Cooking hob, combined appliance and method for controlling cooking hob or combined appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking hob, a combination appliance and a method for controlling the cooking hob or the combination appliance. The cooking hob includes or is connected to at least one wall or panel, acceleration detection and / or measurement means configured to detect acceleration of a portion of the wall or panel or a reference point of the cooking hob, and a control unit to control an operational process. The acceleration detection and / or measurement device is connected to the control unit for exchanging data. The acceleration detection and / or measurement device forms a trigger element of the control unit and is configured to provide a trigger signal to control functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob. The cooking hob also includes or is connected to an extraction device configured to draw in cooking steam generated on at least one cooking zone of the cooking hob due to the cooking process. The control unit is adapted to control functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob based on a trigger signal of the acceleration detection and / or measurement means during parallel operation of the cooking hob and the extraction device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking hob comprising or connected to at least one wall or panel and also comprising acceleration detection and / or measurement means and a control unit. The invention also relates to a combination appliance and a method for controlling a cooking hob. Background Art

[0002] An induction cooking hob with boiling detection and induction energy control is known from EP 2 999 301 A1. The vibrations caused by bubbles formed inside the heated substance can be detected based on information from a micro-electromechanical system that processes signals from an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor associated with the heating zone. The cooking process is controlled from the start by the control unit of the induction cooking hob, and the user has to start the automated process with boiling detection by pressing a dedicated button. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to expand the field of automation during the execution of a cooking process in the field of cooking appliance technology. More specifically, automation of a cooking process by utilizing acceleration data should be considered as an increased field of application for use in the field of cooking appliances.

[0004] This object is achieved by a cooking hob according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a cooking hob comprises or is connected to at least one wall or panel and further comprises an acceleration detection and / or measurement device configured to detect the acceleration of a portion of a wall or panel or a reference point of the cooking hob and a control unit for controlling an operating process. The at least one wall or panel is in particular a stove surface or a cooking surface of the cooking hob. The acceleration detection and / or measurement device may be an acceleration sensor, which in particular comprises a micro-electromechanical system device. The acceleration detection and / or measurement device is connected to the control unit for exchanging data. Furthermore, the acceleration detection and / or measurement device forms a trigger element for the control unit and is configured to provide a trigger signal for controlling a function and / or an operating process in the cooking hob. According to the invention, the cooking hob further comprises or is connected to an extraction device, which is configured to suck in cooking steam generated on at least one cooking zone of the cooking hob due to the cooking process. The connection of the extraction device to the cooking hob is in particular realized by physical attachment or connection in a sound-conducting manner. The cooking hob and the extraction device in particular form a combined appliance. The control unit is adapted to control functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob during parallel operation of the cooking hob and the extraction device based on trigger signals of the acceleration detection and / or measurement means.

[0006] Due to the fact that functions and / or operating processes in a cooking hob can be controlled by a control unit during parallel operation of the cooking hob and an extraction device assigned to the cooking hob in a sound-conducting manner based on trigger signals of the acceleration detection and / or measuring means, the automation of the cooking process by utilizing acceleration data is extended to such cooking hobs which comprise an extraction device or which are connected to an extraction device, as is the case, for example, in a combination appliance comprising the two appliances. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that such automated control of the cooking process by using acceleration detection and / or measuring means also works and can be extended to such increased fields of application in the field of cooking appliances.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, when the cooking hob is in the installation position, the extraction device is arranged below the cooking hob, preferably attached to the bottom side of the cooking hob. In addition, a suction opening is arranged in a stove surface or cooking surface, which forms an upper wall or panel of the cooking hob and comprises at least one cooking zone of the cooking hob. Preferably, the suction opening is arranged in a central position of the stove surface or cooking surface. When the cooking hob is in the installation position, the acceleration detection and / or measuring device is arranged on or at the stove surface or cooking surface, preferably on the bottom side of the stove surface or cooking surface. The arrangement of the acceleration detection and / or measuring device is performed at a distance close to the suction opening, preferably close to the peripheral edge of the suction opening. Additionally or alternatively, the arrangement of the acceleration detection and / or measuring device is performed away from the control unit and / or away from a user interface of the cooking hob, which is suitable for receiving operating instructions from a user of the appliance and / or for providing information to the user. In particular, when the cooking hob is in said installation position, the acceleration detection and / or measuring device is arranged on the rear side of the peripheral edge of the suction opening. By this particular arrangement, in particular the arrangement close to the peripheral edge of the suction opening, acceleration signals originating from any of the cooking zones located on the stove surface or the cooking surface can be detected and / or measured by the acceleration detection and / or measuring device. Furthermore, the more specific positioning of the acceleration detection and / or measuring device away from the control unit and / or the user interface reduces any interfering acceleration signals that may be caused by the operation of these devices, in particular at power frequencies.

[0008] The acceleration detection and / or measurement device may be a single unit solution, i.e. only one acceleration detection and / or measurement element may be used to detect and / or measure signals originating from any one of the plurality of cooking zones. As an alternative to providing only one such unit, more than only one acceleration detection and / or measurement element may be arranged in the cooking hob, in particular each of the plurality of cooking zones may receive an acceleration detection and / or measurement element specifically assigned to the cooking zone. With this "one-to-one" arrangement, particularly accurate signal detection and / or measurement is possible.

[0009] In some implementations, the acceleration detection and / or measurement device is configured to provide a trigger signal based on a cooking process performed on at least one of the first cooking zone and the second cooking zone. Preferably, the cooking hob comprises a plurality of cooking zones, and the cooking process can be performed on one of the plurality of cooking zones, the plurality of cooking zones being distributed on the surface of the stove or the cooking surface. In this case, the trigger signal can be based on the cooking process performed on one of the plurality of cooking zones. The identification of the respective cooking zone is performed by at least one of the following:

[0010] at least a first acceleration detection and / or measurement sensor and a second acceleration detection and / or measurement sensor,

[0011] - at least one acceleration detection and / or measurement sensor and at least one additional optical and / or temperature sensor,

[0012] - detection or reading of a power setting and / or a current operating time of at least the first cooking zone and the second cooking zone or detection or reading of a power setting and / or a current operating time associated with at least the first cooking zone and the second cooking zone, and

[0013] - Detection means configured to evaluate the distance of the source of the acceleration from the acceleration detection and / or measurement means and / or the direction of the acceleration.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the acceleration detection and / or measurement device is adapted to identify and / or evaluate vibrations originating from specific operating conditions. The specific operating conditions particularly include boiling of a fluid contained in a cooker placed on the cooking zone. Furthermore, the control unit can be adapted to control functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob based on the identified and / or evaluated vibrations.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the cooking hob comprises a filter device configured to suppress or filter out vibration noise caused by the operation of the extraction device and received by the acceleration detection and / or measurement device. More specifically, the filter device is included in or assigned to the acceleration detection and / or measurement device or control unit of the cooking hob.

[0016] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to control functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob after a predetermined signal threshold is reached or exceeded. The predetermined signal threshold may indicate to the control unit that a specific operating condition, in particular the onset of boiling of the fluid, occurs or has occurred, which event will then serve as a trigger for the control unit to initiate control of a specific function and / or operating process in the cooking hob.

[0017] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the predetermined signal threshold is based on or comprises a factor x of a current vibration value detected and / or measured at a specific time during the cooking process relative to an initial vibration value detected and / or measured at an initial point in time or an initial period of time in the cooking process. The initial vibration value is preferably calculated based on an average of continuous or discrete initial vibration values ​​detected and / or measured during a time interval at the beginning of the cooking process, in particular as a function of an average of continuous or discrete initial vibration values ​​detected and / or measured during a time interval at the beginning of the cooking process.

[0018] In some embodiments, the extraction device is operable in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. This can be provided by the operability of the extraction device at at least a first speed and a second speed of the ventilation device of the extraction device. In this case, the acceleration detection and / or measurement device is configured to control functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob based on or due to or taking into account the influence of the acceleration detection and / or measurement during each of the first operating mode and the second operating mode of the extraction device. It should be noted that, in particular, different speed levels may result in different vibration types, such as different vibration frequencies, which have different effects on the acceleration detected and / or measured by the acceleration detection and / or measurement device.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the factor x of the current vibration value relative to the initial vibration value depends on the current operating mode of the extraction device. This can be defined in such a way that a first factor x1 is assigned to a first operating mode of the extraction device, for example a first speed of the ventilation device, and a second factor x2 is assigned to a second operating mode of the extraction device, for example a second speed of the ventilation device. It can also be provided that the control unit preferably comprises or relies on a database comprising the factors x, i.e. x1, x2, ... x n Allocation table associated with fan speed.

[0020] A particular embodiment is characterized in that the control unit comprises an algorithm containing a transformation of the signal from the time domain to the frequency domain. The transformation preferably comprises a Fourier transformation algorithm. By this particular technique, the individual frequencies originating from different components of the cooking hob and / or the associated extraction device can be separated from each other.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a control unit comprising an algorithm including negative feedback compensation.Such a technique preferably performs or contributes to the cancellation of vibration noise caused by the operation of the extraction device and received by the acceleration detection and / or measurement means.

[0022] This object is achieved by a combined appliance comprising a cooking hob and an extraction device according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0023] The combination appliance comprises a cooking hob as disclosed herein, more particularly as previously described, and an extraction device. The extraction device comprises ventilation means and is configured to draw in cooking steam generated on at least one cooking zone of the cooking hob.

[0024] Finally, the object is achieved by a method for controlling a cooking hob or a combination appliance having a cooking hob according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a cooking hob or a combination appliance having a cooking hob is disclosed. The cooking hob comprises at least one wall or panel, an acceleration detection and / or measurement device and a control unit for controlling an operating process. The at least one wall or panel may be a stove surface or a cooking surface. Furthermore, the acceleration detection and / or measurement device may be an acceleration sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor comprising a micro-electromechanical system device. According to this further aspect of the invention, the acceleration detection and / or measurement device detects and / or measures an acceleration signal of a portion or a reference point of a wall or panel of the cooking hob. The acceleration signal is based on a superposition of a first vibration signal and a second vibration signal, wherein the first vibration signal originates from a cooking process performed on the cooking hob and the second vibration signal originates from the operation of an extraction device. The extraction device is included in the cooking hob or connected to the cooking hob, and the extraction device may be configured to suck in cooking steam generated on at least one cooking zone of the cooking hob due to the cooking process. The connection of the extraction device and the cooking hob may be achieved by physical attachment or by connection in a sound-conducting manner. In particular, the cooking hob and the extraction device form a combination appliance. Furthermore, the method according to the invention provides that functions and / or operating processes in or of the cooking hob are triggered as a result of the detected and / or measured acceleration signal.

[0026] A specific embodiment of the method is characterized in that the acceleration detection and / or measurement device recognizes and / or evaluates a vibration signal originating from boiling of a fluid contained in a cooker placed on a cooking zone of the cooking hob. Based on the specific boiling state of the fluid, the control unit controls a function and / or operating process in or of the cooking hob. More specifically, the vibration signal recognized and / or evaluated forms a first vibration signal.

[0027] The effect of the second vibration signal may be counteracted by utilizing at least one of the following techniques:

[0028] - transformation of the acceleration signal from the time domain to the frequency domain, the transformation preferably comprising a Fourier transform algorithm, and

[0029] -Negative feedback compensation.

[0030] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the boiling state of the fluid is identified during the execution of an algorithm, which comprises the following steps:

[0031] - Transformation of acceleration signals from time domain to frequency domain,

[0032] - identify the frequencies originating from the extraction device,

[0033] - Offset the decimation frequency through negative feedback compensation,

[0034] Preferably, signals in the frequency range originating from components, in particular electronic components, operating at the mains frequency or multiples of the mains frequency are removed.

[0035] Preferably, during the phase from the start of the cooking process until the identification of boiling of the fluid, the operating conditions of the extraction device remain constant. More specifically, the speed of the ventilation means of the extraction device remains constant until a boiling event is identified. In the case of such constant operating conditions of the extraction device, the influence of the device remains constant, so that the influence of the second vibration signal originating from the operated extraction device does not change, which facilitates the compensation and / or cancellation of the relevant vibration frequencies and keeps the corresponding calculation work of the control unit relatively small.

[0036] The novel and inventive features of the invention are set forth in various aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combined appliance including a cooking range and a downdraft extraction device installed in a kitchen cabinet;

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1a cross-sectional perspective view of a disassembled combination appliance with a front surface cut away and the combination appliance including a removable filter device;

[0040] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 a top perspective view of a combined appliance with a cooktop removed to better illustrate a first example of positioning for a vibration sensor;

[0041] Figure 4 is from Figure 3 A bottom view of the stove removed from the combination appliance of , but with a second example of positioning for the vibration sensor;

[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an "acceleration a over time t" associated with a first rotational speed of a fan of an extraction device, wherein the illustrated function is the result of an algorithm for eliminating the influence of a noise signal coming from the AC mains power;

[0043] Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the processed acceleration over time a for a first fan speed level p ”, in which, Figure 5 The function of has been processed by Fourier transformation, wherein specific frequencies originating from the operation of the extraction fan of the combination appliance are removed and cancelled; and

[0044] Figure 7 is a graph showing the processed acceleration a over time t associated with the second rotation speed of the extraction fan of the extraction device. p ” picture.

[0045] Throughout the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1A standard combination appliance 10 comprising a cooking hob 12 and a downdraft extraction device 14 is illustrated, installed in a kitchen cabinet 16. The cooking hob 12 is filled in an opening of a kitchen countertop 18 forming a top cover plate of the kitchen cabinet 16. The downdraft extraction device 14 is configured to carry away cooking steam generated during the cooking process, in particular when cooking with uncovered cookware. The cooking hob 12 comprises cooking areas 20a, 20b arranged on the left and right halves of a stove 22 of the cooking hob 12, which are separated from each other by an intake opening 24 for the entry of cooking steam, which is arranged along the center line of the stove. The intake opening 24 is covered by a covering grid 26 to prevent objects, such as cookware, from falling into the intake opening 24. When the extraction device 14 is not in use, instead of the covering grid 26, a cover can be used to completely cover the intake opening, but for the operation of the extraction device 14, the cover can be pivoted to an upright open position. As Figure 3 As shown in and as described in more detail further below, each of the two cooking areas 20a, 20b includes two cooking zones 58' for performing a cooking process using cooking vessels (not shown) placed thereon.

[0047] Figure 1 1 shows a housing 28 of the extraction device 14 in a perspective view. The housing 28 provides a closed housing or channel section for the flow of the sucked cooking steam on its way from the suction opening 24 to the discharge opening 30 in the base area 32 of the kitchen cabinet 16. The discharge opening 30 is also covered, i.e. covered by an outlet grille 34.

[0048] The flow of the sucked cooking steam through the extraction device 14 is driven by the operation of an extraction fan 36 arranged inside the housing 28. The extraction fan 36 comprises a bottom side inlet opening 38 for sucking the cooking steam from the interior space of the housing 28.

[0049] A rear fan outlet is arranged for the horizontal departure of the air blown backward from the extraction fan housing 42. The fan outlet is connected to the first end of the air duct 44 designed as a rectangular tube and forms a second channel arranged downstream of the above-mentioned first channel. Directly at the passage from the fan outlet to the air duct 44, an air duct bent 90 degrees is realized, which redirects the air flow from the horizontal to the vertical downward. The air duct 44 can be guided along the rear side of the kitchen cabinet 16, and can be bent 90 degrees again close to the rear lower edge of the kitchen cabinet 16, so as to guide the airflow toward the discharge opening 30 in the base area 32 of the kitchen cabinet 16. Therefore, the second end of the air duct 44 is connected to the discharge opening 30. Figure 1The embodiment illustrated in shows a solution of the air duct 44 in which the inclined section of the downwardly directed portion of the air duct 44 points slightly to the right. Naturally, solutions in which the portion is arranged in an exact vertical direction are also conceivable.

[0050] Figure 1 The dashed arrow 46 1 Up to 46 5 The process of cooking steam re-entering the ambient air from the cooking area through the extraction device 14 is shown. On the way through the extraction device 14, the cooking steam passes through a filter assembly 48, which is arranged downstream just behind the suction opening 24 for providing purification of the delivered air. The filter assembly 48 includes a filter carrier 50 supporting a filter element (not shown), which is generally configured to filter out grease particles and liquid droplets.

[0051] like Figure 1 The structure of the combination appliance 10 shown in the figure with the air duct 44 located inside the kitchen cabinet 16 and the exhaust opening 30 located at the front of the cabinet 16 is only one installation option. In other exemplary installations, the illustrated air duct 44 can be replaced by a direct blow-out opening located at the rear side of the cabinet through an opening in the rear cabinet wall or by an air channel that is directed through the wall of the installation location of the combination appliance 10, for example, for outdoor exhaust.

[0052] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of also shows two power boards 54, one for the left cooking zone 20a and one for the right cooking zone 20b, which provide power to the cooking zones 58' in the left cooking zone 20a and the right cooking zone 20b. Attached to the bottom side of the power board 54 assigned to the right cooking zone 20b, another circuit board is arranged to form a control electronic device 56 for the combination appliance 10, which is configured for controlling the operation of the cooking hob 12, in particular for driving the induction coil 58 at a power level as specifically selected by the user or as provided by a specific cooking program set by the user at the beginning of each cooking process.

[0053] Figure 3 The combination appliance 10 is presented in a top view in FIG. 1 , wherein the stove 22 is removed from the cooking hob 12 in order to allow a closer look. The cooking hob 12 is an induction cooking hob and a cooking zone 58 ′ is defined by an induction coil 58 arranged below the stove 22 of the cooking hob 12 . Figure 3The arrangement of induction coils 58 below the stove 22, which may be a glass ceramic plate, is shown. Each of the induction coils 58 defines an associated cooking zone 58'. Furthermore, a user interface 60 for operation of the cooking hob 12, in particular for user input, is arranged adjacent to the left front edge of the stove 22. The user interface 60, which may also include user interface functions for the extraction device 14, is not shown in the figure due to the cross-sectional view. Figure 2 Shown in.

[0054] The present combination appliance 10 is equipped with a boiling detection system suitable for identifying the boiling of a fluid contained in a cookware placed on one of the cooking zones 58'. To this end, a vibration sensor 62 is attached at the bottom surface of the cooktop 22, so that any vibrations caused by the boiling fluid and transmitted to the cooktop 22 are measured and the relevant signals are forwarded to the control electronics 56 to which the vibration sensor 62 is connected. In order to be able to receive the signal from any of the four cooking zones 58' with sufficient intensity, the vibration sensor 62 is positioned as centrally as possible on the bottom surface of the cooktop 22, which position is therefore close to the cut-out edge 64 of the intake opening 24. According to Figure 3 The preferred location for the vibration sensor 62 is near the rear edge of the cutout edge 64 (in the installed position of the combination appliance 10), which is Figure 3 In the figure, only the mounting position 66 is indicated, in particular by means of the rectangular box, because the stove 22 to which the vibration sensor 62 is attached is removed. This preferred position is not only as central as possible, but the rear cutout edge is far away from the user interface 60, so that any interfering vibration signals from this electronic component are transmitted to the vibration sensor 62 in a largely damped manner.

[0055] pass Figure 4 , shows the bottom side of the stove 22 with an alternative positioning of the vibration sensor 62. Instead of arranging the vibration sensor 62 on the rear side of the cutout edge 64, the vibration sensor 62 is attached to the lateral side of the cutout edge 64, which is preferably adjacent to the cooking area 20a opposite the arrangement area of ​​the user interface 60. Figure 4 The illustration of FIG. 2 also shows a vibration sensor 62 as part of a small printed circuit board that is secured to the underside of the range 22 .

[0056] The boiling detection by means of vibration analysis and the associated cooking process adaptation operates such that as soon as the measured vibration is higher than an initial value measured at the beginning of the cooking program when the fluid begins to be heated, more specifically by a predetermined factor x, a boiling state is identified and the associated software in the control electronics 56 takes measures to prevent the liquid-based food from overboiling, for example by reducing the power level of the corresponding cooking zone 58'. In other words, once a threshold value of the measured vibration is reached, the software prevents overboiling.

[0057] However, as previously mentioned, in order to take away the cooking steam generated during the cooking process, the extraction device 14 of the combination appliance 10 is operated when the cooking process is performed. Therefore, the extraction fan 36 is enabled at a rotation speed, and the user or the control electronic device can adapt the rotation speed to the amount of cooking steam generated by the current cooking process. The present extraction fan 36 can be operated at three different speed levels. Due to the compact structure of the combination appliance 10, the fan operation causes vibrations, which are also transmitted to the stove 22 to a certain extent, wherein the level of the fan operation vibration depends on the current fan speed level. Therefore, the vibration sensor 62 not only receives the vibration signal from the boiling fluid, which can be considered as the desired signal, but also receives the vibration signal from the extraction fan 36, which is considered as an interference or noise signal. In addition, the vibration signal also includes other noise signals generated by the electronic components operating with AC power supply power. Therefore, the vibration sensor 62 measures the desired signal and the superposition of all the noise signals, so that it may not be easy to clearly detect the boiling of the fluid, because the first peak level of the superimposed vibration signal received when the fluid is not yet boiling cannot be clearly distinguished from the second peak level of the superimposed vibration signal received when the fluid is boiling. More specifically, a ratio of the second peak level to the first peak level, which ratio is to be used for identification of a boiling state, is too small.

[0058] In order to overcome this disadvantage, the control electronics 56 comprises an algorithm for filtering out noise signals. The relevant method is based on the fact that the frequencies of the desired signal and the noise signal are largely different. Therefore, by eliminating and / or canceling the frequencies belonging to the noise signal, the desired signal can be identified in the superimposed signal and a corresponding detection of the boiling state can be achieved. The algorithm particularly bases its method on the mathematical technique of Fourier transformation and negative feedback compensation.

[0059] The method for signal processing and the subsequent boiling detection process is based in particular on the fact that the signal detected by the vibration sensor 62 is a function of the acceleration a over time t of a specific point of the cooktop 22 defined by the position of the vibration sensor 62. The following steps are applied:

[0060] In a first step, the noise signal generated by the AC mains power is removed from the detected and transmitted vibration signal. Due to the fact that the relevant frequencies are fixed and known, the relevant algorithms can be based on common filtering methods.

[0061] In a second step, the noise signal generated by the fan operation must also be eliminated. To this end, the output signal provided after the detected and transmitted vibration signal has completed the first step is transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain by Fourier transformation. Depending on the speed level of the extraction fan 36, this operating component generates a relevant frequency. With the help of Fourier transformation, the frequency of the extraction fan 36 is identified and offset by negative feedback compensation. After removing and offsetting the specific frequency, the processed acceleration a can be p The analysis is performed as a function of time t.

[0062] Depend on Figure 5 An example of a graph of "acceleration over time" for a first fan speed level is shown, wherein the graphed function is already the result of the corresponding detected and transmitted vibration signal having completed the first step, i.e. the noise signal generated by the AC mains power has been eliminated. The x-axis of the graph represents time in seconds, and the y-axis represents the speed in m / s minus the AC mains power noise signal. 2 The acceleration a is measured in units of 0 seconds to about 180 seconds. The time period from 0 seconds to about 180 seconds represents the initial heating stage, when the fluid is heated but not yet boiling. During this initial stage, the measured acceleration peak is around about 550 m / s 2 At about 180 seconds, the boiling stage begins, reaching about 1000m / s 2 The rising peak value indicates that the fluid has its highest boiling point at this time. At this point in time, the heating parameters are modified by the user or the cooking program to prevent the fluid from over-boiling. Therefore, the peak value decreases.

[0063] As already pointed out, the difference between the peak level at the highest boiling point and the peak level during the initial stage is too small for a clear boil detection.The calculation of the ratio of the above identification values ​​is approximately 1000 / 550≈2.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a graph of “Processed Acceleration Over Time” for a first fan speed level, where Figure 5 The function of has been through the second step, namely the Fourier transformation, wherein the specific frequencies originating from the operation of the extraction fan 36 are removed and canceled. It is immediately noteworthy that the removed frequencies result in a decrease of the initial value 70 by approximately 400 m / s 2 , thus providing about 150 (i.e. ≈550-400) m / s 2 The peak value 72 at the highest boiling point receives approximately the same reduction, resulting in a corresponding processed peak value 72 of about 600 (ie, ≈1000-400) m / s 2 Calculation of the ratio of these processed values ​​70, 72 provides an amount of about 600 / 150=4, which allows a clear detection of the boiling state.

[0065] Finally, by Figure 7 A graph of “Processed Acceleration Over Time” is provided for a second speed level of the extraction fan 36 , which is higher than the first speed level. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The rectangular box 68 in each of indicates an initial value 70 of the acceleration when the cooking process starts and boiling does not occur. More specifically, the average signal value is calculated according to a predetermined time interval, for example within a range of about the first two minutes defining the initial value 70. Figure 6 About 150m / s 2 and according to Figure 7 About 300m / s 2 The different vibration signals associated with are generated by the different fan speed levels, even though the specific frequencies originating from the operation of the extraction fan 36 have been removed and cancelled out by the Fourier transform at this stage. As can be further seen, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The peak values ​​72 of the two graphs at about 265 seconds or 215 seconds of boiling are also different. The difference not only involves the absolute value, but also the corresponding ratio between the peak value 72 and the initial value 70, which represents the previously mentioned factor x, is different. Figure 6 The factor x of the graph is calculated to be approximately x=4, but according to Figure 7 The factor x of the graph of is calculated to be approximately x=13 (≈3900 / 300). More generally, the factor x between the peak value 72 (indicative of the boiling point of the fluid) and the initial value 70 depends on the speed level of the extraction fan 36, and each speed level is associated with a specific factor x. A different factor x is constant for each speed level. Therefore, in the case where the speed level of the extraction fan 36 is known by measuring the initial value 70 or more specifically the average signal value for the first approximately two minutes, the relevant factor x must be taken into account for calculating the peak value 72, so that once the calculated peak value 72 is measured by the vibration sensor 62, boiling is detected.

[0066] Finally, despite the Figures 1 to 4 A combination appliance 10 with a specific size is presented, but the arrangement of the combination appliance 10 described herein can be applied to cooking hobs 12 of all known sizes and corresponding combination appliances 10 with a width of at least 580 mm. Specifically, depending on the size of the cooking hob 12, three, four or five cooking zones can be provided.

[0067] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0068] Furthermore, features described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0069] Reference numerals list

[0070] 10 Combination tools

[0071] 12 Cooking stove

[0072] 14 Downdraft extraction device

[0073] 16 Kitchen cabinet

[0074] 18 Kitchen Countertops

[0075] 20a, 20b cooking zones

[0076] 22 Stove

[0077] 24 suction openings

[0078] 26 Covering Grid

[0079] 28 Extraction device housing

[0080] 30 discharge opening

[0081] 32 Base area

[0082] 34 outlet grille

[0083] 36 Extraction fan

[0084] 38 Enter the opening

[0085] 42 Fan housing

[0086] 44 Air duct

[0087] 46 1至5 Arrows indicating air flow

[0088] 48 filter components

[0089] 50 filter carrier

[0090] 54 Power Board

[0091] 56 Control electronics

[0092] 58 Induction Coil

[0093] 58' cooking area

[0094] 60 User Interface

[0095] 62 Vibration Sensor

[0096] 64 cut edge

[0097] 66 Installation area

[0098] 68 rectangular frame

[0099] 70 Initial value

[0100] 72 Peak value

Claims

1. A cooking stove (12), comprising or connected to: - at least one wall or panel (22), in particular a stove, - an acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62), in particular an acceleration sensor, more particularly an acceleration sensor comprising a micro-electromechanical system device, configured to detect the acceleration of a portion or a reference point of the wall or the panel (22) of the cooking hob (12), and - a control unit (56) for controlling the operation process, The acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62): - connected to said control unit (56) for exchanging data, and - forming a trigger element for the control unit (56) and configured to provide a trigger signal for controlling a function and / or an operating process in the cooking hob (12), It is characterized in that The cooking hob (12) further comprises an extraction device (14) or is connected, in particular physically attached or connected in a sound-conducting manner, to the extraction device (14), the extraction device (14) being configured to draw in cooking steam generated on at least one cooking zone (58') of the cooking hob (12) as a result of a cooking process, wherein the cooking hob (12) and the extraction device (14) in particular form a combined appliance (10), and wherein the control unit (56) is adapted to control the functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob (12) based on the trigger signal of the acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) during the parallel operation of the cooking hob (12) and the extraction device (14).

2. The cooking stove (12) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that In the installed position of the cooking hob (12), the extraction device (14) is arranged below the cooking hob (12), preferably attached to the bottom side of the cooking hob (12), and a suction opening (24) is arranged in the stove (22), preferably in a central position of the stove (22), the stove (22) forming an upper wall or panel of the cooking hob (12) and comprising at least one cooking zone (58') of the cooking hob (12), wherein the acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) is arranged on or at the stove (22), preferably on the bottom side of the stove (22), in the installed position of the cooking hob (12) in the following manner: - is arranged at a close distance from the suction opening (24), preferably close to the peripheral edge of the suction opening (24), and / or - arranged remotely from the control unit (56) and / or remotely from a user interface (60) of the cooking hob (12), in particular, in the installed position of the cooking hob (12) behind the peripheral edge of the intake opening (24).

3. The cooking stove (12) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) is configured to provide a trigger signal based on a cooking process performed on at least one of a first cooking zone (58') and a second cooking zone (58'), preferably a cooking process performed on one of a plurality of cooking zones (58') distributed on a surface of the cooktop (22), wherein the identification of the respective cooking zone (58') is performed by at least one of the following: - at least a first acceleration detection and / or measurement sensor (62) and a second acceleration detection and / or measurement sensor (62), - at least one acceleration detection and / or measurement sensor (62) and at least one additional optical and / or temperature sensor, - detection or reading of the power setting and / or the current operating time of the at least first cooking zone (58') and the second cooking zone (58'), or detection or reading of the power setting and / or the current operating time associated with the at least first cooking zone (58') and the second cooking zone (58'), - detection means configured to evaluate the distance of the source of the acceleration from the acceleration detection and / or measurement means (62) and / or the direction of the acceleration.

4. The cooking hob (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) is adapted to recognize and / or evaluate vibrations originating from specific operating conditions, in particular from boiling of a fluid contained in a cooker placed on the cooking zone (58'), and the control unit (56) is adapted to control the functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob (12) based on the recognized and / or evaluated vibrations.

5. The cooking hob (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The cooking hob (12), in particular the acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) or the control unit (56) of the cooking hob (12), comprises a filter device, which is configured to suppress or filter out vibration noise caused by the operation of the extraction device (14) and received by the acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62).

6. The cooking hob (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The control unit (56) is configured to control the function and / or operating process in the cooking hob (12) after a predetermined signal threshold is reached or exceeded.

7. The cooking stove (12) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The predetermined signal threshold is based on or includes: a factor x of a current vibration value detected and / or measured at a specific time during the cooking process relative to an initial vibration value (70) detected and / or measured at an initial time point or time period of the cooking process, wherein the initial vibration value (70) is preferably based on an average of continuous or discrete initial vibration values ​​(70) detected and / or measured during a time interval at the beginning of the cooking process.

8. The cooking stove (12) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The extraction device (14) is operable in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in particular at least a first speed and a second speed of a ventilation device (36) of the extraction device (14), wherein the acceleration detection and / or measurement device (56) is configured to control the functions and / or operating processes in the cooking hob (12) during each of the first operating mode and the second operating mode of the extraction device (14) based on or due to the acceleration detection and / or measurement.

9. The cooking stove (12) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The factor x between the current vibration value and the initial vibration value (70) depends on the current operating mode of the extraction device (14), wherein the control unit (56) preferably comprises or relies on a database comprising an assignment table relating the factor x to the fan speed.

10. The cooking hob (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The control unit (56) comprises an algorithm involving transformation of the signal from the time domain to the frequency domain, wherein the transformation preferably comprises a Fourier transform algorithm.

11. Cooking hob (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The control unit (56) comprises an algorithm including negative feedback compensation, which preferably performs or contributes to the cancellation of vibration noise caused by the operation of the extraction device (14) and received by the acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62).

12. A combined appliance (10) comprising a cooking hob (12) according to any one of the preceding claims and an extraction device (14) comprising ventilation means (36), wherein: The extraction device (14) is configured to suck in cooking steam generated on at least one cooking zone (58') of the cooking hob (12).

13. A method for controlling a cooking hob (12) or a combination appliance (10) having such a cooking hob (12), the cooking hob (12) comprising at least one wall or panel (22), an acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) and a control unit (56) for controlling an operating process, It is characterized in that The acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) detects and / or measures an acceleration signal of a portion or a reference point of the at least one wall or panel (22) of the cooking hob (12), the acceleration signal being based on a superposition of a first vibration signal and a second vibration signal, wherein the first vibration signal originates from a cooking process performed on the cooking hob (12) and the second vibration signal originates from the operation of an extraction device (14), the extraction device (14) being included in the cooking hob (12) or the extraction device (14) being connected, in particular physically attached or connected in an acoustically conductive manner, to the cooking hob (12), and wherein a function and / or an operating process in or of the cooking hob (12) is triggered as a result of the detected and / or measured acceleration signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The acceleration detection and / or measurement device (62) identifies and / or evaluates a vibration signal originating from the boiling of a fluid contained in a cooker arranged on a cooking zone (58') of the cooking hob (12), and the control unit (56) controls the function and / or operating process in or of the cooking hob (12) based on the boiling state of the fluid, wherein the vibration signal identified and / or evaluated in particular forms the first vibration signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The effect of the second vibration signal is counteracted by utilizing at least one of the following: - transformation of the acceleration signal from the time domain to the frequency domain, the transformation preferably comprising a Fourier transform algorithm, and -Negative feedback compensation.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, It is characterized in that The boiling state of the fluid is identified during operation of an algorithm comprising the following steps: - transformation of the acceleration signal from the time domain to the frequency domain, - identifying frequencies originating from said extraction means (14), - Offset the decimation frequency through negative feedback compensation, Preferably, signals in the frequency range originating from components, in particular electronic components, operating at the mains frequency or multiples of the mains frequency are removed.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, It is characterized in that During the phase from the start of the cooking process until the detection of boiling of the fluid, the operating conditions of the extraction device (14), in particular the speed of the ventilation means (36) of the extraction device (14), remain constant.

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