EP3081051B1 - Stovetop device - Google Patents

Description

A hob device with heating elements which are arranged in the form of a matrix is already known from the prior art. Here, the heating elements define a heating area for heating cookware set up. The hob device also includes a control unit which, when a cookware is set up on the heating area, assigns a heating zone to the cookware set up. Depending on an operating input by means of an operating unit, the control unit assigns a heating power, in particular a heating power density and / or heating power level, to the heating zone formed, regardless of a position of the heating zone on the heating area. Such a hob device is from document WO A1 97/37515 known.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to advantageous heating. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

A hob device, in particular an induction hob device, with a heating area which is provided for heating up cooked dishes and / or placed items to be cooked, and with a control unit which is intended to at least a partial area of the heating area in at least one operating state as at least to operate a target temperature field and to assign different target temperatures to different positions of the at least one target temperature field. A “cooktop device” is to be understood in particular to mean at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop, in particular also including accessories for the cooktop, such as, for example, a sensor unit for external measurement of a cookware temperature and / or a food to be cooked. In particular, the cooktop device can also comprise the entire cooktop, in particular the entire induction cooktop. A “heating area” is to be understood to mean, in particular, an advantageously two-dimensional area which is provided, in particular, for setting up cookware and / or placing items to be cooked to heat the cookware and / or the food to be cooked. In an installed position, the heating area is advantageously delimited downwards from a hob plate, in particular in a direction of gravity. The cooktop device comprises, in particular, a plurality of heating elements, which are preferably arranged in a matrix and which are in particular intended to supply the heating area in the at least one operating state with the energy required for heating cooked dishes and / or cooked items placed on them. A “cooktop” is to be understood in particular as an element which is intended to carry cookware and / or cooked food placed on the heating area in an installed position. A “control unit” is to be understood in particular to mean an electronic unit which is preferably at least partially integrated in a control and / or regulating unit of a hob, in particular an induction hob, and which is preferably intended to control and / or to control at least the heating area regulate. The control unit preferably comprises a computing unit and in particular, in addition to the computing unit, a storage unit with a control and / or regulating program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the computing unit. The cooktop device advantageously has a detection unit, which can be formed in particular by the heating elements themselves, and which is provided to detect cookware set up, in particular by measuring a quality factor. In this case, the control unit is provided in particular to enable at least one detection of a set of cooking utensils by the detection unit by activating at least one of the heating elements, in particular at least a large part and advantageously all of the heating elements. The control unit is in particular provided for evaluating measured values of the detection unit, calculating at least one heating zone and determining heating elements which form this heating zone. In particular, the control unit is provided for assigning a heating zone that is at least largely adapted in shape, size and / or position to a detected cookware. As an alternative, further possibilities for the detection of cookware that have been set up are considered conceivable to a person skilled in the art. A “setpoint temperature field” is to be understood in particular as a two-dimensional area in particular, to which a setpoint temperature is assigned at each coordinate, in particular at each point, in particular in the case of cookware and / or items to be cooked at the point. A "coordinate" is to be understood in particular as a point of a particularly two-dimensional, in particular Cartesian coordinate system, which is precisely defined by specifying exactly two values. A “target temperature” is to be understood in particular as a temperature to be achieved, advantageously a temperature aimed for in heating operation. The control unit is in particular intended to control and / or regulate a heating power of the heating elements, in particular by controlling at least one inverter, in the at least one operating state in order to achieve the target temperature. The control unit is preferably provided in the at least one operating state to set the target temperature by varying the heating power of the heating elements, the heating power of the heating elements in particular not being regulated to a target heating power, but advantageously being of variable design. The control unit is preferably provided in the at least one operating state to adapt an actual temperature of at least one point of the heating area to the target temperature of this at least one point in accordance with the target temperature field. The phrase that the control unit is intended to "operate" at least a partial region of the heating region in at least one operating state as at least one target temperature field is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit is intended to operate at least one in the at least one operating state To control the inverter, which supplies at least one of the heating elements with electrical energy, in particular as a function of a control by the control unit. The phrase that the control unit is intended to "operate at least a partial region of the heating region in at least one operating state" as at least one target temperature field "is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit is intended to operate in the at least one operating state of the installed state Operate cookware and / or food to be placed on covered positions of the heating area, in particular to supply them with electrical energy, in particular in order to reach the set target temperatures of the covered positions. In this case, in particular one position of the heating area could be covered by cookware and / or food to be cooked. Alternatively, several positions of the heating area could be covered by cookware and / or food to be cooked, whereby these several positions could have essentially the same target temperature or different target temperatures. The phrase that the control unit is intended to "assign" different target temperatures to different positions of the at least one target temperature field is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit does so it is provided in the at least one operating state to control and / or regulate an amount of energy supplied to the heating area, in particular by means of the heating elements, in order to put cookware set up at different positions in the heating area and / or the cookware located in the set up cookware and / or to heat up the food to be cooked to the set temperature and / or to keep it at the set temperature. There are various possibilities conceivable to a person skilled in the art to assign different target temperatures to the different positions of the at least one target temperature field. For example, the control unit could be provided to assign different target temperatures to the different positions of the at least one target temperature field using tables and / or algorithms. Furthermore, stored, in particular predefined, values could be used, in particular different stored values of the target temperatures being assigned to the different positions of the at least one target temperature field. However, the control unit is preferably provided to assign different target temperatures to the different positions of the at least one target temperature field by means of an in particular two-dimensional mathematical function. A “mathematical function” is to be understood in particular as an image which establishes a relationship between the target temperatures and the coordinates and advantageously assigns a target temperature to each coordinate. The mathematical function of the target temperature can be expressed in particular as T (x, y). Various configurations of the mathematical function that appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. For example, the mathematical function could have a step function, in particular a course along at least one axis of the coordinate system could be designed in a step-like manner. Here, the mathematical function has, in particular, different temperature sections, which in particular extend parallel to a plane spanned by the x-axis and the y-axis. It is also conceivable that the mathematical function has a function that changes continuously and advantageously at least essentially continuously in its value, in particular along at least one axis of the coordinate system. A linear or exponential change is particularly conceivable here. In the at least one operating state, the control unit preferably outputs a subdivision and / or a course of the at least one target temperature field by means of a display unit which is advantageously integrated in an operating unit, especially to an operator. “Different” should be understood to mean differently and / or advantageously differently in particular in at least one feature. “Provided” is to be understood in particular to be specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should in particular be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

By means of the configuration according to the invention, in particular an advantageous heating of cooked dishes and / or items to be cooked can be achieved. A desired temperature of the cookware and / or the food to be cooked, particularly desired by an operator, can advantageously be achieved exactly, in particular by setting up the cookware and / or placing the cookware at at least one position to which the desired temperature is assigned. A high level of operating convenience and / or simple operability of the cooktop device can advantageously be achieved in this way, a temperature of the cooking utensil and / or the food to be cooked being able to be changed in particular by moving the cooking utensil. In addition, an alternative to setting a target heating output can advantageously be provided.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit have a storage unit in which at least two different target temperature fields are stored, whereby in particular a high degree of flexibility can be achieved.

For example, it is conceivable that the control unit is provided to use different target temperature fields as a function of a characteristic of a cookware, in particular a position and / or a material and / or a type of cookware and / or items to be placed on the cookware. Furthermore, the control unit could be provided to use different target temperature fields depending on an energy supply. In particular, it is conceivable that the control unit is provided to use different target temperature fields as a function of a movement of the cookware set up and / or the food being placed on it. However, the control unit is preferably provided to switch between at least two target temperature fields, in particular between the at least two different target temperature fields stored in the storage unit, in the at least one operating state as a function of an operating input by means of an operating unit, the control unit especially about this it is provided to deactivate a first of the at least two target temperature fields and to activate a second of the at least two target temperature fields. As a result, a high degree of flexibility and / or a high level of operating convenience can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit be provided to change the at least one target temperature field in the at least one operating state depending on an operator input by means of an operator unit, in particular with regard to at least one property of the at least one target temperature field. In particular, the control unit could be provided to change a course of the at least one target temperature field, advantageously the mathematical function that describes the at least one target temperature field, such as, for example, a width of temperature sections of the at least one target temperature field and / or at least an increase in an at least substantially continuous course of the at least one target temperature field. Furthermore, the control unit could advantageously be provided to change at least one target temperature of the at least one target temperature field, in particular in at least one temperature section. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control unit is provided to change all target temperatures of the target temperature field in parallel by a constant value or by a certain percentage value. In addition, further changes of the at least one target temperature field that appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. In this way, in particular an advantageous interaction between an operator and the control unit and thus in particular a high level of comfort for the operator can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the control unit be provided in the at least one operating state as a function of an operating input by means of an operating unit to enable formation of at least one further setpoint temperature field and the at least one further setpoint temperature field advantageously in the memory unit of the control unit to save. Various possibilities for a formation of the at least one further target temperature field, which appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art, are conceivable. For example, an operator could enter a mathematical function of the at least one further target temperature field by means of an operator input by means of the operator unit. Alternatively or additionally, the operator could advantageously have at least two, in particular at least four, a plurality Enter the coordinates of the at least one further setpoint temperature field, the control unit being able in particular to store the coordinates in the storage unit and advantageously to use the coordinates for operating the heating area as the at least one further setpoint temperature field, in particular as table values and / or advantageously as a fitted mathematical function. It is also conceivable that the control unit is provided to connect contours recorded by the operator by means of an operating input by means of the operating unit to the at least one further target temperature field. As a result, a high degree of flexibility and / or a high level of comfort for an operator can be achieved.

In addition, it is proposed that the control unit be provided to carry out at least two different cooking methods, which can in particular be stored in the memory unit, and to assign different target temperatures to the same positions of the at least one target temperature field in different of the at least two different cooking methods in the at least one operating state . The at least two different cooking methods advantageously have roasting and cooking. In addition, the at least two different cooking methods could in particular poach and / or simmer and / or steam and / or blanch and / or deep-fry and / or steam and / or boil and / or saute and / or grill and / or roast. In addition, further cooking methods that seem sensible to a specialist are conceivable. This means that any type of food can be optimally cooked.

It is further proposed that the cooktop device comprises at least a first sensor unit that has a measuring point in the vicinity of a cookware base and at least a second sensor unit that has a measurement point above the cookware base, in particular at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm and particularly advantageously at least 20 mm above the bottom of the cookware, each sensor unit advantageously being assigned to one of the at least two different cooking methods. The at least one first sensor unit is in particular intended to detect a temperature of the base of the cookware and / or in particular the hob plate in the at least one operating state by means of the measuring point. Under a "sensor unit" should in particular a unit can be understood which is intended to detect in the at least one operating state a temperature, in particular an actual temperature, of cooked dishes and / or of items to be cooked, particularly those located in the cookware set up. Various sensor units that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. For example, the at least one sensor unit could have at least one heat-dependent resistor. In addition, the at least one sensor unit could have at least one sensor, such as a heating element and / or a coil, which could be provided to detect at least one heat-dependent electrical characteristic. Sensor units based on infrared measurement are also conceivable. A “close range” of an object is to be understood in particular as an area whose points are at a distance of less than 10 mm, in particular less than 8 mm and advantageously less than 5 mm from the object, in particular at least in a parallel position in an installed position towards the direction of gravity. This allows a high degree of flexibility to be achieved.

It is further proposed that the control unit be provided, depending on an operating input by means of an operating unit, between the at least one operating mode in which the heating area is operated as the at least one target temperature field and at least one further operating mode in which the heating area is classic is operated, and in particular additionally to change at least one second operating mode in which the heating area is operated as at least one target heating power field. The phrase that the heating area is operated "classically" is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit is intended to assign at least one heating zone to cooking utensils and / or items to be placed in the further operating mode, and in particular by means of at least one output unit, which advantageously is provided in The control unit can be integrated to issue an operator prompt for input of a heating power, in particular a heating power level and / or a heating power density, and advantageously to operate the at least one heating zone with the input heating power after inputting the heating power for the at least one heating zone. In particular, a large number of possible operating modes can thereby be provided. In addition, a comfortable interaction between the operator and the control unit can advantageously be achieved. Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

Fig. 1

ein Kochfeld mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Kochfeldvorrichtung in einem ersten aktivierten Zustand in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

die Kochfeldvorrichtung in einem zweiten aktivierten Zustand in einer schematischen Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

die Kochfeldvorrichtung in einem dritten aktivierten Zustand in einer schematischen Draufsicht und

Fig. 4

die Kochfeldvorrichtung in einem vierten aktivierten Zustand in einer schematischen Draufsicht.

Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a hob with a hob device according to the invention in a first activated state in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 2

the hob device in a second activated state in a schematic plan view,

Fig. 3

the hob device in a third activated state in a schematic plan view and

Fig. 4

the hob device in a fourth activated state in a schematic plan view.

Fig. 1 shows a hob 26, which is designed as an induction hob, with a hob device 10, which is designed as an induction hob device. The hob device 10 has a hob plate 28 for setting up cookware 14. In addition, the cooktop device 10 has a plurality of heating elements (not shown) for generating energy. The heating elements, which in the present case are designed as induction heating elements, are arranged in an installed position below the hob plate 28. In an assembled state, the heating elements are arranged in the form of a matrix. As an alternative to a matrix, it is conceivable that the heating elements are designed as movably mounted heating elements and are provided to be moved below the cooktop plate in directions oriented essentially parallel to the cooktop plate.

The hob device 10 comprises a heating area 12, which is provided for heating cookware 14 that has been set up. As an alternative or in addition, the heating area can be provided for heating placed food, for example in the installed position at least one Teriyaki plate could be placed above the heated area 12 and in particular above the hob plate 28 and in the installed position especially above the at least one Teriyaki plate of food could be placed on top. In this case, the heating area 12 could be provided for heating the items to be cooked placed above the at least one Teriyaki plate. In the installed position and in an activated state, the heating elements supply the heating area 12 with energy, in particular in the form of electromagnetic fields, to heat the cookware 14 at least at positions of the cookware 14 set up. In the activated state, the heating area 12 heats cooking utensils 14 placed on the hob plate 28 above the heating area 12 by means of the energy generated by the heating elements. The hob device 10 comprises a detection unit (not shown) for the detection of the cooking utensils 14 placed. The detection unit is at least partially formed in one piece with the heating elements and is intended to detect cookware 14 set up by means of a measurement of at least one quality factor known per se. Alternatively, other configurations of a detection unit that appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable.

The hob device 10 comprises a plurality of first sensor units 22 and a plurality of second sensor units 24 for detecting a temperature. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hob device 10 comprises a second sensor unit 24 for each cookware 14. The hob device 10 comprises a first sensor unit 22 for each heating element Ratio of first sensor units and heating elements in a range between one to three and four to one. Another number of first sensor units and / or second sensor units that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art is also conceivable. Only one of the first sensor units 22 and one of the second sensor units 24 are considered below. The remaining first sensor units 22 and second sensor units 24 are correspondingly of identical design.

A first sensor unit could in particular be arranged essentially within a set of cooking utensils, in particular in the vicinity of a bottom of the cooking utensils of the set of cooking utensils. Furthermore, a first sensor unit could be arranged on an outer wall of a set of cookware, in particular in a vicinity of the bottom of the cookware. However, the first sensor unit 22 is arranged below the hob plate 28. Here, the first sensor unit 22 is on a side of the cooking utensil 14 facing away from the Hob 28 arranged. The first sensor unit 22 is arranged in the vicinity of the heating element assigned to the first sensor unit 22. The first sensor unit 22, which has an infrared sensor, detects a temperature of the base of the cookware through the hob plate 28 by means of infrared radiation. The first sensor unit 22 accordingly has a measuring point in the vicinity of the bottom of the cookware, in particular directly on the bottom of the cookware. The first sensor unit 22 thus detects a temperature of the bottom of the cookware 14.

A second sensor unit could, in particular, be arranged essentially within a set of cookware, in particular in direct contact with a food item in the set of cookware and in particular at a distance of at least 10 mm from a bottom of the cookware. Furthermore, a second sensor unit could be arranged within a preferably movably mounted component, in particular a dome, wherein the movably supported component could be arranged outside an activated state, in particular below a hob plate. In this case, the movably mounted component could be moved into a position above the hob plate by actuation, in particular by a pressure force exerted by an operator, in order in particular to enable measurement by the second sensor unit, advantageously by means of infrared radiation. The movably mounted component could in particular be arranged in the vicinity of an edge of the hob plate. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second sensor unit 24 is arranged partially above the hob 28. Here, the second sensor unit 24 is arranged on the same side of the hob plate 28 as the cookware 14 set up. The second sensor unit 24 has a measuring point above the bottom of the cookware, in particular at a distance of at least 10 mm above the bottom of the cookware. The second sensor unit 24 detects a temperature of an outer wall of the cookware 14, which at least essentially corresponds to a temperature of a cooked item located in the cookware 14. In the assembled state, the second sensor unit 24 is arranged on the outside on a side wall of the cookware 14 set up. This could be done, for example, by means of a magnet and / or suction button. Alternatively, further fastening options that appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable.

As an alternative to the embodiment with first sensor units 22 and second sensor units 24, an embodiment with exactly one sensor unit is conceivable, wherein the sensor unit could in particular be designed analogously to the first sensor unit 22. In this case, the control unit would in particular be provided to use the temperature of the base of the cookware detected by the sensor unit to estimate a temperature of a cooked item contained in the cookware.

In an area facing an operator in the installed position, the cooktop device 10 comprises an operating unit 20 for inputting operating commands. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20 has a touch screen. The cooktop device 10 further comprises a control unit 16 which, depending on the operating commands entered by means of the operating unit 20, carries out actions and / or makes and / or changes settings. In addition, the control unit 16 is provided to control and regulate the heating elements. Here, the control unit 16 combines heating elements covered by the detection unit of the cookware 14 that has been set up as heating zones, depending on a detection of the cookware 14 that has been set up. The control unit 16 operates the heating elements combined into heating zones.

In one operating state, the control unit 16 operates a sub-area 18a-f of the heating area 12 as a target temperature field (cf. 1 to 4 ). Here, the control unit 16 assigns different target temperature fields to different target temperatures. In the operating state, the control unit 16 is provided to adjust an actual temperature of the heating area 12 to the target temperature of the heating area 12 at positions covered by the cookware set up. For this purpose, the control unit 16 uses the temperatures detected by the sensor units 22, 24. Depending on the temperatures detected by the sensor units 22, 24, the control unit 16 regulates a heating power of the heating elements at positions covered by the cookware set up in order to set the target temperature of the heating area 12.

The control unit 16 has a storage unit (not shown) in which a number of different target temperature fields are stored. Of the target temperature fields are in 1 to 4 only four are shown by way of example, it being possible for considerably more target temperature fields to be stored in the storage unit. In addition, in the Storage unit of the control unit 16 stores at least two different cooking methods. A first of the at least two cooking methods has roasts. The first sensor unit 22 is assigned to the first cooking method. A second of the at least two cooking methods involves cooking. The second sensor unit 24 is assigned to the second cooking method. Using the control unit 20, an operator can select between the at least two cooking methods in the operating state. In the operating state, the control unit 16 assigns different target temperatures to the same positions of the target temperature field in different of the two different cooking methods. When the first cooking method is selected, the control unit 16 uses the temperature detected by the first sensor unit 22 to adjust an actual temperature to a target temperature of a position of the target temperature field. With a selected second cooking method, the control unit 16 uses the temperature detected by the second sensor unit 24 to match an actual temperature to a target temperature in the same position of the target temperature field.

In the following, without restricting the generality, it should be assumed that one of the at least two cooking methods is selected. In a method for operating the cooktop device 10, a partial region 18a-f of the heating region 12 is operated as a target temperature field in the operating state. The control unit 16 assigns a target temperature to each coordinate of the target temperature field. In the operating state, the control unit 16 operates a partial area 18a-f of the heating area 12 as a function of an operating input by means of the operating unit 20 as one of the target temperature fields stored in the storage unit. Depending on an operating input by means of the operating unit 20, the control unit 16 divides the heating area 12 into partial areas 18a-f.

If exactly one partial area 18a is selected, the control unit 16 operates the partial area 18a of the heating area 12 as a target temperature field (cf. Fig. 1 ). Here, the partial area 18a extends over essentially an entire extent of the heating area 12. For example, an operating input by means of the operating unit 20 is used to select a first target temperature field from the target temperature fields stored in the storage unit (cf. Fig. 1 ). An origin of a coordinate system is arranged at a corner of the heating area 12. An x-axis of the coordinate system extends parallel to a front edge of the hob plate facing an operator in the installed position 28. A y-axis of the coordinate system extends perpendicular to the x-axis and parallel to a plane spanned by the hob plate 28.

A mathematical function is assigned to the first target temperature field, which has a step function. The first target temperature field has three target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c. The target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c are aligned in a line-like manner essentially parallel to the x-axis. In addition, the target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c are arranged in the y-axis adjacent, in particular adjacent to each other. A different target temperature is assigned to each of the target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c. In the present exemplary embodiment, a lowest of the target temperature sections 30a, which in the installed position is closest to an operator, is assigned a lowest target temperature. A third of the target temperature sections 30c, which is at the greatest distance from an operator in the installed position, is assigned a highest target temperature. A set of cookware 14 can be heated to different target temperatures by means of the target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c of the first target temperature field.

The control unit 16 changes the first target temperature field as a function of an operator input by means of the operator unit 20. For example, the control unit could change a setpoint temperature of the setpoint temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c, the control unit being able to assign a lowest setpoint temperature to the third setpoint temperature section 30c and a highest setpoint temperature to the first setpoint temperature section 30a, depending on an operator input. Alternatively, other distributions of target temperatures to the target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c that appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. Furthermore, a number and / or an extent, in particular in the y direction, of the target temperature sections 30a, 30b, 30c could be varied.

Depending on an operating input by means of the operating unit 20, the control unit 16 changes in the operating state between the target temperature fields which are stored in the storage unit. For example, starting from the first target temperature field, an operator selects a second target temperature field from the target temperature fields stored in the storage unit (see FIG. Fig. 2 ). The control unit 16 then deactivates the first target temperature field and activates the second target temperature field. The second Setpoint temperature field is assigned a mathematical function that has a step function. The second target temperature field has target temperature sections 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. The target temperature sections 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are arranged concentrically to one another. A center point of each target temperature section 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d and a center point of the hob plate 28 essentially coincide. In this case, an origin of a coordinate system is placed in the center of the hob plate 28. A different target temperature is assigned to each of the target temperature sections 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. Starting from the origin of the coordinate system, the setpoint temperature of the setpoint temperature sections 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d changes, in particular decreases or increases essentially monotonously, in particular a setpoint temperature section closest to the origin has a lower setpoint temperature than a setpoint temperature section located away from the origin. A plurality of cooking utensils 14 set up at different positions can in particular be heated simultaneously to different target temperatures by means of the target temperature sections 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d of the second target temperature field.

In the operating state, the control unit 16 enables the formation of further target temperature fields as a function of an operator input by means of the operator unit 20. After formation of one of the further target temperature fields, the control unit 16 stores the further target temperature field as a function of an operator input by means of the operator unit 20 in the memory unit of the control unit 16. For example, the control unit could make it possible to change an arrangement of target temperature sections as a function of an operator input by means of the operator unit. The control unit could make it possible to change the width and / or length of the target temperature sections as a function of an operating input by means of the operating unit. In addition, target temperature sections, which in particular are oriented diagonally to the x-axis and the y-axis, are conceivable, in particular, extending diagonally over a portion of the heating area. In addition, circularly oriented target temperature sections are conceivable, the center points of which are arranged in a corner of the heating area. As an alternative or in addition, further arrangements and / or combinations of setpoint temperature sections that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable.

If two sub-areas 18c, 18d are selected by operating input by means of the control unit 20, the control unit 16 operates each of the sub-areas 18c, 18d of the heating area 12 as a target temperature field (cf. Fig. 3 ). In the present exemplary embodiment, the partial areas 18c, 18d are essentially of the same size. The control unit 16 operates a first of the partial areas 18c as a third target temperature field and a second of the partial areas 18d as a fourth target temperature field depending on an operating input by means of the operating unit 20. A mathematical function that has a step function is assigned to each of the third and fourth target temperature fields. The third target temperature field has five target temperature sections 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e. The fourth target temperature field has four target temperature sections 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d. The setpoint temperature sections 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d of the setpoint temperature fields are each aligned in a column-like manner parallel to the y-axis and arranged adjacent to one another, in particular adjacent to one another, in the x-axis. A different setpoint temperature is assigned to each of the setpoint temperature sections 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d of one of the setpoint temperature fields.

In the operating state, the control unit 16 changes the subdivision of the heating area 12 into partial areas 18 as a function of an operating input by means of the operating unit 20. For example, the control unit 16 divides the heating area 12 into two partial areas 18e in the operating state as a function of an operating input using the operating unit 20, 18f on (cf. Fig. 4 ). The partial regions 18e, 18f are aligned in a column-like manner parallel to the y-axis and are arranged adjacent to one another, in particular adjacent to one another, in the x-axis. Depending on an operating input by means of the operating unit 20, the control unit 16 operates each of the partial areas 18e, 18f as a target temperature field and assigns a mathematical function to each target temperature field. The mathematical function has a function that constantly changes in value along the y-axis. A first of the sub-areas 18e has values of the setpoint temperature that increase substantially continuously in the y-axis. A second of the sub-areas 18e 18f has essentially continuously decreasing values of the target temperature in the y-axis.

Depending on an operating input by means of the operating unit 20, the control unit 16 changes between the operating mode in which the heating area 12 is used Setpoint temperature field is operated, and a further operating mode in which the heating area 12 is operated in a conventional manner. When cooking utensils 14 are set up, the control unit 16 assigns the heating utensils 14 to a heating zone in the further operating mode. Before the set-up cookware 14 is heated, the control unit 16 in the further operating mode uses the control unit 20 to issue a request for input of a heating power for the newly set-up cookware 14. After the operating input has been made by means of the operating unit 20, the control unit 16 operates the newly set up cookware 14 with the heating power input via the operating unit 20 in the further operating mode. As an alternative or in addition, control operation is also conceivable here in order to achieve a predetermined target temperature.

As an alternative or in addition to a touch screen, further different configurations of the operating unit that appear to be useful to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. For example, the control unit could have a control knob and / or a touch slider. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control unit is partially formed in one piece with a hob plate, wherein in particular operator commands and advantageously an arrangement of temperature sections of at least one target temperature field could be carried out by means of an operator input via a surface of the hob plate. In addition, any combinations which appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable under the described configurations.

Reference numerals

10th

Hob device

12th

Heating area

14

Cookware

16

Control unit

18th

Subarea

20th

Control unit

22

first sensor unit

24th

second sensor unit

26

Cooktop

28

Cooktop

30th

Target temperature section

32

Target temperature section

34

Target temperature section

36

Target temperature section

Claims (10)

1. Stovetop device, especially an induction stovetop device, with a heating area (12) intended for heating cookware (14) placed thereon and/or food to be cooked thereon, characterised by a control unit (16), which is intended to operate at least one subarea (18a-f) of the heating area (12) in at least one operating state as at least one target temperature burner and to assign different target temperatures to different positions of the at least one target temperature burner.
2. Stovetop device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (16) has a memory unit in which at least two different target temperature burners are stored.
3. Stovetop device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control unit (16) is intended, in the at least one operating state, as a function of an operator entry by means of an operating unit (20), to switch between at least two target temperature burners.
4. Stovetop device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (16) is intended, in the at least one operating state, as a function of an operator entry by means of an operating unit (20), to modify the at least one target temperature burner.
5. Stovetop device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (16) is intended, in the at least one operating state, as a function of an operator entry by means of an operating unit (20), to make it possible for at least one further target temperature burner to be formed.
6. Stovetop device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (16) is intended to carry out at least two different cooking methods and in the at least one operating state, in different methods of the at least two different cooking methods, to assign different target temperatures to the same positions of the at least one target temperature burner.
7. Stovetop device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one first sensor unit (22) having a measurement point in an area close to the base of an item of cookware, and by at least one second sensor unit (24) having a measurement point above the base of the item of cookware.
8. Stovetop device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (16) is intended, as a function of an operator entry by means of an operating unit (20), to switch between the at least one operating mode in which the heating area (12) is operated as the at least one target temperature burner, and at least one further operating mode in which the heating area (12) is operated classically.
9. Stovetop, especially an induction stovetop, with at least one stovetop device (10), according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Method for operating a stovetop device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 wherein, in at least one operating state, at least one subarea (18a-f) of a heating area (12) is operated as at least one target temperature burner.

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