DE102008054909A1 - Method for operating an electric food preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for operating a food preparation device (1) on an operating device (6) comprises at least the following steps: running an automatic identification process for identifying at least one operating feature of the food preparation device (1) by means of the operating device (6) and providing at least one to the food preparation device ( 1) mode of operation by means of the operating device (6) on the basis of the automatic identification process. For setting operating parameters of the at least one operating mode, an operator prompt coordinated with the operating features can be provided on the operating device (6). The operating device (6) is set up to operate a food preparation appliance (1) and has at least one energy transmission area (13), wherein the operating device (6) is set up to run a method according to one of the preceding claims.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for operating an electrical, d. h., electrically operable, food preparation device an operating device and such an operating device.

It are methods of transmitting information from one Cooking appliance on a heating device known, in particular a transmission of a temperature for temperature control.

So revealed DE 197 29 662 A1 an information transmission system for automatically operated cooking vessels on a heating device of a cooking area. A cooking vessel transmits information directly from sensors located inside the cooking vessel to receiving means directly associated with the heating device. For this purpose, located on the cooking vessel or its lid, for example, a transmitting coil for emitting the signals. The signals are directed downwards via a ferrite rod, where they are received by the receiving means. A controller adjusts the performance of the heating device according to the information and selected specifications.

Another cooking facility is off DE 101 17 545 A1 in which there is a wireless transmission link for automatic cooking between a sensor of a cookware and a receiver controlling a control device of a heating device. In order to increase the safety during automatic cooking, the transmission path is designed redundantly such that the same state values of a sensor of a cookware are transmitted via at least two different physical channels.

Further describes EP 1 121 219 25 B1 a method and apparatus for magnetic induction heating, provided with a radio identification unit for identification of the goods to be heated.

WO 2007/107888 A2 describes a food preparation system having a non-contact power supply for activating a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for facilitating communication between a cooking appliance and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmission unit, the system attempts to determine the type of device by characterizing the load pick up by the device. If the device can not be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.

US 6,953,919 discloses an RFID-controlled intelligent induction area as well as a cooking and heating method. This document discloses a system and method for providing multiple cooking modes and the ability to automatically heat cookware and other objects using RFID technology, as well as the ability to read and write heating instructions and to interactively support their execution. An induction heating area with two antennas per cooking zone is provided and includes a user interface display and an input mechanism. The dishes include an RFID tag and a temperature sensor. In a first cooking mode, a recipe is read by the induction area, and the induction area assists a user in making the recipe by automatically heating the dishes to the specified temperatures and encouraging the user to add ingredients.

WO 02/01918 discloses a household electric appliance supply and a household appliance provided therewith. The household appliance supply comprises: a power supply for household electrical appliances, comprising: at least one mains connection and at least one plug for a detachable electrical coupling of the power supply to a household appliance, characterized in that the power supply is also equipped with a measuring and control device for controlling a supply signal, which is generated from the power supply by means of a control signal transmitted from the coupled household appliance. The document also concerns a household apparatus for interacting with such a power supply.

WO 2007/088209 discloses an electrical domestic appliance system comprising a device base and at least one cordless household electrical appliance which can be removably mounted on the appliance base, the appliance base having a support surface for the at least one cordless domestic electrical appliance and first electrical connection means for transmitting electrical energy from the appliance base the household appliances, and wherein the at least one cordless household electrical appliance comprises at least one electrical load and second electrical connection means which are coupled to the first electrical connection means of the device base such that electrical energy from the first electrical connection means via the second electrical connection means to the electrical Consumers of the cordless household electrical appliance can be transmitted, wherein the first and second connecting means for inductive Übert tion of electrical energy from the device base to the cordless household electrical appliance. The household system is characterized records that the device base comprises means for detecting a cordless household appliance arranged on the support surface. The document also relates to equipment bases and household appliances adapted for use in such a system.

DE 10 2006 017 801 A1 discloses a power supply unit comprising a primary power transmission unit having a transmission area provided in wireless cooperation with a secondary energy receiving unit separable in the transmission area and the transmission area for supplying energy to an energy consumer. In order to achieve, in particular, a high degree of operating safety, it is proposed that the energy supply unit has a detection unit which is provided to detect the presence of an object which is different from the secondary energy reception unit into the transmission area.

DE 198 28 170 A1 discloses cookware for smart cookers in which a radio-scannable passive surface-wave device is integrated. By contactless querying of the SAW device, a code integrated therein with statements about properties of the pot or information about the height of an environmental parameter can be determined. In the system with an intelligent stove, the fully automatic control of a cooking program is possible.

Out: Pine, A .; Reindl, LM, "Inductively Coupled Sensor / Actuator System for Closed-Loop Control Applications at High Temperature and Aggressive Environments", Sensors, 2007 IEEE, October 28-31, 2007, pp. 1396-1399 , or out Pine, A .; Reindl, LM "Inductively Coupled Sensor / Actuator System for Digital Closed-Loop Control Applications at High Operating Temperatures", 2nd WSEAS Int. Conf. at CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS, SIGNAL and TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CISST'08), Acapulco, Mexico, 25-27 January 2008 , a sensor / actuator system for high temperature applications is known, in which the complete measuring electronics and the sensors are integrated in the actuator. The data transmission is implemented as a point-to-point "Power Line Communication" (PLC) between the sensor / actuator system and its control unit. A separable transformer acts as an inductively coupled, non-contact connection for both power transmission and bidirectional PLC data, enabling perfect hermetic sealing.

DE 195 10 140 A1 discloses an electronic control for household appliances, in particular for cookers and hobs, wherein a flexible control device communicates bidirectionally with device modules, wherein at least three modules are connected to the control device.

The Method is used to operate an electrical food preparation device at a power transmission area one for operating the Food preparation device equipped operating device. Under a power transmission area is in its generality meant any area by means of which energy on the food preparation device is transferable to its operation. The transferred Energy can be transmitted as heat energy, for example be, for. B. in an energy transfer area in the form an induction resistance heating plate or a heat radiator. The transmitted energy can also be in the form of a magnetic Alternate field are transmitted, such as Generation of an eddy current in a ferromagnetic bottom of a cooking utensil ("Eddy current cooking") or as for example for inducing a voltage in a coil of an electric food preparation device, the voltage being used to operate the food preparation device is used, for. B. for heating a heating resistor electric cooking utensils ("induction cooking" or "transforming Cook"). While on a transmission a heat building process and eddy current cooking exclusively for operating cooking utensils (pots, Pans, etc.) as food preparation devices are, can in the inductive energy transfer induction cooking, other food preparation equipment like electrically operated small household appliances (eg toaster, Coffee maker, microwave, waffle iron, etc.).

• (a) Ablaufen lassen eines automatischen Identifizierungsvorgangs zur Identifizierung mindestens eines Betriebsmerkmals des Lebensmittelzubereitungsgerätes mittels der Betriebsvorrichtung. Das heißt, dass in diesem Schritt (a) die Betriebsvorrichtung versucht, mindestens ein Betriebsmerkmal des einem Energieübertragungsbereich zugeordneten Lebensmittelzubereitungsgeräts, welches für einen Betrieb an der Betriebsvorrichtung relevant ist, zu erkennen. Unter einem solchen relevanten Betriebsmerkmal wird insbesondere ein Merkmal verstanden, das auf die Leistungsübertragung auf das Lebensmittelzubereitungsgerät und/oder auf eine Bedienerführung einen Einfluss besitzt. Das Verfahren weist ferner den Schritt (b) auf, bei dem von der Betriebsvorrichtung auf der Grundlage des automatischen Identifizierungsvorgangs mindestens eine auf das – insbesondere identifizierte – Lebensmittelzubereitungsgerät abgestimmte Betriebsart bereitgestellt wird. Bei diesem Verfahren wird ferner zur Einstellung von Parametern der mindestens einen Betriebsart durch den Bediener einer auf die Betriebsmerkmale abgestimmte Bedienerführung an der Betriebsvorrichtung bereitgestellt. Dies heißt in anderen Worten, dass die Betriebsvorrichtung ein oder mehrere mögliche Betriebsarten automatisch identifiziert, welche mit dem zugeordneten Lebensmittelzubereitungsgerät durchführbar sind, und dem Bediener dann eine auf die jeweilige Betriebsart abgestimmte Benutzerführung bereitgestellt wird. Durch die automatische Identifizierung wird eine Aktivierung des Lebensmittelzubereitungsgeräts besonders einfach und bedarf keiner Vorkenntnisse des Bedieners über die Eigenschaften dieses Lebensmittelzubereitungsgeräts. Zudem wird für das Lebensmittelzubereitungsgerät eine optimierte Bedienerführung bereitgestellt, was die Bedienerfreundlichkeit weiter erhöht.

The procedure has at least the following steps:

• (A) running an automatic identification process to identify at least one operating feature of the food preparation device by means of the operating device. That is, in this step (a), the operating device attempts to detect at least one operating characteristic of the food preparation device associated with an energy transmission region, which is relevant for operation on the operating device. Such a relevant operating feature is understood in particular to mean a feature which has an influence on the power transmission to the food preparation device and / or on an operator guidance. The method further comprises the step (b), wherein at least one mode of operation is provided by the operating device on the basis of the automatic identification process, which mode is adapted to the - in particular identified - food preparation device. In this method is also for setting parameters of at least one Operating mode provided by the operator of a user guide adapted to the operating characteristics on the operating device. In other words, this means that the operating device automatically identifies one or more possible operating modes that can be carried out with the associated food preparation device, and then provides the operator with a user guide adapted to the respective operating mode. The automatic identification makes activation of the food preparation device particularly simple and requires no prior knowledge of the operator about the properties of this food preparation device. In addition, an optimized user guidance is provided for the food preparation device, which further increases user-friendliness.

step (b) may include providing multiple modes of operation, provided that this as feasible with the food preparation device were detected. This results in a particularly flexible operator guidance and therefore high user-friendliness. When deploying multiple Operating modes by means of the operator guidance can be a selection among the Operating modes are offered, giving the operator a high level of operating flexibility receives and not by the procedure gegangelt becomes.

It is, in particular for operating a cooking utensil, preferably, when the operating device is capable of at least to offer one of the following operating modes if the identified operating characteristics of the food preparation device allow this: a Power setting, especially power control, a temperature setting, in particular temperature control, and a program flow. To the comfortable Operation of the food preparation device, it is preferred if the operating device - in the presence of one equipped food preparation device - all can offer three of these modes.

Then is it advantageous for precise food preparation, provided levels of performance by the prompt can be identified by at least one identified Operating characteristic are dependent. This can be one on the particular food preparation device particularly well-tuned Be provided user guidance. So can the number the power levels of an anticipated temperature range of the food preparation device. For example, for a presumably large temperature range (For example, in a pan between 30 ° C and 300 ° C operated) a higher number of power levels offered be considered a food preparation device, the has only a limited temperature range, z. B. a simmer pot, in which an oversized Number of performance levels would be confusing. Therefore, an operator is directed to the respective food preparation device optimized operator guidance provided. Also, one can Power control in a limited power range especially be finely adjustable to give an operator a particularly high fermentation precision at for the respective food preparation device to allow typical foods. Alternatively, the power control also be carried out 'continuously'.

Though is it possible to empirically set a temperature setting for a particular food preparation device dependent is roughly estimated from the power input, however it for a precise setting of a temperature preferred on the food, if the food preparation device having a temperature sensor. Consequently, it is preferred if to provide the temperature control previously a presence at least one temperature sensor as an operating feature of the food preparation device has been identified.

A Temperature setting, in particular a target temperature for a temperature control, can be set depending on the device be provided, especially in device-dependent Increments. Such is the temperature for food preparation equipment correspondingly fine with a comparatively small temperature range be set, for. In steps of 5 ° C or finer, and for food preparation equipment with comparatively wide temperature range correspondingly larger be set, for. In steps of 10 ° C. Also like certain temperature subregions depending on the device be finer than other temperature subregions, eg. B. in the field of Boiling point of water be finer adjustable (eg in steps from 5 ° C between 80 ° C and 110 ° C) as away from it (eg in steps of 10 ° C). Of course The step size can also be 1 ° C or another temperature measure.

Of the Program sequence may in particular in the case of a cooking utensil Be cooking program, z. B. with a specified temperature / duration profile. The Cooking program can be specific to a particular food preparation be coordinated, for example, as part of a 'cookbook'.

In general, to set operating parameters, texts that are matched to the identified food preparation device can be imaged in the control panel, for example to explain individual performance levels, individual temperatures or temperature ranges during temperature control and / or to explain individual steps of the program sequence. For example, with a simmer pot of the highest power level "6" or the maximum temperature of 100 ° C, the text "boiling" and the power levels "4" and "5" or the temperature range between 70 ° C and 95 ° C, the text "steaming". For a pan the text stewing may not be used, but the text "frying" at a top performance level "10" or in a temperature range between 150 ° C and 200 ° C.

The Food preparation device can be a household small appliance and an operating mode offered by the operating device can then allow operation of the household small appliance. Then does not need the household small appliance itself to its operation more to be hired, which may be uncomfortable would be if this is located at a rear cooking zone. It may also be entirely on a control panel for the small household appliance will be waived, giving weight, volume and saves costs. In other words, a control panel of the operating device take over the function of a control panel of the food preparation device.

however is also an operation of small household appliances at this not excluded, and only on small household appliances (The operating device only puts one from the household small appliance requested performance ready, the prompting takes place on a control panel of the household small appliance) or optionally at the household small appliance and operating device (Base Station), with the panels of both devices be synchronized.

If an attached food preparation device not to Operation with the operating device or the energy transfer area was recognized as suitable, so not recognized as a "system device" was refused, the operating device or the energy transfer area an operation of the food preparation device. This can an activation of the corresponding energy transfer area be denied, or the operating device switches on already activated energy transfer area this off, and it Optionally, a corresponding message appears in a display unit of Operating device.

If none for an individualized user guidance relevant operating characteristic could be identified, the food preparation device but as for operation with the power transmission area was detected as suitable (recognized as "system device") ), the operating device likes the food preparation device for example, provide only a predetermined power, For example, a fixed predetermined operating voltage, eg. B. comparable with a mains voltage. By means of the operating voltage can then Food preparation device preferably via a control panel arranged thereon can be operated. The operating device serves in this case, therefore only as a source of energy.

alternative or in addition, in the event that no for an individualized operator guidance relevant operating feature could be identified, the food preparation device but was detected as a system device, the operator prompt at least a prepared, standard power control For example, a power stage control in seven stages, where the smallest level is "0" disabled Energy transfer corresponds and a highest Level "6" of maximum energy transfer equivalent. In this case, an operator needs to make the food preparation device stronger oversee as in the event that at least one operating feature has been identified and thereby the control of the food preparation device could be adjusted.

The Operating device has at least one energy transfer area, in particular cooking zone, for attachment of a food preparation device and is set up, a method as described above to expire. The operating device can be considered independent Device be provided or for example as a combination device together with z. B. an oven. The operating device can a compact device, for example, a worktop for all energy transmission areas but can also distributed energy transmission areas comprising, which by a common control device with each other are connected.

It In particular, an operating device is preferred in which the process at each of the energy transfer areas is feasible. This will be a particularly flexible Use of energy transfer areas allows.

The at least one control panel of the operating device, which may be configured, for example, as a common control panel for all energy transmission areas of the operating device or as a separate control panel for each energy transmission area, is preferably a freely programmable control panel, in particular a touch control control panel, especially in the form of a touch-sensitive screen. In a freely programmable control panel, a large number of different operating elements such as buttons, circular sliders, linear sliders can be arranged substantially arbitrarily on the control panel, which allows a very flexible operator guidance. For example, a parameter setting may be made using a linear slider (sweep to the right = up, sweep to the left = down), a circular slider (sweep clockwise = up, over swipe counterclockwise = down) or by means of a "+" button (up) and a "-" button (down). In particular, so many possible food preparation devices can be operated ergonomically.

It is particularly preferred if at least one energy transfer region, preferably all energy work areas, for inductive energy transfer are set up, since such a particularly diverse Use of food preparation equipment results.

1 shows an integrated in an operating device power transmission unit with a primary unit and arranged on the operating device electric pot as an electrical appliance with a secondary unit according to the prior art;

2 shows a flowchart of a provision of an operator prompt according to the invention by means of an arrangement 1 upon approach of a suitable electrical device to the operating device;

3 shows in its three partial images 3A to 3C, a display unit of the operating device with different displays.

1 shows a food preparation device in the form of an electrical consumer designed as an electric pot 1 , This has a body 2 with a lid and handles and a trained as a drive unit secondary unit 3 , The pot 1 is on a surface (work surface) of a worktop 5 an operating device (base station) 6 arranged. Below the worktop 5 is an energy transfer unit 7 on the operating device 6 assembled. This has a housing 8th with an actuating element 9 for switching on and off the power transmission unit 7 on. Furthermore, the energy transmission unit comprises 7 a primary unit 10 which is a field generating means designed as a primary winding 11 and a power generation unit 12 for supplying the field generating agent 11 having an alternating current. The power generation unit 12 is formed in this embodiment as an inverter. The field generating means designed as a primary winding 11 is wound in the form of a spiral winding. During operation of the power transmission unit 7 and the electrical consumer 1 becomes the field generating agent 11 fed with the alternating current and generates a designed as a magnetic alternating field transmission field. By means of a transmission field flow of this transmission field transmits the field generating means 11 by inducing energy to one in one on the surface of the countertop 5 drawn energy transfer area 13 arranged field receiving means 14 , which is part of the trained as a drive unit secondary unit 3 is. The field receiving means 14 is formed as a secondary winding, which is wound in the form of a spiral winding. The energy transfer area 13 is by means of a line 15 on the countertop 5 drawn. In the field receiving means 14 is induced by the transmission field flow, a secondary voltage, which is used as the operating voltage for operation of the electrical load 1 is being used. The electrical consumer 1 may after an application of the transmission range 13 removed and turned off, reducing the secondary unit 3 with the field receiving means 14 from the transmission area 13 is disconnected. In the transmission area 13 then other electrical consumers can be brought, such. As a coffee maker, a mixer, a charger, a fryer, a toaster, a kettle, etc. (also referred to as 'small household appliances'), each having a secondary unit with a field receiving means and a wireless interaction of the respective field receiving means with the primary unit 10 receive an operating energy.

In the surface of the worktop 5 is also a control panel in the form of a touch-sensitive screen 4 let in, on the controls and actuators are freely programmable. The touch-sensitive screen 4 For example, it may be a liquid crystal or LED screen that is covered by a touch-sensitive film, e.g. As an ITO film is covered. This allows a large number of different actuators such as buttons, circular sliders, Linearslider essentially arbitrary on the control panel 4 can be arranged, which allows a very flexible operator guidance. That's what the pot likes 1 with a temperature sensor 16 be equipped for a temperature control of a Garguts, the sensed by him temperature data by means of a transmitter 17 via radio to one in the worktop 5 embedded radio receiver 18 transfers. From there they are connected via an unspecified control unit for setting an energization of the power generation unit 12 Used to apply a temperature to a via the touch-sensitive screen 4 set setpoint temperature to regulate.

An adjustment of the target temperature can be, for example, on the touch-sensitive screen 4 by means of a linear slider simulated there (sweep to the right = up, sweep to the left = down), circular sliders (sweep clockwise = up, sweep counterclockwise = down) or by means of emulated "+" - keys (up) and "-" - Push button (down) to be performed.

2 shows a simplified flowchart gram of providing an operator prompt according to the invention by means of an arrangement 1 when approaching a suitable electrical device to the operating device 6 ,

• – Art des Lebensmittelzubereitungsgeräts, z. B. Haushaltskleingerät (Kaffeemaschine, Toaster usw.) oder Gargeschirr (Pfanne, Kochtopf, Simmertopf usw.);
• – maximale Leistungsaufnahme;
• – Vorhandensein eines Temperatursensors;
• –Bodenstärke, Wandstärk Materialeigenschaften (z. B. Stahlboden, Kupferboden, e usw.);
• – von einem Bediener einstellbare Betriebsparameter (z. B. Bräunungsstufen eines Toasters, Wassermenge in einer Kaffeemaschine, Timer).

It is powered by an operating device 6 according to 1 are assumed to be in the vicinity of a specific energy transfer area 13 initially no consumer is located. In this embodiment, in step S0, when an object approaches an energy transmission area 13 the operating device 6 an automatic identification process is activated. The automatic identification process may include, for example, an energy transfer via the energy transfer area to the object and a reaction of the object to the energy transfer. In this case, the reaction may comprise a transmission of data stored on the food preparation device, which data from one at the operating device 6 arranged receiver can be received. As a data transmission means, for example, radio transmitters or SAW components can be used, or a "powerline communication" transmitter, which transmits its data on existing in the food preparation device secondary coil on the present in the energy transfer range primary coil where the data can be read, such. In Kiefer et al. described. Also, in this process, the presence of load-consuming foreign bodies can be detected, such as after in DE 10 2006 017 801 A1 described method, whereupon a warning message is issued. During the course of the automatic identification process, an attempt is made to read operating characteristics that are relevant to the operation of the food preparation device and / or the operation on the operating device. Relevant operating features may include, for example:

• - Type of food preparation device, eg. B. Household appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) or cooking utensils (pan, saucepan, simmer pot, etc.);
• - maximum power consumption;
• - presence of a temperature sensor;
• - Floor thickness, wall thickness Material properties (eg steel floor, copper floor, e etc.);
• Operator-adjustable operating parameters (eg browning levels of a toaster, amount of water in a coffee machine, timer).

In a special case like the food preparation device only one peculiar to this device Transfer product identifier (eg a serial number) to the operating device, whereupon the operating device by means of a built-in control unit associated operating characteristics associated with the transmitted identifier read from a look up table. The use of a lookup table points the advantage that on the food preparation device only small amounts of data need to be stored, creating a Use of cheaper ID transponders is possible, such as from simple SAW transponders. However, in one use a lookup table whose contents are first on the Time of their programming set, so that possibly newer food preparation equipment not identified can be. To get a current food preparation equipment list in the lookup table, the operating device can For example, connected to a data network, such as the Internet be and on a regular basis or if necessary, an updated food preparation equipment list download.

alternative to a transmission of these operating characteristics of the food preparation device It also possible to have some or all operating features to identify by means of the operating device. So then, if the food preparation device has no data transmits to the operating device, the operating device try out of a characteristic of the food preparation device physical characteristic, z. B. a characteristic Load or a characteristic energy transfer resonance frequency, to return to the food preparation device. So like from an estimated diameter of the secondary coil and an energy transfer resonance to a pan, a pot, etc. are closed.

In a following step S1 is checked by the operating device, whether over the identified operating characteristics an electrical operable small household appliance is identifiable.

If this is the case ("yes"), in a following step S2 an operator interface for controlling this household small appliance is provided to an operator on a device-adapted control panel of the operating device. For example, upon identification of a toaster as a small domestic appliance on the user interface, a setting of browning levels, defrosting, and reheat function may be provided. An operator thus does not need to operate the household appliance, but can do so via the control panel of the operating device. Firstly, there is the advantage that the operating parameters need not be cumbersome to be set on the household small appliance itself, which may be located, for example, at a rear power transmission area of several energy transmission areas, and secondly, the household small appliance can even manage without their own controls, creating weight, volume and Cost of such household small device reducible are. The household small appliance, z. As the toaster, has to achieve these savings preferably not own intelligence, but its functions are completely controlled by the operating device. Thus, a degree of browning of the toaster may be adjusted via a height and duration of a power feed into the toaster from the operating device. In the toaster or in the operating device to a retrievable from the operating device correlation table (characteristic) is stored between a duration and amount of power input and a degree of browning. Alternatively, the toaster, for example, may have its own controller, which requires a bidirectional communication interface with the operating device. So likes about the control panel 4 on the worktop 5 the selected browning level is communicated to the toaster with an 'on' signal requesting the appropriate duration and amount of power from the operating device and monitoring and possibly adjusting the toasting process.

Has been in step S1 no household appliance identified ("No"), In the following steps, it is assumed that the Food preparation device is a cooking utensil. Thus, the following is checked in a step S3, whether operating characteristics have been identified, which at least a power control, a temperature setting and / or cooking program setting for a cooking utensil. For example, as an operating characteristic for a power control of the type a Gargeschirrs are used. It is also checked whether with the cooking utensils (pot, pan, etc.) a temperature setting on the cookware is possible. This can typically be answered in the affirmative if there is a temperature sensor as operating characteristic or the operating characteristics of the cooking utensils are so well known, for example about empirical data that approximate a target temperature in Dependence on the power input into the cooking utensils at least roughly estimable. In the presence of a Temperature sensors on the cooking utensils are typically of this type Sensor sends sensed temperature data to the operating device, which this temperature data to adapt a power feed used in the primary coil, which due to the energy transfer on the secondary coil of the cookware and the power supply and thus the heating power at the food preparation device is adjusted. Consequently, a temperature control is applied to one of temperature set to the operator (or one of them Temperature). Ideally, the sensed Temperature of the temperature of the food. Independently of, whether a setting of the temperatures with the existing cooking utensils possible or not is also checked whether a cooking program can be run.

If no such operating characteristics could be identified ("No"), Next, in step S4, one of the operating device preset power control provided. This includes a user guidance over a fixed number, z. B. 10, equidistant power levels, which equidistant correspond to powers fed into the primary coil. This corresponds to a minimum level, z. B. level "0", a non-activated primary coil, and a maximum Power level, z. B. level "9" corresponds to one maximum power supply. Alternatively, a stepless Power control can be used. This power control is thus independent of the cooking utensils and can be an operator be provided even if there is no information about the cooking utensil is present, except that the food preparation device suitable for operation on the operating device (no foreign matter).

If however, in step S3 operating characteristics for a power control a temperature setting and / or cooking program setting has been identified are ("Yes"), become the operator in step S5 all possible with the identified operating features Operating modes (power control, temperature control, cooking program etc.) for selection. An operator can thus select whether he used a saucepan to help with a temperature control equipped with a temperature sensor, with a simple power control, a temperature control or automatically by means of a cooking program want to operate. Is only one operating mode possible, Step S5 is skipped.

Following In step S6, one of the one type of operation or the selection is made coordinated, device-adapted control provided. Only the ones relevant for this selection will be used Operating parameters displayed for setting, eg. B. possible Power levels when selecting power level control or one Cooking target temperature when selecting the temperature control.

For example like for a power control of a pan, in which food is typically at higher temperatures be prepared, for. B. fried in oil, more power levels be offered as a saucepan, in which usually is cooked with water. Also like for example for one Simmertopf used an even coarser scale graduation become. Ideally, for the cooking dishes to be operated too A maximum power consumption is known, allowing the one operator offered service areas on the possible power consumption are matched to the cooking utensils. This will be a possible Damage to the cookware and an increased power loss avoided.

Also the temperature setting may vary depending on the identified Operating features of the food preparation device provided become. So likes an adjustable temperature range for a Pan from 30 ° C to 300 ° C range, which is both gentle Cooking or steaming in the lower temperature range as well Roast or fry in high heat in the upper temperature range allowed. On the other hand, the temperature setting of a simmering pot only works provided in a range between 30 ° C and 100 ° C be, because the food nowhere above the temperature Boiling point of the water can reach, regardless from the heat input. Except for the adjustable Temperature range may also be a fineness of any existing Temperature scale device-dependent to an operator to be provided. So likes the set temperature for a Simmering pot can be offered in stages of 5 ° C during the temperature stu fen for a pan at a distance of 10 ° C are offered. Also may be device dependent an operator subregions of the entire temperature range with higher Resolution or fineness are offered, as other parts. For example, normal cooking pots may have an entire temperature range from 30 ° C to 250 ° C are also offered Frying a food in oil in the pot to allow; however, the temperature scale can range around the boiling point of the Water be particularly fine, z. B. between 90 ° C and 110 ° C. be adjustable in steps of 5 ° C, otherwise in steps of 10 ° C. This will make it for the a cooking pot typical cooking with water allows, hot, but not yet to provide boiling water. This is for example for cooking noodles advantageous, preferably at 95 ° C to be cooked.

If a cooking program can be performed, the operator provided a way to enter a cooking process are, for example, via a reading a cooking program an external storage medium (CD, DVD, memory card, RFID chip, Barcode, etc.). Suitable cooking programs but also already in the food preparation device stored and transferred to the worktop, present stored in the operating device or manually entered by the operator and stored if necessary. typically, If a cooking program consists of a temperature profile (cooking temperature / time characteristic) at the place of the food, possibly together with an ingredient list ("cookbook") and an instruction for the different stages of preparation. The Cooking program is particularly accurate when the Food preparation device a temperature sensor for Detecting a Garguttemperatur, but can also empirical for the particular food preparation device available. Certain recipe parameters may be set individually be, for. B. a degree of browning or a degree of crispiness.

Following can follow the steps S5 and S6 or S4 in a Step S7, the operating parameters offered for a mode can be set, and in a following step S8, the operation the cooking utensils are started.

3A shows the control panel 4 if the food preparation device has not been identified as being suitable for operation on the operating device. Then in the control panel 4 an appropriate warning is displayed, such as "Caution: no system device". The Be operating device denied at the same time operation of the food preparation device.

3B shows the control panel 4 if a food preparation device has been identified as a system device but no operational features relevant to an operator prompt could be identified. The operator prompt then provides the food preparation device with either a mains voltage or a prepared power control operation.

3C shows the control panel 4 when a food preparation device has been detected and operating features relevant to operator guidance have been identified. In the case shown, the food preparation device has been recognized as a hypothetical "cooking pot PMZ-3002", which can be operated via power control, a temperature control or a cooking program and has a food temperature sensor for this purpose. The operator is then offered a choice between operation via power control ("power levels"), temperature control ("temperature") or a cooking program ("cookbook").

Of course the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

So the division and sequence of the in 2 shown flowchart also be designed differently, for. B. with different order of steps. Also, the communication between operating device and food preparation device may be bidirectional, z. B. by means of appropriate transmitter.

1

consumer

2

body

3

Secondary unit

4

Control panel

5

countertop

6

operating device

7

Power transmission unit

8th

casing

9

actuator

10

primary unit

11

Field-generating means

12

power generation unit

13

Power transmission area

14

Field receiving means

15

line

16

temperature sensor

17

transmitter

18

radio receiver

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19729662 A1 [0003]
• - DE 10117545 A1 [0004]
• - EP 112121925 B1 [0005]
• WO 2007/107888 A2 [0006]
• - US 6953919 [0007]
• WO 02/01918 [0008]
• WO 2007/088209 [0009]
• DE 102006017801 A1 [0010, 0039]
• - DE 19828170 A1 [0011]
• DE 19510140 A1 [0013]

Cited non-patent literature

• - Kiefer, A .; Reindl, LM, "Inductively Coupled Sensor / Actuator System for Closed-Loop Control Applications at High Temperature and Aggressive Environments", Sensors, 2007 IEEE, October 28-31, 2007, pages 1396 to 1399 [0012]
• - Kiefer, A .; Reindl, LM "Inductively Coupled Sensor / Actuator System for Digital Closed-Loop Control Applications at High Operating Temperatures", 2nd WSEAS Int. Conf. to CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS, SIGNAL and TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CISST'08), Acapulco, Mexico, January 25 to 27, 2008 [0012]
• Kiefer et al. [0039]

Claims (13)

Method for operating a food preparation device ( 1 ) on an operating device ( 6 ), the method comprising at least the following steps: (a) running an automatic identification process to identify at least one operating characteristic of the food preparation appliance ( 1 ) by means of the operating device ( 6 ); and (b) providing at least one to the food preparation device ( 1 ) mode of operation by means of the operating device ( 6 ) on the basis of the automatic identification process, characterized in that, for setting operating parameters of the at least one operating mode, an operator guidance on the operating device ( 6 ) provided. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that step (b) comprises providing multiple modes of operation and by means of the user guide a choice among the Operating modes is offered. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one mode comprises: - one Power adjustment, especially power control, - one Temperature setting, in particular temperature control, and / or - one Program Sequence. Method according to claim 3, characterized that in the power control by means of the operator prompt Performance levels are provided by at least one identified operating characteristic are dependent. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized that for providing the temperature setting by means of a temperature control previously a presence of at least one temperature sensor as a Identified operating characteristic of the food preparation device has been, and that in the temperature setting by means of the user prompt Temperature levels are provided by at least one identified operating characteristic are dependent. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the food preparation device a cooking utensil ( 1 ) and the program sequence has a cooking program. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the food preparation device is a household small appliance and the at least one mode having: - Operation of the small household appliance. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that if, in step (a), the food preparation device is not considered to be operative on the operating device ( 6 ), the operating device ( 6 ) denied operation of the food preparation device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if in step (a) no for an operator prompt relevant operating feature identified Could the operator prompt a prepared performance control provides. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if in step (a) no for an operator prompt relevant operating feature identified could be, the food preparation device a predetermined Performance is provided. Operating device ( 6 ) for operating a food preparation device ( 1 ) having at least one energy transfer area ( 13 ), characterized in that the operating device ( 6 ) is arranged to run a method according to one of the preceding claims. Operating device ( 6 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the method is applied to each of the energy transfer areas ( 13 ) is feasible. Operating device ( 6 ) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one of the energy transfer area ( 13 ) is equipped for inductive transmission of magnetic energy.