METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEATING SYSTEM AND KITCHEN MACHINE

Abstract

A method for operating an electric heating system of a kitchen machine and a kitchen machine for carrying out the method are proposed, wherein a measuring temperature of the heating system is determined by means of a temperature element in order to carry out a calibration of a heating element and/or to compare the measuring temperature with a heating temperature of the heating element determined by means of the heating element for identifying a critical heating state.

Claims

1. A method for operating an electric heating system of a kitchen machine, comprising: determining an electrical resistance of a heating element of the heating system to determine a heating temperature of the heating element, and determining a measuring temperature of the heating system using a temperature element in order to at least one of: carry out a calibration of the heating system or compare the measuring temperature with the heating temperature to identify a critical heating state of the heating system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heating element has or forms a first measuring location for the heating temperature and the temperature element has or forms a second measuring location for the measuring temperature.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first measuring location is larger than the second measuring location.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the second measuring location is arranged closer to a preparation chamber of the kitchen machine than the first measuring location.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, for calibration, an electrical resistance value of the heating element and a heating temperature value of the heating element corresponding to the resistance value are determined as reference values.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the heating temperature value is determined by the temperature element.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the heating temperature value is determined by the measuring temperature value determined by the temperature element being converted into the heating temperature value.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, for calibration, a plurality of electrical resistance values of the heating element and heating temperature values of the heating element corresponding to the resistance values are determined in order to determine a temperature coefficient of the heating element.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the heating temperature values are determined by the temperature element.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the heating temperature values are determined by measuring temperature values determined by the temperature element being converted into the heating temperature values.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calibration is carried out automatically at least one of after starting the heating system, after starting the kitchen machine or for each heating process.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein during operation of the heating system at least one of the difference of the gradients of the heating temperature and the measuring temperature, the difference of the heating temperature and the measuring temperature, the heating temperature or the measuring temperature is compared with one or more limit values in order to identify the critical heating state of the heating system.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more limit values are adapted recipe-specifically.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, upon identification of the critical heating state, the operation of the kitchen machine or heating system is adapted.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein upon identification of the critical heating state, at least one of a stirring process or a heating process is at least one of carried out, started, ended or adapted.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein a further measuring temperature of the heating system is determined by a further temperature element in order to compare the heating temperature with a plurality of measuring temperatures for identifying the critical heating state.

17. A method for operating an electric heating system of a kitchen machine, comprising using a measuring temperature determined by a temperature element of the heating system and a heating temperature determined by a heating element of the heating system for identifying a critical heating state of the heating system, in which the heating element has a local temperature change.

18. A kitchen machine for preparing food, the kitchen machine comprising: an electric heating system for heating a vessel, wherein the heating system comprises a heating plate, an electric heating element configured to heat the heating plate, a measuring device configured to measure the electric resistance of the heating element, and a temperature element configured to determine a measuring temperature of the heating plate, wherein the kitchen machine is configured to determine the electrical resistance of the heating element for determining a heating temperature of the heating element, and in addition to determine the measuring temperature by the temperature element in order to at least one of carry out a calibration of the heating system or compare the measuring temperature with the heating temperature to identify a critical heating state of the heating system.

19. The kitchen machine according to claim 18, wherein the kitchen machine has a further temperature element configured to determine a further measuring temperature of the heating plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a proposed kitchen machine with a proposed heating system for heating a preparation chamber;

[0057] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heating system according to FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a proposed method;

[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram with an exemplary course of a heating temperature and measuring temperature of the heating system when heating water;

[0060] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram with an exemplary course of the heating temperature and measuring temperature when heating water with locally dry spots on a heating plate of the heating system;

[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram with an exemplary course of the heating temperature and measuring temperature with a heating plate not completely wetted with water; and

[0062] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram with an exemplary course of the heating temperature and measuring temperature when heating inhomogeneous food.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] In the figures, some of which are not to scale and are only schematic, the same reference signs are used for the same, identical or similar parts and components, wherein corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if no repeated description is given.

[0064] FIG. 1 schematically shows a proposed food processor/kitchen machine 1 for the preparation of food/meals/dishes and/or for the processing of food/ingredients. The kitchen machine 1 is preferably an electrically operated multi-functional kitchen machine/food processor designed for chopping, stirring/mixing and/or heating/cooking food.

[0065] The kitchen machine 1 preferably has a base station 10 and/or a vessel/container 20 to receive/hold food.

[0066] The base station 10 and the vessel 20 are preferably connected or connectable electrically and/or mechanically, in particular to allow heating and/or mixing/stirring of the food in the vessel 20. In addition, solutions are also possible in which the base station 10 and the vessel 20 are additionally fluidically connected or connectable, for example in order to conduct water vapor generated in the base station 10 into the vessel 20.

[0067] FIG. 1 shows the kitchen machine 1 in its usual state of use and/or in the connection position in which the vessel 20 is electrically and/or mechanically connected to the base station 10.

[0068] The base station 10 preferably has a receptacle 10A to receive/accommodate the vessel 20 at least partially and/or at the bottom. Particularly preferably, the vessel 20 is at least partially insertable or suspendable in the base station 10 in order to connect the vessel 20 mechanically and/or electrically to the base station 10.

[0069] The vessel 20 has a wall 20W, a bottom 20B and a preparation chamber ZR, the wall 20W delimiting the preparation chamber ZR radially/laterally and the bottom 20B delimiting the preparation chamber ZR axially/from below.

[0070] The vessel 20 preferably has a lid 20D in order to delimit the preparation chamber ZR axially/from above and/or, in particular, to close it pressure-safe.

[0071] Optionally, the vessel 20 is equipped with a handle 20G to simplify the handling of the vessel 20.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the vessel 20 is at least essentially round and/or cylindrical in shape. However, in principle, embodiments are also possible in which the vessel 20 is angular, in particular rectangular.

[0073] The vessel 20 has a central axis A, with the central axis A passing centrally through the vessel 20 and/or preparation chamber ZR, as indicated in FIG. 1.

[0074] Preferably the central axis A is a longitudinal or symmetry axis of the preferably elongated, cylindrical and/or at least substantially rotationally symmetrical vessel 20.

[0075] Optionally, the vessel 20 is equipped with a stirrer 20R, in particular for chopping and/or mixing food in the preparation chamber ZR. The stirrer 20R is preferably rotatably mounted and/or located at the bottom 20B of vessel 20. The stirrer 20R preferably has a plurality of, in particular exchangeable, stirring paddles/blades.

[0076] Preferably, the stirring blades have cutting edges or are designed as cutting blades to chop up food.

[0077] Preferably, the central axis A of the vessel 20 corresponds to the axis of rotation of the stirrer 20R.

[0078] Preferably, the vessel 20 is mechanically connected or connectable to the base station 10 to drive the stirrer 20R by means of the base station 10.

[0079] To drive the stirrer 20R, the kitchen machine 1, in particular the base station 10, has an electric motor 10E, which is connected or connectable to the stirrer 20R via a shaft 10W and/or—in the connection position—engages positively/form-fittingly in the bottom 20B from below.

[0080] As already explained at the beginning, the kitchen machine 1 is designed to heat food and/or a medium in the vessel 20 and/or in the preparation chamber ZR.

[0081] For this purpose, the vessel 20 and/or preparation chamber ZR is electrically heatable and/or the kitchen machine 1 has an electric heating system 20H.

[0082] The heating system 20H is designed for (direct) heating of the vessel 20, in particular the bottom 20B and/or the preparation chamber ZR. Particularly preferably, the heating system 20H is designed as a thick-film heater.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the heating system 20H is integrated into the vessel 20, in particular the bottom 20B, and/or the heating system 20H or part of the heating system 20H forms the bottom 20B of the vessel 20 or part thereof. However, constructive solutions are also possible in which the base station 10 has or forms the heating system 20H.

[0084] In order to enable a power supply to the base station 10 and/or the vessel 20, in particular the heating system 20H and/or the electric motor 10E, the kitchen machine 1, in particular the base station 10, is equipped with a power supply unit 10N—preferably with appropriate charging electronics—and/or a power cord 10C for connection to a mains supply.

[0085] Preferably, the base station 10 has one or more electrical connections 10X and/or 10Y for the vessel 20, in order to connect the vessel 20—in the connection position—electrically with the base station 10 and/or the power supply unit 10N and/or to supply it with electrical energy/power.

[0086] The electrical connection(s) 10X and/or 10Y are/is preferably integrated into the receptacle 10A of the base station 10, in particular in such a way that by inserting the vessel 20 into the base station 10, an electrical connection is automatically established between the vessel 20 and the base station 10.

[0087] The vessel 20 preferably has one or more electrical connections 20X and/or 20Y corresponding to the electrical connection 10X and/or 10Y, preferably wherein the electrical connection 20X and/or 20Y are/is located on an underside of the vessel 20 and/or the bottom 20B, as indicated in FIG. 1.

[0088] The electrical connections 10X/10Y and 20X/20Y are preferably formed by one or more electrical contacts or—in particular for wireless power transmission—by one or more coils.

[0089] The kitchen machine 1, in particular the base station 10, preferably has a user interface 10U, a data processing device 10R, a control device 10S, a communication device 10K and/or a measuring device 10M, preferably wherein the user interface 10U, the data processing device 10R, the control device 10S, the communication device 10K, the measuring device 10M, the power supply unit 10N, the heating system 20H, the electric motor 10E and/or the connections 10X, 10Y are electrically connected to each other, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1.

[0090] The user interface 10U is formed by at least one display device 10D, such as a screen, and at least one input device 10B, in particular a control element, such as a rotary knob. Via the user interface 10U, a user of the kitchen machine 1 can interact with the kitchen machine 1 and/or take from and/or add to to the kitchen machine 1 one or more items of information, for example concerning the operation of the kitchen machine 1, the food to be prepared and/or the recipe to be used.

[0091] The data processing device 10R is preferably a device for evaluating, storing and/or processing one or more signals, data, measured values, reference values, information or the like. In particular, the data processing device 10R has a computing unit, such as a processor, and/or a (data) storage/memory, for example in the form of an SSD.

[0092] The control device 10S is preferably designed to control, in particular to activate or deactivate, the electric motor 10E and/or the stirrer 20R and/or the heating system 20H and/or to adjust the power of the electric motor 10E and/or the heating system 20H.

[0093] By means of the communication device 10K, the kitchen machine 1 can be coupled (in terms of data connection) with one or more (external) devices, in particular a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, and/or apparatuses, in particular a central apparatus, such as a server.

[0094] In particular, the communication device 10K enables a wired or wireless data connection between the kitchen machine 1 and one or more devices or one or more apparatuses in order to determine a signal and/or information, in particular concerning the operation of the kitchen machine 1, the food to be prepared and/or the recipe to be used, and/or to exchange it between the kitchen machine 1 and the device(s) and/or the apparatus(es), wherein the data exchange and/or the signal transmission can take place directly or indirectly.

[0095] A signal in the sense of the present invention is preferably a means of transmitting information, a (modulated) wave, a bit sequence, a packet in the information technological sense or the like. In particular, one or more pieces of information are assigned to a signal and/or contained in the signal, which are transmittable by means of the signal.

[0096] The communication device 10K preferably comprises a receiver for receiving a signal, a transmitter for transmitting a signal and/or an interface, in particular a radio interface, a WPAN interface, a near field communication interface, an NFC interface, a WLAN interface or another, particularly preferred wireless interface.

[0097] By means of the measuring device 10M, one or more measured variables, such as a temperature, a weight, an electrical voltage, an electrical current, an electrical resistance, a rotational speed, a pressure, an air humidity and/or an inclination of the kitchen machine 1, in particular of the base station 10 and/or the vessel 20, particularly preferably of the electric motor 10E and/or the heating system 20H, can be determined/measured (directly or indirectly). For this purpose, the measuring device 10M has one or more sensors and/or measuring units, such as a temperature sensor, a scale, a voltage measuring unit/voltmeter, a current measuring unit/ammeter, a rotational speed measuring unit/revolution counter, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor and/or an inclination sensor.

[0098] In the following, the structural design of the heating system 20H is explained in more detail on the basis of FIG. 2. Afterwards the proposed method is explained on the basis of FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0099] FIG. 2 shows the heating system 20H in a perspective view from below and/or from a side facing away from the preparation chamber ZR (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0100] The heating system 20H preferably comprises an electric heating device 20Q and/or a heating plate 20P, preferably wherein the heating device 20Q is designed for heat generation and/or for (uniform) heating of the heating plate 20P and/or the heating plate 20P is designed for (uniform) heat emission, in particular to the preparation chamber ZR or food located therein.

[0101] The heating system 20H is preferably designed flat and/or plate-like/disk-like, in particular to be able to integrate the heating system 20H into the bottom 20B of the vessel 20.

[0102] The heating system 20H, in particular the heating device 20Q and/or the heating plate 20P, is/are preferably of annular shape and/or circular disc shape and/or has/have an in particular central opening 20A to accommodate/receive at least partially the electric motor 10E, the shaft 10W and/or the stirrer 20R. In other words, the heating system 20H, in particular the heating device 20Q and/or the heating plate 20P, extends annularly around the electric motor 10E, the shaft 10W and/or the stirrer 20R.

[0103] The heating plate 20P is preferably designed as a heat exchanger and/or is designed to dissipate the heat generated by the heating device 20Q in particular to the preparation chamber ZR and/or to transfer it to a food in the vessel 20 and/or the preparation chamber ZR. For this purpose, the heating plate 20P is preferably made entirely or partially of metal, in particular copper, aluminium and/or stainless steel.

[0104] Preferably, the heating plate 20P delimits the preparation chamber ZR downwards and/or the heating plate 20P forms the bottom 20B of the vessel 20 or a part thereof. In particular, the heating plate 20P is in (direct) contact with the food during the preparation of the food.

[0105] The heating plate 20P is preferably arranged between the heating device 20Q and the preparation chamber ZR and/or separates the heating device 20Q from the preparation chamber ZR.

[0106] The heating plate 20P preferably has a heating surface 20F on a top side and/or a side facing the preparation chamber ZR and a contact surface 20K on a bottom side and/or a side facing away from the preparation chamber ZR, preferably wherein the heating plate 20P with the contact surface 20K rests with the entire area on the heating device 20Q.

[0107] The heating plate 20P can be designed with one or more layers.

[0108] Preferably, at least the layer/side of the heating plate 20P facing the preparation chamber ZR is food safe and/or made of stainless steel.

[0109] The heating system 20H, in particular the heating device 20Q, preferably comprises at least one heating element 20E and/or a carrier layer 20S, preferably wherein the heating element 20E is arranged on or in the carrier layer 20S and/or is electrically insulated from the heating plate 20P by the carrier layer 20S. In particular, the carrier layer 20S is made of an electrically insulating material, for example fibre-reinforced plastic, in order to electrically insulate the heating element 20E.

[0110] The heating element 20E is preferably designed as an electrical (elongated) conductor, particularly preferably as a thermistor, in particular as a PTC resistor/PTC thermistor. However, solutions are also possible in which the heating element 20E is designed as a NTC thermistor/NTC resistor.

[0111] Preferably, the heating element 20E converts electrical energy into thermal energy and/or the heating element 20E heats up, in particular to a heating temperature HT, when an electric current flows through it.

[0112] To supply the heating element 20E with electrical energy, the heating system 20H, in particular the heating device 20Q, has the electrical connection 20X, preferably wherein the electrical connection 20X is formed by two electrical contacts. However, embodiments are also possible in which the heating system 20H, in particular the heating device 20Q, is supplied with electrical energy by induction.

[0113] Preferably, the heating system 20H and/or the heating device 20Q, in particular the heating element 20E, is electrically connected or connectable to the measuring device 10M, the control device 10S, the data processing device 10R, the user interface 10U, the communication device 10K and/or the power supply unit 10N via the electrical connection 20X of the heating system 20H and the electrical connection 10X of the base station 10.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the heating element 20E is formed spirally and/or is wound around the opening 20A. Here, however, other arrangements and/or windings are also possible, for example, in which the heating element 20E is meander-shaped.

[0115] Preferably, the heating element 20E extends in a plane, in particular wherein the plane formed by the heating element 20E is at least substantially parallel to the heating plate 20P, in particular the heating surface 20F and/or the contact surface 20K, and/or orthogonal to the central axis A of the vessel 20.

[0116] Preferably, the heating element 20E has or forms a first and/or areal, in the embodiment shown spiral-shaped, measuring location/area M1 for (direct or indirect) determination/measurement of the heating temperature HT. In particular, the (surface) area of the heating element 20E corresponds to the area of the first/areal measuring location M1.

[0117] Particularly preferably, the area of the heating element 20E and/or the first/areal measuring location M1 is at least 10%, 20% or 30% of the area of the heating plate 20P, in particular the heating surface 20F and/or the contact surface 20K.

[0118] As explained at the beginning, the electrical resistance R of the heating element 20E, in the following referred to as resistance R for short, varies with the heating temperature HT.

[0119] The heating temperature HT is preferably the temperature of the heating element 20E, in particular the mean/average temperature and/or the temperature averaged over the entire length/area of the heating element 20E and/or the areal temperature, and/or is preferably the temperature present at the first/areal measuring location M1.

[0120] Preferably, the resistance R of the heating element 20E increases with increasing heating temperature HT, especially preferably approximately according to the following linear equation:

R=R1[1+TCR(HT−HT1)],

with HT1 in [° C.] as first heating temperature value and/or reference heating temperature value at time t1, with R1 in [Ω] as first resistance value and/or reference resistance value at the first heating temperature value HT1 and/or at time t1 and with TCR in [1/° C.] as (positive) temperature coefficient and/or resistance increase value of the heating element 20E. Here, however, other, in particular non-linear equations can also be used to mathematically represent the relationship between the resistance R and the heating temperature HT.

[0121] Due to this dependency, the heating element 20E can be used as a resistance thermometer, measuring in particular over an area, and/or the heating temperature HT can be determined by means of the resistance R, preferably wherein the resistance R is determined by means of the measuring device 10M and/or by a current and voltage measurement.

[0122] Preferably, the first heating temperature value HT1, the first resistance value R1 and/or the temperature coefficient TCR are determined by calibrating the kitchen machine 1, in particular the heating system 20H, and/or are stored electronically in the data processing device 10R of the base station 10 and/or in a central apparatus such as a server.

[0123] The kitchen machine 1, in particular the heating system 20H, preferably has a temperature element 20T for determining a measuring temperature MT.

[0124] The temperature element 20T is preferably designed as a temperature sensor and/or thermometer, and particularly preferably as a (locally measuring) resistance thermometer, in particular an NTC sensor.

[0125] The temperature element 20T is preferably placed and/or fixed (directly) to the heating plate 20P. In the embodiment shown, the temperature element 20T is located in the opening 20A. However, other solutions are also possible, for example in which the temperature element 20T is arranged and/or fixed on or to the heating surface 20F, the wall 20W or the stirrer 20R.

[0126] The temperature element 20T is preferably electrically connected to the second electrical connection 20Y, preferably wherein the second electrical connection 20Y is located on a side of the heating system 20H and/or heating device 20Q facing away from the preparation chamber ZR and/or an underside of the heating system 20H and/or heating device 20Q.

[0127] Preferably, the temperature element 20T is electrically connected or connectable to the measuring device 10M, the control device 10S, the data processing device 10R, the user interface 10U, the communication device 10K and/or the power supply unit 10N via the electrical connection 20Y of the vessel 20 and the electrical connection 10Y of the base station 10.

[0128] The temperature element 20T is preferably designed exclusively for measuring the measuring temperature MT. However, the temperature element 20T can also be designed and/or used as (further) heating element. In particular, the temperature element 20T can be used additionally or alternatively, in particular as required, to generate heat.

[0129] The temperature element 20T preferably has or forms a second and/or local measuring location/area M2 for (direct or indirect) determination/measurement of the measuring temperature MT.

[0130] The measuring temperature MT is preferably the temperature determined by the temperature element 20T and/or at the measuring location M2. In particular, the measuring temperature MT is the (average) temperature of the heating plate 20P at the measuring location M2.

[0131] The heating element 20E and/or the first/areal measuring location M1 is preferably larger and/or has more (surface) area than the temperature element 20T and/or the second measuring location M2, preferably by at least five or ten times.

[0132] Preferably, the temperature element 20T and/or the second measuring location M2 is spaced from the heating element 20E and/or the first measuring location M1, particularly preferably radially and/or axially and/or by at least 0.5 cm or 1 cm.

[0133] Particularly preferably, the temperature element 20T and/or the second measuring location M2 is closer to the preparation chamber ZR than the heating element 20E and/or the first measuring location M1.

[0134] In particular due to the distance of the temperature element 20T and/or the second measuring location M2 from the heating element 20E and/or the first measuring location M1, the measuring temperature MT is lower than the heating temperature HT, in particular by at least 5° C. or 10° C.

[0135] In the following, the proposed method for operating and/or (feedback) controlling the kitchen machine 1 and/or the electric heating system 20H is described using FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0136] The proposed method is preferably carried out by and/or in the kitchen machine 1, in particular by means of the heating system 20H, the control device 10S, the measuring device 10M, the data processing device 10R and/or the electric motor 10E.

[0137] As explained above, critical heating conditions/states and/or local temperature changes of the heating system 20H, in particular the heating plate 20P and/or the heating element 20E, shall be identified/detected with the proposed method.

[0138] For this purpose, the measuring temperature MT and the heating temperature HT and/or the resistance R are determined and compared with each other, in particular by signal comparison and/or metrological means.

[0139] The method is preferably designed as a multi-stage and/or multi-step method. In particular, the method has several method steps.

[0140] FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow chart of the proposed method with a plurality of, here six, method steps.

[0141] The individual method steps S1-S6 can in principle be implemented independently of each other, but also in any sequence and/or combination.

[0142] In the optional first method step S1, preferably a calibration of the kitchen machine 1, in particular of the heating system 20H and/or the heating element 20E, is carried out, in particular for subsequently and/or in the following method steps S2-S6 determining the heating temperature HT on the basis of the resistance R of the heating element 20E —exclusively or without the use of the temperature element 20T—or being able to use the heating element 20E as a resistance thermometer.

[0143] The first method step S1 and/or the calibration is preferably carried out self-actingly and/or automatically, in particular after starting the kitchen machine 1 and/or the heating system 20H. In this way, an always precise and/or reliable identification of critical heating states HA is enabled or supported.

[0144] The calibration is preferably carried out by means of a predefined heating process and/or calibration process, for example in which the heating system 20H delivers a predefined heat output for a certain period of time.

[0145] In and/or during the calibration, preferably the heating system 20H is activated and/or the heating element 20E is supplied with current, in particular in such a way that the heating element 20E heats up and/or the heating temperature HT increases.

[0146] In and/or for the calibration and/or during the calibration process a first electrical resistance value R1 of the heating element 20E and a heating temperature value HT1 of the heating element 20E corresponding to the first resistance value R1 are determined and/or assigned to each other, in particular as reference values. Particularly preferably, the first resistance value R1 as resistance reference value is assigned to the first heating temperature value HT1 as heating temperature reference value.

[0147] The first resistance value R1 is preferably determined by a voltage and current measurement on the heating system 20H, in particular the heating element 20E, particularly preferably by means of the measuring device 10M, especially preferably at a first time t1, and/or according to the following equation:

R1=U1/I1,

where U1 is the effective value of the voltage at time t1 in [V] and 11 is the effective value of the current at time t1 in [A].

[0148] It is preferred that in and/or for the calibration and/or during the calibration process a plurality of (different) electrical resistance values R1, R2 of the heating element 20E and corresponding heating temperature values HT1, HT2 of the heating element 20E are determined and/or assigned to each other.

[0149] Particularly preferably, a second electrical resistance value R2 of the heating element 20E and a second heating temperature value HT2 of the heating element 20E are determined with a time delay or at the second/later time t2.

[0150] The second resistance value R2 is preferably also determined by a voltage and current measurement on the heating system 20H, in particular the heating element 20E, particularly preferably by means of the measuring device 10M, especially preferably at a second time t2 and/or according to the following equation:

R2=U2/I2,

where U2 is the effective value of the voltage at time t2 in [V] and 12 is the effective value of the current at time t2 in [A].

[0151] Using the reference values and/or pairs of values, in particular the first resistance value R1, the first heating temperature value HT1, the second resistance value R2 and the second heating temperature value HT2, the temperature coefficient TCR of the heating element 20E is preferably determined and/or estimated, in particular according to the following equation:

TCR=[(R2/R1)−1]/(HT2−HT1).

[0152] As already explained, the heating temperature values HT1 and/or HT2 are determined for calibration preferably by means of the temperature element 20T.

[0153] Since the temperature element 20T is not directly arranged at the heating element 20E, the measuring temperature MT determined by the temperature element 20T does not equal the heating temperature HT of the heating element 20E.

[0154] As for example the course of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT in the diagram according to FIG. 4 illustrates, the heating temperature HT is higher than the measuring temperature MT during the usual heating process and/or the heating temperature HT precedes the measuring temperature MT during the heating-up phase, which in FIG. 4 lasts for about the first 50 seconds.

[0155] Against this background, the measuring temperature MT determined by means of the temperature element 20T is preferably converted and/or corrected by an in particular empirically determined value in order to determine the heating temperature HT.

[0156] Preferably—at least during the heating-up phase—the measuring temperature MT corresponds to a heating temperature HT that occurred in the past. In particular, the heating temperature value HT1=HT(t1) at time t1 corresponds to the measuring temperature value MT(t1+tx) at a later time t1+tx, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, for determining the heating temperature HT—at least during the heating-up phase—the measuring temperature MT can be corrected by a characteristic time constant tx, in particular according to the following equation:

HT1=MT(t1+tx),

with tx as a characteristic, preferably empirically determined time constant in [s].

[0157] Alternatively, it is possible to correct the measuring temperature MT by a predefined, preferably empirically determined temperature constant Tx, in particular according to the following equation:

HT=MT+Tx,

with Tx as a characteristic, preferably empirically determined temperature constant in [° C.].

[0158] In other words, in the calibration, a time-shifted/corrected measuring temperature value MT(t1+tx) and/or MT(t2+tx) is preferably assigned to the resistance value R1 and/or R2.

[0159] The values required for calibration and/or device-specific values, in particular the characteristic/device-specific time constant tx and/or the characteristic/device-specific temperature constant Tx, and/or the values determined by calibration, in particular the resistance value(s) R1 and/or R2, the the measuring temperature value(s) MT(t1+tx) and/or MT(t2+tx), the heating temperature value(s) HT1 and/or HT2 and/or the temperature coefficient TCR are preferably stored or deposited electronically or in terms of data in the kitchen machine 1, in particular the data processing device 10R, and/or an external device.

[0160] Calibration is preferably carried out before, in particular not during a preparation process and/or the preparation of food, and/or under (always) constant conditions, in particular so that different foods and/or preparation processes do not affect calibration.

[0161] However, it is in principle also possible to carry out calibration during a preparation process and/or during the preparation of food, for example by means of a defined heating interruption or a predefined calibration recipe. In particular, in the first method step S1 and/or for calibration, a defined quantity of water, for example 100 ml, may be heated with a defined (heat) output and/or to a defined temperature.

[0162] As explained above, the proposed method allows for a device-specific calibration of the heating system 20H and/or the kitchen machine 1 on site and/or by a user and/or independently of additional (external) measuring devices. However, it is also possible in principle that the calibration was already carried out in the delivery state of the kitchen machine 1 and/or the heating system 20H and/or that the above-mentioned values are already stored in the kitchen machine 1, in particular the data processing device 10R, and/or on an external device in the delivery state of the kitchen machine 1.

[0163] In a second method step S2, which can also be carried out independently, the resistance R of the heating element 20E and/or the heating temperature HT of the heating element 20E is determined, in particular by means of the measuring device 10M.

[0164] In addition, the measuring temperature MT is determined in the second method step S2, in particular by means of the temperature element 20T.

[0165] The measurement/determination of the resistance R, the heating temperature HT and/or the measuring temperature MT is preferably carried out continuously or at intervals during the heating operation of the kitchen machine 1 and/or the heating system 20H, for example once or twice per second and/or at a sampling rate of 1 Hz or 2 Hz.

[0166] The measured/determined values, in particular the resistance R, the heating temperature HT and/or the measuring temperature MT, are optionally averaged, in particular to reduce the influence of outliers.

[0167] The values determined in this way are preferably stored and/or evaluated automatically in the kitchen machine 1, in particular the data processing device 10R, and/or in an external device, such as a server.

[0168] FIG. 4 shows in a schematic diagram the normal/usual course of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT over time when heating water, thus without critical heating states HA. The diagram shows that—at least in normal/usual operation—the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT run at least essentially parallel to each other and/or with the same slope, wherein the heating temperature HT is greater than the measuring temperature MT, in the present diagram by about 15° C. to 20° C.

[0169] During the heating-up phase, in the course/curve shown in FIG. 4 about 50 seconds, the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT rise at least essentially evenly and/or linearly.

[0170] When the water starts boiling, the maximum temperature and/or boiling temperature of the water has been reached. Subsequently, a stationary state and/or cooking state is reached in which the heating temperature HT, in the present case at a level of about 120° C., and the measuring temperature MT, in the present case at a level of about 100° C., remain at least substantially constant.

[0171] Preferably, in a further and/or third method step S3 it is checked whether one or more predefined criteria K1-K3 are fulfilled, in particular to identify a critical heating state HA.

[0172] In particular, in a further and/or third method step S3, the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT are compared with each other (directly or indirectly), preferably by a (filtered) signal comparison and/or metrologically, particularly preferably on the basis of one or more predefined criteria K1-K3.

[0173] As already explained at the beginning, a critical heating state HA can exist if there is a local temperature change, in particular a temperature increase and/or temperature decrease, of the heating element 20E compared to the other (average) temperature and/or temperature distribution of the heating element 20E.

[0174] For example, a critical heating state HA and/or a local temperature change is present when the heating temperature HT of the heating element 20E at one location differs by more than 5° C. or 10° C. compared to the immediate surroundings of this location, in particular for a period of more than one second or two seconds.

[0175] Particularly preferably, a critical heating state HA is present if one criterion K1-K3 or several criteria K1-K3 are met, in particular over a predefined period of time, for example, more than one second or two seconds.

[0176] FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 each show a schematic diagram with different curves/courses of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT, wherein at different times one, several or all criteria K1-K3 are fulfilled and critical heating states HA are present.

[0177] The first criterion K1 (gradient criterion) is preferably fulfilled when the slope/gradient of the heating temperature HT is greater than the slope/gradient of the measuring temperature MT by a predefined limit value/threshold value/critical value. In other words, for the first criterion K1, the gradient of the heating temperature HT is compared with the gradient of the measuring temperature MT and/or the difference between the gradients of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT is formed and compared with a predefined limit value, for example 2° C./s or 3° C./s.

[0178] The determination of the slope/gradient is preferably performed over a predefined period and/or sampling period, for example 2 seconds or 3 seconds.

[0179] The second criterion K2 (difference criterion) is preferably fulfilled when the heating temperature HT is greater than the measuring temperature MT by a predefined limit value/threshold value/critical value. In other words, for the second criterion K2, the difference between the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT is formed and compared with a predefined limit value. If the difference between the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT exceeds the predefined limit value, for example 20° C. or 40° C., the second criterion K2 is met.

[0180] The third criterion K3 (absolute temperature criterion) is fulfilled when the heating temperature HT or the measuring temperature MT (respectively) exceeds a predefined limit value/threshold value/critical value, for example 80° C. for the measuring temperature MT and/or 100° C. for the heating temperature HT. In other words, for the third criterion K3, the heating temperature HT and/or the measuring temperature MT (each) is/are compared with a predefined limit value, preferably wherein the limit value for the heating temperature HT is greater than the limit value for the measuring temperature MT.

[0181] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 each show an exemplary curve of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT in a kitchen machine 1, in which the heating plate 20P—for example due to completely vaporizing water—has local dry areas and/or—for example due to an inclined position of the kitchen machine 1—is not completely wetted with water. The heat is dissipated less effectively in dry areas than in areas wetted with water. Consequently, the heating temperature HT of the heating element 20E, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 at the end of the curve, increases more than the measuring temperature MT, so that the first criterion K1 is fulfilled.

[0182] In the examples shown, a critical heating state HA is present if all three criteria K1-K3 are fulfilled.

[0183] Since at the end of the curve according to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 the slope/gradient of the heating temperature HT is greater than the slope/gradient of the measuring temperature MT over a longer period of time (first criterion K1), the difference between the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT becomes greater and greater, so that from a certain point in time the second criterion K2 is also fulfilled. Furthermore, both the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT are above the predefined limit value according to the third criterion K3, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 of approx. 80° C. Consequently, one or more critical heating states HA can be identified at the end of the curve.

[0184] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary course/curve of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT, in which there is a local temperature reduction which can occur, for example, in the case of the preparation of inhomogeneous food and/or a recipe with individual pieces of food, for example pieces of meat, due to the local release of water.

[0185] In the illustration, the temperature element 20T is cooled locally thereby and thus the measuring temperature MT is lowered.

[0186] Since the measuring temperature MT then rises more slowly than the heating temperature HT, the second criterion K2 is fulfilled after a certain time.

[0187] As the example shows, a critical heating state HA can be present and/or identified as such if a criterion, in this case the third criterion K3 together with the first criterion K1 and/or the second criterion K2, occurs over a certain period of time, for example of about 10 seconds. In the example shown in FIG. 7, only at the end of the curve the second criterion K2 and the third criterion K3 are fulfilled over a period of about 10 seconds, which here represents a critical heating state HA.

[0188] Preferably, depending on the selected recipe and/or the food to be prepared, different limit values and/or criteria K1-K3 are used to identify a critical heating state HA. In particular, the criteria K1-K3 and/or the limit values are adapted recipe-specifically, i.e. depending on the food to be prepared and/or the operating mode of the kitchen machine 1, in particular the heating system 20H.

[0189] For example, the difference between the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT is greater the higher the electrical power applied to the heating element 20E, because the heating element 20E heats up faster than the thermally slower heating plate 20P. Furthermore, food, such as water, can limit the maximum heating temperature HT and/or measuring temperature MT (cooling effect) due to the boiling temperature.

[0190] Consequently, different limit values and/or criteria K1-K3 can be specified for these cases. In particular, meaningful limit values for permissible heating states can be defined if the highest occurring difference between the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT is known for the maximum possible electrical power and different foods or food classes.

[0191] If/when a critical heating state HA is identified, one or more (counter-)measures are taken and/or the operation of kitchen machine 1, in particular the heating system 20H and/or the electric motor 10E, is/are adjusted—preferably in a further and/or fourth method step S4, in particular automatically—in order to achieve a homogenization of temperatures and, for example, to prevent the food from burning.

[0192] Preferably, at/upon or (immediately) after identification of a critical heating state HA, a stirring process by means of the stirrer 20R and/or a heating process by means of the heating system 20H is carried out, started, stopped and/or adjusted, in particular in order to bring the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT closer together again and/or to homogenize them.

[0193] For example, it is possible to activate the stirrer 20R and/or increase the rotational speed of the electric motor 10E at/upon or (immediately) after identification of the critical heating state HA. This is particularly effective when preparing an inhomogeneous food and/or food pieces.

[0194] In addition or alternatively, the heat output of the heating system 20H can be at least temporarily reduced and/or limited by software. In particular, it is possible to reduce the target temperature for a defined period of time and/or to switch off the heating system 20H at least temporarily and/or for a defined period of time.

[0195] In the event that a good or positive recipe result is not possible due to the critical heating state HA, for example if the critical heating state HA is present for a predefined period of time, the preparation process and/or recipe preparation can also be aborted completely.

[0196] In an optional further and/or fifth method step S5, it is preferably checked whether the measures taken and/or the adjustment of the operation (mode) of the kitchen machine 1, in particular of the heating system 20H, were successful and/or whether the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT are approaching each other again.

[0197] Thus, in the fifth method step S5, a validation and/or plausibility check of the measures taken is carried out.

[0198] The validation and/or plausibility check is preferably negative and/or the measures were not successful if the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT do not approach each other and/or if no homogenization of the temperatures occurs.

[0199] If, for example, despite activation of the stirrer 20R and/or deactivation of the heating system 20H, no homogenization of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT occurs and/or a critical heating state HA is still present, this may be a false alarm, for example due to incorrect calibration and/or criteria K1-K3 that are too sensitive.

[0200] In case of a false alarm, a recalibration/new calibration can preferably automatically be performed and/or the first method step S1 can be repeated.

[0201] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to adjust and/or correct the limit values and/or criteria K1-K3, in particular to reduce sensitivity. Preferably, the adjustment of the limit values and/or criteria K1-K3 is carried out in a further and/or sixth method step S6.

[0202] For example, larger differences between the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT and/or between the gradients of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT can be defined as permissible when checking the criteria K1-K3.

[0203] It is also possible that a further criterion of the criteria K1-K3 and/or several criteria K1-K3 must be fulfilled simultaneously in order for a critical heating state HA to be identified as such.

[0204] In particular in the case of repeated false alarms, it is also possible to ignore and/or switch off the comparison of the heating temperature HT and the measuring temperature MT, for example, for the current preparation process.

[0205] In a method variant, which can also be implemented independently, in addition to the measuring temperature MT determined by means of the temperature element 20T, a further measuring temperature of the heating system 20H is determined by means of a further temperature element in order to compare the heating temperature HT with a plurality of measuring temperatures for identifying the critical heating state HA.

[0206] In this way it is possible to (also) identify a local temperature change which occurs in the immediate vicinity of one of the temperature elements and thus cannot be identified by comparing the heating temperature HT with the measuring temperature of the temperature element concerned.

[0207] By means of the proposed kitchen machine 1 and/or the proposed method, temperature inhomogeneities in the kitchen machine 1 and/or in the preparation chamber ZR, for example caused by an inclined position of the kitchen machine 1, by inhomogeneous food and/or by locally dry spots on the heating plate 20P, can be identified early and/or precisely and/or safely—in particular without further aids and/or sensors—and reduced by appropriate countermeasures. In particular, damage to the kitchen machine 1, for example by burning food, can be avoided.

[0208] Individual aspects, features and method steps of the present invention can be realized independently, but also in any combination and/or sequence.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0209]

TABLE-US-00001  1 Kitchen machine 10 Base station 10A Receptacle 10B Input device 10C Power cord 10D Display device 10E Electric motor 10K Communication device 10M Measuring device 10N Power supply unit 10R Data processing device 10S Control device 10U User interface 10W Shaft 10X First electrical connection 10Y Second electrical connection 20 Vessel 20A Opening 20B Bottom 20D Lid 20E Heating element 20F Heating surface 20G Handle 20H Heating system 20K Contact surface 20P Heating plate 20Q Heating device 20R Stirrer 20S Carrier layer 20T Temperature element 20W Wall 20X First electrical connection 20Y Second electrical connection A Central axis HA Critical heating state HT Heating temperature HT1 First heating temperature value HT2 Second heating temperature value I Current I1 First current value I2 Second current value K1 First criterion K2 Second criterion K3 Third criterion M1 First measuring location M2 Second measuring location MT Measuring temperature R Resistance R1 First resistance value R2 Second resistance value S1 First method step S2 Second method step S3 Third method step S4 Fourth method step S5 Fifth method step S6 Sixth method step TCR Temperature coefficient t Time t1 First (point of) time t2 Second (point of) time tx Time constant T Temperature Tx Temperature constant U Voltage U1 First voltage value U2 Second voltage value ZR Preparation chamber