EP2236004B1 - Induction hob comprising a plurality of induction heaters - Google Patents

Induction hob comprising a plurality of induction heaters Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2236004B1
EP2236004B1 EP09701875.8A EP09701875A EP2236004B1 EP 2236004 B1 EP2236004 B1 EP 2236004B1 EP 09701875 A EP09701875 A EP 09701875A EP 2236004 B1 EP2236004 B1 EP 2236004B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
induction
heating elements
induction heating
heating
designed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP09701875.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2236004A1 (en
Inventor
Jose Ignacio Artigas Maestre
Luis Angel Barragan Perez
Ignacio Garde Aranda
Pablo Jesus Hernandez Blasco
Daniel Palacios Tomas
Ramon Peinado Adiego
Denis Navarro Tabernero
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Application filed by BSH Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority to EP11164169.2A priority Critical patent/EP2352359B1/en
Publication of EP2236004A1 publication Critical patent/EP2236004A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/06—Control, e.g. of temperature, of power
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/06—Control, e.g. of temperature, of power
    • H05B6/062—Control, e.g. of temperature, of power for cooking plates or the like
    • H05B6/065—Control, e.g. of temperature, of power for cooking plates or the like using coordinated control of multiple induction coils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2213/00—Aspects relating both to resistive heating and to induction heating, covered by H05B3/00 and H05B6/00
    • H05B2213/03—Heating plates made out of a matrix of heating elements that can define heating areas adapted to cookware randomly placed on the heating plate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2213/00—Aspects relating both to resistive heating and to induction heating, covered by H05B3/00 and H05B6/00
    • H05B2213/05—Heating plates with pan detection means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating an induction hob according to the preamble of claim 15.
  • So-called matrix induction hobs with a large number of induction heating elements, which are arranged in a grid or in a matrix, are known from the prior art.
  • the comparatively small induction heating elements can be flexibly combined to form essentially freely definable heating zones.
  • a control unit of the induction hob can detect cookware elements and combine those induction heating elements that are at least to some extent covered by a bottom of the detected cooking utensil element to a heating zone associated with the detected cookware element and operate synchronized.
  • Such induction hobs comprise a measuring arrangement with which the control unit can record characteristic values for a power of the individual induction heaters and use it to regulate the power to a desired value.
  • a characteristic may be, for example, a resistance, a current and / or an impedance of the induction heating element influenced by the cookware element in its electrical properties.
  • the induction heating elements are operated with high-frequency currents compared to the mains voltage, the measurement and evaluation of the signals of the measuring arrangement is complicated and the provision of the sensor system for each individual induction heating element is cost-intensive.
  • an induction cooker is known with two inverter circuits, which consist of a respective heating coil and a resonant capacitor and a switching element.
  • An input current detecting circuit of the induction cooker detects a value of an input current
  • a voltage detecting circuit of the induction cooker detects a voltage a power source.
  • the induction cooker further includes a microcomputer which controls the vibration of said inverter circuits and feeds the values detected by the input current detection circuit and the voltage detection circuit.
  • two oscillation circuits are controlled by the microcomputer so that they are alternately in operation.
  • the French publication FR 2 863 039 A discloses a method of heating a vessel mounted on a cooking plate having heating means.
  • the heating means are each associated with inductors which form means for detecting the presence of a vessel.
  • the heating means associated with the inductors are distributed in a two-dimensional grid on the cooking plate.
  • the method comprises the following two steps: search for a heating zone consisting of a group of heating means at least partially covered by the vessel and calculation of a power delivered by each heating means of the heating zone in dependence on a total setpoint power associated with the heating zone and of one degree the coverage of the vessel for each detection means associated with the heating means.
  • the invention is in particular the object of providing a generic induction hob, which is controllable with a less complex control algorithm. Furthermore, the invention has the object to reduce a required computing power of a control unit of such an induction hob and to simplify a measuring arrangement of such induction hob. Another task The invention is to simplify a method of operating such an induction hob.
  • the invention is based on an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters, a control unit which is designed to operate synchronously a plurality of induction heaters a flexibly definable heating zone, and a measuring arrangement for measuring a heating power generated by the induction heaters.
  • the measuring arrangement is designed to measure a sum of heating powers of at least two induction heaters.
  • the control unit is also designed to use the sum of the heating powers for controlling the heating power.
  • the control unit and the measuring arrangement may be "designed" by suitable software, hardware, or a combination of these two factors to accomplish their tasks.
  • the invention is based in particular on the finding that in modern matrix induction hobs adjacent induction heaters are usually associated with the same heating zone. Detecting the individual heating power is unnecessary in this case and leads to an unnecessarily large complexity of the controller and to a less meaningful use of computing power. This is all the more true, the smaller the induction heaters are or the narrower the grid of the matrix induction hob is, since the proportion of those induction heaters, which are located at the edge of the heating zone, decreases with the grid. Further, by measuring the sums of the heating powers of groups of induction heaters, the number of necessary sensors can be reduced. For example, if a current is used as the parameter for the heating power, only one current sensor or ammeter must be used for each group of heating elements.
  • the measuring arrangement comprises a current sensor for measuring a sum of currents which flow through the at least two induction heaters.
  • the current sensor is for Measuring an input current of an inverter designed to feed the at least two induction heaters This can usually, if the at least two induction heaters are assigned to the same heating zone, a sufficiently accurate feedback size for performing a power control of the heating zone can be determined. A complexity of the control loop rhythm can be significantly reduced, and a number of required current sensors can be reduced.
  • the cooktop comprises a plurality of respective driver units associated with an induction heater, each having an inverter for generating a high frequency current for operating an induction body
  • a high frequency measurement can be avoided if the measurement arrangement is adapted to measure a sum of input powers of the driver units.
  • the input currents are typically currents with the grid frequency of, for example, 50 hertz of a household power grid and can therefore be measured with particularly simple and inexpensive standard sensor arrangements.
  • the measuring arrangement is designed to additionally measure the values of the currents flowing through the individual induction heaters.
  • These currents can be used as control variables, for example, in exceptional cases, in which the knowledge of the individual heating power of the induction heaters is required or can be used to limit the safety of the services of the induction heaters and / or the driver units.
  • the control unit can use the currents of the individual induction heaters to limit the inverter power.
  • control unit is designed to use the sum of the heating powers for controlling the heating power, if the at least two induction heaters are assigned to a common heating zone, and the values of the currents of the individual induction heaters for controlling the heating power to use this induction heater when the at least two induction heaters are assigned to different heating zones.
  • the inventive combination of two induction heaters with respect to the power measurement is particularly advantageously used, since the two combined induction heaters are adjacent induction heaters in a matrix of induction heaters.
  • the measuring arrangement and the data processing in the control unit can be further simplified if the measuring arrangement is designed to measure a sum of the heating powers of at least four adjacent induction heaters. Of course, six, eight or any other number of induction heaters can be grouped together.
  • control unit is designed to form a heating zone from a plurality of groups of induction heaters and to feed each of the groups from another inverter.
  • the control unit can then use the input currents of the inverters as a parameter for the sum of the heating powers of the induction heating elements fed by the relevant inverter, so that a power control without the measurement of the high-frequency heating currents can also be made possible in this case.
  • control unit If the control unit is designed to operate a plurality of groups of induction heaters with a single inverter in at least one operating state, the heating power of the individual groups can nevertheless be determined. For this purpose, the control unit can determine the proportion which one of the groups contributes to a total heat output in a phase in which only the induction heaters of this group are active.
  • control unit is designed to operate a plurality of groups of induction heaters simultaneously with an inverter in at least one operating state.
  • control unit is designed to operate a plurality of groups of induction heaters with a single inverter and to produce the different heating powers by a short-term, periodic deactivation of at least one induction heater.
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters that are flexibly grouped into a heating zone.
  • a heating power generated by the induction heaters is measured and used to control the operation of the induction heaters.
  • FIG. 1 shows an induction hob with a plurality of induction heating elements 10, which can be combined by a control unit 12 in groups of flexibly definable heating zones 14 and operated synchronized.
  • the control unit 12 communicates with a measuring arrangement 16 of the induction cooktop, by means of which the control unit 12 can detect parameters for a heating power P, Pi generated by the induction heaters 10a, 10b. These parameters include currents, voltages and / or the electrical loss angles or impedances which can be tapped as measured values from the measuring arrangement 16 at different points of the induction hob.
  • the measuring arrangement 16 is designed for measuring a sum of heating powers P of at least two group-assembled induction heaters 10a, 10b. While in concrete embodiments of the invention, the group of induction heaters whose heat output is measured in total, four or more induction heaters may include, in the schematic representation in FIG. 2 for reasons of clarity, only two induction heaters 10a, 10b shown.
  • Each of the induction heaters 10a, 10b has an associated drive unit 20a, 20b, each comprising an inverter 22a, 22b.
  • the inverter 22a, 22b generates from a direct current generated by a rectifier 24 with a in a diagram 26 in FIG. 2 shown voltage waveform in comparison to a mains frequency of a household power network 28 high-frequency heating current 11, 12 for operating the induction heater 10a, 10b.
  • a filter 30 is arranged, which prevents damage to the induction hob by power surges from the household electricity network 28.
  • a diagram 32 shows a voltage curve of the heating current 11, 12 which, depending on a desired heating power of the heating zone 14, has a frequency of 20 to 50 kHz and an envelope oscillating at the mains frequency.
  • the current sensor 18 may be disposed between the filter 30 and the rectifier 24 so as to substantially measure the low frequency alternating current from the home electric grid 28 at a grid frequency of 50 Hertz.
  • the measuring arrangement 16 with the current sensor 18 therefore measures a sum P of input powers of the driver units 20a, 20b.
  • the input current I of the rectifier 24 is used as a parameter for the input powers.
  • Further current sensors 34a, 34b of the measuring arrangement 16 serve to measure the currents 11, 12 which flow through the individual induction heaters 10a, 10b.
  • the currents 11, 12 are therefore the actual heating currents of the induction heaters 10a, 10b.
  • both induction heaters 10a, 10b are associated with the same heating zone 14 and are completely covered by a pan bottom of a cookware element disposed on the heating zone 14, the flows 11, 12 are at least substantially equal and can to a very good approximation be a given fraction of the input flow I of the rectifier 24 are calculated.
  • the control unit 12 uses the currents 11, 12 of the individual induction heaters 10a, 10b measured by the current sensors 34a, 34b, as a rule, only for protecting the inverters 22a, 22b and for detecting the cookware elements on the induction hob.
  • the signals obtained from the current sensors 34a, 34b do not have to be subjected to complex signal processing, so that a complexity of the tasks of the control unit 12 can be greatly reduced in comparison with conventional induction hobs.
  • the amplitudes of the currents 11, 12 need only be compared to a threshold value.
  • the control unit 12 comprises a freely programmable processor and an operating program, which first performs a cookware detection method periodically or after a start signal of the user.
  • the control unit 12 thereby detects a size and position of cooking utensils placed on the induction hob or on a cover plate of the induction high field and combines induction heating elements 10, which are at least to some extent covered by the cookware element, to form a heating zone 14.
  • control unit 12 regulates a heating power of the heating zone 14 to a setpoint dependent on the heating stage. For this purpose, it forms a sum of the heating powers of the individual induction heating elements 10 and compares this sum with the setpoint value.
  • control unit 12 uses the sum signal of the current sensor 18 when all induction heaters 10 whose heating power is measured together by the current sensor 18, the heating zone 14 belong. Otherwise, the control unit 12 uses the current sensors 34a, 34b to determine the individual heating powers Pi.
  • control unit 12 uses the signal of the current sensor 18 to determine the heating power. In comparison to groups of induction heating elements which belong completely to the heating zone 14, the setpoint heating power of this group flowing into the control is reduced by a factor corresponding to the proportion of the active induction heating elements.
  • the above-described induction hob or control unit 12 implements a method for operating an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters 10 a, 10 b, which can be flexibly grouped and combined to form a heating zone 14.
  • a heating power generated by the induction heaters 10a, 10b is measured and used to control the operation of the induction heaters 10a, 10b.
  • control unit 12 detects a sum of heating powers of a group of induction heaters 10a, 10b and uses this sum in a normal case as a controlled variable for operating the group of induction heaters 10a, 10b.
  • the heating currents of the individual induction heaters 10a, 10b also flow into the control method as control parameters.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a matrix cooktop with two inverters 22a, 22b, which can be connected via a switching arrangement 36 with induction heaters 10a - 10e.
  • the hob comprises a matrix of induction heaters 10a - 10e, of which in FIG. 3 only five pieces are shown as examples.
  • a satisfactory spatial resolution in the definition of the heating zones 14 can be realized at a reasonable cost and an acceptable control effort, if the actual number of induction heaters 10a - 10e is between 40 and 64.
  • the switching arrangement 36 can connect at least one of the induction heaters 10a-10e optionally to one of the two inverters 22a, 22b, or each of the inverters 22a, 22b to selectable groups of induction heaters 10a-10e.
  • each of the inverters 22a, 22b is equipped with a current sensor 18a, 18b, which is arranged between a rectifier 24 and the respective inverter 22a, 22b.
  • the current sensors 18a, 18b measure the rectified current from the household power grid 28, the relevant frequency components amount to a maximum of about 100 Hz. Because of the low frequencies, current measurements of the input current of the inverters 22a, 22b are simpler than current measurements of the output currents of the inverters 22a, 22b, whose frequency is on the order of 75 kHz.
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows a heating zone 14, which is formed by nine induction heating 10a - 10i.
  • a first group of induction heaters 10a-10c is powered by a first inverter 22a and a second group of induction heaters 10d-10i is powered by a second inverter 22b.
  • the control unit 12 calculates a target total heating power for the heating zone 14, depending on the set power level and the size of the heating zone 14.
  • the control unit 12 controls the heating power of the heating zone 14 on the sun specific setpoint.
  • the control unit calculates from the input currents 11, 12 of the inverters 22a, 22b, which are measured via the current sensors 18a, 18b, a total heating power of the two groups of induction heating elements 10a-10i and calculates the total heating power of the heating zone 14 by isolating the heating powers of the groups ,
  • the heating power can be controlled to the target value by varying the heating frequency generated by the inverters 22a, 22b in a closed loop.
  • the heating elements 10a-10j of the two groups are each operated with heating currents at the same frequency.
  • the group heating powers of the two groups then automatically adjust to a value which is determined by the coupling strength of the different induction heating elements 10a-10j to the bottom of the cooking pot.
  • the control unit 12 can control the heating power of the individual induction heating elements 10a-10j by means of limiting current sensors of the type shown in FIG FIG. 2 Monitor the type shown. If there is an imbalance between the group heating powers of the two groups, the control unit can assign one of the induction heaters 10a-10j to the other group by switching the switching arrangement 36.
  • control unit 12 can operate the induction heating elements 10a-10i of one of the groups in a clocked manner by actuation of the switching arrangement 36, or the inverters 22a, 22b can generate heating currents with different heating frequencies.
  • FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for distributing a total heat output to the inverters in the in FIG. 4 illustrated situation.
  • a ratio of the group heating powers is calculated by different groups of heating elements, which together form a heating zone 14. For example, it may be determined that a first group of induction heating elements 10a-10i should produce 70% of the total heating power and that a second group of induction heating elements 10a-10i should generate 30% of the total heating power.
  • This distribution can be, for example be chosen so that the bottom of the cookware heats up as homogeneously as possible.
  • the surface portions of the cookware base assigned to the different groups of induction heating elements 10a-10i are determined or estimated by the control unit 12 and the distribution of the total heating power takes place in the ratio of the surface portions.
  • the control unit 12 can at any moment determine the group heating power of the two groups and regulate it to the desired value, which corresponds to the predetermined proportion of the total heating power.
  • the group heating powers may be accomplished by varying the frequency of the heating currents, by changing the amplitude of the heating currents, or by suitably adjusting lengths of operating phases of the various groups of heating elements in a timed operation.
  • the amplitude change can be achieved by a change in the pulse phase of control signals, which are transmitted from the control unit 12 to the inverters 22a, 22b.
  • the control unit 12 decides which of the above-mentioned methods is used. Preference is always given to the simultaneous change in the frequency of the heating currents of both groups, as this interference hum can be avoided.
  • step S3 the operating parameters are changed so that the group heating power changes in the direction of its setpoint. Subsequently, the process returns to step S1 to close the control loop.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of two heating zones 14a, 14b, the induction heating elements 10a - 10d and 10e - 10g from a single inverter 22 (not shown) are operated.
  • the control unit 12 can determine via a current sensor 18 only the input current of the inverter and thus the total heating power of both heating zones 14a, 14b, if both heating zones 14a, 14b are operated simultaneously.
  • the control unit 12 uses an in FIG. 7 schematically illustrated method.
  • the control unit disconnects by operating the switching arrangement 36, the inductors 10a-10d of the first heating zone 14a from the inverter and measured via the inverter associated with the current sensor 18, the now consumed only by the second heating zone 14b heating power.
  • the control unit 12 closes the connection between the induction heating elements 10a-10d of the heating zones 14a with the inverter 22 by actuating the switching arrangement 36. Subsequently, the control unit 12 again measures the total heat output now consumed by the two heating zones 14a, 14b with the aid of the current sensor 18.
  • the heating power of the second heating zones 14b is calculated in a step S73 by forming the difference between the total heating power determined in step S72 and the heating power determined in step S71.
  • the control unit forms the ratio of the heating powers of the individual heating zones 14a, 14b and compares it with a desired value. In the case of a clocked operation of the induction heating elements 10a-10i, the control unit takes into account that the heating elements of the heating zones 14a, 14b are switched off in phases and calculates an average heating power. If deviations from the target value occur, the control unit 12 changes in a step S75 the duration of the heating phases of the heating zones 14a, 14b so that the ratio changes in the direction of the target value.
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of two heating zones 14a, 14b, the induction heating elements 10a - 10g are each fed by a plurality of inverters. Each of an inverter associated induction heating are in FIG. 8 represented with the same hatching.
  • the distribution of the total heating power to the various heating zones 14a, 14b and to the various heating elements 10a-10g is effected by a combination of the in Figures 5 and 7 illustrated method.
  • the second heating zone 14b is switched off for a short time.
  • the input currents of each inverter are measured so that the distribution of the total heating power of both heating zones 14a, 14b to the various inverters is immediately known.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Induction Heating Cooking Devices (AREA)
  • General Induction Heating (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Induktionskochfeld mit einer Mehrzahl von Induktionsheizkörpern nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Induktionskochfelds nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 15.The invention relates to an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating an induction hob according to the preamble of claim 15.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind so genannte Matrix-Induktionskochfelder mit einer Vielzahl von Induktionsheizelementen bekannt, die in einem Raster bzw. in einer Matrix angeordnet sind. Die vergleichsweise kleinen Induktionsheizelemente können flexibel zu im Wesentlichen frei definierbaren Heizzonen zusammengefasst werden. Eine Steuereinheit des Induktionskochfelds kann Kochgeschirrelemente detektieren und diejenigen Induktionsheizelemente, die zu wenigstens einem gewissen Grad von einem Boden des detektierten Kochgeschirrelements überdeckt sind, zu einer den detektierten Kochgeschirrelement zugeordneten Heizzone zusammenfassen und synchronisiert betreiben. Solche Induktionskochfelder umfassen eine Messanordnung, mit welcher die Steuereinheit Kenngrößen für eine Leistung der einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper erfasst und zum Regeln der Leistung auf einen Sollwert nutzen kann. Eine solche Kenngröße kann beispielsweise ein Widerstand, ein Strom und/oder eine Impedanz des in seinen elektrischen Eigenschaften durch das Kochgeschirrelement beeinflussten Induktionsheizelements sein.So-called matrix induction hobs with a large number of induction heating elements, which are arranged in a grid or in a matrix, are known from the prior art. The comparatively small induction heating elements can be flexibly combined to form essentially freely definable heating zones. A control unit of the induction hob can detect cookware elements and combine those induction heating elements that are at least to some extent covered by a bottom of the detected cooking utensil element to a heating zone associated with the detected cookware element and operate synchronized. Such induction hobs comprise a measuring arrangement with which the control unit can record characteristic values for a power of the individual induction heaters and use it to regulate the power to a desired value. Such a characteristic may be, for example, a resistance, a current and / or an impedance of the induction heating element influenced by the cookware element in its electrical properties.

Da die Induktionsheizelemente mit im Vergleich zur Netzspannung hochfrequenten Strömen betrieben werden, ist die Messung und Auswertung der Signale der Messanordnung aufwändig und das Bereitstellen der Sensorik für jedes einzelne Induktionsheizelement kostenintensiv.Since the induction heating elements are operated with high-frequency currents compared to the mains voltage, the measurement and evaluation of the signals of the measuring arrangement is complicated and the provision of the sensor system for each individual induction heating element is cost-intensive.

Aus der japanischen Druckschrift JP 2001 196156 A ist bereits ein Induktionsherd bekannt mit zwei Wechselrichter-Schaltungen, welche aus jeweils einer Heizspule und aus einem Resonanzkondensator und aus einem Schaltelement bestehen. Eine Eingangsstromerfassungsschaltung des Induktionsherds erfasst einen Wert eines Eingangsstroms und eine Spannungserfassungsschaltung des Induktionsherds erfasst eine Spannung einer Stromquelle. Der Induktionsherd umfasst zudem einen Mikrocomputer, der die Schwingung der genannten Wechselrichter-Schaltungen steuert und die von der Eingangsstromerfassungsschaltung und der Spannungserfassungsschaltung erfassten Werte einspeist. Des Weiteren werden zwei Schwingkreise von dem Mikrocomputer so gesteuert, dass sie abwechselnd in Betrieb sind.From the Japanese publication JP 2001 196156 A already an induction cooker is known with two inverter circuits, which consist of a respective heating coil and a resonant capacitor and a switching element. An input current detecting circuit of the induction cooker detects a value of an input current, and a voltage detecting circuit of the induction cooker detects a voltage a power source. The induction cooker further includes a microcomputer which controls the vibration of said inverter circuits and feeds the values detected by the input current detection circuit and the voltage detection circuit. Furthermore, two oscillation circuits are controlled by the microcomputer so that they are alternately in operation.

Die französische Druckschrift FR 2 863 039 A offenbart ein Verfahren zum Erhitzen eines Gefäßes, das auf einer Heizmittel aufweisenden Kochplatte aufgestellt ist. Die Heizmittel sind jeweils Induktoren zugeordnet sind, die Mittel ausbilden, um das Vorhandensein eines Gefäßes zu erfassen. Die den Induktoren zugeordneten Heizmittel sind in einem zweidimensionalen Raster auf der Kochplatte verteilt. Das Verfahren umfasst die folgenden beiden Schritte: Suche nach einer Heizzone, die aus einer Gruppe von zumindest teilweise von dem Gefäß bedeckten Heizmitteln besteht und Berechnung einer von jedem Heizmittel der Heizzone gelieferten Leistung in Abhängigkeit von einer der Heizzone zugeordneten Gesamt-Sollleistung sowie von einem Grad der Bedeckung durch das Gefäß für jedes dem Heizmittel zugeordnete Erfassungsmittel.The French publication FR 2 863 039 A discloses a method of heating a vessel mounted on a cooking plate having heating means. The heating means are each associated with inductors which form means for detecting the presence of a vessel. The heating means associated with the inductors are distributed in a two-dimensional grid on the cooking plate. The method comprises the following two steps: search for a heating zone consisting of a group of heating means at least partially covered by the vessel and calculation of a power delivered by each heating means of the heating zone in dependence on a total setpoint power associated with the heating zone and of one degree the coverage of the vessel for each detection means associated with the heating means.

Der Erfindung liegt insbesondere die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein gattungsgemäßes Induktionskochfeld bereitzustellen, das mit einem weniger komplexen Steuerungsalgorithmus steuerbar ist. Ferner liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine erforderliche Rechenleistung einer Steuereinheit eines solchen Induktionskochfelds zu reduzieren und eine Messanordnung eines solchen Induktionskochfelds zu vereinfachen. Eine weitere Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines solchen Induktionskochfelds zu vereinfachen.The invention is in particular the object of providing a generic induction hob, which is controllable with a less complex control algorithm. Furthermore, the invention has the object to reduce a required computing power of a control unit of such an induction hob and to simplify a measuring arrangement of such induction hob. Another task The invention is to simplify a method of operating such an induction hob.

Die Aufgabe wird insbesondere durch die unabhängigen Patentansprüche gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung können den Unteransprüchen entnommen werden.The object is achieved in particular by the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements of the invention can be taken from the subclaims.

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Induktionskochfeld mit einer Mehrzahl von Induktionsheizkörpern, einer Steuereinheit, die dazu ausgelegt ist, mehrere Induktionsheizkörper einer flexibel definierbaren Heizzone synchronisiert zu betreiben, und einer Messanordnung zum Messen einer von den Induktionsheizkörpern erzeugten Heizleistung.The invention is based on an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters, a control unit which is designed to operate synchronously a plurality of induction heaters a flexibly definable heating zone, and a measuring arrangement for measuring a heating power generated by the induction heaters.

Die Messanordnung ist zum Messen einer Summe von Heizleistungen von wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörpern ausgelegt. Dabei ist die Steuereinheit ferner dazu ausgelegt, die Summe der Heizleistungen zum Regeln der Heizleistung zu nutzen. Die Steuereinheit und die Messanordnung können durch eine geeignete Software, eine geeignete Hardware oder durch eine Kombination aus diesen beiden Faktoren zum Erfüllen ihrer Aufgaben "ausgelegt" sein.The measuring arrangement is designed to measure a sum of heating powers of at least two induction heaters. In this case, the control unit is also designed to use the sum of the heating powers for controlling the heating power. The control unit and the measuring arrangement may be "designed" by suitable software, hardware, or a combination of these two factors to accomplish their tasks.

Die Erfindung basiert insbesondere auf der Feststellung, dass in modernen Matrix-Induktionskochfeldern benachbarte Induktionsheizkörper in der Regel der gleichen Heizzone zugeordnet sind. Das Erfassen der individuellen Heizleistungen ist in diesem Fall unnötig und führt zu einer unnötig großen Komplexität der Steuerung und zu einem wenig sinnvollen Einsatz von Rechenleistung. Dies gilt umso mehr, je kleiner die Induktionsheizkörper sind bzw. je enger das Raster des Matrix-Induktionskochfelds ist, da der Anteil derjenigen Induktionsheizkörper, die am Rand der Heizzone liegen, mit dem Rastermaß abnimmt. Ferner kann durch die Messung der Summen der Heizleistungen von Gruppen von Induktionsheizkörpern die Anzahl der notwendigen Sensoren verringert werden. Wenn beispielsweise ein Strom als Kenngröße für die Heizleistung verwendet wird, muss für jede Gruppe von Heizelementen nur ein Stromsensor bzw. Amperemeter verwendet werden.The invention is based in particular on the finding that in modern matrix induction hobs adjacent induction heaters are usually associated with the same heating zone. Detecting the individual heating power is unnecessary in this case and leads to an unnecessarily large complexity of the controller and to a less meaningful use of computing power. This is all the more true, the smaller the induction heaters are or the narrower the grid of the matrix induction hob is, since the proportion of those induction heaters, which are located at the edge of the heating zone, decreases with the grid. Further, by measuring the sums of the heating powers of groups of induction heaters, the number of necessary sensors can be reduced. For example, if a current is used as the parameter for the heating power, only one current sensor or ammeter must be used for each group of heating elements.

Die Messanordnung umfasst einen Stromsensor zum Messen einer Summe von Strömen, welche die wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörper durchfließen. Der Stromsensor ist zum Messen eines Eingangsstroms eines Wechselrichters ausgelegt, der die wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörper speist Daraus kann in der Regel, wenn die wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörper der gleichen Heizzone zugeordnet sind, eine hinreichend genaue Rückkopplungsgröße zum Durchführen einer Leistungsregelung der Heizzone ermittelt werden. Eine Komplexität des Regelkreisrhythmus kann deutlich verringert werden, und eine Anzahl von benötigten Stromsensoren kann reduziert werden.The measuring arrangement comprises a current sensor for measuring a sum of currents which flow through the at least two induction heaters. The current sensor is for Measuring an input current of an inverter designed to feed the at least two induction heaters This can usually, if the at least two induction heaters are assigned to the same heating zone, a sufficiently accurate feedback size for performing a power control of the heating zone can be determined. A complexity of the control loop rhythm can be significantly reduced, and a number of required current sensors can be reduced.

Wenn das Kochfeld eine Mehrzahl von jeweils einem Induktionsheizkörper zugeordneten Treibereinheiten umfasst, die jeweils einen Wechselrichter zum Erzeugen eines Hochfrequenzstroms zum Betreiben eines Induktionskörpers aufweisen, kann eine Hochfrequenzmessung vermieden werden, wenn die Messanordnung dazu ausgelegt ist, eine Summe von Eingangsleistungen der Treibereinheiten zu messen. Die Eingangsströme sind in der Regel Ströme mit der Netzfrequenz von beispielsweise 50 Hertz eines Haushaltsstromnetzes und können daher mit besonders einfachen und kostengünstigen Standard-Sensoranordnungen gemessen werden.When the cooktop comprises a plurality of respective driver units associated with an induction heater, each having an inverter for generating a high frequency current for operating an induction body, a high frequency measurement can be avoided if the measurement arrangement is adapted to measure a sum of input powers of the driver units. The input currents are typically currents with the grid frequency of, for example, 50 hertz of a household power grid and can therefore be measured with particularly simple and inexpensive standard sensor arrangements.

Ferner wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Messanordnung dazu ausgelegt ist, zusätzlich die Werte der Ströme zu messen, die die einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper durchfließen. Diese Ströme können beispielsweise in Ausnahmefällen, in denen die Kenntnis der individuellen Heizleistungen der Induktionsheizkörper erforderlich ist, als Regelgrößen verwendet werden oder können zur Sicherheitsbegrenzung der Leistungen der Induktionsheizkörper und/oder der Treibereinheiten genutzt werden. Insbesondere kann die Steuereinheit die Ströme der einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper zum Begrenzen der Wechselrichter-Leistung nutzen.It is also proposed that the measuring arrangement is designed to additionally measure the values of the currents flowing through the individual induction heaters. These currents can be used as control variables, for example, in exceptional cases, in which the knowledge of the individual heating power of the induction heaters is required or can be used to limit the safety of the services of the induction heaters and / or the driver units. In particular, the control unit can use the currents of the individual induction heaters to limit the inverter power.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, die Summe der Heizleistungen zum Regeln der Heizleistung zu nutzen, wenn die wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörper einer gemeinsamen Heizzone zugeordnet sind, und die Werte der Ströme der einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper zum Regeln der Heizleistung dieser Induktionsheizkörper zu nutzen, wenn die wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörper unterschiedlichen Heizzonen zugeordnet sind. Dadurch kann in jedem dieser Fälle eine zuverlässige Regelung der Heizleistungen gewährleistet werden, wobei gleichzeitig das Erfassen und Verarbeiten von unnötigen Daten bzw. Messwerten vermieden werden kann.According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the control unit is designed to use the sum of the heating powers for controlling the heating power, if the at least two induction heaters are assigned to a common heating zone, and the values of the currents of the individual induction heaters for controlling the heating power to use this induction heater when the at least two induction heaters are assigned to different heating zones. As a result, a reliable control of the heating powers can be ensured in each of these cases, at the same time the detection and processing of unnecessary data or measured values can be avoided.

Die erfindungsgemäße Zusammenfassung von zwei Induktionsheizkörpern im Hinblick auf die Leistungsmessung ist insbesondere vorteilhaft einsetzbar, da die beiden zusammengefassten Induktionsheizkörper benachbarte Induktionsheizkörper in einer Matrix von Induktionsheizkörpern sind. Die Messanordnung und die Datenverarbeitung in der Steuereinheit können weiter vereinfacht werden, wenn die Messanordnung zum Messen einer Summe der Heizleistungen von wenigstens vier benachbarten Induktionsheizkörpern ausgelegt ist. Selbstverständlich können auch sechs, acht oder jede andere Zahl von Induktionsheizkörpern zu einer Gruppe zusammengefasst werden.The inventive combination of two induction heaters with respect to the power measurement is particularly advantageously used, since the two combined induction heaters are adjacent induction heaters in a matrix of induction heaters. The measuring arrangement and the data processing in the control unit can be further simplified if the measuring arrangement is designed to measure a sum of the heating powers of at least four adjacent induction heaters. Of course, six, eight or any other number of induction heaters can be grouped together.

Ferner wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, eine Heizzone aus mehreren Gruppen von Induktionsheizkörpern zu bilden und jede der Gruppen von einem anderen Wechselrichter zu speisen. Die Steuereinheit kann dann die Eingangsströme der Wechselrichter als Kenngröße für die Summe der Heizleistungen der von dem betreffenden Wechselrichter gespeisten Induktionsheizkörper nutzen, so dass auch in diesem Fall eine Leistungsregelung ohne die Messung der hochfrequenten Heizströme ermöglicht werden kann.It is also proposed that the control unit is designed to form a heating zone from a plurality of groups of induction heaters and to feed each of the groups from another inverter. The control unit can then use the input currents of the inverters as a parameter for the sum of the heating powers of the induction heating elements fed by the relevant inverter, so that a power control without the measurement of the high-frequency heating currents can also be made possible in this case.

Wenn die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, in zumindest einem Betriebszustand mehrere Gruppen von Induktionsheizkörpern mit einem einzigen Wechselrichter zu betreiben, kann dennoch die Heizleistung der einzelnen Gruppen bestimmt werden. Dazu kann die Steuereinheit den Anteil, den eine der Gruppen zu einer Gesamtheizleistung beiträgt in einer Phase bestimmen, in der nur die Induktionsheizkörper dieser Gruppe aktiv sind.If the control unit is designed to operate a plurality of groups of induction heaters with a single inverter in at least one operating state, the heating power of the individual groups can nevertheless be determined. For this purpose, the control unit can determine the proportion which one of the groups contributes to a total heat output in a phase in which only the induction heaters of this group are active.

In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, in zumindest einem Betriebszustand mehrere Gruppen von Induktionsheizkörpern simultan mit einem Wechselrichter zu betreiben.In a development of the invention, it is proposed that the control unit is designed to operate a plurality of groups of induction heaters simultaneously with an inverter in at least one operating state.

Unterschiedliche Heizleistungen verschiedener Gruppen können einfach realisiert werden, wenn die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, mehrere Gruppen von Induktionsheizkörpers mit einem einzigen Wechselrichter zu betreiben und die unterschiedlichen Heizleistungen durch ein kurzfristiges, periodisches Deaktivieren wenigstens eines Induktionsheizkörpers zu erzeugen.Different heating powers of different groups can be easily realized if the control unit is designed to operate a plurality of groups of induction heaters with a single inverter and to produce the different heating powers by a short-term, periodic deactivation of at least one induction heater.

Ein weiterer Aspekt der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Induktionskochfelds mit einer Mehrzahl von Induktionsheizkörpern, die flexibel zu einer Heizzone gruppiert werden. Dabei wird eine von den Induktionsheizkörpern erzeugte Heizleistung gemessen und zum Regeln des Betriebs der Induktionsheizkörper genutzt.Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters that are flexibly grouped into a heating zone. In this case, a heating power generated by the induction heaters is measured and used to control the operation of the induction heaters.

Ferner wird vorgeschlagen, dass eine Summe von Heizleistungen von wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörpern gemessen wird und als Regelgröße zum Betreiben der wenigstens zwei Induktionsheizkörper genutzt wird.It is also proposed that a sum of heating powers of at least two induction heaters is measured and used as a controlled variable for operating the at least two induction heaters.

Weitere Vorteile ergeben sich aus der folgenden Zeichnungsbeschreibung. In der Zeichnung ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung dargestellt. Die Zeichnung, die Beschreibung und die Ansprüche enthalten zahlreiche Merkmale in Kombination.Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Induktionskochfeld mit einer Matrix von Induktionsheizkörpern,
Fig. 2
eine schematische Darstellung zum Betrieb eines Paars von Induktionsheizkörpern,
Fig. 3
eine schematische Darstellung eines Matrix-Kochfelds mit mehreren Wechselrichtern,
Fig. 4
eine schematische Darstellung einer Heizzone mit mehreren Gruppen von Induktoren, die von unterschiedlichen Wechselrichtern gespeist werden,
Fig. 5
ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Verteilung einer Gesamtheizleistung auf die Wechselrichter in der in Figur 4 dargestellten Situation,
Fig. 6
eine schematische Darstellung von zwei Heizzonen, deren Induktionsheizelemente von einem einzigen Wechselrichter gespeist werden,
Fig. 7
ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Verteilung einer Gesamtheizleistung auf die Induktionsheizelemente in der in Figur 6 dargestellten Situation und
Fig. 8
eine schematische Darstellung von zwei Heizzonen, deren Induktionsheizelemente jeweils von mehreren Wechselrichtern gespeist werden.
Show it:
Fig. 1
an induction hob with a matrix of induction heaters,
Fig. 2
a schematic representation of the operation of a pair of induction heaters,
Fig. 3
a schematic representation of a matrix cooktop with multiple inverters,
Fig. 4
a schematic representation of a heating zone with multiple groups of inductors, which are fed by different inverters,
Fig. 5
a flow chart of a method for distributing a total heat output to the inverter in the in FIG. 4 illustrated situation,
Fig. 6
a schematic representation of two heating zones, the induction heating elements are powered by a single inverter,
Fig. 7
a flow chart of a method for distributing a total heating power to the induction heating in the in FIG. 6 presented situation and
Fig. 8
a schematic representation of two heating zones, the induction heating are each fed by multiple inverters.

Figur 1 zeigt ein Induktionskochfeld mit einer Mehrzahl von Induktionsheizkörpern 10, die von einer Steuereinheit 12 in Gruppen von flexibel definierbaren Heizzonen 14 zusammengefasst und synchronisiert betrieben werden können. Die Steuereinheit 12 kommuniziert mit einer Messanordnung 16 des Induktionskochfelds, über welche die Steuereinheit 12 Kenngrößen für eine von den Induktionsheizkörpern 10a, 10b erzeugte Heizleistung P, Pi erfassen kann. Diese Kenngrößen umfassen Ströme, Spannungen und/oder die elektrischen Verlustwinkel bzw. Impedanzen, die als Messwerte von der Messanordnung 16 an verschiedenen Punkten des Induktionskochfelds abgegriffen werden können. FIG. 1 shows an induction hob with a plurality of induction heating elements 10, which can be combined by a control unit 12 in groups of flexibly definable heating zones 14 and operated synchronized. The control unit 12 communicates with a measuring arrangement 16 of the induction cooktop, by means of which the control unit 12 can detect parameters for a heating power P, Pi generated by the induction heaters 10a, 10b. These parameters include currents, voltages and / or the electrical loss angles or impedances which can be tapped as measured values from the measuring arrangement 16 at different points of the induction hob.

Durch einen gemeinsamen Stromsensor 18 (siehe Figur 2) ist die Messanordnung 16 zum Messen einer Summe von Heizleistungen P von wenigstens zwei zu einer Gruppe zusammengefassten Induktionsheizkörpern 10a, 10b ausgelegt. Während in konkreten Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung die Gruppe von Induktionsheizkörpern, deren Heizleistung in Summe gemessen wird, vier oder mehr Induktionsheizkörper umfassen kann, sind in der schematischen Darstellung in Figur 2 aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit nur zwei Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b dargestellt.By a common current sensor 18 (see FIG. 2 ), the measuring arrangement 16 is designed for measuring a sum of heating powers P of at least two group-assembled induction heaters 10a, 10b. While in concrete embodiments of the invention, the group of induction heaters whose heat output is measured in total, four or more induction heaters may include, in the schematic representation in FIG. 2 for reasons of clarity, only two induction heaters 10a, 10b shown.

Jeder der Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b verfügt über eine ihm zugeordnete Treibereinheit 20a, 20b, die jeweils einen Wechselrichter 22a, 22b umfasst. Der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b erzeugt aus einem von einem Gleichrichter 24 erzeugten Gleichstrom mit einem in einem Diagramm 26 in Figur 2 dargestellten Spannungsverlauf einen im Vergleich zu einer Netzfrequenz eines Haushaltsstromnetzes 28 hochfrequenten Heizstrom 11, 12 zum Betreiben der Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b. Zwischen dem Haushaltsstromnetz 28 und dem Gleichrichter 24 ist ein Filter 30 angeordnet, der Beschädigungen des Induktionskochfelds durch Stromstöße aus dem Haushaltsstromnetz 28 verhindert.Each of the induction heaters 10a, 10b has an associated drive unit 20a, 20b, each comprising an inverter 22a, 22b. The inverter 22a, 22b generates from a direct current generated by a rectifier 24 with a in a diagram 26 in FIG. 2 shown voltage waveform in comparison to a mains frequency of a household power network 28 high-frequency heating current 11, 12 for operating the induction heater 10a, 10b. Between the household power supply 28 and the rectifier 24, a filter 30 is arranged, which prevents damage to the induction hob by power surges from the household electricity network 28.

Ein Diagramm 32 zeigt einen Spannungsverlauf des Heizstroms 11, 12, der abhängig von einer Soll-Heizleistung der Heizzone 14 eine Frequenz von 20 bis 50 kHz und eine mit der Netzfrequenz oszillierende Hüllkurve hat.A diagram 32 shows a voltage curve of the heating current 11, 12 which, depending on a desired heating power of the heating zone 14, has a frequency of 20 to 50 kHz and an envelope oscillating at the mains frequency.

Der Stromsensor 18 kann beispielsweise zwischen dem Filter 30 und dem Gleichrichter 24 angeordnet sein, so dass er im Wesentlichen den niederfrequenten Wechselstrom aus dem Haushaltsstromnetz 28 mit einer Netzfrequenz von 50 Hertz misst.For example, the current sensor 18 may be disposed between the filter 30 and the rectifier 24 so as to substantially measure the low frequency alternating current from the home electric grid 28 at a grid frequency of 50 Hertz.

Die Messanordnung 16 mit dem Stromsensor 18 misst daher eine Summe P von Eingangsleistungen der Treibereinheiten 20a, 20b. Der Eingangsstrom I des Gleichrichters 24 wird als Kenngröße für die Eingangsleistungen genutzt.The measuring arrangement 16 with the current sensor 18 therefore measures a sum P of input powers of the driver units 20a, 20b. The input current I of the rectifier 24 is used as a parameter for the input powers.

Weitere Stromsensoren 34a, 34b der Messanordnung 16 dienen zum Messen der Ströme 11, 12, welche die einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b durchfließen. Die Ströme 11, 12 sind daher die tatsächlichen Heizströme der Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b. Wenn beide Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b der gleichen Heizzone 14 zugeordnet sind und vollständig von einem Topfboden eines auf der Heizzone 14 angeordneten Kochgeschirrelements überdeckt sind, sind die Ströme 11 , 12 zumindest im Wesentlichen gleich und können in einer sehr guten Näherung als ein vorgegebener Bruchteil des Eingangsstroms I des Gleichrichters 24 berechnet werden.Further current sensors 34a, 34b of the measuring arrangement 16 serve to measure the currents 11, 12 which flow through the individual induction heaters 10a, 10b. The currents 11, 12 are therefore the actual heating currents of the induction heaters 10a, 10b. When both induction heaters 10a, 10b are associated with the same heating zone 14 and are completely covered by a pan bottom of a cookware element disposed on the heating zone 14, the flows 11, 12 are at least substantially equal and can to a very good approximation be a given fraction of the input flow I of the rectifier 24 are calculated.

Die Steuereinheit 12 nutzt die von den Stromsensoren 34a, 34b gemessenen Ströme 11, 12 der einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b in der Regel nur zum Schützen der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b und zum Detektieren der Kochgeschirrelemente auf dem Induktionskochfeld. Im Normalbetrieb müssen die von den Stromsensoren 34a, 34b gewonnenen Signale keiner aufwändigen Signalverarbeitung unterzogen werden, so dass eine Komplexität der Aufgaben der Steuereinheit 12 im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Induktionskochfeldern stark verringert werden kann.The control unit 12 uses the currents 11, 12 of the individual induction heaters 10a, 10b measured by the current sensors 34a, 34b, as a rule, only for protecting the inverters 22a, 22b and for detecting the cookware elements on the induction hob. During normal operation, the signals obtained from the current sensors 34a, 34b do not have to be subjected to complex signal processing, so that a complexity of the tasks of the control unit 12 can be greatly reduced in comparison with conventional induction hobs.

Zum Begrenzen der Wechselrichter-Leistung müssen die Amplituden der Ströme 11, 12 lediglich mit einem Schwellenwert verglichen werden.To limit the inverter power, the amplitudes of the currents 11, 12 need only be compared to a threshold value.

Die Steuereinheit 12 umfasst einen frei programmierbaren Prozessor und ein Betriebsprogramm, das periodisch oder nach einem Startsignal des Benutzers zunächst ein Kochgeschirr-Detektionsverfahren durchführt. Die Steuereinheit 12 detektiert dabei eine Größe und Position von auf dem Induktionskochfeld bzw. auf einer Abdeckplatte des Induktionshochfelds aufgestellten Kochgeschirrelementen und fasst Induktionsheizelemente 10, die wenigstens zu einem gewissen Grad von dem Kochgeschirrelement überdeckt sind, zu einer Heizzone 14 zusammen.The control unit 12 comprises a freely programmable processor and an operating program, which first performs a cookware detection method periodically or after a start signal of the user. The control unit 12 thereby detects a size and position of cooking utensils placed on the induction hob or on a cover plate of the induction high field and combines induction heating elements 10, which are at least to some extent covered by the cookware element, to form a heating zone 14.

Abhängig von einer von einem Benutzer eingestellten Heizstufe regelt die Steuereinheit 12 eine Heizleistung der Heizzone 14 auf einen von der Heizstufe abhängigen Sollwert. Dazu bildet sie eine Summe der Heizleistungen der einzelnen Induktionsheizelemente 10 und vergleicht diese Summe mit dem Sollwert.Depending on a heating level set by a user, the control unit 12 regulates a heating power of the heating zone 14 to a setpoint dependent on the heating stage. For this purpose, it forms a sum of the heating powers of the individual induction heating elements 10 and compares this sum with the setpoint value.

Bei der Summenbildung nutzt die Steuereinheit 12 das Summensignal des Stromsensors 18, wenn alle Induktionsheizkörper 10, deren Heizleistung von dem Stromsensor 18 gemeinsam gemessen wird, der Heizzone 14 angehören. Andernfalls nutzt die Steuereinheit 12 die Stromsensoren 34a, 34b zum Bestimmen der individuellen Heizleistungen Pi.In the summation, the control unit 12 uses the sum signal of the current sensor 18 when all induction heaters 10 whose heating power is measured together by the current sensor 18, the heating zone 14 belong. Otherwise, the control unit 12 uses the current sensors 34a, 34b to determine the individual heating powers Pi.

Wenn nur ein Teil der durch den Stromsensor 18 zu einer Gruppe zusammengefassten Heizelemente 10 einer Heizzone 14 zugeordnet ist, die restlichen Induktionsheizelemente aber überhaupt nicht betrieben werden, nutzt die Steuereinheit 12 ebenfalls das Signal des Stromsensors 18 zum Bestimmen der Heizleistung. Im Vergleich zu Gruppen von Induktionsheizelementen, die vollständig der Heizzone 14 angehören, wird die in die Regelung einfließende Soll-Heizleistung dieser Gruppe um einen dem Anteil der aktiven Induktionsheizelemente entsprechenden Faktor reduziert.If only a portion of the grouped by the current sensor 18 heating elements 10 is associated with a heating zone 14, but the remaining induction heating are not operated at all, the control unit 12 also uses the signal of the current sensor 18 to determine the heating power. In comparison to groups of induction heating elements which belong completely to the heating zone 14, the setpoint heating power of this group flowing into the control is reduced by a factor corresponding to the proportion of the active induction heating elements.

Das oben beschriebene Induktionskochfeld bzw. die Steuereinheit 12 implementiert ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Induktionskochfelds mit einer Mehrzahl von Induktionsheizkörpern 10a, 10b, die flexibel zu einer Heizzone 14 gruppiert und zusammengefasst werden können. Eine von den Induktionsheizkörpern 10a, 10b erzeugte Heizleistung wird gemessen und zum Regeln des Betriebs der Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b genutzt.The above-described induction hob or control unit 12 implements a method for operating an induction hob with a plurality of induction heaters 10 a, 10 b, which can be flexibly grouped and combined to form a heating zone 14. A heating power generated by the induction heaters 10a, 10b is measured and used to control the operation of the induction heaters 10a, 10b.

Dabei erfasst die Steuereinheit 12 eine Summe von Heizleistungen einer Gruppe von Induktionsheizkörpern 10a, 10b und nutzt diese Summe in einem Normalfall als Regelgröße zum Betreiben der Gruppe von Induktionsheizkörpern 10a, 10b. In Sonderfällen, in denen Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b unterschiedlichen Heizzonen 14 zugeordnet sind, fließen auch die Heizströme der einzelnen Induktionsheizkörper 10a, 10b als Regelparameter in das Steuerungsverfahren ein.In this case, the control unit 12 detects a sum of heating powers of a group of induction heaters 10a, 10b and uses this sum in a normal case as a controlled variable for operating the group of induction heaters 10a, 10b. In special cases in which induction heaters 10a, 10b are assigned to different heating zones 14, the heating currents of the individual induction heaters 10a, 10b also flow into the control method as control parameters.

Figur 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Matrix-Kochfelds mit zwei Wechselrichtern 22a, 22b, die über eine Schaltanordnung 36 mit Induktionsheizkörpern 10a - 10e verbunden werden können. Das Kochfeld umfasst eine Matrix von Induktionsheizkörpern 10a - 10e, von denen in Figur 3 nur fünf Stück exemplarisch dargestellt sind. Eine befriedigende Ortsauflösung bei der Definition der Heizzonen 14 kann bei vernünftigen Kosten und einem akzeptablen Steuerungsaufwand realisiert werden, wenn die tatsächliche Anzahl der Induktionsheizkörper 10a - 10e zwischen 40 und 64 liegt. FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a matrix cooktop with two inverters 22a, 22b, which can be connected via a switching arrangement 36 with induction heaters 10a - 10e. The hob comprises a matrix of induction heaters 10a - 10e, of which in FIG. 3 only five pieces are shown as examples. A satisfactory spatial resolution in the definition of the heating zones 14 can be realized at a reasonable cost and an acceptable control effort, if the actual number of induction heaters 10a - 10e is between 40 and 64.

Die Schaltanordnung 36 kann zumindest einzelne der Induktionsheizkörper 10a - 10e wahlweise mit einem der beiden Wechselrichter 22a, 22b verbinden, bzw. jeden der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b mit wählbaren Gruppen aus Induktionsheizelementen 10a- 10e.The switching arrangement 36 can connect at least one of the induction heaters 10a-10e optionally to one of the two inverters 22a, 22b, or each of the inverters 22a, 22b to selectable groups of induction heaters 10a-10e.

In dem in Figur 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist jeder der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b mit einem Stromsensor 18a, 18b ausgestattet, der zwischen einem Gleichrichter 24 und dem jeweiligen Wechselrichter 22a, 22b angeordnet ist. Die Stromsensoren 18a, 18b messen den gleichgerichteten Strom aus dem Haushaltsstromnetz 28, dessen relevante Frequenzanteile maximal ca. 100 Hz betragen. Wegen der geringen Frequenzen sind Strommessungen des Eingangsstroms der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b einfacher als Strommessungen der Ausgangsströme der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b, deren Frequenz eine Größenordnung von 75 kHz hat.In the in FIG. 3 In the embodiment shown, each of the inverters 22a, 22b is equipped with a current sensor 18a, 18b, which is arranged between a rectifier 24 and the respective inverter 22a, 22b. The current sensors 18a, 18b measure the rectified current from the household power grid 28, the relevant frequency components amount to a maximum of about 100 Hz. Because of the low frequencies, current measurements of the input current of the inverters 22a, 22b are simpler than current measurements of the output currents of the inverters 22a, 22b, whose frequency is on the order of 75 kHz.

Figur 4 zeigt schematisch eine Heizzone 14, die von neun Induktionsheizelementen 10a - 10i gebildet wird. Eine erste Gruppe von Induktionsheizkörpern 10a - 10c wird von einem ersten Wechselrichter 22a gespeist und eine zweite Gruppe von Induktionsheizelementen 10d - 10i wird von einem zweiten Wechselrichter 22b gespeist. FIG. 4 schematically shows a heating zone 14, which is formed by nine induction heating 10a - 10i. A first group of induction heaters 10a-10c is powered by a first inverter 22a and a second group of induction heaters 10d-10i is powered by a second inverter 22b.

Wenn der Benutzer über eine Benutzerschnittstelle eine bestimmte Heizstufe für die Heizzone 14 bereitstellt, berechnet die Steuereinheit 12 abhängig von der eingestellten Leistungsstufe und abhängig von der Größe der Heizzone 14 eine Soll-Gesamtheizleistung für die Heizzone 14. Die Steuereinheit 12 regelt die Heizleistung der Heizzone 14 auf den so bestimmten Sollwert. Dazu berechnet die Steuereinheit aus den Eingangsströmen 11, 12 der Wechselrichter 22a, 22b, die über die Stromsensoren 18a, 18b gemessen werden, eine Gesamtheizleistung der beiden Gruppen von Induktionsheizelementen 10a - 10i und berechnet durch das Isolieren der Heizleistungen der Gruppen die Gesamtheizleistung der Heizzone 14.When the user provides a particular heating level for the heating zone 14 via a user interface, the control unit 12 calculates a target total heating power for the heating zone 14, depending on the set power level and the size of the heating zone 14. The control unit 12 controls the heating power of the heating zone 14 on the sun specific setpoint. For this purpose, the control unit calculates from the input currents 11, 12 of the inverters 22a, 22b, which are measured via the current sensors 18a, 18b, a total heating power of the two groups of induction heating elements 10a-10i and calculates the total heating power of the heating zone 14 by isolating the heating powers of the groups ,

Wenn die so bestimmte Gesamtheizleistung nicht mit der Soll-Heizleistung übereinstimmt, kann die Heizleistung durch eine Variation der von den Wechselrichtern 22a, 22b erzeugten Heizfrequenz in einem geschlossenen Regelkreis auf den Sollwert geregelt werden.When the total heating power thus determined does not agree with the target heating power, the heating power can be controlled to the target value by varying the heating frequency generated by the inverters 22a, 22b in a closed loop.

In einer besonders einfachen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung werden die Heizelemente 10a - 10j der beiden Gruppen jeweils mit Heizströmen mit der gleichen Frequenz betrieben. Die Gruppen-Heizleistungen der beiden Gruppen stellen sich dann automatisch auf einen Wert ein, der durch die Kopplungsstärke der unterschiedlichen Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10j an den Boden des Kochtopfs bestimmt ist. Die Steuereinheit 12 kann die Heizleistung der einzelnen Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10j mit Hilfe von Begrenzungs-Stromsensoren der in Figur 2 dargestellten Art überwachen. Falls ein Ungleichgewicht zwischen den Gruppen-Heizleistungen der beiden Gruppen entsteht, kann die Steuereinheit durch ein Umschalten der Schaltanordnung 36 einen der Induktionsheizkörper 10a - 10j der anderen Gruppe zuordnen.In a particularly simple embodiment of the invention, the heating elements 10a-10j of the two groups are each operated with heating currents at the same frequency. The group heating powers of the two groups then automatically adjust to a value which is determined by the coupling strength of the different induction heating elements 10a-10j to the bottom of the cooking pot. The control unit 12 can control the heating power of the individual induction heating elements 10a-10j by means of limiting current sensors of the type shown in FIG FIG. 2 Monitor the type shown. If there is an imbalance between the group heating powers of the two groups, the control unit can assign one of the induction heaters 10a-10j to the other group by switching the switching arrangement 36.

Ferner ist es möglich, beispielsweise durch einen getakteten Betrieb der Heizelemente 10a - 10j die Anteile der Gruppen-Heizleistungen an der Gesamtheizleistung auf vorgegebene Werte zu regeln. Dazu kann die Steuereinheit 12 durch eine Betätigung der Schaltanordnung 36 die Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10i einer der Gruppen getaktet betreiben, oder die Wechselrichter 22a, 22b können Heizströme mit unterschiedlichen Heizfrequenzen erzeugen.Furthermore, it is possible, for example by a clocked operation of the heating elements 10a-10j, to regulate the proportions of the group heating powers to the total heating power to predetermined values. For this purpose, the control unit 12 can operate the induction heating elements 10a-10i of one of the groups in a clocked manner by actuation of the switching arrangement 36, or the inverters 22a, 22b can generate heating currents with different heating frequencies.

Figur 5 zeigt ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Verteilung einer Gesamtheizleistung auf die Wechselrichter in der in Figur 4 dargestellten Situation. In einem Schritt S1 wird ein Verhältnis der Gruppen-Heizleistungen von verschiedenen Gruppen von Heizelementen berechnet, die zusammen eine Heizzone 14 bilden. Beispielsweise kann festgelegt werden, dass eine erste Gruppe von Induktionsheizelementen 10a - 10i 70 % der Gesamtheizleistung erzeugen soll und dass eine zweite Gruppe von Induktionsheizelementen 10a - 10i 30 % der Gesamtheizleistung erzeugen soll. Diese Verteilung kann beispielsweise so gewählt werden, dass sich der Boden des Kochgeschirrs möglichst homogen erhitzt. Ferner ist es denkbar, dass die den unterschiedlichen Gruppen von Induktionsheizkörpern 10a - 10i zugeordneten Flächenanteile des Kochgeschirrbodens von der Steuereinheit 12 bestimmt oder abgeschätzt werden und die Verteilung der Gesamtheizleistung im Verhältnis der Flächenanteile erfolgt. Unter Verwendung der Eingangsströme 11, 12 der beiden Wechselrichter 22a, 22b kann die Steuereinheit 12 in jedem Moment die Gruppen-Heizleistung der beiden Gruppen bestimmen und auf den Sollwert regeln, der dem vorgegebenen Anteil an der Gesamtheizleistung entspricht. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for distributing a total heat output to the inverters in the in FIG. 4 illustrated situation. In a step S1, a ratio of the group heating powers is calculated by different groups of heating elements, which together form a heating zone 14. For example, it may be determined that a first group of induction heating elements 10a-10i should produce 70% of the total heating power and that a second group of induction heating elements 10a-10i should generate 30% of the total heating power. This distribution can be, for example be chosen so that the bottom of the cookware heats up as homogeneously as possible. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the surface portions of the cookware base assigned to the different groups of induction heating elements 10a-10i are determined or estimated by the control unit 12 and the distribution of the total heating power takes place in the ratio of the surface portions. Using the input currents 11, 12 of the two inverters 22a, 22b, the control unit 12 can at any moment determine the group heating power of the two groups and regulate it to the desired value, which corresponds to the predetermined proportion of the total heating power.

Die Gruppen-Heizleistungen können durch Verändern der Frequenz der Heizströme, durch eine Änderung der Amplitude der Heizströme oder durch eine geeignete Einstellung von Längen von Betriebsphasen der verschiedenen Gruppen von Heizelementen in einem getakteten Betrieb erfolgen. Die Amplitudenänderung kann durch eine Änderung der Pulsphase von Steuersignalen erreicht werden, die von der Steuereinheit 12 an die Wechselrichter 22a, 22b übermittelt werden. In einem Schritt S2 entscheidet die Steuereinheit 12, welches der oben genannten Verfahren angewandt wird. Bevorzugt wird dabei immer die simultane Änderung der Frequenz der Heizströme beider Gruppen, da dadurch Interferenzbrummen vermieden werden kann. Nur wenn bei gleicher Heizfrequenz beider Gruppen das angestrebte Verhältnis der Gruppen-Heizleistungen um mehr als einen Toleranzbereich von beispielsweise 5 % oder 10 % verfehlt wird, erfolgt die Einstellung der Gruppen-Heizleistungen über einen getakteten Betrieb der Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10i. In einem Schritt S3 sind schließlich die Betriebsparameter so verändert, dass sich die Gruppen-Heizleistung in Richtung ihres Sollwerts verändert. Anschließend springt das Verfahren zurück in den Schritt S1, um den Regelkreis zu schließen.The group heating powers may be accomplished by varying the frequency of the heating currents, by changing the amplitude of the heating currents, or by suitably adjusting lengths of operating phases of the various groups of heating elements in a timed operation. The amplitude change can be achieved by a change in the pulse phase of control signals, which are transmitted from the control unit 12 to the inverters 22a, 22b. In a step S2, the control unit 12 decides which of the above-mentioned methods is used. Preference is always given to the simultaneous change in the frequency of the heating currents of both groups, as this interference hum can be avoided. Only if at the same heating frequency of both groups, the desired ratio of the group heating power is missed by more than a tolerance range of, for example, 5% or 10%, the setting of the group heating power via a pulsed operation of the induction heating 10a - 10i. Finally, in a step S3, the operating parameters are changed so that the group heating power changes in the direction of its setpoint. Subsequently, the process returns to step S1 to close the control loop.

Figur 6 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung von zwei Heizzonen 14a, 14b, deren Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10d bzw. 10e - 10g von einem einzigen Wechselrichter 22 (nicht dargestellt) betrieben werden. Die Steuereinheit 12 kann über einen Stromsensor 18 nur den Eingangsstrom des Wechselrichters und damit die Gesamtheizleistung beider Heizzonen 14a, 14b bestimmen, wenn beide Heizzonen 14a, 14b gleichzeitig betrieben werden. FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of two heating zones 14a, 14b, the induction heating elements 10a - 10d and 10e - 10g from a single inverter 22 (not shown) are operated. The control unit 12 can determine via a current sensor 18 only the input current of the inverter and thus the total heating power of both heating zones 14a, 14b, if both heating zones 14a, 14b are operated simultaneously.

Um dennoch die anteiligen Heizleistungen der beiden Heizzonen 14a, 14b bestimmen zu können, verwendet die Steuereinheit 12 ein in Figur 7 schematisch dargestelltes Verfahren. In einem Schritt S71 trennt die Steuereinheit durch das Betätigen der Schaltanordnung 36 die Induktoren 10a - 10d der ersten Heizzone 14a von dem Wechselrichter und misst über den dem Wechselrichter zugeordneten Stromsensor 18 die nun allein von der zweiten Heizzone 14b verbrauchte Heizleistung. In einem Schritt S72 schließt die Steuereinheit 12 die Verbindung zwischen den Induktionsheizelementen 10a - 10d der Heizzonen 14a mit dem Wechselrichter 22 wieder, indem die Schaltanordnung 36 betätigt wird. Anschließend misst die Steuereinheit 12 mit Hilfe des Stromsensors 18 wieder die nun von beiden Heizzonen 14a, 14b verbrauchte Gesamtheizleistung. Die Heizleistung der zweiten Heizzonen 14b wird in einem Schritt S73 durch das Bilden der Differenz zwischen der in Schritt S72 bestimmten Gesamtheizleistung und der in Schritt S71 bestimmten Heizleistung berechnet. In einem Schritt S74 bildet die Steuereinheit das Verhältnis der Heizleistungen der einzelnen Heizzonen 14a, 14b und vergleicht es mit einem Sollwert. Dabei berücksichtigt die Steuereinheit im Falle eines getakteten Betriebs der Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10i, dass die Heizelemente der Heizzonen 14a, 14b phasenweise ausgeschaltet werden und berechnet eine gemittelte Heizleistung. Falls Abweichungen zu dem Sollwert auftreten, verändert die Steuereinheit 12 in einem Schritt S75 die Dauer der Heizphasen der Heizzonen 14a, 14b so, dass sich das Verhältnis in der Richtung des Sollwerts verändert.In order nevertheless to be able to determine the proportionate heating powers of the two heating zones 14a, 14b, the control unit 12 uses an in FIG. 7 schematically illustrated method. In a step S71, the control unit disconnects by operating the switching arrangement 36, the inductors 10a-10d of the first heating zone 14a from the inverter and measured via the inverter associated with the current sensor 18, the now consumed only by the second heating zone 14b heating power. In a step S72, the control unit 12 closes the connection between the induction heating elements 10a-10d of the heating zones 14a with the inverter 22 by actuating the switching arrangement 36. Subsequently, the control unit 12 again measures the total heat output now consumed by the two heating zones 14a, 14b with the aid of the current sensor 18. The heating power of the second heating zones 14b is calculated in a step S73 by forming the difference between the total heating power determined in step S72 and the heating power determined in step S71. In a step S74, the control unit forms the ratio of the heating powers of the individual heating zones 14a, 14b and compares it with a desired value. In the case of a clocked operation of the induction heating elements 10a-10i, the control unit takes into account that the heating elements of the heating zones 14a, 14b are switched off in phases and calculates an average heating power. If deviations from the target value occur, the control unit 12 changes in a step S75 the duration of the heating phases of the heating zones 14a, 14b so that the ratio changes in the direction of the target value.

Figur 8 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung von zwei Heizzonen 14a, 14b, deren Induktionsheizelemente 10a - 10g jeweils von mehreren Wechselrichtern gespeist werden. Die jeweils einem Wechselrichter zugeordneten Induktionsheizelemente sind in Figur 8 mit der gleichen Schraffur dargestellt. Die Verteilung der Gesamtheizleistung auf die verschiedenen Heizzonen 14a, 14b und auf die verschiedenen Heizelemente 10a - 10g erfolgt durch eine Kombination der in Figuren 5 und 7 dargestellten Verfahren. Um einen Anteil einer ersten Heizzone 14a an der Gesamtheizleistung zu bestimmen, wird die zweite Heizzone 14b kurzzeitig ausgeschaltet. Die Eingangsströme jedes Wechselrichters werden gemessen, so dass die Verteilung der Gesamtheizleistung beider Heizzonen 14a, 14b auf die verschiedenen Wechselrichter unmittelbar bekannt ist. FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of two heating zones 14a, 14b, the induction heating elements 10a - 10g are each fed by a plurality of inverters. Each of an inverter associated induction heating are in FIG. 8 represented with the same hatching. The distribution of the total heating power to the various heating zones 14a, 14b and to the various heating elements 10a-10g is effected by a combination of the in Figures 5 and 7 illustrated method. In order to determine a proportion of a first heating zone 14a in the total heating power, the second heating zone 14b is switched off for a short time. The input currents of each inverter are measured so that the distribution of the total heating power of both heating zones 14a, 14b to the various inverters is immediately known.

Bezugszeichenreference numeral

1010
Induktionsheizkörperinduction heater
10a10a
Induktionsheizkörperinduction heater
10b10b
Induktionsheizkörperinduction heater
10c10c
Induktionsheizkörperinduction heater
10d10d
Induktionsheizkörperinduction heater
10e10e
Induktionsheizkörperinduction heater
1212
Steuereinheitcontrol unit
1414
Heizzoneheating zone
1616
Messanordnungmeasuring arrangement
18a18a
Stromsensorcurrent sensor
18b18b
Stromsensorcurrent sensor
20a20a
Treibereinheitdriver unit
20b20b
Treibereinheitdriver unit
22a22a
Wechselrichterinverter
22b22b
Wechselrichterinverter
2424
Gleichrichterrectifier
2626
Diagrammdiagram
2828
HaushaltsstromnetzHousehold power grid
3030
Filterfilter
3232
Diagrammdiagram
34b34b
Stromsensorcurrent sensor
34a34a
Stromsensorcurrent sensor
3636
Schaltanordnungswitching arrangement
PP
Heizleistungheating capacity
Pipi
Heizleistungheating capacity
II
Stromelectricity
I1I1
Stromelectricity
I2I2
Stromelectricity

Claims (12)

  1. Induction hob having a plurality of induction heating elements (10), a control unit (12), which is designed to operate a number of induction heating elements (10) to heat at least one flexibly definable heating zone (14) in a synchronised manner and a measurement array (16) for measuring a heating power (P, Pi) generated by the induction heating elements (10), wherein the measurement array (16) is designed to measure a sum of the heating powers (P) of at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b), wherein the control unit (12) is designed to use the sum of the heating powers (P) to regulate the heating power (P, Pi), wherein the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b) are adjacent induction heating elements (10a, 10b) in a matrix of induction heating elements (10a, 10b), and wherein the measurement array (16) comprises at least one current sensor (18) for measuring a sum of the currents flowing through at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b), characterised in that the current sensor (18) is designed to measure an input current of an inverter, which supplies the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b).
  2. Induction hob according to claim 1, characterised by a number of inverters (22a, 22b) for generating an alternating current voltage to supply the induction heating elements (10), wherein the measurement array (16) comprises a number of current sensors (18) for measuring an input current of each of the inverters (22a, 22b).
  3. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a plurality of driver units (20a, 20b) assigned respectively to an induction heating element (10a, 10b), each comprising an inverter (22a, 22b) for generating a high-frequency current for operating the induction heating elements (10a, 10b), wherein the measurement array (16) is designed to measure a sum of input powers of the driver units (20a, 20b).
  4. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the measurement array (16) is designed also to measure values of the currents (I1, I2) flowing through the individual induction heating elements (10a, 10b).
  5. Induction hob according to claim 4, characterised in that the control unit (12) is designed to use values of the currents (I1, I2) of the individual induction heating elements (10a, 10b) to limit an inverter power.
  6. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (12) is designed to use the sum of the heating powers (P) to regulate the heating power (P, Pi), if the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b) are assigned to a common heating zone (14), and to use the values of the currents (I1, I2) of the individual induction heating elements (10a, 10b) to regulate the heating powers (P, Pi) of said induction heating elements (10a, 10b), if the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b) are assigned to different heating zones (14).
  7. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the measurement array (16) is designed to measure a sum of the heating powers (P) of at least four adjacent induction heating elements (10a, 10b).
  8. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (12) is designed to form a heating zone (14) from a number of groups of induction heating elements (10a, 10b) and to supply each of the groups from a different inverter (22a, 22b), wherein the control unit (12) uses the input currents of the inverters (22a, 22b) as the characteristic variable for the sum of the heating powers of the induction heating elements (10a, 10b) supplied by the relevant inverter (22a, 22b).
  9. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (12) is designed to operate a number of groups of induction heating elements (10a, 10b) with a single inverter (22a, 22b) in at least one operating state and to determine the proportion of the overall heating power contributed by one of the groups in a phase in which only the induction heating elements (10a, 10b) of this group are active.
  10. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (12) is designed to operate a number of groups of induction heating elements (10a, 10b) simultaneously in at least one operating state.
  11. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (12) is designed to operate a number of groups of induction heating elements (10a, 10b) with a single inverter (22a, 22b) and to generate different heating powers by means of a short-term periodic deactivation of at least one induction heating element (10a, 10b).
  12. Method for operating an induction hob having a plurality of induction heating elements (10a, 10b), which are grouped flexibly to form a heating zone (14), wherein a heating power (P, Pi) generated by the induction heating elements (10a, 10b) is measured and used to regulate the operation of the induction heating elements (10a, 10b), wherein a sum of heating powers (P) of at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b) is measured and used as a control variable for operating the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b), wherein the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b) are adjacent induction heating elements (10a, 10b) in a matrix of induction heating elements (10a, 10b), wherein the measurement array (16) comprises at least one current sensor (18) for measuring a sum of the currents flowing through at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b), and wherein the current sensor (18) is designed to measure an input current of an inverter, which supplies the at least two induction heating elements (10a, 10b).
EP09701875.8A 2008-01-14 2009-01-12 Induction hob comprising a plurality of induction heaters Revoked EP2236004B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11164169.2A EP2352359B1 (en) 2008-01-14 2009-01-12 Induction hotplate with multiple induction heaters

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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ES200800175A ES2335256B1 (en) 2008-01-14 2008-01-14 INDUCTION COOKING FIELD WITH A PLURALITY OF INDUCTION HEATING BODIES.
PCT/EP2009/050274 WO2009090152A1 (en) 2008-01-14 2009-01-12 Induction hob comprising a plurality of induction heaters

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EP11164169.2A Division EP2352359B1 (en) 2008-01-14 2009-01-12 Induction hotplate with multiple induction heaters

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EP2236004A1 EP2236004A1 (en) 2010-10-06
EP2236004B1 true EP2236004B1 (en) 2017-05-10

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EP11164169.2A Active EP2352359B1 (en) 2008-01-14 2009-01-12 Induction hotplate with multiple induction heaters

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EP (2) EP2236004B1 (en)
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ES2335256B1 (en) 2008-01-14 2011-01-17 Bsh Electrodomesticos España, S.A. INDUCTION COOKING FIELD WITH A PLURALITY OF INDUCTION HEATING BODIES.
EP2306784A1 (en) * 2009-10-05 2011-04-06 Whirlpool Corporation Method for supplying power to induction cooking zones of an induction cooking hob having a plurality of power converters, and induction cooking hob using such method
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ES2335256B1 (en) 2011-01-17
EP2236004A1 (en) 2010-10-06
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ES2335256A1 (en) 2010-03-23
EP2352359A1 (en) 2011-08-03

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