Module for an induction device, further module for an induction device, modular device and induction system

Abstract

A module (110) for an induction device (101) comprises a functional element (114) for providing functionality of the module (110), a receiving coil (116) shaped to provide electrical energy for operating the functional element (114) using an input magnetic field of an induction field (104) of the induction device (101), and a coupling element (118) for mechanically coupling the module (110) with another module (112).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a module for an induction device, a further module for an induction device, a module device and an induction system.

[0002] Induction is used for various devices and purposes, both privately and commercially, for example, to charge energy storage devices. Such devices can include cordless tools as well as kitchen appliances.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved module for an induction device, an improved further module for an induction device, an improved module device, and an improved induction system.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a module for an induction device, by a further module for an induction device, by a modular device, and by an induction system with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0005] The presented approach creates a compact and user-friendly way to connect mobile devices to a household appliance, such as a cooktop, and thus fulfill a wide variety of functions.

[0006] A module for an induction device is presented, wherein the module comprises a functional element for providing functionality of the module and a receiving coil configured to supply electrical energy for operating the functional element using an input magnetic field of an induction field of the induction device when the module is placed on a work surface of the induction device. The module also includes a coupling element for mechanically coupling the module to another module.

[0007] The module can advantageously be designed as a small device that can be used in conjunction with, for example, a standard household induction cooktop. For instance, the module can be used for food preparation. The induction cooktop can be a hob, for example. However, it can also be a work surface, such as a tabletop, on which an induction field is mounted. The induction field can include an induction coil, also known as a primary coil, which is used to generate the input magnetic field. The module's receiving coil can be designed, for example, as an induction coil, also known as a secondary coil, to enable wireless power supply to the module and thus to the functional element. This eliminates the need for a power cable to connect the module to a household electrical system.The functional element can, for example, be implemented as an actuator of the module. The functional element can, for example, comprise a motor or a heating element. Advantageously, the coupling element can be part of a coupling interface that can interact with another part of the coupling interface to mechanically couple two modules. Advantageously, both parts of the coupling interface can together form a coupling device. Optionally, the coupling interface can also be used for data transmission and / or power transmission. The mechanical coupling enables, for example, a secure connection between the modules or the maintenance of a predetermined orientation of both modules relative to each other or in relation to the induction field.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the functional element can be configured to provide a cleaning function, a processing function, a preparation function of the module, or an energy transfer function. The functional element can advantageously be designed as an actuator of the module, or as a part that executes the module's functionality. The cleaning function can, for example, be the removal of steam; the processing function can, for example, be the grinding of food or the mixing of ingredients; the preparation function can, for example, be heating and thus a cooking function; the energy transfer function can, for example, relate to the distribution of electrical energy to, for example, another module.

[0009] The module can be configured as a cleaning device, in particular as a portable extractor hood; as a cooking device, in particular as a portable cooktop, a food processor, an adapter for cooking utensils, a grill, a deep fryer, or a steamer; and additionally or alternatively as a processing device, in particular as a mixer, a juicer, a blender, a stirrer, and additionally or alternatively as an energy hub. In summary, the module can advantageously be implemented as a small device that can be powered via the induction field of the induction cooker. The adapter can, for example, be configured as a trivet to allow the use of a variety of different cooking vessels with the induction cooker.As an energy hub, the module can advantageously function as an intermediate element to power and thus operate further modules with the energy provided by the induction device.

[0010] The coupling element can be implemented, for example, as a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, and additionally or alternatively as a suction cup fastener. This means that the coupling element can advantageously be designed as a form-fitting element to create a mechanical connection.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the module can have an electrical interface for data transmission and, additionally or alternatively, for power transmission between the module and another module. Electrical transmission can be wired or wireless. Advantageously, the electrical interface can be implemented as part of an electronic unit. The electrical interface can be integrated into the coupling interface. Advantageously, further electrical connections can also be established via the electrical interface, for example, to a third module. If the electrical interface is used for data transmission, one of the modules can, for example, be operated via an operating device of the other module or be automatically controlled by the other module.If the electrical interface is used for energy transfer, the coupled module can, for example, be designed without a receiving coil to utilize an input-side magnetic field of the induction device.

[0012] The electrical interface can include at least one NFC coil. Using an NFC coil advantageously enables short-range wireless communication, so that only user-selected modules can interact with the induction device. This can advantageously contribute to operational reliability.

[0013] Furthermore, the module can have a control unit for operation by a user, whereby the control unit can be designed to control the functional element. Advantageously, the user can also use the control unit to control or operate other modules coupled to the module.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the module can have a second coupling element for mechanically coupling the module to a third module. Advantageously, this allows multiple modules to be coupled to the module. This simplifies the coupling of even several independent devices by simplifying their alignment relative to each other.

[0015] The module can also include a positioning aid that can interact with a counter-positioning aid of the induction device. Advantageously, the positioning aid can be a magnet, which, for example, can be integrated into the base of the module. The counter-positioning aid can then interact with the positioning aid. Alternatively, the counter-positioning aid can be a magnet, so that the base of the module simply has a magnetic material. This advantageously ensures correct positioning of the module on the induction device.

[0016] Furthermore, another module for an induction device is presented, wherein the further module comprises a further functional element for providing a further functionality of the further module and a negative feedback element for mechanical coupling with a module according to one of the preceding claims.

[0017] The additional module can advantageously be designed as a separate device, which may, for example, resemble the existing module. This additional module can include the feedback element, which can be configured as a counterpart to the coupling element to establish a temporary mechanical connection.

[0018] The additional module can include another receiving coil, which can be shaped to provide further electrical energy for operating the additional functional element by using another input magnetic field from another induction field of the induction device. This means that the additional module can optionally be powered wirelessly by the induction field. Alternatively, the additional module can be powered via a wired or wireless connection through the negative feedback element and thus via the electrical connection with the module, and can therefore be implemented without the additional receiving coil.

[0019] Furthermore, a modular device is presented comprising one module in a previously mentioned variant and another module in a previously mentioned form, wherein the two modules can be coupled together or are already coupled together. The two modules may differ in their functional elements. For example, one of the functional elements may provide a heating function and the other a stirring function.

[0020] The modular device advantageously comprises at least two modules. Optionally, the modular device may also comprise additional modules. The modular device can advantageously be designed to be compact and portable. Each module can, for example, be a multifunctional device that integrates, for instance, a fume extraction system and a cooking function. Advantageously, the described approach allows for a small, lightweight, portable, and easy-to-store design, as well as simplified cleaning of the modules. It is advantageously sufficient for at least one of the modules to have its own wireless power transmission unit, thus saving costs and, additionally or alternatively, simplifying handling. For example, one module can be powered by the power transmission unit of another module.

[0021] Furthermore, an induction system is presented, comprising an induction device with a work surface and at least one induction field, as well as a module or a module device in one of the aforementioned variants. At least the receiving coil of the module can interact with the induction field of the induction device.

[0022] The induction device can be, for example, a cooktop that can be operated inductively. Alternatively, the worktop can simply have an induction unit encompassing the induction field, which can be attached to the worktop according to the user's wishes. Furthermore, the induction device can alternatively be used in conjunction with tools that, for example, can be charged inductively.

[0023] Although the described approach is based on household appliances, it can also be used in connection with commercial or professional equipment.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a modular device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a modular device; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a module; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a modular device.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a modular device 100, which is shown, by way of example, mounted on an induction device 101. The induction device 101 has a worktop 102, which has at least one induction field 104 for generating an input-side magnetic field. For example, the induction field 104 comprises at least one induction coil. According to one embodiment, the induction field 104 is a component of an induction unit 108, which may, for example, comprise several induction coils. The induction unit 108 is, for example, arbitrarily arranged or can be arranged on the underside of the worktop 102. By way of example only, the induction device 101 is implemented as a cooktop or includes the function of a cooktop. Alternatively, the worktop 102 is, for example, a tabletop.

[0026] The module device 100 comprises a module 110 and a further module 112, wherein the module 110 and the further module 112 are mechanically coupled to each other. Optionally, the module device 100 can be extended by further modules, or at least one of the modules 110, 112 can be replaced by a different type of module.

[0027] The induction device 101 together with at least one of the modules 110, 112 forms an induction system.

[0028] Module 110 is a small, portable appliance, for example, for food preparation. Module 110 includes a functional element 114 for providing functionality and a receiving coil 116, which is designed to supply electrical energy to operate the functional element 114 using the input magnetic field of the induction field 104 of the induction device 101. The receiving coil 116 is designed as an induction coil, which can be implemented as a complete energy-supplying coil with control and power electronics, such as a transmitter. Together with the induction field 104, the receiving coil 116 enables inductive energy transfer from the induction device 101 to Module 110. This allows Module 110 to be supplied with energy solely via the receiving coil 116 to operate Module 110 and, optionally, the additional Module 112.Module 110 also has a coupling element 118 for mechanically coupling module 110 with the further module 112.

[0029] The functional element 114 is configured to provide, depending on the embodiment of the module 110, for example, a cleaning function, a processing function, a preparation function of the module, or an energy transfer function. Accordingly, the module 110 can be configured, for example, as a cleaning device, in particular as a mobile extractor hood, as a cooking device, in particular as a mobile cooktop, as a food processor, as an adapter for cooking utensils, as a grill, as a deep fryer, or as a steamer, and / or as a processing device, in particular as a mixer, as a juicer, as a blender, as a stirrer, and / or as an energy transfer unit. According to this embodiment, the functional element 114 is configured as a thermal food processing device. For example, the functional element 114 comprises a bowl or a food processing chamber that can be heated.Thus, module 110 exemplifies a cooking vessel or a thermal food processing device with its own wireless power supply.

[0030] The coupling element 118 is implemented, for example, as a hook-in element, a hook-and-loop fastener element, a magnetic element, and / or a suction cup element. The coupling element 118 is shaped, for example, to create a positive-locking or force-locking connection with a counter-coupling element 120 of the further module 112.

[0031] According to one embodiment, module 110 additionally has an electrical interface 122 for data transmission and / or power transfer between module 110 and the further module 112. The electrical interface 122 enables, for example, a wired or a wireless connection. For example, the electrical interface 122 includes an electronic unit. Additionally, the electrical interface 122 is configured, for example, to establish an electrical connection between at least one of the modules 110, 112, and, for example, at least one third module. For example, the electrical interface 122 includes at least one NFC coil.

[0032] To mechanically couple the module 110 with a third module, the module 110 optionally has a second coupling element in addition to the coupling element 118.

[0033] Module 110 optionally includes a user control unit. This unit is designed to control the functional element 114. The unit may, for example, be an input field. However, in one embodiment, module 110 does not have a user control unit and can be controlled, for example, via the electrical interface 122 from the other module 112.

[0034] Optionally, the module 110 has a positioning aid element that interacts with a counter-positioning aid element of the induction device 101. The positioning aid element or the counter-positioning aid element is, for example, implemented as a magnet, so that the two counterparts can establish a magnetic connection. This allows the module 110 to be optimally positioned relative to the induction field 104.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the additional module 112 is designed as a food processing device with its own wireless power supply. The additional module 112 includes, for example, an additional functional element 124 for providing further functionality and the feedback element 120 for mechanical coupling with the module 110. According to this embodiment, the functional element 124 is configured as a connection for a stirring element that can be immersed in the module 110. The additional module 112 optionally includes an additional receiving coil 126 for wireless power input, configured to provide further electrical energy for operating the additional functional element 124 using an additional input magnetic field from an additional induction field 128 of the induction device 101.The additional module 112 optionally features an electronic unit as a further electrical interface 130 for communication with the electrical interface 122 of module 110. In other words, the two modules 110 and 112 have at least some of the same basic components, but different functionalities.

[0036] According to an alternative embodiment, the further module 112 does not have its own receiving coil 126 suitable for coupling with the induction unit 108, but is supplied with energy exclusively via the module 110.

[0037] Due to the modular design of the induction device 101, different interacting functions can be connected. An exemplary scenario according to this embodiment is described below: One module, here module 110, has a thermal food processing function with an open-topped cooking chamber. A second module, here module 112, has a mechanical food processing function, such as stirring. When the two modules 110 and 112 are combined, the stirring module can stir the food during the cooking process.

[0038] In other words, a user-friendly modular device system with wireless power supply is described as the module device 100. The module device 100 is thus designed as a modular system consisting of at least two modules 110, 112, at least one of which has a wireless power supply device, for example a receiving coil 116, 126, and which can be mechanically connected and disconnected by a temporary coupling device, such as the coupling device consisting of the coupling element 118 and the negative feedback element 120.Various systems can be used for temporary coupling, such as magnetic coupling, a mechanical connection (e.g., by hooking a coupling element 118 on one module 110 into a corresponding counterpart 120 on another module 112), hook-and-loop fasteners, suction cups, or a combination of such connection methods. In addition to the mechanical connection between the at least two modules 110 and 112, an electrical connection can also be established as part of the coupling process. This electrical connection can be used for communication between the two modules 110 and 112. In particular, a user interface (UI), i.e., an operating unit on one module 110, can be used via this communication channel to operate the other module 112.

[0039] Another application for a communication link between modules 110 and 112 could be, for example, one module establishing an indirect data connection via the other module to a third device, such as an energy-supplying unit like a cooktop or a cloud server. An example of this is described below: A food processing device communicates via a wired connection with a coupled mobile extractor hood, which forwards the data via an NFC connection to a cooktop, which in turn provides a connection to the internet via WLAN.

[0040] An electrical connection can be used alternatively or additionally for powering at least one module 110, 112. This is particularly useful if at least one other module does not have its own wireless power supply and is powered via the wireless power supply of the other module and the wired connection between the devices. Another application of an electrical connection is to increase the maximum available power by coupling two wireless power receivers. Load balancing can be performed via a control unit. An electrical connection can also be provided independently of a mechanical connection.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, wireless energy transfer via induction can also be used between the coupled modules 110, 112, as described in at least one of the following figures.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a module device 100, which is, for example, the one described in Fig. The module device 100 described in Figure 1 is similar to the module device 100 described in this embodiment. In addition, the module device 100 in this embodiment has a third module 200, which is also mechanically coupled to the module 110. For this purpose, the module 110 has a second coupling element 202. In this embodiment, the module 100 is designed as a mobile extractor hood, which, as a functional element 114, has a fan for drawing in fumes through two opposing fume openings for extracting the fumes. Thus, fumes can be extracted from the two adjacent modules 112 and 200. Optionally, the module 110 in this embodiment has a control unit 203 with a display option for coupled modules 112 and 200.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the third module 200 is mechanically coupled to the module 100 and does not have its own wireless power supply via the induction unit 108. This means that, according to this embodiment, the third module 200 does not have a bottom-mounted receiving coil. Instead, a power supply and an electrical connection for wired communication to the module 110 are provided, for illustrative purposes only, via a wired connection 204. Connectors for the electrical connection are not shown. This means that the module 110 itself has the receiving coil 116 and provides electrical power to the third module 200 via the wired connection 204.

[0044] The additional module 112 is also mechanically coupled to the module 110 and has its own wireless power supply in the form of the additional receiving coil 126 and a wired communication link 206 to the module 110.

[0045] In other words, modules 110, 112, and 200 could be, for example, units for cleaning air or fumes, or units for food preparation, such as multicookers, food processors, mobile cooktops, adapters for operating cookware on an inductive power transfer system, steam cookers, fryers or grills, or units for mechanical food processing, such as a mixer, blender or juicer.

[0046] If one or more mobile modules 110, 112, 200 have a positioning aid, previously described as a positioning aid element or counter-positioning aid element, on the worktop, several devices can be automatically optimally aligned relative to energy transfer coils under the worktop 102 or, for example, another surface, through this coupling. Due to the reproducible relative alignment of the coupled modules 110, 112, 200 to each other, the exhaust opening of a vapor-emitting module 112, 200 and the extraction opening of a vapor-cleaning and / or moisture-condensing module 110 can be optimally aligned and optionally even made airtight.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a module 110, which, apart from its functionality, at least meets the requirements of the Fig. The module 110 is similar to the module described in sections 1 to 2. According to this embodiment, the module 110 is designed as a wireless energy hub that interacts with the induction field 104. In this embodiment, the electrical interface 122 includes at least one NFC coil for inductive energy transfer to other devices and thus for power output from the hub. For example, multiple coils can also be used to supply energy to several devices.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the module 110 has an electronic unit 300 as a functional element 114, which is designed, for example, to switch on and off energy output coils, to transmit power requirements of the connected devices, to manage power in the case of several connected devices and / or to adjust the electrical parameters of the coupled resonant circuits.

[0049] In other words, short-range wireless connection elements can be used as an alternative to a wired data connection between the coupled modules. In this case, the connection benefits, for example, from the fact that NFC coils positioned laterally on the coupled modules for communication, or IR transmitters and IR receivers, can be automatically optimally aligned with each other thanks to the mechanical connection.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a module device 100, as used, for example, in at least one of the Fig. 1 to 3. Module 110 is, according to this embodiment as well as in Fig. Module 3 is designed as an energy hub. The further module 112 is designed as a device that is wirelessly and therefore inductively powered via module 110.

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