DEVICE FOR INDUCTIVE ENERGY TRANSFER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for inductive energy transfer according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a device for inductive energy transfer according to the preamble of claim 8.

[0002] European patent application EP 1 858 300 A1 discloses an induction cooktop device with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements. The induction heating elements are arranged one above the other in several planes. In each plane, a portion of the induction heating elements are arranged coplanarly relative to one another in the form of a matrix. For such overlapping induction heating elements, an arrangement of magnetic flux bundling elements of a magnetic flux bundling unit, as is known for classically arranged induction heating elements, is not practical due to the overlapping arrangement of the induction heating elements.

[0003] Furthermore, a device for inductive energy transmission according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from patent application EP 2 991 446 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, patent application US 2015 / 236513 A1 discloses a cooktop device for inductive energy transfer with at least two overlapping induction elements and with a magnetic flux bundling unit designed as a grid.

[0005] Patent applications US 2015 / 332845 A1 and US 2016 / 072304 A1 each disclose a device for inductive energy transfer which has a magnetic flux bundling unit designed as a continuous ferromagnetic layer.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to advantageously further develop a generic device. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 8, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a device for inductive energy transfer, in particular an induction hob device, with at least two overlapping induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, wherein the device for inductive energy transfer, in particular induction hob device, has at least one magnetic flux bundling unit which is provided for bundling at least one of the magnetic fluxes supplied by at least one of the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, and which has at least one magnetic flux bundling element which is assigned to the overlapping induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, for bundling the flux.

[0008] The inventive design allows for the advantageous further development of a generic device. Due to the magnetic flux bundling element associated with the overlapping induction elements, particularly induction heating elements, a small number of magnetic flux bundling elements can be used, resulting in particularly low costs and / or low overall weight and / or a small installation space requirement, especially a low overall height. In particular, optimal energy transfer, especially heating, to another unit, especially a cooking vessel, can be enabled, specifically due to the optimal flux bundling of the magnetic flux provided by at least one of the induction elements, particularly induction heating elements, effected by the magnetic flux bundling unit.In the case of at least two overlapping induction elements, particularly induction heating elements, a magnetic flux bundling element associated with the overlapping induction elements, particularly induction heating elements, can prevent a negative interaction between each of the magnetic flux bundling elements associated with exactly one of the induction elements, particularly induction heating elements, and / or an asymmetrical heating of a cooking vessel, particularly one placed on the stovetop. This is particularly applicable to cooktops and advantageously to matrix cooktops with overlapping induction heating elements.In particular, with regard to the arrangement of the magnetic flux bundling unit, a high degree of symmetry can be achieved, which in particular allows for good heat distribution within a cooking vessel and / or a uniform distribution of energy provided by the energy transfer device.

[0009] The term "inductive energy transfer device" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a device which has at least one inductor, advantageously in the form of at least one coil, and which, in particular in at least one operating state, provides energy to at least one further unit for the purpose of energy transfer to that further unit, especially by means of the inductor. In particular, the inductive energy transfer device has a principal function in the form of inductive energy transfer.

[0010] The additional unit could, for example, comprise a hand-held power tool, such as a drill and / or an electric screwdriver and / or a hammer drill and / or a saw. Alternatively or additionally, the additional unit could, in particular, comprise a self-propelled work device and / or at least a remote control and / or at least a remote control. The self-propelled work device could, for example, be a self-propelled lawnmower and / or a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. The remote control and / or the remote control could, in particular, be intended for operating and / or controlling at least one blind and / or at least one electrical appliance, in particular at least one household electrical appliance, and / or at least one model object, such as a model car and / or a model airplane and / or a model boat.For example, the additional unit could alternatively or additionally include at least one stationary device, such as at least one desktop computer and / or at least one personal computer, and / or at least one mobile device, such as at least one laptop and / or at least one mobile phone. The additional unit could alternatively or additionally include, for example, at least one cleaning device, such as an electric toothbrush, and / or at least one electrically powered medical device. In particular, the additional unit could alternatively or additionally include at least one kitchen appliance and / or at least one household appliance.

[0011] The terms mentioned in the claims are first explained in general terms below, and then illustrated with an exemplary embodiment in the form of an induction cooktop device. However, the underlying concept is much broader and can be generally understood in connection with the aforementioned devices for inductive energy transfer. Thus, the device for inductive energy transfer also includes solutions that involve the transfer of electrical energy from a transmitter to a receiver and vice versa. This applies regardless of what the electrical energy is intended to do on the receiver side, be it charging an energy storage device or directly operating another electrically powered unit.

[0012] An "induction unit" is understood to be, in particular, a unit that inductively provides energy in at least one operating state and whose primary function is, in particular, the provision of energy. For the provision of energy, the induction unit comprises, in particular, at least one induction element, which includes, in particular, at least one coil, and, in particular, at least one primary coil, and which inductively provides energy in the operating state. In the exemplary embodiment described, the induction unit is, in particular, an induction heating unit, and the induction element is, in particular, an induction heating element.

[0013] The term "induction cooktop device" refers in particular to at least one part, especially a subassembly, of an induction cooktop. The induction heating element is designed to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, particularly with a frequency in the range of 20 kHz to 100 kHz, which is intended to be converted into heat in a raised, preferably metallic, and preferably ferromagnetic cookware base by means of eddy current induction and / or remagnetization effects. In particular, the device for inductive energy transfer, especially the induction cooktop device, comprises at least four, in particular at least six, advantageously at least eight, particularly advantageously at least ten, preferably at least twelve, and particularly preferably a plurality of induction elements, in particular induction heating elements.

[0014] The term "at least two overlapping induction elements," particularly induction heating elements, shall be understood to mean that a first induction element, particularly a first induction heating element, has at least a first sub-section, and a second induction element, particularly a second induction heating element, has at least a second sub-section. When viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the second sub-section coincides with the first sub-section and, in particular, occupies the same position in the principal extension plane as the first sub-section. When viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the first sub-section and the second sub-section are, in particular, arranged congruently with each other.

[0015] For example, the overlapping induction elements could be arranged to overlap at least partially. Viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the first sub-area could, in particular, comprise a proportion of at least 5%, more particularly at least 10%, advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 25%, and preferably at least 30% of the area of ​​the first induction element in the principal extension plane. In particular, the second sub-area, viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, could comprise a proportion of at least 5%, more particularly at least 10%, advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 25%, and preferably at least 30% of the area of ​​the second induction element in the principal extension plane.When viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the center point and / or centroid of the first sub-area and the center point and / or centroid of the second sub-area could, in particular, have a distance of at least 15%, more particularly at least 20%, and advantageously at least 25% of the longitudinal extent of a smaller induction element. When viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the center point and / or centroid of the first sub-area and the center point and / or centroid of the second sub-area could, in particular, have a distance of at least 40%, advantageously at most 35%, and preferably at most 30% of the longitudinal extent of a smaller induction element.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the overlapping induction elements could be arranged to overlap at least substantially completely. Viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the first sub-area could, in particular, comprise a proportion of at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, advantageously at least 85%, particularly advantageously at least 90%, and preferably at least 95% of the area of ​​the first induction element in the principal extension plane. Similarly, viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the second sub-area could comprise a proportion of at least 75%, more particularly at least 80%, advantageously at least 85%, particularly advantageously at least 90%, and preferably at least 95% of the area of ​​the second induction element in the principal extension plane.A center point and / or centroid of the first sub-area and a center point and / or centroid of the second sub-area could, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, have at least one of the induction elements in particular a distance of a maximum of 40%, advantageously of a maximum of 45% and preferably of a maximum of 50% of a longitudinal extension of a smaller of the induction elements.

[0017] The term "principal extension plane" of an object is understood to mean, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a largest face of the smallest imaginary geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object, and in particular, passes through the center of the cuboid. The term "longitudinal extension" of an object is understood to mean, in particular, an extension of the object along a longitudinal direction. The term "longitudinal extension direction" of an object is understood to mean, in particular, a direction that is aligned parallel to a longest side of the smallest imaginary geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. The term "extent" of an object is understood to mean, in particular, the maximum distance between two points of a perpendicular projection of the object onto a plane.

[0018] For example, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, at least one of the induction elements could have a shape that is at least substantially polygonal, such as a shape that is at least substantially rectangular and / or square and / or n-sided. Advantageously, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, at least one of the induction elements could have a shape that is at least substantially oval. When viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, at least one of the induction elements could have a shape that is at least substantially circular. Alternatively or additionally, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, at least one of the induction elements could have a shape that is at least substantially elliptical.

[0019] The device for inductive energy transfer, in particular an induction cooktop device, could, for example, comprise at least one printed circuit board on which the induction elements could, for example, be arranged. The printed circuit board could, in particular, have at least one layer on which the induction elements are arranged. Advantageously, the printed circuit board could have at least two and preferably at least three layers on which the induction elements are arranged. In particular, the induction elements could be printed onto the printed circuit board and, in particular, onto the layers of the printed circuit board.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the induction elements could each have at least one heating conductor, which could extend over different planes. For example, each induction element could have at least one coil support on which the corresponding heating conductor could be wound, particularly on two opposite sides with respect to a principal extension plane of the coil support.

[0021] The magnetic flux bundling unit and in particular the magnetic flux bundling element consists in particular at least to a large extent of ferrites, which are in particular ferromagnetic ceramic materials.

[0022] The phrase "assigned" a magnetic flux focusing element to an induction element means, in particular, that the magnetic flux focusing element, in at least one operating state in which the induction element is in operation and provides a magnetic flux, at least partially focuses the magnetic flux provided by the induction element. A magnetic flux focusing element, which is specifically assigned to the overlapping induction elements, focuses, in at least one operating state, at least partially, each of the induction elements of the overlapping induction elements to which the magnetic flux focusing element is specifically assigned.The phrase "at least partially" means that a magnetic flux bundling element bundles a magnetic flux, in particular that the magnetic flux bundling element bundles the magnetic flux on its own or that the magnetic flux bundling element bundles the magnetic flux together with at least one other magnetic flux bundling element.

[0023] The magnetic flux focusing element associated with the overlapping induction elements is arranged, in particular, in the immediate vicinity of at least one of the induction elements and advantageously in the immediate vicinity of each of the overlapping induction elements. Viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane of at least one of the induction elements, the magnetic flux focusing element associated with the overlapping induction elements is arranged, in particular, at least to a large extent within an area spanned by the overlapping induction elements. The magnetic flux focusing element associated with the overlapping induction elements is, in particular, free from saturation. "At least to a large extent" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 70%, more particularly at least 80%, advantageously at least 90%, and preferably at least 95%.

[0024] The term "intended" should be understood to mean, in particular, specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0025] In a further aspect of the invention, which can be considered both on its own and in combination with other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the device for inductive energy transfer, in particular an induction hob device, comprises at least one magnetic flux bundling unit, in particular the aforementioned magnetic flux bundling unit, which is provided for bundling at least one of the magnetic fluxes supplied by at least one of the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, wherein the magnetic flux bundling unit and the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, are arranged in at least two spatially separated layers with respect to at least one principal extension plane of at least one of the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements.In particular, the layers are arranged at least substantially parallel to each other in at least one assembled state. In at least one assembled state, the layers are arranged at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane and / or to at least one support plate, in particular a cooktop plate. The device for inductive energy transfer, in particular an induction cooktop device, has in particular at least one support plate, in particular a cooktop plate, which is provided in particular for placing and / or setting up at least one further unit, in particular cooking utensils, and which in particular consists at least to a large extent of glass and / or glass-ceramic.The term "at least substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. The layers are arranged without overlap with respect to at least one direction in which the layers are arranged adjacent to one another. Starting from at least one point within a first layer and progressing in at least one direction in which the layers are arranged adjacent to one another, a straight line connecting the layers intersects, in particular, first a boundary of the first layer and then a boundary of a second layer. This allows, in particular, for simple assembly.In particular, a modular design can be enabled, which means that individual components can be manufactured and / or purchased separately.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal extension plane, the magnetic flux focusing element is arranged along an imaginary connecting line of the centers of gravity and / or midpoints of the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, thereby achieving optimal flux focusing.

[0027] The magnetic flux bundling unit has at least one further magnetic flux bundling element, which is assigned to at least one of the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, whereby in particular optimal heating of a cooking vessel placed on the unit and / or optimized energy transfer to the further unit can be achieved.

[0028] The additional magnetic flux focusing element could, for example, be assigned to at least two, in particular overlapping, induction elements, especially induction heating elements. In particular, at least one of the overlapping induction elements, especially induction heating elements, to which the additional magnetic flux focusing element is assigned could be identical to at least one of the overlapping induction elements, especially induction heating elements, to which the magnetic flux focusing element is assigned. In particular, at least one of the overlapping induction elements, especially induction heating elements, to which the additional magnetic flux focusing element is assigned could be different from at least one of the overlapping induction elements, especially induction heating elements, to which the magnetic flux focusing element is assigned. The additional magnetic flux focusing element is assigned to exactly one of the induction elements, especially induction heating elements.This allows for a targeted response to local conditions and / or designs of induction elements, especially induction heating elements, thereby enabling high flexibility and / or optimized flux bundling.

[0029] Each induction element, particularly an induction heating element, is assigned an identical number of magnetic flux-bundling elements. Specifically, the number of magnetic flux-bundling elements assigned to a first induction element corresponds to the number of magnetic flux-bundling elements assigned to a second induction element, which differs from the first. This allows for, in particular, uniform heating of a cooking vessel, optimized energy transfer to subsequent units, and / or automated manufacturing and / or assembly.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the magnetic flux focusing element has a longitudinal extent that differs from the longitudinal extent of the other magnetic flux focusing element. For example, the longitudinal extent of the magnetic flux focusing element could be smaller than the longitudinal extent of the other magnetic flux focusing element. In particular, the longitudinal extent of the magnetic flux focusing element could be larger than the longitudinal extent of the other magnetic flux focusing element.The phrase "the longitudinal extent of the magnetic flux focusing element differs" from the longitudinal extent of the other magnetic flux focusing element" means, in particular, that a first longitudinal extent is greater than a second longitudinal extent, wherein, in particular, the ratio of the second longitudinal extent to the first longitudinal extent has a value of at most 0.9, more specifically at most 0.85, advantageously at most 0.8, particularly advantageously at most 0.7, and preferably at most 0.6. This allows magnetic flux focusing elements with the required longitudinal extent to be assigned to the induction elements with particular flexibility and as needed, thereby enabling optimal focusing of the flux provided by the respective induction element.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the magnetic flux focusing element and the further magnetic flux focusing element be designed at least substantially identically. In particular, the magnetic flux focusing element and the further magnetic flux focusing element have at least substantially the same shape and / or design. Specifically, the magnetic flux focusing element has an extension in at least one direction that corresponds at least substantially to a further extension of the further magnetic flux focusing element in that direction. The ratio of a shorter extension to a longer extension is in particular at least 0.92, advantageously at least 0.95, particularly advantageously at least 0.97, and preferably at least 0.99. The extension could in particular be a longitudinal extension and / or a transverse extension and / or a thickness. This allows for particularly low inventory requirements.

[0032] The additional magnetic flux focusing element could, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal plane, be arranged, for example, within a surface spanned by the induction element to which the additional magnetic flux focusing element could be associated. Advantageously, the additional magnetic flux focusing element projects, at least partially, beyond the induction element, in particular the induction heating element, to which the additional magnetic flux focusing element is associated, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal plane.In particular, the further magnetic flux focusing element has at least one projecting section which, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal plane of extension, is arranged outside a surface spanned by the induction element, in particular the heating element, to which the further magnetic flux focusing element is particularly associated. In particular, the projecting section has a mass fraction and / or volume fraction of the magnetic flux focusing element of at most 20%, in particular at most 15%, advantageously at most 10%, particularly advantageously at most 5%, and preferably at most 2%.In particular, when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal plane of extension of at least one of the induction elements, especially induction heating elements, the magnetic flux focusing element is arranged at least to a large extent within a surface spanned by the induction element, especially the induction heating element, to which the further magnetic flux focusing element is particularly associated. This allows, in particular, a magnetic flux provided by the induction element to be focused particularly effectively.

[0033] A generic device can be further developed particularly advantageously by a method for operating a device for inductive energy transfer, in particular an induction cooktop device, with at least two overlapping induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, wherein a magnetic flux provided by the induction elements, in particular induction heating elements, is jointly bundled.

[0034] High flexibility can be achieved in particular by using the device for inductive energy transfer, which has at least two overlapping induction elements, especially in conjunction with at least one kitchen appliance and / or with at least one power tool and / or with at least one electric vehicle and / or with at least one electrically operated medical device and / or with at least one mobile phone and / or with at least one laptop and / or with at least one PC.

[0035] The device for inductive energy transfer is not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the device for inductive energy transfer may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein.

[0036] 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. It will be advantageous for those skilled in the art to also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations, as shown in the claims below.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 shows a device for inductive energy transfer based on an exemplary selected embodiment as an induction cooktop with an induction cooktop device in a schematic top view; Fig. 2 shows overlapping induction heating elements and a magnetic flux bundling unit of the induction cooktop device in a schematic top view of a main extension plane of the induction heating elements, wherein magnetic flux bundling elements of the magnetic flux bundling unit, which are assigned to at least two induction heating elements, are marked in the figures with a single line hatching and magnetic flux bundling elements, which are assigned to exactly one of the induction heating elements, with a double line hatching; Fig. 3 shows the magnetic flux bundling unit and a space divider element of the induction cooktop device in a schematic top view; Fig. 4 shows a section of the induction cooktop device in a schematic sectional view.5. An alternative induction hob device in a schematic top view, Fig. 6. Another alternative induction hob device in a schematic top view, Fig. 7. Another alternative induction hob device in a schematic top view, Fig. 8. Another alternative induction hob device in a schematic top view, Fig. 9. Another alternative induction hob device in a schematic top view, Fig. 10. Another alternative induction hob device in a schematic top view, Fig. 11. An induction hob device not according to the invention in a schematic top view, Fig. 12. An alternative device for inductive energy transfer based on an exemplary selected embodiment for inductive energy transfer to a hand-held power tool in a schematic representation, and Fig.13 An alternative device for inductive energy transfer, illustrated by an exemplary embodiment for inductive energy transfer to a self-propelled work device in a schematic representation.

[0038] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a device for inductive energy transfer 10a using an exemplary embodiment as an induction cooktop 30a. The device for inductive energy transfer 10a has a plurality of induction elements 12a, which in the embodiments of the Figures 1 to 11 in particular are referred to as induction heating elements 12a.

[0039] Despite the specific designation of the objects being tailored to an induction cooktop 30a, the following description is to be understood generally. In particular, the inductive power transfer device 10a can be used in a wide variety of technical fields. For example, the inductive power transfer device 10a could be used wherever it is necessary to supply other units with electrical energy wirelessly and / or, in particular, largely without requiring precise positioning. This applies especially in connection with kitchen appliances and / or power tools and / or electromobility and / or electrically operated medical devices and / or mobile phones and / or laptops and / or PCs. Examples from these fields are included in the embodiments for better illustration. Figure 12 and 13Two further exemplary configurations are described. The following description is based on the aforementioned exemplary configuration as an induction cooktop 30a.

[0040] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an induction cooktop 30a with an induction cooktop device 10a. The induction cooktop device 10a has a cooktop surface 32a. In an installed state, the cooktop surface 32a forms part of a cooktop outer housing, in particular of the induction cooktop 30a. In an installed position, the cooktop surface 32a forms a part of the cooktop outer housing facing the user. In an installed state, the cooktop surface 32a is designed for placing cooking utensils on.

[0041] The induction hob device 10a has an operator interface 34 for input and / or selection of operating parameters (see Fig. 1), for example, a heating output and / or a heating power density and / or a heating zone. The operator interface 34a is designed to output the 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 audibly.

[0042] The induction hob device 10a has a control unit 36a. The control unit 36a is designed to perform actions and / or change settings depending on operating parameters entered via the user interface 34a.

[0043] The induction hob device 10a has a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12a (see Fig. 2 Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the induction heating elements 12a are arranged in a row. Alternatively, the induction heating elements 12a could be arranged in the form of a matrix. In the present embodiment, the induction heating elements 12a have a substantially circular shape when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal plane of extension of one of the induction heating elements 12a.

[0045] The induction hob device 10a could, for example, in addition to the overlapping induction heating elements 12a, have at least one further induction heating element (not shown), which could in particular be arranged without overlapping with the overlapping induction heating elements 12a.

[0046] The induction heating elements 12a are designed to heat cookware placed on the hob 32a above the induction heating elements 12a. In an operating state, the induction heating elements 12a, which are activated, provide a magnetic flux, which is intended, in particular, for heating the cookware placed on the hob. The induction heating elements 12a, which are activated, supply energy to the cookware placed on the hob, in particular by means of the magnetic flux provided by the induction heating elements. The control unit 32a regulates the energy supply to the activated induction heating elements 12a in an operating state. In one installation position, the induction heating elements 12a are arranged below the hob 32a (see figure). Fig. 4 ).

[0047] The induction hob device 10a has a circuit board 44a (see Fig. 2 and 4The printed circuit board 44a is designed in two layers in the present embodiment. The induction heating elements 12a are arranged on the printed circuit board 44a. Adjacent induction heating elements 12a are arranged on different layers of the printed circuit board 44a.

[0048] The induction hob device 10a has a magnetic flux bundling unit 14a (see Figs. 2 to 4 The magnetic flux focusing unit 14a is designed to focus a magnetic flux provided by the induction heating elements. In an operating state, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14a focuses a magnetic flux provided by induction heating elements 12a, which are preferably activated. The magnetic flux focusing unit 14a is associated with the overlapping induction heating elements 12a.

[0049] The induction hob device 10a has a room divider element 42a (see Fig. 3 and 4The space divider element 42a is designed as a shielding element in the present embodiment. In an assembled state, the space divider element 42a subdivides a storage space separated by the outer housing of the cooktop, within which, in particular, the induction heating elements 12a and the magnetic flux bundling unit 14a are arranged.

[0050] In one installation position, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14a is arranged above the space divider element 42a. The magnetic flux focusing unit 14a is mounted on the space divider element 42a in another installation position. The circuit board 44a is arranged in the same installation position as the magnetic flux focusing unit 14a, and thus, in particular, above the space divider element 42a. With respect to a main extension plane of one of the induction heating elements, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14a and the induction heating elements 12a are arranged in two spatially separated layers 18a and 20a (see Figure 1). Fig. 4 ).

[0051] The magnetic flux focusing unit 14a has several magnetic flux focusing elements 16a (see figure). Figs. 2 to 4 Each of the magnetic flux focusing elements 16a is assigned to two of the overlapping induction heating elements 12a for flux focusing. Only one of the magnetic flux focusing elements 16a will be described below.

[0052] When viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12a, the magnetic flux focusing element 16a is largely located within an overlap region of the induction heating elements 12a. The magnetic flux focusing element 16a, when viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12a, is arranged along an imaginary connecting line 22a between the centroids 38a and / or midpoints 40a of the induction heating elements 12a.

[0053] The magnetic flux focusing unit 14a has a large number of further magnetic flux focusing elements 24a (see below). Figs. 2 and 3 In the present embodiment, the magnetic flux bundling unit 14a has four further magnetic flux bundling elements 24a per induction heating element 12a. Only one of the further magnetic flux bundling elements 24a will be described below.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the additional magnetic flux focusing element 24a is assigned to exactly one of the induction heating elements 12a. Each induction heating element 12a is assigned an identical number of magnetic flux focusing elements 16a, 24a. In the present embodiment, each induction heating element 12a is assigned six magnetic flux focusing elements 16a, 24a. In the present embodiment, each induction heating element 12a is assigned two magnetic flux focusing elements 16a and four additional magnetic flux focusing elements 24a.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the magnetic flux bundling element 16a and the further magnetic flux bundling element 24a are essentially identical.

[0056] When viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12a, the further magnetic flux focusing element 24a partially projects beyond the induction heating element 12a. The further magnetic flux focusing element 24a has a projection area 46a (see figure). Fig. 2 ). When viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12a, the overhanging part area 46a is arranged outside a surface spanned by the induction heating element 12a, to which the further magnetic flux pooling element 24a is assigned.

[0057] In a method for operating an induction hob device 10a, a magnetic flux provided by the induction heating elements 12a, which are in particular activated, is bundled together, in particular by the magnetic flux bundling unit 14a.

[0058] In Figs. 5 to 11Further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 Reference can be made to. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment is used in the Figs. 1 to 4 by the letters b to h in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of the Figs. 5 to 11 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment of the Figs. 1 to 4 be referred.

[0059] Fig. 5Figure 1 shows another induction cooktop device 10b with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12b arranged in a row. A magnetic flux focusing unit 14b of the induction cooktop device 10b has several magnetic flux focusing elements 16b. Only one of the magnetic flux focusing elements 16b will be described below.

[0060] The magnetic flux bundling element 16b, which is assigned to two adjacent overlapping induction heating elements 12b for flux bundling, is arranged, when viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12b, along an imaginary connecting line 22b of centroids 38b and / or centers 40b of the induction heating elements 12b.

[0061] The magnetic flux focusing unit 14b comprises a plurality of further magnetic flux focusing elements 24b. In the present embodiment, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14b comprises four further magnetic flux focusing elements 24b per induction heating element 12b. Only one of the further magnetic flux focusing elements 24b will be described below.

[0062] The magnetic flux focusing element 16b has a longitudinal extent 26b, which differs from the longitudinal extent 28b of the further magnetic flux focusing element 24b. The longitudinal extent 26b of the magnetic flux focusing element 16b is greater than the longitudinal extent 28b of the further magnetic flux focusing element 24b.

[0063] In the present embodiment, a large proportion of the additional magnetic flux focusing elements 24b are assigned to two adjacent, overlapping induction heating elements 12b. With the exception of four further magnetic flux focusing elements 24b, of which two are assigned to exactly one of the edge-side induction heating elements 12b, all other magnetic flux focusing elements 24b are assigned to two adjacent, overlapping induction heating elements 12b.

[0064] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows another induction cooktop device 10c with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12c. A longitudinal extent 26c of a magnetic flux focusing element 16c of a magnetic flux focusing unit 14c is greater than a longitudinal extent 28c of another magnetic flux focusing element 24c of the magnetic flux focusing unit 14c. In the present embodiment, the further magnetic flux focusing element 24c is assigned to exactly one of the induction heating elements 12c. In the present embodiment, the induction heating elements 12c are arranged in a row.

[0065] Fig. 7Figure 1 shows another induction cooktop device 10d with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12d. The induction heating elements 12d are arranged in the form of a matrix. The matrix corresponds to a regular mathematical matrix in which rows and columns are arranged in a regular pattern without offset relative to each other. A magnetic flux focusing unit 14d of the induction cooktop device 10d has several magnetic flux focusing elements 16d.

[0066] The magnetic flux focusing elements 16d, each of which is assigned to two adjacent overlapping induction heating elements 12d for flux focusing, are arranged along imaginary connecting lines 22d from the centroids 38d and / or midpoints 40d of the induction heating elements 12d when viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12d. The imaginary connecting lines 22d are aligned parallel to the row vectors and column vectors of the matrix.

[0067] The magnetic flux focusing element 16d has a longitudinal extent 26d, which differs from the longitudinal extent 28d of another magnetic flux focusing element 24d of the magnetic flux focusing unit 14d. In the present embodiment, the induction heating elements 12d are arranged on a two-layer printed circuit board 44d.

[0068] Fig. 8Figure 1 shows another induction cooktop device 10e with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12e. The induction heating elements 12e are arranged in the form of a matrix. When viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12e, the matrix has a substantially triangular shape. In the present embodiment, the induction heating elements 12e are arranged on a three-layer printed circuit board 44e.

[0069] A magnetic flux bundling unit 14e of the induction cooktop device 10e has several magnetic flux bundling elements 16e. The magnetic flux bundling elements 16e, each of which is assigned to two adjacent overlapping induction heating elements 12e for flux bundling, are arranged, when viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12e, along imaginary connecting lines 22e from centroids 38e and / or midpoints 40e of the induction heating elements 12e.

[0070] Some of the imaginary connecting lines 22e are aligned parallel to the row vectors of the matrix. Some of the imaginary connecting lines 22e are aligned obliquely relative to the row vectors and / or column vectors of the matrix. In the present embodiment, the connecting lines 22e that are aligned obliquely relative to the row vectors and / or column vectors of the matrix form a minimum angle of essentially 60° with the row vectors of the matrix. In the present embodiment, the connecting lines 22e that are aligned obliquely relative to the row vectors and / or column vectors of the matrix form a minimum angle of essentially 30° with the column vectors of the matrix.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the magnetic flux bundling elements 16e and further magnetic flux bundling elements 24e of the magnetic flux bundling unit 14e are essentially identical.

[0072] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows another induction cooktop device 10f with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12f, which are arranged in a row. In the present embodiment, the induction heating elements 12f have a substantially elliptical shape when viewed perpendicularly to at least one principal plane of extension of one of the induction heating elements 12f.

[0073] The induction heating elements 12f are arranged overlapping along their respective longitudinal sides. A row, along which the induction heating elements 12f are arranged adjacent to each other, is oriented perpendicular to the respective longitudinal extensions of the induction heating elements 12f.

[0074] A magnetic flux bundling unit 14f of the induction hob device 10f has several magnetic flux bundling elements 16f. Two magnetic flux bundling elements 16f are assigned to each pair of overlapping induction heating elements 12f for flux bundling.

[0075] The magnetic flux focusing unit 14f comprises a plurality of further magnetic flux focusing elements 24f. Each of the further magnetic flux focusing elements 24f is assigned to exactly one of the induction heating elements 12f. Six magnetic flux focusing elements 16f, 24f are assigned to each of the induction heating elements 12f. In the present embodiment, the magnetic flux focusing elements 16f and the further magnetic flux focusing elements 24f are essentially identical.

[0076] Fig. 10Figure 1 shows another induction cooktop device 10g with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12g, which are arranged in the form of a regular matrix. Induction heating elements 12g which, when viewed perpendicularly to a principal extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12g, are surrounded by two induction heating elements 12g in the row and column in which they are arranged, are exclusively assigned to magnetic flux bundling elements 16g, which are assigned to two overlapping induction heating elements 12g for flux bundling.

[0077] When viewed perpendicularly on a main extension plane of one of the induction heating elements 12g, at least one further magnetic flux bundling element 24g and a maximum of three further magnetic flux bundling elements 24g are assigned to induction heating elements 12g arranged at the edge, depending on their position in the matrix.

[0078] Fig. 11Figure 1 shows an induction cooktop device 10h not according to the invention, with a plurality of overlapping induction heating elements 12h arranged in the form of a matrix. Adjacent columns of the matrix are offset relative to each other. In the present embodiment, when viewed perpendicularly to a principal plane of extension of one of the induction heating elements 12h, the offset columns of the matrix are arranged by half a transverse extension of the induction heating elements 12h.

[0079] A magnetic flux focusing unit 14h of the induction cooktop device 10h has a plurality of magnetic flux focusing elements 12h. Some of the magnetic flux focusing elements 12h are assigned to two overlapping induction heating elements 12h. Some of the magnetic flux focusing elements 12h are assigned to three overlapping induction heating elements 12h.

[0080] Fig. 12Figure 1 shows an alternative device for inductive energy transfer 10i using an exemplary selected embodiment for inductive energy transfer to a power tool 48i. In the present embodiment, the power tool 48i is a hand-held power tool. The power tool 48i has a battery 50i, which is provided for receiving the energy supplied by the device for inductive energy transfer 10i.

[0081] The inductive power transfer device 10i has a contact plane 52i. In the present embodiment, the contact plane 52i is defined and / or formed by a surface of a housing unit 54i of the inductive power transfer device 10i. The contact plane 52i is formed and / or defined by a support plate 32i. The support plate 32i is designed as a side wall of the housing unit 54i.

[0082] The device for inductive energy transfer 10i has several overlapping induction elements 12i. Two of the induction elements 12i are arranged in an overlapping manner. An induction element 12i can be arranged overlapping with at least two, in particular with at least three, advantageously with at least four, and preferably with several further induction elements 12i. Fig. 8 The induction elements 12i are represented as a rectangle.

[0083] The inductive power transmission device 10i comprises a magnetic flux focusing unit 14i, which is designed to focus a magnetic flux provided by at least one of the induction elements 12i. In an operating state, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14i focuses a magnetic flux provided by at least one of the induction elements 12i. The magnetic flux focusing unit 14i comprises several magnetic flux focusing elements 16i, of which only one is described below. The magnetic flux focusing element 16i is associated with the overlapping induction elements 12i for flux focusing.

[0084] The magnetic flux focusing unit 14i is analogous to that of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 described magnetic flux focusing unit 14a. Alternatively, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14i could be designed analogously to one of the embodiments described in the Figures 5 to 11described magnetic flux bundling units 14b-h are formed.

[0085] Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows an alternative device for inductive energy transfer 10j using an exemplary selected embodiment for inductive energy transfer to a self-propelled work device 56j. In the present embodiment, the self-propelled work device 56j is a self-propelled lawnmower. Alternatively, the self-propelled work device 56j could, for example, be a self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

[0086] A contact plane 52j of the inductive power transfer device 10j is a surface. In the present embodiment, the contact plane 52j could, in particular, be the floor of a garage and / or a charging station for the self-propelled work device 56j. In the case of a self-propelled work device 56j, which is a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, the contact plane 52j could, for example, be the floor of a room and / or a charging station for the self-propelled work device 56j.

[0087] The inductive power transmission device 10j has a magnetic flux focusing unit 14j, which is designed to focus a magnetic flux provided by at least one of the induction elements 12j. In an operating state, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14j focuses a magnetic flux provided by at least one of the induction elements 12j. The magnetic flux focusing unit 14j has several magnetic flux focusing elements 16j, of which only one is described below. The magnetic flux focusing element 16j is associated with the overlapping induction elements 12j for flux focusing.

[0088] The magnetic flux focusing unit 14j is analogous to that of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 described magnetic flux focusing unit 14a. Alternatively, the magnetic flux focusing unit 14j could be designed analogously to one of the embodiments described in the Figures 5 to 11described magnetic flux bundling units 14b-h are formed.

[0089] Alternatively or in addition to the embodiments described in the examples above Figures 1 to 13 In the illustrated embodiments, the device for inductive energy transfer 10a-j, which has two overlapping induction elements 12a-j, could be intended for use in conjunction with at least one kitchen appliance and / or with at least one power tool and / or with at least one electric mobility device and / or with at least one electrically operated medical device and / or with at least one mobile phone and / or with at least one laptop and / or with at least one PC. Reference sign

[0090] 10 Induction hob device Device for inductive energy transmission 12 Induction heating element Induction element 14 Magnetic flux pooling unit 16 Magnetic flux bundling element 18 layer 20 layer 22 connecting line 24 Additional magnetic flux focusing element 26 Longitudinal extent 28 Longitudinal extent 30 Induction hob 32 cooktop support plate 34 User interface 36 control unit 38 focus 40 center 42 room divider element 44 Circuit board 46 Transmitting sub-area 48 Power tool 50 accumulator 52 Contact level 54 Housing unit 56 Self-propelled work equipment

Claims

1. Device for inductive energy transfer with at least two overlapping induction elements (12a-g), and with at least one magnetic flux bundling unit (14a-g), which is provided for bundling at least one magnetic flux provided by at least one of the induction elements (12a-g) and which has several magnetic flux bundling elements (16a-g, 24a-g), wherein at least one magnetic flux bundling element (16a-g) of the several magnetic flux bundling elements (16a-g, 24a-g) for flux bundling is assigned to the overlapping induction elements (12a-g), wherein at least one further magnetic flux bundling element (24a-g) of the several magnetic flux bundling elements (16a-g, 24a-g) is assigned to precisely one of the induction elements (12a-g), characterised in that an identical number of several magnetic flux bundling elements (16a-g, 24a-g) is assigned to the overlapping induction elements (12a-g) in each case.

2. Device for inductive energy transfer according to claim 1, characterised in that the magnetic flux bundling unit (14a-g) and the induction elements (12a-g) are arranged in at least two layers separated spatially from one another with respect to at least one main extension plane of at least one of the induction elements (12a-g).

3. Device for inductive energy transfer according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that when viewed vertically on at least one main extension plane of at least one of the induction elements (12a-e) the magnetic flux bundling element (16a-e) is arranged along a notional connection line (22a-e) of centres of gravity (38a-e) and / or centre points (40a-e) of the induction elements (12a-e).

4. Device for inductive energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetic flux bundling element (16b-d) has a longitudinal extension (26b-d) which differs from a longitudinal extension (28b-d) of the further magnetic flux bundling element (24b-d).

5. Device for inductive energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetic flux bundling element (16a; 16e-g) and the further magnetic flux bundling element (24a; 24e-g) are embodied to be at least substantially identical.

6. Device for inductive energy transfer according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the further magnetic flux bundling element (24b-d) overhangs the induction element (12b-d) when viewed vertically onto at least one main extension plane of at least one of the induction elements (12b-d).

7. Induction field with at least one device for inductive energy transfer (10a-g) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Method for operating a device for inductive energy transfer (10a-g) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a magnetic flux provided by the induction elements (12a-g) is bundled together.

9. Use of the device for inductive transfer (10a-g), which has at least two overlapping induction elements (12a-g), according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, in particular in conjunction with at least one kitchen appliance (30a-g) and / or with at least one electric tool and / or with at least one electromobility and / or with at least one electrically operated medical object and / or with at least one mobile and / or with at least one laptop and / or with at least one PC.