a system with the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0008] The advantages achievable with the invention lie particularly in the improved reliability of temperature measurement using a temperature sensor for a preparation device with at least one contact temperature probe, as well as in a system with such a temperature sensor. For high-quality temperature measurement of the outer surface of the preparation device, good contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature probe of the temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device is essential. However, this contact can be impaired or even interrupted by environmental conditions and / or by operating errors when handling the temperature sensor. For example, it is conceivable that a user might incorrectly attach the temperature sensor to the outer surface of the preparation device.Another possible cause of error is that the outer surface of the preparation device is dirty, so that proper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device is impaired or even interrupted. The invention provides a remedy for this.

[0009] By means of at least one contact sensor for detecting proper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device, information that depends on the determined contact state between the temperature measuring surface and the outer surface can be output. The at least one user interface for outputting the information can be located on the temperature sensor and / or the preparation device and / or a third-party device, for example, a heating device for heating the preparation device, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. A user of the temperature sensor and the system according to the invention can thus be alerted to improper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface.At the same time, the user can also be informed of possible causes and / or further procedures for establishing proper contact. The user can also be notified in this way whether proper contact has already been established.

[0010] In principle, the type, function, material, dimensions, arrangement, and number of contact sensors can be freely selected within wide suitable limits. Advantageously, the contact sensor is designed as at least one sensor from the group consisting of electrical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and structure-borne sound sensors. These sensors are proven and available in a multitude of different embodiments. Depending on the requirements of the individual case, the person skilled in the art will select the appropriate sensor(s). For example, it is conceivable that a combination of different sensor types is used in a multiple of contact sensors. This effectively prevents unwanted interference between sensors based on different principles.On the other hand, the advantages of the respective sensor principles can be combined.

[0011] A further advantageous embodiment of the temperature sensor according to the invention provides that the contact sensor for detecting proper contact is designed independently of the at least one holding means and / or independently of the at least one contact temperature sensor. In this way, the at least one contact sensor on the one hand and the at least one holding means and / or the at least one contact temperature sensor on the other can be specifically adapted to the respective requirements.

[0012] An alternative embodiment of the temperature sensor according to the invention provides that the contact sensor for detecting proper contact is operatively connected to the at least one holding element and / or to the at least one contact temperature sensor. This makes it possible to design the temperature sensor in a more space-saving and thus more compact manner. Furthermore, it is possible to save on components, since synergies between the at least one contact sensor on one side and the at least one holding element and / or the at least one contact temperature sensor on the other side can be utilized.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment of the temperature sensor according to the invention provides that the at least one contact temperature sensor is designed as a plurality of contact temperature sensors, wherein the contact temperature sensors are arranged in a row at intervals from one another. In this way, it is possible to simultaneously detect the temperature via a plurality of temperature measuring points on the outer surface of the preparation device. For example, a height profile of the temperature distribution in the preparation device can thus be determined.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment of the temperature sensor according to the invention provides that the at least one holding means is designed as a plurality of holding means. This allows the temperature sensor to be held on the outer surface of the preparation device by means of a plurality of stops. Accordingly, the contact between the temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device is improved.

[0015] Preferably, the individual holding elements are spaced apart from each other on the temperature sensor.

[0016] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the temperature sensor according to the invention provides that the temperature sensor has one of at least one user interfaces for outputting information about the contact state. In this way, the contact state between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature probe of the temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device can be communicated to a user independently of a third-party device, for example, a heating device for heating the preparation device.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, another advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that the heating device has one of the at least one user interfaces for outputting information about the contact state.

[0018] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that the heating device is controllable depending on the contact state. This makes it possible to prevent poor control of the heating device due to poor or missing contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor of the temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device, and the associated poor temperature measurement at the outer surface of the preparation device. For example, a corresponding warning could be issued via the at least one user interface.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown purely schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention, in a partial view, Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention, in a partial view and Fig. 3 a third embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention, in a partial view.

[0020] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention in a partial view. The temperature sensor 2 has five contact temperature probes 4, each with a temperature measuring surface 6. As shown in Figure 1, a first embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention is shown in a partial view. The temperature sensor 2 has five contact temperature probes 4, each with a temperature measuring surface 6. Fig. The contact temperature sensors 4 are arranged in a row and spaced apart from each other. The temperature sensor 2 has a retaining element (not shown) for detachable attachment to a cooking appliance. This element could, for example, be a magnet. In addition to a frictional connection, a positive-locking connection between the temperature sensor 2 and the cooking appliance, which here is a cooking pot 8, is also conceivable. The temperature sensor 2 can be detachably attached to an outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8 by means of the retaining element. If the temperature sensor 2 is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the temperature of the cooking pot 8 can be measured simultaneously at five measuring points evenly distributed over the height of the cooking pot 8 by means of the five contact temperature sensors 4.

[0021] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 2 has a contact sensor (not shown). In this embodiment, the contact sensor is designed as an electrical sensor. To determine whether the temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the contact temperature probes 4 of the temperature sensor 2 are properly connected to the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8, the electrical sensor can measure the quality of the electrical contact between the electrical sensor of the temperature sensor 2 and the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8. This can be done, for example, using a reference point spaced away from the electrical sensor. If no conductivity is detectable by the electrical sensor, the temperature sensor 2 is not correctly attached to the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8. If only poor conductivity is detected, it is possible that the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8 and / or the temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the temperature sensor 2 are dirty.This can happen, for example, if food overflows during cooking.

[0022] For the applications under consideration, good electrical conductors are also good thermal conductors. Accordingly, good electrical contact implies good thermal contact. For example, such an electrical sensor could be operatively connected to one, several, or all of the temperature measuring surfaces 6. The electrical sensor could be operatively connected to one of the temperature measuring surfaces 6, and the aforementioned reference point could be another of the temperature measuring surfaces 6. However, the electrical sensor can also be designed independently of the temperature measuring surfaces 6 and thus independently of the contact temperature sensors 4. The same applies to the holding element, which is not shown.In a cooking pot designed for induction cooking, the electrical sensor could also be used to measure a potential difference that is present on the outer surface of the cooking pot due to inductive heating.

[0023] As from Fig. As is clearly evident from Figure 1, all five temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the contact temperature sensors 4 are in contact with the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 12, ensuring proper contact between the five temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the contact temperature sensors 4 and the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 12. The thermal contact between the temperature measuring surfaces 6 and the outer surface 10 is good. The temperature measurements using the five contact temperature sensors 4 are therefore of good quality. This information about the contact status between the five temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the contact temperature sensors 4 and the outer surface 10 can be output, for example, via a user interface of a heating device (not shown) of a system comprising the heating device, the cooking pot 8 which can be heated by the heating device, and the temperature sensor 2 which is detachably attached to the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8.If there is no proper contact between the five temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the contact temperature probes 4 of the temperature sensor 2 and the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8, this could also be output via the user interface as information about the contact status in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The following embodiments are explained only to the extent of their distinguishing features compared to the preceding embodiment(s). Identical or equivalent components are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention in a partial view. The temperature sensor 2 also has five contact temperature probes 4, each with a temperature measuring surface 6. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 2 has two holding means arranged apart from each other and designed as holding magnets 12. Due to the Fig. As shown in the arrangement of the holding magnets 12, and assuming a clean outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8, proper contact between the temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the contact temperature sensors 4 and the outer surface 10 results when the temperature sensor 2 is properly positioned on the outer surface 10. Fig. For clarity, the temperature sensor 2 is shown slightly spaced away from the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8.

[0026] Unlike the first embodiment, the at least one contact sensor in the present embodiment is designed as two mechanical sensors 14. The mechanical sensors 14 are only partially shown. Each mechanical sensor 14 has a pair of two springs 16, with each pair of springs 16 being assigned to one of the holding magnets 12. Depending on the spring deflection of the springs 16, the mechanical sensors 14 can determine whether the holding magnets 12 maintain proper contact between the temperature measuring surfaces 6 of the temperature sensor 2 and the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8. Accordingly, each of the two mechanical sensors 14 is operatively connected to its assigned holding magnet 12. It is also conceivable that each mechanical sensor 14 could be designed as a force sensor, with or without springs.Otherwise, the second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, so reference is made to the further explanations regarding the first embodiment.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a temperature sensor according to the invention for a system according to the invention. The third embodiment is largely identical in construction to the second embodiment; see the figure below. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in summary. In contrast to the second embodiment, the third embodiment has five mechanical sensors 14 which are in Fig.Figure 3 is only partially shown. The mechanical sensors 14 each have a spring 16, with each spring 16 being assigned to one of the contact temperature sensors 4. Depending on the spring deflection of each of the springs 16, the mechanical sensors 14 can determine whether the individual contact temperature sensors 4, with their temperature measuring surfaces 6, are in proper contact with the outer surface 10 of the cooking pot 8. Accordingly, the five mechanical sensors 14 are each operatively connected to their assigned contact temperature sensor 4. It is also conceivable that the mechanical sensors 14 are each designed as a force sensor, with or without springs. Otherwise, the third embodiment corresponds to the second embodiment, so reference is made to the further explanations of the second embodiment.

[0028] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described.

[0029] The invention also relates to a system comprising a heating device (not shown), for example, a cooktop with cooking zones, a cooking appliance that can be heated by means of the heating device, for example, a cooking pot according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, and a temperature sensor that can be detachably attached to an outer surface of the cooking appliance, for example, a temperature sensor according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, for determining the temperature of the outer surface of the cooking appliance. The invention is not limited to cooktops designed as inductive cooktops.

[0030] The heating device is freely selectable within broad, suitable limits and can, for example, be a stove, oven, steamer, microwave oven, or a combination appliance. The preparation device is also freely selectable within broad, suitable limits and can, for example, be a pan, roasting pan, kettle, or electric kettle. Furthermore, the terms "food" and "liquid" are to be interpreted broadly and include, for example, mixtures of foods, liquids, or solids and liquids. Liquids, as liquid foods, also include water, for example, for preparing tea.In addition to the types of contact sensors described in the exemplary embodiments above, other contact sensors suitable for the respective application are also conceivable. Preferably, these are at least one sensor from the group consisting of electrical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and structure-borne sound sensors. Accordingly, it is also conceivable that a combination of sensors of different designs and operating principles is used according to the invention.

[0031] For example, a magnetic sensor can be used to detect a change in a magnetic field, such as the magnetic field of one of the holding magnets. This is because the magnetic field of a temperature sensor attached to the outer surface of the preparation device by means of the holding magnets, with proper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature probe and the outer surface of the preparation device, differs from the magnetic field of a temperature sensor not attached to the outer surface or with improper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature probe and the outer surface of the preparation device. A reed switch or a Hall sensor, for example, can be used for this purpose.If the position of a magnet, for example one of the holding magnets, changes when the temperature sensor is attached to the outer surface of the preparation device, with proper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device, compared to a temperature sensor not attached to the outer surface or with improper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device, this change in the position of the magnet can also be detected by means of a reed contact or a Hall sensor.

[0032] Another embodiment of the invention could provide that the at least one contact sensor is designed as a structure-borne sound sensor, by means of which a change in the structure-borne sound at the preparation device can be detected depending on proper contact of the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor to the outer surface of the preparation device compared to improper contact. For example, the at least one contact temperature sensor with its temperature measuring surface can simultaneously be designed as a vibration transmitter for the structure-borne sound sensor.

[0033] Another embodiment of the invention could include a contact sensor designed as an optical sensor. For example, the optical sensor, which has an LED and / or a photodiode, could detect proper contact between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device. A photodiode of the optical sensor could be arranged on a contact surface with the outer surface of the preparation device and detect the residual light. A photodiode of the optical sensor could also detect, by means of the reflectance and / or absorptivity and / or emissivity of the light emitted by a light source, whether proper contact exists between the temperature measuring surface of the at least one contact temperature sensor and the outer surface of the preparation device, depending on the contact condition.When using an optical sensor as a contact sensor, a variable frequency band can be used for the emitted light, for example, to determine the reflection, absorption, and / or emission for different wavelengths. It is also conceivable that the optical sensor could be used to measure the time of flight of light emitted from a light source to determine the contact state.

[0034] The user interface for outputting information about the contact state does not necessarily have to be located on a heating device of a system according to the invention. It is also conceivable that the temperature sensor could alternatively or additionally have a user interface for outputting information about the contact state. In all cases, the user interface can be designed within broad, suitable limits, depending on the needs of the individual application. For example, the user interface can be designed not only for outputting visually and / or audibly perceptible information depending on a determined contact state, but also for other outputs to the user and for user input. Touch displays are just one example.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the temperature sensor is dishwasher-safe, so that any soiling of the temperature sensor can be removed in a suitable manner.

Claims

[1] Temperature sensor (2) for a food and / or liquid preparation device (8), comprising at least one contact temperature probe (4) with a temperature measuring surface (6) and at least one retaining means (12) for detachably attaching the temperature sensor (2) to an outer surface (10) of the preparation device (8), characterized by , that the temperature sensor (2) has at least one contact sensor (14) for detecting proper contact between the temperature measuring surface (6) of the contact temperature sensor (4) and the outer surface (10) of the preparation device (8), wherein, depending on a determined contact state between the temperature measuring surface (6) and the outer surface (10), optically and / or acoustically perceptible information can be output by means of at least one user interface. [2] Temperature sensor (2) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the contact sensor (14) is designed as at least one sensor from the group consisting of electrical sensor, magnetic sensor, mechanical sensor, optical sensor, acoustic sensor and structure-borne sound sensor. [3] Temperature sensor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the contact sensor is designed to detect proper contact independently of the at least one holding means and / or independently of the at least one contact temperature sensor (4). [4] Temperature sensor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the contact sensor (14) is in operative connection with the at least one holding means (12) and / or in operative connection with the at least one contact temperature sensor (4) for the detection of a proper contact. [5] Temperature sensor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the at least one contact temperature sensor (4) is designed as a plurality of contact temperature sensors (4), wherein the contact temperature sensors (4) are arranged apart from each other in a row. [6] Temperature sensor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the at least one holding means (12) is designed as a plurality of holding means (12). [7] Temperature sensor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the temperature sensor (2) has at least one user interface for outputting information about the contact state. [8] System comprising a heating device, a preparation device (8) that can be heated by means of the heating device and a temperature sensor (2) that can be detachably attached to an outer surface (10) of the preparation device (8) for determining the temperature of the outer surface (10) of the preparation device (8), characterized by, that the temperature sensor (2) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] System according to claim 8, characterized by that the heating device has at least one user interface for outputting information about the contact status. [10] System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the heating device is adjustable depending on the contact state.

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