EP3945749B1 - Cooking hob and method for operating a cooking hob - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a method for operating a hob and a hob with heating elements and with a hob controller, the hob controller being designed to carry out this method.

From the EP 3 001 772 B1 a so-called chef's function is known in which location-dependent heat output densities are specified for a heating area on a hob plate of a hob with a plurality of heating elements underneath. The heating line density can either decrease or increase in the direction from left to right or from front to back. Thus, just by moving a cooking vessel on the heating area of the hob plate, its heating or power level can be varied without having to determine and operate suitable control elements for this.

From the DE 10 2016 217 783 A1 Another method is known in which a hob with a hob plate has a plurality of heating elements which can have different heat output densities. If the displacement of a cooking vessel that has been set up is detected, a case distinction can then be made between heating with a high heating output and heating with a low heating output. If heating is carried out with a low heat output, the cooking vessel will continue to be heated with the same low heat output even after it has been moved to its new position. If the cooking vessel was previously heated with a high heat output, the heat output is reduced to a low heat output after it has been moved.

From the EP 2 709 424 A1 an induction hob with a hob plate and several inductive heating elements arranged underneath is known. If different heat outputs are set for two cooking zones, the heat output can be graduated for the cooking zones in between. This also results in the aforementioned chef's function in an elongated area with varying heat output.

From the WO 2009/053279 A1 Another hob is known which also has a plurality of heating elements and a hob plate. Depending on the situation, different heating elements can be assigned different heat outputs by combining them into heating zones.

From the EP 3 612 002 A1 yet another hob is known, in which it is possible to heat a strongly heated cooking vessel weaker simply by moving it by a certain distance. This is very convenient for an operator in order to be able to react quickly, for example, when pasta water boils over, without immediately completely stopping heating.

TASK AND SOLUTION

The invention is based on the object of creating a method as mentioned at the outset and a hob as mentioned at the outset, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and in particular it is possible to use a hob in connection with such a chef's function or in the chef's To be able to operate intuitively and comfortably.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a hob having the features of claim 11. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the other claims and are explained in more detail below. Some of the features are only explained for the process or only for the hob. However, independently of this, they should be able to apply independently both to the method and to the hob. The wording of the claims is made part of the content of the description by express reference.

Provision is made for the hob to have a hob plate and at least three heating elements on or below the hob plate. These heating elements form a variable heating area or define it through their arrangement. Advantageously, the heating elements can be arranged regularly, preferably in the manner of a matrix. You can be arranged relatively close together or have a small distance from each other, for example less than 5cm or less than 3cm. Furthermore, the hob has a hob controller in order to control the heating elements, each with a heating power density. A power supply can be provided for this in a known manner, either by means of switches such as relays or semiconductor switches, or by means of power electronics for controlling induction heating coils as heating elements. A heat output density is specified for the heating elements by the cooktop control, with which they then heat a cooking vessel placed above it on the heating area. Furthermore, the hob controller is designed to recognize a cooking vessel placed on the heating area. This can be achieved with a wide variety of means, for example with so-called pan detection sensors, which can be capacitive or inductive. If induction heating coils are used as heating elements, they can also be used in a known manner to detect a cooking vessel placed on the heating area or in the area of the heating elements. This is sufficiently known from the prior art and does not need to be explained further.

In at least one operating state, the hob controller can operate at least one heating element in the heating area in this way with a chef-chef function or in a chef-chef mode, in which case it is designed to heat the cooking vessel, depending on the position of the cooking vessel in the heating area, by at least to heat with a heating element. Different heating power densities are used for this heating, with different positions of the cooking vessel in the heating area corresponding to different heating power densities of the heating elements for the cooking vessel. So this corresponds to a chef's business, as is known from the prior art, for example from the aforementioned EP 3 001 772 B1 . If an operator moves the cooking vessel or places the cooking vessel in a different position, this heat output density can change depending on the position. According to the invention, the method has the following steps.

First, the cooking vessel is selected for a subsequent manual assignment of a heating power density by an operator. This manual assignment of a heating power density can be done by actuating control elements on the hob and thus directly on the hob control. Alternatively, this can be done via an external hob control, which can be designed and work as a type of remote control, for example, can also be a mobile device such as a tablet computer or a smartphone. A heating power density is manually assigned by an operator to the at least one heating element, over which the selected cooking vessel is placed and which is provided for its heating due to its position. As explained above, this is advantageously done by means of control elements or an operating device. The cooking vessel can then be heated with this manually assigned heating power density, just as the operator obviously intended.

The heating operation for the cooking vessel with the manually assigned heat output density can last as long as you like. In a further step, it is possible for the operator to delete the manually assigned or selected heating power density by moving the cooking vessel by more than a minimum distance within the heating area. If, on the other hand, the cooking vessel is moved by less than the specified minimum distance, the previously manually assigned heating power density is not deleted but retained and the cooking vessel continues to be heated. However, if the heat output density is deleted by moving more than the minimum distance, the cooking vessel is then heated with a heat output density that corresponds to its position in the heating area, i.e. heating is carried out again in accordance with the chef's mode or the chef's function , i.e. position-dependent.

With the invention, it is possible for an operator to end the heating operation with the manually assigned heating power density in a simple manner, although not completely stopping the heating of the cooking vessel, but going back to the chef's operation. Thus, a heat output density for heating the cooking vessel can again be set by changing the position of the cooking vessel in the heating area, ie again depending on the position. The mentioned option of manually assigning a heating power density for the cooking vessel can be advantageous if a heating power density is desired that is not possible in the chef's mode, in particular because it is too low or too high. Alternatively, it can also be the case that no more space is provided for the cooking vessel in order to position it in the heating area in such a way that a desired heat output density is achieved in the chef's mode.

Such a deletion is easily possible due to the quasi-automatic deletion of the manual assignment when the cooking vessel is moved again. In particular, this deletion of the manual assignment takes place at the same time as setting a new heating power density within the chef's mode, ie by the position of the cooking vessel, is therefore very simple and intuitive and at the same time very fast and efficient.

In an embodiment of the invention it can be provided that said minimum distance is at least 2 cm, preferably at least 4 cm. A maximum value does not need to be specified since a maximum movement of the cooking vessel is specified, so to speak, by the limitation of the heating area. The stated minimum distances from at least 2 cm or from at least 4 cm can usually be well resolved or recognized by an aforementioned pot recognition for a reliable function of the recognition of cooking vessels.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the heating elements are arranged next to one another along a direction from a left lateral side of the hob to a right lateral side of the hob. This is particularly useful in the case of rectangular hobs or essentially rectangular heating areas. In this case, the heating elements can be connected to one another at an aforementioned distance from one another. The positions for different heating power densities can vary in this direction, that is to say from left to right, or the cooking vessel can be moved along this direction in order to be heated differently. It can be provided that the heat output density increases when the cooking vessel is moved from the left lateral side to the right lateral side. This means that the cooking vessel is heated more the further it is moved towards the right lateral side.

In an embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the heating power density does not vary steplessly in one direction or along the direction, but is graded, so to speak, or the heating area is divided into different areas in which different heating power densities are specified. Thus, in the direction mentioned, along which the moving cooking vessel is heated differently, the heating area can be divided into at least two areas with different or increasing heat output densities. More areas are advantageously provided, in particular exactly three areas or exactly four areas. It can preferably be provided that a position of the cooking vessel is determined based on its center point or center of gravity of the base, i.e. depending on the area in which this is or is positioned, the associated heating power density is used to heat the cooking vessel. Whether exactly one heating element is used for this or several heating elements is irrelevant for the invention, it is a question of the heating power density that is used overall to heat the cooking vessel, ie in relation to its area.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that when moving or changing the position of the cooking vessel in the direction from a front side of the hob to a rear side of the hob, without a movement or directional component in the direction from a left lateral side to the opposite lateral side of the cooktop is present, there is no change in the heat output density. This means that the heating power density can only be changed by moving along a direction from left to right or vice versa, but not by moving the cooking vessel forwards or backwards. It can therefore be provided that the chef's business only runs along one direction from left to right, alternatively, along a front-to-back direction, allows the heating power density to be varied for heating the cooking vessel. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it could also be provided that the heating power density varies along a direction of movement from one corner to the opposite corner, ie in both directions of movement. For the invention, this plays no role, its function is guaranteed regardless.

In a possible development of the invention, it can be provided that the aforementioned movement of the cooking vessel by more than a minimum distance must take place either parallel to the direction of change in the heating power density or completely independently of it. A movement of the cooking vessel that is independent of this is preferred for deleting the manual assignment, since this is even easier for an operator.

In an embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an operating element that can be actuated manually is provided. By actuating it, the cooking vessel can be selected for a subsequent manual assignment of a heating power density. This control element can be arranged on the hob itself, advantageously together with other control elements, alternatively on an aforementioned external control device.

In one possibility of the invention, it can be provided that the manual assignment of a heating power density by the operator takes place on a control device or an external control device with manually operable control elements, as has been explained above. In another possibility of the invention, which can be provided as an alternative or in addition, a heating power density can be entered by an external operating device or on the hob itself as a manual assignment of a heating power density, with voice input being used for this purpose. This makes it even easier for the operator to operate the hob. However, this manual assignment is then still deleted according to the invention by actually moving the cooking vessel by at least the aforementioned minimum distance.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a cooking vessel that is newly placed on the heating area is heated directly, beginning with a heating line density that corresponds to its position in the heating area. It is particularly advantageous here that an operator does not have to carry out any prior confirming input, but rather its heating takes place directly after the cooking vessel has been set up according to its position. This heating power density can be varied by moving the cooking vessel in the heating area, as explained above.

It can be provided for a hob according to the invention that it has at least three heating elements, preferably significantly more. The number can be at least six heating elements, advantageously at least eight or at least twelve heating elements. Provision can be made for at least two heating elements, in particular at least three heating elements, to be provided one behind the other in a direction from a front side of the hob to the rear of the hob. There are also at least three heating elements, advantageously at least four heating elements, along the direction from the left lateral side to the right lateral side.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the manually assigned heating power density is immediately deleted after the cooking vessel has been detected to be moving by more than the aforementioned minimum distance. In this case, a corresponding signaling can be output to an operator, advantageously optically and/or acoustically. In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that after the cooking vessel has been moved into its new position in the heating area by actuating a single control element, the manually assigned heating power density is restored, i.e. it is not necessary to select again separately from a large number of possible heating power densities. This has the advantage that if the cooking vessel is moved or repositioned in the heating area, for example due to a lack of space, i.e. not to vary the heat output density as a chef function, the previously manually assigned operation can be resumed very quickly and easily. A specific maximum period of time can be provided for this restoration, which is a maximum of 10 seconds, advantageously a maximum of 5 seconds. The expiry of this period of time and its end can be signaled to the operator, advantageously optically and/or acoustically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Kochfeld mit drei aufgestellten Töpfen,

Fig. 2

das Kochfeld aus Fig. 1 mit Darstellung von zahlreichen Induktionsheizspulen, die einen Heizbereich bilden, und einer Unterteilung des Heizbereichs in unter-schiedliche Leistungszonen,

Fig. 3 bis 6

verschiedene Schritte zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit Verstellen der Beheizung eines Topfes und Verschieben.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. In the drawings show:

1

a top view of a hob according to the invention with three pots set up,

2

the hob off 1 with a representation of numerous induction heating coils that form a heating area and a subdivision of the heating area into different power zones,

Figures 3 to 6

various steps for carrying out the method according to the invention with adjusting the heating of a pot and moving.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the 1 1 shows a cooktop 11 according to the invention, which has a cooktop plate 12, which forms a heating area 13 thereon with its substantial surface. Three pots T1, T2 and T3 are placed on the heating area 13 as cooking vessels. The hob 11 has an operating device 20 in the front middle area. The operating device 20 has a power display 22, represented here by a one-digit seven-segment display. This could also have two digits, and a matrix display with considerably more display options could also be provided, in particular as a full display. To the left of this, a multiplicity of illuminated operating elements 23 are provided, advantageously in the form of touch switches with an illumination function. An elongated strip is provided underneath as a so-called slider 25 . By placing a finger in the appropriate place or swiping over it, a numerical value can be set in a known manner, for example a power level for a pot T or a numerical value for a timer or the like Correspond heating area 13 and allow their touch function, for example, its selection for subsequent influencing. Other controls with general functions can be provided, as can be easily imagined. Furthermore, it is possible to design the entire surface of the operating device 20 with the various display options and operating options described as a touch display. This is also well known from the prior art.

In the 2 shows how sixteen induction heating coils 15 are distributed under the hob plate 12 in the heating area 13 as the heating elements mentioned at the outset. They are all of the same size or of identical design and cover the heating area 13 almost without gaps, except for the area occupied by the operating device 20 . As is known from such hobs, the induction heating coils 15 can be controlled individually and their heating output or heating output density can be adjusted. They can be operated individually or together to heat one or more pots T placed above them In a known manner, the induction heating coils 15 can function as pot detection sensors and detect the presence of a pot placed wholly or partially above it. But it can also be provided additional pot detection sensors, for example according to EP 3079443 A1 . This can be recognized and processed by a cooktop controller, which is advantageously integrated in the operating device 20, for a pot detection function mentioned at the outset. This is essential for the chef's business.

The heating area 13 is divided into five strip-like power zones 17a to 17e by broken lines in the front-rear direction running parallel to the left and right lateral sides of the cooktop 11 . The central power zone 17c is somewhat larger or wider and comprises almost two induction heating coils 15 across its width. The other power zones comprise only one induction heating coil across its width. However, this can also be different, as is known from the prior art. The numerical values "4, 6, 7, 8, 9" given behind it make it clear that each of these power zones 17a to 17e is assigned a specific power level, with these power levels being subdivided as usual. Of course, all power levels from 0 to 9 can be set manually using the operating device 20, possibly also so-called boost power levels. These power levels correspond to specific heating power densities, as is known from the prior art.

Power zone 17 therefore has power level 4, power zone 17b has power level 6, power zone 17c has power level 7, power zone 17d has power level 8 and power zone 17e has power level 9. So if a pot T is predominantly in one of these power zones he heated with their power level or their heating power density. At the out 1 apparent distribution of the pots T1 to T3, which in 3 is shown again, pot T1 has power level 6 due to its position in power zone 17b. Power level 7 results for pot T2 in power zone 17c. Pot T3 has power level 7 due to its placement predominantly in power zone 17d power level 8. Overlapping to the right into power zone 17e doesn't change that.

Starting from the 3 it is easy to imagine how the hob 11 with the pots T1 to T3 can be operated in chef mode or with an aforementioned chef function. If, for example, the pot T3 is moved to the far right into the power zone 17e, so that its main area lies in this power zone 17e, then it is heated with the power level 9 or a corresponding heating power density. The induction heating coils 15 are each generally controlled with such a heating power density that for pots T with a recognized position and base area or installation area, a heating power results that corresponds to the power level corresponds to their performance zone. This is known from the prior art. If pot T1 were pulled to the right in front of pot T2, it would be in power zone 17c and would therefore be heated at power level 7, ie one power level higher than before.

According to the invention, it is now provided that an operator, for example, does not want to heat the pot T1 with the power level corresponding to the chef's mode, i.e. the power level 6 corresponding to the power zone 17b on which the pot T1 is standing, but simply heat it with a different power level should be able to. This could be power level 3, for example, which, as can be clearly seen, is not available or cannot be set in chef mode. But this chef's business should not be left because of the pots T2 and T3. Accordingly, the operator selects the pot T1 by actuating the operating element 23 of the operating device 20 that corresponds to its position. Alternatively, if a cooktop control can recognize this, the pot T1 can be touched as a selection, this is in 4 shown. Then power level 3 for the selected pot T1 is manually selected on slider 25, this is in figure 5 shown. This power level 3 is then shown by the power display 22 . For clarification, it is also shown again at the location of the pot T1. Henceforth pot T1 is heated with power level 3 and is therefore significantly less heated than would actually correspond to its position in power zone 17b corresponding to power level 6.

As long as the pot T1 is not moved or the operator changes the power level manually, it is heated with this power level 3. Furthermore, the power level can be changed again manually on the slider 25, for example reduced or also increased, in particular also well beyond the power level 6, which actually corresponds to its position in the power zone 17b. If the operator now wants to heat the pot T1 again in the chef's mode, and in particular wants to set a different power level, he can use the pot T1 accordingly 6 move. According to a first possibility, it moves the pot T1 to the left or towards the left lateral side of the hob 11, specifically by the distance d1. This distance d1 is significantly greater than the minimum distance D shown below for the sake of information, which is recognized by a pan recognition function of the cooktop control. The minimum distance D can be 5 cm here, for example. As a result, the manual setting or assignment of the power level is deleted and the power level 4 corresponding to the position of the pot T1 in the power zone 17a shown as a dotted line is set. The power level 4 is therefore displayed on the power display 22, as is also shown again within the pot symbol of T1 for clarification. From this point on, the manual assignment of the power level is actually deleted and forgotten, so to speak. According to a previously described option, it may be that the operating device 20 is optically or acoustically signaled to an operator that by actuating an operating element 23, for example according to the position of the pot T1 in the heating area 13, the previously manually assigned power level 3 is set again . This option could be useful in the event that pot T1 was moved not with the motivation to cancel the manual power allocation, but for other reasons, and power level 3 should actually have been retained. A single actuation of the operating element 23 then sets this power level 3 again for the pot T1 in its new position on the far left and the number 3 is displayed on the power display 22 . If the operator lets this option, which can be limited to 5 seconds or 10 seconds, expire, ie if he simply does nothing at all, the power level 4 specified by the chef's operation for the pot T1 is permanently implemented.

If the pot T1 is moved by the distance d2 towards the back of the hob 11, which is also well above the minimum distance D, then the manual assignment of a power level is also deleted again. The new power level corresponds to the dotted position of the pot T1 within one of the power zones, here within the power zone 17b. For this reason, the pot T1 is now heated directly with the power level 6 corresponding to this power zone 17b. The number 6 then appears on the power display 22.

It can thus be seen that by moving the pot T1 into one of the positions shown by the dotted lines by the distances d1 or d2, which are clearly above the minimum distance D, the manual assignment of a power level is deleted again. The power is adjusted according to the position within one of the power zones.

If, on the other hand, the pot T1 is only moved a small distance to the right forwards into the position shown in dot-dash lines with the distance d3, which is well below the minimum distance D, then nothing happens. The manual assignment of performance level 3 is retained. A corresponding notice may possibly be displayed on the operating device 20, but this does not have to be the case. With such a slight movement of the pot T1, it is assumed that this was not done with the motivation to delete the manual assignment of a power level or to adjust the power level in accordance with the chef's mode.

Lifting a pot momentarily and returning it to the same position is not considered a movement or change of position. After that, the position is the same. The time for this can be between 5 seconds and 20 seconds. This can be done, for example, to refill the water in the pot or to remove the food to be cooked. Only when the pot is on placed on the hob 11 or the heating area 13 in a different position than before, in particular with more than the minimum distance D between the two, this is regarded as a change of position and as a deliberate moving of the pot with the same consequences as explained above. In particular, a power level specified by the chef's operation is changed or a manual assignment of a power level is canceled.

Claims (13)

1. A method for operating a hob (11), in particular an induction hob (11), with:

   - a hob plate (12),

   - at least three heating elements (15), the heating elements (15) forming or defining a variable heating area (13) on the hob plate (12),

   - a hob control for controlling the heating elements (15) each with a heating power density and for detecting a cooking vessel (T) placed on the heating area (13),

   - wherein the hob control in at least one operating state operates at least one heating element (15) in such a way in a chef cooking mode, in which the hob control is designed for this purpose to heat the cooking vessel (T) as a function of a position of the cooking vessel (T) in the heating region (13) via at least one heating element (15), different positions of the cooking vessel (T) in the heating region (13) corresponding to different heating power densities for the cooking vessel (T),

   characterized by the steps:

   - the charging vessel (T) is selected for subsequent manual assignment of a heating power density by an operator,

   - the at least one heating element (15) for the selected cooking vessel (T) is manually assigned a heating power density by an operator,

   - by moving the cooking vessel (T) by more than a minimum distance (D) within the heating area (13), the manually assigned heating power density is deleted and replaced by a heating power density corresponding to the position of the cooking vessel (T) in the heating area (13) after movement for the further heating of the cooking vessel (T).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum distance (D) is 2 cm, preferably 4 cm.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heating elements (15) are arranged next to each other along a direction from a left lateral side of the hob (11) to a right lateral side of the hob (11), in particular adjacent to each other, and in this direction the positions for different heating power densities vary.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating power density increases in the direction from the left lateral side to the right lateral side.
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating area (13) is subdivided in the direction from a left lateral side of the hob (11) to a right lateral side of the hob (11) into at least two areas (17a - 17e) with different or increasing heating power density, preferably into exactly three areas or exactly four areas.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when moving or changing the position of the cooking vessel (T) in the direction from a front side of the hob (11) to a rear side of the cooktop (11) without movement com¬po¬nents in the direction from one lateral side to the opposite lateral side of the hob (11), no change in the heating power density occurs.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a selection of the cooking vessel (T) for a subsequent manual assignment of a heating power density is carried out by actuating a manually actuable operating element (23) by the operator or is carried out by an external operating device.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manual assignment of a heating power density is carried out by the operator at an operating device (20) with manually actuable operating elements (23).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manual assignment of a heating power density is carried out by input from an external operating device, preferably by means of voice input.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooking vessel (T) newly placed on the heating area (13) is heated directly starting with a heating power density corresponding to its position in the heating area (13), preferably without prior input by an operator.
11. A hob (11) comprising at least three heating elements (15) and a hob control, the hob control being adapted to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.
12. Hob according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two heating elements (15) are provided one behind the other in a direction from a front side of the hob (11) to a rear side of the hob (11), in particular the hob (11) having a total of at least four heating elements (15) in a regular arrangement, preferably at least twelve heating elements (15).
13. Hob according to claim 11, characterized in that the heating elements (15) are arranged in a matrix-like manner.

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