Container Arrangement for a Kitchen Appliance

Abstract

The application relates to a container arrangement for a kitchen appliance including a food receiving element and at least one lid configured to close an opening of the food receiving element. The lid is movable relative to the food receiving element between a first operating position and a second operating position, between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position. The lid includes at least a first magnetic field-based counter element and wherein the food receiving element includes at least one magnetic field-based sensor element connectable to a detection device. The detection device is configured to detect a second operating state of the lid. The magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to output the first sensor datum only upon detection of the first magnetic field-based counter element in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element. The first magnetic field-based counter element is configured in the lid such that the magnetic field-based counter element is in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element only if the lid is in the second operating position.

Claims

1. A container arrangement for a kitchen appliance, comprising: a food receiving element, and at least one lid configured to close an opening of the pot, wherein the lid is movable relative to the food receiving element between a first operating position and a second operating position different from the first operating position, wherein the lid comprises at least a first magnetic field-based counter element, wherein the food receiving element comprises at least one magnetic field-based sensor element connectable to a detection device, wherein the detection device is configured to detect a second operating state of the lid based on a first sensor datum, wherein the magnetic field based sensor element is configured to output the first sensor datum only upon detection of the first magnetic field-based counter element in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element, and wherein the at least one first magnetic field-based counter element is arranged in the lid such that the magnetic field-based counter element is in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element at least if the lid is in the second operating position.

2. The container arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the food receiving element comprises at least two magnetic field-based sensor elements arranged at an upper pot edge, the two magnetic field-based sensor elements are located on substantially opposite sides of the pot edge, and the lid comprises at least two first magnetic field-based counter elements arranged at a lid edge, the two magnetic field-based counter elements are located on substantially opposite sides of the lid edge.

3. The container arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises at least one magnetic field-based additional counter element, wherein the detection device is configured to detect a first operating state of the lid based on a second sensor datum, the magnetic field-based sensor element is configured to output the second sensor datum only upon detection of the magnetic field-based additional counter element in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element, and the at least one magnetic field-based additional counter element is arranged in the lid such that the magnetic field-based additional counter element is in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element only if the lid is in the second operating position.

4. The container arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is a coil, and the at least one first magnetic field-based counter element is an inductive element formed of an inductance-influencing material.

5. The container arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the container arrangement comprises at least a first lid and a second lid different from the first lid, the at least one first inductive element of the first lid and the at least one second inductive element of the second lid are different from each other.

6. The container arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the coil comprises a coil core in the form of a U-shaped yoke and at least one coil winding wound around the coil core, the food receiving element comprises a coil cover, and only the ends of the U-shaped yoke protrude through a respective opening in the coil cover.

7. The container arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the food receiving element comprises at least two coils, the food receiving element comprises a first electrical pot connection between a first coil contact of the first coil and a first lower pot contact, the food receiving element comprises a second electrical pot connection between a first coil contact of the second coil and a second lower pot contact, the food receiving element comprises a third electrical pot connection between a second coil contact of the first coil and a third lower pot contact, and the food receiving element comprises a fourth electrical pot connection between a second coil contact of the first coil and the third lower pot contact, the three lower pot contacts are configured to electrically connect to the detection device.

8. The container arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the food receiving element comprises at least two coils, the food receiving element comprises a first electrical pot connection between a first coil contact of the first coil and a first lower pot contact, the food receiving element comprises a second electrical pot connection between a second coil contact of the second coil and a second lower pot contact, the food receiving element comprises a fifth electrical pot connection between a second coil contact of the first coil and a first coil contact of the first coil, and the two lower pot contacts are configured to electrically connect to the detection device.

9. The container arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element is a magnetic field sensor, and the at least one magnetic field-based counter element is a magnet.

10. The container arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the container arrangement comprises at least a first lid and a second lid different from the first lid, the at least one first magnet of the first lid is arranged in the first lid such that the magnetic field sensor detects a first magnetic field with a first magnetic field direction in the second operating position of the first lid, and the at least one second magnet of the second lid is arranged on the second lid such that the magnetic field sensor in the second operating position of the second lid detects a second magnetic field with a second magnetic field direction different from the first magnetic field direction.

11. A kitchen appliance, comprising: a container arrangement according to claim 1, and an appliance base comprising a detection device connectable to the magnetic field-based sensor element of the food receiving element of the container arrangement, wherein the detecting device is configured to detect a second operating state of the lid of the container arrangement based at least on the first output sensor data.

12. The kitchen appliance according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of lid type criteria is predefined and a lid type is associated with each of the lid type criteria, and the detection device is configured to identify the lid type based on at least one sensor signal received from the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element and the lid type criteria.

13. The kitchen appliance according to claim 12, wherein the detection device is configured to determine at least one inductance value from at least one sensor signal received from a coil, and/or the detection device is configured to determine at least one inductance value curve from at least one sensor signal received from a coil, and/or the detection device is configured to determine at least one signal pattern from at least one sensor signal received from a magnetic field sensor, and/or the detection device is configured to determine at least one signal pattern curve from at least one sensor signal received from a magnetic field sensor.

14. The kitchen appliance according to claim 11, wherein the kitchen appliance comprises a lid drive configured to move a lid at least between the first operating position and the second operating position, wherein the detection device is configured to detect at least one lid drive parameter value, and the detecting device is configured to detect the second operating state of the container arrangement based on the detected lid drive parameter value and the first sensor datum.

15. A method of determining a second operating state in a container arrangement according to claim 1, comprising: receiving, by a detection device, a first sensor datum output by the magnetic field-based sensor element, and detecting, by the detecting device, the second operating state of the container arrangement based on the detected first sensor datum and at least one position criterion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0112] There are now a multitude of possibilities for designing and further developing the container arrangement according to the application, the kitchen appliance according to the application and the method according to the application. In this regard, reference is made on the one hand to the patent claims subordinate to the independent patent claims, and on the other hand to the description of embodiments in connection with the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0113] FIG. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a container arrangement according to the present application,

[0114] FIGS. 2a to 2c schematic views of an embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application,

[0115] FIG. 3a a schematic view of a further embodiment of a container arrangement according to the present application,

[0116] FIG. 3b a schematic view of an embodiment of a coil according to the present application,

[0117] FIG. 4 a diagram of an exemplary inductance value curve,

[0118] FIG. 5 a schematic view of a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application,

[0119] FIG. 6a a schematic top view of a further embodiment of a container arrangement according to the present application,

[0120] FIG. 6b schematic views of the container arrangement according to FIG. 6a in various lid states and with an exemplary inductance value curve,

[0121] FIG. 7 a schematic view of a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application,

[0122] FIG. 8 a schematic view of a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application,

[0123] FIG. 9 a schematic view of a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application,

[0124] FIG. 10 schematic views of an embodiment of a container arrangement according to the present application in different lid states and an exemplary induction value curve,

[0125] FIG. 11 a schematic view of a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application,

[0126] FIG. 12 different exemplary states in an embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application with a lid drive,

[0127] FIG. 13 exemplified signal curves in an embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application with a lid drive,

[0128] FIG. 14 further exemplary signal curves in an embodiment of a kitchen appliance according to the present application with a lid drive, and

[0129] FIG. 15 a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0130] In the following, similar reference signs are used for similar elements.

[0131] In particular, the following embodiments are based on a pot as the food receiving element. It shall be understood that the embodiments can be transferred to other food receiving elements. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, an unlocked position is assumed as a first operating position, a locking position is assumed as a second operating position, a locking criterion is assumed as a position criterion, and a locked state is assumed as a second operating state. Again, the examples can be easily transferred to other operating positions and/or operating states.

[0132] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a container arrangement 100 according to the present application for a kitchen appliance, in particular a food processor configured for at least partially automated preparation of food. The depicted container arrangement 100 comprises a pot 102 and at least a first lid 104. The pot 102 has a circumferential pot wall 124 and a pot bottom 106.

[0133] The lid 104 is configured to close an opening of the pot 102. This closed state of the container arrangement 100 is shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the first lid 104 is in the locking position in FIG. 1. This means that the first lid 104 is (correctly) mechanically locked to the pot 102, i.e., the container arrangement 100 is in the locking state.

[0134] The lid 104 is movable relative to the pot 102, in particular between an unlocked position and the locking position. The locking mechanism may be, for example, a bayonet locking or similar mechanical locking.

[0135] As can further be seen, the lid 104 comprises at least a first magnetic field-based counter element 108. The pot 102 comprises at least one magnetic field-based sensor element 112 connectable to a detection device 126. As shown, for example, a wired-based connection 116 may be provided between the sensor element 112 and a lower pot contact 120. The detection device 126 may be connected to the lower pot contact 120.

[0136] The detection device 126 is configured to detect a locked state of the lid 104 based on a first sensor datum, as will be described in further detail. For example, the pot 102 may comprise the detection device 126, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 1.

[0137] The magnetic field-based sensor element 112 is configured to output the first sensor datum only upon detection of the first magnetic field-based counter element 108 in the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element 112. The at least one first magnetic field-based counter element 108 is arranged in respectively on the lid 104 (and in particular relative to the sensor element 112 of the pot 102) such that the magnetic field-based counter element 108 is only respectively can only enter the detection range of the magnetic field-based sensor element 112 when the lid 102 is in the locking position.

[0138] In other words, a magnetic field change leading to respectively representing the output of the first sensor datum can only be detected by the magnetic field-based sensor element 112 if the lid 104 is in the locking position such that the counter element 108 is within the detection range of the sensor element 112.

[0139] FIGS. 2a to 2c show schematic views of an embodiment of a kitchen appliance 230 according to the present application, in particular with a container arrangement 200. In FIG. 2a, the pot 202 is not arranged in a pot receptacle 234 of an appliance base 232 of the kitchen appliance 230 and the lid 204 is not placed on the pot 202. In FIG. 2b, the pot 202 is arranged in the pot receptacle 234 of the appliance base 232 of the kitchen appliance 230 and the lid 204 is not placed on the pot 202. In FIG. 2c, the pot 202 is arranged in the pot receptacle 234 of the appliance base 232 of the kitchen appliance 230 and the lid 204 is placed on the pot 202 (in particular, it is in the locking position).

[0140] The magnetic field-based detection concept implemented in the present case is in particular an induction-based concept. Presently, the pot 202 comprises two coils 212, 214 as magnetic field-based sensor elements 212, 214. In other variants of the application, a different number of coils may be provided.

[0141] As can be seen, the coils 212, 214 are arranged on the upper edge of the pot (which forms the opening of the pot 202) and in particular on substantially opposite sides of the edge of the pot.

[0142] A first coil contact of the first coil 212 is connected to a first lower pot contact 220 via a first electrical pot connection 216. A second coil contact of the first coil 212 is connected to a first lower pot contact 222 via a second electrical pot connection 218. A first coil contact of the second coil 214 is further connected to a third lower pot contact 221 via a third electrical pot connection 228. Finally, a second coil contact of the second coil 214 is connected to a fourth lower pot contact 223 via a fourth electrical pot connection 229. In particular, the number and position of the lower pot contacts 220, 221, 222, 223 at the pot bottom corresponds to the number and position of the base contacts 236, 237, 238, 239 of the appliance base 232. This allows electrical connection of the lower pot contacts 220, 221, 222, 223 to a detection device integrated in the appliance base 232 when the pot 202 is (properly) positioned in the pot receptacle 234. The pot receptacle 234 is configured to receive the pot 202, in particular at least the pot bottom 206.

[0143] The at least one magnetic field-based counter element 208, 210 (exemplarily two are shown in the present case) is in particular an induction element 208, 210 formed from an inductance-influencing material. Preferably, an induction element 208, 210 can be a flat element 208, 210 which is in particular made of a soft-magnetized metal or a non-magnetic metal.

[0144] Preferably, the induction elements 208, 210 (analogous to the coils 212, 214) may be arranged on the lid edge and in particular on substantially opposite lid edge sides.

[0145] Only in the locking state of the lid 204 (cf. FIG. 2c) the induction elements 208, 210 enter the respective detection range of the coils 212, 214. Only in this case the magnetic field generated by the respective coil 212, 214 is influenced by the respective induction element 208, 210. This results in a changed induction value of the respective coil 212, 214. This can be output by the coil 212 as a first sensor datum and in particular be detectable by the detection device 226.

[0146] As described above, in the present case, the appliance base 232 comprises a detection device 226 electrically coupled to the base contacts 236 to 239. In particular, the detection device 226 may be integrated in the appliance controller of the kitchen appliance 230. In variants of the application, the detection device may also be integrated in the pot. For example, the detection device may be integrated in the pot if the pot is equipped with a smart interface and a corresponding (small) controller is integrated in the pot.

[0147] The detection device 226 is configured to detect and determine, respectively, the locking state based on the at least one first sensor datum and in particular a locking criterion. If the detected sensor signal respectively the first sensor datum contained therein fulfils the locking criterion (for example a predefined electrical variable range, preferably an induction value range), then the detection device 226 can detect and determine, respectively, the locking state. If not met, the unlocked state may be detected and determined, respectively, by the detection device 226.

[0148] Preferably, a first induction value of the first coil 212 can be determined, in particular measured, by a first measuring module 215 of the detection device 226. The first electrical measuring module 215 of the detection device 226 can in particular apply a first electrical variable (e.g., a current respectively a voltage) to the coil 212 and measure a resulting electrical variable (a voltage respectively a current). From the variables of current and voltage, the detection device 226 may determine the inductance value of the first coil 212. In a corresponding manner, the induction value of the second coil 214 can be determined, for example, by a further measuring module 217 of the detection device 226.

[0149] The determined induction values can be provided to an evaluation module 219 of the detection device 226. The evaluation module 219 can in particular compare the induction values with at least one locking criterion in the manner described above. If the at least one locking criterion is met, a locking state of the lid can be concluded.

[0150] The at least one locking criterion may, for example, specify a range of induction values at which the locking state is present. By comparing the determined induction values with the predefined induction value range, the detection device 226 can detect and determine, respectively, whether the locking criterion is fulfilled or not, i.e., whether a locking state is present or not.

[0151] Preferably, the at least one appliance function of the kitchen appliance 230 can only be released by the detection device 226 when a locking state is detected. If an unlocked state is detected, the at least one appliance function can remain locked and blocked, respectively.

[0152] If the pot 202, as shown in FIG. 2a, is not on the appliance base 232, the electrical contacts 220 to 223 respectively 236 to 239 are open. In particular, the appliance controller (not shown) of the appliance base 232 can detect that no pot 202 is fitted.

[0153] In FIG. 2b, the pot 202 is on the appliance base 232 so that the electrical connection to the coils 212, 214 is given. However, the lid 204 is not in place respectively in the defined locking position. The respective inductance value of the coils 212, 214 is thus unaffected and corresponds to the initial value. By evaluating the inductance values by the detection device 226, it can be detected that the lid 204 is not locked and an unlocked state is present.

[0154] If the lid 204 is in the locking position, as shown in FIG. 2c, the inductance values of the respective coils 212, 214 are affected. This can be detected with the help of the described inductance measurement. By evaluating the inductance values, the locking state of the lid 204 can thus be determined. Based on this information, specific device functions can then be released, e.g., the movement of a shredding tool.

[0155] The use of several coils 212, 214 at different points on the circumference of the pot has the advantage that the position of the lid 204 is detected at two points so that it can also be detected if the lid 204 is incorrectly placed on only one side and is therefore not correctly locked.

[0156] As has already been described, preferably not only the locking state can be detected, but also the lid type of the lid 204 locked to the pot 202. As the number of sensor elements 212, 214 increases, the number of different, uniquely identifiable lid types can also be increased.

[0157] In this embodiment, two coils 212, 214 are attached to the upper edge of the pot, whose (instantaneous) inductances and inductance values, respectively, can be measured independently from each other. The lid 204 can preferably be closed (i.e., moved into the locking position) by a rotary movement and, in particular, bayonetted (locked) in the process. Metal plates 208, 210, for example, are attached to the lid 204 as inductance-influencing induction elements 208, 210. As has already been described, these elements 208, 210 are arranged in such a way that they are only directly in the detection range of the coils 212, 214 if the lid 204 is (correctly) locked.

[0158] Depending on the chosen material, the metal plates increase or decrease the inductance of the coil. For example, the inductance increases with a soft magnetic metal plate (cf. reference sign 445 in FIG. 4), as this reduces the magnetic resistance of the coil. With a metal plate made of non-magnetic, electrically conductive material (cf. reference sign 447 in FIG. 4), on the other hand, the eddy current effect dominates and the inductance value of the coil decreases. At X1 the lid is open, while at X2 the lid is locked. L1 and L2 denote the coil inductances.

[0159] Different combinations of metal plate materials on the left and right side of the lid 204 as induction elements 1 and 2 (cf. explanations on Table 1) can be used to uniquely code different lid types. This coding table may be stored as lid type criteria in the detection device 226. Depending on whether both inductances increase, both decrease or induction element 1 and 2 experience different changes in the locking state, the respective lid type can be concluded.

[0160] In the shown example with two coils 212, 214, four lid types can be reliably distinguished by evaluating the inductance values, in particular the inductance value curves respectively the change directions of the inductances. In principle, it is also possible to obtain intermediate values of the inductance of a coil by selecting the material or shaping the metal plates 208, 210 and thus to further increase the number of distinguishable lid types, as has already been described.

[0161] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a container arrangement 300 according to the present application.

[0162] The pot 302 is preferably formed partly of metal and partly of plastic. In particular, a portion 342 may be formed of plastic. This portion 342 may also form the handle and comprise an at least partially, preferably completely, circumferential sub-portion 343 arranged on the edge 303 of the pot.

[0163] A first coil 312 is arranged at the upper pot edge 303. Preferably, a (not shown) second coil is arranged on the opposite side of the upper pot edge 303. The at least two electrical pot connections 316 extend from the respective coil 312, in particular through the section 342 to the at least two lower pot contacts 320. In particular, a pot connection 316 may be integrated in the plastic section 342. In particular, the at least two lower pot contacts 320 are arranged in respectively on the pot bottom 306.

[0164] The coils 312, are preferably embedded in the circumferential partial section 343 made of plastic and are preferably at least partially covered by a pot cover 344, in particular in the form of an aperture 344. The partial section 343 preferably comprises a part of the locking mechanism. In particular, the partial portion 343 may have contours for locking the lid 304 to the pot 302 in the defined locking position.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 3b, a coil 312 can preferably be formed from a yoke 340 and coil core 340, respectively. The yoke 340 is in particular a U-shaped yoke 340 which can be designed e.g., as a U-shaped bent sheet of soft magnetic material.

[0166] The coil winding 346 in particular is arranged around this yoke 340. As has already been described, a coil 312 can preferably be covered by a plastic aperture 344. The ends 353, 355 of the yoke 340 can in particular protrude through recesses and openings, respectively, in the aperture 344.

[0167] As can be seen in FIG. 3a, the induction elements 308 are arranged on the lid 304, in particular on the outer lid edge 305. As can be seen, the induction elements 308, 310 can be formed as flat elements 308, 310, in particular by metal plates 308, 310. Only by way of example the shown flat elements 308, 310 comprise a rectangular shape.

[0168] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the kitchen appliance 530 according to the application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences to the previous embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the respective embodiments.

[0169] In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the coils 512, 514 comprise a common third lower pot contact 521 which is connected to the detection device 526 of the appliance base 532. The other two coil contacts may each be separately routed to the detection device 526 of the appliance base 532. This has the advantage that the coils 512, 514 can be evaluated individually by a corresponding detection device 526 so that inductance curves can be clearly assigned to the individual coils 512, 514. In particular, the number of contacts can be reduced at the same time.

[0170] As can be seen, the appliance base 532 comprises a tool drive 560. The tool drive 560 is configured to drive and operate, respectively, a kitchen appliance tool 562, which may in particular be located in the pot 502. Exemplarily, a kitchen appliance tool 562 is shown as a cutting tool 562. Further, the kitchen base may comprise a control device that controls and monitors the heater that is integrated in the pot 502.

[0171] It may be provided that the kitchen appliance tool 562 must be operated with different maximum permissible drive parameter setpoint values depending on the lid type of the currently attached lid 504. In order to ensure this, the detection device 526 may preferably comprise a limiting module. The (not shown) limiting module may be configured to limit at least the maximum permissible drive parameter setpoint value, based on the identified lid type and a drive criterion (predefined) for the lid type. Each lid type may have a predefined drive criterion associated with it. The drive criterion may define the maximum permissible drive parameter setpoint value or a corresponding range.

[0172] Optionally, the kitchen appliance 530 may have a (visual) display 566. The display 566 may be configured to display the identified lid type. Optionally, an error message and/or an advisory message may be displayed.

[0173] A further (additional) possibility to reliably distinguish and, in particular, identify different lid types is to measure the inductance versus the locking path that has to be covered from the unlocked position to the locking position. This can be done, for example, by shaping and/or defining the arrangement of the induction elements 608, 610. This is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 6a, 6b.

[0174] L.sub.l is the inductance curve of the left inductance (formed by elements 608, 612), L.sub.r is the inductance curve of the right inductance (formed by elements 610, 614) and L.sub.g is the curve of the total inductance (L.sub.g=L.sub.l+L.sub.r). During the closing movement, i.e. the movement of the lid (not shown explicitly for a better overview) from the unlocked position (designated by the reference sign 661; see also left section of FIG. 6b) to the locking position (designated by the reference sign 665; see also right section of FIG. 6b), which can correspond in particular to a rotation of the lid, the inductance value curve of both coils 612, 614 respectively left coil 612 and right coil 614 can be evaluated. The reference sign 667 indicates the position of the lid and the reference sign 663 indicates the intermediate position of the lid during the closing process.

[0175] Depending on the arrangement and/or shape of the induction elements 608, 610, different temporal inductance value curves result, which are shown as examples in the diagrams. By analyzing the curves of the inductance values of the individual inductances and/or the total inductance, it is then possible to conclude the respective lid type. For this purpose, corresponding inductance value curves can in particular be predefined as lid type criteria and can in particular be stored in the detection device. Particularly preferred in this embodiment are automatic lockings/locking types with a (large) path (e.g., bayonet). This increases the reliability of the detection.

[0176] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the kitchen appliance 730 according to the application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences to the previous embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the corresponding embodiments.

[0177] In this embodiment, the coils 712, 714 are connected in series via a fifth pot connection 751. With such an arrangement, an evaluation of the sum inductance, as illustrated in FIG. 6b, is particularly advantageous.

[0178] The series connection of the coils 712, 714 offers in particular the possibility of getting by with only two contacts 720, 723, 736, 739 each to the appliance base 732. If the induction elements 708, 710 are arranged in such a way that if the lid 704 is closed, first the coil 712 and then additionally also the further coil 714 are influenced, then the inductance of the series connection increases in two stages (cf. FIG. 6b). By evaluating the temporal curve of the total inductance (sum inductance), it can then be checked whether the lid 704 is in the correct position on both sides, i.e., in the locking position.

[0179] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the kitchen appliance 830 according to the application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences to the previous embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the corresponding embodiments.

[0180] As described above, the container arrangement 800 may at least partially comprise the detection device 826. In the present case, the container arrangement 800 comprises the first and the second measuring module 815, 817. A (digital) communication module 857 of the detection device 826 can be configured to transmit the measured induction values to an evaluation module 819. In the present case, the evaluation module 819 is integrated in the appliance base 832, in particular in the appliance controller. In variants of the application, the container arrangement 800 may also comprise the evaluation module.

[0181] As has been described, an evaluation of the measured values can also be carried out at the pot 802 so that, for example, the locking state and the lid type can be determined and transmitted in digital form.

[0182] It is also possible, for example, to store calibration data for the inductances in electronics (e.g., microcontroller) integrated in the pot 802. Other measured values from the pot 802 can also be transmitted in this way so that an overall reduction in the number of contacts is possible.

[0183] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the kitchen appliance 930 according to the application. In order to avoid repetitions, essentially only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the corresponding embodiments.

[0184] The main difference is that a magnetic field sensor is used instead of a coil and a magnet instead of an induction element.

[0185] Thus, in this embodiment, the at least one magnetic field-based sensor element 912, 914 (exemplarily two sensor elements 912, 914 are shown herein) is a magnetic field sensor 912, 914. Preferably, a magnetic field sensor 912, 914 may be a Hall sensor 912, 914 or a reed switch 912, 914. The arrangement of the magnetic field sensors 912, 914 at the pot 902 can be similar to the arrangement of the coils at a pot described above.

[0186] Furthermore, at least one magnet 908, 910 (in the present example, two magnets 908, 910 are provided) is provided as a magnet-based counter element 908, 910 in the present embodiment. The arrangement of the magnets 908, 910 at the lid 904 can be similar to the arrangement of the induction elements at a lid described above.

[0187] When the lid 904 is moved into the locking position, the at least one magnet 908, 910 enters the detection range of the at least one magnetic field sensor 912, 914. The magnetic field change can be detected by the magnetic field sensor 912, 914. In response to this, the magnetic field sensor 912, 914 outputs the first sensor datum.

[0188] Since the at least one magnet 908, 910 is arranged at the lid 904 in such a way that a detectable magnetic field change leading to an output of the first sensor datum can only be present if the lid 904 is in the locking position, a locking state of the lid 904 can be reliably detected by detecting the first sensor datum.

[0189] As can be seen, each magnetic field sensor 912, 914 is connected to the detection device 926, in particular to provide at least the first sensor datum for evaluation. The evaluation can be carried out similarly to the previous embodiments.

[0190] The encoder magnets 908, 910 arranged at the lid 904 and corresponding to the magnetic field sensor 912, 914 trigger in particular, as has been described, a detection signal and the first sensor datum, respectively, in the magnetic field sensors 912, 914 when the lid 904 is closed and correctly locked. A detection and identification, respectively, of the lid type is also possible here, e.g., if magnetic field sensors 912, 914 are used which allow an evaluation of the magnetic field direction of the magnet 908, 910 located in the detection range. Depending on the orientation of the magnetic poles, a characteristic signal pattern then results for the different lid types. In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to identify a specific lid type in particular by using Table 2, as already described.

[0191] It is also possible, in further variants of the application, that a counter element in the form of an encoder magnet is arranged on the pot and a conductive element is arranged in the lid merely as a further counter element, which conducts the magnetic field (in a defined manner) through respectively to the associated magnetic field sensor if the lid is (correctly) locked.

[0192] The arrangement of the detection device 926 for a magnetic field sensor 912, 914 can be similar to inductive detection in the pot or in the base of the appliance. Furthermore, it is conceivable that by placing several magnets, the signal curve during closing is also analyzed so that a more reliable detection can take place.

[0193] FIG. 10 shows schematic views of an embodiment of a container arrangement according to the present application in various lid states and an exemplary induction value curve 1071 and signal curve, respectively, of the sensors 1071.

[0194] The container arrangement may be formed similarly to a container arrangement in any of the previous Figures. The main differences between the container arrangement and the previous embodiments are described below.

[0195] In particular, the illustrated lid comprises first counter elements 1008, 1010 and additional counter elements 1052, 1054.

[0196] For example, the first counter elements 1008, 1010 may be magnets 1008, 1010 having a first pole orientation and the additional counter elements 1052, 1054 may be additional magnets 1052, 1054 having a second pole orientation different from the first pole orientation.

[0197] The additional magnets 1052, 1054 are arranged on the lid, in particular on the edge of the lid, in such a way that the magnetic field sensors 1012, 1014 are only influenced in the unlocked position, as shown in the left section of FIG. 10.

[0198] By evaluating the sensor signal curve 1071 shown in the lower section of FIG. 10, it can be determined at least whether the lid is in the (defined) unlocked position (designated by the reference sign 1073) or the lid 1010 is in the defined locking position (designated by the reference sign 1077). The position in between, i.e., in particular during the locking movement, is designated by the reference sign 1075.

[0199] This is shown in the exemplary sensor signal curve in the lower section of FIG. 10. In the unlocked position 1073, a first sensor signal curve can be determined by the detection device (in particular as long as said additional magnets 1052, 1054 are within the detection range of the respective magnetic field sensors 1012, 1014.

[0200] During the (rotational) movement 1075 of the lid from the unlocked position to the locking position (middle section of FIG. 10), no magnet 1008, 1010, 1052, 1054 is in a detection range of the magnetic field sensors 1012, 1014. Therefore, the signal takes a value of zero.

[0201] When the locking position 1077 is reached (right section of FIG. 10), the magnets 1008, 1010 enter the respective detection range of the magnetic field sensors 1012, 1014. In this locking position, a different sensor signal curve is detected by the detection device due to the different pole orientation (in particular as long as the magnets 1008, 1010 are present in the respective detection range of the magnetic field sensors 1012, 1014, i.e., the lid is in the locking position).

[0202] In a simple and reliable way, a locked lid position can be distinguished from the unlocked lid position.

[0203] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a kitchen appliance 1130 according to the present application. In order to avoid repetitions, only the differences to the previous embodiments are described below and otherwise reference is made to the corresponding embodiments.

[0204] The kitchen appliance 1130 comprises a mechanical locking mechanism 1170 having a lid drive 1174 (also called a locking actuator). The lid actuator 1174 is mechanically coupled to the lid 1104 via a mechanical linkage 1172, which is generally known. The lid actuator 1174 may be configured to (automatically) move the lid 1104 between an unlocked position of the lid 1104 and a locking position of the lid 1104.

[0205] The detection device 1126 may be communicatively coupled to the lid drive 1174. In particular, the detection device 1126 may be configured to detect, preferably measure, at least one lid drive parameter value (e.g., position and/or actuator current). The detection device 1126 may further be configured to detect the locking state of the container arrangement 1100 based on the detected lid drive parameter value.

[0206] A possible implementation of this detection is graphically illustrated in FIG. 12. The lid 1204 or parts of the lid 1204 can be moved relative to the pot 1202 during closing respectively locking, for example bayonetted by a rotational movement. Depending on whether a lid 1204 is fitted (cf. the two upper sections of FIG. 12) or not (cf. the lower section of FIG. 12), the lid drive reaches different end positions 1280, 1282, 1284, which can be evaluated and in particular determined, for example, by measurement, by the detection device, of position and actuator current.

[0207] In the upper section of FIG. 12, the lid 1204 is not locked. The locking movement starts at the end position 1280, in particular in the unlocked position. In the middle section of FIG. 12, a lid 1204 is present. The lid 1204 has been moved to the second end position 1282. The lid 1204 is therefore in the locking state and in the locking position, respectively. There is no lid in the lower section of FIG. 12. The lid drive reaches the third end position 1284. From this, the detection device can conclude that no lid is present.

[0208] Reference sign 1287 indicates the axis as the position of the lid drive. Reference sign 1281 indicates the unlocked position, reference sign 1283 indicates the locking position, and reference sign 1285 indicates that there is no lid.

[0209] Preferably, the detection device can additionally perform a comparison of the detected time-dependent and/or position-dependent electrical signals and mechanical signals. This is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 13 and 14. The reference sign 1389 (respectively 1489) indicates the locking state and the reference sign 1391 (respectively 1491) indicates the unlocked state.

[0210] FIG. 13 shows in particular the case in which the lid was (correctly) locked. In particular, it can be seen that a locking state was determined almost simultaneously by the detection device by evaluating the at least one sensor signal and first sensor datum, respectively, (as described) (upper section of FIG. 13) and the at least one lid drive parameter (as described) (lower section of FIG. 13). Sufficient simultaneity exists in particular if the respective change of state is detected within a predefined time window ΔB and tolerance range ΔB, respectively.

[0211] In particular, a lid can only be evaluated as (correctly) locked by the detection device, i.e., a locked state can only be determined, if the signals of both detection paths change from the state “unlocked” to the state “locked” within the tolerance range ΔB (cf. FIG. 13).

[0212] FIG. 14 shows four exemplary signal sequences in which a lid is assessed by the detection device as not (correctly) locked, i.e., an unlocked state is determined. As can be seen, in none of the cases shown does the “unlocked” state change to the “locked” state within the predefined time period.

[0213] FIG. 15 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application for determining a locking state in a container arrangement according to any of the previous embodiments.

[0214] In a first step 1501, a receiving of a first sensor datum output by the magnetic field-based sensor element is performed by a detection device, as described above.

[0215] In a further step 1502, a detecting, by the detecting device, a locking state of the container arrangement is performed based on the detected first sensor datum and at least one locking criterion as described above.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0216] 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1100 container arrangement [0217] 102, 202, 302, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902, 1002, 1102 pot [0218] 303 upper edge [0219] 104, 204, 304, 504, 704, 804, 904, 1104 lid [0220] 305 lid edge [0221] 106, 206, 306 bottom [0222] 108, 208, 308, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908, 1008, 1108 counter element [0223] 210, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, counter element [0224] 112, 212, 312, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912, 1012, 1112 sensor element [0225] 214, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914, 1014 sensor element [0226] 215, 515, 715, 815 measuring module [0227] 116, 216, 316, 516, 716, 816, 916, 1116 pot connection [0228] 217, 517, 817 measuring module [0229] 218, 518, 818 pot connection [0230] 219, 519, 719, 819 evaluation module [0231] 120, 220, 320, 520, 720, 820, 1120 lower pot contact [0232] 221, 521, 821 lower pot contact [0233] 222, 822 lower pot contact [0234] 223, 523, 723, 823 lower pot contact [0235] 124 pot wall [0236] 126, 226, 526, 726, 826, 926, 1126 detection device [0237] 228, 528, 828 pot connection [0238] 229, 529, 729, 829, 929 pot connection [0239] 230, 530, 730, 830, 930, 1130 kitchen appliance [0240] 232, 532, 732, 832, 932, 1132 appliance base [0241] 234, 534, 734, 834, 934, 1134 pot receptable [0242] 236, 536, 736, 1136 base contact [0243] 237, 537 base contact [0244] 238 base contact [0245] 239, 539, 739 base contact [0246] 340 yoke [0247] 342 pot section [0248] 343 circumferential section of the pot section [0249] 346 winding [0250] 353, 355 ends of the yoke [0251] 560, 760, 1160 tool drive [0252] 661 open lid position [0253] 562, 762, 1162 kitchen appliance tools [0254] 663 lid position during the closing process [0255] 665 locked lid position [0256] 566, 766, 1166 display [0257] 667 lid position [0258] 751 pot connection [0259] 857 communication module [0260] 1071 signal curve of the sensors [0261] 1073 lid laid on loosely [0262] 1075 lid during locking movement [0263] 1077 lid locked [0264] 1170 locking mechanism [0265] 1172 mechanical coupling [0266] 1174 lid drive [0267] 1280, 1282, 1284 end positions [0268] 1281 unlocked [0269] 1283 locked [0270] 1285 no lid present [0271] 1287 position of the lid drive [0272] 1389, 1489 locked [0273] 1391, 1491 locked