COOKING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking appliance according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A cooking appliance device designed as a hob device with a heating unit is already known from the prior art. The heating unit has an inner heating element and a substantially polygonal outer heating element. The outer heating element has a main extension plane and a main extension direction. When viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit to the main extension plane, the outer heating element has a substantially rectangular shape. When viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit to the main extension plane, the inner heating element has a substantially circular shape.When viewing the heating unit perpendicular to the main extension plane, the winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element and an outermost winding of the outer heating element in the main extension direction is significantly lower than the winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element and an outermost winding of the outer heating element in an orthogonal direction oriented perpendicular to the main extension direction. Due to this lack of symmetry with respect to the main extension direction and the orthogonal direction, uneven heat distribution results in the cooking utensil when placed on the heating unit. Furthermore, this lack of symmetry with respect to the main extension direction and the orthogonal direction results in power losses, which lead to hotspots in the orthogonal direction, particularly compared to the main extension direction.

[0003] Document EP 3 035 772 A1 discloses a cooking appliance device with a heating unit, the outer heating element of which has a substantially rectangular shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties regarding the heating of cooking utensils placed thereon. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0005] The invention is based on a cooking appliance device, in particular a hob device, with at least one heating unit which has at least one inner heating element and a substantially polygonal outer heating element, wherein at least one of the heating elements has a main extension plane and a main extension direction.

[0006] It is proposed according to the invention that, when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element and an outermost winding of the outer heating element in the main extension direction substantially corresponds to a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element and an outermost winding of the outer heating element in an orthogonal direction oriented substantially and in particular completely perpendicular to the main extension direction.

[0007] The inventive design allows for optimal heating of cooking utensils placed on the surface. In particular, optimized surface heating can be achieved, especially compared to a heating unit with two oval heating elements, since a uniform distribution of power losses can be achieved, and these can be adjusted, particularly in the main direction of extension and in the orthogonal direction. Uniform surface heating can be achieved, in particular, independently of the arrangement of ferrites.Due to the essentially polygonal outer heating element, two heating units, in particular of similar design, can be arranged particularly compactly relative to one another and / or a free area between two similarly designed heating units arranged adjacent to one another can be minimized, whereby in particular optimized surface heating can be achieved, preferably in comparison to two adjacent heating units each with two outer heating elements that deviate from an essentially polygonal shape. In particular, optimized heat distribution can be enabled in the cooking utensil when set up. In particular, a simple manufacturing process for the heating unit can be achieved.In regions which differ from regions arranged in the main extension direction and in the orthogonal direction, sufficient space can be created in particular for arranging at least one further unit, such as at least one sensor unit.

[0008] The substantially equal winding density in the main extension direction and in the orthogonal direction can be achieved in particular for different configurations of the at least substantially polygonal shape of the outer heating element.

[0009] A "cooking appliance device," in particular a "cooktop device" and advantageously an "induction cooktop device," is understood to mean at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of a cooking appliance, in particular a cooktop and advantageously an induction cooktop. For example, a cooking appliance comprising the cooking appliance device could be an oven and / or a microwave and / or a grill and / or a steamer. Advantageously, a household appliance designed as a cooking appliance is a cooktop, and preferably an induction cooktop.

[0010] A "heating unit" is understood, in particular, to be a unit designed to heat and / or warm up a cooking utensil that has been placed on it. A "heating element" in this context is understood, in particular, to be an element designed to convert energy, preferably electrical energy, into heat and, in particular, to supply it to at least one cooking utensil. Advantageously, the heating element is designed, in particular, as an induction heating element and is preferably designed to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, in particular with a frequency of 20 kHz to 100 kHz, which is particularly designed to be converted into heat in a placed, in particular metallic, preferably ferromagnetic, cooking utensil base through eddy current induction and / or remagnetization effects.

[0011] The heating unit advantageously has precisely one inner heating element and precisely one outer heating element. The inner heating element is designed, in particular, as an innermost heating element of the heating unit. The outer heating element is designed, in particular, as an outermost heating element of the heating unit.

[0012] According to the invention, the outer heating element has a substantially polygonal shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane.

[0013] A "main extension plane" of an object is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary geometric cuboid which just completely encloses the object and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid.

[0014] When viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the heating unit, the main extension direction runs, in particular, through at least one center of gravity and / or center point of the heating unit. A "main extension direction" of an object is understood, in particular, to be a direction parallel to the longest side of a smallest imaginary geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object.

[0015] The term "at least substantially perpendicular" is intended here to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly viewed in a plane, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. When viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the heating unit, the orthogonal direction runs, in particular, through at least one center of gravity and / or center point of the heating unit.

[0016] The phrase that a first winding density corresponds "at least substantially" to a second winding density is to be understood in particular as meaning that a quotient of a lower winding density of the winding densities and a higher winding density of the winding densities assumes a value of at least 90%, in particular of at least 93%, advantageously of at least 95%, particularly advantageously of at least 97%, and preferably of at least 99%. For example, the winding density in the main extension direction could be higher than the winding density in the orthogonal direction. Alternatively, the winding density in the main extension direction could be lower than the winding density in the orthogonal direction.In particular, winding densities in the main extension plane and in the orthogonal direction can be adapted within certain limits to given needs and / or circumstances, which is impossible in particular in the case of an internal heating element with a substantially circular shape.

[0017] "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0018] It is further proposed that the heating elements each have a unique longitudinal extension that is aligned at least substantially parallel to the main extension direction. A "unique" longitudinal extension of an object is to be understood in particular as a longitudinal extension that is greater than an extension aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extension, such as a transverse extension and / or a thickness of the object. When the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, the heating elements are particularly elongated. "At least substantially parallel" is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°.This makes it possible, in particular, to have a simple and / or fast manufacturing process for the heating unit, which in particular allows for low costs to be achieved.

[0019] According to the invention, the outer heating element has a substantially rectangular shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. For example, the outer heating element could have an at least substantially square shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. In particular, the outer heating element has a substantially rectangular shape, and in particular a shape different from a square, when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. As a result, two heating units, in particular those of an analogous design, can be arranged particularly compactly relative to one another, thereby achieving, in particular, optimized surface heating.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention proposes that the inner heating element has a substantially oval shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. For example, the inner heating element could have a substantially circular shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. Alternatively or additionally, the inner heating element could have a substantially elliptical shape when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. This makes it possible to create space, in particular between the heating units, for arranging at least one further unit, which, when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, could be arranged, in particular, in corner regions of the outer heating element between the inner heating element and the outer heating element.Due to the substantially oval shape of the inner heating element, in particular in comparison to an inner heating element with a substantially rectangular shape, changes in direction during a winding of a heating cable can be avoided, which in particular enables a simple manufacturing process.

[0021] When the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, according to the invention, an innermost turn of the outer heating element and an outermost turn of the inner heating element have a distance of at least 0.5 mm, in particular of at least 1 mm, advantageously of at least 1.5 mm and preferably of at least 2 mm in the main extension direction. When the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, an innermost turn of the outer heating element and an outermost turn of the inner heating element have a distance of at least 0.5 mm, in particular of at least 1 mm, advantageously of at least 1.5 mm and preferably of at least 2 mm in the orthogonal direction. This can in particular enable uniform surface heating and / or prevent the formation of hotspots.

[0022] It is further proposed that, when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, an innermost turn of the outer heating element and an outermost turn of the inner heating element are spaced apart in the main extension direction by a maximum of 25 mm, in particular a maximum of 20 mm, advantageously a maximum of 15 mm, and preferably a maximum of 10 mm. When the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, an innermost turn of the outer heating element and an outermost turn of the inner heating element are spaced apart in the orthogonal direction by a maximum of 25 mm, in particular a maximum of 20 mm, advantageously a maximum of 15 mm, and preferably a maximum of 10 mm. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a compact design.In particular, a small extension of the heating unit when viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane allows a flexible arrangement of the heating unit, which in particular allows a high degree of design freedom to be achieved.

[0023] For example, the inner heating element and the outer heating element could be electrically connected in parallel to one another. In particular, the inner heating element and the outer heating element could each be individually activatable. A first of the heating elements could, for example, be in an activated state in at least one operating state, and a second of the heating elements could, in particular, be in a deactivated state in the same operating state. Preferably, the inner heating element and the outer heating element are electrically connected in series. In particular, in at least one operating state, electrical heating current flows first through a first of the heating elements and then through a second of the heating elements. In particular, the heating elements can, in particular, only be activated and / or deactivated jointly.The inner heating element and the outer heating element are in at least one operating state, in particular either both in an activated state or both in a deactivated state. The heating unit could in particular have at least one transition region by which the inner heating element and the outer heating element could be separated from one another. For example, the transition region could have a width of at least 0.5 cm, in particular at least 1 cm and advantageously at least 2 cm. Preferably, the transition region has a width of less than 8 cm, in particular less than 6 cm and advantageously less than 5 cm. Alternatively, a design is conceivable in which the inner heating element and the outer heating element merge directly into one another, avoiding a transition region.In particular, a maximum of one, in particular a maximum of half, preferably a maximum of a quarter, turn of at least one heating line of the heating unit is advantageously located in the transition region. In particular, the heating unit has at least one, and advantageously the heating line. This allows the heating elements to be controlled and / or operated particularly easily, allowing the use of a simple control algorithm. This enables, in particular, low programming effort and / or low costs.

[0024] It is also proposed that the cooking appliance device have at least one sensor unit, which is provided for detecting at least one cooking parameter and which is arranged between the heating elements, in particular when the heating unit is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane. A "sensor unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit which has at least one detector for detecting at least one cooking parameter and which is provided for outputting a value characterizing the cooking parameter, wherein the cooking parameter is advantageously a physical and / or chemical parameter. The cooking parameter could, for example, be a cooking state, by means of which, in particular, different points in time during a cooking process could be distinguished from one another. The cooking parameter is advantageously a temperature.The phrase "the sensor unit being arranged "between" the heating elements is to be understood in particular as meaning that, when viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit to the main extension plane, at least one straight line exists that connects at least one point of the inner heating element and at least one point of the outer heating element and that intersects the sensor unit. When viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit to the main extension plane, a straight line starting from the sensor unit and advancing in at least one, in particular arbitrary, direction always intersects at least one of the heating elements. This makes it possible to achieve a high level of comfort for the operator. In particular, free space can be used effectively, which makes it possible to achieve a compact design.

[0025] It is further proposed that the cooking appliance device comprise at least one further heating unit, which is constructed analogously to the heating unit and which, in at least one operating state, is provided together with the heating unit for heating, in particular, a single cooking utensil. In particular, in at least one operating state, the heating unit and the further heating unit form a particularly common heating zone, in particular for heating at least one large cooking utensil. The heating unit and the further heating unit are in particular identical to one another and advantageously indistinguishable. This allows, in particular, even large cooking utensils to be optimally heated.Due to the at least substantially polygonal outer heating element of the two heating units, the heating units can be arranged particularly compactly relative to one another, whereby in particular an optimized surface heating can be achieved, preferably in comparison to two adjacent heating units each with two outer heating elements deviating from an at least substantially polygonal shape.

[0026] The cooking appliance device is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the cooking appliance device may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein.

[0027] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0028] They show: Fig. 1 shows a cooking appliance with a cooking appliance device in a schematic top view, Fig. 2 shows a room divider element, a heating unit, a further heating unit and two additional heating units of the cooking appliance device in a schematic perspective view, Fig. 3 shows the heating unit in a schematic top view, Fig. 4 shows the heating unit in a highly simplified schematic top view, Fig. 5 shows the result of a simulation of a temperature distribution of a cooking utensil base heated by the heating unit in a schematic view, Fig. 6 shows a room divider element, two heating units and two further heating units of an alternative cooking appliance device in a schematic perspective view, Fig. 7 shows a heating unit of an alternative cooking appliance device in a highly simplified schematic top view, Fig.Fig. 8 shows a result of a simulation of power losses when heating a cooking utensil heated by the heating unit in a schematic representation, and Fig. 9 shows a heating unit of a cooking appliance according to the prior art in a highly simplified schematic plan view.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a cooking appliance 30a, which is designed as an induction cooking appliance, with a cooking appliance device 10a, which is designed as an induction cooking appliance device. For example, the cooking appliance 30a could be designed as a grill and / or as a steam cooking appliance and / or as a microwave oven and / or as an oven. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cooking appliance 30a is designed as a hob, specifically as an induction hob. The cooking appliance device 10a is designed as a hob, specifically as an induction hob.

[0030] The cooking appliance 10a has an appliance plate 32a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the appliance plate 32a is designed as a hob plate. In an assembled state, the appliance plate 32a forms part of an outer housing of the appliance, in particular of the cooking appliance 30a. In an installed position, the appliance plate 32a forms a part of the outer housing of the appliance facing an operator. In an assembled state, the appliance plate 32a is intended for placing cooking utensils (not shown).

[0031] The cooking appliance device 10a has a user interface 34a for input and / or selection of operating parameters (cf. Fig. 1 ), for example, a heating power and / or a heating power density and / or a heating zone. The operator interface 34a is provided to output a value of an operating parameter to an operator. For example, the operator interface 34a could output the value of the operating parameter to an operator visually and / or acoustically.

[0032] The cooking appliance 10a has a control unit 36a. The control unit 36a is designed to execute actions and / or change settings depending on operating parameters entered via the user interface 34a.

[0033] The cooking appliance device 10a has a heating unit 12a (cf. Fig. 2 bis 4 ). In addition to the heating unit 12a, the cooking appliance 10a has a further heating unit 28a. The heating unit 12a and the further heating unit 28a form a common heating zone in an operating state. In an operating state, the further heating unit 28a, together with the heating unit 12a, is provided for heating a cooking utensil that has been placed thereon. The further heating unit 28a is constructed analogously to the heating unit 12a. Therefore, only the heating unit 12a is described below, and with regard to a description of the further heating unit 28a, reference is made to the description given for the heating unit 12a.

[0034] In addition to the heating unit 12a and the further heating unit 28a, the cooking appliance 10a has at least one additional heating unit 38a (cf. Fig. 2 ). In the present embodiment, the cooking appliance 10a has two additional heating units 38a (cf. Fig. 2 ). Of multiple objects present, only one is provided with a reference symbol in the figures. Only one of the additional heating units 38a is described below.

[0035] When viewed perpendicularly to a main extension plane of the additional heating unit 38a, the additional heating unit 38a has a substantially oval, specifically circular, shape. The additional heating unit 38a forms an independent heating zone for heating the cooking utensils placed thereon.

[0036] The cooking appliance device 10a has a room divider element 40a (cf. Fig. 2 ). In the present embodiment, the space divider element 40a is designed as a shielding element. In an assembled state, the space divider element 40a divides a storage space subdivided by the device's outer housing, within which, in particular, the heating units 12a, 28a, 38a are arranged.

[0037] In one installation position, the heating units 12a, 28a, 38a are arranged above the room divider element 40a. In one installation position, the heating units 12a, 28a, 38a are mounted on the room divider element 40a.

[0038] The heating unit 12a has an inner heating element 14a and a substantially polygonal outer heating element 16a (cf. Fig. 3 and 4). The heating elements 14a, 16a each have a main extension plane. The main extension plane of the inner heating element 14a and the main extension plane of the outer heating element 16a are aligned substantially parallel to one another in the present embodiment. Only one of the main extension planes is described below.

[0039] The inner heating element 14a has a particularly unique main extension direction 18a. The inner heating element 14a has a unique longitudinal extension 22a. The longitudinal extension 22a of the inner heating element 14a is aligned substantially parallel to the main extension direction 18a of the inner heating element 14a.

[0040] The outer heating element 16a has a particularly unique main extension direction 18a. The outer heating element 16a has a unique longitudinal extension 24a. The longitudinal extension 24a of the outer heating element 16a is aligned substantially parallel to the main extension direction 18a of the outer heating element 16a.

[0041] The main extension direction 18a of the inner heating element 14a and the main extension direction 18a of the outer heating element 16a are aligned substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, only one of the main extension directions 18a will be described below. The heating elements 14a, 16a each have a distinct longitudinal extension 22a, 24a, which is aligned substantially parallel to the main extension direction 18a.

[0042] When viewing the heating unit 12a perpendicularly to the main extension plane, a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14a and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16a in the main extension direction 18a essentially corresponds to a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14a and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16a in an orthogonal direction 20a oriented essentially perpendicular to the main extension direction 18a. In the present exemplary embodiment, a quotient of the winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14a and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16a in the main extension direction 18a and the winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14a and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16a in the orthogonal direction 20a is essentially 1.

[0043] An extension between an innermost turn of the inner heating element 14a and an outermost turn of the outer heating element 16a in the main extension direction 18a is hereinafter referred to as the main extension 42a. An extension between an innermost turn of the inner heating element 14a and an outermost turn of the outer heating element 16a in the orthogonal direction 20a is hereinafter referred to as the orthogonal extension 44a.

[0044] The main extension 42a and the orthogonal extension 44a are essentially, and in particular completely, identical in the present embodiment. The main extension 42a is essentially 72.3 mm in the present embodiment. The orthogonal extension 44a is essentially 72.3 mm in the present embodiment.

[0045] The outer heating element 16a has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit 12a to the main extension plane. In the present exemplary embodiment, the inner heating element 14a has a substantially oval shape when viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit 12a to the main extension plane. The inner heating element 14a has a substantially elliptical shape when viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit 12a to the main extension plane.

[0046] When the heating unit 12a is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane, an innermost turn of the outer heating element 16a and an outermost turn of the inner heating element 14a are spaced apart by a distance 46a of substantially 6 mm in the main extension direction 18a. When the heating unit 12a is viewed perpendicularly to the main extension plane in the orthogonal direction 20a, an innermost turn of the outer heating element 16a and an outermost turn of the inner heating element 14a are spaced apart by a distance 48a of substantially 6 mm.

[0047] The inner heating element 14a and the outer heating element 16a are electrically connected in series. The heating unit 12a has a transition region 50a (see Fig. 3 ). The inner heating element 14a and the outer heating element 16a are separated from each other by the transition region 50a. In the present embodiment, a quarter turn of a heating line 52a of the heating unit 12a is arranged in the transition region 50a.

[0048] The cooking appliance device 10a has four sensor units 26a (cf. Fig. 3 and 4 ). Alternatively, the cooking appliance 10a could have a different number of sensor units 28a, such as one, two, or three sensor units 26a. Only one of the sensor units 26a is described below.

[0049] In addition to the sensor unit 26a, the cooking appliance device 10a has at least one further sensor unit 54a (cf. Fig. 3 and 4). In the present exemplary embodiment, the cooking appliance 10a has precisely one further sensor unit 54a. Alternatively, exemplary embodiments are conceivable in which a further sensor unit 54a is avoided and / or absent. When viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit 12a to the main extension plane, the further sensor unit 54a is arranged within the inner heating element 14a and thus in particular within the outer heating element 16a.

[0050] When viewed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the heating unit 12a, the sensor unit 26a is arranged between the heating elements 14a, 16a. The sensor unit 26a is provided for detecting a cooking parameter. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 26a is provided for detecting a temperature parameter. The cooking parameter is embodied as a temperature parameter.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of the result of a simulation of the temperature distribution of a cooking utensil base 56a heated by the heating unit 12a. The denser the hatching, the hotter the corresponding zone. A substantially uniform temperature distribution and, in particular, the absence of hot spots can be seen.

[0052] In Fig. 6 bis 9 Further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to the same components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 bis 5 To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Fig. 1 bis 5 by the letters b to d in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the Fig. 6 bis 9 With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 bis 5 be referred to.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows an alternative cooking appliance 10b. The cooking appliance 10b has two heating units 12b. In addition to the heating units 12b, the cooking appliance 10b has two additional heating units 28b. In each operating state, one of the heating units 12b and one of the additional heating units 28b form a common heating zone.

[0054] Fig. 7 shows a heating unit 12c of an alternative cooking appliance 10c. The heating unit 12c has an inner heating element 14c and a substantially polygonal outer heating element 16c. When viewing the heating unit 12c perpendicular to a main extension plane of one of the heating elements 14c, 16c, a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14c and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16c in a main extension direction 18c of one of the heating elements 14c, 16c essentially corresponds to a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14c and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16c in an orthogonal direction 20c oriented substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction 18c.

[0055] In the present exemplary embodiment, a quotient of the winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14c and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16c in the main extension direction 18c and the winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element 14c and an outermost winding of the outer heating element 16c in the orthogonal direction 20c is substantially 0.99.

[0056] In the present embodiment, a main extension 42c is smaller than an orthogonal extension 44c. In the present embodiment, the main extension 42c is essentially 72.3 mm. In the present embodiment, the orthogonal extension 44c is essentially 73 mm. The main extension 42c is essentially 0.7 mm smaller than the orthogonal extension 44c.

[0057] Fig. 8 shows, in a highly simplified form, the result of a simulation of power losses when heating a cooking utensil heated by the heating unit 12c. The denser the hatching, the higher the power losses in that area. It can be seen that power losses are essentially evenly distributed and that, in particular, hotspots where power losses are particularly high are absent.

[0058] Fig. 9shows a heating unit 12d of a cooking appliance 10d according to the prior art. The heating unit 12d has an inner heating element 14d and a substantially polygonal outer heating element 16d. The heating elements 14d, 16d each have a main extension plane. In the present embodiment, the main extension plane of the inner heating element 14d and the main extension plane of the outer heating element 16d are aligned substantially parallel to one another. Only one of the main extension planes is described below.

[0059] The heating elements 14d, 16d each have a distinct main extension direction 18d. Only one of the main extension directions 18d is described below. The heating elements 14d, 16d each have longitudinal extensions 22d, 24d that are aligned substantially parallel to the main extension direction 18d.

[0060] The outer heating element 16d has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit 12d to the main extension plane. In the present embodiment, the inner heating element 14d has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed perpendicularly from the heating unit 12d to the main extension plane. Reference symbol

[0061] 10 Cooking appliance 12 Heating unit 14 Inner heating element 16 Outer heating element 18 Main extension 20 Orthogonal direction 22 Longitudinal extension 24 Longitudinal extension 26 Sensor unit 28 Additional heating unit 30 Cooking appliance 32 Appliance plate 34 User interface 36 Control unit 38 Additional heating unit 40 Divider element 42 Main extension 44 Orthogonal extension 46 Distance 48 Distance 50 Transition area 52 Heating line 54 Additional sensor unit 56 Cooking utensil base

Claims

1. Cooking appliance apparatus, in particular hob apparatus, having at least one heating unit (12a-d), which has at least one inner heating element (14a-d) and a substantially polygonal outer heating element (16a-d), wherein at least one of the heating elements (14a-d, 16a-d) has a main extent plane and a main extent direction (18a-d), wherein when the heating unit (12a-d) is viewed perpendicularly to the main extent plane, a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element (14a-d) and an outermost winding of the outer heating element (16a-d) in the main extent direction (18a-d) corresponds substantially to a winding density between an innermost winding of the inner heating element (14a-d) and an outermost winding of the outer heating element(16a-d) in an orthogonal direction (20a-d) oriented substantially perpendicularly to the main extent direction (18a-d), wherein when the heating unit (12a-d) is viewed perpendicularly to the main extent plane the outer heating element (16a-d) has a substantially rectangular shape, characterised in that when viewed perpendicularly an innermost winding of the outer heating element (16a-d) and an outermost winding of the inner heating element (14a-d) have a spacing (46a-d) of at least 0.5 mm in the main extent direction (18a-d) and that the inner heating element (14a-d) has a substantially oval shape when the heating unit (12a-c) is viewed perpendicularly to the main extent plane.

2. Cooking appliance apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the heating elements (14a-d, 16a-d) each have a clear longitudinal extent (22a-d, 24a-d) which is oriented substantially parallel to the main extent direction (18a-d).

3. Cooking appliance apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the heating unit (12a-d) is viewed perpendicularly to the main extent plane, an innermost winding of the outer heating element (16a-d) and an outermost winding of the inner heating element (14a-d) have a spacing (46a-d) of at most 25 mm in the main extent direction (18a-d).

4. Cooking appliance apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner heating element (14a-d) and the outer heating element (16a-d) are electrically connected in series.

5. Cooking appliance apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one sensor unit (26a-d) which is provided for detecting at least one cooking parameter and which is arranged between the heating elements (14a-d, 16a-d).

6. Cooking appliance apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one further heating unit (28a-d) which is of an analogous construction to the heating unit (12a-d) and which, in at least one operating state, is provided together with the heating unit (12a-d) for heating an item of cookware.

7. Cooking appliance, in particular hob, having at least one cooking appliance apparatus (10a-d) according to one on the preceding claims.