Vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202023003027
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-09-30
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a container assembly for a kitchen appliance, comprising at least one first component having a magnetic field-based sensor element, at least one second component having a magnetic field-based counter element with a magnetic field, and an evaluation device. The present invention further relates to a method and a machine-readable storage medium.
[0002] Kitchen appliances designed for the at least semi-automatic preparation of food are known from the prior art. Such kitchen appliances can comprise at least one vessel arrangement and a base unit. Optionally, separate components or accessories can also be provided which interact with the vessel arrangement and / or with the base unit in order to process a food item depending on the dish, beverage, or similar product being prepared. Components of the vessel arrangement or separate accessories are generally offered by kitchen appliance suppliers, for example as cooking vessels, simmering vessels, lids, cutting or stirring elements, or the like. In general, the base unit or components of the vessel arrangement can each have compatible interfaces that enable interaction.In particular, a movable element of the vessel arrangement or an accessory part can be driven by an electric motor arranged in the basic unit through interfaces that interact with one another.
[0003] A container arrangement may comprise a food receptacle, for example in the form of a pot, and at least one lid element. The lid element is preferably configured to at least partially close or cover the food receptacle.
[0004] It is known from the prior art to determine, by mechanical means or by detecting a corresponding user input, whether a component of a container assembly is mounted or attached to another component of the container assembly. For example, a locking mechanism can be used to determine whether a cover element is attached or locked to a food receptacle element. Such known systems typically require user input or specific mechanisms, which may complicate space-saving design.
[0005] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of improving vessel arrangements for kitchen appliances, in particular of increasing the user-friendliness of vessel arrangements for kitchen appliances.
[0006] The aforementioned object is achieved according to a first teaching of the present disclosure by a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance having at least one first component comprising a magnetic field-based sensor element, having at least one second component comprising a magnetic field-based counter-element with a magnetic field, and having an evaluation device in that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element and to output at least one piece of information for the detected magnetic field, wherein the at least one piece of information comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system, and in that the evaluation device is configured to determine, on the basis of the at least one piece of information output, information about a component type of the second component and information about a position of the second component.
[0007] Also disclosed is a method for operating a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance, in particular for operating a vessel arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which a magnetic field of at least one magnetic field-based counter-element provided on a second component of the vessel arrangement is detected by at least one magnetic field-based sensor element provided on a first component of the vessel arrangement, in which at least one piece of information with coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system is output for the detected magnetic field, and in which, on the basis of the at least one piece of information output, information about a component type of the second component and at least one piece of information about a position of the second component are determined.
[0008] With the solution according to the first teaching of the present disclosure, by providing a sensor element and a counter element, both the position of a component of the vessel assembly and its component type can be automatically determined. Thus, for example, it can be detected that a component is a lid element and that the detected lid element is positioned correctly on a food receptacle.
[0009] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to a second teaching of the present disclosure by a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance having at least one first component comprising a magnetic field-based sensor element, having at least one second component comprising a magnetic field-based counter-element with a magnetic field, and having an evaluation device in that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element and to output at least one piece of information for the detected magnetic field, wherein the at least one piece of information comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system, and in that the evaluation device is configured to determine information about a component type of the second component on the basis of the at least one piece of information output.
[0010] Also disclosed is a method for operating a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance, in particular for operating a vessel arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which a magnetic field of at least one magnetic field-based counter-element provided on a second component of the vessel arrangement is detected by at least one magnetic field-based sensor element provided on a first component of the vessel arrangement, in which at least one piece of information with coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system is output for the detected magnetic field, and in which information about a component type of the second component is determined on the basis of the at least one piece of information output.
[0011] With the solution according to the second teaching of the present disclosure, a component type can be automatically recognized and at the same time the evaluation of the sensor data can be kept comparatively simple, so that a cost-effective design of the vessel arrangement can be achieved.
[0012] The aforementioned object is achieved according to a third teaching of the present disclosure by a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance having at least one first component comprising a magnetic field-based sensor element, having at least one second component comprising a magnetic field-based counter-element with a magnetic field, and having an evaluation device in that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element and to output at least one piece of information for the detected magnetic field, wherein the at least one piece of information comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system, and in that the evaluation device is configured to determine information about a position of the second component on the basis of the at least one piece of information output.
[0013] Also disclosed is a method for operating a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance, in particular for operating a vessel arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which a magnetic field of at least one magnetic field-based counter-element provided on a second component of the vessel arrangement is detected by at least one magnetic field-based sensor element provided on a first component of the vessel arrangement, in which at least one piece of information with coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system is output for the detected magnetic field, and in which information about a position of the second component is determined on the basis of the at least one piece of information output.
[0014] With the solution according to the third teaching of the present disclosure, a position or a change in position of a component can be automatically detected and, here too, the evaluation of the sensor data can be kept comparatively simple, so that a cost-effective design of the vessel arrangement can be achieved.
[0015] With the respective solutions of the first, second and third teachings of the present disclosure, user input can be dispensed with for component type recognition and / or for determining the position of the second component, so that the disclosed vessel arrangements and methods offer increased user-friendliness overall.
[0016] Furthermore, a machine-readable storage medium is disclosed with program instructions which, when executed by a processor of a vessel assembly for a kitchen appliance or of a kitchen appliance, in particular a vessel assembly according to the first, second or third teaching of the present disclosure, cause the vessel assembly or the kitchen appliance to carry out a previously described method according to the present disclosure.
[0017] A vessel assembly that already has a magnetic field-based sensor element and a magnetic field-based counter element can be retrofitted to achieve the advantageous effects of the first, second and / or third teachings of the present disclosure.
[0018] The first component can be a food receiving element, for example, with an opening for receiving food, with an opening for receiving a cutting element, and with a handle. The second component can be a cover element designed to cover the opening for receiving food of the food receiving element. The second component can have one or more air passage openings.
[0019] The first component and the second component together form a receiving space with a receiving volume. The receiving space can be suitable for the air-permeable storage of food. The air permeability of the receiving space can be due in particular to one or more ventilation openings in the second component.
[0020] The first component and the second component are preferably designed such that they can be assembled together in at least one assembly position, for example, by the second component covering an opening of the first component and thus forming the receiving space with the receiving volume within the meaning of the present disclosure. The first component and the second component can further be designed such that they can assume an open position, wherein in the open position, the first component and the second component form a receiving space with a virtually infinite receiving volume.
[0021] The at least one magnetic-field-based counterelement is preferably designed to generate a magnetic field, for example, due to inherent material properties or by applying an electric current. Examples of the at least one magnetic-field-based counterelement are: magnet, permanent magnet, electromagnet, coil, although this list is not exhaustive.
[0022] The at least one magnetic-field-based counter element is preferably selected such that the following requirements are met: high remanence, low temperature drift, a wide operating temperature range, low aging, and / or low shock sensitivity. For this purpose, the magnetic-field-based counter element can be selected based on its material composition.
[0023] The at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element is preferably sensitive to the magnetic field. An example of the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element is a Hall sensor, with which the influence of a Lorentz force from a magnetic field on a current flowing in the sensor or a Hall voltage can be detected and, based on this, a magnetic flux density can be output. A particular example of the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element is a 3D Hall sensor, which is configured to output components of the magnetic flux density of a magnetic field in three spatial directions. Preferably, the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element has means for transmitting data to the evaluation device, in particular for outputting the information for the detected magnetic field to the evaluation device.
[0024] A single magnetic-field-based sensor element or a plurality of magnetic-field-based sensor elements can be provided on the first component. By providing a single magnetic-field-based sensor element, the vessel arrangement, in particular the first component, can be designed cost-effectively, and the evaluation of the sensor data can then be kept simple. Providing a plurality of magnetic-field-based sensor elements, for example, two magnetic-field-based sensor elements, enables increased measurement accuracy and, if necessary, the mutual exclusion of detection errors through redundancy.
[0025] A single magnetic-field-based counterelement or a plurality of magnetic-field-based counterelements can be provided on the second component. By providing a single magnetic-field-based counterelement, the vessel arrangement, in particular the second component, can be designed cost-effectively, and the acquisition and evaluation of the corresponding sensor data can then be kept simple. The provision of a plurality of magnetic-field-based counterelements, for example, two magnetic-field-based counterelements, enables increased accuracy in determining the position of the second component.
[0026] The at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element can be configured to detect overlapping magnetic fields, each magnetic field being generated by a magnetic-field-based counter-element. Alternatively or additionally, pairs can be provided, each pair comprising a magnetic-field-based sensor element and a magnetic-field-based counter-element, and the magnetic-field-based sensor element of a pair detecting the magnetic field of the magnetic-field-based counter-element.
[0027] The evaluation device preferably comprises a processor with a storage medium. In particular, a computer program with instructions can be stored on the storage medium, the execution of which by the processor causes the vessel assembly to perform an operating method. The evaluation device can be arranged on the first component of the vessel assembly. If the vessel assembly is used in conjunction with a base unit of a kitchen appliance, the evaluation device can be arranged on the base unit of the kitchen appliance, in which case the evaluation device can be part of a control device of the kitchen appliance.
[0028] The at least one indication for the detected magnetic field output by the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element can have Cartesian coordinates or spherical coordinates. Preferably, the coordinates of the indication output by the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element are expressed in a coordinate system whose origin is a position of the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element. Alternatively or additionally, the indication of a vectorial indication B→ with a magnitude |B| and a direction indication. An example of an indication output by the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is a magnetic flux density with coordinates in the x, y, and z directions of a coordinate system whose origin is a position of the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element.
[0029] The at least one indication for the detected magnetic field output by the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element can have coordinates for three dimensions of a coordinate system, for example, x, y, z in a Cartesian coordinate system whose origin is the position of the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element, or, for example, r, theta, phi in a spherical coordinate system whose origin is the position of the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element. Using the third dimension, for example, a solid angle in the horizontal plane, phi in spherical coordinates, it can be determined whether the second component is experiencing a possible twisting or whether the second component has been manipulated contrary to its intended use.
[0030] Information about a component type may be sufficient to identify a component or to assign it in the context of a database. Examples of information about a component type include: cutting, stirring, cooking, weighing, boiling, steaming, or covering elements. In addition, information about a component type may also include origin information such as manufacturer identity, time of manufacture, place of manufacture, authentication information, identification number, such as a serial number, or a universally unique identifier (UUID). Preferably, the component type is assigned by the accessory manufacturer prior to distribution or during production. The component types may differ in their function or possible applications, thus enabling different uses of the vessel arrangement.
[0031] The information about a position of the second component can correspond to a position of the at least one magnetic-field-based counter-element relative to the magnetic-field-based sensor element. Examples of the position of the second component or of the at least one magnetic-field-based counter-element relative to the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element are: an angle specification, a distance, an absolute value for a vector, a direction specification, a vector.
[0032] Various embodiments of the vessel arrangements according to the first to third teachings are described below, with the individual embodiments each independently applying to the vessel arrangements, the methods, and the machine-readable storage medium of the first to fourth teachings. Furthermore, the individual embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.
[0033] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the evaluation device is configured to determine an orientation of the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element depending on the at least one indication, that the evaluation device is configured to compare the determined orientation of the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element with at least one reference value for an orientation, wherein the at least one reference value for an orientation is assigned to at least one component type, and that the evaluation device is configured to determine a component type for the second component having the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element depending on the comparison result.
[0034] Thus, based on the orientation of at least one magnetic field-based counter element, a component type can be easily specified, for example by the manufacturer, and then easily determined when the vessel arrangement is used.
[0035] The orientation of the at least one magnetic-field-based counterelement can be an orientation of a magnetic south pole and a magnetic north pole of the magnetic-field-based counterelement relative to the at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element. If two or more magnetic-field-based counterelements are provided, the orientation of the respective magnetic north and south poles relative to each other can be used for coding. This allows for an expanded number of orientation combinations, with each orientation or orientation combination being assigned to a component type. This allows for an expanded repertoire of component types to be defined and recognized accordingly.
[0036] The reference value for an alignment is preferably stored on a data carrier, for example, of the evaluation device, which is integrated into a base body of the first component or permanently attached to the base body of the first component. Alternatively, the reference value for an alignment can be retrieved from an external server.
[0037] In particular, a component type can be identified by detecting different orientations of at least one magnetic field-based counter element. For example, by using two magnetic field-based counter elements, four different cover types can be detected by specifically arranging the polarity of the magnetic field-based counter elements, for example, by aligning the polarity of the magnetic field-based counter elements north-south or south-north in the case of permanent magnets. Alternatively, other predefined orientations could be permitted in addition to the north-south or south-north orientation, thereby increasing the number of potentially detectable cover types. Axially polarized magnets, or alternatively or additionally diametrically polarized magnets, could be used, thereby further increasing the number of potentially detectable cover types.
[0038] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the evaluation device is configured to determine a position of the at least one magnetic field-based counter-element relative to the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element depending on the at least one indication, that the evaluation device is configured to compare the determined position with at least one reference indication for a position, and that the evaluation device is configured to determine a change in position of the second component relative to the first component depending on the comparison result.
[0039] In one embodiment, it is provided that a first indication is output for a first arrangement state of the second component relative to the first component, that a second indication is output for a second arrangement state of the second component relative to the first component, that a difference between the first indication and the second indication is determined, and that information about a movement of the second component is determined on the basis of the determined difference.
[0040] This allows for automatic detection of whether the second component is being installed or removed. For example, it can be determined whether a cover element is being placed on or removed from a food receptacle. Furthermore, it can be determined whether a detected change in position or movement is permitted and automatically taken into account when controlling the container assembly or a kitchen appliance that includes the container assembly.
[0041] The at least one reference value for a position is preferably stored on a data carrier, for example, of the evaluation device, which is integrated into a base body of the first component or permanently attached to the base body of the first component. Alternatively, the reference value for an alignment can be retrieved from an external server.
[0042] The first information and the second information may comprise Cartesian coordinates or spherical coordinates. Preferably, the coordinates are expressed in a coordinate system whose origin is a position of the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element. Alternatively or additionally, the information may be a vectorial information. B→ with a magnitude |B| and a direction indication. For example, the first indication and the second indication can each have a magnetic flux density with coordinates in the x, y, and z directions of a coordinate system whose origin is a position of the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element, or with coordinates r, theta, phi in a spherical coordinate system whose origin is the position of the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element. Using the third dimension, for example a solid angle in the horizontal, phi in spherical coordinates, it can be determined whether the second component is experiencing possible twisting or whether the second component has been manipulated contrary to a specified intended use.
[0043] The evaluation can be carried out by the evaluation device on the first component, wherein the evaluation device then outputs a signal that carries the information about the position and / or the information about the component type in form.
[0044] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the second component has a first magnetic field-based counter-element with a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field-based counter-element with a second magnetic field, that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to detect the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and / or an overlap of the first magnetic field with the second magnetic field, and that the at least one indication output by the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element of the detection of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and / or an overlap of the first magnetic field corresponds to the second magnetic field.
[0045] This can increase the reliability of determining the component type and / or the position of the second component.
[0046] The first magnetic field-based counter element and the second magnetic field-based counter element can be arranged on the second component in such a way that the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field partially overlap.
[0047] The arrangement of the magnetic-field-based counter-elements relative to one another is preferably selected such that there is only a slight overlap of the two magnetic fields. Furthermore, the magnetic-field-based counter-elements can be arranged horizontally in the second component, so that a change in the height of the second component can be detected by a change in angle. This allows the vessel assembly to be completed cost-effectively.
[0048] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the first component has at least two magnetic field-based sensor elements.
[0049] This embodiment also enables increased reliability in determining the component type and / or the position of the second component, particularly when an indication output by a first magnetic-field-based sensor element is used to verify an indication output by a second magnetic-field-based sensor element. For this purpose, the evaluation device can be configured to perform a redundant process in which an indication output by a first magnetic-field-based sensor element is used to verify an indication output by a second magnetic-field-based sensor element.
[0050] This allows a malfunction of the respective sensor elements to be detected by an additional sensor element (redundant sensor element). This is achieved by the evaluation device performing a plausibility check of the two redundant values. Since the redundant sensor elements are positioned differently on the first component, they also provide slightly different measured values, which can be used additionally for data analysis and makes manipulation of the system more difficult.
[0051] Alternatively, at least one magnetic field-based sensor element can be provided with a test functionality with which a measuring chain can be checked.
[0052] The at least two magnetic field-based sensor elements can be similar, for example, they can have the same material composition and / or the same dimensions. Furthermore, the at least two magnetic field-based sensor elements can have the same orientation relative to one another, for example, they can be arranged parallel to one another and have the south pole oriented in the same direction. Alternatively, the at least two magnetic field-based sensor elements can have different orientations. Thus, a first magnetic field-based sensor element can be provided with a vertical orientation and a second magnetic field-based sensor element with a horizontal orientation.
[0053] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the evaluation device is configured to determine an admissibility indication for the second component on the basis of at least one element from the list: the at least one indication, the component type determined for the second component, the position determined for the second component relative to the first component.
[0054] In a corresponding embodiment, it is provided that an admissibility indication for the second component is determined on the basis of a component type determined for the second component and / or on the basis of a position determined for the second component relative to the first component.
[0055] Thus, for example, the control of the container assembly or a kitchen appliance that features the container assembly can be automatically adjusted according to the permissibility specification. Examples include: blocking a locking element, adjusting a motor speed, adjusting a heating output, and a user display.
[0056] Examples of admissibility information are: Heating permitted without a lid, knife element permitted up to a certain speed without a lid or with a lid without a locking element, knife element from a certain speed only permitted with a lid and locking element, knife element permitted up to a certain speed without a lid or with a lid and without a locking element, knife element from a certain speed only permitted with a lid and with a locking element.
[0057] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the first component has a receiving vessel or is mounted on a receiving vessel and / or that the second component has a cover element or can be mounted on a cover element.
[0058] This can increase the user-friendliness of the vessel arrangement for most vessel arrangement applications.
[0059] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that in an operating position, the at least one magnetic field-based counter element of the second component and the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element of the first component are arranged substantially opposite one another.
[0060] Thus, the detection of the magnetic field by the magnetic field-based sensor element can be designed reliably in this operating position.
[0061] Preferably, the operating position is a designated position in which the first component and the second component enable food preparation. An example of the operating position is a closed position of a cover element with a food receiving element.
[0062] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the second component is pivotable relative to the first component about a pivot point from a first position into a second position, that in the first position the at least one magnetic field-based counter element of the second component and the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element of the first component are arranged substantially opposite one another and form an intermediate space, and that the pivot point is arranged outside the intermediate space.
[0063] As a result, in the event of a pivoting of the second component relative to the first component, the at least one magnetic field-based counter element experiences a significant movement or change in position relative to the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element.
[0064] In one embodiment of the vessel arrangement, it is provided that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is a 3D magnetic field sensor, in particular a 3D Hall sensor.
[0065] This allows a specification with components in three spatial directions to be output and thus also allows the position of the second component to be determined in a three-dimensional space.
[0066] In one embodiment, it is provided that Cartesian coordinates of the at least one piece of information are converted into spherical coordinates.
[0067] This allows for more flexible evaluation of the information provided by at least one magnetic-field-based sensor element. Furthermore, a wider range of magnetic-field-based sensor elements can be used.
[0068] With conventional Hall sensors, when a magnetic field is detected, a value for a flux density is output in Cartesian coordinates, for example, as an X, Y component for a two-dimensional coordinate system or as an X, Y, Z component for a three-dimensional coordinate system. These can then be converted into a spherical coordinate system, for example, an angle and a radius, or into a first angle, a second angle, and a radius.
[0069] The spherical coordinates offer the advantage that a variance of the remanence (basically the change in the strength of the permanent magnet) due to temperature, aging, manufacturing tolerances, etc. has little effect on the angles between the at least one magnetic field-based counter element and the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element and, accordingly, the evaluation of the field line direction changes little to not at all.
[0070] Further features and advantages of the vessel arrangements will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0071] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance; Fig. 2a shows a second embodiment of a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance in a first position in a detailed sectional view; Fig. 2b shows a second embodiment of a vessel arrangement for a kitchen appliance in a second position in a detailed sectional view; Fig. 3 a first embodiment of a kitchen appliance; Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a kitchen appliance; Fig. 5 a third embodiment of a kitchen appliance; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of several positions of a magnetic field-based counter element relative to a magnetic field-based sensor element; and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of several alignment combinations for two magnetic field-based counter elements.
[0072] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a container assembly 100 for a kitchen appliance. The container assembly 100 comprises a first component 102 in the form of a food receptacle with a base body 104. A first magnetic field-based sensor element 106, a second magnetic field-based sensor element 108, and an evaluation device 110 are provided on the base body 104 of the first component 102. The first magnetic field-based sensor element 106 and the second magnetic field-based sensor element 108 are each designed as a 3D Hall sensor.
[0073] The vessel assembly 100 further comprises a second component 112 in the form of a cover element with a first magnetic field-based counter element 114 and a second magnetic field-based counter element 116. The first magnetic field-based counter element 114 is designed as a permanent magnet and generates a first magnetic field. The second magnetic field-based counter element 116 is also designed as a permanent magnet and generates a second magnetic field.
[0074] The first magnetic field-based sensor element 106 is configured to detect the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, or an overlap of the first magnetic field with the second magnetic field, and to output a magnetic flux density to the evaluation device 110. The second magnetic field-based sensor element 108 is likewise configured to detect the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, or an overlap of the first magnetic field with the second magnetic field. The first magnetic field-based sensor element 106 and the second magnetic field-based sensor element 108 are each designed as 3D Hall sensors and are configured to output an indication for a detected magnetic field with components in the x, y, and z directions. The evaluation device 110 is configured to calculate a magnetic flux density with an absolute value and with a positive or negative sign based on such an indication.
[0075] Furthermore, the device is configured to determine an alignment for the first magnetic field-based counter element 114 and for the second magnetic field-based counter element 116 based on the sign of the determined flux density. Furthermore, the evaluation device 110 is configured to compare the determined alignments with predefined reference values for alignments, for example with the reference values from the Fig. 7, and to determine from the comparison result that the second component 112 has the component type “cover element”.
[0076] In addition, the evaluation device 110 is configured to calculate a first value for a first angle theta and a first value for a radius on the basis of a first indication output by the first magnetic field-based sensor element 106 or on the basis of a first magnetic flux density calculated therefrom, wherein the first angle theta and the first radius are indicative of a position of the first magnetic field-based counter-element 114 and / or of the second magnetic field-based counter-element 116 relative to the first magnetic field-based sensor element 106. ...to calculate a second value for a second angle theta and a second value for a radius on the basis of a second magnetic flux density calculated therefrom, wherein the second angle theta and the second radius are indicative of a position of the first magnetic field-based counter element 114 and / or the second magnetic field-based counter element 116 relative to the second magnetic field-based sensor element 108.
[0077] Furthermore, the evaluation device 110 is configured to determine a position of the second component 112 relative to the first component 102 on the basis of the first value for the first angle theta, the first value for the first radius and on the basis of the second value for the second angle theta and the second value for the second radius.
[0078] The evaluation device 110 is further configured to perform a check by means of a redundancy check on the basis of the information output by the first magnetic field-based sensor element 106 and on the basis of the information output by the second magnetic field-based sensor element 108.
[0079] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show a second embodiment of a vessel arrangement 200 for a kitchen appliance in a detailed sectional view, wherein in the Fig. 2a the vessel arrangement 200 in a first position and in the Fig. 2b is shown in a second position.
[0080] The vessel assembly 200 comprises a first component 202 in the form of a food receiving element with a handle 204 and a base body 206. A magnetic field-based sensor element 208 and an evaluation device 210 are arranged on the base body 206. The vessel assembly 200 further comprises a second component 212 in the form of a cover element with a magnetic field-based counter element 214 and a pivot element 216. The second component 212 can be pivoted relative to the first component 202 about a pivot point 218 from a first position to a second position. The pivot point 218 is arranged at a contact point of the pivot element 216 with the handle 204.
[0081] In the Fig. In the first position shown in Figure 2a, the magnetic field-based counter element 214 of the second component 212 and the magnetic field-based sensor element 208 of the first component 202 are arranged substantially opposite one another and form an intermediate space 220.
[0082] In the Fig. In the second position shown in Fig. 2b, the second component 212 is pivoted relative to the first component 202 about the pivot point 218 and the pivot point 218 is arranged outside the intermediate space 220.
[0083] The arrangement of the pivot point 218 results in an increased movement amplitude of the magnetic field-based counter element 214 relative to the magnetic field-based sensor element 208 compared to a constellation in which the pivot point 218 would lie in the gap 220.
[0084] Fig. 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a kitchen appliance 300. The kitchen appliance 300 comprises a base unit 302 with an evaluation device 304 and a container arrangement 306 with a first component 308, a second component 310, and a locking element 312a, 312b. A magnetic field-based sensor element 314 is provided on the first component 308, and a magnetic field-based counter element 316 is provided on the second component 310. The magnetic field-based counter element 316 is designed to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field-based sensor element 314 is designed to detect the magnetic field and output at least one indication for the detected magnetic field, wherein the at least one indication comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system.The evaluation device 304 is configured to determine, on the basis of the output information, information about a component type of the second component 310 and information about a position of the second component 310.
[0085] Fig. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a kitchen appliance 400. The kitchen appliance 400 comprises a base unit 402 with a control device 404 and a vessel arrangement 406 with a first component 408, a second component 410, and an evaluation device 411. Four magnetic field-based sensor elements 412, 414, 416, 418 are provided on the first component 408, and two magnetic field-based counter elements 420, 422 are provided on the second component 410. The two magnetic field-based counter elements 420, 422 each have a magnetic north pole 424 and a magnetic south pole 426 and are arranged opposite one another according to a predefined orientation, such that the orientation forms a magnetic coding for the component type of the second component 410. Furthermore, the two magnetic field-based counter elements 420, 422 are each designed to generate a magnetic field.
[0086] The four magnetic field-based sensor elements 412, 414, 416, 418 are each designed to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnetic field-based counter elements 420, 422 and to output a corresponding indication to the evaluation device 411.
[0087] The four magnetic field-based sensor elements 412, 414, 416, 418 are arranged in the upper region of the first component 408 and the two magnetic field-based counter elements 420, 422 are arranged on the second component 410 such that in the illustrated closed position of the vessel arrangement 406, the two magnetic field-based counter elements 420, 422 are close to the four magnetic field-based sensor elements 412, 414, 416, 418 in the second component 410.
[0088] The evaluation device 411 is configured to carry out a check as part of a redundancy check process on the basis of the output information in order to detect and, if necessary, compensate for any detection errors of the magnetic field-based sensor elements 412, 414, 416, 418.
[0089] Furthermore, the evaluation device 411 is configured to determine, based on the output information, information about a component type of the second component 410 and information about a position of the second component 410, and to forward this information via an interface module 428 and a contact module 430 on the part of the first component 408, and then via a contact module 432 and an interface module 434 on the part of the base unit 402 to the control device 404 of the base unit 402. The control device 404 is in turn configured to consider the information output by the evaluation device 411 for adapting the control of the kitchen appliance 400.
[0090] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of a kitchen appliance which is similar to the kitchen appliance from the Fig. 4 with the difference that instead of four magnetic field-based sensor elements, two magnetic field-based sensor elements 500, 502 are provided. In the Fig. 5, the components of the kitchen appliance were adopted, which correspond to the components of the kitchen appliance from the Fig. 4, and new reference numerals are only noted for the component that differs from that of the kitchen appliance from the Fig. 4 distinguish.
[0091] The two magnetic-field-based sensor elements 500, 502 have their own test functionality for verifying the detection results. This test functionality also allows the sensor elements 500, 502 to be tested via a measurement chain, thus ensuring functional safety.
[0092] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of several positions of a magnetic field-based counter element relative to a magnetic field-based sensor element 600.
[0093] Several angular positions M1, M2, M3, M4 of the magnetic field-based counter element are shown, with the angular positions M1, M2, M3, M4 corresponding to different values for a theta angle 602 and different values for a radius 604. The radius 604 corresponds to the distance between the magnetic field-based sensor element 600 and the magnetic field-based counter element. The theta angle 602 is the angle between a fictitious straight line extending through the magnetic field-based sensor element 600 and the position of the magnetic field-based counter element, with the position of the magnetic field-based sensor element 600 serving as the coordinate origin. For example, 0 degrees corresponds to a vertical arrangement with the magnetic field-based counter element above the magnetic field-based sensor element 600, and 180 degrees to a vertical arrangement with the magnetic field-based counter element below the magnetic field-based sensor element 600.At a theta angle of approximately 90 degrees, the magnetic field-based counter element and the magnetic field-based sensor element 600 are arranged opposite each other in a horizontal arrangement.
[0094] The following describes exemplary situations which, when using a vessel arrangement comprising the magnetic field-based sensor element 600 and the magnetic field-based counter element, can correspond to each of the four illustrated positions M1, M2, M3, M4 of the magnetic field-based counter element relative to the magnetic field-based sensor element 600. The vessel arrangement comprises an evaluation device, a first component in the form of a pot, and a second component in the form of a lid, wherein the magnetic field-based sensor element 600 is arranged on the first component and wherein the magnetic field-based counter element is arranged on the second component.
[0095] Position M1 corresponds to a low position, where, for example, the lid on the pot is pressed down and possibly locked.
[0096] Positions M2 and M3 correspond to intermediate positions that could be taken during use.
[0097] Position M4 represents the case where the lid is only placed on the pot.
[0098] Fig.7 shows a schematic representation of several alignment combinations for two magnetic field-based counter elements 700, 702. Each of the two magnetic field-based counter elements 700, 702 has a magnetic south pole 704, 706 and a magnetic north pole 708, 710. In a first alignment combination, the two magnetic field-based counter elements 700, 702 are aligned such that the south poles 704, 706 face each other. In a second alignment combination, a south pole 704, 706 and a north pole 708, 710 face each other. In a third alignment combination, a south pole 704, 706 and a north pole 708, 710 also face each other. In a fourth alignment combination, the two magnetic field-based counter elements 700, 702 are aligned such that the south poles 704, 706 face each other.
[0099] Each orientation combination can be assigned to a predetermined component type, for example, "cover element," "stirring element," "cooking element," or "steaming element." By assigning the respective orientations to the component types, a component type can be determined upon detection of one of the orientations, and the component type can then be taken into account for controlling the vessel arrangement or the cooking appliance for which the component type was determined.
Claims
[1] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) for a kitchen appliance (300, 400) - with at least one first component (102, 202, 308, 408) having a magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600), - with at least one second component (112, 212, 310, 410) having a magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) with a magnetic field, and - with an evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411), characterized by , - that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) is configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) and to output at least one indication for the detected magnetic field, - wherein the at least one indication comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system, and - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine, on the basis of the at least one output item of information, information about a component type of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) and information about a position of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410). [2] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine an orientation of the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) depending on the at least one piece of information, - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to compare the determined orientation of the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) with at least one reference value for an orientation, wherein the at least one reference value for an orientation is assigned to at least one component type, and - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine a component type for the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) having the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) depending on the comparison result. [3] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine a position of the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) relative to the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) depending on the at least one piece of information, - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is designed to compare the determined position with at least one reference indication for a position, and - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is designed to determine a change in position of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) relative to the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) as a function of the comparison result. [4] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) has a first magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) with a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) with a second magnetic field, - that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) is configured to detect the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and / or an overlap of the first magnetic field with the second magnetic field, and - that the at least one indication output by the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) corresponds to the detection of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and / or an overlap of the first magnetic field with the second magnetic field. [5] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) has at least two magnetic field-based sensor elements (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600). [6] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is designed to determine an admissibility indication for the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) on the basis of at least one element from the list: the at least one indication, the component type determined for the second component (112, 212, 310, 410), the position determined for the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) relative to the first component (102, 202, 308, 408). [7] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) has a receiving vessel or is mounted on a receiving vessel, and / or - that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) has a cover element or can be mounted on a cover element. [8] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that in an operating position the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) and the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) of the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) are arranged substantially opposite one another. [9] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) can be pivoted relative to the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) about a pivot point (218) from a first position to a second position, - that in the first position, the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) and the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) of the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) are arranged substantially opposite one another and form an intermediate space (220), and - that the pivot point (218) is arranged outside the intermediate space (220). [10] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) is a 3D magnetic field sensor, in particular a 3D Hall sensor. [11] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) for a kitchen appliance (300, 400) - with at least one first component (102, 202, 308, 408) having a magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600), - with at least one second component (112, 212, 310, 410) having a magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) with a magnetic field, and - with an evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411), characterized by , - that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) is configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) and to output at least one indication for the detected magnetic field, - wherein the at least one indication comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system, and - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine information about a component type of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) on the basis of the at least one output item of information. [12] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) for a kitchen appliance (300, 400) - with at least one first component (102, 202, 308, 408) having a magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600), - with at least one second component (112, 212, 310, 410) having a magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) with a magnetic field, and - with an evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411), characterized by , - that the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) is configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) and to output at least one indication for the detected magnetic field, - wherein the at least one indication comprises coordinates for at least two dimensions of a coordinate system, and - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine information about a position of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) on the basis of the at least one output indication. [13] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) is a food receiving element with an opening for receiving food, with an opening for receiving a cutting unit and with a handle. [14] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 13, characterized by that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) is a cover element which is designed to cover the opening for receiving food of the food receiving element. [15] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 14, characterized by that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) has one or more air passage openings. [16] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) and the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) together form a receiving space with a receiving volume. [17] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 16, characterized by that the storage space is suitable for the air-permeable storage of food. [18] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized bythat the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) and the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) are designed such that they can be mounted together in at least one assembly position by the second component covering an opening of the first component and thus forming the receiving space with the receiving volume. [19] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the information output by the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) is a magnetic flux density with coordinates in the x, y and z directions of a coordinate system whose origin is a position of the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element. [20] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 19, characterized by , that - a first magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to detect the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and to output a magnetic flux density to the evaluation device, - a second magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to detect the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and to output a magnetic flux density to the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411), - wherein the first magnetic field-based sensor element and the second magnetic field-based sensor element are each designed as 3D Hall sensors and are configured to output an indication with components in the x, y and z directions for a detected magnetic field, and - the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is arranged to calculate, on the basis of this information, a magnetic flux density with an absolute value and with a positive or a negative sign. [21] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by , that - the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to determine an orientation for the first magnetic field-based counter element and for the second magnetic field-based counter element on the basis of the sign of the determined flux density, - wherein the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is configured to compare the determined alignments with predefined reference values for alignments and to determine from the comparison result that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) has the component type “cover element”. [22] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) is designed to generate a magnetic field due to inherent material properties. [23] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) is designed to generate a magnetic field by applying an electric current. [24] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) is selected from the list comprising: magnet, permanent magnet, electromagnet and coil. [25] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that by using two magnetic field-based counter elements, four different cover types can be detected by specifically arranging the polarity of the magnetic field-based counter elements. [26] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 25, characterized by , with permanent magnets the magnets are arranged north-south or south-north. [27] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the information of the component type of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) enables identification of a cutting, stirring, cooking, weighing, cooking, steaming or covering element. [28] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the component types of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) differ in their function or possible applications and thus enable a different use of the vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406). [29] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) and the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) are designed such that in an operating position the at least one magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) of the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) and the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) of the first component (102, 202, 308, 408) are arranged substantially opposite one another. [30] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) is designed in the form of a cover element with at least one magnetic field-based counter element and with a pivoting element (216). [31] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) can assume a plurality of positions relative to the magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) and a position (M1) corresponds to a low position in which the second component (112, 212, 310, 410) in the form of a lid is pressed down on the pot and is optionally locked. [32] Vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnetic field-based counter element (114, 116, 214, 316, 420, 422, 700, 702) can assume positions relative to the magnetic field-based sensor element (106, 108, 208, 314, 412, 414, 416, 418, 500, 502, 600) and a position (M4) corresponds to a position in which the second component (112, 212, 310, 410), for example the lid, is only placed on the pot. [33] Kitchen appliance (300, 400), - wherein the kitchen appliance (300, 400) comprises at least one vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) and a base unit (302, 402), characterized by , - that the at least one vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) comprises a vessel arrangement (306) according to one of claims 1 to 32, and - that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is arranged on the base unit (302, 402) of the kitchen appliance (300, 400). [34] Kitchen appliance (300, 400) according to claim 33, characterized by that the evaluation device (110, 210, 304, 411) is part of a control device (404) of the kitchen appliance (300, 400). [35] Kitchen appliance (300, 400) according to claim 33, characterized by that the at least one vessel arrangement (100, 200, 306, 406) comprises a vessel arrangement (306) with a first component (308), with a second component (310) and with a locking element (312a, 312b).