Table-top device for an induction device, and induction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a table-top device (106) for an induction device (100), wherein the table-top device (106) has a support surface (112) for placing a cooking vessel (110) on the table-top device (106), at least one induction coil (200, 202) which is designed to generate an output-side magnetic field, using an input-side magnetic field of an induction field of the induction device (100), in order to heat the support surface (112), and a sensor device (114) having at least one force sensor for detecting a pressure acting on the table-top device (106), the sensor device (114) being designed to provide a pressure signal which represents the pressure.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Tabletop device for an induction device and induction device

[0003] The invention relates to a tabletop device for an induction device and an induction device.

[0004] Inductive energy transfer is used for various devices and purposes, both privately and commercially, for example to charge energy storage devices or to power them. Such devices can include cordless tools or kitchen appliances.

[0005] The approach presented here aims to create an improved tabletop device for an induction cooker and an improved induction cooker.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a tabletop device for an induction device and by an induction device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0007] The presented approach allows the countertop device to be used not only for preparing food but also for weighing.

[0008] A tabletop device for an induction device comprises a support surface for placing a cooking vessel on the tabletop device, at least one induction coil shaped to provide an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel using an input magnetic field of an induction field, and a sensor device with at least one force sensor for detecting pressure acting on the tabletop device, wherein the sensor device is configured to provide a pressure signal representing the pressure.

[0009] The countertop appliance can, for example, be designed as a portable cooktop and thus as an improved version of a countertop cooktop, which can be operated inductively using an induction field. The induction field can also be referred to as an induction unit or be part of an induction unit, which may optionally include multiple induction fields. The countertop appliance can be used in conjunction with a cooktop featuring an induction field or with a different type of worktop on which an induction field is mounted. For example, the countertop appliance can also be placed on a tabletop if an induction field is integrated into or located beneath the tabletop. The countertop appliance can therefore be used as a portable device.The induction field can include at least one induction coil, also called a primary coil, for generating the input magnetic field. The countertop device's induction coil can also include a receiver-side induction coil, also called a secondary coil, which can act as a signal amplifier, or repeater, to amplify or relay the input magnetic field of the induction field and thus use it to heat a cooking vessel placed on the induction coil. Alternatively, a first induction coil of the countertop device can be used to generate an electrical voltage using the input magnetic field, and a second induction coil of the countertop device can be used to generate the output magnetic field using this electrical voltage. The cooking surface can, for example, have at least one, but also several, cooking zones.The cooking vessel can be, for example, a pot or a pan. The sensor device can function as a scale, detecting pressure using at least one force sensor. Pressure can be understood as a force acting on the countertop device in addition to atmospheric pressure, exerted, for example, by the weight of the cooking vessel or a user's finger. Thus, pressure can be understood as a force acting on the countertop device. Therefore, the force sensor can be suitable for detecting a force acting on the countertop device. The force sensor can, for example, be a load cell or be enclosed within a load cell. The force sensor can also be referred to as a force transducer. The force sensor can be implemented as a strain gauge.Advantageously, this can also be done during the cooking process, allowing, for example, the weight of food added to the cooking vessel later to be measured. The combination of cooking and weighing functions in one device significantly improves user convenience. The integrated scale enhances the cooking experience, enabling precise control of cooking processes, such as determining the boiling point of water, via weight measurement. Additionally, the user can add ingredients with gram-level accuracy during cooking. Wireless power supply allows for easy setup and takedown of the countertop unit.

[0010] The presented approach creates a compact, user-friendly, and flexible solution for a tabletop device that functions as a mobile unit. This device can be combined with, for example, a household appliance such as an induction cooktop, thus fulfilling a wide variety of functions. The ability to combine the functions of multiple devices is particularly advantageous for small spaces with limited storage. Furthermore, this approach eliminates the need to unplug devices with wired power supplies.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the tabletop device can have at least one base. At least one force sensor can be arranged on this base. Advantageously, the tabletop device can also have several bases, each with its own force sensor. This allows the weight of the cooking vessel to be accurately measured, ensuring the tabletop device remains stable.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the at least one force sensor can be designed as a strain gauge. The force sensor can advantageously be integrated on or into the base.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor device can additionally include at least one temperature sensor and, additionally or alternatively, a vibration sensor and, additionally or alternatively, an optical sensor. The temperature sensor, and additionally or alternatively the vibration sensor, can, for example, detect the boiling point of a fluid in the cooking vessel. The vibration sensor can also detect, for example, when a user interface (UI) of the countertop device is activated by tapping. Advantageously, this allows cooking states to be detected, enabling the user to be provided with relevant information or signals.Optionally, the output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel can be controlled using one or more signals from the sensor device, thus preventing, for example, overcooking. An optical sensor could be, for instance, a camera designed to recognize a barcode affixed to the cooking vessel.

[0014] The countertop appliance can also include a control device for user operation, which can be designed to allow the adjustment of at least one parameter of the appliance. The control device can be designed as a user interface and, for example, include a touch-sensitive surface area of ​​the work surface. The adjustable parameter could be, for example, a power level and thus a cooking temperature, or a tare function. Advantageously, the countertop appliance can thus provide the user with a variety of functions.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the control unit can be designed to switch the countertop device from a weighing mode to a cooking mode and vice versa. This means that the control unit can, for example, initiate a weighing function, allowing the countertop device to function as a scale. The user can switch between modes as needed. This advantageously reduces the number of kitchen appliances required, as a separate scale is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the weighing and cooking modes can be executed simultaneously.

[0016] Furthermore, the operating device can be designed to display the weight of the cooking vessel using the pressure signal. Advantageously, the operating device can have or include a display unit, such as a touchscreen, which can display recipes or recipe steps. Advantageously, weight information, for example of food being cooked, can be recorded during the cooking process, thus enabling the automation of cooking processes.

[0017] The sensor device can also be configured to detect pressure exerted on the operating device by the user. Furthermore, the operating device can be configured to adjust the parameter using the pressure signal. Advantageously, this allows user input to be recognized. This can advantageously be linked to predefined areas of the operating device. As a result, the operating device itself can be designed without its own sensors for detecting activation.

[0018] Furthermore, the sensor device can be designed to detect pressure acting on the support surface and to adjust the parameter using the pressure signal. This can advantageously also be done during a cooking process. Optionally, the parameter can additionally be adjusted using a temperature signal or a vibration signal.

[0019] The countertop appliance can further include a communication unit configured to enable wireless data transmission between the countertop appliance and the induction field. Advantageously, the communication unit can be designed as a near-field communication (NFC) coil, thus having a short range, so that data transmission is advantageously limited to a small radius. This means that, advantageously, only selected devices located in close proximity to each other can be connected. For example, the communication unit can be used to activate the induction field when a cooking vessel is placed on the countertop appliance or when the cooking mode of the countertop appliance is activated.Additionally, the countertop appliance can have a further communication unit, which can be designed to enable another wireless connection between the appliance and a mobile device. Advantageously, this allows multiple mobile devices or small appliances to be connected to the countertop appliance. It also enables control of the cooking process via a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the tabletop device can have a plug for a wired power supply. Advantageously, this allows the tabletop device to be operated even without an induction loop and thus offers greater flexibility in placement.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the output magnetic field can also be used to operate or charge other mobile devices that can be placed or set on the platform. Thus, the tabletop device can be used in conjunction with tools that, for example, can be charged or operated inductively.

[0022] Furthermore, an induction device is presented, comprising a worktop with at least one induction field and a tabletop device in one of the previously mentioned variants. The tabletop device interacts with the induction field of the worktop.

[0023] The induction zone can, for example, be part of an induction cooktop. Alternatively, the worktop can simply have an induction unit comprising at least one induction zone, which can be mounted on the worktop according to the user's wishes.

[0024] Although the described approach is based on household appliances, it can also be used in connection with commercial or professional equipment.

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an induction device; and

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100. The induction device 100 has a worktop 102, which has at least one induction field 104. The induction field 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 any surface. For illustrative purposes only, the worktop 102 and the induction field 104 are shown as components of a cooktop. The induction device 100 also includes a countertop device 106, which interacts with the induction field 104 of the worktop 102. The induction field 104 is, for example, a component of an induction unit, which can include one or more corresponding induction fields.An input-side magnetic field of the induction field 104 is generated, for example, using an induction coil. The countertop device 106 is designed as a mobile unit that can be placed on the worktop 102 and operated using the input-side magnetic field of the induction field 104. According to this embodiment, a cooking vessel 110, for example a pot, is arranged on the countertop device 106.

[0029] The countertop device 106 is, for example, designed as a countertop cooktop which is inductively operated and optionally has a plug for a wired power supply. Furthermore, the countertop device 106 includes a weighing function. The countertop device 106 has a support surface 112 for placing the cooking vessel 110 on it. The countertop device 106 also has at least one induction coil, which is shaped to generate an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel 110 using the input magnetic field of the induction field 104 of the induction device 100. The induction coil is arranged within a housing of the countertop device 106 and, according to this embodiment, is concealed by the support surface 112.Additionally, the mounting device 106 includes a sensor unit 114 with at least one force sensor 115 for detecting pressure acting on the table-top device 106. The sensor unit 114 is configured to provide a pressure signal representing the pressure, which, for example, represents the weight of the cooking vessel 110. The sensor unit 114 is, for example, designed as a scale or includes at least a weighing function. Optionally, the sensor unit 114 also includes at least one temperature sensor and / or a vibration sensor for detecting a boiling point or for waking up a user interface (Ul), for example, by tapping. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor unit 114 includes an optical sensor, which is used, for example, to detect a barcode on cooking equipment, such as the cooking vessel 110.According to this embodiment, the tabletop device 106 has at least one base 116, with at least one force sensor 115 arranged on the at least one base 116. In particular, the tabletop device 106 has at least three bases 116, for example, a total of four bases 116, each with a force sensor 115, whereby, according to this embodiment, only two front bases 116 are shown due to the perspective of the illustration. According to this embodiment, the force sensors 115 are each designed as a strain gauge. The tabletop device 106 also optionally has an operating device 118, which enables a user to operate the tabletop device 106. For example, using the operating device 118, the user sets at least one parameter of the tabletop device 106, such as a power level, temperature, or a tare function.The operating device 118 is implemented, for example, as a touch-sensitive display which can show recipes or cooking instructions, or is designed, for example, to display the weight of the cooking vessel 110 using the pressure signal. Optionally, the operating device 118 is designed to switch the countertop device 106 from a weighing mode to a cooking mode and from the cooking mode to the weighing mode.

[0030] The sensor device 114 is designed, by way of example, to detect pressure exerted on the control device 118 by the user. In this case, the control device 118 is designed to adjust the parameter using the pressure signal. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 114 is designed to detect pressure acting on the storage surface, for example, during a cooking process, so that the control device 118 is consequently designed to adjust the parameter using the pressure signal. This is optionally also done using a temperature signal or a vibration signal.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the table-top device 106 can also be used to, for example, load or operate a mobile device placed on the storage surface 112, such as a tool or a kitchen machine, like a mixer.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an induction device 100, which corresponds, for example, to the induction device described in Figure 1. As already described in Figure 1, the countertop device 106 has the support surface 112 on which the cooking vessel 110 is placed. On an underside opposite the support surface 112, the countertop device 106 has the feet 116, by means of which the countertop device 106 is placed on the work surface 102 on which the induction field 104 is arranged. The countertop device 106 has at least one induction coil 200, which is shaped to provide an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel 110 using an input magnetic field from the induction field 104.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the countertop device 106 has an induction coil 200 as a receiving coil and an additional induction coil 202 as a transmitting coil for heating the cooking vessel 110. For example, the two coils 200 and 202 function as repeaters for the input magnetic field of the induction field 104. According to one embodiment, the induction coil 200 is designed to convert the input magnetic field into an electrical voltage for operating the other induction coil 202. Alternatively or additionally, the coil designated 202 can also be a heating element.

[0034] To generate the input-side magnetic field, the induction field 104 includes at least one transmitter coil 208.

[0035] Between the induction coil 200 and the feet 116, the tabletop device 106, according to this embodiment, has a communication unit 204, which is, for example, configured as an NFC antenna and interacts with an NFC antenna 206 of the induction field. In this sense, the communication unit 204 and the NFC antenna 206 form a transmitter-receiver unit for power communication via the established NFC connection. Components such as the operating device 118 can also be configured to enable a wireless connection for data transmission between the tabletop device 106 and a mobile device, as is also described, for example, in Figure 3. According to this embodiment, the additional NFC antenna 206 is arranged between the worktop 102 and a transmitter coil 208 of the induction field 104.

[0036] To control and / or evaluate the electrical components of the tabletop device 106, the tabletop device 106, according to this embodiment, has a control unit 210, which is electrically coupled, for example, to at least the operating device 118 and / or the sensor device 114. For example, the control unit 210 is implemented as an electronic component.

[0037] In other words, the tabletop device 106 is, for example, implemented as a coaster with an integrated scale. According to one embodiment, a load cell of the sensor device 114 is arranged in at least one or in each of the feet 116.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the induction field 104 is part of a base station for wireless charging. The base station includes, for example, an induction unit, which in turn includes at least one induction field 104. The induction field 104 has, for example, the induction coil 208 and a communication module, for example, with the NFC antenna 206. The countertop device 106, also referred to as a countertop cooktop, is inductively supplied with energy via the induction field 104. According to this embodiment, the induction field 104 is installed under any surface, which is described here as a worktop 102. The worktop 102 is, for example, designed as part of a piece of furniture or integrated into a cooktop. The induction field 104 or the induction unit can be configured with or without its own user interface.According to this embodiment, the tabletop device 106 receives the radiated energy of the induction field 104 via the receiver coil 200 on the base of the tabletop device 106. Communication with the induction field 104 takes place via an additional communication channel, e.g., the NFC antenna 204.

[0039] The energy absorbed by the countertop device 106 is transferred via the second induction coil 202 on the top of the countertop device 106 to the cooking vessel 110. In addition to the induction system, the countertop device 106 also has a weighing function, which is implemented using the sensor device 114. The operating interface of the countertop device 106, described here as the operating unit 118, is used, for example, to set process parameters. These process parameters include, for example, setting power levels, temperatures, or switching to a weighing mode.

[0040] Optionally, an additional communication unit is installed in the countertop cooktop 106 and / or the base station to enable another communication channel, e.g., to a mobile device, as mentioned, for example, in Figure 3. Optionally, further sensors are installed in the countertop unit 106, such as one or more temperature sensors to measure the temperature of the underside of the cookware, a vibration sensor to determine the boiling point during cooking or to activate the user interface by tapping, and / or an optical sensor that can read barcodes affixed to the cookware 110.

[0041] Optionally, the table-top device 106 also features an additional plug for an alternative power supply.

[0042] The operating unit 118, also referred to as the user interface, allows switching between a weighing mode and a cooking mode, according to one embodiment. A scale implemented by the countertop device 106 can have various accuracy ranges and a tare function. Alternatively, the weight of the food being cooked can be measured and displayed during the cooking process, allowing, for example, the determination of evaporated water volume. Cooking instructions can be displayed on the operating unit 118 of the countertop cooktop 106 and / or a mobile device and / or the optional operating unit of the base station and / or the operating unit on special cooking vessels 110, and the individual steps can be monitored using the sensors described above.For example, it is possible to save the quantity added for each individual work step and display it in an overview, or to automatically scale the current recipe if too large a quantity is added.

[0043] Measuring force at at least three points enables the detection of pressure on the surface, such as that caused when a finger is pressed on the device. This is used, for example, to implement the control unit 118 with fewer or no additional input elements. An example of this is described below: Symbols are printed on the surface, and pressure in the area of ​​the symbols is detected via force measurement and interpreted as input, or rather, as the pressure signal corresponding to the printed symbol.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an induction device 100, which corresponds or is similar to the induction device described in at least one of Figures 1 to 2, so that the tabletop device 106 shown also corresponds or is at least similar to the tabletop device described above.

[0045] The tabletop device 106 optionally includes an additional communication unit designed to enable a wireless connection between the tabletop device 106 and a mobile device. The mobile device can be, for example, a smartphone 300, a tablet, a small appliance, or the cooking vessel 110 with a user interface 302, such as a so-called smart cooking vessel. The cooking vessel 110 may have one or more additional sensors, which are electrically connected to the user interface 302. Therefore, according to this embodiment, display and operation via the scale, i.e., via the tabletop device 106, the user interface 302, or an external device 300, are possible.

[0046] The cooking vessel 110 is shown here only as an example of a mobile device that can be used in conjunction with the table-top device 106.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A tabletop device (106) for an induction device (100), wherein the tabletop device (106) has the following features: a support surface (112) for placing a cooking vessel (110) on the tabletop device (106); at least one induction coil (200, 202) configured to provide an output magnetic field for heating the cooking vessel (110) using an input magnetic field of an induction field (104); and a sensor device (114) with at least one force sensor (115) for detecting a pressure acting on the tabletop device (106), wherein the sensor device (114) is configured to provide a pressure signal representing the pressure.

2. Tabletop device (106) according to claim 1, with at least one base (116), wherein the at least one force sensor (115) is arranged on the at least one base (116).

3. Tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one force sensor (115) is designed as a strain gauge.

4. Tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (114) additionally comprises at least one temperature sensor, one vibration sensor and / or one optical sensor.

5. Tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, with an operating device (118) for operating the tabletop device (106) by a user, wherein the operating device (118) is designed to adjust at least one parameter of the tabletop device (106).

6. Tabletop device (106) according to claim 5, wherein the operating device (118) is configured to switch the tabletop device (106) from a weighing mode to a cooking mode and from the cooking mode to the weighing mode.

7. Tabletop device (106) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the operating device (118) is configured to indicate a weight of the cooking vessel (110) using the pressure signal.

8. Tabletop device (106) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the sensor device (114) is configured to detect pressure exerted on the operating device (118) by the user, and wherein the operating device (118) is configured to adjust the parameter using the pressure signal.

9. Tabletop device (106) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the sensor device (114) is configured to detect pressure acting on the support surface (112), and wherein the operating device (118) is configured to adjust the parameter using the pressure signal.

10. Tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a communication unit (204) configured to enable a wireless connection for data transmission between the tabletop device (106) and the induction field (104).

11. Tabletop device (106) according to claim 10, wherein the wireless connection for data transmission is an NFC connection.

12. Tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, with a further communication unit configured to enable a further wireless connection between the tabletop device (106) and a mobile terminal device (300, 302).

13. Tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, with a plug for a wired power supply of the tabletop device (106).

14. Induction device (100) comprising: a worktop (102) having at least one induction field (104); and a tabletop device (106) according to one of the preceding claims, which interacts with the induction field (104) of the worktop (102).

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