ES2396505B1 - HEATING DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an allocation unit (14) allocating one of frequency units (10) to one of heating zones (12a, 12b) formed by heating units (11) based on a variable criterion e.g. heating time, temperature, cooking condition and power level, of the heating zones. The frequency units supply high frequency alternating current to the heating units. The allocation of the frequency units to the heating zones is defined by a switching position of a switching unit (26). A switching element (28) i.e. MOSFET, is attached to each heating unit for interrupting power supply of the individual heating units. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a heating device.

Description

HEATING DEVICE

The invention starts from a heating device according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the state of the art, matrix cooking ranges with a large number of inductors are known, which are arranged in a matrix, and can be flexibly assembled in freely definable heating zones. An inverter is biunivocally assigned to each inductor, which generates a high-frequency heating current to drive the inductor. A frequency of the heating current can be adjusted by an induction cooking field control unit, independently of the heating frequency of the other inductors.

The task of the invention is, in particular, to make available a generic heating device that combines low costs with comfortable handling. The task is solved, according to the invention, by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention can be drawn from the secondary claims and a further claim.

The invention starts from a heating device with frequency units, heating units and at least one allocation unit, which is intended to assign at least one frequency unit to at least one heating zone, formed by at minus one of the heating units.

It is proposed that the allocation unit is intended to assign at least two heating zones, at least one frequency unit, depending on at least one variable criterion. By "planned" here, and hereinafter, it is to be understood, in particular, configured and / or provided and / or programmed specifically. By a "frequency unit" is to be understood, in particular, a unit that generates an oscillating electrical signal of a given heating frequency for a heating unit, and preferably comprising at least one inverter. By a "heating unit" is to be understood, in particular, a unit which is intended to heat a cooking coil sitting on top of the heating unit on a cooking field plate. Preferably, the heating unit comprises an inductor coil, which is supplied with high-frequency alternating current from the heating frequency of a frequency unit. By a "heating zone", it is to be understood as at least one heating unit and, preferably, a union of several heating units, which thereby form, in particular, a continuous surface area of the cooking field plate, which is intended for heating a cooking coil placed on the surface area. Preferably, all heating units assigned to a heating zone are supplied with electrical energy by a single frequency unit. By an "allocation unit", it is to be understood, in particular, an electronic unit, which is integrated, at least partially, preferably in a control and / or regulating unit of a cooking field, especially a induction cooking range. Preferably, the allocation unit comprises a calculation unit and, especially, in addition to the calculation unit, a storage unit with an allocation program stored therein. A "variable criterion" is to be understood, in particular, as an assignment made by a user and / or a criterion with a variable parameter, which may adopt, in particular, in different operating modes, different parameter values. By the fact that a unit of frequency is quot; assignedquot; to at least two heating zones, it is to be understood, in particular, that a voltage-conducting connection, in particular in the form of an electrical line, is provided between the frequency unit and the heating zones.

By such an embodiment, with an advantageously low number of frequency units, a higher number of heating zones can be operated. In this way, costs can be saved and yet great operating comfort can be achieved. Advantageously, each frequency unit is assigned exactly one heating zone, while the number of heating zones is less than the number of frequency units present. If, however, the number of the heating zones is greater than the number of the frequency units present, then the allocation unit assigns at least one frequency unit to at least two heating zones, considering the variable criterion , in order to achieve an advantageous operation of all the existing heating zones. Through this, high operating comfort can be achieved. Advantageously, the allocation unit allows at least two different operating modes for creating new heating zones, especially one or more manual modes and / or one or more automated modes. By "manual mode", it is to be understood here, in particular, a way in which a user intervenes in the assignment by at least manual input. By an "automated mode", it is to be understood, in particular, a mode, in which the allocation unit carries out an allocation automatically, by evaluating at least one criterion.

Advantageously, the heating zones are formed by a union of several heating units, arranged in a matrix. By the fact that the heating units are arranged "in a matrix", it is to be understood, in particular, that the heating units are arranged in a regular lattice under the cooking field plate, and a heatable area by means of the heating units, the cooking range plate preferably comprises at least 60%, especially at least 70%, advantageously at least 80% and, especially advantageously, at least 90% of a total surface area of the hob. In particular, the matrix comprises at least 10, especially at least 20, advantageously at least 30 and, especially advantageously, at least 40 heating units. In this way, a particularly flexible usable cooking range can be created.

Likewise, it is proposed that the variable criterion be a user assignment. By a "user assignment", it is to be understood in particular that a user decides which frequency unit is assigned to which heating zones. Through this, great transparency of handling can be achieved. Advantageously, the allocation unit is provided to issue a command request, especially acoustically and / or optically, on a control display, if, in addition to already activated heating zones, another heating zone is added and, particularly advantageously, if, through the other heating zone, the number of the heating zones becomes greater than the number of the frequency units. In this way, particularly comfortable handling can be achieved. Especially, if the same food is prepared in several batteries of

cooking, the heating zones assigned to the cooking batteries can

be assigned to a frequency unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the variable criterion is proposed to be a

degree of power, at least, of a heating zone, chosen by

5

an user. For a "degree of power chosen by a user", it must

In particular, a power degree adjusted for an area of

heating and / or, especially, a degree of power, chosen by means of a

user when placing a cooking battery, for the heating zone

recently created. By such a configuration, you can

1 O

get comfortable handling. Preferably, in the formation of

another heating zone, placing another cooking battery, the

assignment issues an acoustic and / or optical command requirement for the

introduction of a power grade for the new heating zone. The

allocation unit then decides, preferably, by means of the

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degrees of power chosen, especially from all heating zones,

which frequency units are assigned to which heating zones,

so that an effective heating power of each zone of

heating is as close as possible to the degree of power chosen in

each case. Advantageously, the allocation unit brings together those areas

twenty

of heating whose chosen power degrees are identical. Through

from this, particularly comfortable handling can be achieved. Of

advantageously, in an assignment of the frequency units to the zones

heating unit, the allocation unit takes into account that a

maximum power of a frequency unit. In this way, you can avoid

25

an unexpected drop in heating power in at least one area

heating.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the variable criterion be

a warm-up time elapsed of at least one area of

heating. By a "warm-up time", it is to be understood here, in

30

special, a period of time that has elapsed since an activation and,

preferably, from a last setting of a non-zero power degree

from the heating zone. Through it, you can deduce a content

especially advantageous informative, which can be used advantageously

in case of assignment of at least one frequency unit to at least

35

two heating zones. In particular, the allocation unit is planned

for, during the assignment of the frequency units to the heating zones, taking into account the heating time of a heating zone, in addition to the degree of power chosen by a user. In this way, an intelligent control can be achieved that reduces the heating power in those heating zones where this acts, at least, in a disturbing way. This can further discharge a user.

Likewise, it is proposed that the variable criterion be a temperature of at least one heating zone. By a "temperature of a heating zone", it is to be understood here, in particular, a temperature of a partial area, assigned to the heating zone, of the cooking field plate and / or of a cooking coil on the cooking field plate. Advantageously, at least some and, in particular, all the cooking field heating units therefore have a temperature sensor. Through this, a frequency unit can be assigned to several heating zones with a similar surface temperature. Advantageously, the allocation unit is provided for, during the allocation of the frequency units to the heating zones, taking into account the temperature of a heating zone, in addition to the degree of power chosen by a user. In this way, an intelligent control can be achieved that reduces the heating power in those heating zones whose temperatures are above a fixed thermal threshold. This can contribute to a discharge from a user, and improve a cooking result in an advantageous manner.

In another embodiment, it is proposed that the variable criteria be at least one cooking state. By "cooking state" is here to be understood, in particular, a state of the course of a cooking program and / or a state of a cooking product, in particular a phase transition and, especially advantageously , a boil of at least a part of the cooking product. Through this, a cooking result can be advantageously improved. Preferably, the allocation unit is provided for, during the allocation of the frequency units to the heating zones, taking into account the cooking state of a cooking product on a heating zone, in addition to the degree of power chosen by a user. In this way, you can get a command

intelligent that reduces the heating power, in those areas of

heating where possible through a cooking state. Through

thereof, a comfort can be increased in a particularly advantageous way

management.

5

In an advantageous embodiment, the variable criterion is proposed to be a

difference and / or a time evolution of at least one magnitude. By a

"magnitude", here is to be understood, especially, a physical parameter, especially

a power and / or an energy and / or a temperature and / or a time and / or a voltage

and / or an electric current. Through this, a result of

1 O

better cooking in an advantageous way.

Likewise, it is proposed that the variable criterion be a total power of

all heating zones, chosen by a user. If the sum of

the degrees of power of all the heating zones, chosen by a

user, exceeds the total power of all frequency units, then

fifteen

preferably, the allocation unit takes this into account.

Preferably, a prioritization of the heating zones takes place

according to different criteria, which are reasonable to the expert in the field,

so that the high priority heating zones are actuated

with the chosen degree of power, where the heating power

twenty

necessary for this to be subtracted from the other lower heating zones

priority. By means of such a configuration, a

provisional peak power.

In an advantageous refinement of the invention, it is proposed that the

allocation unit is intended to carry out an operation

25

timed at least one of the heating zones. For

"timed operation", here is to be understood an operation of a

heating unit, in which the heating unit is

temporarily disconnected and especially during half-waves in

integers of the frequency unit. Through it, you can

30

get any average heating power for one unit of

heating. If, in particular, a frequency unit is assigned, the

less than two heating zones, at least one of the heating zones

heating can be activated in a timed manner. In this way,

can get different average heating powers for the

35

heating units of the two heating zones. Yes, especially

all heating units have a connection element, in particular a semiconductor switch and, preferably, a MOSFET (semiconductor metal-oxide field effect transistor), for the deactivation of the heating unit, with a limited number of frequency units, as many heating zones as desired can be operated with any degree of power, until a maximum power of each frequency unit is reached.

Furthermore, a cooking range, in particular an induction cooking range, with a heating device according to the invention is proposed.

Furthermore, a method with a heating device, with frequency units and heating units, is proposed, in which at least one frequency unit is assigned to at least one heating zone, formed by at least one of the units heating, where at least one frequency unit is assigned to at least two heating zones, depending on at least one variable criterion.

Other advantages are drawn from the following descriptions of the drawings. An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. The drawings, descriptions and claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will advantageously consider the features separately as well, and bring them together in other reasonable combinations.

They show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a countryside cooking by

matrix induction, with an allocation unit, units of

frequency, and a connecting unit, in a perspective view,

Fig. 2a

the matrix induction cooking range with four zones of

warming, in a top view,

Fig. 2b

the matrix induction cooking range with five zones of

warming, in a top view,

Fig. 3a

a diagram of flow for a creation of groups of

heating,

Fig. 3b

a diagram of flow for a assignment of zones of

warm up to the warm up groups,

Fig. 3c

a flow chart for prioritization of power.

Figure 1 shows, in a schematic representation from above

obliquely, a heating device 18 of a cooking range by

induction, which has 64 heating units 11 in the form of

inductor coils 20, which are arranged in an 8 x square grid

5

8. Also, the heating device 18 has four units of

frequency 1 O, each of which comprises an inverter 22, and which

are intended to supply high-frequency alternating current to

heating units 11 in a known manner. In addition, the

heating 18 has an allocation unit 14, which is intended

1O

to form heating zones 12a, 12b from the units of

heating 11 covered, at least partially, by cooking batteries 24a,

24b inns, and assign each time to these heating zones 12a, 12b, the

minus one unit of frequency 1 O. To determine a position of

placement of a cooking battery 24a, 24b, the heating device

fifteen

18 has means of recognizing pots that are not further described.

Assignment of frequency units 1 O to heating zones

12a, 12b is defined by a connection position of a

connection 26. In addition to the connection unit 26, which is

planned for an assignment of frequency units 1 to or units of

twenty

heating 11, each heating unit 11 is assigned an element

of connection 28 itself in the form of a MOSFET, which is

for interrupting the power supply of the heating units

11 individuals.

While, according to figure 2a, only four 24c-f cook batteries

25

are placed on a hob 30 of the hob

by induction, to each of the four heating zones 12c-f

corresponding to the cooking batteries 24c-f is assigned each time

frequency unit 1 O. By supporting a fifth 24g cooking battery, the

number of heating zones 12c-f exceeds the number of heating units

30

frequency 1O. A 12g heating zone, corresponding to the fifth

cooking battery 24g, is added to one of the heating zones 12c-f and

existing, as indicated in figure 2b by the different

scratched. Here, the heating zones 12f and 12g are actuated by a

single frequency unit 1 Common. Allocation unit 14 is planned

35

to assign at least two heating zones 12f, 12g to at least one

frequency unit 10, depending on at least one criterion

variable. Additionally, the allocation unit 14 can also be provided to assign at least two frequency units 1 O depending on at least one variable criterion, to a heating zone 12g. Through this, a heating power can be achieved for a heating zone 12g that goes beyond a maximum power of a single frequency unit 1 O.

The induction cooking range has a choice for two operating modes for assigning frequency units 1 O to heating zones 12f, 12g. Here, it is, on the one hand, a manual mode and, on the other hand, an automated mode with little interaction with a user. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the cooking range may also be provided only in a manual mode or, also, only in an automated mode.

In manual mode, the variable criteria is an assignment by a user. As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the induction cooktop has a control device 32 in a lateral area of the cooktop plate 30. The control device 32 comprises touch sensitive keys. Likewise, the control device 32 has an indicator unit 34. The indicator unit 34 is made in the form of a touch screen. When the fifth cooking battery 24g is installed and, in the event of a related creation, a new cooking zone 12g, the allocation unit 14 issues a visual command request on the indicator unit 34 and, additionally, a signal acoustic, to warn a user about a necessary introduction. By means of the control device 32, the user can then select an existing heating zone 12 c-f. The newly created heating zone 12g and the selected heating zone 12f are then driven by the same frequency unit 1 O and therefore also with the same heating power per heating unit

11. The user thus obtains the possibility of creating a cooking zone from several heating zones 12g, 12f, depending on the power.

If the sum of the adjusted power degrees of the manually selected heating zones 12g, 12f exceeds a maximum power of one frequency unit 1 O, then the user is informed about it optically and acoustically, and is required to choose another assignment . Alternatively or additionally, the heating power of the

12g, 12f selected heating can also be reduced, especially

then if each assignment of heating zones 12g, 12f exceeds the

maximum power of a frequency unit 1 O.

In automated mode, variable criteria are degrees of power

5

chosen and, in fact, differences of two degrees of power, a total power

chosen, elapsed heating times, and zone temperatures

heating temperature 12c-g, as well as a respective cooking state of a

firing product on the heating zones 12c-g. The unit of

assignment 14 is configured to carry out a procedure with a

1 O

heating device with 1 O frequency units and

heating 11, in which at least one frequency unit 1 is

assigned to at least one heating zone 12a-g consisting of at least

one of the heating units 11, where at least one unit of

frequency 1 Or be assigned to at least two heating zones 12f, 12g,

fifteen

depending on, at least one variable criterion. The assignment has

place in it according to the flow diagrams shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c.

Figure 3a shows the flow chart of a group creation of

warm-up to create new warm-up groups where a

heating group is defined because it includes at least one zone of

twenty

heating 12c-g, and the heating zones 12c-g of the

heating are driven by a single frequency unit 1 O. The figure

3b shows the flow chart of a heating group assignment

for assigning heating zones 12c-g to groups of

previously created warm-up. Figure 3c shows the flow diagram

25

of a prioritization of the power for the prioritization of the areas of

12c-g heating in the case of a choice of a total power of all

heating zones 12c-g too high. The creation of groups of

heating is started each time with a parameter change

any of the induction cooking range. Additionally or

30

alternatively, the creation of warm-up groups can be started again

also at regular time intervals, especially at intervals of 60

seconds. Through this, it can be ensured that each time a

Optimal allocation of 12c-g heating zones to heating groups.

Hereinafter the index quot; iquot; each time names a parameter of a zone

35

heating time H, for example a chosen degree of power P, a time

heating temperature t, and a temperature T, and the index "kquot; each time calls a

parameter of a heating group Gk, for example a power of

Pk heating. The number of available 1O frequency units of the

Induction cooking range is indicated with "X".

5

In the creation of the Gk heating groups, proceed as

shown in figure 3a. In a first step 36, it is determined whether the sum of the

degrees of power P¡ chosen from all heating zones H¡ exceeds

a maximum total power of all frequency units 1O. If this is the

case, then, in step 37, the prioritization of the power continues

1O

according to figure 3c.

If the maximum total power of all frequency units 1O is

enough, then continue with step 38. In step 38, for each zone

heating time H whose heating time t is less than a limit

temporary lower t1 fixed, it creates its own heating group Gk,

fifteen

so that each of these Gk warm-up groups understands

exactly a heating zone H¡. Through this, you can ensure

which heating zones H¡ with a small heating time t¡ and, in

special, those that have just been created, are powered with the degree

of chosen power P¡. A fixation of the temporal lower limit t1 takes place

twenty

during an ongoing cooking program due to program standards

cooking or, in the case of a cooking process without program, by means of a value

stored numeric. In a next step 39, follow a check about

whether the number of the Gk warm-up groups created in step 38 exceeds

the number of the frequency units 1O. If this is the case, then it

25

automatic assignment is discontinued in favor of a manual assignment, and in step 40,

issues a command request, which requires a user to assign

manual of the frequency units 1O to the heating zones H¡. In a

next step 42, it is checked if the number of heating groups Gk is

exactly X. If this is the case then in step 43 we continue with the

30

allocation of heating groups according to figure 3b. If the number of

heating groups Gk is still less than X, so in a step 44

next, for the heating zones H¡ whose heating time ti

is less than a fixed time lower limit t2, and whose power degree P¡

chosen amounts to 100%, other Gk heating groups are formed, up to

35

that, at most, X heating groups Gk have been achieved. On it,

the heating zones H¡ with a small heating time t¡ are

considered first. Through this, it can be ensured that a degree

of maximum power P¡ is kept in a heating zone H¡, when

less, for a predefined time. This can be advantageous, especially in

5

case of a frying process. A temporal lower limit setting t2 has

place during an ongoing cook program due to program rules

firing or, in the case of a firing process without program, by means of a value

stored numeric.

A new check on the number of Gk warm-up groups

1 O

formed so far takes place in step 45. If in step 44 you

They got exactly X heating groups in total, so in

step 46, continue with the allocation of heating groups according to the

figure 3b. If less than X Gk warm-up groups are created, then

the remaining Gk warm-up groups are created in a last step 47. In

fifteen

this step, for heating zones H¡ with the same degree of power P¡,

a heating group Gk is formed each time, until there are, in total, X

Gk heating groups. In this, it must be taken into account that a degree of

total power of a heating group Gk remains below a

maximum power of a single 1 O frequency unit. Yes, in one

twenty

allocation, the total power rating of a heating group Gk exceeds the

maximum power of a single 1O frequency unit, then

reject this assignment. If there were only heating zones H¡ with

different degree of power P, or the matched pairs exceeded their degree of

total power the maximum power of a single frequency 1 O unit,

25

then individual heating zones H¡ of a heating group

Gk are assigned in descending order of degrees of power Pi.

At the end of the creation of warm-up groups, there are, at most,

X Gk warm-up groups, each comprising one or more

heating zones H¡. Each of these Gk warm-up groups is

30

assigned to a frequency unit 1 O, which feeds with a power of

heating Pk the heating zones H¡ of the heating group Gk

respective, where the heating power Pk corresponds to the degree

of power P¡ chosen from the first heating zone H¡ of the group of

Gk warm up. Also, there are a number of heating zones H¡

35

without assignment.

If, at most, X heating groups Gk are created, then

heating zones H¡ without allocation are assigned according to the diagram

flow of figure 3b. Starting from the heating zone H¡ without assignment

with the highest degree of power P, chosen, in step 50, it is checked whether the

5

degree of power P¡ chosen from the heating zone H¡ is greater than the

heating power Pk of the heating group Gk. Therefore,

it is checked whether, in case of allocation of the heating zone H¡ to the

heating group Gk, the power degree P¡ of the heating zone

H¡ is increased or decreased. Both are acceptable only under

1 O

certain conditions.

If an assignment leads to an increase in the degree of power P, in the

step 52, it is checked whether the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ has already

an upper limit value for temperature T 0 has been exceeded. A setting of value

upper temperature limit T 0 takes place during a cooking program

fifteen

underway due to cooking program rules or, in the event of a process

cooking without program, using a stored numerical value. In case

affirmative, then an adoption of the heating zone H¡ is rejected in

heating group Gk, and step 50 is repeated with the

heating H¡ without assignment with the lower power degree P¡ more

twenty

soon. If the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ has not

the upper limit value of the temperature T o is still exceeded, then

check in step 54 whether the warm-up time t has exceeded a limit

temporary superior h. Through this, it is excluded that, in the case of an area of

heating H¡ already operated for longer time, suddenly increase

25

the degree of power P¡. A fixation of the temporal upper limit h takes place

during an ongoing cooking program due to program standards

cooking or, in the case of a cooking process without program, by means of a value

stored numeric. If the warm-up time t has already exceeded the limit

temporary superior t3, then an adoption of the

30

heating H¡ in the heating group Gk, and step 50 is repeated with the

heating zone H¡ without assignment with the lower power degree P¡ more

soon. If the heating time t is still equal to or less than the limit

temporary upper t3, then finally check in step 56 whether the

relative difference (Pk-P¡) 1Pk between the heating power Pk of the group of

35

heating Gk and the degree of power P¡ chosen from the heating zone

H¡ is less than 20%. Alternatively, at this point,

You can check whether the difference between the heating power Pk of the heating group Gk and the chosen degree of power P¡ of the heating zone H¡ is minimal compared to the differences between the heating power Pk of the heating group Gk and the remaining power degrees P¡ of the heating zones H¡ without assignment. If the relative difference is equal to or greater than 20%, or if there is a smaller difference, then a tap of the heating zone H¡ in the heating group Gk is rejected, and step 50 is repeated with the zone warm-up H¡ without allocation with the next lower power degree P¡.

If an assignment leads to a reduction in the power degree P¡, in step 58, it is checked whether the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ has already exceeded a lower limit of the temperature Tu-Through, it is it can prevent further cooling of a heating zone H¡ already too cold itself. A setting of the lower temperature limit value Tu takes place during a running cooking program due to cooking program rules or, in the case of a cooking process without a program, by means of a stored numerical value. If the temperature T¡ has already exceeded the lower limit of the temperature Tu, then an adoption of the heating zone H¡ in the heating group Gk is rejected, and step 50 is repeated with the heating zone H¡ without assignment with the lower power degree P¡ more closely. If the temperature T¡ is still at or above the lower limit of the temperature Tu, then, finally, it is also checked in step 56 whether the relative difference (Pk-P¡) 1Pk between the heating power Pk of the group of heating Gk and the chosen power degree P¡ of the heating zone H¡ is less than 20%. Alternatively, at this point, it can also be checked whether the difference between the heating power Pk of the heating group Gk and the chosen degree of power P¡ of the heating zone H¡ is minimal compared to the differences between the heating power Pk of the heating group Gk and the remaining degrees of power P¡ of the heating zones H¡ without assignment. If the relative difference is equal to or greater than 20%, or if there is a smaller difference, then a tap of the heating zone H¡ in the heating group Gk is rejected, and step 50 is repeated with the zone warm-up H¡ without allocation with the next lower power degree P¡.

If, finally, a potential heating zone H¡ has been found for assignment to the heating group Gk, then, in step 60, it is checked whether the addition of the heating zone H¡ to the heating group Gk exceeds the power maximum of a frequency unit 1 O. If this is the case, then an adoption of the heating zone H¡ in the heating group Gk is rejected, and step 50 is repeated with the heating zone H¡ without assignment with the lower power rating P¡ more coming soon. If, on the other hand, the maximum power of a frequency unit 1 O is sufficiently high, then, in step 64, the heating zone H, is assigned to the heating group Gk. In a next step 66, it is asked whether all the heating zones H¡ were checked without allocation. If not, then, with step 50, the heating zone H¡ is continued without allocation with the lower power degree P¡ coming closer. Otherwise, in step 68, it is queried whether all X heating groups Gk were processed. If yes, then the allocation of heating groups ends with a step 70. If there are still heating zones H¡ without allocation, then a requirement for optical and acoustic control to a user follows, relative to assigning heating zones H¡ respective manually to a heating group Gk. Additionally, the user here has the possibility to manually modify the automatic allocation of heating zones H¡ to heating groups Gk.

If the sum of the chosen degrees of power P¡ of the heating zones H¡ exceeds the maximum total power of all the frequency units 1 O, then, according to the flow diagram of Figure 3c, prioritization is carried out of power. The prioritization of power assigns each heating zone H¡ a priority number Prio¡. The heating zones H¡ with a high priority number Prio¡ are preferred in the allocation of the residual heating power with respect to those heating zones H¡ with a priority number Prio¡ lower.

In the prioritization of power according to the flow diagram of figure 3c, in different steps, parameters of the heating zone H¡ are consulted, which lead to an increase or decrease of a priority counter "Prioquot; zeroed at the beginning in step 72. Then, in step 73, it is inquired whether the heating time t¡ of the heating zone H¡ is below a time limit value t4. If this is the case, then in step 74,

Prio is increased by 2. A setting of the time limit value t4 takes place during a running cooking program due to cooking program rules or, in the case of a cooking process without a program, by means of a stored numerical value. In a next step 75, it is consulted if the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ is below the lower limit value of the temperature Tu. A setting of the lower temperature limit value Tu takes place during a running cooking program due to cooking program rules or, in the case of a cooking process without a program, by means of a stored numerical value. If the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ is below the lower limit value of the temperature Tu, then the heating zone Hu is too cold and, in step 76, Prio is increased by 3. In a subsequent step 77, it is asked whether a cooking state of a cooking product placed on the heating zone H¡ requires the chosen degree of power P¡. In the cooking state, it can be, on the one hand, a state of a cooking program in progress or, on the other hand, if a cooking process without program is carried out with the heating zone H¡, a boiling state of the cooking product, which is characterized by a high degree of power P, with a slight increase in temperature T, at the same time. If the cooking state requires the degree of power set according to the cooking program, then, in step 78, Prio is increased by 4. If a boiling state of the cooking product is determined, then, in step 79, Prio it is reduced by 4. In step 80, it is checked whether the heating time t¡ of the heating zone H¡ is above a time limit value ts, which is significantly higher than the time limit value t4. A setting of the time limit value ts occurs during a running cooking program due to cooking program rules or, in the case of a cooking process without a program, by means of a stored numerical value. If the heating time t¡ of the heating zone H¡ is above a time limit value t5, in step 81, Prio is reduced by 2. In a next step 82, it is finally queried whether the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ is above the upper limit value for temperature T 0. An upper limit value for temperature T 0 is set during a running cooking program due to cooking program regulations or, in the case of a cooking process without a program, using a stored numerical value. If the temperature T¡ of the heating zone H¡ is above the upper limit value of the

temperature T o, there is an overheating of the heating zone H¡, and Prio is reduced by 3 in step 84. In step 86, Prio¡ = Prio is set first, and then Prio = O. step 88, it is queried if all the heating zones H¡ were processed. If all of the heating zones H¡ have not yet been processed, then proceed to step 72 with the nearest unprocessed heating zone H¡. If all heating zones H¡ were processed, then power prioritization ends with step

90. In alternative embodiments, other numerical values may also be used for increasing or decreasing the Prio counter, which are reasonable to a person skilled in the art. In particular, the choice of numerical values may also depend on a respective cooking range.

After completion of power prioritization, each heating zone H¡ is assigned a priority number Prio¡. Only the X heating zones H¡ with the highest priority numbers Prio¡ are each operated separately, and with the degree of power P¡ chosen in the X frequency units 1 O. A user is optically and acoustically warned about from which heating zones H¡ were disconnected due to too high total power. In an alternative embodiment, the chosen power degrees P, are all reduced in the proportion of the priority number Pri, so that the maximum total power of all X frequency units 1 O is sufficient again. This means that the power degrees P¡ of heating zones H¡ with a lower Prio¡ priority number are reduced to a greater extent than the degrees of power P¡ of heating zones H¡ with a higher Prio¡ priority number. With the new degrees of power P¡ of the heating zones H¡ determined through it, the creation of heating groups according to the flow diagram of Figure 3a is then started. Also in this case, the user is optically and acoustically warned about the situation, and the new power degrees P, are emitted through the indicator unit 34. In another alternative embodiment, a prioritization of the power. In this case, the degree of power P¡ of all heating zones H¡ is reduced proportionally, until it is below the total power of all X frequency units 1 O. With the new degrees of power P¡ Obtained in this way, the creation of heating groups according to the flow diagram of Figure 3a is then started.

In an advantageous refinement of the invention, the allocation unit 14 is provided to carry out timed operation of at least one of the heating zones 12a, 12b. For this, according to Figure 1, the heating units 11 assigned to a zone of

The heating 12a, 12b are separated from the frequency unit 1 O through the connection elements 28 assigned to them during a determined number of half waves of the high frequency alternating current. To avoid overvoltage, separation should take place with a zero crossing of the high-frequency alternating current. Thus, with the condition of a

10 sufficient maximum power of the frequency units 1O, with few frequency units 1O you can operate as many heating zones 12a, 12b as desired with any degree of power. The allocation unit 14 is advantageously provided to assign a frequency unit 1 O to those heating zones 12a, 12b which, due to a

15 chosen degree of power, make possible a timed operation with disconnection times as short as possible. In this way, heating of a cooking coil as uniform as possible can be achieved.

Reference symbols Formula symbols

10

Frequency unit 38 He passed

eleven

Heating unit 39 He passed

12a

Heating zone 40 He passed

12b

Heating zone 42 He passed

12c

Heating zone 43 He passed

12d

Heating zone 44 He passed

12e

Heating zone Four. Five He passed

12f

Heating zone 46 He passed

12g

Heating zone 47 He passed

14

Allocation unit fifty He passed

18

Heating device 52 He passed

twenty

Inductor coil 54 He passed

22

Investor 56 He passed

24a

Cooking battery 58 He passed

24b

Cooking battery 60 He passed

24c

Cooking battery 64 He passed

24d

Cooking battery 66 He passed

24e

Cooking battery 68 He passed

24f

Cooking battery 70 He passed

24g

Cooking battery 72 He passed

26

Connection unit 73 He passed

28

Connecting element 74 He passed

30

Cooking Range Plate 75 He passed

32

Command device 76 He passed

3. 4

Indicator unit 77 He passed

36

He passed 78 He passed

37

He passed 79 He passed

80

He passed

81

He passed

82

He passed

84

He passed

86

He passed

88

He passed

90 He passed

H¡

Heating zone

P!

Power grade

You

Temperature

you

Warm up time

Gk

Heating group

pk

Heating power

your

Temperature limit value

To

Temperature limit value

t1

Temporal lower limit

t2

Temporal lower limit

s3

Time upper limit

s4

Time limit value

ts

Time limit value

PriO!

Priority number

Prio

Priority counter

X

Number of frequency units

Claims (11)

 Claims

one.

Heating device with frequency units (1 0), heating units (11) and at least one allocation unit (14), which is intended to assign at least one frequency unit (1 O) to, at less, a heating zone (12a-g), formed by at least one of the heating units (11), characterized in that the allocation unit (14) is intended to assign to at least two heating zones (12f , 12g) at least one frequency unit (1 0), depending on at least one variable criterion.

2.

Heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating zones (12a-g) are formed by a union of several heating units (11), arranged in a matrix.

3.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is an assignment by a user.

Four.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is a degree of power, at least, of a heating zone (12a-g), chosen by a user.

5.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is an elapsed heating time of at least one heating zone (12a-g).

6.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is a temperature of at least one heating zone (12a-g).

7.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is at least one cooking state.

8.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is a difference and / or a time evolution of at least one magnitude.

9.

Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable criterion is a total power of all the heating zones (12a-g), chosen by a user.

1O. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the allocation unit (14) is intended to carry out timed operation of at least one of the heating zones (12a-g).

eleven.

Cooking range, in particular an induction cooking range, with a heating device according to one of the preceding claims.

12.

Method with a heating device, especially according to one of the claims set forth above, with frequency units (1 O) and heating units (11), in which at least one frequency unit (1 O) is assigned to at least one heating zone (12a-g), formed by at least one of the heating units (11), characterized in that at least one heating unit

Frequency (1 O) is assigned to at least two heating zones (12f, 12g), depending on at least one variable criterion.