EP4189292A1

EP4189292A1 - Hob system and method for operating a hob system

Info

Publication number: EP4189292A1
Application number: EP21740075.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Beatriz Arenas Jimenez; Noelia Borque Marquina; Diana Lascorz Pascual; Damaso Martin Gomez; Pilar Perez Cabeza; Fernando Sanz Serrano; Francisco Villuendas Lopez
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2021-07-08
Publication date: 2023-06-07
Also published as: WO2022022978A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hob system (10a-c), in particular an induction hob system, comprising a support plate (12a-c) for supporting at least one support unit (14a-c) and comprising a heating device (16a-c) having at least one heating unit (18a-c), which is provided for heating the support unit (14a-c) in at least one operating state, and a control unit (20a-c) for controlling the heating unit (18a-c). According to the invention, in order to provide a generic system with improved properties in terms of safety, in particular operator safety, the heating device (16a-c) is provided to limit at least one temperature characteristic variable in the operating state in order to reduce thermal stress on the support plate (12a-c).

Description

Cooktop system and method of operating a cooktop system

State of the art

The invention relates to a hob system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a hob system according to the preamble of claim 13.

A hob system is already known from the prior art, which has an adjustable plate on and a heating device. During a cooking process, high thermal stresses can occur in the mounting plate and thus the mounting plate can be damaged and an operator can be endangered.

The object of the invention consists in particular in providing a generic system with improved properties in terms of security, in particular operator security. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the claims 1 and 13, while advantageous refinements and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Advantages of the Invention

The invention is based on a hob system, in particular an induction hob system, with a mounting plate for setting up at least one mounting unit and with a heating device, which has at least one heating unit, which is provided for heating the mounting unit in at least one operating state, and a control unit for controlling the heating unit having.

It is proposed that the heating device is provided in the operating state to limit at least one temperature parameter, in particular to keep it below a limit temperature, in order to reduce thermal stresses in the mounting plate.

Such a design allows a high level of safety to be achieved, in particular with regard to operation of the hob system. Furthermore, thermal cal stresses on the mounting plate can be reduced and damage, in particular a Breaking of the mounting plate, in particular a surface of the mounting plate, and possible damage to the heating device can be prevented. This ensures a particularly high level of safety for an operator, so that the installation unit can be heated safely in the operating state. Furthermore, ease of use can be increased since the efficiency of a cooking process is only imperceptibly reduced for the operator. Furthermore, due to the limitation to at least the temperature parameter, mounting plates can be used that differ from complex and expensive mounting plates, such as aluminium-ceramic plates with special diffusion layers for dissipating thermal stresses. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced in particular. In particular, when thermal stresses on the installation plate are reduced, alternative installation plates can be used, which in particular are designed differently from a hob plate, in particular a glass ceramic plate.

The hob system, in particular the induction hob system, is intended for use and/or arrangement in a kitchen. The hob system can have a large number of units and/or devices which can be used to treat and/or process food. For example, the hob system could be part of a kitchen appliance and in particular additionally have at least one extractor unit and/or at least one sensor unit, in particular a temperature sensor, which could be provided for placement in a cookware and/or in a product to be cooked, for example in the form of a roast spit. Alternatively, the hob system can also be designed as a hob, in particular an induction hob.

It would be conceivable for the mounting plate to be in the form of a kitchen worktop and/or a hob plate. The installation plate can, for example, consist at least partially and preferably at least to a large extent of wood and/or mineral, in particular granite and/or glass and/or ceramic and/or a composite material. It would be conceivable for the mounting plate to have engravings and/or imprints, in particular for marking the heating unit, but the mounting plate is preferably free of engravings and/or imprints. Alternatively and/or additionally, the hob plate could be part of the installation plate. In a further embodiment, the entire mounting plate can be used as a hob plate, in particular a glass ceramic plate be trained. In a preferred embodiment, the entire mounting plate is designed as a kitchen worktop, with the mounting plate having a thickness of in particular at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm and particularly preferably at most 12 mm. Preferably, the standing plate designed as a kitchen worktop, in particular in contrast to the hob plate, is additionally provided to provide a food preparation area, in particular by cutting and/or mixing and/or pounding and/or peeling of food, for example. A “mounting plate” is part of a kitchen and in particular delimits and/or closes part of an assembly of kitchen cabinets and/or other household appliances at the top. A "cooktop plate" is a part of a cooktop and delimits it and in particular the heating device at the top.

In an installed position and/or in the operating state, the heating device is arranged below the mounting plate and is preferably fastened to the mounting plate. The heating device is preferably designed as an induction heating device, the heating unit in this case being designed as an induction heating unit with at least one inductor. It would be conceivable for the heating device to have an operator interface and/or at least one hob electronics.

The installation unit can, for example, have at least one cooking utensil element and/or at least one cooking utensil and in particular be designed as such. Alternatively or additionally, the installation unit could have at least one support unit, which could be provided in particular for installing at least one cooking utensil element, in particular the cooking utensil element, and/or at least one cooking utensil, in particular the cooking utensil, and in particular could be designed as such. The support unit could, for example, be provided in at least the operating state for an arrangement between the cooking utensil element to be heated and/or the cooking utensil of the installation unit and the installation plate. In particular, at least one object of the set-up unit, in particular several objects of the set-up unit and advantageously all objects of the set-up unit could be integrated at least partially and advantageously at least to a large extent in the base unit. For example, the base unit can consist of spacers, in particular temperature-resistant pads, which lead to a complaint of the installation unit from the installation plate are provided. In the operating state, the installation unit is heated in particular only if it is designed at least as the cooking utensil element and/or at least as the cooking utensil. The mounting unit preferably consists only of the cooking utensil element and/or the cooking utensil and is in particular free of further base units which increase the distance between the mounting unit and the cooking device, in particular induction cooking device, located under the mounting plate.

In the operating state, the control unit electronically controls a power supply unit of the heating device, which in particular provides electricity at least for the heating unit, so that in the operating state at least one cooking function and/or at least one main cooking function, namely the heating of the set-up unit, is controlled and/or controlled regulated and/or controlled and/or limited. The current can be high-frequency and, in particular, pulse-width modulated in a known manner. The control unit can have at least one arithmetic unit and, in addition to the arithmetic unit, at least one memory unit in which in particular at least one control and/or regulation and/or monitoring program is stored, which is intended for execution by the arithmetic unit. Alternatively and/or additionally, the control unit can have a simulation unit, which is provided to simulate thermal stresses of the mounting plate, the control unit taking into account a simulation of the simulation unit when controlling the heating unit. The cooking function and/or the main cooking function can be at least cooking, in particular at a temperature of preferably 120° C., and/or grilling and/or roasting and/or deep-frying, in particular at a temperature of at least 230° C., particularly preferably from at least 245°C, at least one item to be cooked.

Here and in the following, "thermal stresses" are to be understood as meaning thermally induced mechanical stresses in the support plate, in particular the kitchen worktop, which are due to at least one temperature change and/or due to at least one temperature gradient, in particular of the support plate, in connection with a thermal Expansion coefficients, in particular the mounting plate, can be caused. Here, the thermally induced mechanical stresses arise without an external influence of force, in particular without an external force acting on the mounting plate. In particular, higher thermal Stresses on the mounting plate in an area above and/or around the heating unit, in particular a cooking zone. The manner in which the thermal stresses of the mounting plate act and occur can depend on a temperature distribution around the cooking zone, in particular at least in the operating state. The cooking zone is the area above the heating unit on which the set-up unit for heating can be set up, at least in the operating state. The cooking zone could be fixed or formed dynamically depending on the installation position and size of the installation unit.

A “temperature parameter” is a parameter associated with at least one temperature, which can be, for example, the temperature itself, a time-dependent temperature curve and/or a temperature difference. Furthermore, the temperature parameter could be an electrical voltage and/or an electrical current, which is correlated with a temperature, a time-dependent temperature curve and/or a temperature difference. The limit temperature can in particular be a maximum of 300°C, preferably a maximum of 210°C and particularly preferably a maximum of 120°C.

“Provided” here and in the following is to be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

It is also proposed that a temperature of the mounting plate and/or the mounting unit in a region of the heating unit is permanently limited to an upper limit temperature at least in the operating state. As a result, ease of use, in particular with regard to operating safety, can be further increased. In addition, a continuous reduction in thermal stresses on the mounting plate can be achieved. In addition, the thermal stresses on the mounting plate can be reduced, at least in the operating state, in the area around the heating unit, in particular a cooking zone, but particularly preferably in the entire mounting plate. The permanent limitation enables additional increased security, in particular increased occupational safety. A risk of damage to the installation board, in particular damage to the kitchen worktop, in particular at least the installation board breaking, in particular the surface of the installation board, can be reduced to a minimum. The upper limit temperature is preferably at most 250° C., advantageously at a maximum of 180°C and particularly advantageously a maximum of 120°C. Here and in the following, the permanent limitation should relate to a period of time during a cooking process and/or to the entire cooking process. Alternatively and/or additionally, the temperature of the mounting plate and/or the mounting unit in the area of the heating unit can already be preset and permanently limited to the upper limit temperature before the cooking process is activated. In particular, at least the cooking of food to be cooked, in particular at a temperature of 120° C., can be possible during the entire cooking process. In particular, unattended set-up units with the upper limit temperature, for example the limit temperature of 120°C, would be less critical, since the set-up unit can only reach this maximum temperature. The area of the heating unit characterizes in particular an area above the heating unit, specifically in particular an area of the mounting plate perpendicularly above the heating unit. In particular, the area of the heating unit corresponds to the aforementioned cooking zone. In one embodiment of the invention, the heating output of the heating unit is already preset, at least in the operating state, so that, particularly when heating the installation unit, the temperature of the installation plate and/or the installation unit in the area of the heating unit can only reach the upper limit temperature. In this case, the operator can only ever operate this heating unit with at least one heat output, so that the temperature of the mounting plate and/or the mounting unit remains below the preset limit temperature. In this case, in particular, an inductor of the heating device, in particular the induction heating device, can only achieve a specific heating output. Alternatively and/or additionally, the heating device could include a temperature switch, in particular a thermal switch, which could be used for safe and/or repeated opening and/or closing of circuits. When the limit temperature is reached, a bimetallic switch of the temperature switch could snap into an inverted position, so that the circuit could be broken and/or contacted. Depending on the design of the bimetallic switch, the bimetallic switch could be switched back automatically and/or manually after it has cooled down and fallen below the limit value. In a preferred embodiment, the upper limit temperature could be reset each time the heater is restarted. Alternatively and/or additionally, an installer could set the limit temperature when installing the heating device. Here, the installer can specify which heating unit can be used to reach which temperature, particularly the soft limit temperature. In particular, the The installer can make the setting dependent on the material of the mounting plate, for example. After the heating device has been activated, the control unit permanently limits the heat output of the heating unit, in particular for the entire cooking process. As a result, increased ease of use can be achieved in order to enable optimal cooking and/or roasting and/or grilling of the food to be cooked.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit is provided in the operating state to dynamically control, in particular to limit and/or reduce, a heating output, in particular the aforementioned heating output, of the heating unit, in particular to reduce thermal stresses on the mounting plate. As a result, ease of use can be further increased with regard to safety, in particular work safety, but also with regard to flexibility. Active control enables flexible temperature setting and/or temperature regulation and/or temperature control, independently of an aforementioned permanent temperature limitation. Thus, the control unit can control, in particular limit and/or reduce, the heat output of the heating unit, in particular at least in the operating state during the cooking process and/or at least in parts of the cooking process. In particular, the ease of use can be further increased since the control unit can enable additional cooking functions above the previously mentioned upper limit temperature, in particular above the temperature of 120°C.

It is also proposed that the hob system has an operator interface via which the control unit outputs operator information when limiting the temperature parameter, in particular when checking the heat output of the heating unit and/or when using a temperature-limited heating unit. The output of the operator information can advantageously increase operator comfort and give the operator the opportunity to track and/or understand the temperature limitation and/or the control of the heating output of the heating unit. In addition, safety, especially for the operator, can be further increased since the operator information can indicate and/or prompt the operator to further reduce the heat output of the heating unit and/or to use another cooking zone in order to minimize thermal stresses on the installation plate. The operator information could be an operator notice and/or an operator prompt. The operator interface can be wired, in particular electrically and/or optically, and/or wirelessly to the control unit to be connected. In particular, the user interface can be arranged on the extraction unit and/or embedded in the mounting plate. Alternatively and/or additionally, the user interface can be visible through a viewing window of the installation plate or can be arranged as a separate unit on the wall. In particular, the operator interface could be part of the heater. The operator interface could be provided for optical and/or acoustic and/or haptic communication between the operator and the control unit. The operator interface is preferably provided for inputting and/or for selecting at least one operating parameter. At least one operating parameter could be a heating power and/or heating power density and/or a temperature, for example. Furthermore, the operator interface is provided for outputting at least the operator information to the operator. Preferably, the operator interface informs the operator when checking the heating power of the heating unit. In one embodiment of the invention, the operator interface prompts the operator to reduce the heat output of the heating unit and/or to change the positioning of the installation unit in order in particular to reduce thermal stresses on the installation plate. In addition, the operator interface can identify the area of the heating unit with the limitation to the upper limit temperature for an operator, so that an operator can identify the heating unit with the permanent limitation by at least one other imprint and/or at least one other display in a control panel of the operator interface the limitation to the aforementioned upper limit temperature, can differ from a heating unit without permanent limitation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the control unit is provided in the operating state to take into account at least one parameter of the mounting plate, in particular a temperature parameter of the mounting plate, which preferably corresponds to the aforementioned temperature parameter, when controlling the heating unit. As a result, increased safety and/or control can be guaranteed, particularly advantageously with regard to temperature control of the installation plate, in particular thermal stresses in the installation plate, in particular the kitchen worktop, which implicitly leads to improved safety standards, in particular for the operator. Furthermore, safety at work can advantageously be further increased and the control of the heating unit can be made more precise, since the control unit in the operating state when controlling the heating unit is precisely the parameter of the installation plate, in particular the temperature parameter of the installation plate, is taken into account. For example, the parameter of the mounting plate defines a geometric variable, in particular, for example, a thickness, of the mounting plate and/or particularly preferably the temperature parameter of the mounting plate, which preferably corresponds to the aforementioned temperature parameter, specifically the temperature of the mounting plate. The control unit can take into account the parameter of the installation board, namely the entire installation board and/or individual parts and/or areas of the installation board when controlling the heating unit. The control unit preferably takes into account the parameter of the mounting plate in an area of the heating unit, in particular the cooking zone. In addition to the parameter of the mounting plate in the area of the heating unit, the control unit particularly preferably also takes into account the parameter of the mounting plate in other parts of the mounting plate in order to control and/or reduce thermal stresses in the entire mounting plate. This can further increase safety, since the control unit not only takes into account the area of the heating unit, in particular the cooking zone, which can be very hot in comparison to other areas of the mounting plate, but also the parameter of the mounting unit at least in order to reduce thermal stresses can account for more than one area of the mounting plate.

Alternatively and/or additionally, it is proposed that the control unit is provided in the operating state to take into account at least one parameter of the installation unit, in particular a temperature parameter of the installation unit, which preferably corresponds to the aforementioned temperature parameter, when controlling the heating unit. In this way, safety can advantageously be further improved since, particularly in the operating state, a temperature check is carried out directly on the mounting unit and thus implicitly also the temperature of the mounting plate is checked. In this way, thermal stresses in the mounting plate can be further reduced and, in particular, a risk to the operator from damage to the mounting plate, in particular the surface of the mounting plate, can advantageously be avoided. This also enables greater ease of use and improved occupational safety, since in the operating state when controlling the heating unit, in addition to at least the parameter of the installation unit, the parameter of the installation plate, in particular the aforementioned temperature parameter of the installation plate, can also be implicitly taken into account. In the case of the induction heating device designed as a heating device, safety can largely be improved, since at least in the operating state the temperature parameter of the installation unit, in particular the temperature of the installation unit, can be at least different from the temperature parameter of the installation plate, in particular the temperature of the installation plate. For example, the parameter of the installation unit defines a geometric parameter, in particular a size of the installation unit, for example a pot size and/or a positioning of the installation unit and/or particularly preferably the temperature parameter of the installation unit, which preferably corresponds to the aforementioned temperature parameter, in particular the temperature of the Installation unit, corresponds to.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the hob system has a sensor unit which, in the operating state, is intended to record at least one parameter, in particular a temperature parameter. Here, in particular, the parameter, in particular the temperature parameter of the installation plate and/or the temperature parameter of the installation unit, can be directly recorded. In this way, safety, in particular operator and/or work safety, can be further increased since the sensor unit can be used to precisely measure the parameter. The sensor unit could, for example, have a resistance sensor, in particular an NTC sensor, and/or at least one temperature sensor and/or an IR sensor and/or at least one acceleration sensor and/or at least one motion sensor and/or at least one weight sensor and/or at least a sensor for detecting at least one electrical parameter, in particular the parameter of the installation unit and/or the parameter of the installation panel. The sensor unit can be wired, in particular electrically and/or optically, and/or wirelessly connected to the control unit. In the operating state, the sensor unit can have at least the NTC sensor designed as a temperature sensor. In particular, the control unit can have a large number of sensor units. The sensor unit, in particular the NTC sensor, is preferably arranged underneath the mounting plate, in particular in direct contact with it. Alternatively and/or additionally, the sensor unit, in particular the NTC sensor, could be integrated with a thermal conductor in the mounting plate. The sensor unit is particularly preferably arranged directly on the set-up unit. In this case, the sensor unit could be arranged, for example, in a floor of the installation unit and/or on a side wall of the installation unit. In particular, the be at least a skewer and/or an immersion sensor. Alternatively and/or additionally, the mounting plate could have an integrated IR sensor, which measures at least the parameter of the mounting unit, in particular the temperature of the mounting unit, through a hole and/or a window, which consists in particular of an IR-permissible material. It would be conceivable for each set-up unit and/or each area around the heating unit, in particular each cooking zone, to have a sensor unit.

Alternatively and/or additionally, it is proposed that the control unit be provided in the operating state for the purpose of measuring at least one parameter, in particular the parameter of the mounting plate and/or the parameter of the mounting unit, with at least one of the parameters corresponding in particular to the temperature parameter mentioned above, to estimate. As a result, at least one parameter, in particular the temperature parameter of the mounting plate and/or the temperature parameter of the mounting unit, can be determined in particular independently of a sensor unit. The additional sensor unit, in particular at least one temperature sensor, for detecting the parameter, in particular the temperature parameter of the mounting plate and/or the temperature parameter of the mounting unit, can therefore preferably be dispensed with. In this way, additional costs, in particular construction costs for producing the sensor unit, can be avoided. In the operating state, the control unit could determine at least the parameter, in particular the temperature parameter of the mounting plate and/or the temperature parameter of the mounting unit, using an electrical current and/or an electrical voltage, in particular the heating voltage of the heating unit, and/or an inductance and/or a Estimate the capacity and/or output, in particular the heating output of the heating unit. Here, the control unit can run through an estimation algorithm. In order to calculate the temperature parameter of the installation unit and/or the temperature parameter of the installation plate, the estimation algorithm could take into account at least one proportionality factor, which is intended to establish at least proportionality between the value to be determined and the value used for the calculation. It would also be conceivable for the control unit not only to be able to estimate at least one parameter, but also the effects on thermal stresses in the installation platform. In order to further increase safety, in a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to a sensor-based temperature measurement on the installation unit and/or on the installation plate at least one parameter, in particular the temperature of the surface of the erection board, can be estimated in order to reduce and/or control thermal stresses in the erection board. If both the sensor unit and the estimation algorithm are used, the estimated and measured parameters can be the same, at least in the operating state. As a result, the safety, in particular with regard to the operational safety of the hob system, can be further improved, since in particular the estimation algorithm can record and/or determine at least one parameter in addition to the sensor unit and thus the suitability and/or functionality of the sensor unit can be checked.

If the control unit is provided, at least in the operating state, to always allow a lower limit heating output when operating the heating unit, a temperature required for at least one cooking process of the food to be cooked in the set-up unit can always be reached for the operator in the operating state. Here, at least the cooking function of cooking, for example with a maximum temperature of 150° C., in particular a maximum of 130° C., preferably a maximum of 120° C., can always be made available to the operator. This enables increased ease of use, since in the operating state at least the cooking function for cooking and/or heating the food to be cooked can be provided, in particular independently of the control of the heating output of the heating unit by the control unit. Preferably, the lower limit heating output at least allows the installation unit to be heated to a temperature of at least 80°C, advantageously at least 100°C, particularly advantageously at least 120°C. The permanent cooking function can therefore be used for cooking and/or heating the food to be cooked, which in particular cannot cause any thermal stresses on the mounting plate that could cause damage.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the heating device has at least one further heating unit which, in the operating state, is provided for heating a further set-up unit, in particular set up on the mounting plate, the heating device being provided in the operating state in particular for in order to reduce thermal stresses in the mounting plate, to limit at least one temperature parameter, in particular the aforementioned temperature parameter, in particular to keep it below a limit temperature, in particular the aforementioned limit temperature. As a result, operating convenience can ter can be improved since, in addition to the heating unit, the further heating unit can also be operated and used to heat the set-up unit and/or the further set-up unit. This allows at least two cooking functions, such as cooking and/or roasting and/or grilling, to be carried out simultaneously. Despite the heating of more than one heating unit, thermal stresses can occur on the installation plate, in particular on the surface, at least in the operating state of the mounting plate, especially in an area between the heating unit and the wide ren heating unit. The heating device could have a set of heating units, which includes the heating unit and the further heating unit, the heating units of the set of heating units being arranged in a preferably regular grid, in particular a matrix. In the installed position and/or in the operating state, the set of heating units is arranged below the base plate, in particular the hob plate, and an area of the hob plate that can be heated by means of the heating units preferably comprises at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, advantageously at least 60% 80% and particularly advantageously at least 90% of a total area of the hob plate. In particular, the set of heating units comprises at least 10, in particular at least 10, advantageously at least 30 and particularly advantageously at least 40 heating units. The design of a matrix hob allows the installation unit, in particular the cooking utensil element and/or the cooking utensil, to be positioned flexibly on the installation plate, in particular the hob plate, and thus a cooking function independent of the position of the installation unit can be carried out. In particular for installation units that are larger than an extension of the heating unit, in particular the heating zone, a constant heating efficiency can be provided within the cooking process, since both the heating unit and the additional heating unit can only heat one installation unit together. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the heating unit and the further heating unit are each provided for heating predetermined cooking zones.

In addition, it is proposed that the heating unit and the additional heating unit are arranged adjacent to one another and that the control unit is provided in the operating state to monitor, in particular to limit and /or to reduce. As a result, a high degree of flexibility can be provided, and ease of use and safety can be further increased. In particular, cost- tensive construction solutions, in particular very large mounting plates and large distances from between the heating unit and the other heating unit can be avoided. In addition, the surface of the kitchen worktop can advantageously be protected from high thermal stresses, in particular when the installation unit and/or the additional installation unit is heated, specifically when the heating unit and the additional heating unit are activated. In addition, in the design of the matrix hob, it is conceivable that the control unit can control individual heating units of the set of heating units via a large number of complex mathematical functions in the operating state, with the heating device being provided in the operating state in particular for reducing thermal stresses on the support plate to limit the temperature parameter, in particular to keep it below the limit voltage. Safety can be increased in particular by the fact that high thermal stresses on the mounting plate between two adjacent heating units can be reduced. A distance between two adjacent heating units, in particular a distance starting from a center of mass of the heating unit and another center of mass of the other heating unit, is in particular at most 80 cm, preferably at most 40 cm, particularly preferably at most 20 cm. An area between the heating unit and the further heating unit is in particular free of other heating units. When driving two adjacent heating units, thermal stresses, in particular dangerous thermal stresses for at least the operator panel and/or the mounting plate, can occur in the area between the heating unit and the other heating unit.

The thermal stresses that occur in this area are particularly dependent on at least the distance between the heating units and/or the heat output of the heating units. Furthermore, the thermal stresses of the mounting plate in this area during the heating of the mounting unit and the other mounting unit, which in particular are also arranged adjacent to one another, can depend on at least the temperature parameter, in particular on the temperature, of one of the mounting units In at least the operating state, the area of the mounting plate can reach a temperature which, in particular, is greater than the temperature of one of the setting units. In the operating state, especially with two adjacent heating units, the control unit can control and/or limit and/or reduce the heating output of at least one of the heating units in such a way that thermal stresses and high temperatures of the mounting plate, particularly in the area between the heating unit and the additional heating unit , can be reduced. In a preferred embodiment The control unit only controls and/or limits and/or regulates the heat output of at least one of the heating units when the further installation unit is added to the installation unit, in order to reduce thermal stresses in the installation plate, in particular in the area between the heating units. In this case, the control unit can monitor the heat output of the heating unit and/or the additional heating unit as a function of the set-up unit set up first and/or the other set-up unit set up in addition to the set-up unit. As a result, operator comfort can be further increased by the heating unit and the additional heating unit being able to be controlled with two different heating outputs. The operator can thus, for example, activate cooking with the first heating unit and the roasting and/or grilling function with the additional heating unit at the same time. Which of the heating units should preferably be used for the cooking and/or roasting and/or grilling function can advantageously be determined by the operator himself. Alternatively and/or additionally, the control unit can assign one of the cooking functions, in particular the cooking and/or roasting and/or gripping function, to one of the heating units in the operating state and can output at least one item of operator information to the operator via the operator interface regarding the assignment to the heating units .

It is also proposed that the control unit, in the operating state, is provided for this purpose, at least one parameter of the installation unit, in particular the temperature parameter of the installation unit, which preferably corresponds to the aforementioned temperature parameter, and at least one additional parameter of the additional installation unit, in particular an additional temperature parameter the further installation unit, which preferably corresponds to the previously mentioned temperature parameter, has to be taken into account with at least one activation of at least one of the heating units, in particular for reducing thermal stresses in the installation plate. As a result, safety, in particular operator safety, can advantageously be increased since both the parameter of the installation unit and the other parameter of the additional installation unit can be taken into account when controlling the heating unit and/or the additional heating unit. In this way, thermal stresses in the mounting plate can be advantageously reduced and, in particular, breaking of the mounting plate between the mounting unit and the other mounting unit, in particular adjacent mounting units, can be avoided. In particular, an unsupervised at least one of the heating units would be less critical, since the control unit is dependent on, for example, the heating output of the first Heating unit can only allow a corresponding heating output of the additional heating unit, so that in particular the temperature of at least one of the installation units remains below the upper limit temperature, in particular the aforementioned upper limit temperature. In the case of at least two adjacent installation units, the control unit can, when activating at least one of the heating units, take into account the parameter of one of the installation units, which in particular can be a position parameter of one of the installation units and/or a temperature parameter of one of the installation units. The control unit can thus preferably take into account the position and the distance between the installation units and/or the temperature of the installation units when activating one of the heating units. If two adjacent installation units are further apart, the thermal stresses on the installation plate are automatically lower. In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit can take into account this distance between the erection units and thus the changed thermal stresses of the erection board when checking and/or limiting and/or reducing the heat output of one of the heating units. The control unit controls, in particular regulates and/or limits, in at least the operating state, one of the heating outputs in such a way that the temperature of the mounting plate and/or the mounting unit remains below the upper limit temperature, in particular below the previously mentioned limit temperature. As a result, ease of use can be increased, since the operator can act with two adjacent, in particular very closely adjacent, installation units and, in particular, large distances between the installation units can be avoided. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the limitation of the temperature parameter, in particular the parameter of the installation unit and/or the parameter of the additional installation unit, is independent of the use of the installation unit and/or the additional installation unit, which in particular are larger than an extension of one of the heating units , since the heating device is not dependent on the structural design of the installation unit and the additional installation unit in the operating state with a limitation of the temperature parameter for reducing thermal stresses in the installation plate. The control unit can control, in particular reduce and/or limit, the heating output of one of the heating units as a function of a time course, in particular depending on a sequence in which the further installation unit is added to the installation unit. For example, if the first set-up unit is heated to a temperature of preferably no more than 240°C and if the other set-up unit is added, the control unit could increase the heat output of the other heating unit in such a way that the temperature of one of the installation units and/or the installation plate does not exceed the upper limit temperature, in particular the aforementioned upper limit temperature, for example the maximum temperature of 120°C. Alternatively and/or additionally, when the additional heating unit is added, the control unit could allow the additional installation unit to have a temperature of, for example, no more than 240°C, but in particular only if the heat output of the installation unit has a lower limit heating output, in particular if the installation unit has a temperature of no more than 120° C, does not exceed. In this case, the heat output of the set-up unit could be permanently limited by and/or the control unit from the start of the cooking process, with the control unit automatically monitoring, in particular regulating and/or limiting, the heat output of the additional heating unit when the additional heating unit is added. In particular, the control unit can only check, in particular reduce and/or limit, the heating output of at least one of the heating units when the additional heating unit is added.

In addition, the invention is based on a method for operating a hob system, wherein in at least one operating state a set-up unit placed on a set-up plate is heated.

It is proposed that in the operating state to reduce thermal stresses in the mounting plate, a temperature parameter is limited, in particular is kept below a limit temperature. As a result, a cooktop system can be operated safely and in a user-friendly manner. In particular, thermal stresses in the mounting plate, in particular in the surface of the mounting plate, can be limited and/or reduced and/or controlled.

The hob system should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the hob system can have a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from the number specified here in order to fulfill a function described herein.

drawings

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

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a hob system with a heating device and a mounting plate designed as a kitchen worktop in a plan view,

2 shows a diagram of a method for operating the hob system,

3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob system, which is designed as a hob, in a plan view and

4 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cooktop system with a heating device which has a region of a heating unit in which the temperature is limited to an upper limit temperature, in a plan view.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a hob system 10a with a mounting plate 12a. In a mounted state, the mounting plate 12a forms a surface which is arranged facing an operator. In the present exemplary embodiment, the set-up plate 12a is designed as a kitchen worktop and is intended for processing food. In addition, the erection plate 12a is provided for erecting an erection unit 14a for the purpose of heating the erection unit 14a.

The hob system 10a has the set-up unit 14a. The installation unit 14a can be a cooking utensil. In this exemplary embodiment, the hob system 10a has a further set-up unit 26a. The additional installation unit 26a is also provided for installation on the installation plate 12a for the purpose of heating the additional installation unit 26a. In this case, the installation unit 14a and the further installation unit 26a are arranged adjacent to one another.

The hob system 10a has a heating device 16a, which is designed as an induction heating device in the present exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, the heating device 16a is installed in a position below the positioning plate 12a arranged, in particular in direct contact with the positioning plate 12a attached. The heater 16a defines a cooking area.

The heating device 16a has a set of heating units 18a, 24a. In the present exemplary embodiment, without loss of generality, the set includes four heating units 18a, 24a, in particular induction heating units. In this case, the set of heating units 18a, 24a and, in particular, the heating device 16a has at least one heating unit 18a and a further heating unit 24a. The heating unit 18a and the further heating unit 24a are arranged adjacent to one another. In this embodiment, the heating unit 18a and the other heating unit 24a have a round shape and are arranged in a 2×2 pattern opposite to each other. All heating units 18a, 24a are structurally identical to one another, which is why only the heating unit 18a and the further heating unit 24a are provided with a reference number. In this exemplary embodiment, the heating unit 18a is provided in at least one operating state for heating the positioning unit 14a. In at least the operating state, the additional heating unit 24a is provided for heating the additional installation unit 26a. Alternatively and/or additionally, the heating unit 14a could also be provided for heating the further installation unit 26a and the further heating unit 24a for heating the installation unit 12a. In the operating state, the heating unit 18a and/or the further heating unit 24a is/are arranged as part of the heating device 16a below the mounting plate 12a. Here, the heating device 16a comprises four cooking zones. A cooking zone denotes an area above one of the heating units 18a, 24a.

Between the heating unit 18a and the further heating unit 24a there is a region 28a of the set-up plate 12a. In this exemplary embodiment, the heating unit 18a and the further heating unit 24a delimit the region 28a at least on an opposite longitudinal side. In at least the operating state when the installation unit 12a and/or the additional installation unit 26a is heated, relatively high thermal stresses can occur in the area 28a.

The mounting plate 12a has at least one marking 30a. In this exemplary embodiment, all of the markings 30a are identical to one another, which is why only one marking 30a is provided with a reference number. The marking 30a identifies at least one center of mass of at least one of the heating units 18a, 24a. The marking 30a is used to identify a positioning of one of the heating units 18a, 24a, which is arranged below the mounting plate 12a, seen on the mounting plate 12a. For identification, the mounting plate 12a can also have any other type of marking 30a, in particular a hole in the mounting plate 12a and/or a laser point, which only appears when the heating device 16a is activated.

In addition, the heating device 16a has a control unit 20a. The control unit 20a is provided for controlling the heating unit 18a and/or the additional heating unit 24a.

In at least the operating state, the control unit 20a is provided to control, in particular to limit and/or reduce, a heating output of the heating unit 18a, in particular to reduce thermal stresses in the mounting plate 12a. In this exemplary embodiment of two, in particular preferably adjacent, heating units 18a, 24a, the control unit 20a is also provided in at least the operating state to control, in particular to limit and/or reduce, the heating output of at least one of the heating units 18a, 24a.

Control unit 20a can have at least one memory unit 42a, in which in particular at least one control and/or regulation and/or monitoring program and/or one parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, and/or a combination of parameters, in particular a combination of temperature parameters , in particular the mounting plate 12a and/or the mounting unit 14a and/or the further mounting unit 26a. Alternatively and/or additionally, the control unit 20a can access an additional external storage unit which is not part of the hob system 10a (not shown).

Furthermore, the control unit 20a can have at least one simulation unit 48a. The simulation unit 48a is intended to simulate thermal stresses on the installation plate. In at least the operating state, the control unit 20a can control, in particular reduce and/or limit, the heating power of one of the heating units 18a, 24a as a function of the simulation unit 48a.

The hob system 10a has an operator interface 21a. The operator interface 21a is for communication with an operator. In particular, the operator interface 21a is provided for inputting and/or selecting operating parameters, such as a heating power and/or a heating power density and/or a temperature. Communication with the operator takes place via a server information, wherein the operator information can be, for example, an operator prompt and/or an operator notice. In at least the operating state, the operator interface 21a is provided for the purpose that the control unit 20a when checking the heating power of the heating unit 18a, and in particular in the case of two adjacent heating units 18a; 24a of the further heating unit 24a, outputs operator information to the operator. The control unit 20a is provided for carrying out actions and/or changing settings depending on operating parameters entered by means of the user interface 21a. In the operating state, the control unit 20a regulates an energy supply to the heating unit 18a and/or the further heating unit 24a. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the user interface 21a could be embodied in particular as a mobile device user interface. In particular, the user interface 21a could be integrated to a large extent in a mobile device (not shown).

The hob system 10a has a sensor unit 22a. In the operating state, the sensor unit 22a is intended to detect the parameter. The sensor unit 22a can be arranged on the installation unit 14a and/or the further installation unit 26a and/or the installation plate 12a. The sensor unit 22a can be arranged in a floor and/or on a side wall of the installation unit 14a and/or the further installation unit 26a. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor unit 22a could be integrated in the mounting plate 12a and/or fixed below the mounting plate 12a. In order to detect the parameter, in particular the temperature parameter, the sensor unit 22a could have at least one temperature sensor, in particular an NTC sensor and/or an IR sensor.

In at least the operating state, thermal stresses, in particular thermal stresses of the mounting plate 12a, occur in the region 28a when the heating unit 18a and/or the further heating unit 24a is activated. The heating device 16a is intended to reduce thermal stresses in the area 28a, in particular the entire mounting plate 12a, in the operating state by the hob device 16a limiting at least one temperature parameter.

When controlling the heating unit 18a and/or the additional heating unit 24a, the control unit 20a takes into account at least one parameter of the mounting plate 12a. Alternatively and/or additionally, the control unit 20a takes into account the activation of the heating unit 18a and/or the further heating unit 24a, at least the parameter of the positioning unit 14a. The control unit 20a is provided in at least the operating state to take into account at least the parameter of the installation unit 14a and at least the other parameter of the other installation unit 26a when at least one activation of at least one of the heating units 18a, 24a. In particular, the parameter of the installation unit 14a is a temperature parameter of the installation unit 14a and the parameter of the additional installation unit 26a is a temperature parameter of the additional installation unit 26a.

Alternatively and/or additionally, in at least the operating state, control unit 20a estimates at least the parameter, in particular the parameter of installation plate 12a and/or the parameter of installation unit 14a and/or the parameter of additional installation unit 26a. Without interaction with the sensor unit 20a, the control unit 20a can estimate at least the parameter using a large number of complex mathematical algorithms.

In the operating state, the control unit 20a is intended to always permit a lower limit heating output when the heating unit 18a is in operation. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 20a is also provided to also always allow a further lower limit value heating power, which corresponds in particular to the previously mentioned lower limit value heating power, during the operation of the further heating unit 24a. In the operating state, the control unit 20a could be provided to always allow an identical lower limit value voltage when operating the heating unit 18a and when operating the additional heating unit 24a. Alternatively, the lower limit heating output can be different from the further lower limit heating output.

In a method for operating the hob system 10a, the installation unit 14a placed on the installation plate 12a is heated at least in the operating state, with a temperature parameter being limited in the operating state to reduce thermal stresses on the installation plate 12a. In an activation step 34a, the heating device 16a, in particular the control unit 20a, is started (cf. FIG. 2). The control unit 20a activates and/or starts at least the heating unit 18a as a function of an activation of the control unit 20a and in particular of the heating device 16a. In particular, in the activation step 34a at least the further heating unit 24a is also activated and/or started by the control unit 20a. In a control step 36a, the control unit 20a accesses at least one temperature parameter of the started heating device 16a. In at least this control step 36a, the control unit 20a can measure and/or estimate a parameter, in particular a temperature parameter, in particular of at least the installation plate 12a and/or the installation unit 14a and/or the additional installation unit 26a. In this case, the control unit 20a can interact with the sensor unit 22a, which measures the parameter, in particular the temperature parameter, in particular at least of the installation plate 12a and/or the installation unit 14a and/or the additional installation unit 26a. In an alternative embodiment of control step 26a, control unit 20a can estimate the parameter, in particular at least of installation plate 12a and/or installation unit 14a and/or additional installation unit 26a, using a large number of mathematical functions, in particular an estimation algorithm. In particular, in control step 36a, control unit 20a can measure the parameter both via sensor unit 22a and at the same time estimate it via the estimation algorithm.

In a monitoring step 38a following the checking step 36a, the control unit 20a can access the memory unit 42a. A multiplicity of parameters and/or a multiplicity of parameter combinations, in particular a multiplicity of temperature parameter combinations, in particular a multiplicity of temperature combinations, are stored in the memory unit 42a. In the operating state, in monitoring step 38a, control unit 20a can compare the previously measured and/or estimated parameter in control step 36a with the parameter stored in memory unit 42a. If the measured and/or estimated parameter, in particular the temperature parameter, and in particular the temperature, is above a limit temperature, then in a limiting step 40a the control unit 20a can limit and/or monitor and/or a heating output of at least one of the heating units 18a, 24a. or regulate. Alternatively and/or additionally, the control unit 20a can interact with the simulation unit 48a in the monitoring step 38a. In the monitoring step 38a, the simulation unit 48a simulates at least the thermal stresses of the mounting plate 12a, in particular of the area 28a, in particular as a function of the previously measured and/or estimated characteristic variable of the mounting plate 12a and/or the mounting unit 14a and/or the others Installation unit 26a. In addition, a theoretical control of at least one of the heating units 18a, 24a could be simulated in the monitoring step 38a and depending on this the possibly occurring and/or acting thermal stresses of the erection plate 12a, in particular in the area 28a, are calculated and/or simulated. Depending on the simulated thermal stresses of the mounting plate 12a and/or previously in the monitoring step 38a, the control unit 20a can limit and/or monitor and/or regulate the heating output of at least one of the heating units 18a, 24a in the subsequent limiting step 40a, in particular with regard to thermal To reduce stresses of the mounting plate 12a.

In addition, the control unit 20a is provided to start the newly set and/or controlled heating power of one of the heating units 18a, 24a in the limiting step 40a as a starting point for a repetition of the method beginning with the control step 36a, thus for the entire duration of a Kochprozes ses, in particular an operation of the hob system 10a, the heater 16a can reduce thermal stresses in the mounting plate 12a.

Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with reference being made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular those of FIGS. 1 and 2, with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 is replaced by the letters b and c in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. With regard to identically designated components, in particular in relation to components with the same reference numbers, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular Figures 1 and 2.

FIG. 3 shows a hob system 10b designed as a hob, in particular as an induction hob. The hob system 10b has a mounting plate 12b. The positioning plate 12b is designed as a hob plate 44b, which in turn defines a cooking surface 32b. The cooking surface 32b is designed as a surface of the mounting plate 12b facing an operator, below which, in at least one operating state, in particular at least one heating unit 18b and/or a further heating unit 24b is arranged. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hob system 10b has a large number of heating units 18b, 24b. Alternatively, the hob system 10b could, for example, have a smaller number of heating units 18b, 24b, such as precisely the heating unit 18b and/or at least the additional heating unit 24b, in particular at least four, advantageously at least eight, particularly advantageously at least twelve and preferably several heating units 18b , 24b. The heating units 18b, 24b could be arranged in the form of a matrix, for example.

The hob system 10b has a control unit 20b. In the operating state, the control unit 20b controls and/or regulates one of the heating units 18b, 24b, in particular a main hob function. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20b is designed as a cooktop control unit. The control unit 20b is largely integrated in a control unit 20b of the hob system 10b designed as a hob. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 20b forms the control unit of the hob system 10b.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a hob system 10c with a heating device 16c. The hob system 10c essentially corresponds to the hob system 10a of the first exemplary embodiment. However, the heating device 16c has at least one heating unit 18c, in which a temperature of a mounting plate 12c and/or a mounting unit 14c, 26c is permanently limited to an upper limit temperature in a region of the heating unit 18c. In at least one operating state, a control unit 20c can permanently limit at least one heating output of at least one of the heating units 18c, 24c, so that the temperature of the mounting plate 12c and/or one of the mounting units 14c, 26c remains below the upper limit temperature. The control unit 20c can in particular select the upper limit temperature from a storage unit 42c and adjust the heat output of the heating unit 18c just so that the stored upper limit temperature is reached. Alternatively, the hob system 10c could have a temperature limiter 46c, which automatically controls, in particular regulates and/or limits, the temperature of the mounting plate 12c and/or one of the mounting units 14c, 26c when operation of the hob system 10c is activated, with this only such a current flow permits, so that the temperature of the mounting plate 12c and/or one of the mounting units 14c, 26c remains below the upper limit temperature. Reference sign

10 hob system

12 installation plate

14 installation unit

16 heater

18 heating unit

20 control unit

21 operator interface

22 sensor unit

24 more heating unit

26 additional set-up unit

28 area

30 mark

32 cooking surface

34 activation step

36 control step

38 monitoring step

40 limit step

42 storage unit

44 hob plate

46 temperature limiter

48 simulation unit

Claims

Expectations

1. Hob system (10a-c), in particular an induction hob system, with a mounting plate (12a-c) for setting up at least one mounting unit (14a-c) and with a heating device (16a-c) which has at least one heating unit (18a-c) , which is provided in at least one operating state for heating the installation unit (14a-c), and has a control unit (20a-c) for controlling the heating unit (18a-c), characterized in that the heating device (16a-c) in the operating state is intended to limit at least one temperature parameter in order to reduce thermal stresses in the mounting plate (12a-c).

2. Hob system (10c) according to claim 1, characterized in that a

temperature of the mounting plate (12c) and/or the mounting unit (14c) in a region of the heating unit (18c) is permanently limited to an upper limit temperature at least in the operating state.

3. Hob system (10a-c) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (20a-c) is provided in the operating state to control a heating output of the heating unit (18a-c).

4. Hob system (10a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an operator interface (21a-c) via which the control unit (20a-c) outputs operator information when limiting the temperature parameter.

5. Hob system (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20a) is provided in the operating state to take into account at least one parameter of the mounting plate (12a) when controlling the heating unit (18a).

6. Hob system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20a; 20b) is provided in the operating state for the purpose of controlling the heating unit (18a; 18b) at least one parameter of the installation unit (14a; 14b) to be taken into account.

7. Hob system (10a; 10b) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by a

Sensor unit (22a; 22b), which is provided in the operating state for detecting the parameter.

8. Hob system (10a; 10b) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control unit (20a; 20b) is provided in the operating state to estimate at least one parameter.

9. Hob system (10a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20a-c) is provided, at least in the operating state, to always allow a lower limit heating output during operation of the heating unit (18a-c).

10. Hob system (10a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (16a-c) has at least one further heating unit (24a-c) which in the operating state for heating a further set-up unit (26a- c) is provided.

11. Hob system (10a-c) according to claim 10, characterized in that the heating unit (18a-c) and the further heating unit (24a-c) are arranged adjacent to one another and the control unit (20a-c) is provided in the operating state for this purpose can be seen to control a heating output of at least one of the heating units (18a-c, 24a-c).

12. Hob system (10a-c) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control unit (20a-c) is provided in the operating state to at least one parameter of the installation unit (14a-c) and at least one other parameter of the other Installation unit (26a-c) in at least one activation of at least one of the heating units (18a-c, 24a-c).

13. Method for operating a hob system (10a-c), in particular an induction hob system, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one operating state a set-up unit (14a-c) set up on a set-up plate (12a-c) is heated, characterized characterized in that in the operating state to reduce thermal stresses of the mounting plate (12a-c), a temperature parameter is limited.