EP3749056B1 - Cooking system and method for operating same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cooking system and a method for operating such a cooking system. The cooking system comprises at least one hob device, at least one cookware and at least one evaluation device, the hob device having at least one support surface for setting up cookware and at least two induction devices for heating the cookware placed on the support surface. The cookware is suitable and designed to be heated using at least one induction device. Furthermore, at least one transmitting device is assigned to the induction devices of the hob device and the cookware comprises at least one receiving device. The transmitting devices at least temporarily send out at least one assignment signal, which is received by the receiving device of the cookware when the cookware is heated by the corresponding induction device.

Automating cooking processes and supporting a user is becoming increasingly important in modern household appliances. Ease of use is also becoming increasingly important.

In the area of hobs, for example, surface induction hobs have become known, which do not include any fixed cooking zones that are clearly displayed on the surface of the hob. The cooking zones or the induction coils located below a pot are then each defined as a cooking zone, with only the corresponding induction coils being activated.

It is advantageous, if not necessary, for the hob to automatically recognize where a pot is placed in order to activate the corresponding induction coils. Various systems have become known for this purpose. For example, the publication shows DE 10 2009 029 253 A1 a system in which electrical energy is inductively transferred to a set-up device. The electrical energy transmitted in this way is converted into heat by a heating element in the display device. The induction coils for transmitting electrical energy can also send out signals that are recognized and further processed by the standing pot.

However, detecting the coverage of several induction coils is often only achieved with a lot of design effort. In addition, it is difficult to show the exact partial coverage of several induction coils.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an alternative automatic assignment of a pot or the like to one or more induction coils of a hob, whereby the percentage coverage of individual induction coils is preferably also detected.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and by a cooking system with the features of claim 20. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments.

The method according to the invention is suitable for operating a cooking system comprising at least one hob device, at least one cookware and at least one evaluation device. The hob device has at least one set-up surface for setting up cookware and at least one generator device with at least two induction devices for heating the cookware placed on the set-up surface. The cookware is suitable and designed to be heated using at least one induction device. Furthermore, at least one transmitting device is assigned to the induction devices of the hob device, and the cookware includes at least one receiving device. The transmitting devices at least temporarily send at least one assignment signal, which is received by the receiving device of the cookware when it is heated by the corresponding induction device. According to the invention, the assignment signals of the individual transmitting devices are sent out with a predetermined time offset, so that the evaluation device can assign the assignment signals detected by the receiving device to the individual induction devices and can thus assign the cookware to at least one induction device. Additionally or alternatively, the assignment signals of the individual induction devices can include different predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations as a signature.

Cookware does not necessarily have to be in the form of a container to hold food to be cooked. A target that can be heated by the induction coil of the hob, for example an immersion heater, is also a cookware in the sense of the present invention. The

The design of such a target or immersion heater can be found in the publication

DE 10 2014 111 817 A1 which are expressly referred to here.

The evaluation device is in particular in contact or in operative connection with the hob device and/or the cookware, wherein the evaluation device can preferably be part of the hob device or integrated into it. Depending on the design, the evaluation device can also be assigned to the cookware or can preferably be provided as a separate device which is connected to the cookware and/or the hob device. For example, the function of the evaluation device can also be provided by a central control device for several household appliances, which can be integrated separately from a household appliance or into a household appliance.

So that the evaluation unit, which can further process the assignment signals received from the cookware, the cookware preferably comprises at least one communication device, by means of which information and / or the received assignment signals can be forwarded to the evaluation device. Such a communication device can be carried out, for example, via Bluetooth, WLAN, radio or the like or can include such communication means.

The generator device includes the induction devices, each of which preferably includes at least one induction coil by means of which the cookware can be excited or heated. The generator device can preferably also include and/or be connected to further components of the power electronics.

The method according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that the method according to the invention can provide automatic detection of the pot position or the position of cookware on the hob device or on the surface of the hob device. This makes it possible to identify which induction devices or which induction coils are covered by a cookware.

It is particularly advantageous that the time-offset sending of assignment signals creates the possibility of assigning the assignment signals to a specific induction device. In this way, a concrete assignment to a specific coil can also be made with the same assignment signal and/or with the same signal components due to the time offset.

In addition, it is also possible to recognize that a cookware not only rests on an induction coil or is operated by an induction coil, but that, for example, a cookware only partially or completely covers several induction coils. This makes it possible to recognize the use of several induction devices or induction coils for one cookware.

All of these advantages also arise when the induction coils or induction devices emit predetermined signal sequences as a signature, which are unique for each induction device, so that conclusions can be drawn about the coverage of certain induction devices.

The assignment signals of the individual induction devices preferably comprise the same predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations, which are differentiated via the time offset. A simple assignment signal can be provided via such signals, for example ping signals. Such an electromagnetic excitation or such a ping signal can preferably be provided by at least one area of the electromagnetic excitation of an induction device, with a specific section or area or value of the half waves used for the excitation being used as a signal.

If the assignment signals of the individual induction devices include different predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations as a signature, a clear assignment to a coil can preferably be made based on the type of electromagnetic signal of the individual coils. The number of electromagnetic signals in the sequence or the number of ping signals and also the distance between the ping signals can be used as a distinguishing feature for predetermined sequences of electromagnetic stimuli. Even with different signal sequences for the individual induction devices, the time offset can ensure that the signals from the individual coils do not overlap and can be evaluated separately.

Preferably, at least two generator devices are provided and the assignment signals of the individual induction devices each comprise a predetermined sequence of at least three electromagnetic excitations as a signature. The first distance between the first electromagnetic excitation and the second electromagnetic excitation encodes the generator device of the corresponding induction device and a second distance between the second electromagnetic excitation and the third electromagnetic excitation corresponding induction device of the corresponding generator device coded or vice versa. This means that even with a hob device with several generators, the individual induction devices can be clearly assigned. The signal sequence contains the information about the corresponding generator device and the corresponding induction device.

Preferably, the first distance from generator device to generator device becomes larger and the second distance from induction device to induction device of a respective generator device becomes smaller. Through such a system of signal signatures, a particularly advantageous and precise and unmistakable coding of the individual induction devices can take place even when several induction devices are covered.

In advantageous embodiments, the received electromagnetic stimuli are translated into a unique identification number, which corresponds to the coverage of certain induction devices. Because the ping signature is translated into a specific identification number that is unique to the coverage of induction devices, information can be transmitted with a very low data volume.

When translating the ping signals or the electromagnetic suggestions into an identification number, the binary addition method can, for example and preferably, be used to convert the presence of signals or the absence of signals into a concrete number. The resulting identification numbers are unique for a specific signature or combination of signatures. Info embodiments, this identification number can, for example, be stored in a list, with a specific, for example eight-digit, identification number being assigned a consecutive number, for example a two-digit number.

All data processing is preferably carried out in a chip in the cookware. For example, a concordance list for the 2-digit numbers can be stored on this chip. This means that information can be transferred from the cookware to the hob with extremely low data. This can be done, for example, via Bluetooth or another suitable data interface.

Particularly preferably, the received predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations from the corresponding induction devices are entered into a common time course, with the identification number being determined based on the resulting signal pattern. Here, the received signals are brought into an overall context with all received signals, regardless of whether they belong to a specific induction device. Here is created by the Uniqueness of the individual signatures, depending on the design, is again a unique signature composition, which can be translated into a specific identification number for the corresponding combination of specific induction devices or even individual induction devices.

In expedient developments, the intensity of at least one assignment signal is taken into account. Intensity is understood to mean, in particular, the amplitude of electromagnetic radiation or the electromagnetic signal measured by the receiving device. At a predetermined maximum amplitude, it can be assumed that the corresponding induction device is completely covered. For lower amplitudes, the corresponding induction devices are only partially covered according to the amplitude.

In expedient embodiments, the intensity of the assignment signals is then taken into account in order to determine whether individual induction devices are covered by a cookware. This makes it possible to recognize the relevant induction devices for a set-up cookware using the received assignment signals and a percentage coverage of the individual induction devices or the individual induction coils can be recognized via the intensity or amplitude of the assignment signal. The reception of a signal can be used to determine whether a coil is covered by a cookware and the extent of the coverage can be determined via the amplitude.

According to the invention, at least one transmitting device is provided by at least one induction device. In such an embodiment, at least one induction coil of at least one induction device is used as a transmitting device. By using an induction coil or a primary coil as a transmitting device, a transmitting device is made available without great design effort.

Particularly preferably, at least one receiving device comprises at least one coil. Such a coil can be arranged in particular in the bottom of the cookware. By designing the receiving device as a coil or as a secondary coil, a simple technical implementation of a receiving device is achieved.

In expedient developments, at least two receiving devices are provided in the cookware. Either two separate receiving devices can be provided or just one receiving device with two receivers, whereby the Signals from the two receivers can then preferably be evaluated differently or separately. By providing two separate receiving devices or at least two receivers that can be evaluated separately, it is possible to detect the orientation of the cookware and also movements of the cookware on the installation surface, with the translational movement of the cookware over the installation surface also being possible in principle with just one receiving device is.

Preferably, at least one orientation of the cookware on the installation surface is recognized. This is particularly possible if at least two receiving devices are provided in the cookware.

In particular, when two or more induction devices are covered by the cookware, at least one operating parameter of at least one induction device is preferably set depending on the orientation of the cookware. For example, in the case of a roaster, two different cooking areas can be made available by providing two receiving devices, for example in the bottom of the roaster. For example, the two receiving devices can be used to identify which of the two coils points in the direction of the user. In a preferred embodiment of a special cookware, for example, it can be achieved that with a certain orientation of the cookware on the hob device, a hot frying zone is provided at the front and a slightly cooler warming zone at the rear. If the pot is placed on the hob in a different orientation, the cookware can be heated evenly, for example. The applicant reserves the right to also claim cookware with at least two receiving devices.

Preferably, at least one movement of the cookware on the installation surface is detected. The movement of the cookware across the surface can be detected both with a coil and with several receiving devices in the cookware.

Preferably, the movement of the cookware on the installation surface includes at least one translational and/or at least one rotational movement. For example, it can be recognized whether the cookware is being pulled away from an original position and/or whether the cookware is being rotated to the original position. Through both actions, certain operating parameters can be changed or set depending on the design. A rotational movement is preferably detected in a cookware that includes two receiving devices.

Preferably, at least one operating parameter of the hob device is set based on the movement. For example, by pulling a cookware away from the induction device currently in use, the hob device can be turned off automatically, at least for this cookware. It is also possible, for example, for the power of the corresponding induction device to be changed by rotating the cookware on the spot. For example, depending on the design, the power can be increased by turning clockwise, whereas turning counterclockwise results in a reduction in power.

Preferably, at least one operating parameter set for a cookware of at least one induction device is transferred to the then relevant induction device or devices when the cookware is moved. By moving the pot on the surface, the setting for a cookware can be transferred to another induction device if, for example, the pot is moved to another location due to lack of space or other reasons.

Preferably, the transmitting devices send the assignment signals during operation of at least one induction device. In such a configuration, for example, the electromagnetic radiation used to heat the cookware or areas thereof can also be used as an assignment signal.

In other expedient embodiments or in addition, the transmitting devices also send the assignment signals when the hob device or the induction devices are not in operation. In such a method, relatively low electromagnetic radiation is used in particular, whereby a pot position can also be recognized when the hob device is switched off or none of the induction devices is in operation.

A display device on the cookware is preferably activated via the assignment signals and/or a change in the assignment signals. For example, the display of parameters or instructions to the user and/or monitoring of a cooking process can be supported. The applicant reserves the right to also claim such cookware.

The hob system according to the invention comprises at least one hob device, at least one cookware and at least one evaluation device, wherein the hob device comprises at least one set-up surface for setting up cookware and at least two induction devices for heating the cookware placed on the set-up surface. The cookware is suitable and designed for this purpose at least to be heated by an induction device. At least one transmitting device is assigned to the induction devices of the hob device, with the cookware comprising at least one receiving device. The transmitting devices are suitable and designed to send out at least one assignment signal at least at times, the receiving device being suitable and designed to receive these signals when the cookware is heated by the corresponding induction device. According to the invention, the evaluation device is suitable and designed to assign the cookware via the assignment signals sent by the transmitting device with a time offset and detected by the receiving device and/or through the detected signatures from the predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations of the individual assignment signals of the individual induction devices at least one induction device.

The cooking system according to the invention also offers the advantages already explained above for the method according to the invention.

Preferably, at least one transmitting device is provided by at least one induction device or at least one induction coil of the at least one induction device. So at least one transmitting device is preferably provided by at least one primary coil.

Particularly preferably, at least one receiving device comprises at least one coil or at least one secondary coil.

In expedient embodiments, at least two receiving devices are provided in the cookware. Either two separate receiving devices are preferably provided and/or a receiving device with at least two receivers that can be evaluated separately.

In expedient embodiments, the cookware includes at least one display device, which can be activated or supplied with information in particular by means of at least one assignment signal and/or at least one change in the assignment signal.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiment, which is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figur 1

eine rein schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Kochsystems in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 2

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Bereitstellung von Zuordnungssignalen mittels einer Induktionsspule einer Induktionseinrichtung;

Figur 3

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 4

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 5

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 6

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 7

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 8

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 9

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen;

Figur 10

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Verwendung eines Kochgeschirrs mit zwei Empfangseinrichtungen in zwei unterschiedlichen Orientierungen auf der Kochfeldeinrichtung;

Figur 11

eine rein schematisch Darstellung der Anordnung eines Kochgeschirrs mit zwei Empfangseinrichtungen auf einer Kochfeldeinrichtung;

Figur 12

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Zuordnung eines Kochgeschirrs zu bestimmten Induktionseinrichtungen bzw. Induktionsspulen gemäß eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels;

Figur 13

eine rein schematische Darstellung der Umsetzung von Ping-Signaturen in Identifikationsnummern; und

Figur 14

eine weitere rein schematische Darstellung der Umsetzung von Ping-Signaturen in Identifikationsnummern.

Show in the figures:

Figure 1

a purely schematic representation of a cooking system according to the invention in a perspective view;

Figure 2

a purely schematic representation of the provision of assignment signals by means of an induction coil of an induction device;

Figure 3

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 4

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 5

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 6

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 7

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 8

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 9

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils;

Figure 10

a purely schematic representation of the use of a cookware with two receiving devices in two different orientations on the hob device;

Figure 11

a purely schematic representation of the arrangement of a cookware with two receiving devices on a hob device;

Figure 12

a purely schematic representation of the assignment of a cookware to certain induction devices or induction coils according to a further exemplary embodiment;

Figure 13

a purely schematic representation of the conversion of ping signatures into identification numbers; and

Figure 14

another purely schematic representation of the conversion of ping signatures into identification numbers.

In Figure 1 A cooking system 200 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a perspective view. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cooking system 200 includes a hob device 1, which is installed in the worktop 301 of a kitchen unit 300.

The hob device 100 includes a mounting surface 2 on which cookware 100 can be placed. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, several induction devices 3 are arranged evenly below the installation surface 2, by means of which the cookware 100 standing on the installation surface 2 can be heated. For the sake of clarity, there are only two induction devices 3 in Figure 1 indicated.

Furthermore, the cooking system 200 includes an evaluation device 50, which is integrated into the hob device 1 in the exemplary embodiment shown here.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the hob device 1 comprises several transmitting devices 4 for sending at least one assignment signal 5, via which, in interaction with the cookware 100 and the evaluation device 50, the position of the cookware 100 on the installation surface 2 can be automatically recognized. This makes it possible to assign the induction devices 3 to a cookware 100 standing on the installation surface 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the transmitting devices 4 are integrated into the induction devices 3 or are made available by the induction coils of the induction devices 3.

The cookware 100 here has a receiving device 101, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is also provided by a coil 102 on or in the base 104 of the cookware 100. Depending on the design, more than one receiving device 101 and/or several receivers can also be provided.

In the method according to the invention, the transmitting devices 4 at least temporarily send out assignment signals 5, which are received or detected by means of the receiving device 101 or, depending on the design, with several receiving devices 101 of the cookware 100 when the cookware 100 is arranged on the installation surface 2 in such a way that it is heated by these induction devices 3.

The received assignment signals and/or a further processed signal are transmitted to the evaluation device 50 by means of a suitable communication device (not shown in detail). The communication device can be integrated into the cookware 100 or, depending on the design, can also be made available as a separate assembly, which can access the receiving device 101 of the cookware 100 via suitable functions.

The cookware 100 can also include a display device 103, which is activated by the assignment signals 5, by changes in the assignment signals or in another way. It is also possible to transmit information to the cookware via the assignment signals and to display it on the display device 103.

In Figure 2 The functionality of the method according to the invention is shown purely schematically. Four induction devices 3 of a hob device 1 are shown, with the induction coils of the induction devices 3 functioning as transmitting devices 4.

Below the induction devices 3 are in Figure 2 the half waves are indicated, which are emitted by the induction devices 3 or the induction coils of the induction devices 3 for heating a cookware 100. In addition to the induction devices, it is shown purely schematically that a range of these half waves or a specific voltage value of the electromagnetic radiation is used as an assignment signal 5.

Below the series of half waves, two examples of assignment signals 5 for the induction devices 3 are shown. It is shown in the first rows 1-4 that a time-offset assignment signal 5 is emitted by the four induction devices 3 or the 4 transmission devices 4, the pattern of the assignment signals being identical. So-called ping signals are provided here, with a transmission pattern comprising three signals with a certain time interval.

Due to the time offset when sending the assignment signals 5, a clear distinction can still be made between the individual induction devices 3. The time offset in the exemplary embodiment shown here is approximately 10 ms. However, the time offset can also be chosen differently in suitable ranges.

The bottom four lines show purely schematically that the assignment signals 5, which are now also provided as ping signals, do not have the identical structure.

A signal structure is formed here via the distance between the individual signals from the individual transmitting devices, which is different and unique for each induction device.

This means that a specific induction device 3 or a specific transmitting device 4 can be inferred from the structure of the assignment signals or ping signals alone.

Due to the time offset in the transmission of the assignment signals 5, there is no joint detection of different signals, so that the signal from different induction devices 3 or transmitting devices 4 can always be clearly distinguished by the time component.

In the Figures 3 and 4 The assignment signals 5 received by a cookware are shown purely schematically, with in the exemplary embodiment shown here a cookware 100 only covers the first induction coil 3. The signal received and evaluated in the evaluation device 50 corresponds to the signal structure and the time component of the first induction device 3. The position of the cookware 100 on the installation surface 2 can thus be clearly deduced.

In Figure 4 is shown that the cookware 100 stands on the first and third induction devices 3. The corresponding signal is shown to the right, whereby an assignment to specific induction devices 3 can be made clearly via the signal structure and the temporal reception of the corresponding assignment signals 5 by the receiving device 101, so that the exact position of the cookware 100 on the installation surface 2 is determined by the evaluation device 50 recognizes.

In the Figures 5 and 6 A possibility is shown purely schematically to distinguish between the assignment signals 5 of more than four induction devices 3 or the induction devices of several generators.

The induction devices 3 are divided into two groups of four, with the distinction between the first and the second group being made by a phase shift. In this case, a phase shift of 120° has been achieved between the induction devices 3 of a first generator A and those of a second generator B.

In Figure 5 two induction devices 3 are covered by a cookware. The assignment signals 5 received by the receiving device 101 of the cookware 100 and transmitted to the evaluation device 50 are shown next to the induction devices 3.

In Figure 6 is the same arrangement as in Figure 5 shown again, with the set up cookware 100 now covering four induction devices 3. The data or signals received by the receiving device 101 of the cookware 100 and transferred to the evaluation device 50 are shown again.

In the Figures 7 to 9 is shown purely schematically that the amplitude or the intensity of the received assignment signal 5 can contribute to optimizing the position detection.

This is in Figure 7 shown that a cookware 100 stands predominantly on the first induction device 3. Only a significantly smaller part of the cookware 100 also covers the second induction device 3.

The percentage coverage of induction devices 3 by a cookware 100, the height or amplitude or intensity of the received assignment signals 5 can be clearly determined. The received assignment signal 5 of the first induction device 3 is significantly higher than that of the second induction devices 3. The percentage coverage of the respective induction device can be deduced from a received strength or amplitude or intensity of an assignment signal 5 corresponding to the coverage of an induction device 3.

In Figure 8 is the same arrangement as in Figure 7 shown again, with the first two induction devices 3 being evenly covered by a cookware 100. The corresponding assignment signal 5 is shown next to it, with the same amplitude or signal height of the assignment signals 5 indicating approximately 50% coverage of the respective induction devices 3.

In Figure 9 As shown in both previous figures, the percentage coverage can be determined via the height or the amplitude or the intensity of an assignment signal 5. Here, the first four 4 induction devices 3 are covered differently by a cookware 100, with the first and second induction devices 3 being covered equally and the third and fourth induction devices 3, with the first and second induction devices being covered to a greater extent than the third and the fourth. The corresponding received assignment signals 5 are shown to the right.

In Figure 10 It is shown purely schematically that a cookware 100 can also have more than one receiving device 101. Then, in addition to the position on the installation surface 2 of a hob device 1, the orientation of the cookware 100 on the installation surface 2 can also be recognized.

The arrow indicates in a purely schematic manner the orientation in which the cookware 100 is located on the installation surface 2. The cookware 100 is shown again purely schematically in the middle in order to show the two receiving devices 101 again.

For example, depending on the design, different areas or sections of a cookware 100 can be assigned a different operating mode. For this purpose, different cooking zones are provided here depending on the orientation of the cookware 100 on the installation surface 2 or depending on which receiving device 101 faces or faces away from the user.

For example, in the illustration on the left, it is possible for a different frying zone to be provided at the front or facing the user, with 100 warming zones being provided in the rear area of the cookware.

If the cookware 100 is now set up with a different orientation, rotated by 180° in the exemplary embodiment shown here, uniform heating of the cookware 100 can be provided, for example.

In Figure 11 It is purely schematically indicated that certain operating parameters can be set, for example, by moving the cookware 100 on the installation surface 2 of a hob device 1. This is possible with just one receiving device 101 as well as with multiple receiving devices 101.

If, for example, only one receiving device 101 is provided for the cookware 100, translational movements can be detected and z. B. can be converted into control signals. So it is possible, for example, by pulling a cookware 100 away from an induction device 3, this induction device 3 is switched off.

In addition, depending on the design, it is possible to transfer the operating parameters set for an induction device 3 to this induction device 3 by pulling the cookware 100 away to another induction device 3.

In particular, if at least two receiving devices 101 are provided, rotational movement on the installation surface 2 can also be detected, so that operating parameters are changed, for example by rotating the cookware 100. For example, when rotating the cookware 100 clockwise, the power can be increased, while when rotating counterclockwise, the power is reduced.

Other settings can also be conveniently adjusted via the movement and/or orientation of the cookware.

In Figure 12 It is shown purely schematically that, particularly when using several generator devices 6, 7, 8, the assignment signals 5 can not only be sent out at a time offset from one another, but can additionally or exclusively have a specific signal signature or ping signature.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a first generator 6 with four induction devices 3 or induction coils, a second generator 7 with four induction devices 3 and a third generator with four induction devices 3 are provided.

In order to enable a clear assignment of a cookware 100 to one or more induction devices 3, both time-offset assignment signals 5 and signal signatures are used in the exemplary embodiment shown here.

It can be seen that a time signal curve of 23 signal blocks 12 is used here, with one signal block corresponding to 10 milliseconds. In each signal block either an assignment signal 5 can be sent or received or not.

In order to be able to distinguish between the individual induction devices 3 of the individual generators, a defined signal structure is used in the exemplary embodiment shown. Each induction device sends out a predetermined sequence of electromagnetic excitations as a signature, with the signal sequences being sent by the induction devices 3 of each generator device 6, 7, 8 with a time offset. The signal sequences are each started one signal block later.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the predetermined sequence of electromagnetic excitations as a signature has three excitations, with a first distance 9 between the first excitation and the second excitation defining the generator device 6, 7, 8. This first distance 9 becomes larger here from the first generator device 6 to the third generator device 8. In this way, the corresponding generator device 6, 7, 8 can be deduced from the first distance 9 between the first excitation and the second excitation of a signal sequence.

A second distance 10 defines the corresponding induction device 3, which for the sake of clarity are labeled A1, A2, A3, A4, B1 [...] C3 and C4 in accordance with their affiliation to a specific generator device 6, 7, 8.

The distance 10 from induction device A1 to A4, B1 to B4 and C1 to C4 becomes smaller and smaller.

Through this system of signal sequences, a cookware 100 can be clearly assigned to specific induction devices.

In the Figures 13 and 14 the further processing of the determined signal sequences or signatures is shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the determined signals are entered into the 23 signal blocks 12 provided here, regardless of their belonging to a specific signal sequence of a specific induction device 3.

Due to the corresponding system of signal sequences through the offset of the signals and the distances 9, 10 between the signals, clear patterns are created here again, which correspond to the coverage of certain induction devices. There are in the Figures 13 and 14 only multiple covers are taken into account.

The signal pattern entered in this way is converted into an eight-digit number or identification number 11 by binary addition. Other methods can also be used to convert the pattern into a unique number. This identification number 11 corresponds to a specific coverage of induction devices 3 by a cookware 100.

This identification number 11 could be transmitted to the hob without too much data volume. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, however, a table is stored in a chip in the cookware 100, in which a consecutive number is assigned to each identification number 11, which is in the Figures 13 and 14 is entered in the line next to the identification number 11. In this way, the data volume during transmission from the cookware 100 to the hob 1 can be reduced again.

Reference symbol list

1

Hob facility

2

installation area

3

Induction device

4

Transmitting device

5

Assignment signal

6

first generator device

7

second generator device

8th

third generator device

9

first distance

10

second distance

11

Identification Number

12

Signal block

50

Evaluation device

100

Cookware

101

Reception facility

102

Kitchen sink

103

Display device

104

Floor

200

Cooking system

300

kitchenette

301

work surface

Claims (24)

1. Method for operating a cooking system (200) comprising

   at least one hob device (1),

   at least one cooking utensil (100) and

   at least one evaluation device (50),

   the hob device (1) comprising at least one placement surface (2) for placing cooking utensils (100) and at least one generator device (6, 7, 8) having at least two induction devices (3) for heating the cooking utensil (100) placed on the installation surface (2), and

   the cooking utensil (100) being suitable and designed to be heated by means of at least one induction device (3),

   at least one transmitting device (4) being associated with each of the induction devices (3) of the hob device (1) and the cooking utensil (100) comprising at least one receiving device (101), the transmitting devices (4) each emitting, at least intermittently, at least one assignment signal (5) which is received by the receiving device (101) of the cooking utensil (100) when the cooking utensil (100) is heated by the corresponding induction device (3),

   characterised in that

   at least one transmitting device (4) is provided by at least one induction device (3),

   in that the assignment signals (5) of the individual induction devices (3) comprise different predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations as a signature,

   so that the evaluation device (50) can assign the assignment signals (5) detected by the receiving device (101) to the individual induction devices (3) and can thus carry out an assignment of the cooking utensil (100) to at least one induction device (3).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the assignment signals (5) of the individual induction devices (3) or transmitting devices (4), in particular which comprise the same predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations, are emitted with a predetermined temporal offset and are thus distinguished.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two generator devices are provided, and in that the assignment signals (5) of the individual induction devices (3) each comprise a predetermined sequence of at least three electromagnetic excitations as a signature, a first interval (9) between the first electromagnetic excitation and the second electromagnetic excitation encoding the generator device (6, 7, 8), and a second interval (10) between the second electromagnetic excitation and the third electromagnetic excitation encoding the induction device (3) of the corresponding generator device (6, 7, 8), or vice versa.
4. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the first interval (9) from generator device (6, 7, 8) to generator device (6, 7, 8) becomes greater, and in that the second interval (10) from induction device (3) to induction device (3) of a corresponding generator device (6, 7, 8) becomes smaller.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the received electromagnetic excitations are translated into a unique identification number (11) which corresponds to the covering of certain induction devices (3).
6. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the received predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations of the corresponding induction devices (3) are plotted in a common curve over time and in that the identification number is determined on the basis of the signal pattern.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the intensity of at least one assignment signal (5) is taken into account.
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the intensity of the assignment signals (5) is taken into account in order to infer the covering of individual induction devices (3) by a cooking utensil (100).
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one receiving device (101) comprises at least one coil (102).
10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two receiving devices (101) are provided in the cooking utensil (101).
11. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that at least one orientation of the cooking utensil (100) on the placement surface (2) is detected.
12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that if two or more induction devices (3) are covered by the cooking utensil (100), at least one operating parameter of at least one induction device depends on the orientation of the cooking utensil (100).
13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one movement of the cooking utensil (100) on the installation surface (3) is detected.
14. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the movement comprises at least one translational and/or rotational component.
15. Method according to any of the two preceding claims,
    characterised in that, at least one operating parameter of the hob device (1) is adjusted on the basis of the movement.
16. Method according to any of the three preceding claims,
    characterised in that at least one operating parameter, adjusted for a cooking utensil (100), of an induction device (3) is transmitted to the then relevant induction device (3) when the cooking utensil (100) is displaced.
17. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmitting device (4) transmits the assignment signals (5) during the operation of at least one induction device (3).
18. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmitting device (4) transmits the assignment signals (5) when the induction devices (3) are not in operation.
19. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a display device (103) on the cooking utensil (100) is activated via the assignment signals (5) and/or a change in the assignment signals (5).
20. Cooking system (200) comprising

    at least one hob device (1),

    at least one cooking utensil (100) and

    at least one evaluation device (50),

    the hob device (1) comprising at least one placement surface (2) for placing cooking utensils (100) and at least two induction devices (3) for heating the cooking utensil (100) placed on the installation surface (2), and the cooking utensil (100) being suitable and designed to be heated by means of at least one induction device (3),

    at least one transmitting device (4) being associated with each of the induction devices (3) of the hob device (1) and the cooking utensil (100) comprising at least one receiving device (101), the transmitting devices (4) being suitable and designed to emit, at least intermittently, at least one assignment signal (5) and the receiving device (101) being suitable and designed for receiving an assignment signal (5) when the cooking utensil (100) is heated by the corresponding induction device (3),

    characterised in that

    at least one transmitting device (4) is provided by at least one induction device (3) provided for heating a cooking utensil (100), and

    in that the assignment signals (5) of the individual induction devices (3) comprise different predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations as a signature, and

    in that the evaluation device (50) is suitable and designed to carry out an assignment of the cooking utensil (100) to at least one induction device (3) by means of the detected signatures from the predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations of the individual assignment signals (5) of the individual induction devices (3).
21. Cooking system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the evaluation device (50) is suitable and designed to carry out an assignment of the cooking utensil (100) to at least one induction device (3) via the assignment signals (5) emitted by the transmitting devices (4) with a temporal offset and detected by means of the receiving device (101) and the detected signatures from the predetermined sequences of electromagnetic excitations of the individual assignment signals (5) of the individual induction devices (3).
22. Cooking system according to any of claims 20 to 21,
    characterised in that at least one receiving device (101) comprises at least one coil (102).
23. Cooking system according to any of claims 20 to 22,
    characterised in that at least two receiving devices (101) are provided in the cooking utensil (100).
24. Cooking system according to any of claims 20 to 23,
    characterised in that the cookware (100) comprises at least one display device (103).

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