EP4209113A1

EP4209113A1 - Cooktop device

Info

Publication number: EP4209113A1
Application number: EP21752563.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alejandro DEL CUETO BELCHI; Alberto Dominguez Vicente; Jorge Felices Betran; Manuel Fernandez Martinez; Jose Miguel Gil Narvion; Pablo Jesus Hernandez Blasco; Eduardo Imaz Martinez; Paul Muresan; Jose Manuel Palacios Gasos; Alberto Perez Bosque; Diego Puyal Puente; Javier SERRANO TRULLEN
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2020-09-02
Filing date: 2021-08-02
Publication date: 2023-07-12
Also published as: WO2022048835A1; US20230309201A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooktop device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j), more particularly an induction cooktop device, comprising at least one first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j), at least one second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j), a switching assembly (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j), at least one set of first heating units (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j), which first heating units can be electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j) by means of the switching assembly (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j), and at least one set of second heating units (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j), which second heating units can be electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j) by means of the switching assembly (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j). According to the invention, in order to achieve improved properties with regard to flexibility, the cooktop device has at least one set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j), which third heating units can be electrically assigned to at least one of the heating frequency units (14a-j, 16a-j) by means of the switching assembly (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j).

Description

hob device

The invention relates to a hob device, in particular an induction hob device, according to the preamble of claim 1, a hob with a hob device according to claim 14 and a method for operating a hob device according to claim 15.

A hob device is already known from the prior art, which has two heating frequency units, each of which includes two inverters. The heating frequency units can each be assigned to a set of heating units of the hob device.

The object of the invention consists in particular, but not limited thereto, in providing a generic device with improved properties in terms of flexibility. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a hob device, in particular an induction hob device, with at least one first heating frequency unit, with at least one second heating frequency unit, with a switching arrangement, and with at least one set of first heating units, which can be assigned electrically to the first heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement, and with at least one set of second heating units which can be electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement.

It is proposed that the hob device has at least one set of third heating units, which can be electrically assigned to at least one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement.

A configuration of this type makes it possible in particular to provide a hob device which has improved properties with regard to flexibility, in particular with regard to possible cooking utensil configurations.

In particular, a number of heating zones, which at the same time with different Heat output are operable to be increased. Furthermore, further cooking utensil configurations can thereby be made possible, in which in particular an increased number of cooking utensils are each heated with different heating power. In this way, moreover, in particular due to the increased flexibility, comfort, in particular user comfort, can be increased. In particular, using a single cooking appliance device allows greater flexibility, in particular with regard to a combination of larger and smaller cooking utensils. In particular, the user can distribute cookware more flexibly on a hob plate. In addition, a configuration of this type can in particular achieve greater flexibility with regard to distributing a load to the inverters of the hob device. In particular, a load of the inverters of the hob device can be distributed more evenly to the inverters of the hob device. As a result, wear and tear can also be reduced and in particular the service life of the hob device can be increased. In this way, in particular, user satisfaction can be increased. In particular, a high degree of flexibility with regard to multiplexing operation can be made possible. In particular, this means that additional inverters can be dispensed with, as a result of which a hob device with particularly advantageous properties in terms of cost efficiency can be provided in particular. In particular, a possible number of heating zones operated with independent heating capacities, in which multiplexing operation can be dispensed with, can be increased. In particular, improved flexibility with regard to possible parallel operation of inverters can also be achieved by such a configuration. In particular, the number of heating zones operated with independent heat outputs, in which multiplexing operation can be dispensed with, can be increased in such a way that the number is higher than a number of inverters that the hob device has in each case. For example, a configuration of this type with four inverters can provide a number of heating zones operated with independent heating outputs greater than four. Furthermore, improved properties with regard to efficiency can be achieved, in particular with regard to heating units that are only partially covered by cooking utensils. In particular, it can be achieved that the heating units that are only partially covered by the cooking utensil can be operated with a correspondingly adapted heat output, which in particular enables an advantageous distribution of the heat output. In particular, with regard to the set of third heating units, flexibility can be further increased since the set of third heating units can be assigned to any heating frequency units. In particular, it can be made possible to assign unused inverters to flexibly operated heating units. For example, inverters that do not operate any heating units of the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units in the operating state can be assigned to the set of third heating units if it is operated in the operating state. Improved properties with regard to a heating output, in particular with regard to a boost mode, can thus also be achieved with such a configuration. In particular, a number of heating zones that can be operated in a boost mode can be increased by such a configuration. The user-friendliness can thus be further increased. The flexibility, and thus in particular the user-friendliness, can also be further increased in that there is no need to print a hob plate to inform the user of possible heating zones or the like. Furthermore, the cost efficiency can be increased further as a result. The flexibility gained in this way advantageously improves the user's cooking experience. In particular, improved properties with regard to modularity can also be achieved, since such a configuration can be applied to a large number of conceivable hob topologies.

A “cooktop device”, in particular an “induction cooktop device”, should be understood to mean at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop, whereby in particular additional accessory units for the cooktop can also be included, such as a sensor unit for external use Measurement of a temperature of a cooking utensil and/or a cooking item. In particular, the hob device, in particular the induction hob device, can also include the entire hob, in particular the entire induction hob.

A heating frequency unit comprises, in particular, at least one inverter, preferably at least two inverters, which preferably have at least two, preferably series-connected, bidirectional unipolar switches, which are formed in particular by a transistor and a diode connected in parallel, and particularly advantageously at least one each in parallel with the bidirectional unipolar switches switched damping capacitance, which is formed in particular by at least one capacitor.

An "inverter" is to be understood as a unit which, in at least one operating state, generates an alternating current, in particular high-frequency, in particular with a frequency of at least 10 kHz, preferably at least 20 kHz and in particular at most 100 kHz, for at least one further unit, in particular for at least one heating unit and/or for at least one intermediate heating unit of the hob device. In particular, the inverter can have inverter switching elements, which can be designed in particular as IGBT, MOSFET, HEMT, JFET and/or as TRIAC. In particular, the inverter switching elements can be formed at least partially from a semiconductor material, such as silicon, silicon carbide and/or gallium nitride and/or from another semiconductor material that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art.

A “switching arrangement” is to be understood as meaning an electrical unit which in particular has at least one switching element and advantageously a plurality of switching elements. In particular, the switching arrangement is provided for a set of heating units, for example the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units and/or the set of third heating units, one of the heating frequency units, for example the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, advantageously assigned to at least one inverter of one of the heating frequency units.

A “switching element” should be understood to mean an electronic or electrical element which is intended to establish and/or break an electrically conductive connection between two points, in particular contacts of the switching element. The switching element preferably has at least one control contact via which it can be switched. In particular, the switching element is designed as a semiconductor switching element, in particular as a transistor, advantageously as a bipolar transistor with a preferably insulated gate electrode (IGBT). Alternatively, the switching element is designed as a mechanical and/or electromechanical switching element, in particular as a relay. In particular, the set of first heating units has at least two first heating units, which are designed in particular as induction heating units. The set of first heating units is preferably a group of first heating units which, for example, comprises at least three first heating units and preferably at least four first heating units, which are designed in particular as induction heating units. However, another reasonable number of first heating units of the set of first heating units would also be conceivable.

In particular, the set of second heating units has at least two second heating units, which are designed in particular as induction heating units. The set of second heating units is preferably a group of second heating units which, for example, comprises at least three second heating units and preferably at least four second heating units, which are designed in particular as induction heating units. However, another reasonable number of second heating units of the set of second heating units would also be conceivable.

In particular, the set of third heating units has at least one third heating unit, which is designed in particular as an induction heating unit. The set of third heating units is preferably a group of third heating units which preferably has at least two third heating units, although a different number of third heating units would also be conceivable.

A “heating unit” should be understood to mean a consumer unit with at least one heating element. For example, the heating element could be a consumer intended to convert electrical energy into heat. The heating unit preferably comprises at least one heating element designed as an inductor. An “inductor” is to be understood here as an element which has at least one induction coil and/or is designed as an induction coil and which is intended to supply energy, in particular in the form of an alternating magnetic field, to at least one receiving element in at least one operating state. The receiving element is designed in particular as a part and/or a subassembly of a receiving unit and is provided in particular for receiving the energy provided by at least one inductor. The receiving unit can in particular be part of the hob device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the recording unit as one of the household appliance device independent unit and/or as part of another device that is independent of the hob device. The receiving unit can be provided in particular for being set up in an area above the inductor. The receiving unit could, for example, be designed as a cooking utensil and in particular have at least one secondary coil as a receiving element for receiving the energy provided by the inductor and/or the additional inductor. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving element could also be designed as a metallic heating means, in particular as an at least partially ferromagnetic heating means, for example as a ferromagnetic base of a cooking utensil, in which eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects are caused by the inductor in an operating state of the heating unit be converted into heat.

For example, the first heating units of the set of first heating units can differ from the second heating units of the set of second heating units with regard to an intended power consumption and/or an intended power output and/or with regard to their geometry and/or their size. The first heating units of the set of first heating units are preferably of at least essentially identical design to the second heating units of the set of second heating units. It would also be conceivable for the third heating units of the set of third heating units to differ from the first heating units of the set of first heating units and/or the second heating units of the set of second heating units at least in terms of geometry and/or in terms of orientation.

For example, the hob device could have a control unit that controls the switching arrangement as a function of a cooking utensil configuration and/or as a function of an operating mode set by a user. In particular, the control unit produces operating states, in particular by controlling the switching arrangement. A "control unit" is to be understood as an electronic unit which is preferably at least partially integrated in a control and/or regulation unit of the hob and which is preferably provided for this purpose, in particular at least the heating frequency units and/or the inverters of the heating frequency units and/or the To control switching arrangement and / or to regulate. The control unit preferably comprises a computing unit and in particular additionally for the processing unit, a memory unit with a control and/or regulation program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the processing unit. A "cookware configuration" is a number and/or a position and/or a composition of cookware placed, in particular cookware placed on the hob. In particular, a large number of possible cooking utensil configurations are conceivable. For example, the cooking utensil configuration is a combination of the number and/or position and/or nature of the cooking utensil placed. In particular, the control unit controls the switching arrangement depending on the cooking utensil configuration such that an assignment of the sets of heating units to the heating frequency units, in particular to the inverters of the heating frequency units, corresponds at least essentially to the cooking utensil configuration. This means that the control unit is intended in particular to control the switching arrangement as a function of the cooking utensil configuration in such a way that the cooking utensil that has been set up can be operated as individually as possible and can be heated at least essentially over the entire surface and with the heat output desired by the user, in particular in one operating condition.

An “operating state” is a state of the hob device in which at least one set of heating units, for example the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units and/or the set of third heating units, advantageously at least one heating unit of one of the sets of heating units , In particular for heating the cooking utensil is operated. In particular, a large number of operating states are possible, which differ in particular with regard to the assignment of sets of heating units, in particular at least one heating unit of at least one set of heating units, to heating frequency units, in particular to at least one inverter of at least one heating frequency unit. In particular, in one operating state at least the set of heating units that is being operated, in particular at least one heating unit of the set of heating units that is being operated, is assigned to a heating frequency unit, in particular at least one inverter of a heating frequency unit.

In particular, the set of third heating units can be electrically assigned to at least one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. Including that one set of heating units of a heating frequency unit is "electrically assignable", it should be understood that the set of heating units, in particular at least one heating unit of the set of heating units, is electrically connected to the heating frequency unit, in particular to at least one inverter of the heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement, is connectable, in particular to achieve an operating state.

The fact that a set of heating units is “assigned” to a heating frequency unit is to be understood in particular to mean that the set of heating units, in particular at least one heating unit of the set of heating units, is electrically connected to the heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement, and in particular to at least one inverter of the Heating frequency unit is connected, especially in the operating state. In particular, this should also be understood to mean an assignment in the opposite direction.

“Provided” is intended to mean specifically 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 the set of third heating units can be electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit and the second heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement. A configuration of this type can in particular improve flexibility. This means that, in particular in a conceivable operating state, the set of third heating units is electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit and the second heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement. For example, at least one third heating unit of the set of third heating units can be electrically assigned to at least one inverter of the first heating frequency unit and at least one inverter of the second heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement. It would also be conceivable for several third heating units of the set of third heating units to be electrically assignable to several inverters of the first heating frequency unit and several inverters of the second heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement.

In particular, in an operating state, at least one third heating unit of the set of third heating units is electrically at least one by means of the switching arrangement Inverter assigned to the first heating frequency unit and at least one inverter of the second heating frequency unit.

In addition, it is proposed that the set of third heating units can be assigned to at least two inverters of one of the heating frequency units, for example the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement. As a result, in particular improved properties with regard to a heating capacity can be improved. In particular, it can be made possible for the set of third heating units to be operated in a boost mode. This means that the set of third heating units is assigned to at least two inverters of one of the heating frequency units, for example the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, in an operating state by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, the set of third heating units can be assigned simultaneously to at least two inverters of one of the heating frequency units, for example the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, at least one third heating unit of the set of third heating units and preferably several third heating units of the set of third heating units can be assigned simultaneously to at least two inverters of one of the heating frequency units, for example the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement. Preferably, all third heating units of the set of heating units can be assigned simultaneously to all inverters of one of the heating frequency units, for example the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the set of third heating units can be assigned to at least two of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. As a result, flexibility can be further improved. In particular, at least one third heating unit of the set of third heating units can be assigned simultaneously to two of the heating frequency units, in particular simultaneously to the first heating frequency unit and the second heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement. All third heating units of the set of third heating units are preferably simultaneously connected to two of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement, in particular simultaneously assignable to the first heating frequency unit and the second heating frequency unit.

It is also proposed that the set of third heating units comprises at least two third heating units, which can be assigned to different heating frequency units at the same time by means of the switching arrangement. In this way, in particular, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved. All third heating units of the set of third heating units can preferably be assigned simultaneously to different heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, in one operating state, the at least two third heating units of the set of third heating units are simultaneously assigned to different ones of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement.

In addition, it is proposed that the set of third heating units can be assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of first heating units and/or with the set of second heating units. A configuration of this type can in particular provide a particularly high degree of flexibility, in particular with regard to possible heating zones. Furthermore, such a configuration can be achieved in that even large cookware can be operated from a separate heating zone. In particular, the set of third heating units can be assigned together with the set of first heating units to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the set of third heating units together with the set of second heating units can be assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, in a conceivable operating state, the set of third heating units is assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of first heating units. In particular, in a further conceivable operating state, the set of third heating units is assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of second heating units. In particular, the set of third heating units is operable together with the set of first heating units as one heating zone.

Alternatively or additionally, the set of third heating units is common to the set operable as one heating zone by second heating units. A “heating zone” should be understood to mean an area, in particular a volume, preferably an area, which is intended to accommodate at least one object to be heated, in particular at least one cooking utensil and/or at least one item to be cooked. In particular, in an operating state in which a heating zone is operated by the set of third heating units together with the set of first heating units and/or by the set of third heating units together with the set of second heating units, at least 50%, in particular at least 70% , Advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of a combined heat output of the set of third heating units and the set of first heating units and/or the set of third heating units and the set of second heating units are released into the heating zone. In particular, different heating zones can each be operated with their own heating capacity.

It is also proposed that the set of third heating units can be assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of first heating units and at the same time by means of the switching arrangement with the set of second heating units to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units. A configuration of this type can further increase flexibility. In particular, a large number of heating zones can be operated in one operating state. In particular, what can be achieved thereby is that a plurality of large cooking utensils can be operated from a separate heating zone, specifically in particular in one operating state. This means that the set of third heating units in an operating state is assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of first heating units and at the same time by means of the switching arrangement with the set of second heating units to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units. In particular, the set of third heating units can be assigned to a common inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of first heating units and at the same time to a common further inverter of another of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with the set of second heating units. In particular, the set of third heating units is common to the set of first heating units as a heating zone and at the same time common to the set of second heating units can be operated as a further heating zone. For example, at least some of the third heating units of the set of third heating units could be assigned to at least some of the first heating units of the set of first heating units of the first heating frequency unit, in particular an inverter of the first heating frequency unit, by means of the switching arrangement, and at the same time at least a further part of the third heating units of the Set of third heating units can be assigned to a further inverter of one of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement with at least part of the second heating units of the set of second heating units.

It is also proposed that the switching arrangement has at least one parallel switching unit, by means of which at least two inverters of a heating frequency unit, in particular at least two inverters of the first heating frequency unit and/or at least two inverters of the second heating frequency unit, can be connected in parallel, with the set of first heating units and/or the Set of second heating units has a plurality of heating units, which can be assigned simultaneously to a plurality of inverters of a heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement. In this way, in particular, a particularly high heat output can be achieved. Since the user can hereby be provided with a particularly high heat output, in particular user satisfaction can also be increased as a result. Furthermore, in this way, in particular, greater flexibility can be achieved, in particular with regard to possible assignments of heating frequency units to sets of heating units and in particular of inverters to heating units. In particular, the set of first heating units has a plurality of, for example at least two, advantageously at least three and preferably at least four, first heating units and the set of second heating units has a plurality of, for example at least two, advantageously at least three and preferably at least four, second heating units , which can be assigned simultaneously to the parallel-connected inverters of a heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, at least two inverters of the first heating frequency unit and/or at least two inverters of the second heating frequency unit can be connected in parallel by means of the parallel switching unit. The fact that at least two inverters of a heating frequency unit can be connected in parallel by means of the parallel switching unit of the switching arrangement means that by means of the parallel switching unit in a conceivable operating state, at least two inverters of a heating frequency unit are connected in parallel. A “parallel switching unit” is to be understood as an electrical unit which is intended to connect at least two inverters of a heating frequency unit in parallel in at least one operating state, in particular by means of suitable parallel switching elements and/or switch positions of the parallel switching elements. In particular, the at least two inverters can simultaneously supply alternating current to the plurality of heating units, in particular the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units, at least in the operating state in which the at least two inverters are connected in parallel by means of the parallel switching unit of the switching arrangement. It would also be conceivable that, for example, at least three inverters of a heating frequency unit, in particular at least three inverters of the first heating frequency unit and/or at least three inverters of the second heating frequency unit, can be connected in parallel using the parallel switching unit of the switching arrangement. It would also be conceivable that at least four inverters of a heating frequency unit, in particular at least four inverters of the first heating frequency unit and/or at least four inverters of the second heating frequency unit, can be connected in parallel by means of the parallel switching unit of the switching arrangement. It would also be conceivable, for example, for all inverters of a heating frequency unit, in particular the first heating frequency unit and/or the second heating frequency unit, to be connected in parallel by means of the parallel switching unit of the switching arrangement.

In addition, it is proposed that all sets of heating units can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. In this way, in particular, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved, which is advantageous with regard to possible cooking utensil configurations. Such a configuration can in particular ensure that an independent heating zone can be provided for each set of heating units, in which at least one cooking utensil can be heated with its own heating power. In particular, all sets of heating units can each be operated as separate heating zones by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, an operating state is conceivable in which all sets of heating units, in particular the set of first heating units, the set of second heating units and the set of third heating units, are assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units. It would be conceivable that in the operating state in which all sets of heating units, in particular the set of first heating units, the set of second heating units and the set of third heating units, are assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units, at least one of the sets of heating units, for example the Set of first heating units and / or the set of second heating units and / or the set of third heating units, multiple inverters is assigned.

Furthermore, it is proposed that all sets of heating units include at least two heating units, which can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement, in particular different inverters of the first heating frequency unit or different inverters of the second heating frequency unit. In this way, in particular, flexibility can be further increased. In particular, the flexibility can be further increased due to a higher number of heating zones that can be operated separately. In particular, the at least two heating units, which can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement, can each be operated as separate heating zones. In particular, an operating state is conceivable in which the at least two heating units are each assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. For example, the set of first heating units could include at least two first heating units, advantageously at least three first heating units and preferably at least four first heating units, which can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. For example, the set of second heating units could alternatively or additionally include at least two second heating units, advantageously at least three second heating units and preferably at least four second heating units, which can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. For example, the sets of heating units, in particular the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units, could include a different number of at least two heating units, which can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. Preferably, the set of first heating units and the set include of second heating units, an equal number of at least two heating units, which can be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement. In particular, if the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units comprises more than two heating units, at least two first heating units and/or at least two second heating units could be assigned to different inverters of the heating frequency units by means of the switching arrangement and at least two first Heating units and/or at least two second heating units combined by means of the switching arrangement can be assigned to an inverter of the heating frequency units.

It is also proposed that the set of first heating units and/or the set of second heating units have at least two outer heating units and at least two inner heating units arranged within the outer heating units, with the inner heating units and the outer heating units simultaneously being connected to different inverters of one of the Heating frequency units can be assigned. As a result, flexibility can be improved, in particular with regard to a differentiated heating power control of the outer and inner heating units. In this way, it can be achieved in particular that elongated cookware, such as a cookware designed as a teppanyaki grill, which is placed on a hob above the set of first heating units or above the set of second heating units and thus the inner heating units completely and the outer heating units each covers only partially, is heated with appropriately distributed heat output. In particular, it can be achieved that the outer heating units and the inner heating units can be operated with different heat outputs.

It is also proposed that the hob device have at least one third heating frequency unit and at least one set of fourth heating units, which can be electrically assigned to the third heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement, and that the hob device have at least one set of fifth heating units, which can be electrically assigned at least by means of the switching arrangement can be assigned to one of the second heating frequency unit and/or the third heating frequency unit. A configuration of this type can in particular further increase flexibility. Furthermore, comfort, in particular user comfort, can be further improved. In particular, such a configuration can provide a particularly large-area and flexible hob with the hob device. Furthermore, such a configuration can in particular provide a hob device which has a large number of heating zones.

In particular, the features described above for the set of first heating units, the set of second heating units, the set of third heating units, the first heating frequency unit and the second heating frequency unit apply in an analogous manner to the set of fourth heating units, the set of fifth heating units and the third heating frequency unit.

In addition, it is proposed that the set of third heating units is spatially arranged between the set of first heating units and the set of second heating units. In particular, this feature applies in a corresponding manner to the set of fifth heating units, which is therefore spatially arranged between the set of second heating units and the set of fourth heating units. In this way, in particular, greater flexibility with regard to possible set-up positions for cookware can be achieved. In particular, this means that even large cookware can be heated across the board. In particular, this advantageously allows large heating zones to be provided.

The phrase that the set of third heating units is "spatially located between the set of first heating units and the set of second heating units" is intended to mean that the third heating units of the set of third heating units, particularly when considering a plan view of a cooktop, surrounded at least on two sides by the set of first heating units and the set of second heating units. The third heating units of the set of third heating units are advantageously arranged adjacent to a plurality of first heating units of the set of first heating units and/or adjacent to a plurality of second heating units of the set of second heating units. Advantageously, at least a third heating unit of the set of third heating units is arranged adjacent to at least two and preferably at least three first heating units of the set of first heating units. In addition, at least one further third heating unit of the set of third heating units is adjacent to at least two, and preferably at least three second heating units of the set of second heating units are arranged. In this context, “adjacent” should be understood to mean that a distance between the third heating units of the set of third heating units and the first heating units of the set of first heating units and/or the second heating units of the set of second heating units is, for example, less than 15 cm, advantageously is less than 10 cm, particularly advantageously less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm and particularly preferably less than 1 cm.

Furthermore, a hob, in particular an induction hob, with at least one hob device is proposed. As a result, flexibility can be further increased. In addition, user satisfaction in particular can be increased.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a hob device, in particular an induction hob device, with at least one first heating frequency unit and with at least one second heating frequency unit and with at least one set of first heating units, which are electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit in at least one operating state, and with at least a set of second heating units which are electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit in the at least one operating state and with at least one set of third heating units which are electrically assigned to one of the heating frequency units in the at least one operating state. In particular, a particularly high degree of flexibility can be achieved by such a configuration.

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

Further advantages result from the following description of the figures. Nine exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. To differentiate between the exemplary embodiments, the reference symbols in the following description of the figures are through the letters a to i added. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, reference should always be made to the description and/or the drawings of the first exemplary embodiment with the letter a. The descriptions of the other exemplary embodiments are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments. The figures, the description of the figures and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

Show it:

Fig. 1 A hob, which is designed as an induction hob, with a hob device in a plan view,

2 shows a circuit diagram of the hob device with a set of first heating units, with a set of second heating units, with a set of third heating units and with a switching arrangement,

3 shows a selection of allocations of heating units to inverters of a first heating frequency unit and inverters of a second heating frequency unit of the hob device that can be carried out by means of the switching arrangement,

4 shows a flowchart of a method for operating the hob device,

5 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

6 shows a further selection of assignments that can be carried out using the switching arrangement,

7 shows a selection of possible operating states of the hob device,

8 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

9 shows a further selection of assignments that can be carried out using the switching arrangement, 10 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

11 a further selection of possible operating states of the hob device in a simplified representation,

12 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

13 shows a further selection of assignments that can be carried out using the switching arrangement,

14 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

15 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

16 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation,

17 shows a further hob device of a further exemplary embodiment with a switching arrangement in a circuit diagram representation and

18 shows a further selection of assignments that can be carried out using the switching arrangement.

Of the objects that are present several times, only one is provided with a reference number in each of the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a hob 10a, which in the example shown is designed as an induction hob. The hob 10a has a hob device 12a. The hob device 12a is designed, for example, as an induction hob device. The hob device 12a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is in an exemplary operating state.

The hob device 12a has a set of first heating units 22a. In the example shown, the set of first heating units 22a has a number of four first heating units 30a (cf. also FIG. 2). In addition, the hob device 12a has a set of second heating units 24a. In the example shown, the set of second heating units 24a has a number of four second heating units 30a.

In addition, the hob device 12a has a set of third heating units 26a. In the example shown, the set of third heating units 26a has a number of two third heating units 32a.

The third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a are spatially arranged between the first heating units 30a of the set of first heating units 22a and the second heating units 30a of the set of second heating units 24a.

The third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a have an at least substantially elongate geometry.

The third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a are arranged parallel to a depth direction 46a of the hob 10a with respect to their main extent 44a.

Specifically, the third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a are arranged at least substantially at right angles to the first heating units 30a of the set of first heating units 22a with respect to their main extension 44a.

The third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a are arranged adjacent to a plurality of first heating units 30a of the set of first heating units 22a and adjacent to a plurality of second heating units 30a of the set of second heating units 24a.

In the example shown, a third heating unit 32a of the set of third heating units 26a is arranged adjacent to three first heating units 30a of the set of first heating units 22a. In addition, a third heating unit 32a of the set of third heating units 26a is arranged adjacent to three second heating units 30a of the set of second heating units 24a.

In addition, the hob device 12a has a first heating frequency unit 14a (cf. in particular FIG. 2). In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14a has two inverters 28a. In addition, the hob device 12a has a second Heating frequency unit 16a. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16a also has two inverters 28a.

The hob device 12a has a plurality of resonance units 52a, with a number of four resonance units 52a being illustrated in the example shown. The resonance units 52a are electrically connected to all of the sets of heating units 22a, 24a, 26a. The electrical connections between the heating units of the set of third heating units 26a and the respective resonant units 52a are simplified for the sake of clarity. In particular, all electrical connections between the heating units of the set of third heating units 26a and the respective resonance units 52a are each identified by the same symbols.

In addition, the hob device 12a has a switching arrangement 20a. The set of first heating units 22a can be electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit 14a by means of the switching arrangement 20a. The electrical assignment takes place in each case by switch positions of the switching arrangement 20a. For example, it would also be conceivable for the assignment to take place temporarily, in particular in a multiplex mode.

In addition, the set of second heating units 24a can be electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a.

Furthermore, the set of third heating units 26a can be electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit 14a by means of the switching arrangement 20a. In addition, the set of third heating units 26a can be electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a.

The set of third heating units 26a can be assigned to at least two of the heating frequency units 14a, 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a. The set of third heating units 26a can be assigned electrically to the first heating frequency unit 14a and at the same time to the second heating frequency unit 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a.

In addition, the set of third heating units 26a can be assigned to at least two inverters 28a of one of the heating frequency units 14a, 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a. The two third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a can be assigned simultaneously to different heating frequency units 14a, 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a.

In addition, all sets of heating units 22a, 24a, 26a can be assigned to different inverters 28a of the heating frequency units 14a, 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a.

In the operating state shown, the set of third heating units 26a, specifically both third heating units 32a of the set of third heating units 26a, is assigned to the first heating frequency unit 14a by means of the switching arrangement.

The hob device 12a also has a control unit 48a, which is shown schematically in FIG. The control unit 48a is intended to control the switching arrangement 20a as a function of a cooking utensil configuration. Specifically, the control unit 48a controls the switching arrangement 20a as a function of the cooking utensil configuration with regard to an assignment of sets of heating units 22a, 24a, 26a to heating frequency units 14a, 16a. In particular, the control unit 48a controls the switching arrangement 20a as a function of the cooking utensil configuration with regard to an assignment of heating units 30a to inverters 28a.

Using different hatchings, FIG. 3 shows a selection of assignments of the heating units 30a, 32a of the sets of heating units 22a, 24a, 26a to the inverters 28a of the heating frequency units 14a, 16a that can be carried out using the switching arrangement 20a, in particular as a function of the cooking utensil configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method 100a for operating the hob device 12a. The method 100a has in particular a method step 102a and a further method step 104a.

In method step 102a, the hob device 12a is provided with the first heating frequency unit 14a, with the second heating frequency unit 16a, with the set of first heating units 22a, with the set of second heating units 24a, and with the third heating units 26a. In method step 104a, the set of first heating units 22a is electrically assigned to the first heating frequency unit 14a by means of the switching arrangement 20a. In addition, in method step 104a, the set of second heating units 24a is electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit 16a by means of the switching arrangement 20a. In addition, in method step 104a, the set of third heating units 26a is electrically assigned to any one of the heating frequency units 14a, 16a.

Eight further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby reference can be made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular FIGS. 1 to 5, 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 embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5 is replaced by the letters b to i in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular FIGS.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12b in a circuit diagram.

The hob device 12b has a set of first heating units 22b. In the example shown, the set of first heating units 22b has a number of four first heating units 30b.

In addition, the hob device 12b has a set of second heating units 24b. In the example shown, the set of second heating units 24b has a number of four second heating units 30b.

In addition, the hob device 12b has a set of third heating units 26b. In the example shown, the set of third heating units 26b has a number of two third heating units 32b.

The hob device 12b also has a first heating frequency unit 14b. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14b has two inverters 28b on. In addition, the hob device 12b has a second heating frequency unit 16b. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16b also has two inverters 28b.

In addition, the hob device 12b has a switching arrangement 20b. In comparison to the previous exemplary embodiment, the switching arrangement 20b of the present exemplary embodiment also has a parallel switching unit 34b. The parallel switching unit 34b has a plurality of parallel switching elements 50b.

By means of the switching arrangement 20b, specifically with the parallel switching unit 34b of the switching arrangement 20b, at least two inverters 28b of one of the heating frequency units 14b can be connected in parallel.

The heating units 30b of the set of first heating units 22b can be assigned simultaneously to a plurality of inverters 28b of one of the heating frequency units 14b, 16b by means of the switching arrangement 20b.

Specifically, the heating units 30b of the set of first heating units 22b can be assigned by means of the switching arrangement 20b at the same time to the inverters 28b connected in parallel by means of the switching arrangement 20b.

The heating units 30b of the set of second heating units 24b can also be assigned simultaneously to a plurality of inverters 28b of one of the heating frequency units 14b, 16b by means of the switching arrangement 20b.

Specifically, the heating units 30b of the set of second heating units 24b can also be simultaneously assigned by means of the switching arrangement 20b to the inverters 28b connected in parallel by means of the switching arrangement 20b.

Using different hatchings, FIG. 6 shows a selection of assignments of the heating units 30b, 32b of the sets of heating units 22b, 24b, 26b to the inverters 28b of the heating frequency units 14b, 16b that can be carried out using the switching arrangement 20b, in particular as a function of a cooking utensil configuration.

FIGS. 7a to 7d show a selection of possible operating states, based in particular on different cooking utensil configurations. The assignments of the heating units 30b, 32b shown by different hatching Sets of heating units 22b, 24b, 26b to the inverters 28b of the heating frequency units 14b, 16b take place through respective switch positions of the switching arrangement 20b, and in particular based on activation by the control unit 48b. The person skilled in the art is aware that, in addition to the selection of cooking utensil configurations shown, other cooking utensil configurations are possible using the switching arrangement 20b.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12c in a circuit diagram.

The hob device 12c has a set of first heating units 22c. The set of first heating units 22c has two outer heating units 36c in the example shown. In addition, the set of first heating units 22c has two inner heating units 38c arranged inside the outer heating units 36c.

In addition, the hob device 12c has a set of second heating units 24c. The set of second heating units 24c also comprises two outer heating units 36c in the example shown. In addition, the set of second heating units 24c also has two inner heating units 38c arranged inside the outer heating units 36c.

The hob device 12c also has a first heating frequency unit 14c. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14c has two inverters 28c. In addition, the hob device 12c has a second heating frequency unit 16c. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16c also has two inverters 28c.

In addition, the hob device 12c has a switching arrangement 20c. In comparison to the previous exemplary embodiment, the switching arrangement 20c of the present exemplary embodiment can also be used to simultaneously assign the inner heating units 38c and the outer heating units 36c to different inverters 28c of one of the heating frequency units 14c, 16c by means of the switching arrangement 20c (cf. also FIG. 9).

Using different hatchings, FIG. operable assignments of heating units 30c, 32c of sets of heating units 22c, 24c, 26c to inverters 28c of heating frequency units 14c, 16c.

FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12d in a circuit diagram.

The hob device 12d has a set of first heating units 22d. In the example shown, the set of first heating units 22d has a number of four first heating units 30d.

In addition, the hob device 12d has a set of second heating units 24d. In the example shown, the set of second heating units 24d has a number of four second heating units 30d.

In addition, the hob device 12d has a set of third heating units 26d. In the example shown, the set of third heating units 26d has a number of two third heating units 32d.

The hob device 12d also has a first heating frequency unit 14d. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14d has two inverters 28d. In addition, the hob device 12d has a second heating frequency unit 16d. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16d also has two inverters 28d.

In addition, the hob device 12d has a switching arrangement 20d. In comparison to the previous exemplary embodiments, the set of third heating units 26d with the set of first heating units 22d and/or with the set of second heating units 24d can also be assigned to a common inverter 28d of one of the heating frequency units 14d by means of the switching arrangement 20d of the present exemplary embodiment.

In addition, by means of the switching arrangement 20d the set of third heating units 26d with the set of first heating units 22d is connected to a common inverter 28d of one of the heating frequency units 14d, 16d and at the same time by means of the switching arrangement 20d with the set of second heating units 24d a common inverter 28d of one of the heating frequency units 14d , 16d assignable. FIGS. 11a to 11j show a selection of possible operating states, based in particular on different cooking utensil configurations. For the sake of clarity, the representations are each cut off in the middle, so that the representation is in each case based on half a hob 10d as an example.

The assignments of the heating units 30d, 32d of the sets of heating units 22d, 24d, 26d to the inverters 28d of the heating frequency units 14d, 16d, shown by different hatching, are made by the respective switch positions of the switching arrangement 20d, and in particular based on activation by the control unit 48d. Those skilled in the art know that, in addition to the selection of cooking utensil configurations shown, other cooking utensil configurations are possible using the switching arrangement 20d.

FIG. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12e in a circuit diagram.

The hob device 12e has a set of first heating units 22e. In the example shown, the set of first heating units 22e has a number of four first heating units 30e.

In addition, the hob device 12e has a set of second heating units 24e. In the example shown, the set of second heating units 24e has a number of four second heating units 30e.

In addition, the hob device 12e has a set of third heating units 26e. In the example shown, the set of third heating units 26e has a number of two third heating units 32e.

The hob device 12e also has a first heating frequency unit 14e. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14e has two inverters 28e. In addition, the hob device 12e has a second heating frequency unit 16e. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16e also has two inverters 28e.

In addition, the hob device 12e has a switching arrangement 20e. In comparison to the previous exemplary embodiments, the switching arrangement 20e of In the present exemplary embodiment, at least two heating units 30e, 32e of all sets of heating units 22e, 24e, 26e can each be assigned to different inverters 28e of one of the heating frequency units 14e, 16e (cf. also FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12f in a circuit diagram.

The exemplary embodiment of the hob device 12f shown in FIG. 14, which has a switching arrangement 20f, adds the functionality to the hob device 12f of the present exemplary embodiment in comparison with the previous exemplary embodiment, that by means of the switching arrangement 20f, at least two inner heating units 38f of a set of heating units 22f, 24f and at least two outer heating units 36f of a set of heating units 22f, 24f can be assigned simultaneously to different inverters 28f of a heating frequency unit 14f, 16f of the hob device 12f by means of the switching arrangement 20f.

FIG. 15 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12g in a circuit diagram.

The hob device 12g has a set of first heating units 22g. In the example shown, the set of first heating units 22g has a number of four first heating units 30g.

In addition, the hob device 12g has a set of second heating units 24g. In the example shown, the set of second heating units 24g has a number of four second heating units 30g.

In addition, the hob device 12g has a set of third heating units 26g. In the example shown, the set of third heating units 26g has a number of two third heating units 32g.

In addition, the hob device 12g has a first heating frequency unit 14g. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14g has two inverters 28g. In addition, the hob device 12g has a second heating frequency unit 16g. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16g also has two inverters 28g.

In addition, the hob device 12g has a switching arrangement 20g.

In comparison to the previous exemplary embodiments, the switching arrangement 20g of the present exemplary embodiment has an additional short-circuit contact which is arranged between one of the inverters 28g of the first heating frequency unit 14g and one of the heating units 30g of the set of first heating units 22g.

In comparison with the previous exemplary embodiments of the hob device 12g, with the switching arrangement 20g of the present exemplary embodiment, only three upper heating units 30g of the set of first heating units 22g and/or the set of second heating units 24g are together with at least one third heating unit 32g of the set of third heating units 26g can be assigned to an inverter 28g of one of the heating frequency units 14g, 16g.

FIG. 16 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12h in a circuit diagram.

The exemplary embodiment of the hob device 12h shown in FIG. 16, which has a switching arrangement 20h, adds the functionality to the hob device 12h of the present exemplary embodiment in comparison with the previous exemplary embodiment, that by means of the switching arrangement 20h, at least two inner heating units 38h of a set of heating units 22h, 24h and at least two outer heating units 36h of a set of heating units 22h, 24h can be assigned simultaneously to different inverters 28h of a heating frequency unit 14h, 16h of the hob device 12h by means of the switching arrangement 20h.

FIG. 16 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12i in a simplified circuit diagram.

The exemplary embodiment of the hob device 12i shown in FIG. 16, which has a switching arrangement 20i, represents in particular a modification of the switching arrangement 20b of the exemplary embodiment of the hob device by means of the switching arrangement 20i 12b and the switching arrangement 20d of the exemplary embodiment of the hob device 12d.

The hob device 12i has a set of first heating units 22i. In addition, the hob device 12i has a set of second heating units 24i. Furthermore, the hob device 12i has a set of third heating units 26i. The hob device 12i also has a first heating frequency unit 14i and a second heating frequency unit 16i. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14i and the second heating frequency unit 16i each have two inverters 28i.

In comparison with the switching arrangement 20b of the exemplary embodiment of the hob device 12b, the switching arrangement 20i of the present exemplary embodiment of the hob device 12i has two additional switching elements, one of the additional switching elements being electrically arranged between one of the inverters 28i of the first heating frequency unit 14i and the set of third heating units 26i . Another of the additional switching elements of the switching arrangement 20i is electrically arranged between one of the inverters 28i of the second heating frequency unit 16i and the set of third heating units 26i.

FIG. 18 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a hob device 12j in a circuit diagram.

The hob device 12j has a set of first heating units 22j. In the example shown, the set of first heating units 22j has a number of four first heating units 30j.

In addition, the hob device 12j has a set of second heating units 24j. In the example shown, the set of second heating units 24j has a number of three second heating units 30j.

In addition, the hob device 12j has a set of third heating units 26j. The set of third heating units 26j has a third heating unit 32j in the example shown. The third heating unit 32j of the set of third heating units 26j is spatially arranged between the first heating units 30j of the set of first heating units 22j and the second heating units 30j of the set of second heating units 24j.

In addition, the hob device 12j has a set of fourth heating units 40j. In the example shown, the set of fourth heating units 40j has a number of four fourth heating units 30j.

In addition, the hob device 12j has a set of fifth heating units 42j. The set of fifth heating units 42j has a fifth heating unit 30j in the example shown.

The fifth heating unit 30j of the set of fifth heating units 42j is spatially arranged between the second heating units 30j of the set of second heating units 24j and the fourth heating units 30j of the set of fourth heating units 40j.

In addition, the hob device 12j has a first heating frequency unit 14j. In the example shown, the first heating frequency unit 14j has two inverters 28j. In addition, the hob device 12j has a second heating frequency unit 16j. In the example shown, the second heating frequency unit 16j also has two inverters 28j. The hob device 12j also has a third heating frequency unit 18j. In the example shown, the third heating frequency unit 18j also has two inverters 28j.

In addition, the hob device 12j has a switching arrangement 20j.

The set of fourth heating units 18j can be electrically assigned to the third heating frequency unit by means of the switching arrangement 20j. The set of fifth heating units 42j can be electrically assigned to the second heating frequency unit 16j and/or the third heating frequency unit 18j by means of the switching arrangement 20j.

In particular, the features described above for the set of first heating units, the set of second heating units and the set of third heating units apply analogously to the set of fourth heating units 40j and the set of fifth heating units 42j. Using different hatchings, FIG Cookware configuration, feasible assignments of the heating units 30j, 32j of the sets of heating units 22j, 24j, 26j, 40j, 42j to the inverters 28j of the heating frequency units 14j, 16j, 18j.

In particular, modifications of all exemplary embodiments are conceivable which alternatively or additionally have individual or all functionalities of the respective other exemplary embodiments by alternatively or additionally implementing the respective switching arrangements 20a-j of the respective other exemplary embodiments. It is conceivable here that modifications of the exemplary embodiments alternatively or additionally have a selection or all switching elements of the respective switching arrangements 20a-j of the respective other exemplary embodiments.

Reference sign

10 hob

12 hob device

14 First heating frequency unit

16 Second heating frequency unit

18 Third heating frequency unit

20 switching arrangement

22 set of first heating units

24 set of second heating units

26 set of third heating units

28 inverters

30 heating unit

32 Third heating unit

34 parallel switching unit

36 Outer heating unit

38 Inner heating unit

40 set of fourth heating units

42 set of fifth heating units

44 Main Extension

46 depth direction

48 control unit

50 parallel switching element

52 resonance unit

100 procedures

102 process step

104 Further process step

Claims

34

Claims Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j), in particular induction hob device, with at least one first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i ; 14j), with at least one second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j), with a switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h ; 20i; 20j), and with at least one set of first heating units (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j), which by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e ; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) are electrically assignable to the first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j) and having at least one set of second heating units (24a; 24b ; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j), which by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) electrically the second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j) assignba r, characterized by at least one set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f;

26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) which can be electrically assigned to at least one of the heating frequency units (14a-j, 16a-j) by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j). Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) electrically to the first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h) by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j). ; 14i; 14j) and the second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j). 35 Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f ; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) at least two inverters (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g ; 28h; 28i; 28j) can be assigned to one of the heating frequency units (14a-j, 16a-j). Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) can be assigned to at least two of the heating frequency units (14a-j, 16a-j) by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j). Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) comprises at least two third heating units (32a; 32b; 32c; 32d; 32e; 32f; 32g; 32h; 32i; 32j), which by means of the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) can be assigned to different heating frequency units (14a-j, 16a-j) at the same time. Hob device (12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) by means of the switching arrangement (20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) with the set of first heating units (22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j ) and/or with the set of second heating units (24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j) a common inverter (28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g; 28h; 28i; 28j ) one of the heating frequency units (14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f; 14g, 16g; 14h, 16h; 14i, 16i; 14j, 16j) can be assigned. Hob device (12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) by means of the switching arrangement (20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) with the set of first heating units (22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j ) a common inverter (28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g; 28h; 28i; 28j) of one of the heating frequency units (14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f; 14g, 16g ; 14h, 16h; 14i, 16i; 14j, 16j) and simultaneously by means of the switching arrangement (20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) with the set of second heating units (24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j) a common inverter (28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g; 28h; 28i; 28j) of one of the heating frequency units (14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f; 14g, 16g; 14h, 16h; 14i, 16i; 14j, 16j). Hob device (12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching arrangement (20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j ) has at least one parallel switching unit (34b; 34c; 34d; 34e; 34f; 34g; 34h; 34i; 34j), by means of which at least two inverters (28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g; 28h; 28i; 28j) a of the heating frequency units (14b, 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f; 14g, 16g; 14h, 16h; 14i, 16i; 14j, 16j) can be connected in parallel, the set of first heating units (22b ; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j) and/or the set of second heating units (24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j) a plurality of heating units (30b ; 30c; 30d; 30e; 30f; 30g; 30h; 30i; 30j); 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g; 28h; 28i; 28j) of one of the heating frequency units (14b , 16b; 14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14e, 16e; 14f, 16f; 14g, 16g; 2pm, 4pm; 14i, 16i; 14j, 16j) can be assigned. Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all sets of heating units (22a-j, 24a-j, 26a-e) by means the switching arrangement (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20f; 20g; 20h; 20i; 20j) different inverters (28a; 28b; 28c; 28d; 28e; 28f; 28g; 28h; 28i; 28j) of the heating frequency units (14a - j, 16a-j) can be assigned. Hob device (12e; 12f) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all sets of heating units (22e; 22f, 24e; 24f, 26e; 26f) comprise at least two heating units (30e; 30f) which are switched by means of the switching arrangement (20e; 20f) can each be assigned to different inverters (28e; 28f) of one of the heating frequency units (14e, 16e; 14f, 16f). Hob device (12c; 12d; 12f; 12h) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of first heating units (22c; 22d; 22f; 22h) and/or the set of second heating units (24c; 24d; 24f; 24h ) has at least two outer heating units (36c; 36d; 36f; 36h) and at least two inner heating units (38c; 38d; 38f; 38h) arranged inside the outer heating units (36c; 36d; 36f; 36h), the inner heating units (38c ; 38d; 38f; 38h) and the external heating units (36c; 36d; 36f; 36h) simultaneously different inverters (28c; 28d; 28f; 28h) of one of the heating frequency units (14c, 16c; 14d, 16d; 14f, 16f; 14h, 16h) can be assigned. Hob device (12j) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one third heating frequency unit (18j) and at least one set of fourth heating units (40j) which can be electrically assigned to the third heating frequency unit (18j) by means of the switching arrangement (20j) and by at least one Set of fifth heating units (42j) which can be electrically assigned to at least one of the second heating frequency unit (16j) and/or the third heating frequency unit (18j) by means of the switching arrangement (20j). 38

13. Hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f ; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) spatially between the set of first heating units (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j) and the set of second heating units (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j).

14. Hob (10a), in particular induction hob, with at least one hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Method (100a) for operating a hob device (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j), in particular an induction hob device, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, with at least one first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j) and with at least one second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j), and with at least one set of first heating units (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22f; 22g; 22h; 22i; 22j) which are electrically connected to the first heating frequency unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h ; 14i; 14j) and with at least one set of second heating units (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e; 24f; 24g; 24h; 24i; 24j) which are electrically connected to the second heating frequency unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d ; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j) and with at least one set of third heating units (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26g; 26h; 26i; 26j) which electrically one of the heating frequency units (14a-j, 16a-j) are assigned.