EP3013120B2 - Hotplate device - Google Patents

Description

The invention is based on an induction hob device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

A hob device with a sensor unit is already known from the prior art, which detects various cooking utensil parameters when the cooking utensil is set up. In this case, the sensor unit detects, for example, the presence, size and shape of the cooking utensil that has been set up. The hob device also includes a control unit that evaluates the cooking utensil parameters for further processing. During further processing, the control unit assigns a heating zone to the cooking utensil, for example, and controls a supply unit for heating the cooking utensil as a function of an operator input by means of an operator control unit of the hob device. The control unit starts an automatic heating operation exclusively on the basis of an operator input via the control unit.

From the European patent application EP 2 670 211 A2 a hob device, in particular an induction hob device, is already known which has at least one variable cooking area and at least one control unit. The control unit is provided to carry out an automated cooking process in at least a partial area of the variable cooking area.

The German patent application DE 10 2008 041390 A1 discloses a hob device with a monitoring unit for monitoring at least one cooking area of a hob, which has at least one sensor unit which is provided for detection in an infrared range. The sensor unit has a plurality of infrared sensors which are arranged in a sensor field.

From US pamphlet U.S. 6,140,617A a system for detecting cooking appliance-related properties through a cooking surface with a solid surface is already known. The system includes presence, absence, removal, placement, and other characteristics (e.g., size) of a cooking utensil on the cooking surface. An energy source heats the contents of a cooking utensil placed on the cooking surface, and an optical radiation source is controlled to provide a questionnaire for detecting characteristics of the cooking utensil. The cooking utensil property detection system may be part of a monitoring system for monitoring the cooking utensil properties, or it may be part of a control system for controlling the power source in dependence upon the detected cooking utensil properties, or it may be both.

The international patent application WO 2012/006674 A1 discloses a cooking device and method. The cooking appliance includes a temperature controlled heating element, a user interface that enables a user to select a predetermined item for cooking, and a processor module that contains cooking data for cooking the aforesaid item and provides prompts to the user during cooking. The cooking data can relate to a cooking sequence or to a cooking process. A cookware sensor for automatic cookware recognition can be used.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic hob device with improved properties with regard to a high level of operating convenience. The object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of patent claim 1, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on an induction hob device with a sensor unit that is provided to detect at least one cooking utensil parameter of at least one set cooking utensil, and with a control unit that is provided to evaluate the at least one cooking utensil parameter.

It is proposed that the control unit is provided to evaluate at least one further cooking utensil parameter for further processing in addition to size and shape. A “cooktop device” is to be understood in particular as meaning at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop. In particular, the hob device can also include the entire hob, in particular the entire induction hob. A "sensor unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit which has at least one sensor for detecting the at least one cooking utensil parameter and which in particular converts the at least one cooking utensil parameter detected by the at least one sensor into at least one electrical parameter, in particular into at least one electrical signal, converts and advantageously transmits the at least one electrical parameter to the control unit. A “cooking utensil parameter” should be understood to mean a physical and/or chemical variable that characterizes and/or defines the cooking utensil as such, specifically independently of an operating state. The at least one cooking utensil parameter could be in the form of a size and/or a shape, for example. In particular, the at least one cooking utensil parameter could alternatively or additionally be embodied as a material and/or as a parameter of the at least one cooking utensil that characterizes a material. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cooking utensil parameter could be in the form of an electrical and/or thermal parameter, such as a conductivity, for example and/or as a permeability and/or as a thermal property, such as in particular a thermal conductivity or a heat capacity. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cooking utensil parameter could be designed as a type and/or a type of cooking utensil. For example, the at least one cooking utensil parameter can alternatively or additionally be a measured parameter that could be detected in particular by the sensor unit. The additional cooking utensil parameter can alternatively or additionally be embodied in particular as a parameter which could be stored in a memory unit of the control unit and which in particular could be pre-programmed and/or which in particular could have been stored in the memory unit by the control unit during at least one operating state. The at least one further cooking utensil parameter differs in particular from a heating zone which is assigned in particular to the at least one cooking utensil. In particular, the at least one further cooking utensil parameter differs from a heating power and/or a heating power density that is assigned in particular to the at least one cooking utensil and/or with which the control unit operates the at least one cooking utensil. The at least one further cooking utensil parameter differs in particular from a temperature which the at least one cooking utensil has in particular in a heating operating state. In particular, the at least one further cooking utensil parameter differs from a position at which in particular the at least one cooking utensil is set up. A "control unit" is to be understood in particular as an electronic unit which is preferably at least partially integrated in a control and/or regulating unit of a hob and which is preferably provided for the purpose of at least one electrical component, in particular of the hob device and/or of the hob, such as for example at least one supply unit and/or at least one heating element to control and/or regulate. Preferably, the control unit comprises an arithmetic unit and, in particular, in addition to the arithmetic unit, a memory unit with a control and/or regulation program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the arithmetic unit. The expression that the control unit is intended to "evaluate" the at least one cooking utensil parameter is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit, on the basis of a parameter transmitted by the sensor unit, which in particular characterizes the at least one cooking utensil parameter and/or as the at least one Cookware parameter is formed, performs at least one action and / or initiates. The expression that the control unit "initiates" an action should be understood in particular to mean that the control unit outputs at least one signal, such as in particular a command and/or an execution arrangement, to a further unit which then carries out the action. For example, the control unit could output the at least one signal to an operating unit, which in particular has an output unit, in order in particular to output an operator, such as an input request and/or information. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit could output the at least one signal to at least one supply unit, in particular of the hob device and/or the hob, in order to activate at least one electrical element, such as at least one heating element. The phrase that the control unit is provided to "evaluate at least one cooking utensil parameter "for further processing" should be understood in particular to mean that the control unit evaluates the at least one cooking utensil parameter assigned to the at least one cooking utensil and makes it available for subsequent processing and preferably the subsequent Processing is also carried out in order in particular to determine and/or simplify a heating operation of the at least one cooking utensil which is advantageously immediate and/or subsequent at a later point in time. “Provided” should be understood to mean, in particular, specially programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is to be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

The configuration according to the invention makes it possible, in particular, to provide a high level of comfort for an operator. Advantageously, a high level of operator satisfaction can be achieved. An optimized heating operation can/can be carried out particularly advantageously and/or a good cooking result can be achieved. In particular, an impression of a clever control unit can be given to an operator. In addition, a clear differentiation from competitors and/or rivals can be made possible.

The control unit is intended to recognize the at least one cooking utensil, in particular a type of the at least one cooking utensil, on the basis of the at least one cooking utensil parameter. The control unit advantageously assigns the at least one cookware to a group of cookware, such as a cooking group and/or a frying group and/or a pan group and/or a fryer group and/or a TeppanYaki group. In this way, in particular, a heating mode that is optimized for the at least one cooking utensil can be selected and/or carried out.

The control unit could in particular be provided to recognize at least one cooking utensil, in particular any desired and advantageously hitherto unknown cooking utensil, on the basis of the at least one cooking utensil parameter. However, the control unit is provided for this purpose on the basis of the at least one cooking utensil parameter to recognize at least one cookware. In this case, the at least one cooking utensil parameter is configured in particular as a parameter that is advantageously stored in the memory unit of the control unit. In this way, in particular, a short processing time and/or a small number of actions and, in particular, arithmetic steps of the control unit can be achieved.

The control unit is provided to compare the at least one cooking utensil parameter with at least one reference parameter stored in a memory unit of the control unit, in particular in the memory unit of the control unit, in order to identify the at least one cooking utensil. When recognizing and/or recognizing the at least one cooking utensil, the control unit in particular carries out at least one identification of the at least one cooking utensil, the control unit advantageously identifying a size and/or a shape of the at least one cooking utensil with the at least one reference parameter stored in the memory unit compares A "reference parameter" is to be understood in particular as a past parameter which is in particular embodied as a value of the at least one cooking utensil parameter and which is advantageously preprogrammed in the memory unit of the control unit and/or detected in at least one operating state, such as in at least one heating operation, and subsequently stored, in particular stored, by the control unit in the memory unit. In this way, in particular, a quick assignment of cooking parameters, such as a heating power and/or a heating power density and/or a duty cycle, to the at least one cooking utensil can be made possible.

If the at least one cooking utensil parameter deviates from the at least one reference parameter, the control unit could classify the at least one cooking utensil as unknown, in particular independently of the size of the deviation, and advantageously carry out at least a large part and in particular all of the detection steps and/or calculation steps. However, the control unit is intended to use the at least one reference parameter for further processing if the at least one cooking utensil parameter deviates from the at least one reference parameter within at least one tolerance range. The control unit assumes that the at least one cooking utensil has been identified if the at least one cooking utensil parameter deviates from the at least one reference parameter within the at least one tolerance range. For further processing, the control unit advantageously uses the at least one reference parameter instead of the at least one cooking utensil parameter. A "tolerance range" of a parameter, in particular of the at least one reference parameter, is to be understood in particular as a range in which at least one value is arranged which is reduced by a maximum of 7%, in particular by a maximum of 5%, advantageously by a maximum of 4%, particularly advantageously by deviates from a value of the parameter by a maximum of 3%, preferably by a maximum of 2% and particularly preferably by a maximum of 1%. In this way, in particular, less necessary computing power can be achieved and/or a control unit that is easy to program can be provided. In this way, particularly low costs and/or simple measurement programs can be achieved.
It is also proposed that the control unit is provided to store, in particular to store, the at least one cooking utensil parameter in a memory unit of the control unit, in particular in the memory unit of the control unit, to form at least one reference parameter. The control unit could be provided, for example, to remove the at least one first reference parameter from the memory unit, in particular to delete it, in the event that at least one first reference parameter stored in the memory unit was last used a long time ago in relation to a current point in time, in order to advantageously free up memory space in the To create storage unit and / or in particular to achieve effective and / or fast processing. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit could have at least one free installation space for retrofitting a storage capacity of the storage unit. In this way, in particular, an operation can be made possible that is tailored to an operator and/or advantageously to cooking utensils preferred by the operator. In this way, a high level of operator satisfaction and/or a high level of comfort for the operator can/can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the control unit is provided to store, in particular to store, the at least one cooking utensil parameter in a memory unit of the control unit, in particular in the memory unit of the control unit, to form at least one reference parameter. The control unit could be provided, for example, to remove the at least one first reference parameter from the memory unit, in particular to delete it, in the event that at least one first reference parameter stored in the memory unit was used a long time ago in relation to a current point in time, in order to advantageously free up memory space in the memory unit to create and/or in particular to achieve effective and/or fast processing. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit could have at least one free installation space for retrofitting a storage capacity of the storage unit. In this way, in particular, an operation can be made possible that is tailored to an operator and/or advantageously to cooking utensils preferred by the operator. In this way, a high level of operator satisfaction and/or a high level of comfort for the operator can/can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit is provided to determine at least one operating mode with which the at least one cooking utensil can be operated on the basis of a type of the identified at least one cooking utensil. An "operating mode" is to be understood in particular as a type and/or a type of heating operation which, in particular, at least one temperature to be reached in the heating operation and/or advantageously at least one result to be achieved of at least one item to be cooked, which is advantageously in the at least one Cookware is arranged defined. The at least one operating mode could be, for example, cooking and/or roasting and/or deep-frying and/or poaching and/or simmering and/or keeping warm and/or steaming and/or steaming and/or simmering and/or pressure cooking and/or vacuum cooking and/or Have low-temperature cooking. As a result, in particular an individual and/or targeted heating operation of the at least one cooking utensil can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit is provided for the at least one operating mode, with which the at least one cooking utensil can be operated, in particular, advantageously to propose to an operator. In particular, the control unit is provided to output the at least one operating mode to an operator by means of an output unit of an operating unit, in particular of the hob device. In this case, the control unit is advantageously provided for starting at least one temperature-controlled heating operation only after the operator has made an operator input using the operator control unit. In this way, in particular, a high level of comfort can be achieved for an operator.

In a further refinement, it is proposed that the control unit be provided to automatically and in particular automatically start at least one temperature-controlled heating mode on the basis of the at least one operating mode with which the at least one cooking utensil can be operated in particular. The control unit is provided, in particular, to start the at least one temperature-controlled heating operation at a certain time, in particular immediately and/or at a later point in time, after the at least one operating mode has been determined, in particular independently of an operator and/or advantageously independently of an operator input by means of the operating unit start. In this way, in particular, additional work in the form of an operator input can be relieved from an operator and/or advantageously a high level of comfort for the operator can be achieved.

Furthermore, a system with at least one induction hob device according to the invention and with at least one cooking utensil is proposed, which is designed as a system cooking utensil, wherein the control unit has a memory unit in which at least one cooking utensil parameter assigned to the at least one cooking utensil and/or at least one cooking utensil to the at least one Additional function assigned to cookware are/is stored. A “system cooking utensil” is to be understood in particular as a cooking utensil that is particularly advantageously included in a scope of delivery when a finished end product, in particular the hob, is delivered and/or that is known in particular to the control unit, such as in particular from at least one of the cooking utensil assigned cooking utensil parameter and/or by at least one additional function assigned to the cooking utensil. The at least one additional function advantageously has at least one operating mode that is specifically tailored to the at least one cooking utensil, such as frying on a pan and/or cooking on a saucepan and/or pressure cooking on a pressure cooker, which in particular can be closed tightly is. Alternatively or additionally, the use of at least one element, in particular at least one sensor, is defined and/or specified by the at least one additional function, which is especially designed specifically for the at least one cooking utensil, such as a frying sensor for a pan and/or a cooking sensor for a cooking pot. In this way, in particular, an end product that is attractive and/or inexpensive for an operator can be achieved.

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

Fig. 1

ein Kochfeld mit einer Kochfeldvorrichtung und einem Gargeschirr in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

das Gargeschirr in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 3

ein Diagramm eines Verfahrens mit der Kochfeldvorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4

ein weiteres Diagramm, in welchem auf einer Abszisse eine Größe eines Gargeschirrs und auf einer Ordinate ein Leistungsfaktor aufgetragen sind,

Fig. 5

das Kochfeld mit der Kochfeldvorrichtung und einem weiteren Gargeschirr in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 6

das Kochfeld mit der Kochfeldvorrichtung und einem weiteren Gargeschirr in einer schematischen Draufsicht und

Fig. 7

das Kochfeld mit der Kochfeldvorrichtung und einem weiteren Gargeschirr in einer schematischen Draufsicht.

Show it:

1

a hob with a hob device and a cooking utensil in a schematic top view,

2

the cookware in a schematic sectional view,

3

a diagram of a method with the hob device in a schematic representation,

4

a further diagram in which a size of a cooking utensil is plotted on an abscissa and a power factor is plotted on an ordinate,

figure 5

the hob with the hob device and another cooking utensil in a schematic top view,

6

the hob with the hob device and another cooking utensil in a schematic plan view and

7

the hob with the hob device and another cooking utensil in a schematic top view.

1 shows a hob 20, which is designed as an induction hob, with a hob device 10, which is designed as an induction hob device. The hob device 10 includes a hob plate 22. In an assembled state, the hob plate 22 is provided for placing cookware 14 on it. The hob device 10 includes a plurality of heating elements 30. The heating elements 30 define a variable cooking surface area 32. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hob device 10 includes forty-eight heating elements 30. Alternatively, the hob device could include fewer heating elements, such as two or four heating elements, which in particular could form a classic heating area , in which heating zones are in particular fixed. In this case, a position of the heating zones could advantageously be defined by a position of the heating elements and in particular additionally identified by markings on the hob plate.

In an installation position, the heating elements 30 are arranged on a side of the hob plate 22 facing away from an operator. The heating elements 30 are each intended to be placed on the hob plate 22 Cookware 14 to heat. The heating elements 30 are in the form of induction heating elements. The hob device 10 includes a supply unit 34 for supplying the heating elements 30 with energy.

The hob device 10 includes an operating unit 24. The operating unit 24 is provided for inputting and/or selecting operating parameters, for example a heating output and/or a heating output density and/or a heating mode and/or a heating zone. The operating unit 24 is provided for outputting a value of an operating parameter to an operator. In this case, the operating unit could output the value of the operating parameter to an operator visually and/or acoustically. The operating unit 24 has an output unit 26 which is provided for an optical and acoustic output of the operating parameter to an operator.

The hob device 10 includes a control unit 16. The control unit 16 is provided for carrying out actions and/or changing settings as a function of operating parameters entered by means of the operating unit 24. In an operating state, the control unit 16 regulates the supply of energy to the heating elements 30. For this purpose, the control unit 16 controls the supply unit 34 in order to activate the heating elements 30 assigned to one or more cooking utensils 14. The control unit 16 operates the activated heating elements 30. Here, the control unit 16 controls the supply unit 34, which supplies the heating elements 30 with electrical power.

The hob device 10 includes a sensor unit 12. The sensor unit 12 detects a cooking utensil parameter of a set cooking utensil 14. In addition to detecting the cooking utensil parameter, the sensor unit could be provided for detecting a temperature parameter and/or a position parameter. In this case, the sensor unit could be provided to detect a temperature parameter of the cooking utensil and/or a position parameter of the cooking utensil. The sensor unit could, for example, additionally be provided to detect a temperature parameter of an item to be cooked and/or a position parameter of an item to be cooked placed. The temperature parameter is in particular designed as a value of a detected temperature and/or advantageously as a parameter that characterizes a value of a detected temperature, such as an amplitude and/or a strength and/or a pulse duration of an electrical signal. The position parameter is advantageously embodied as a position of the cooking utensil and/or in particular as a position of heating elements, above which the cooking utensil is set up.

The sensor unit 12 has at least one sensor 28 . In this case, the sensor unit could have exactly one single sensor. Alternatively, the sensor unit could have a plurality of sensors, and in particular a large number of sensors. Only one sensor 28 is described below, regardless of how many sensors 28 the sensor unit 12 has. The sensor 28 detects the cooking utensil parameter. In addition, the sensor 28 detects the temperature parameter and/or the position parameter. For example, the sensor could detect a cooking utensil parameter of a cooking utensil, in particular a cooking utensil base and/or a cooking utensil side wall, in which case the control unit could heat the cooking utensil in particular to carry out a heating operation configured as a roasting process. In addition, the sensor could detect a temperature parameter of an item to be cooked and/or a position parameter of an item to be cooked, which in particular could be located in a cooking utensil, in order in particular to carry out a heating operation in the form of a cooking process. In the following, the temperature parameter and/or the position parameter are/is not described in any further detail, since these are not crucial for the invention.

In Figures 1 and 2 various configurations of the sensor 28 are shown, the different configurations being provided with the letters a to e. For example, a sensor 28a could be provided, which could be arranged on a side of the hob plate 22 facing away from an operator and could be embodied in particular as an infrared sensor. Here, the sensor 28a could detect a cooking utensil parameter of a cooking utensil base, in that the sensor 28a detects in particular infrared radiation coming from the cooking utensil base.

A sensor 28b could also be provided for detecting a temperature parameter, which could be arranged on the side of the hob plate 22 facing away from an operator and could be designed in particular as a measuring resistor. In this case, the sensor 28b could change its resistance as a function of a temperature, in which case the sensor 28b could in particular detect a parameter which characterizes a temperature and is transmitted from the cooking utensil 14 through the hob plate 22 to the sensor 28b.

In a further possible embodiment, a sensor 28c could be integrated in a measuring dome. The measuring dome could be arranged at an edge of a heating area. In this case, the measuring dome could be arranged so that it can move relative to the hob plate 22 . The measuring dome could be arranged in particular on the side of the hob plate 22 facing away from an operator. In order to carry out a detection of a cooking utensil parameter, in particular in a heating operating state, the measuring dome could be moved from the side of the hob plate 22 facing away from an operator to a side of the hob plate 22 facing towards an operator. The sensor 28c could advantageously be designed as an infrared sensor. The sensor 28c could detect infrared radiation coming from the cooking utensil 14, in particular to identify a cooking utensil parameter of the cooking utensil 14 to be detected. In addition, the sensor 28c could, in particular for detecting the temperature parameter, detect infrared radiation coming from the item to be cooked in the cooking utensil 14 in order in particular to detect a temperature of the item to be cooked in the cooking utensil 14 .

A sensor 28d, 28e could also be arranged directly on the cooking utensil 14 (cf. 2 ). For example, a sensor 28d could be provided for attachment to a side wall of the cooking utensil 14 . In particular, the sensor 28d could detect a cooking utensil parameter of the cooking utensil 14, such as a material of the side wall. In addition, the sensor 28d could in particular detect a temperature parameter of the cooking utensil 14, such as a temperature of the side wall of the cooking utensil 14 and/or the bottom of the cooking utensil. The sensor 28d could in particular have a measuring resistor. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 28d attached to the side wall could have an infrared sensor. In this case, the sensor 28d could in particular detect infrared radiation emitted by the side wall of the cooking utensil 14 in order in particular to detect a cooking utensil parameter of the cooking utensil 14 . In addition, the sensor 28d could detect infrared radiation emitted by an item to be cooked in the cooking utensil 14, in particular for detecting the temperature parameter, in order in particular to detect a parameter characterizing a temperature of the item to be cooked in the cooking utensil 14.

A sensor 28e for direct contact with an item to be cooked in the cooking utensil 14 could also be provided for detecting the temperature parameter. In particular, sensor 28e could have a probe that detects a temperature parameter, such as a temperature-characterizing parameter, of the food to be cooked in cooking utensil 14, such as by changing a resistance as a function of a temperature of the food to be cooked in cooking utensil 14.

A sensor 28f could advantageously be formed essentially in one piece with a heating element 30 of the heating elements 30 . The sensor 28f could detect a cooking utensil parameter, in particular using an electrical parameter. The sensor unit 12 uses the supply unit 34, for example, to detect the cooking utensil parameter with the sensor 28f. Such a method is already known from the prior art and is therefore not explained further. However, an arrangement and/or specific configuration of the sensor 28 is not the subject of this invention, which is why a more detailed description is not given at this point. A single sensor 28 is only described in general terms below.

The sensor unit 12 transmits a detected cooking utensil parameter to the control unit 16 . The control unit 16 evaluates the cooking utensil parameter which the sensor unit 12 transmits to the control unit 16 . For further processing, the control unit 16 evaluates another cooking utensil parameter in addition to size G and shape. In the following it is assumed that any cooking utensil 14a, such as an in Figures 1 and 2 illustrated cooking utensil 14a, is set up by an operator. A method for operating the hob device 10, in which the cooking utensil parameter of the set cooking utensil 14a is detected and evaluated, and in which, in addition to size G and shape, further cooking utensil parameters are evaluated for further processing is described below with reference to 3 described.

After a cooking utensil 14 has been set up, the sensor unit 12 detects several cooking utensil parameters of the set up cooking utensil 14. Only one cooking utensil parameter of the cooking utensil parameters is described below. The sensor unit 12 uses at least one sensor 28 to detect the cooking utensil parameter. The sensor 28f is intended to be activated by the supply unit 34 . The control unit 16 controls the supply unit 34 to supply the sensor unit 12 . The supply unit 34 sends electrical signals to the sensor 28f. The sensor 28f detects the cooking utensil parameter on the basis of the electrical signals. The sensor unit 12 transmits the detected cooking utensil parameter to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 controls the supply unit 34 in order to determine a power with which the cooking utensil 14 that has been set up can be operated.

The hob device 10 comprises at least one analog/digital converter 36 which is provided for converting analog input signals into digital output signals. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hob device 10 includes two analog/digital converters 36. Only one of the analog/digital converters 36 is described below. The analog-to-digital converter 36 has a high resolution. A signal input of the analog/digital converter 36 is connected to a signal output of the supply unit 34 . A signal output of the analog/digital converter 36 is connected to a signal input of the control unit 16 . The analog/digital converter 36 is provided for converting a voltage-based signal. With the voltage-based signal, the analog-to-digital converter 36 transmits a profile of a voltage over time to the control unit 16. The analog-to-digital converter 36 is provided for converting a current-based signal. With the current-based signal, the analog/digital converter 36 transmits a progression of an electric current over time to the control unit 16. A signal output of the analog/digital converter 36 is connected to a signal input of the control unit 16.

In a signal transformation step 40 , the control unit 16 converts the time-dependent signals transmitted by the analog/digital converter 36 into frequency-dependent signals 42 . In a power determination step 44, the control unit 16 uses the frequency-dependent signals 42 to determine a power that is suitable for operating the cooking utensil 14 that has been set up. In the power determination step 44 , the control unit 16 uses the frequency-dependent signals 42 to determine a phase that is suitable for operating the cooking utensil 14 that has been set up. In the power determination step 44, the control unit 16 determines a power signal 46. The power signal 46 has the phase and the power that are suitable when the cooking utensil 14 is in operation. In power determination step 44, control unit 16 determines a power factor 48 for cooking utensil 14.

The control unit 16 has a memory unit 50 . A dependency of the power factor 48 on a size G of the cooking utensil 14 is stored in the storage unit 50 . 4 shows such a dependency of the power factor 48 on a size G of the cooking utensil 14. In 4 a size G of the cooking utensil 14 is plotted on an abscissa and the power factor 48 is plotted on an ordinate. At least two value pairs of the power factor 48 and the size G of the cooking utensil 14 are stored in the memory unit 50 . In the present exemplary embodiment, a large number of pairs of values for the power factor 48 and the size G of the cooking utensil 14 are stored in the memory unit 50 . For a single size of cooking utensil 14 , multiple value pairs are stored in memory unit 50 , each of which differs in terms of the type of cooking utensil 14 . In 4 the different types of cooking utensil 14 are identified by different symbols. For example, at least one pair of values for a type of cooking utensil could be stored in the memory unit, which is designed as a coffee maker and/or has a non-ferromagnetic material and/or has stainless steel and/or has steel and/or the one Coating made of enamel and / or having a steel alloy. A curve adaptation could be stored in the memory unit in particular for at least two, advantageously for a large number of and particularly advantageously for each different type of cooking utensil. In the present exemplary embodiment, a curve adaptation 52 for a cooking utensil 14 that has stainless steel is stored in the memory unit 50 . The control unit 16 stores the power factor 48 of the cooking utensil 14 in the memory unit 50.

In an impedance determination step 54, the control unit 16 determines an impedance of the cooking utensil 14 on the basis of the frequency-dependent signal 42. In the impedance determination step 54, the control unit 16 determines an inductance of the cooking utensil 14 on the basis of the frequency-dependent signal 42. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit could, in particular, on the basis of the Determine the impedance and/or inductance of the cookware using the power factor. In the impedance determination step 54, the control unit 16 determines an impedance signal 56. The impedance signal 56 has the impedance of the cooking utensil 14. The impedance signal 56 has the inductance of the cooking utensil 14 . The control unit 16 stores the impedance signal 56 of the cooking utensil 14 in the memory unit 50.

Based on the parameters stored in memory unit 50, control unit 16 determines a cooking utensil signal 58. Based on power factor 48 of cooking utensil 14, control unit 16 determines size G of cooking utensil 14. Size G of cooking utensil 14 is essentially a diameter of the cooking utensil 14 trained. The control unit 16 determines electrical properties of the cooking utensil 14 on the basis of the cooking utensil signal 58 and on the basis of the power factor 48 . The cooking utensil signal 58 has electrical properties of the cooking utensil 14 .

The control unit 16 is provided for the purpose of distinguishing between different types on the basis of the parameters stored in the memory unit 50, such as the dependence of the power factor 48 on a size G of the cooking utensil 14 and/or the power factor 48 determined by the control unit 16 in the power determination step 44 of cooking utensils 14 to distinguish. In a material determination step 60, control unit 16 determines a material of cooking utensil 14 based on the parameters of cooking utensil 14 stored in memory unit 50. Control unit 16 determines the material of cooking utensil 14. In material determination step 60, control unit 16 determines the material of cooking utensil 14 Basis of the cooking utensil signal 58. In the material determination step 60, the control unit 16 determines a material signal 62. The material signal 62 has the material of the cooking utensil 14.

In a size adjustment step 64, the control unit 16 adjusts the determined size G. In the size adjustment step 64, the control unit 16 determines a size adjustment factor 66. The size adjustment step 64 and the size adjustment factor 66 are explained in more detail below.

The control unit 16 has an operator interface 68 . The operator interface 68 is in contact with the operating unit 24 . The operator interface 68 is provided for exchanging information with the operating unit 24 . The control unit 16 uses the operator interface 68 to read in a heating power and/or heating power density entered by an operator input using the operator control unit 24 . In an assignment step 70, the control unit 16 assigns the input heating power and/or heating power density to the cooking utensil 14 on the basis of the size adjustment factor 66 . In the assignment step 70, the control unit 16 ascertains an input target heat output of the cooking utensil 14. The term input Target heat output a heat output and/or a heat output density of the cooking utensil 14 .

In a power control cycle 72, the control unit 16 determines a value for a measured power of the cooking utensil 14 on the basis of the power factor 48. In a power comparison step 74, the control unit compares the measured power of the cooking utensil with the input setpoint heating power. In the power control cycle 72, the control unit 16 regulates a value of the measured power to the value of the entered setpoint heating power. In the power comparison step 74, the control unit 16 determines a power error factor 76. The control unit 16 determines the power error factor 76 on the basis of the value of the measured power and the value of the entered setpoint heating power.

The control unit 16 performs a regulation step 78 based on the power error factor 76 . On the basis of the power error factor 76, the control unit 16 determines in the regulation step 78 a regulation parameter 80 with which the cooking utensil 14 can be operated. On the basis of the power error factor 76, in the regulation step 78 the control unit 16 determines a duty cycle and a frequency which are suitable for operating the cooking utensil 14 in order to regulate the value of the measured power to the value of the entered setpoint heating power. The regulation parameter 80 has the duty cycle that is suitable for operating the cooking utensil 14 . The regulation parameter 80 has the frequency that is suitable for the cooking utensil 14 to operate.

In a modulation step 82, the control unit 16 modulates the duty cycle and the frequency of the cooking utensil 14. In the modulation step 82, the control unit 16 determines a modulation signal 84. The modulation signal 84 has the superimposed parameters of the duty cycle and the frequency, which are used to operate the cooking utensil 14 are suitable. The control unit 16 outputs the modulation signal 84 to the supply unit 34 . The supply unit 34 activates the heating elements 30 assigned to the cooking utensil 14 on the basis of the modulation signal 84. The control unit 16 repeats the power control cycle 72 continuously in order to regulate the value of the measured power to the value of the specified heating power.

An application of the method described above is described below using a few examples. For example, an operator sets up any cooking utensil 14a previously unknown to the control unit 16 (cf. 1 ). The cooking utensil 14a is designed as a saucepan. On the basis of the cooking utensil parameter detected by the sensor unit 12, the control unit 16 recognizes the cooking utensil 14a. The control unit 16 assigns a group of cooking utensil 14 to the cooking utensil 14a for the purpose of recognition. A large number of different groups of cooking utensils 14 are stored in the storage unit 50 . To identify the cooking utensil 14a, the control unit 16 compares the cooking utensil parameters with reference parameters stored in the memory unit 50 of the control unit 16. The control unit 16 assigns the cooking utensil 14a to a cooking group.

In order to determine operating parameters for the cooking utensil 14a, the control unit 16 uses the operating unit 24 to issue an input request to the operator. The control unit 16 operates the cooking utensil 14a on the basis of the specified heat output. In this case, the control unit 16 regulates a heating power density supplied to the cooking utensil 14a to the target heating power density, which the control unit 16a determines on the basis of the specified target heating power. For example, the control unit has determined a shape, a size G, a material and a type of cooking utensil based on the parameters detected by the sensor unit, such as in particular the cooking utensil parameters and/or the temperature parameters and/or the position parameters. The control unit 16 stores the cooking utensil parameters, which are assigned to the cooking utensil 14a, in the memory unit 50 of the control unit 16 to form reference parameters. In addition to this, the control unit 16 stores the position parameters and/or the temperature parameters, which are assigned to the cooking utensil 14a, in the memory unit 50 of the control unit 16 in order to form additional reference parameters.

It is assumed below that the cooking utensil 14a is set up again after the heating operation has ended. The control unit 16 recognizes the cooking utensil 14a on the basis of the cooking utensil parameters. To recognize the cooking utensil 14a, the control unit 16 compares the cooking utensil parameters with reference parameters stored in the memory unit 50 of the control unit 16 . The control unit 16 stored the reference parameters stored in the memory unit 50 in the memory unit 50 during a previous heating operation of the cooking utensil 14a. If a cooking utensil 14 is recognized, the control unit 16 skips several method steps, in particular the material determination step 60 and/or the size adjustment step 64 and/or the power control cycle 72. If a cooking utensil 14 is recognized, the control unit 16 proposes a heat output to the operator, in particular one Heat output density and/or an operating mode.

In another case, an operator sets up a second cooking utensil 14b (cf. figure 5 ). The second cooking utensil 14b differs from the cooking utensil 14a in the diameter of a cooking utensil base. For example, the cooking utensil 14a has a diameter of essentially 18 cm. The second cooking utensil 14b has a diameter of essentially 17.5 cm, for example. The cooking utensil parameter in the form of variable G differs from the reference parameter stored in memory unit 50 . A deviation from the reference parameter is within a tolerance range. In size adjustment step 64, if the cooking utensil parameter deviates from the reference parameter within the tolerance range, control unit 16 uses the reference parameter for further processing. In the example considered, the control unit 16 uses a cooking utensil parameter in the form of the size G of essentially 18 cm for the second cooking utensil 14b.

In another case, an operator sets up a cooking utensil 14c (cf. 6 ). The cooking utensil 14c is designed as a system cooking utensil. The hob device 10 and the cooking utensil 14c are part of a system 18. Cooking utensil parameters assigned to the cooking utensil 14c are stored in the memory unit 50. The cooking utensil parameters include a type of cooking utensil 14c. Additional functions assigned to the cooking utensil 14c are stored in the storage unit 50 . The additional functions have sensors 28 that are suitable for heating the cooking utensil 14c. For example, the cooking utensil 14c is designed as a pan. The control unit 16 identifies the cooking utensil 14c as a system cooking utensil. On the basis of a type of cooking utensil 14c identified, control unit 16 determines an operating mode with which cooking utensil 14c can be operated. The control unit 16 uses the operating unit 24 to suggest to an operator the determined operating mode with which the cooking utensil 14c can be operated. The control unit 16 waits for an operator input by means of the operator control unit 24 before starting heating operation of the cooking utensil 14c. Alternatively, the control unit 16 could automatically start a temperature-controlled heating operation based on the operating mode in addition to suggesting the operating mode by means of the operating unit 24 . During heating operation of the cooking utensil 14c embodied as a pan, the control unit 16 uses a sensor 28a which could be arranged in particular on a side of the hob plate 22 facing away from an operator and in particular could be embodied as an infrared sensor.

A cooking utensil 14d could, for example, be in the form of a TeppanYaki plate (cf. 7 ). The cooking utensil 14d is designed as a system cooking utensil. The cooking utensil 14d covers several heating elements 30. The control unit 16 proposes an additional function for the cooking utensil 14d to the operator. According to the additional function, the control unit 16 assigns an operating mode suitable for the cooking utensil 14d to the cooking utensil 14d. In this case, the control unit assigns two heating zones to the cooking utensil 14d. A first heating zone, which is assigned to the cooking utensil 14d designed as a TeppanYaki plate, is provided for heating items to be cooked. A second heating zone, which is assigned to the cooking utensil 14d designed as a TeppanYaki plate, is provided for keeping items to be cooked warm.

If a cooking utensil 14 is recognized as a system cooking utensil, the control unit 16 activates special additional functions. In the operating unit 24, in particular in an optical output unit 26, the control unit 16 enables additional symbols associated with the additional functions. In the case of a cooking utensil 14 designed differently from a system cooking utensil, the additional symbols are deactivated and hidden, for example unlit and/or covered.

Reference sign

10

hob device

12

sensor unit

14

cookware

16

control unit

18

system

20

hob

22

hob plate

24

operating unit

26

output unit

28

sensor

30

heating element

32

Variable cooking surface area

34

supply unit

36

Analog to digital converter

40

signal transformation step

42

Frequency dependent signal

44

performance determination step

46

power signal

48

power factor

50

storage unit

52

curve fitting

54

impedance determination step

56

impedance signal

58

cookware signal

60

material determination step

62

material signal

64

resizing step

66

resizing factor

68

operator interface

70

mapping step

72

performance control cycle

74

performance comparison step

76

power error factor

78

regulation step

80

regulation parameter

82

modulation step

84

modulation signal

G

size

Claims (7)

1. Induction hotplate device having a sensor unit (12), which is provided to detect at least one cookware parameter of at least one positioned item of cookware (14), having a control unit (16), which is provided to evaluate the at least one cookware parameter, and having a number of heating elements (30), wherein the heating elements (30) define a variable cooking surface area (32), wherein the control unit (16) is provided to evaluate at least one further cookware parameter for a further processing in addition to the size and shape, wherein the control unit (16) is provided to identify the at least one item of cookware (14) on the basis of the at least one cookware parameter, wherein the control unit (16) is provided to reidentify the at least one item of cookware (14) on the basis of the at least one cookware parameter, and wherein the at least one cookware parameter and the at least one further cookware parameter are physical and/or chemical variables in each case, which identify and/or define the item of cookware (14) as such, namely independently of an operating state, wherein for the purpose of identifying the at least one item of cookware (14) the control unit (16) is provided to compare the at least one cookware parameter with at least one reference parameter stored in a storage unit (50) of the control unit (16), characterised in that the control unit (16) is provided, in the case of a deviation in the at least one cookware parameter from the at least one reference parameter, to use the at least one reference parameter within at least one tolerance for the further processing.
2. Induction hotplate device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (16) is provided to store the at least one cookware parameter in a storage unit (50) of the control unit (16) in order to form at least one reference parameter.
3. Induction hotplate device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (16) is provided to determine at least one mode of operation with which the at least one item of cookware (14) can be operated on the basis of a type of the identified at least one item of cookware (14).
4. Induction hotplate device according to claim 3, characterised in that the control unit (16) is provided to propose the at least one mode of operation.
5. Induction hotplate device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the control unit (16) is provided to automatically start at least one temperature-regulated heating mode on the basis of the at least one mode of operation.
6. System having at least one induction hotplate device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and having at least one item of cookware (14) which is embodied as a system item of cookware, wherein the control unit (16) has a storage unit (50) in which at least one cookware parameter assigned to the at least one item of cookware (14) and/or at least one additional function assigned to the at least one item of cookware (14) is/are stored.
7. Induction hotplate having at least one induction hotplate device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5.

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