EP2681491A2

EP2681491A2 - Universal device for energy control in the form of a button

Info

Publication number: EP2681491A2
Application number: EP12725552.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Albin Smrke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-03
Filing date: 2012-03-02
Publication date: 2014-01-08
Also published as: WO2012118455A2; WO2012118455A3; SI23686A

Abstract

The invention refers to the device for energy control in the form of a button, preferably for the use with cooking and heating. The device for energy control in the form of a button while cooking or heating, effectively reduces energy consumption, so that is automatically controls the level of energy input on the basis of measured parameters with the help of control logic. The shape of the button is the most useful for the user. Operation of the device is complex, but user friendly. Wireless operation of the elements of the button enables protocol, which connects the buttons into a complete operating network. The button consists of control, interaction, power, sensor and fixing part, which are optionally combined. ˙

Description

UNIVERSAL DEVICE FOR ENERGY CONTROL IN THE FORM OF A

BUTTON

The invention refers to the device for energy control in the form of a button. The invention belongs in the class F 24C 07/08 and G 05D 23/00.

The invention refers to the device for energy control in the form of a button, preferably for the use with cooking and heating. There are many known solutions for energy control with the devices for heating and cooking. With classical electrical and gas devices, energy is still controlled with a button. User sets the position with rotating the button. Most times, the control measure is energy level or also temperature. A button is the interface between human and cooking device. In most cases the button is set directly on the switch, valve or some kind of rheostat. Users got used to the regulators on the cooking devices.

With modern stoves, especially with those that have the heater under the glass panel, standard control is with the help of an interface between the device and the user in one of the digital form. One of very popular forms are digital keys set under the glass panel that are sensitive to the touch. Many users think that this control is complicated and they reject it. Although digital technique is more accurate with energy control for cooking than old analogue one, the consequence of unpractical touch keys for user is that the control is also less accurate.

Technical problem that is solved by the invention is the integration of modern miniature digital technique of control and analogue form of control. On the market today there are not any or are not known examples, where advantages of digital control techniques would be usedin a universal form of known analogue buttons. Despite that digital technique enables us gathering data with different sensors that are necessary for quality operation with processes, the form itself has to be simple and universal despite complicatedness.

The solution to the problem of combining digital technique with analogue in the form of a button is the subject of the invention. The 5 invention offers the device for energy control in the form of a button during cooking and heating. The button in classical form, which is wanted by the user, offers more effective reduction of energy consumption, so it automatically controls the level of energy input on the basis of measured parameters. The form of the button is the most useful for the user, io because it is accepted as known, even though in its form includes the most modern functions, including wireless operation. The device for automatic energy control consists of an electronic part, casing and control logic. The method of control is known from the digital stove and is not the subject of the invention. With various algorithms of energy control i s microprocessor defines the heater-off time, so there is no unnecessary energy input, which represents loss. Devices enable also settings in advance and in the process controlled regulations according to the user's wishes. Special quality control is enabled by the use of different sensors, which digital technology simply analyses and transfers signals that are

2o necessary for the regulation. Sensors can be of different types, from temperature sensors to sound sensors, pressure and moisture sensors or special state change sensors, such as IR sensors or other state change sensors. Chemical analyzers that define the state of the food are also known. Digital techniques enable more functions, such as the device in 5 the form of a button, than the classical control. It has special advantage, because it has integrated wireless communication between the button and the stove.

We will explain in details the device, which according to the invention refers to the device for energy control in the form of a button, on the basis 0 of construction examples and images, of which: Fig. 1 shows control button

Fig. 2 shows combined gas and electric stove, where control button for regulation is simply removed

Fig. 3 shows the construction example of the control button with 5 sliding ring, battery and sensor

Fig.4 shows control button on the lid

Fig. 5 shows control button set on the handle of the lid

Fig.6 shows control button on the universal handle for the pan or container

io Fig. 7 shows control button on the lid of the container for roasting on the stove

Fig. 8 shows control button on universal button support for

containers

Fig.9 shows control button assembly

i s Fig. 10 shows control button assembly in the wireless use

Fig. 11 shows the method of fixing the control button on the lid with the help of a magnet

Fig. 12 shows the method of fixing the control button on the lid with the help of a screw

20 Fig. 13 shows the method of fixing the control button on the lid with the help of silicone rubber adhesive item in the form of the lid handle

Fig. 14 shows the method of fixing the control button on the lid with the help of silicone nipple on the button

25 Fig. 15 shows powering of control button with the help of the

induction spool

Fig.16 shows powering of control button with the help of the

connector

Fig.17 shows powering of control button with the help of the peltier 0 element Fig. 18 shows powering of control button with the help of PV module for solar energy

Fig.19 shows control button with the position selector with the

spring contact

5 Fig. 20 shows control button with position selector with

potentiometer

Fig. 21 shows control button with position selector with magnet with help of reed relays

Fig. 22 shows control button with position selector with keys

io Fig. 23 shows control button in the form of the mat for water heater Fig. 24 shows control button set on the handle of the pan with

possible three temperature sensors

Fig. 25 shows control button set on the water circulation pump Fig. 26 shows control button set on the lid handle

i s Fig. 27 shows control button with light display of the position

With detailed description of the device operation in the images we will show detailed operation on the examples, which does not exclude different method of use.

It was proven with the use of cooking appliances that people still prefer the use of appliances with buttons. The device according to the invention integrates the most modern technology in the user friendly technology. On the image 1 we see classical button, which we can find on all types of cooking devices. Control of operation is manual and user selects operation method with rotating the button. On the button there is a mark of the position (1), which user rotates to the specific mark (4) that is marked on the stove casing. There is the same operation with the button according to the invention. Button (2) is set on the casing and works in manual operation as a classical button. On the button there can also be the key (3) for additional confirming of the button functions. The button can also be lifted from the basic position. In what follows we will explain the details of the operation.

In the image 2 we see implementation of the stove (6) with one electric and one gas heater. With rotating the button we select specific position. The button according to the invention can be set in the bed (7) or is removed (8). In what follows we will explain the method of operation in both positions.

In the image 3 we see details of one of the possible button implementation, which does not represent the only method, because the design is flexible and changes according to the specifications of the cooking devices and dishes manufacturer. Basic element, which we know from the field of classical cooking devices, is the ring (9) that can be fixed on the stove, set on the button (5) or flexible. The ring often has painted marks that show possible selections with devices. In the solid implementation there is a battery support (1 1) on the cylindrical button (10) on the upper side, where is a button (12). Button support is fixed on the basic position of the button on the stove or on the lid with the help of the magnet (13). More details on fixing follows in the description of other images. The button (15) can be placed from the cooking device support to the lid (14), as it is shown in the image 4.

In the image 5 we see, how the button (16) can be placed on the handle (17), which is known from all the lids (18).

Image 6 shows implementation, when the button is integrated in the universal removable handle (19), which is a standard component of kitchen furniture. Many times we cook without the lid and here we can save the problem of control so that we set the button (21) on the handle. The container (23) in this case does not have its own handles and the handle has a flexible part (22) that hugs the rim of the container. With the button (20), part (22) is released and handle can be removed. The operation method of the button as a device for control and fixing will be described below. On the image we also see illuminated symbol (24) that shows the user operating method.

Image 7 shows implementation example of the hotplate control, where there is a button (26), which was before in the bed (28), placed on the handle (27). Control logic of the stove with transfer of the button to the handle changes operating method and automatically starts automatic cooking process. With setting the button to the position (28), the operation also returns to the manual operating method. Connection between the position (28) and the device for cooking and the button is wireless. It is realized in this implementation example with radio waves and specific protocols.

Image 8 shows similar solution as image 7, except that this solution is more useful for classical containers (30) that already have its own handles and lid, but have to be opened during operation, for example with the container for cooking milk or typically with the container for cooking spaghetti. Button (31) is set on the minimal support (29), so it does not disturb the user.

Image 9 explains components of the control button (32) - devices according to the invention. The device has:

User interface - module (33) for data entry, which is separate explained below.

The basic part that leads the control process, is responsible for sensor control and that communicates is microprocessor electronics of the module (34).

Powering of the module is done by the power module (36). Some possible supply methods are explained in details below.

Sensor module needs special sensors that are usually temperature sensors, sound and pressure sensors and also any sensor that is necessary for quality capturing of data. The fixing module (37) is inserted in the base for fixing the button (32). Operation is later on explained in details.

Different combinations of modules are possible, depending on the method of use.

Image 10 shows implementation, where modules are optionally organized in special casings (38) and (39) and set in groups. All modules can be on one circuit, individually or in optional combinations. Mutual connecting can be done with a connector or wirelessly.

Image 11 shows the method of fixing the button - device (40) on the lid (43). One of the possible options is with magnets. The magnet (41) can be in the casing of the device or placed with magnets (42) on/under the lid. Magnet attraction can also be realized with nonmagnetic metal. In specific implementation example the magnet is on the base and on the other side is the part that is attracted by the magnet of the metal (iron) part of specific size and shape. In second implementation example magnet is used in the casing that is set on the iron base.

Image 12 shows other classically known fixing method. Mechanical connection with the screw (44) is known method of fixing handles on the lid. Plastic part that has wedges for other separating part on the handle can be fixed on the lid (43) with the screw. Such possible solutions are known and are not the subject of the invention.

Image 13 shows the fixing of the button that is fixed on the lid with a special rubber nipple designed so it contains channel (45). With finger- press on this channel, the air is released from the nipple. With failure, rubber form creates specific force, because of the pressure, which creates the force after press failure that holds the button on the lid. These methods are not the only option. In this case the electronic is protected from the water.

Image 14 shows similar implementation where cylindrically shaped silicon rubber (46) holds the magnet and also protects system from the water. Special feature is also the second metal part, which also can be dressed in silicon (47) that we set on the bottom side of the lid. This is especially useful with glass lids or other nonmagnetic materials.

For operating of the device it is very important that the user does not have to worry about the energy that powers microprocessor module. Because the device in specific positions works in wireless mode, it is necessary to exploit available energy with the operating method as much as possible. Most times such similar electronic devices are powered by batteries. With the button according to the invention the battery can also be the basic method of supply. Battery has to enable at least 6 months of operation. Because batteries are very user unfriendly, implementation examples show some methods of operating without batteries.

Image 15 shows the button that uses condenser or digital energy saver instead of battery for storing energy in power module. Charging energy storage is in this case done with the help of electromagnetic inductive charging trough spools (49). Spools are located on the button and in the casing. With the help of electronic circuit, the spool creates electromagnetic field on the stove, which induces energy in the spool in the button, which is then prepared for storing trough electronic circuit. For better transfer of energy, we can use ferrite cores, but we can also use spool for transfer of information between modules in different implementation examples.

Image 16 shows example of button implementation, when information and powering between button supports and button is done with a connector (50).

Image 17 shows interesting powering method with the help of peltier element. Because the lid of the container is located in the area, where we have enough heat energy, peltier element (51), which converts heat energy into electric energy, is used for powering module and charging of energy storage. Image 18 shows similar method as image 17, we can charge storage with photovoltaic cells (52) on the button with adjusting different voltage levels, which is not the subject of the invention. During the use it is very important for the user to see the position in which he/she placed the button - device.

Image 19 explains the interaction between the stove and the user, as a confirmation of its wish. In the manual operating method, which is described in previous examples, the user sees the position in which the button is set with the mark on the button and position rotated to one of the symbols. In the automatic operating method this method of interaction can be retained. The method for selecting function is the subject of the invention and represents implementation of the button position selector in the relationship with the ring for placing. In the implementation example there are contacts (57), which are connected with electronics on one side of the electronic panels (53) with the help of selector (55), which rotates around its axis and has integrated contact spring (54); it connects contacts (57) when it comes to the specific position. The shape of the slider (55) is that it lies in the channel (56) with the tab, which is on the cylindrical form of the button. This can, with rotating of the button or rotating cylindrical part around the button, determines desired position for determining desired control method.

Image 20 shows implementation example where the positions are determined with the help of potentiometer. Potentiometer (58) is fixed on the electronic panel. In the middle of the potentiometer is the part (59). With rotating around common axis user can select specific control method. In specific implementation examples we need both control methods. The example is to determine the type of cooking with symbol, such as roasting, frying and cooking milk, with the second choice we determine continuous temperature or other, for example temperature of oil for frying. The method of interactive display will be explained later. Image 21 shows very interesting selection method without contact and so very safe managing with magnets. Reed relays (61 ) are turned on and off with the help of the magnet (60). Presented are only some possible combinations of use. Basic, but not the only, according to the invention is that electronics has a reed relay in the button and a magnet (61 ) on the other side. Use in the opposite ways is also possible. Positions turn on with rotating the magnet trough electronics, in specific position electronics can be turned off and there is no stand by use, which will be explained in details later in the description.

Image 22 shows the most ordinary method, when the user determined selected function with the help of keys on the button. One of the implementation examples has three keys. The key (64) is for confirming operation of the key (63) and (62), with plus + and minus - we can digitally change settings.

Image 23 shows special examples of button implementation according to the invention that is used on the water heater (65). The invention saved the problem of energy control in the water heater, which in practice mostly rotates for 360 degrees and can be removed from the base. In our case we integrated the electronic into the base, which has built-in a couple of reed relays on the areas (67) from A to G. On the rotating part of the heater there is a magnet (66), which enables determining positions we want while rotating. In specific position we also can turn off electronic circuit consumption and disconnect the heater. This is a save process managing without contact and very good for examples, such is water heater. Because we had mostly descriptions of technical methods of operating the device according to the invention, we will explain operation of the control button in concrete example of capturing data.

On the image 24 we see some possible methods of use of temperature sensors on the handle (68). Sensor can be set as an exterior one (72), which senses the temperature on the exterior part of the container; it is the best if it is not lower than app. 20mm from the bottom. Experiments show that with this kind of sensing we can conclude the temperature according to the temperature in the container. In a similar sensing principle specific cooking device senses the temperature with IR. Temperature sensor (71) can be mounted directly on the handle or as a temperature sensor (70) directly senses in the container. We can place it so that it directly measures temperature of oil or milk. Especially interesting is the case, when the sensor is placed directly on the meat, where it also senses the temperature in the depth of the meat. Sensor can be wired or wirelessly connected with the handle and the stove.

Image 25 shows implementation example of a button - device according to the invention for examples of circulation pump control with centrifugal turbine (75). Sound sensor is primarily used as a sensor (73), also possible are temperature or pressure sensor. The sensor part (74) is in this case wirelessly connected with the control button (76), which is also wirelessly connected with the pump.

Image 26 shows possible connections with connectors and with contacts (78). With placing on the handle, control button (77) connects the contact (78) with the sensors (79) and (80). Information about the position that user selected is very important to the user.

Image 27 shows one of possible methods with illumination of the symbols on the selector (83). LED diode (81) is placed on the electronic panel, which lights on the part (82) that leads the light as a beam to the symbol (84). Light moves trough the symbols with rotating the button (85) in relation to the part (83).

Device implementation according to the invention enables user friendly method of cooking process control and various quality methods of cooking, which are not know to the stoves today. Wireless connection between the button and the stove enables very accurate device control, because sensors can be placed on the lid or on the lid handle. Together with temperature sensors in the stove, there is also possibility of dynamic control of heat flows in different points. Because the sensors can also be sound and pressure sensors, it is possible accurately determine boiling and other cooking processes. Intensity of the boiling is very important with cooking. When heating water in the container, we sense sound signal together with formation of the bubbles. We can differentiate boiling state with microphone and digital sound analysis.

The most important phase that we want for regulation component is, when bubbles start to reach the surface while heating. In this moment we have very desirable easy boiling, which is ideal for the food. It is known that soup becomes very clear during this kind of boiling. With adding energy, point boiling changes into bubble boiling, where rising of big bubbles to the surface causes big turbulences and boiling. Problem of classical control is recognition of this sensitive moment, which is also connected with system inertia and phase shift.

Determining cooking state does not depend only on the temperature, physical state is also determined with other different sensors. We determine physical state of cooking with data on moisture, pressure and sound with determining the size of the bubble during boiling. The device for energy control enables level data capturing with its sensor in the form of a button and, where this is the most necessary, on the lid and the handle. The button can be on the lid or on the cooking device. With measuring the sound we can determine specific moments, when point boiling occurs and when it changes into bubble boiling. With additional sound control we can control quality of slow boiling, which is often desired during cooking. The results of the experiments show that the energy consumption with such device is reduced at least for a half.

Claims

1. The device for energy control in the form of a button,

characterized in that,

is designed in the form of a button that enables user friendly use.

2. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

controls the level of energy input on the basis of measured parameters with the help of control logic.

3. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

it works also wirelessly with a special protocol.

4. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

that the buttons are connected in the operating network.

5. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

a device, which is controlled by the button, where we can use microprocessor electronics with each heater: such as gas and electric.

6. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

it can have different sensors that enable capturing data, which are necessary for quality process control.

7. The device for energy control in the form of a button,

characterized in that,

consists from an electronic part, casing and control logic.

8. The device for energy control in the form of a button,

characterized in that,

enable also settings in advance and in the process controlled regulation according to the user's wishes.

9. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the control of the operation is manual and user selects operation method with rotating the button.

10. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the button has a mark of the position.

11. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

it also can have a key.

12. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

it can be removed from the basic position with a button and is set in the new position, e.g. on the lid.

13. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

it has a ring (9), which can be fixed on the supports or flexible.

characterized in that,

the ring has painted or built-in marks.

characterized in that,

the button can also be placed on the handle (17).

14. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the symbol (24) can be illuminated.

15. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that, the button (26) can be transferred from the bed (28) to the handle (27) and with the transfer of the button to the handle, control logic of the stove can change operating method and automatically starts automatic cooking process. With returning the button to the basic support, 5 operation returns into manual mode.

16. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

io the connection between position (28) - cooking device and buttons is wireless and realized with radio waves and specific protocol or any other transfer of information - IR, sound and other possible methods.

17. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the is claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the button (31) is placed on the smallest possible support (29), with the use on classical container that have handles.

20 18. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim ,

characterized in that,

it consists from user interface, microprocessor electronics, power module, sensor module and fixing module.

25

19. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

modules can be optionally organized in the special casings (38) and so (39).

20. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to claim 28,

characterized in that,

mutual connecting of the modules can be done with a connector or wirelessly.

21. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the device is fixed with magnets on the base. Magnet can be in the casing of the device or under the base.

The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

a method of fixing is mechanical connection with the screw.

The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to claim 30,

characterized in that,

also plastic and metal part are fixed on the base with the screw, which then serve for installation of other separating part on the handle.

24. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the button is fixed on the base with a special rubber nipple designed so it contains channel for creating negative pressure.

25. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the device is protected from moisture with the help of rubber bellows.

26. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the magnet dressed in silicon rubber holds the button from the bottom part of the lid.

27. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the powering is done by a battery.

28. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

condenser, digital energy saver or similar system is used for the supply.

29. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the charging of energy saver is done with the help of electromagnetic inductive charging trough the spool.

30. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the spools are also used for information transmission

31. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

powering and transfer of information are done with the help of connectors.

32. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

peltier element, which changes heat energy into electric, is used for charging of energy saver.

33. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

photovoltaic cell is used for charging of energy saver.

34. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

, characterized in that,

it has selector for button position and ring for placing the position.

35. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

different settings are selected with the help of contacts (57), which are connected with connector (54) on the selector (55).

36. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 , characterized in that,

the position of the regulator is determined with the help of potentiometer.

37. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the potentiometer and selector with contactor are used for determining the data at the same time.

38. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the position is selected with the help of magnet and magnetic switches.

39. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the magnet is used for disconnecting circuit with the help of magnetic switch.

40. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the operating method is selected with the help of keys.

41. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that, the button for energy control is used for energy control with water heater.

42. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

there is electronics with reed relays in the base and there is a magnet on a rotating part of the heater. We can determine the position with rotating the heater.

43. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

it has installed sensors on the handle (69), namely exterior (72), temperature sensor (71) directly in the handle or as a temperature sensor (70) that senses directly in the container.

44. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the sensor is placed directly in the meat and senses temperature in the depth of the meat and is wired or wirelessly connected with the handle and the stove.

45. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the button is placed on the circulation pump with centrifugal turbine and that sensor controls the operation of the pump.

46. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

sound is also used for the regulation of the pump operation.

47. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

the button is placed on the handle of the lid and both parts are connected electrically with contacts (78).

48. The device for energy control in the form of a button, according to the claim 1 ,

characterized in that,

important information on the position, which was selected, is displayed to the user with the help of illumination of the symbols (84) on the selector (83) with LED diode and light beam.