EP2048913A2 - Induction module, assembly of several induction modules and method for assembling such an induction module - Google Patents

Abstract

The induction module (11) comprises an electronic power system (13) for supplying power to an induction coil. A controller is provided for controlling the electronic power system. The electronic power system and the controller are combined in a single functional unit. The controller has a synchronization bus system for synchronization or connection with other induction modules. A controller has a synchronization bus system, which is particularly designed as a serial bus system or as a Controller area network bussystem. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) an assembly for multiple induction modules; and (2) a method for assembling an induction module.

Description

The invention relates to an induction module for at least one induction coil as an inductive heating device, an arrangement of a plurality of such induction modules and a method for establishing such an induction module.

It is known to place a plurality of induction coils on a cooking surface or under a cooktop plate, both in domestic induction hobs and in industrial induction cooking devices such as in restaurants. The induction coils are powered by induction modules or power electronic units with power and controlled accordingly. While home cooking hobs are a self-contained functional unit, for commercial use they are partially modular in design to allow for easier replacement or modification. Usually, this is the power electronics or the induction modules for the use of special or different induction coils, which are characterized by characteristics such as power consumption and necessary control designed.

Task and solution

The invention has for its object to provide an induction module mentioned above and an arrangement of a plurality of such induction modules, which problems of the prior art can be avoided and advantageous developments are possible and in particular an improved interaction of several such induction modules is possible.

This object is achieved by an induction module having the features of claim 1 and an arrangement of a plurality of such induction modules with the features of claim 8 and a method having the features of claim 14. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the further claims and will become hereinafter explained in more detail. The wording of the claims is incorporated herein by express reference. Furthermore, the text of the priority application DE 102007050341.7 of October 12, 2007 by the same Applicant by expressly referring to the content of the present specification.

It is provided that an induction module is provided for at least one induction coil as an inductive heating device, is advantageously provided for a plurality of induction coils. An induction module has a power electronics for power supply for the one or more induction coils and a controller for controlling these power electronics. The power electronics and the controller are arranged in a housing of the induction module or they are combined in a functional unit. According to the invention, the induction module or the controller has a synchronization bus system for synchronizing or connecting this induction module with other induction modules. The advantage of such a synchronization bus system is that a plurality of induction modules or their power electronics can be interconnected with the induction coils to larger, so to speak virtual devices and then under certain circumstances together or can be controlled according to common specifications. This will be discussed in more detail below.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an induction module without controls is formed, at least for the operation. In an arrangement of a plurality of induction modules according to the invention, it is possible that either a separate control device is provided with controls, which is indeed connected to the induction modules, but is not integrated device in device. Alternatively, however, an operating device may also be provided on an induction module of many or on or in its housing. Such an induction module is then, so to speak, a higher-level induction module for the overall arrangement with the other induction modules.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the induction modules are formed without induction coils or do not have them, so do not form a device-like unit with them. Thus, the connection and the common use with any induction coils are possible for greater flexibility in use.

Advantageously, an induction module or its power electronics is designed to control one or more induction coils. In this case, a maximum power, which corresponds to the sum of the maximum powers of the power electronics, can be controlled by an induction module, for example 5 kW per driven power electronics, which would lead to an expansion with 4 channels to 20 kW which are controlled from the same induction module. Particularly advantageously, the power electronics of an induction module is divided into a plurality of power electronics modules, advantageously a power electronics module per induction coil to be controlled. But also several induction coils per power electronics module are conceivable in further expansion stages. This allows a more flexible construction of an induction module, so that depending on the desired configuration of induction coils to be connected corresponding power electronics modules can be used in the induction module. Thus, a configuration of power electronics modules or the entire power electronics in the induction module, which is optimally matched to a corresponding induction coil configuration in terms of technology and pricing, can be achieved.

The synchronization bus system is preferably integrated in the control of the induction module or is provided thereby. For this purpose, a so-called serial bus system is advantageously used, for example a CAN bus system to which a few signals have still been added. Its functionality is considered optimal for the purposes of the present invention. Such a CAN bus system can functionally interconnect any number of different induction modules. This will be discussed in more detail below.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an induction module may have a service interface for easier and better accessibility. For example, a service connection plug can be provided on the induction module, via which data can be input or read out after connection of a corresponding external service device. For example, a parameterization or adjustment of the control or the power electronics is possible. Certain operating parameters can also be subsequently changed, for example, as a subsequent adaptation to induction coils connected to the power electronics.

Each induction module is advantageously provided as a separate module or in a separate housing. Thus, in an arrangement according to the invention of a plurality of such induction modules, an accumulation of these housings can be provided. The housing has, in addition to the power electronics and a controller on one or more control boards control units for cooling fans and corresponding connection options in the form of plugs, screw terminals or the like. on. Particularly advantageous housing for all training of induction modules are the same design and then equipped accordingly, for example, with different numbers of power electronics, depending on the number of induction coils to be controlled with an induction module.

In the inventive arrangement of one or more advantageous induction modules, these each have a plurality of induction coils or are connected thereto. The induction modules are connected to each other via a synchronization bus system, which is particularly advantageously a serial bus system. Furthermore, at least one operating device with corresponding operating elements is part of the arrangement in order to control the induction modules therewith or, ultimately, the operation of the controlled induction coil. Advantageously, the operating device is provided away from the induction modules and connected via a data connection with an induction module, which can be done wirelessly or via cable. The connection is also advantageous here a bus system, particularly advantageous a LIN bus system, ie a bus system with a Local Interconnect Network. About controls on the at least one operating device, the control of each induction module can be addressed accordingly and so the operation of the associated induction coils are controlled, it being possible that an operating device is connected to an induction module and via this or the synchronization bus system All induction modules are controlled with this one operating device.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of operating devices for a plurality of induction modules, specifically at different locations. Thus, just in a structure with a larger number of induction coils, so for example a large heating surface with, for example, 10 to 20 hot spots, an operation or setting of several positions from possible. This improves the manageability and practicality of such an arrangement or a heating surface formed thereof. However, the operating devices are particularly advantageously provided in the immediate vicinity of the heating surface. In an embodiment of the invention, the induction modules can certainly be provided further away from the heating surface or the induction coils. For example, they can be located in a separate room in the same building to simplify noise, heat and cooling. Particularly advantageous, such an arrangement may be a cooking device, so a kind of large hob, each induction coil can define a cooking point for a pot. Other heaters for inductive heating are possible, for example, in furnaces smelting ..

Although a prescribed arrangement or even an induction module may have louder identical induction coils. Advantageously, however, the induction coils are at least partially formed differently in terms of parameters such as size, power or design, so that a more versatile usability is given or that for different sized heating surfaces, for example, different sized pots, and different power levels each have a suitable induction coil is available as a heating source , In the arrangement as a heating surface or heating device, the induction coils in an embodiment of the invention may have a small distance from one another, for example a maximum of a few millimeters, in particular less than four centimeters. For example, it is also conceivable that two induction coils are covered together by a single pot and heat it. Whether arranged close to each other induction coils are driven by the same induction module or by different, does not matter. One of the main advantages of connecting a plurality of induction modules to each other by means of said synchronization bus system lies in the fact that they permit any common coordinated and problem-free operation of a plurality of induction modules and power electronics with their induction coils.

In a method according to the invention for setting up an aforementioned induction module or a named arrangement of a plurality of induction modules, the cooperation of individual operating elements, induction modules and / or their power electronics can be defined via the synchronization bus system or the service interface. Furthermore, current and past operating data or operating parameters can be read out according to the invention. Advantageously, a so-called energy management can be stored which can be parameterized by an interface, so that individual induction modules or their arrangement do not relate more than a specific total peak power from the supply network. In this way, it is possible to react to tariff specifications or differences between electricity providers, or peak consumption can be reduced or completely avoided. Even network perturbations or undesirably high reactive power can be reduced or avoided, for example, by power shifts in the operation of a larger number of induction coils. So far necessary energy optimization plants of separate manufacturers, which had to be connected consuming at past inductive cooking devices, can thus be avoided and the process of energy distribution can be optimized.

These and other features will become apparent from the claims but also from the description and drawings, wherein the individual features each alone or more in the form of sub-combination in one embodiment of the invention and in other areas be realized and advantageous and protectable Represent embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual sections as well as intermediate headings does not restrict the general validity of the statements made thereunder.

Short name of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung des Aufbaus eines Induktionsmoduls mit Leistungselektronik und Steuerung sowie Anschlüssen und

Fig. 2

eine Anordnung mehrerer Induktionsmodule aus Fig. 1 als Kocheinrichtung mit einer gemeinsamen Kochfläche.

Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the structure of an induction module with power electronics and control and connections and

Fig. 2

an arrangement of multiple induction modules Fig. 1 as a cooking device with a common cooking surface.

Detailed description of the embodiments

In Fig. 1 is an inventive induction module 11 is shown schematically from the structure. In a housing 12, the power electronics 13 is arranged on the right side, which consists of four power electronics modules 14a - 14d. These can be the same, but they do not have to and can under certain circumstances also be designed in each case for different services and in particular be of different sizes. Each power electronics module 14a-14d is provided with a connection 15a-15d on the housing 12, to which basically one or more induction coils are connected can. The maximum power of a power electronics module 14a-14d may be 5 kW. A fan 16 is in the Fig. 1 generally illustrated, it may cool the power electronics 13 as well as all devices in the housing.

In the housing 12 of the induction module 11, a controller 17 is included, in particular with a correspondingly equipped microprocessor. The controller 17 has a control connection 18a for said LIN bus system, in particular as a plug connection, a control connection 18b for said CAN bus system and a service connection 19, advantageously also as a plug connection. The induction module 11 is controlled externally via the control connection 18a, in particular also with operating commands for the operation of the induction module 11 or the power electronics modules 14a-14d, including connected induction coils. Via the control connection 18b, the induction module 11 is connected to other induction modules.

As can be seen, the induction module 11 has neither built-in or directly attached induction coils nor an operating device or operating elements. Although some controls in the form of switches or power disconnectors may be provided, but not for power adjustment of the power electronics 13 or with a similar function, ie the intended operation as a heater or cooking equipment.

Likewise, a mains connection 20 and a unit 21 of line filter, rectifier and low voltage supply for the controller 17 is provided. This unit provides the electrical power from the mains voltage given to the induction coils by the power electronics modules 14a-14d.

In Fig. 2 an arrangement 22 is shown in which under a cooking surface 23 a plurality of induction coils 25 are arranged, each forming a cooking point 24. The cooking surface 23 may for example consist of glass ceramic and may also be divided into several individual fields. The induction coils 25 are formed in the usual manner, advantageously as flat coils, and fixed under the cooking surface 23. On a hotplate 24, a pot 26 is exemplified, to be inductively heated by means of the induction coil 25 at this cooking point 24 below.

The arrangement or the cooking device 22 has two operating devices 28, one on each side, each having control elements 29, for example, so-called rotary knob or alternatively touch switch. It may also be quite more controls 28 may be provided.

The operating devices 28 are each connected via a connection 32 to an induction module 11. This connection 32 may be formed as the aforementioned bus system or include such, advantageously as a LIN bus system. Thus, the communication of the operating devices 28 with the induction modules 11 via a bus, for example, a LIN bus system 32. The communication of the induction modules 11 to each other via a synchronization bus system, advantageously a CAN bus system, as connection 31. Similarly, so that the the aforementioned device or programming of the induction modules done. These are the aforementioned important advantages of the invention.

The induction modules 11 are connected via the terminals 15 with four induction coils 25 and the cooking surface 23, which is not shown for all induction modules 11. The distance between the induction modules 11 and the induction coils 25 may be relatively small, for example a few centimeters, in particular about 10 cm to 40 cm, when the induction modules 11 are arranged in particular directly below. Alternatively, the distance may be a few meters, so that the induction modules 11 are arranged for example in a separate room or room and their cooling and possible noise is unproblematic.

Furthermore, in Fig. 2 illustrated how a service PC is connected by means of a connecting cable 34 to a service port 19 of the left induction module 11 and thus also to its control. With this service PC, a certain reconfiguration or reprogramming of a controller 17 or of the corresponding induction module 11 can take place. Furthermore, operational data collected in the controller 17 during operation may be read out, for example, to identify and avoid possible errors that occur soon, to determine service intervals or to identify faulty parts more quickly.

The number of induction modules 11 in the assembly 22 according to Fig. 2 is basically arbitrary, with a number of 5 to 10 induction modules, each with four connected induction coils is generally considered sufficient.

Furthermore, it is possible to define within the arrangement 22 or within the induction modules 11, a preferred induction module, which then also controls, for example, the synchronization bus system of the CAN bus system mainly.

Claims (15)

Induction module (11) for at least one induction coil (25) as an inductive heating device, with power electronics (13) for power supply for the at least one induction coil (25) and with a control (17) for checking the power electronics, wherein the power electronics (13) and the controller (17) are combined in a functional unit, characterized in that the controller (17) has a synchronization bus system (31) for synchronization or connection with other induction modules (11). Induction module according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed without operating elements (28, 29). Induction module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is formed without induction coil (25). Induction module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it or its power electronics (13) for driving a plurality of induction coils (25) is formed, in particular with a total power which corresponds to the sum of the individual powers of the power electronics (13), wherein preferably the power electronics more Power electronics modules (14a-d) has. Induction module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (17) has a synchronization bus system (31) which is designed in particular as a serial bus system or as a CAN bus system, which can be expanded with additional control lines. Induction module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a service interface (19), in particular with a service connector (19) on the induction module (11), for inputting or reading data, preferably for parameterizing the controller (17) and Diagnosis of the periphery or power electronics (13). Induction module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged with power electronics (13, 14) and control (17) in its own, preferably closed, housing (12), wherein preferably still fan (16) or the like. are included. Arrangement (22) of at least two induction modules (11) according to one of the preceding claims and a plurality of induction coils (25), characterized in that each induction module (11) is associated with one or more induction coils (25), preferably four induction coils, wherein the induction modules ( 11) are connected to each other via a synchronization bus system (31) according to claim 5, wherein at least one operating device (28) with control elements (29) is provided for controlling the power supply (13, 14) or for the controller (17), wherein the operating device (28) is connected to an induction module (11) or its controller (17). Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that a plurality of operating devices (28) for a plurality of induction modules (11) at different locations of the arrangement (22) are provided, in particular far away from each other. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the induction modules (11) a few meters from the induction coils (25) are arranged away, in particular in a separate room of the same building. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it forms a heating device and the induction coils (25) are arranged in a plane and preferably substantially form a surface or a heating surface, wherein it forms in particular a cooking device with a cooking surface ( 23) and several hotplates (24) on it. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the induction coils (25) are at least partially formed differently, in particular with respect to size, power and / or design. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the induction coils (25) are arranged at least partially with a distance of at most a few mm to each other, preferably less than 40mm. Method for setting up an induction module (11) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or an arrangement (22) of a plurality of induction modules (11) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that via the synchronization bus system (31) or the service Interface (19) the cooperation of individual induction modules (11) or their power electronics (13, 14) are defined, preferably current and past operating data or operating parameters of individual induction modules (11) or their power electronics (13, 14) are read. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that a parametrisierbares energy management is stored such that individual induction modules (11) or their arrangement (22) no more than a certain total peak power from the supply network (20), preferably to network perturbations or undesirably high reactive power to reduce or avoid, in particular by power shifts in the operation of a larger number of induction coils (25).

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