CN112997582B

CN112997582B - Operation of induction cookers

Info

Publication number: CN112997582B
Application number: CN201980075946.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·克莱因兰
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2018-11-19
Filing date: 2019-11-18
Publication date: 2023-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-18
Also published as: WO2020104400A1; CN112997582A; EP3884735A1; DE102018219741A1

Abstract

The induction cooker comprises: an induction coil configured to be mounted below the work surface; an operating device, which is provided for visualizing the input field in the region of the working surface; control means for manipulating the induction coil in accordance with manipulation of the input region; and a functional element arranged for mounting at the working face such that the functional element extends upwardly from the working face. The operating device is mounted here at the functional element.

Description

Operation of induction cookers

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the operation of a range. The invention relates in particular to the operation of induction cooktops with induction coils, which may be arranged in or below a work table.

Background

The induction cooker includes an induction coil mounted in or below the table. Cookware such as a pot or pan can be placed on a table and heated there without contact by means of electromagnetic induction. This arrangement is also known as "induction under table" ("induction under table") and allows the use of a horizontal surface for flexibility as a cooktop or table.

However, the operating element of the oven mounted at the table can optically penetrate the working surface. The integrated and seamless features of this solution may thus be destroyed. Joints may be created at the transition between the operating element and the rest of the table, and cleaning of the joints may be difficult.

DE 10 2009 026 447 A1 shows a kitchen range with a range hood mounted above the kitchen range. A projector for visualizing the input area of the range may be mounted at the range hood.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to specify a cooking hob which can be integrated with a table in an improved manner. The invention solves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims reproduce preferred embodiments.

The induction cooker comprises: an induction coil configured to be mounted below the work surface; an operating device, which is provided for visualizing the input field in the region of the working surface; control means for manipulating the induction coil in response to manipulation of the input region; and a functional element arranged for mounting at the working surface such that it extends upwardly from the working surface. The operating device is mounted here at the functional element.

The working surface may in particular comprise a surface of a working table. The induction coil may be mounted below the table or embedded in the table. The surface of the table may be closed and visually uniform. The cooktop may be improved to integrate with the table and the table or work surface may be easier to clean. By mounting the operating device above the working surface, an improved visualization can be achieved, for example by means of a projector or a laser device. The connection between the operating device and the control device, in particular the cable connection, can be designed in a simple manner. Additional actuating elements, for example, in the front side of the piece of furniture arranged below the working surface or above the working table, for example in a ceiling hood, can be dispensed with. By integrating the operating device with the functional elements, intuitive control can be achieved. Furthermore, the functions of the operating device and of the functional element can be coordinated with one another.

In a first variant, the functional element comprises an infrared sensor, wherein the control device is provided for actuating the induction coil as a function of a signal of the infrared sensor. The infrared sensor can detect in particular the temperature of the cooking appliance heated by means of the induction coil, so that the maintenance of a predetermined cooking temperature or the avoidance of the addition of dishes or overcooking in the cooking appliance can be monitored.

In a second variant, the functional element comprises a suction device. The suction device is preferably provided for sucking air out laterally or downwardly from the region above the induction coil. In this case, odors, fumes or splashed grease can be removed from the cooking area or from the ambient air in an improved manner. The sucked air is usually conveyed below the working surface, optionally filtered, and discharged again indoors or outwards. Due to the downward suction, the device is also referred to as a down draft range hood. It has been realized that the usual height of such suction devices above the table can be advantageously used for mounting the handling device.

The induction hob may comprise means for detecting manipulation of the input area, wherein the means are arranged for mounting under the work surface. If the working surface defines a working table, the device may be embedded in the working table or mounted below the working table, for example in the form of a capacitive proximity switch. Alternative means include, for example, ultrasonic or radar based sensors. In this variant, the position of the input field can be fixedly predetermined, but the visualization of the input field can be carried out in a controlled manner as desired.

In another embodiment, the operating device comprises a projector and an optical sensor for detecting manipulation of the input field. The sensor and the projector are mounted at a predetermined distance from the suction device. The spacing may be particularly effective in the horizontal direction. This allows a more accurate determination of the manipulation of the input field. In particular, the exact point in time of the touch (at which the work surface is touched in the input region) or the exact location of the touch can be determined with greater accuracy.

The projector may operate with visible light and the sensor may operate optically with invisible light. The sensor can determine the actuation of the input field, in particular based on infrared operation, and by means of a hot object, in particular the hand of the user. The heat of the object may be limited to a predetermined temperature range to ensure that inanimate objects such as cookware or cookware do not inadvertently manipulate the input area.

The functional element can be firmly mounted at the working surface, whereby the functional element permanently extends upwards therefrom. Alternatively, the functional element can also be embedded in the working surface. For this purpose, a telescopic lifting mechanism can be provided in the table. If the functional element is completely embedded, its surface may be flush with the working surface.

The functional element may also comprise a main switch. The main switch can control the operation of the induction cooker. In particular, heating of the cooking appliance by means of the induction coil when the main switch is turned off can be prevented. If the functional element additionally comprises a suction device, this suction device can be operated even when the main switch is open. In particular, the main switch can be advantageously provided in a variant with an embeddable functional element. The main switch can, for example, switch on the induction hob when the functional element is moved out of the working plane. Removal may be performed manually or, for example, via motor control or spring control.

In a preferred embodiment, the operating device is provided for projecting information onto the work surface. The information is generally specific to the user of the induction cooker and may include, inter alia, an operating state or an input request. A location can be selected within predetermined limits at which the input field is projected onto the working surface. For this purpose, the operating device is mounted, for example, in a movable manner, on the functional element.

In a further embodiment, the operating device is provided for projecting information onto a vertical surface in the region of the working surface. The vertical face may extend on the side facing away from the user of the induction hob or laterally of the induction hob. Multiple input areas may also be projected onto different locations. These sites may be on the same or different faces.

Drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary induction cooker;

FIG. 2 is a view of an induction cooker in another embodiment; and is also provided with

Fig. 3 is an exemplary suction device for a induction cooker.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary induction cooker 100. The induction hob 100 is mounted in the region of a work surface 105 which preferably extends in a horizontal direction and may in particular comprise the upper side of a work table 110. A cooker 115 may be placed on the upper side of the work surface 105, which is electromagnetically excited by an induction coil 120 in or below the work table 110 and can thus be heated. The table 110 is preferably designed to be heat-resistant. The control device 125 is provided for actuating the induction coil 120 and can be installed in the region of the underside of the working surface 105.

The functional element 130 extends upwards from the working surface 105 in a vertical direction. The functional element 130 may be rigidly or embeddably mounted relative to the working surface 105. In a variant that can be embedded, means are preferably provided which allow the functional element 130 to move vertically in a telescopic manner. In the fully moved-in position, the upper surface of the functional element 130 is preferably substantially flush with the working surface 105.

The functional element 130 preferably fulfills at least two tasks that are functionally associated with operation of the induction cooker 100. The first task is fulfilled here in that the functional element 130 extends at least during operation of the induction hob 100 over the working surface 105. The second task takes full advantage of this in that the functional element is used as a carrier for the operating device. In addition, a main switch 135 may be coupled with the functional element 130, and the main switch may control the function of the induction cooker 100. Operation of the induction coil 120 can be prevented, in particular, when the main switch 135 is opened. If the functional element 130 is vertically movable, the main switch 135 may be closed when the functional element 130 is vertically moved out.

The first task may comprise a suction device 140 arranged to suck steam, fumes or grease mist in the area of the induction cooker 100 and in particular in the area provided for placing the cooker 115. To this end, the suction means 140 may comprise a ventilator, a drive motor, a filter or a separation device for water or grease. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a labyrinth filter is provided, which can be removed and cleaned, for example in a dishwasher. The control device 125 may control the operation of the suction device 140. The suction of air can be controlled in particular according to the heating of the cooker 115.

The first task may also include an infrared sensor 145, which is provided to determine the temperature of the object in the region of the working surface 105. The object may in particular comprise a cooker 115 and the detection area of the infrared sensor 145 may be opposite the induction coil 120 on the upper side of the working surface 105.

For operating the induction cooker 100, an input area 150 may be provided, which in the embodiment shown is on the surface of the working surface 105. In another embodiment, the input area 150 is also formed at another face, particularly at a vertical face such as a wall or a side panel of furniture in the region of the working face 105. Manipulation of the input area 150 may be detected by the control device 125 and the induction coil 120 may be controlled according to the detected manipulation. In one embodiment, a sensor 155 is provided, which is mounted in particular below the working surface 105, for example in the working table 110 or below the working table. The sensor 155 may operate as a proximity switch, for example, capacitively. The resolution of the sensor 155 may be selected based on the desired complexity of the input area 150.

It is proposed that an operating device 160 is provided at the functional element 130, wherein the operating device 160 is provided for visualizing the input field 150. The visualization should be made visually accessible to the user in the area of the work surface 105. For this purpose, the operating device 160 may comprise, in particular, a projector 165 which, starting from a position raised above the working surface 105, provides a projection as an optical cue or visualization of the input field 150. In another embodiment, the operating device 160 additionally comprises an optical sensor 170, for example a camera, which is provided for optically detecting a manipulation of the input field 150. The optical sensor 170 may provide a two-dimensional image of an area or additionally provide depth information indicating at which distance the object is located in the detected area. For this purpose, the optical sensor 170 may comprise a depth camera in addition to or as an alternative to a conventional optical camera. In one variant, the depth camera comprises two cameras spaced apart from each other and the distance between the image point and the camera is determined by means of triangulation. In another variant, the depth camera comprises a light source and is arranged for determining the time between the emission of light and the hit of light reflected at the object ("time-of-flight camera", time of flight camera). The light used for this purpose can be in particular in the invisible region, for example in the infrared region.

In one embodiment, the optical sensor 170 and the infrared sensor 145 are implemented integrally with each other. The optical sensor 170 comprises an optical camera, which is provided for operation in the infrared range. The optical sensor 170 and projector 165 may be combined with each other and form a unit that can be operated separately. In another embodiment, the projector 165 and the optical sensor 170 are mounted at the functional element 130 spaced apart from each other. The spacing may define a baseline, which may particularly extend parallel to the working surface 105. Thereby enabling improved, more accurate detection of touches to a surface onto which the input area 150 is projected.

The operating device 160 preferably forms an interaction device which can be provided for controlling only the induction hob 100 or additionally one or more other household appliances, in particular kitchen appliances. For this purpose, the operating device 160 may be equipped with a preferably wireless interface 175. The interface 175 or a dedicated interface may be provided for communication with a central location 180 that provides services or information related to control of one or more of the household appliances. The central location 180 may be implemented in particular as a server or in the cloud. In another variant, the information may also be stored at the central location 180. An intuitive and interactive user interface can be created by means of the operating device 160 in order to control the induction hob 100 and optionally also one or more further household appliances. By means of this integration, the household appliances can be controlled in an improved manner in order to reflect their participation in a common task, such as cooking dishes, for example, or to investigate the user's wishes or habits in an improved manner.

Fig. 2 shows a view of an induction cooker 100 in another embodiment. In the variant shown, the functional element 130 comprises a suction device 140, which can be preferably mounted in a vertically embedded manner in the table 110. At the suction device 140, an operating device 160 is mounted, which comprises at least a projector 165. The operating means 160 are preferably arranged to be movable relative to the suction means 140 or the functional element 130 in order to be able to change the position of the input area 150. A first variant is shown in which the input area 150 projects onto the working surface 105, and a second variant in which the input area 150 projects onto a wall 205, which can extend in particular in a vertical direction alongside or behind the working surface 105.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary suction device 140 for the induction cooktop 100 in one embodiment. The suction device 140 is preferably movable vertically, so that it can be moved in and out of a corresponding recess through the working surface 105 or the table 110. The illumination device 305 may optionally be mounted at the functional element 130 or at the suction device 140, in particular in the upper region. The filter element 310 may be removable from the suction device 140. In one embodiment, suction device 140 may also be embedded vertically in working surface 105 without filter element 310.

List of reference numerals

100. Induction cooker

105. Working surface

110. Working table

115. Cooking utensils

120. Induction coil

125. Control device

130. Functional element

135. Main switch

140. Suction device

145. Infrared sensor

150. Input area

155. Sensor for detecting a position of a body

160. Operating device

165. Projector

170. Optical sensor

175. Interface

180. Central location

205. Wall with a wall body

305. Lighting device

310. A filter element.

Claims

1. A induction hob (100), wherein the induction hob (100) comprises the following:

-an induction coil (120) arranged for mounting under the work surface (105);

-an operating device (160) arranged for visualizing the input area (150) in the area of the working surface (105);

-control means (125) for manipulating the induction coil (120) in dependence of manipulation of the input area (150); and

-a functional element (130) provided for mounting at a working surface (105) such that the functional element extends upwardly from the working surface (105), wherein an operating device (160) is mounted at the functional element (130), wherein the functional element (130) comprises an infrared sensor (145) provided for determining a temperature of an object in the region of the working surface (105), wherein the control device (125) is provided for actuating the induction coil (120) as a function of a signal of the infrared sensor (145), wherein the functional element (130) is mounted flush with respect to the working surface (105), wherein in a fully moved-in position the surface above the functional element (130) is flush with the working surface (105).

2. The induction hob (100) according to claim 1, wherein said functional element (130) comprises a suction device (140).

3. The induction hob (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means (155) for detecting manipulation of said input area, wherein the means (155) are arranged for being mounted under said work surface (105).

4. The induction hob (100) according to claim 2, wherein the operating device (160) comprises a projector (165) and an optical sensor (170) for detecting manipulation of the input area, wherein the sensor (170) and the projector (165) are mounted at the suction device (140) with a predetermined distance.

5. The induction hob (100) according to claim 4, wherein the projector (165) is operated with visible light and the sensor (170) is optically operated with invisible light.

6. The induction hob (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element (130) is embeddable in the working surface (105).

7. The induction hob (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element (130) comprises a main switch (135).

8. The induction hob (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (160) is arranged for projecting information onto the working surface (105).

9. The induction hob (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (160) is arranged for projecting information at a vertical face in the area of the working face (105).