EP2600690A2 - Cooking hob - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a hob plate (10c) provided with a free installation position (12c) for heating a dish (14c). A control unit (20c) receives a signal from an installation measurement unit (18c) to initiate determination of the installation position. The measurement unit comprises installation sensors (24c, 26c) i.e. vibration sensors (28c, 30c, 32c), that communicate with the plate. The control unit roughly determines the installation position based on spacing parameters i.e. signal propagation times. The heating unit is integrally formed with a position measurement unit. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for operating a hob device (2) a hob.

Description

From the DE 10 2004 008 739 A1 is a hob with a hob plate known on which four heating zones are marked. The cooktop comprises a sensor unit with two acoustic sensors for detecting an installation position of a cooking vessel on one of the four heating zones.

The object of the invention is in particular to optimize a cooking utensil detection. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and the method claim 8, while advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a cooktop apparatus with a cooktop panel with an at least substantially free installation position for heating a cooking utensil, with a set-up measuring unit designed differently by a heating unit and with a control unit, which is provided to initiate a set-up position determination upon receipt of a signal by the set-up measuring unit , By "provided" is to be understood here and below in particular specially designed and / or equipped and / or programmed. A "hob plate" should be understood in particular a plate unit of a hob, which is provided in an operational state for setting up a cooking utensil on a top. Preferably, the hob plate is at least partially and particularly advantageously completely made of a glass ceramic. An "at least essentially free installation position for heating a cooking utensil" should be understood in this context, in particular a freely selectable at least within predetermined limits position on which the cooking utensils can be placed for heating on the hob plate, with a range within the given limits in particular an area of at least 50%, in particular of at least 60%, preferably of at least 70%, advantageous of at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90%, of a surface area of the entire top surface of the cooktop panel.

A "heating unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit which is intended to convert electrical energy into heat. In particular, the heating unit comprises a resistance heater and / or a radiant heater and / or preferably an induction heater, which is intended to convert electrical energy into heat indirectly via eddy currents induced in the cooking utensil. In this context, a "set-up measuring unit" should be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which is provided to detect the setting up of the cooking utensil on the hob plate and, in particular, to provide a corresponding electrical signal for the control unit. In this context, a "control unit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an electronic unit which is at least provided for reading out electrical signals of the set-up measuring unit and for additionally controlling the set-up measuring unit. Preferably, the control unit comprises a computing unit and, in particular in addition to the computing unit, a memory unit with a control and / or regulating program stored therein. Preferably, the control unit with a control and / or regulating unit of the hob, which is intended to control at least the heating unit and / or to regulate, at least partially formed in one piece. A "signal" received by the installation measuring unit is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a value of a physical variable which is characteristic for setting up the cooking utensil on the hob plate and, in particular, detected by the installation measuring unit.

A "Aufstellpositionsbestimmung" should be understood in this context, in particular a preferably controlled by the control unit routine for particular, at least largely accurate determination of the installation position of the cooking utensils on the hob plate. An "at least largely exact determination" of the installation position of the cooking utensil is intended in particular to mean a determination of the set-up position of the cooking utensil be in which a relative deviation of a measured installation position of the actual installation position of the cooking utensil on the cooktop panel is at most 30%, in particular at most 20%, preferably at most 10% and more preferably at most 5%. In particular, the Aufstellpositionsbestimmung may include several steps, in particular a step for at least coarse determination of the installation position and a further step to at least largely accurate determination of the installation position. An "at least coarse determination" of the installation position of the cooking utensil should be understood in particular a determination of the installation position of the cooking utensils, in which a relative deviation of a measured installation position of the actual installation position of the cooking utensil on the hob plate at most 70%, in particular at most 60%, preferably at most 50% and most advantageously at most 40%, but greater than 30%.

By such a configuration, a Garware detection can be optimized. In particular, a permanent and autonomous monitoring, in particular without manual starting of a cooking utensil detection by an operator, can be achieved with regard to setting up a cooking utensil on the hob plate, while still keeping energy consumption advantageously low. Thus, it can be avoided in particular that, in the case of a matrix hob, heating units are constantly cyclically actuated in order to carry out a position determination in a known manner. Furthermore, a constant movement of the heating unit can be avoided in the case of a hob with at least one heating unit movably arranged below the hob plate. It can be achieved that as soon as a setting up of a cooking utensil is detected, the hob recognizes this, switches to an active state and requests an operator input of a heating power and / or a cooking program for heating the cooking utensil. Since the erection measuring unit has only a low energy requirement, an advantageously high energy efficiency can be achieved with simultaneously advantageously high ease of use. In particular, a special operating intervention of an operator to start a cooking utensil detection is superfluous. Furthermore, an electromagnetic load can be advantageous can be reduced because a Garware detection can be minimized by means of the heating units. In this context, a "matrix cooktop" is to be understood, in particular, as a cooktop in which the heating units are arranged in a preferably regular grid under the cooktop panel and a region of the cooktop panel which can be heated by means of the heating units is preferably at least 60%, in particular at least 70%. advantageously comprises at least 80% and particularly advantageously at least 90% of the surface of the hob plate. In particular, the matrix cooktop comprises at least 10, in particular at least 20, advantageously at least 30 and particularly advantageously at least 40 heating units. In this context, a "heating unit movably arranged below the cooktop panel" should be understood to mean, in particular, a heating unit which, in particular, is movable parallel to the cooktop panel via a guide unit below the cooktop panel. Preferably, the guide unit has at least one drive unit for moving the heating unit.

It is also proposed that the installation measuring unit comprises at least two installation sensors communicating with the hob plate. A "setup sensor" is to be understood here and below as meaning, in particular, a sensor unit which is intended to detect the setting up of the cooking utensil on the hob plate, in particular via physical parameters which occur when setting up the cooking utensil and / or change characteristically, in particular an acceleration and / or an expansion and / or a sound pressure level and / or a vibration. The erection sensors can be any sensors which appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, but preferably strain gauges or vibration sensors, in particular accelerometers and / or microphones. A "vibration sensor" is to be understood in particular as meaning a sensor unit which is intended to detect vibrations generated by the setting up of the cooking utensil on the hob plate, in particular those which are generated in the hob plate and spread there. An "accelerometer" is to be understood in particular as meaning a sensor unit which is intended to measure an acceleration, in particular by determining an inertial force acting on a test mass. The acceleration unit may be any acceleration unit which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, in particular a piezoelectric acceleration unit. However, the acceleration unit is preferably a miniaturized acceleration unit, which is designed in particular as a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). Furthermore, the sensor unit preferably comprises an amplifier unit for amplifying the measured variable. The term "positioning sensors communicating with the cooktop panel" should in particular be understood to mean deployment sensors which are in operative connection with the cooktop panel and, in particular, are preferably in direct contact with it. As a result, at least a rough determination of the installation position of the cooking utensil on the hob plate by means of the Aufstellmesseinheit be made possible, since measured signals of different Aufstellsensoren can be compared. Preferably, the Aufstellmesseinheit comprises at least three Aufstellsensoren, whereby the determination of the installation position can be further improved. If the setup measuring unit comprises at least four erection sensors, a sensitivity can be further advantageously increased since physical properties of the hob plate, in particular a temperature dependence of a speed of sound in the hob plate, can be regarded as variables in determining the set-up position and thus can be determined in real time.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the erection sensors are designed as vibration sensors. In this way, an advantageously high reliability of Aufstellmesseinheit be guaranteed because when setting up the Gargeschirrs a noise is generated and this is detected by vibration sensors. Furthermore, costs can be reduced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the control unit be provided for an at least rough determination the Aufstellposition on the basis of distance parameters to make, which depend on a respective distance of Aufstellsensoren to the installation position. As a distance parameter in particular a signal strength and preferably a signal delay in question. A "signal propagation time" is to be understood in particular as meaning a time which a signal, in particular a vibration signal, covers a distance from a first location, in particular a place of origin of the vibration signal, preferably the installation position of the cookware, to a second location, in particular a detection location , preferably a location of one of the Aufstellsensoren needed. As a result, advantageously a position determination can be provided.

Advantageously, the distance parameters signal propagation times. Preferably, the control unit is provided to use signal propagation time differences in the at least rough determination of the installation position. As a result, a reliability can be increased particularly advantageous.

If the control unit is provided to use a position measuring unit designed differently by the setup measuring unit for the at least largely accurate determination of the set-up position, uncertainties in the determination of the set-up position can be advantageously reduced by means of the set-up measuring unit. In particular, an exact determination of the position of the cooking utensil can take place when this is displaced, for example, on the hob plate after setting up. Furthermore, an exact determination of the position of the cooking utensil can take place if, for example, when it is placed on the hob plate with an edge of its bottom, it first impinges on the hob plate, whereby the determination of the set-up position by means of the set-up measuring unit becomes inaccurate. A "position measuring unit" is to be understood in this context, in particular a unit which is provided for at least largely accurate determination of the installation position of the cooking utensils on the hob plate. The position measuring unit can be configured in any way that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. For example, it can have an optical camera with which the hob plate is filmed is used to determine the mounting position. Furthermore, a laser-assisted position measuring unit is conceivable.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the hob device comprises at least one heating unit, which is at least partially formed integrally with the position measuring unit. In particular, the position measuring unit may be integrally formed with a plurality of heating units, in particular with a plurality of heating units arranged in the manner of a matrix. Preferably, the heating unit has at least one induction heater. Preferably, the at least substantially accurate determination of the installation position by means of a person skilled in the art from the prior art known method, in which, for example, an induced by the established cooking harness eddy currents occurring damping of the induction heater comprehensive resonant circuit is detected. As a result, an advantageous position measuring unit can be provided. In particular, components can be saved, whereby on the one hand an assembly effort and on the other hand costs can be reduced.

Furthermore, a method is proposed with a cooktop device with a cooktop panel with an at least substantially free Aufstellposition for heating a Gargeschirrs and with a Aufstellmesseinheit, in which a Aufstellpositionsbestimmung is initiated upon receipt of a signal by the Aufstellmesseinheit. As a result, a Garware detection can be optimized.

Furthermore, a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop, with a cooktop device according to the invention is proposed. Here, the hob can be designed in particular as a matrix hob. In this way, a hob can be provided with an optimized cookingware detection.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the hob at least one under the cooktop plate movably arranged heating unit includes. In this way, advantageously, a cost-effective cooktop with an at least substantially free installation position for heating a cooking utensil can be provided. In particular, costs for additional induction heaters and / or inverters can be saved.

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1

ein Kochfeld mit einer Aufstellmesseinheit mit lediglich einem Aufstellsensor in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Aufstellpositionsbestimmung für die Aufstellmesseinheit aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

ein Kochfeld mit einer alternativen Aufstellmesseinheit mit zwei Aufstellsensoren in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 4

ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Aufstellpositionsbestimmung für die Aufstellmesseinheit aus Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

ein Kochfeld mit einer weiteren Aufstellmesseinheit mit drei Aufstellsensoren in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 6

ein Schaubild zur Veranschaulichung einer Aufstellpositionsbestimmung für die Aufstellmesseinheit aus Fig. 5 und

Fig. 7

ein Ablaufdiagramm der Aufstellpositionsbestimmung für die Aufstellmesseinheit aus Fig. 5.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a hob with a Aufstellmesseinheit with only a Aufstellsensor in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 2

a flowchart of Aufstellpositionsbestimmung for the setup measuring unit Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a hob with an alternative Aufstellmesseinheit with two Aufstellsensoren in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 4

a flowchart of Aufstellpositionsbestimmung for the setup measuring unit Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5

a hob with another Aufstellmesseinheit with three Aufstellsensoren in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 6

a diagram for illustrating a Aufstellpositionsbestimmung for the setup measuring unit Fig. 5 and

Fig. 7

a flowchart of Aufstellpositionsbestimmung for the setup measuring unit Fig. 5 ,

FIG. 1 shows a cooktop 36a designed as induction hob 38a. The hob 36a comprises a hob according to the invention. The hob apparatus has a hob plate 10a. The hob plate 10a consists of a glass ceramic. In an operational state is the hob plate

10a arranged horizontally and provided for setting up cooking utensils 14a to its heating. By means of a marking 40a, which is applied to the hob plate 10a in a manner known to a person skilled in the art, a heating region 42a on the cooking field plate 10a is separated from an operating region 44a. In the operating area 44 a, the cooktop 36 a comprises an operator interface 46 a, which in Fig. 1 is shown only schematically. The operator interface 46a includes a display unit and a plurality of touch-sensitive keys. The hob 36a is provided for setting up the cooking utensil 14a to an arbitrary set-up position 12a within the heating area 42a. The hob device has at least one heating unit 16a arranged movably below the hob plate 10a (in FIG Fig. 1 shown schematically and dashed). The heating unit 16a has at least one induction heater for inductive heating of the cooking utensil 14a. The heating unit 16a is supported by a guide unit which allows a movement of the heating unit 16a and adjustment of a position of the heating unit 16a to the erecting position 12a of the cooking utensil 14a (not shown). In addition, the hob device further, in Fig. 1 Not shown heating units include, which preferably also comprise at least one induction heater and which are also movably mounted on guide units below the hob plate 10a.

The cooktop apparatus further comprises an installation measuring unit 18a and a control unit 20a below the cooktop panel 10a (in FIG Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines). The control unit 20a is provided to initiate a set-up position determination upon receipt of a signal by the set-up measuring unit 18a (cf. Fig. 2 ). The installation measuring unit 18a comprises a positioning sensor 22a designed as a vibration sensor 28a (in FIG Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines). The positioning sensor 22a is arranged below the operating area 44a of the hob plate 10a (in FIG Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines). The positioning sensor 22a is attached to an underside of the hob plate 10a. The positioning sensor 22a is designed as an accelerometer. The erection sensor 22a is provided to occur when setting up the cooking utensil 14a in the hob plate 10a Detect sound waves. The hob device further comprises a position measuring unit 34a designed differently by the setting-up measuring unit 18a, which is provided for an at least largely accurate determination of the set-up position 12a. The position measuring unit 34a is formed integrally with the heating unit 16a. As soon as the setup of the cooking utensil 14a is detected by the sensor 22a by receiving the sound waves, the control unit 20a causes the Aufstellpositionsbestimmung. In the Aufstellpositionsbestimmung the installation position 12a is determined by means of the position measuring unit 34a. For this purpose, use is made of a method already known to a person skilled in the art. The heating unit 16a is slowly moved in a regular search pattern below the cooking field plate 10a. At regular short intervals or alternatively continuously, the induction heater of the heating unit 16a is operated with high-frequency AC voltage. If the heating unit 16a is located below the cooking utensil 14a, this is detectable on the basis of a characteristic current profile in the induction heater.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of Aufstellpositionsbestimmung. It is assumed at the beginning that the hob 36a is in a resting state. The power supplies of all the heating units 16a and the user interface 46a are interrupted. Only the control unit 20a operates in a low-energy state and supplies the setup sensor 22a of the setup measurement unit 18a with energy. In a step 60a, let it be assumed that the positioning sensor 22a detects a vibration. The control unit 20a thereby transitions from the low energy state to a normal operation state. In particular, it may be provided at this point to check by means of a frequency analysis whether the vibration registered by the positioning sensor 22a is actually a vibration which arises due to a placement of a metallic object, in particular of the cooking utensil 14a, on the hob plate 10a , If this is not the case, the control unit 20a can again switch to the low-energy state. If, however, the oscillation is actually suitable for placing the cooking utensil 14a on the hob plate 10a, or if a frequency analysis is not performed, the Aufstellpositionsbestimmung is initiated by the control unit 20a with a step 68a.

In step 68a, as described above, the heating unit 16a is used to search for the installation position 12a of the cooking utensil 14a. In a step 70a, the control unit 20a checks whether the set-up position 12a has been found. If so, then the control unit 20a causes in a step 72a via the user interface 46a an operating request for the selection of cooking parameters for the cooking utensil 14a. If the set-up position 12a was not found, an error message is output in a step 74a via the user interface 46a. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic signal may be provided. In a step 76a, the control unit 20a returns to the low energy state immediately or alternatively after a predetermined time.

In Fig. 3 to 7 two further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, with respect to the same components, features and functions on the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Fig. 1 and 2 , can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Fig. 1 and 2 by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the embodiments of the Fig. 3 to 7 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, can in principle also to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Fig. 1 and 2 , to get expelled.

FIG. 3 shows a trained as induction cooktop 38b hob 36b with an alternative cooktop device. The cooktop device comprises an installation measuring unit 18b with two erecting sensors 22b, 24b designed as vibration sensors 28b, 30b. The erection sensors 22b, 24b are in turn arranged below an operating region 44b of a hob plate 10b. The Aufstellsensoren 22b, 24b are disposed in a vicinity of opposite short sides of the operation area 44b (in FIG Fig. 3 shown in dashed lines). The erection sensors 22b, 24b are attached to an underside of the hob plate 10b. The erection sensors 22b, 24b are also designed as accelerometers. The erection sensors 22b, 24b are intended to detect sound waves occurring when setting up a cooking utensil 14b in the hob plate 10b. A control unit 20b is provided to make an at least rough determination of a set-up position 12b of the cooking utensil 14b on the basis of distance parameters which depend on a respective distance of the set-up sensors 22b, 24b to the set-up position 12b. As distance parameters, signal propagation times are available in the present case. Since the sound waves reach the positioning sensors 22b, 24b at different times as a function of an installation position 12b of the cooking utensil 14b, an approximate position determination can be made in which half space 48b, 50b of a heating area 42b of the hob plate 10b the cooking utensil 14b has been set up. As soon as a vibration is detected at one of the erection sensors 22b, 24b, the control unit 20b starts a positioning position determination (cf. Fig. 4 ).

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of Aufstellpositionsbestimmung. It is assumed at the beginning that the hob 36b is in an idle state. The power supplies of all the heating units 16b and an operator interface 46b are interrupted. Only the control unit 20b operates in a low energy state and supplies the erection sensors 22b, 24b of the setup measuring unit 18b with energy. In a step 60b, assume that one of the erection sensors 22b, 24b registers a vibration. The control unit 20b then starts the Aufstellpositionsbestimmung. The control unit 20b waits for a corresponding detection of the vibration by the respective other positioning sensor 22b, 24b. If the detection by the other setting sensor 22b, 24b fails within a short period of time, the control unit 20b remains in the low energy state. If the other deployment sensor 22b, 24b also detects the vibration in a step 62b, the control unit 20b transitions from the low power state to a normal operation state. It can be done in one step 64b be provided in particular to check by means of a frequency analysis, if it is in the recorded by the Aufstellsensoren 22b, 24b vibration is actually a vibration, which arises by a placement of a metallic object, in particular the cooking utensil 14b, the hob plate 10b. If this is not the case, the control unit 20b can again switch to the low-energy state. However, if the vibration is actually in question for setting up the cooking utensil 14b on the cooktop panel 10b or if frequency analysis is not performed, the control unit 20b concludes from the fact that the vibration was detected by one of the erection sensors 22b, 24b earlier than by the other that the mounting position 12b must be closer to the Aufstellsensor 22b, 24b, which could detect the vibration first. The half-space 48b, 50b, in which the set-up position 12b is arranged, is therefore known in step 64b.

In a step 68b, as described above, with the aid of the heating unit 16b in the corresponding half-space 48b, 50b, the installation position 12b of the cooking utensil 14b is searched for. In a step 70b, it is checked by the control unit 20b whether the set-up position 12b has been found. If so, then the control unit 20b causes in a step 72b via the operator interface 46b an operating request for the selection of cooking parameters for the cooking utensil 14b. If the set-up position 12b was not found, an error message is output in a step 74b via the user interface 46b. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic signal may be provided. In a step 76b, the control unit 20b returns to the low energy state immediately or alternatively after a predetermined time.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment with two Aufstellsensoren in a hob with two sets of particular stationary heating units, each set covers a half-space of a heating area of a hob plate. Thus, it can be determined in a particularly advantageous manner which set of heating units is to be operated for a heating process.

FIG. 5 shows a trained as induction cooktop 38c cooktop 36c with another cooktop device. The cooktop apparatus comprises an installation measuring unit 18c with three erecting sensors 22c, 24c, 26c designed as vibration sensors 28c, 30c, 32c. Two of the erection sensors 22c, 24c are disposed below an operation area 44c of a cooktop panel 10c (in FIG Fig. 5 shown in dashed lines). The erection sensors 22c, 24c are arranged in an environment of opposite short sides of the operation area 44c. One of the erecting sensors 26c is disposed in a vicinity of a side 52c of the cooking hob plate 10c opposite to the operating portion 44c below a heating portion 42c of the cooking hob plate 10c. The positioning sensor 26c is centered relative to the side 52c of the cooking field plate 10c. The erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c are attached to an underside of the cooktop panel 10c. The erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c are also designed as accelerometers. The erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c are intended to detect sound waves occurring when setting up a cooking utensil 14c in the hob plate 10c. A control unit 20c is provided to make an at least rough determination of a set-up position 12c of the cooking utensil 14c on the basis of distance parameters, which depend on a respective distance of the set-up sensors 22c, 24c, 26c to the set-up position 12c. As distance parameters, signal transit times are also suitable here. As soon as an oscillation is detected at one of the erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c, the control unit 20c starts a set-up position determination (cf. Fig. 7 ). Since the sound waves reach the set-up sensors 22c, 24c, 26c at different times depending on an installation position 12c of the cooking utensil 14c, an approximate two-dimensional position determination can be made as follows.

$${\mathrm{y}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{=}{\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{,}$$

$${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}+{\mathrm{\Delta t}}_2\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{,}$$

$${\mathrm{y}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{\Delta t}}_{\mathrm{2}}\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{,}$$

$${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{\Delta t}}_{\mathrm{3}}\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{,}$$

$${\mathrm{y}}_{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{\Delta t}}_{\mathrm{3}}\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{,}$$

$$\mathrm{c}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{1}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{1}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}},$$

$$\mathrm{c}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{2}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{2}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}},$$

$$\mathrm{c}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{3}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{3}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}}$$

und
neun Unbekannten x, y, t₁, c_x1, c_y1, c_x2, c_y2, c_x3 und c_y3. Insbesondere ist die Zeitdauer t₁, welche das Schwingungssignal vom Entstehungsort der Aufstellposition 12c bis zum Aufstellsensor 24c an den Ortskoordinaten (x₁, y₁) benötigt, eine Unbekannte. Die Steuereinheit 20c ist dazu vorgesehen, dieses Gleichungssystem mit den bekannten Parametern x₁, y₁, x₂, y₂, x₃, y₃, Δt₂, Δt₃ und c zu lösen.Referring to Fig. 6 Let (x ₁ , y ₁ ), (x ₂ , y ₂ ) and (x ₃ , y ₃ ) be the two-dimensional location coordinates of the setup sensors 22c, 24c, 26c relative to a coordinate origin (0, 0) on the hob plate 10c. Further, let (x, y) be the two-dimensional spatial coordinate of the erecting position 12c on the cooking plate 10c relative to the origin of coordinates (0, 0). The speed of sound in the hob plate Let 10c be c. Assuming the setup sensor 24c with the location coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ) first register a vibration, the setup sensor 26c with the location coordinates (x ₂ , y ₂ ) after elapse of a period of time .DELTA.t ₂ and the setup sensor 22c with the location coordinates (x ₃ , y ₃ ) after elapse of a period of time Δt ₃ . With the directed by the set-up position 12c to the respective Aufstellsensoren 22c, 24c, 26c sound velocity vectors (c _x1, c _y1), (c _x2, c _y2) and (c _x3, c _y3) then applies a system of equations with the following nine formulas: $${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{=}{\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{.}$$

$${\mathrm{y}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{=}{\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{.}$$

$${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}+{\mathrm{.delta.t}}_2\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{.}$$

$${\mathrm{y}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{.delta.t}}_{\mathrm{2}}\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{.}$$

$${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{.delta.t}}_{\mathrm{3}}\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{.}$$

$${\mathrm{y}}_{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{-}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{=}\left({\mathrm{t}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{+}{\mathrm{.delta.t}}_{\mathrm{3}}\right)\mathrm{\times }{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{.}$$

$$\mathrm{c}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{1}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{1}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}}.$$

$$\mathrm{c}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{2}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{2}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}}.$$

$$\mathrm{c}\mathrm{=}{\left[{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{x}\mathrm{3}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{+}{\left({\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{y}\mathrm{3}}\right)}^{\mathrm{2}}\right]}^{\mathrm{1}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{2}}$$

and
nine unknowns x, y, t ₁ , c _x1 , c _y1 , c _x2 , c _y2 , c _x3 and c _y3 . In particular, the time duration t ₁ , which requires the oscillation signal from the point of origin of the set-up position 12 c to the set-up sensor 24 c at the location coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ), is an unknown. The control unit 20c is provided to solve this equation system with the known parameters x ₁ , y ₁ , x ₂ , y ₂ , x ₃ , y ₃ , Δt ₂ , Δt ₃ and c.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of Aufstellpositionsbestimmung. It is assumed at the beginning that the hob 36c is in a state of rest. The power supplies of all the heating units 16c and an operator interface 46c are interrupted. Only the control unit 20c operates in a low energy state and supplies the erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c of the setup measuring unit 18c with energy. In a step 60c, assume that one of the erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c registers a vibration. The control unit 20c then starts the Aufstellpositionsbestimmung. The control unit 20c waits for a corresponding detection of the vibration by the respective other Aufstellsensoren 22c, 24c, 26c. If the detection by the other setting sensors 22c, 24c, 26c fails within a short period of time, the control unit 20c remains in the low energy state. If the other erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c also detect the oscillation in a step 62c with propagation time differences Δt ₂ and Δt ₃ , the control unit 20c changes from the low-energy state into a normal operating state. In a step 64c, it can be provided, in particular, to check by means of a frequency analysis whether the vibration registered by the erection sensors 22c, 24c, 26c is actually a vibration which is caused by setting up a metallic object, in particular the cooking utensil 14c. on the hob plate 10c arises. If this is not the case, the control unit 20c can again switch to the low-energy state. However, if the oscillation is actually in question for placing the cooking utensil 14c on the cooktop panel 10c or if frequency analysis is not performed, the control unit 20c calculates the approximate location coordinates (x, y) of the erecting position 12c in step 64c using the above equation system ,

In a step 68c, as described above, with the aid of the heating unit 16c in an environment of the location coordinates (x, y), the exact set-up position 12c of the cooking utensil 14c is searched for. In a step 70c, the control unit 20c checks whether the set-up position 12c has been found. If so, then the control unit 20c causes in a step 72c via the user interface 46c an operating request for the selection of cooking parameters for the cooking utensil 14c. If the set-up position 12c was not found, an error message is output in a step 74c via the user interface 46c. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic signal may be provided. In a step 76c, the control unit 20c returns to the low energy state immediately or alternatively after a predetermined time.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to further increase a number of erection sensors, for example, a sound velocity c in a set unknown to a corresponding Record system of equations. In this way, a real-time measurement of the speed of sound can be achieved, as a result of which a reliability of a position determination of an installation position can be further increased. It is also conceivable that a hob instead of a hob with at least one movable heating unit is designed as a matrix hob with a plurality of heating units arranged in a matrix. In a further alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that a position measuring unit, in particular a position measuring unit integrally formed at least partially with a heating unit, is completely dispensed with and in particular only the set-up measuring unit is used to determine a set-up position of a cooking utensil on a hob plate. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if more than three Aufstellsensoren are used.

reference numeral

10

Hotplate

12

Operating position

14

cooking containers

16

heating unit

18

Aufstellmesseinheit

20

control unit

22

Aufstellsensor

24

Aufstellsensor

26

Aufstellsensor

28

vibration sensor

30

vibration sensor

32

vibration sensor

34

Position measurement unit

36

hob

38

Induction hob

40

mark

42

heating

44

operating area

46

Operator Interface

48

half space

50

half space

52

page

60

step

62

step

64

step

68

step

70

step

72

step

74

step

76

step

Claims (10)

Hob device with a cooktop panel (10a-c) with an at least substantially free installation position (12a-c) for heating a cooking utensil (14a-c) with a different from a heating unit (16a-c) Aufstellmesseinheit (18a-c) and with a control unit (20a-c), which is provided to initiate a Aufstellpositionsbestimmung upon receipt of a signal by the Aufstellmesseinheit (18a-c). Cooking field device according to claim 1, characterized in that the installation measuring unit (18b, 18c) comprises at least two positioning sensors (22b, 24b; 22c, 24c, 26c) communicating with the hob plate (10b; 10c). Cooking field device according to claim 2, characterized in that the erection sensors (22b, 24b; 22c, 24c, 26c) are designed as vibration sensors (28b, 30b; 28c, 30c, 32c). Cooking field device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit (20b; 20c) is provided for making an at least rough determination of the set-up position (12b; 12c) on the basis of distance parameters which are determined by a respective distance of the positioning sensors (22b, 24b 22c, 24c, 26c) to the installation position (12b, 12c). Hob device according to claim 4, characterized in that the distance parameters are signal delays. Hob device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20a-c) is provided for at least substantially accurate determination of the installation position (12a-c) of the Aufstellmesseinheit (18a-c) differently formed position measuring unit (34a-c ) to use. Hob device according to claim 6, characterized by at least one heating unit (16a-c), which is formed at least partially in one piece with the position measuring unit (34a-c). Method with a hob device having a hob plate (10a-c) with an at least substantially free installation position (12a-c) for heating a cooking utensil (14a-c) and with a different from a heating unit (16a-c) Aufstellmesseinheit (18a c), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in which upon receipt of a signal by the erection measuring unit (18a-c) a Aufstellpositionsbestimmung is initiated. Cooking field (36a-c), in particular induction hob (38a-c), with a hob device according to one of claims 1 to 7. Hob (36a-c) according to claim 9, characterized by at least one under the cooktop plate (10a-c) movably arranged heating unit (16a-c).

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