Trivet device for a cooking vessel, induction device and method for heating a cooking vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a trivet (106) for a cooking vessel (110), wherein the trivet (106) has a support section (112) for supporting the cooking vessel (110), a plurality of holding elements (114) for holding the cooking vessel (110) on the support section (112) and a transmission unit (116) which is shaped to generate an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel (110) using an input magnetic field of an induction field.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trivet device for a cooking vessel, an induction device and a method for heating a cooking vessel.

[0002] Induction can be used to power cordless tools and kitchen appliances, for example.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved trivet device for a cooking vessel, an improved induction device, and an improved method for heating a cooking vessel.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a trivet for a cooking vessel, an induction device, and a method for heating a cooking vessel with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0005] The presented approach creates a compact and flexible way for users to use cooking vessels in different locations.

[0006] A trivet device for a cooking vessel is presented, wherein the trivet device has a support section for placing the cooking vessel, a plurality of holding elements for holding the cooking vessel on the support section and a transmission unit shaped to generate an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel using an input magnetic field of an induction field.

[0007] The trivet device can be used, for example, in conjunction with a cooktop featuring an induction field or with a different type of worktop on which an induction field is arranged. For instance, the trivet device can also be placed on a tabletop if a device for generating an induction field is integrated into or located beneath the tabletop. The trivet device can thus be used as a portable unit. The device for generating an induction field can comprise at least one induction coil, also known as a primary coil, for generating the input magnetic field.The transmission unit can have at least one receiver-side induction coil, also called a secondary coil, which can function as a signal amplifier, a so-called repeater, to amplify or relay the input-side magnetic field of the induction field and thus use it to heat a cooking vessel placed on the trivet. The cooking vessel can be, for example, a pot or pan in which food can be prepared. The cooking vessel can be placed on the trivet. The trivet can be adapted to the shape of the cooking vessel. Advantageously, the trivet can be round or rectangular. The trivet can be shaped so that cooking vessels of different sizes can be placed on it. Using the retaining elements, cooking vessels, optionally of different sizes, can be securely attached to the trivet.The retaining elements can be designed, for example, as magnets, clips, latches, suction cups, and additionally or alternatively as adhesive strips, and are attached to the base of the cooking vessel. Optionally, the retaining elements can exert a holding force that allows the trivet to be lifted along with the cooking vessel when the vessel is lifted. Advantageously, the retaining elements can be arranged on the stand section, on an interaction section, and additionally or alternatively on an intermediate section of the trivet. The interaction section and the stand section can advantageously be connected to each other via the intermediate section.

[0008] The coaster device according to the invention particularly preferably includes an NFC coil, which is arranged and configured to enable data exchange between the coaster device and an external device located below the coaster device, such as an external cooktop. This allows, for example, a device installed in a worktop, which also has an NFC coil for transmitting data, to exchange a power request with the coaster device. The power requested by the coaster device can then also be provided via the input magnetic field.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the coaster device can have an interaction section for interacting with a mobile device placed on it and, additionally or alternatively, for providing a control function for a user to operate the coaster device. The interaction section can advantageously be designed to charge the mobile device, which can be, for example, a smartphone or another small device, and additionally or alternatively, to enable data transfer. A small device can advantageously be a small kitchen appliance. For example, the coaster device can have a Wi-Fi function and, additionally or alternatively, a safety function, such as a safety shutdown.This means that, in this case, the mobile device is advantageously coupled to the coaster device for switching the electrical power, as the coaster device could otherwise block the switching of the electrical power. This can advantageously increase user safety.

[0010] The interaction section can be movably arranged relative to the storage section. Advantageously, the interaction section can be tiltable and additionally or alternatively rotatable around the storage section. The storage section can advantageously be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. The multi-part design advantageously allows a first part of the storage section, containing the electronic components, to be separated from a second part of the storage section, which does not contain electronic components, thus facilitating easier cleaning.

[0011] Furthermore, the interaction section can include a mechanical holder for the mobile device. This mechanical holder can be designed, for example, as a magnetic element or a snap-in element, which can prevent the mobile device from slipping and, additionally or alternatively, from falling off the interaction section.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the interaction section can be thermally insulated. Advantageously, the interaction section can comprise a heat-insulating material or an insulating element, which can advantageously protect the terminal device from heat radiating from the cooking vessel, thus preventing malfunction of the terminal device.

[0013] The transmission unit can comprise at least one induction coil and one capacitor. This allows a resonant circuit to be formed. Advantageously, the capacitor pair can have a suitable resonant frequency, so that the transmission unit, in combination with the induction field, can function as a so-called repeater coil or a magnetic lens. This allows energy transfer from the induction field to the cooking vessel, for example, for cooking processes. Additionally, the transmission unit can advantageously include an interrupt switch, which can be configured to allow power transfer only after a successful communication link has been established.

[0014] Furthermore, the trivet can include at least one NFC coil for communication with the cooking vessel or a mobile device. The Near-Field Communication (NFC) coil enables communication between the cooking vessel and the mobile device over a short distance. Advantageously, the trivet can have an NFC coil in the storage area and additionally or alternatively in an interaction area.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the trivet device can have at least one temperature sensor. Advantageously, the at least one temperature sensor can be arranged in the storage section. Additionally, the trivet device can have further temperature sensors, which can be arranged, for example, in an intermediate section and additionally or alternatively in an interaction section. Advantageously, by using the at least one temperature sensor, cooking processes can be regulated, or, for example, an emergency shutdown of the trivet device can be carried out if, for example, an excessively high temperature is detected.

[0016] Additionally, the trivet can have a base, which may be positioned opposite the shelf, and an insulating layer, which may be located between the base and the shelf. Advantageously, the insulating layer can be designed to limit the base temperature to a maximum of 80°C. This allows the cooking vessel and trivet to be placed on a table, for example, without damaging it. Advantageously, the base of the trivet can be non-slip or, alternatively, smooth.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least the transmission unit can be encapsulated in a flexible material. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a separate housing. Furthermore, the transmission unit can at least partially adapt to the surface on which it is placed.

[0018] Furthermore, the retaining elements can be shaped to accommodate cooking vessels of different sizes. Advantageously, the trivet is height-adjustable, making it universally applicable.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the coaster device can include a signaling unit for emitting an acoustic and, additionally or alternatively, a visual signal to a user. The signaling unit can advantageously include at least one loudspeaker and, additionally or alternatively, at least one light source, such as an LED. The visual signal can, for example, be a flashing or illuminated light source.

[0020] The coaster device can include an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from thermal energy. This means the coaster device can advantageously detect when it has been placed on a heated surface. More precisely, existing thermal energy can be used efficiently. The electrical energy can then be used, for example, to power electronic components within the coaster device.

[0021] Furthermore, an induction device is presented which has a worktop with at least one induction field and a coaster device in a previously mentioned variant, wherein the transmission unit interacts with the induction field.

[0022] The induction hob can be used, for example, in conjunction with a cooktop or, alternatively, with a table as a work surface. Advantageously, this means that a cooktop is not necessarily required for food preparation, thus creating diverse application possibilities for the induction device and, consequently, for the trivet.

[0023] Furthermore, a method for heating a cooking vessel using a trivet device in a previously mentioned variant is presented, wherein the method comprises a step of generating the output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel using the input magnetic field of the induction field.

[0024] The process can advantageously be carried out in an induction device in one of the previously mentioned variants.

[0025] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a coaster device; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device in a rest state; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device in an intermediate state; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device in an operating state; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a coaster device; and Fig. 8 a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for heating a cooking vessel.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100. The induction device 100 comprises a worktop 102 with at least one device 104 generating an induction field, and a trivet 106 that interacts with the induction field-generating device 104 of the worktop 102. The device 104 can also be referred to as an induction unit and is designed to generate an input-side magnetic field that interacts with the trivet 106, on which a cooking vessel 110, such as a pot, is placed. The device 104 is arranged below the worktop 102, which can be, for example, a tabletop, a cooktop, or a standard kitchen worktop.Alternatively, the worktop 102 can be implemented as any surface, so that the coaster device 106 is not necessarily designed as a kitchen utensil or kitchen accessory.

[0028] The trivet 106 is thus designed for the cooking vessel 110 and has a support section 112 for setting down the cooking vessel 110, a plurality of retaining elements 114 for holding the cooking vessel 110 on the support section 112, such as magnets, clips, suction cups, locking elements and / or adhesive strips, and a transmission unit 116, which is shaped to generate an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel 110 using an input magnetic field from the induction field. According to this embodiment, the retaining elements 114 are arranged on the support section 112. The retaining elements 114 are shaped, for example, to secure cooking vessels 110 of different sizes.

[0029] For example, the transmission unit 116 is encapsulated in a flexible material. In other words, the coaster device 106 is designed as an inductive amplifier. According to this embodiment, the transmission unit 116 comprises at least one induction coil 118 and at least one capacitor, which together have a suitable resonant frequency. The transmission unit 116 is also referred to, for example, as a repeater coil or magnetic lens, or functions as such to enable, for example, cooking processes or energy transmission. For example, the transmission unit 116 includes electronics 120, which, for example, contain an interrupt switch designed to allow power transmission only after a successful communication connection.The coaster device 106 can optionally be manufactured as a single piece or in multiple parts, so that one part of the coaster device 106 is equipped with the electronic components and another part is without electronic components. This multi-part design, for example, facilitates cleaning and protects the electronic components from potential fluid influences.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the coaster device 106 has at least one NFC coil 122 for communicating with an external device in the worktop.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the coaster device 106 can also have a further NFC coil 700 for communication with other external devices, such as a mobile device, as is the case in the context of Fig. Figure 7 shows the NFC coil 122. According to this embodiment, the NFC coil 122 is arranged in the stand section 112 and surrounds, for example, the induction coil 118. In the center, but on a side facing the cooking vessel 110, the trivet 106, according to this embodiment, has at least one temperature sensor 124. The temperature sensor 124 is designed, for example, to detect a temperature and thus control cooking processes. More precisely, a safety shutdown or emergency shutdown can be triggered. Additionally, the trivet 106 can, for example, also have further temperature sensors. Between the temperature sensor 124 and the induction coil 118, more precisely between a base 126 opposite the stand section 112 and the stand section 112, the trivet 106, according to this embodiment, has an insulating layer 128 designed to limit the temperature on the base 126 to a maximum of 80°C.The floor 126 is only optionally designed to be non-slip or smooth.

[0032] Optionally, the coaster device 106 also features an energy recovery unit designed to generate electrical energy from thermal energy. This occurs, for example, when the coaster device 106 is placed on a warm surface.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the device 104 also has an induction coil 130 and optionally a communication unit 132, which, for example, comprises at least one NFC coil. The input-side magnetic field can be generated using the induction coil 130. Data transmission between the device 104 and the coaster device 106 can be carried out using the communication unit 132. Between the induction coil 130 and the communication unit 132, the device 104, according to this embodiment, has a ferrite layer 134, which is, for example, designed as a film. The device 104, according to this embodiment, also has an electronic unit 136, which, for example, comprises a resonant circuit.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the trivet 106 is an induction trivet with a function for heating standard pots. In another embodiment, the trivet 106, also referred to as a trivet, has a very compact design. This means that its height is, for example, less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm. The trivet 106 can be attached directly to the cooking vessel 110, or vice versa. The connection is made via the retaining elements 114, which are designed, for example, as retaining magnets, detents, adhesive strips, or clips. Optionally, if the trivet is attached only to the base of the cooking vessel 110, temperature-resistant retaining magnets, such as ferrite magnets, are used. The size of the fastening mechanism can also be variable, allowing the use of different pot sizes.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the trivet 106 has thermal insulation to limit the base temperature of the trivet, also referred to as a coaster, to less than 80°C. The corresponding insulating layer 128 is optionally arranged above or below the induction coil 118. For example, energy is transferred to the base of the pot via a repeater coil, i.e., via a so-called magnetic lens, or via inductor coils and a capacitor pair with a suitable resonant frequency. Communication takes place via the NFC coil 122. For example, a circuit breaker is integrated into the repeater coil that only allows power transfer after a successful NFC connection. Optionally, the trivet 106 is made of a flexible material in which the individual components are encapsulated.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100, which is, for example, the one described in Fig. The induction device 100 described in Figure 1 corresponds to this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the coaster 106 additionally has an interaction section 200 for interacting with a mobile device placed on the interaction section 200, for example, for charging the mobile device and / or for providing an operating function for the user to operate the coaster 106 by means of data transmission. According to this embodiment, the interaction section 200 has a control panel 202, via which the user can, for example, control or set a cooking temperature. For example, a safety function can also be integrated, whereby the mobile device must be connected to the coaster 106 as a prerequisite for switching electrical power.In this embodiment, the interaction section 200 and the storage section 112 are connected to each other by an intermediate section 204. In this embodiment, the interaction section 200 is movably arranged relative to the storage section 112 and is thus, for example, tiltable upwards, foldable, and / or rotatable about the storage section 112.

[0037] In this embodiment as well, the trivet 106 has multiple retaining elements 114, which, in addition to the support section 112, are arranged on the intermediate section 204 and / or the interaction section 200. The retaining elements 114 on the intermediate section 204 and / or the interaction section 200 are designed to adhere the intermediate section 204 and / or the interaction section 200 to a side wall of the cooking vessel 110. For example, the interaction section 200 is thermally insulated so that the control panel 202, or alternatively the mobile device, is protected from the heat emitted by the cooking vessel 110, preventing, for example, burns to the user. Optionally, the interaction section 200 also includes a signaling unit, which may, for example, have a loudspeaker and / or LEDs.The signaling unit is designed to output an acoustic and / or visual signal to the user, or, to put it simply, to display warnings or coupling statuses to the user.

[0038] For example, the trivet device 106 is designed in multiple parts, with the part containing the user interface (UI), i.e., the control panel 202, being rotatable. More precisely, the UI part with the sensitive electronics is removable and can be connected to the trivet if needed. This offers the advantage that the individual parts are easier to clean and therefore dishwasher-safe, for example. Furthermore, individual pots can be stacked more easily. For example, the electrical connection between the two parts for switching the interrupt switch is made via plug connectors or contactlessly via a wireless signal or inductively. Optionally, the UI part of the trivet, i.e., the interaction section 200, is shown in this embodiment folded up and attached to the side of the pot to facilitate operation for the user.Alternatively, the coaster device 106 has a second Ul on the underside at or in the interaction section 200, so that only one joint is needed for the coaster device 106.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a coaster device 106, which is, for example, the one in at least one of the Fig. The coaster device described in sections 1 to 2 corresponds to this. An edge section 300 of the support section 112 is rotatably arranged around the transmission unit 116 and, according to this embodiment, is rigidly connected to the intermediate section 204 and thus also to the interaction section 200, so that these rotate together when the edge section 300 rotates. As also described in Fig. 2, the interaction section 200 is designed as a control panel 202 according to this embodiment.

[0040] Intermediate section 204 is, as in Fig. The majority of the retaining elements 114 are arranged in a web-like manner and together with the parking section 112 and the interaction section 200. According to this embodiment, the retaining elements 114 in the parking section 114 are evenly spaced from one another and arranged between the NFC coil 122 and the edge region 300. The retaining elements 114 arranged in the intermediate section 204 are arranged in a matrix-like manner according to this embodiment.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the temperature sensor 124 is arranged centrally in the storage section 112. According to this embodiment, the trivet device 106 additionally has at least one and, in particular, two further temperature sensors 300. These are arranged in the intermediate section 204 and are designed, for example, to detect heat generated by the cooking vessel.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100 in a rest state 400. The induction device 100 corresponds, for example, to the one described in at least one of the Fig. The induction device described in sections 1 to 2 and therefore includes a coaster device 106, which corresponds to the one described in the Fig. The coaster device 106 corresponds to the one described in sections 1 to 3. The coaster device 106 is at least partially movable or deformable. This means that the interaction section 200 and the intermediate section 204 are movably arranged relative to the support section 112. More precisely, the interaction section 200 and the intermediate section 204 are movably arranged in a direction symbolically indicated by an arrow 402. A flexible material is arranged between sections 112, 204, and 200, so that the interaction section 200 and the intermediate section 204 can be moved, but the support section 112 cannot. In other words, the interaction section 200 and the intermediate section 204 do not rest on the work surface 102.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100 in an intermediate state 500. The induction device 100 corresponds, for example, to the one described in at least one of the Fig. The induction device described in sections 1 to 2 and therefore includes a coaster device 106, which corresponds to the one described in the Fig. The coaster device described in sections 1 to 4 is shown. Only the intermediate section 204 and the interaction section 200 are shown raised and are movable, for example, in the direction of arrow 402.

[0044] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100 in an operating state 600. The induction device 100 corresponds, for example, to the one described in at least one of the Fig. The induction device described in sections 1 to 2 and therefore includes a coaster device 106, which corresponds to the one described in the Fig. The trivet device described in sections 1 to 5 corresponds to this. The intermediate section 204 rests against the wall of the cooking vessel 110. According to this embodiment, the stand section 112 and the interaction section 200 are arranged parallel to each other in operating state 600. The intermediate section 204 is arranged perpendicularly between the interaction section 200 and the stand section 112, connecting them. The holding magnets, such as those found in at least one of the Fig. As described in 1 to 3, the trivet device 106 is held against the cooking vessel 110.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a coaster device 106, which is, for example, the one described in at least one of the Fig. The coaster device 106 is at least similar to the one described or mentioned in sections 1 to 6. Here too, the coaster device 106 has the support section 112, the interaction section 200, and the intermediate section 204. Likewise, according to this embodiment, the coaster device 106 has the plurality of retaining elements 114, in particular at least one per section 112, 200, 204. The retaining element 114 arranged on the interaction section 200 is, for example, designed as a mechanical holder for the mobile device. Alternatively, the interaction section 200 has a mechanical holder for the mobile device. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the interaction section 200 has another NFC coil 700, which is, for example, designed as a charging interface or as a communication interface for the mobile device. Also in Fig. 7 The coaster device 106 has several temperature sensors 106, 300, of which the temperature sensor 124 is located centrally on the stand section 112 and at least one further temperature sensor 300 is located on the intermediate section 204.

[0046] In other words, the interaction section 200, according to this embodiment, is designed as an interface for a mobile device. For example, the coaster device 106 has a safety function whereby electrical power is only switched on when the mobile device is successfully connected. If the connection to the mobile device is lost, for example, the coaster device 106 is shut down safely.

[0047] Optionally, the trivet 106, in addition to the data interface, also features a mechanical holder for the mobile device, so that the mobile device is secured even when folded up. Furthermore, additional insulation can be located below the mobile device interface to protect the mobile device from heat generated by the cookware. According to this embodiment, the trivet 106 has temperature sensors 300 to, for example, control cooking processes. The sensors are located on the top of the trivet and / or in the fold-up section. The fold-up section, meaning at least the intermediate section 204, is optionally designed to accommodate different pot sizes.

[0048] Furthermore, the coaster device 106 optionally features a non-slip underside for better adhesion to the worktop or alternatively a very smooth underside for easier movement.

[0049] Optionally, data can be exchanged via the NFC interface with, for example, an under-counter power supply unit, which optionally has a WLAN interface and can communicate with other devices. This enables, for example, the display of process information on a device or the control of a range hood depending on the set power level. For instance, the trivet 106 features a system for energy recovery from heat, which optionally outputs a warm signal if the trivet is accidentally placed on a radiant cooktop or to measure dishwasher cycles.

[0050] For example, if a device is connected to the trivet device 106 via the NFC interface or wirelessly to the under-table unit, such as the device, via Bluetooth, the operating interface of the trivet device 106 is also optionally switched off and only the operating interface of the connected device is used for cooking.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 800 for heating a cooking vessel. The method 800 is controlled and / or carried out using a trivet device, as described in at least one of the Fig.1 to 7 described or at least mentioned. Method 800 comprises a step 802 of generating an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel using the input magnetic field of an induction field. Optionally, method 800 additionally comprises a step 804 of detecting the cooking vessel on the holding section before step 802 of generating the magnetic field.

Claims

[1] Trivet device (106) for a cooking vessel (110), wherein the trivet device (106) has the following features: a storage section (112) for storing the cooking vessel (110); a plurality of retaining elements (114) for holding the cooking vessel (110) on the support section (112); and a transmission unit (116) which is designed to generate an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel (110) using an input magnetic field of an induction field. [2] Coaster device (116) according to claim 1, further comprising an NFC coil (122) which is arranged and configured to enable data exchange between the coaster device (116) and an external device arranged below the coaster device (100), such as an external cooktop. [3] Coaster device (106) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an interaction section (200) for interacting with a mobile device placed on the interaction section (200) and / or for providing an operating function for operating the coaster device (106) by a user. [4] Coaster device (106) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interaction section (200) is movably arranged in relation to the storage section (112). [5] Coaster device (106) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the interaction section (200) has a mechanical holder for the mobile device. [6] Coaster device (106) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the interaction section (200) is thermally insulating. [7] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission unit (116) comprises at least one induction coil (118) and a capacitor. [8] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one further NFC coil (700) for communicating with the cooking vessel (110) or a mobile device. [9] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one temperature sensor (124). [10] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a base (126) arranged opposite the storage section (112) and a damping layer (128) arranged between the base (126) and the storage section (112). [11] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the transmission unit (116) is encased in a flexible material. [12] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a signaling unit for outputting an acoustic and / or visual signal to a user. [13] Coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an energy recovery unit configured to generate electrical energy from thermal energy. [14] Induction device (100) having the following features: a worktop (102) with at least one device (104) for generating an induction field; and a coaster device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission unit (116) of the coaster device (106) interacts with the induction field of the worktop (102). [15] Method (800) for heating a cooking vessel (110) using a trivet device (106) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method (800) comprises the following step: Generating (802) the output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel (110) using the input magnetic field of the induction field.

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