DE20203566U1 - Cooking vessel with a removable handle with temperature display - Google Patents

Description

Description
Area of application and state of the art

The invention relates to a cooking vessel with a handle according to the preamble of claim 1. The handle has a sensor system or sensor electronics, for example with a temperature display, to which at least one temperature sensor is connected.

Such a cooking vessel is known, for example, from WO 01/80697. Here, a pan has a handle in which a removable display module is contained. This display module is connected to a temperature sensor on the outside of the wall of the pan. The display module has an LCD display. Furthermore, display programs are included that can show a user certain, possibly preselected, cooking programs as sequences.

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The problem here is that due to batteries supplying power to the display module, the pan is not dishwasher safe

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In a dishwasher, temperatures of over 70°C are reached, which can destroy batteries.

It is suggested that the display module be removable from the pan. However, this poses the problem that contact between the removable display module and the pan or pan handle is problematic during continuous operation. The main issue here is the risk of contamination of the contacts or connection points.

Task and solution

The invention is based on the object of creating a cooking vessel as mentioned above, with which the problems of the prior art described above can be avoided, in particular contact problems between a temperature display and a temperature sensor can be avoided.

This object is achieved by a cooking vessel with the features of claim 1. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the further claims and are explained in more detail below. The wording of the claims is made part of the content of the description by express reference.

According to the invention, the at least one temperature sensor is provided on the handle, whereby the handle is designed to be removable. This means that the temperature sensor can be removed from the cooking vessel together with the handle. This means that the connection between the sensor electronics and the temperature sensor is not interrupted and thus no problematic connection points exist. Furthermore, when the handle is attached to the cooking vessel, i.e. when in use, the temperature sensor reaches the cooking vessel or the wall in a temperature-transmitting or temperature-sensing manner.

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material of the cooking vessel. The sensor or sensor electronics are advantageously designed to evaluate the temperature sensor.

When in use, with the handle attached, the temperature sensor is connected to the cooking vessel in a way that transmits or records the temperature or transmits or records the heat. The sensor electronics connected to the temperature sensor therefore record the temperature of the cooking vessel. For example, it can display it with a temperature display. If the handle is to be removed, for example because the cooking vessel is to be cleaned in a dishwasher and the temperatures should not damage the sensor electronics, a temperature display or any energy sources such as batteries, the temperature sensor is removed. The temperature-transmitting connection between the temperature sensor and the cooking vessel is thus severed. However, since in many cases a simple touch or proximity contact is sufficient, breaking this connection is much less critical than breaking an electrical connection.

Thus, the invention can provide that the handle of the cooking vessel has all the functions for temperature detection, sensor electronics and temperature display and is removable at the same time. For example, it can also be provided that a series of cooking vessels of different types or sizes are designed for use with the same handle of the same type. The handles are designed like interchangeable handles. It is therefore possible to provide a cooking vessel of this type with either a normal handle with a pure holding function. Or a handle according to the invention can be attached to the cooking vessel, which provides a temperature display function and possibly other functions.

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An advantageous place to measure the temperature of the cooking vessel is its base. The temperature sensor can reach the wall material of the base. According to one variant, this also includes a distanced, optically based measurement of the temperature, for example via IR sensors.

It is advantageous for the temperature sensor to touch the wall material so that the best possible heat transfer or temperature detection is possible. A contact can preferably have a certain area.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible to insert the temperature sensor at least a little way into the wall of the cooking vessel. In this way, problems that normally occur on the outside with soiling of the cooking vessel wall or the like can be avoided. The wall advantageously has a recess with a certain depth. This can be 5 to 30 mm deep, for example. Alternatively, it reaches to the middle of a pot base. This can also be used to measure the core temperature of the wall, in which cooling effects on the surface have less of an impact. Such a recess is advantageously provided in the base of the cooking vessel. The base of a cooking vessel is usually relatively thick these days. There is enough space for such a recess here.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recess can be designed to be slightly narrower towards the inside. This makes it possible to insert the temperature sensor with a press fit. It is advantageous that the inner end of the recess does not taper completely to a point but is flat or forms a certain base area. This prevents dirt from settling at the end of the recess and being unable to be removed.

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When the temperature sensor is inserted into the recess, the recess should be essentially concealed from the outside. This is possible on the one hand by the temperature sensor itself having a section for this function. This can be designed, for example, as a type of thickening or protruding ring disk or ring flange.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the handle to essentially cover the area in which the temperature sensor reaches the wall or is arranged there. For this purpose, a cover or a base section can be provided on the handle, which can be made larger than the rest of the handle. This can prevent problems with temperature detection due to external contamination of the contact point.

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The temperature sensor provided on the handle can point approximately in the direction in which the handle is attached. The direction in which the handle is attached to the cooking vessel is used for fastening. This can advantageously be essentially the direction of the longitudinal extension of the handle itself. The attachment of the handle to the cooking vessel can be designed accordingly, for example with a snap fastener or the like. It is advantageous if the attachment can be made and removed without tools.

The temperature sensor can be essentially dimensionally stable and attached to the handle in a fixed direction. It is possible to make it elongated, for example rod-shaped or as a pipe section. The temperature sensor can protrude over the handle, as a handle usually only reaches to the outside of the cooking vessel. Preferably, the temperature sensor protrudes over the handle on the underside. This means that it can protrude downwards and forwards over the handle.

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to be connected to the cooking vessel when attaching the handle.

A temperature sensor can be designed in different ways. Thermocouples are particularly suitable here, as they are relatively easy to control and evaluate.

The sensor electronics can have a microprocessor. The temperature indicator itself or the handle can have a display for display purposes. A so-called LC display is ideal here, especially if a large number of different pieces of information are to be shown. This means that the display options go beyond those of a purely alphanumeric display.

1(5 The sensor electronics can be provided as a control for the temperature sensor and the display. For this purpose, it can have a microprocessor that has both the signal processing and various other process parameters, for example in a memory. In particular, it can also contain predetermined cooking programs. These can be used to provide a type of user guidance via the display. Based on the temperature values recorded on the cooking vessel, the control can pass on appropriate commands to a user. It is also possible to pass on the signals generated by the control or the temperature sensor to the heating for the cooking vessel, either to switch it off in critical conditions or to follow the aforementioned cooking programs. This transmission can take place wirelessly via radio or the like.

Furthermore, switching devices or actuating elements can be provided on the handle or on the temperature display. These can be used to switch the control or the temperature display on or off. A display mode can also be changed.

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To supply energy, an energy source can be provided in the handle, which is preferably removable. This can be a battery, or alternatively it can be a rechargeable accumulator or the like.

These and other features emerge not only from the claims but also from the description and the drawings, whereby the individual features can be implemented alone or in combination in the form of sub-combinations in an embodiment of the invention and in other fields and can represent advantageous and protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings does not limit the general validity of the statements made under these sections.

Short description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a section through a schematic representation of a

Pan with a handle that has a sensor with temperature display and a temperature sensor in the bottom of the pan,

Fig. 2 the arrangement from Fig. 1 with the handle removed and

standing temperature sensor and

Fig. 3 is a view of the pan according to Fig. 1 from below.

Detailed description of the implementation examples

Fig. 1 shows a schematic section through a cooking vessel according to the invention in the form of a pan 11. This has a side wall 12 to which a pan base 13 is attached from below.

The base 13 is relatively thick and can also be made in a sandwich construction or the like.

A handle 15 is attached to the side of the pan 11. For this purpose, the handle 15 is placed on a shoulder 17 that protrudes laterally from the wall 12 and is attached by means of a spring-mounted retaining knob 18 that can be moved longitudinally. Such a handle attachment is known from the prior art and does not need to be explained in more detail here.

The base 13 has an elongated recess 20, which is for example a hole. A temperature sensor 22 is inserted into the recess 20. The recess can, as shown, reach a few mm deep. Alternatively, it can reach far into the base of the pan, for example to the middle of the base.

On the one hand, the fit can be designed so that the temperature sensor 22 has a certain amount of play within the recess 20. On the other hand, the fit can be designed so that the sensor 22 has essentially full-surface contact, for example, is clamped conically. A thickening 23 is provided here as an example as a stop for inserting the temperature sensor 22 into the recess 20. This thickening 23 can also serve as protection against the ingress of dirt, for example frying fat, between the temperature sensor 22 and the recess 20.

The temperature sensor 22 is firmly and dimensionally stable connected to the underside of the handle 15 via a holding rod 24. The dash-dotted line shows that the handle 15 with a lower cover 25 or the like could extend over the holding rod 24 to the pan base 13. This provides further protection against contamination. Furthermore, the holding rod 24 and the temperature sensor

22 protected against mechanical damage. The cover is part of the handle, but could also be arranged on the pan.

In the handle 15, which is hollow at least in some areas, a signal line 26 runs to the temperature sensor 22. In the rear end of the handle, a sensor electronics 28 and a display are provided with a display element 29, for example an LC display, as well as a control 30 and a battery 31. The signal line 26 is connected to the control 30. The display or the display element 29 is readable at least from above, so that a user can easily see the information displayed.

The control 30 can advantageously be a microprocessor and evaluate the signals from the temperature sensor, preferably to display them as a temperature on the display 28. A conversion can take place in the control 30, which uses the temperature actually measured by the temperature sensor 22 to determine the actual temperature inside the pan or on the top of the pan base. Ultimately, this temperature is crucial for a cooking process. Furthermore, cooking programs or the like can be provided in the control 30, which are designed as a type of user guidance and display instructions such as "increase temperature" or "decrease temperature".

In addition, actuating elements, for example switches or touch sensors, can be arranged on the top of the sensor system 28 or the handle 15. These could be used to influence the display 29 or the control 30, for example to call up different cooking programs or to change a display mode. The display could also be designed as a touch switch display.

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A thermocouple is advantageously used for the temperature sensor 22. It can also be a PT1000 or an NTC. However, this does not exclude the use of other temperature sensors. A temperature sensor is advantageously provided in the area of the temperature sensor 22 inserted into the base 13. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to provide a temperature-transmitting line similar to the signal line 26 in the handle 15. On the one hand, this could be a material that is particularly thermally conductive. It is also possible to convert the temperature signals into electrical ones in the handle 15 far away from the contact on the base 13 by means of an expansion sensor device of a known type, the detection container of which is arranged in the temperature sensor 22.

From Fig. 2 it can be seen that a conventional handle can be attached to the pan 11 alone or to the shoulder 17. This is advantageous when no sensor or temperature display is desired or required.

The handle 15 has the protruding temperature sensor 22 together with the holding rod 24. As can be seen, the temperature sensor 22 automatically engages in the recess 20 when the handle 15 is placed on the shoulder 17. It is also clear from this that this arrangement is mechanically sensitive and requires careful handling so that the temperature sensor 22 is not damaged or bent, even if the cover 25 is provided.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide an articulated or flexible fastening instead of a rigid holding rod 24. For example, a thick hose made of metallic textile material is possible here, which protects the signal line 26 running through it. A heat-resistant silicone material could also be provided. With such an articulated or flexible fastening of the temperature sensor 22 to the handle 15,

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When fitting the handle 15, ensure that the temperature sensor is correctly inserted into the recess.

From the view from below in Fig. 3, it can be seen that the pan 11 corresponds to a conventional pan except for the holding rod 24. Here, the holding rod 24 runs freely. The temperature sensor 22 together with the optional thickening 23 can be seen.

Claims (16)

1. Cooking vessel with a handle ( 15 ), the handle having a sensor electronics ( 28 ) to which at least one temperature sensor ( 22 ) is connected, characterized by : - the at least one temperature sensor ( 22 ) is provided on the handle ( 15 ), - the handle is designed to be removable from the cooking vessel ( 11 ) together with the temperature sensor, - the temperature sensor ( 22 ) reaches the wall material ( 12 , 13 ) of the cooking vessel in a temperature-transmitting manner when the handle ( 15 ) is attached. 2. Cooking vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) detects the temperature of the bottom ( 13 ) of the cooking vessel ( 11 ), preferably reaching the wall material of the bottom. 3. Cooking vessel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) touches the wall material ( 12 , 13 ), in particular with surface contact. 4. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) engages in the wall ( 12 , 13 ) of the cooking vessel ( 11 ), preferably in a recess ( 20 ), wherein the recess is preferably 5 to 30 mm deep. 5. Cooking vessel according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess ( 20 ) is designed to be narrowed towards the inside, preferably with a diameter at the inner end in the range of a few millimeters. 6. Cooking vessel according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) essentially covers the recess ( 20 ) from the outside when inserted; preferably with a section provided on the temperature sensor itself, in particular a thickening ( 23 ). 7. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle ( 15 ) with a cover ( 25 ) essentially covers the area in which the temperature sensor ( 22 ) reaches the wall material ( 12 , 13 ) or is arranged on it. 8. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) points essentially in the direction in which the handle ( 15 ) is placed on the cooking vessel ( 11 ), preferably pointing in the direction of the handle itself. 9. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) is designed to be essentially dimensionally and directionally stable, wherein it is preferably designed in the shape of a rod or as a tube section. 10. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) is connected to the handle ( 15 ) in a form- and direction-stable manner. 11. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) projects beyond the handle ( 15 ), preferably over a lower region, wherein it projects in particular downwards and forwards beyond the handle. 12. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor ( 22 ) is a thermocouple. 13. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle ( 15 ) or the sensor system ( 28 ) has a display ( 29 ), preferably an LC display, which is designed in particular to display various states or operating processes of the cooking vessel ( 11 ). 14. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle ( 15 ) or the sensor system ( 28 ) has a control ( 30 ), preferably with a microprocessor, wherein cooking programs are contained in particular in the microprocessor. 15. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that switching means or the like are provided on the handle ( 15 ) for actuating the temperature display ( 28 ) or a sensor ( 28 ). 16. Cooking vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a power supply in the handle ( 15 ), preferably with a removable battery ( 31 ) or an accumulator.