INDUCTION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an induction device according to the preamble of claim 1. An induction device is already known from the prior art, comprising a plurality of induction units arranged in a matrix and comprising a sensor unit for detecting a sensor parameter configured as a presence parameter of at least one object, specifically at least one cooking utensil. The induction units are part of the sensor unit and configured as sensor elements. To detect the cooking utensil, the induction units are briefly activated. Following the brief activation of the induction units, a control unit analyzes the impedance of a respective induction unit. If the impedance of a respective induction unit is within a predetermined range, the control unit activates the corresponding induction unit to heat the cooking utensil placed thereon.The detection resolution is relatively low, making it impossible to detect small objects. Furthermore, there is a risk that energy will be transferred to the cookware when the induction unit is activated, even though energy transfer is undesirable at this time.

[0002] EP 2 312 908 A1 (BSH BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERAETE [DE]) 20 April 2011 (2011-04-20) describes an induction device with an induction unit and a sensor unit, which is provided for detecting a sensor characteristic.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties regarding the detection of certain parameters. 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.

[0004] The invention is defined by claim 1 and is based on an induction device, in particular an induction hob device, with at least one induction unit, in particular with at least one induction heating unit, with at least one sensor unit which is provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter, and with at least one control unit which is provided for evaluating the sensor parameter, wherein the sensor unit is arranged in an installation position above the induction unit and has a plurality of presence sensor elements arranged in a distributed manner, in particular in a matrix-like manner, which are provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter designed as a presence parameter of at least one object, in particular at least one item of cooking utensil set up.

[0005] The design according to the invention makes it possible, in particular, to achieve advantageous detection of specific parameters. By arranging the sensor unit above the induction unit, a compact design can be achieved. In particular, precise detection can be enabled, in particular due to the spatial proximity of the sensor unit to the induction unit and / or to a support plate and / or to a cooking utensil. In particular, due to a modular and / or independent nature of the sensor unit relative to the induction unit, independence of the sensor unit and the induction unit can be achieved, whereby in particular an influence of a change in the sensor unit and / or the induction unit on the induction unit and / or the sensor unit can be avoided.

[0006] The presence sensor elements enable, in particular, precise detection of placed cooking utensils and / or the object, particularly with much lower, particularly unwanted, energy transfer to the object to be detected than compared to sensor elements formed by the induction unit. Due to the large number of presence sensor elements, a high resolution can be achieved, whereby even small objects and / or cooking utensils can be easily detected. The activity sensor elements enable, in particular, precise detection of an activity of the induction unit, whereby, in particular, incorrect activation of an induction unit can be avoided and / or a high safety standard can be provided.In particular, by exclusively activating the required induction units, an environmentally friendly and / or economical design can be achieved, which in particular allows for a high level of user comfort. In particular, an additional circuit for detecting an electrical voltage and / or an electrical current of the induction unit can be dispensed with, which in particular allows for low costs.

[0007] The temperature sensor elements enable, in particular, precise detection of the unit's temperature, thereby achieving optimal cooking results. Overheating of a unit, which could be the induction unit and / or the base plate, can be avoided, thereby achieving a long-lasting design. In particular, burning and / or overcooking of food can be prevented, thereby achieving a high level of user convenience.

[0008] An "induction device," in particular an "induction hob device," is understood to mean at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of an induction device, in particular an induction hob. The induction device is preferably intended for inductive energy transmission to at least one object. The object could, for example, be a self-propelled implement and / or a handheld power tool and / or a blind and / or a remote control. Preferably, the object is a cooking utensil. The object can, in particular, be identical to the object that is intended for detection by the plurality of presence sensor elements, particularly if the object is intended for inductive energy transmission.

[0009] The induction device, designed in particular as an induction hob device, could, for example, have at least one installation plate, designed in particular as a hob plate, which could be provided in particular for placing cooking utensils on, in particular for the purpose of heating the cooking utensils, and could, in particular, together with at least one housing unit of the induction device, define and / or form at least one outer housing, in particular at least one hob outer housing, in particular of at least one induction hob having the induction device. In particular, the induction device, which in particular has the installation plate, designed in particular as a hob plate, could be provided for delivery and / or sale, in particular together with the installation plate, designed in particular as a hob plate.

[0010] Alternatively, the induction device, designed in particular as an induction hob device, could, for example, be free of a base plate and, in particular, be intended for arrangement beneath a base plate, designed in particular as a worktop and advantageously as a kitchen worktop. In particular, the induction device, which could, in particular, be free of a base plate, designed in particular as a worktop, could be intended for delivery and / or sale separately from at least one base plate, designed in particular as a worktop. The base plate, designed in particular as a worktop and advantageously as a kitchen worktop, could, for example, be part of at least one cooking system, which could, in particular, comprise the induction device and, in particular, the base plate, designed in particular as a worktop and advantageously as a kitchen worktop.

[0011] In particular, the induction device comprises at least two, advantageously at least three, particularly advantageously at least four, preferably at least eight, and particularly preferably a plurality of induction units. The induction units are particularly distributed and advantageously arranged in a matrix-like manner. In this context, an "induction unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit which, in at least one operating state, provides energy, particularly in the form of an alternating electromagnetic field, advantageously for the purpose of inductive energy transmission to at least one object, particularly as a function of the control unit's activation of the induction unit.Advantageously, the induction unit is designed as an induction heating unit and, in at least one operating state, supplies energy, in particular to at least one object designed as a cooking utensil, for the purpose of heating the cooking utensil, in particular as a function of control of the induction unit by the control unit.

[0012] In particular, the control unit is intended to control and / or regulate at least the induction unit. A "control unit" is to be understood in particular as an electronic unit which, in at least one operating state, controls and / or regulates at least one appliance function and / or at least one main appliance function, in particular an inductive transmission of energy to at least one object, advantageously a heating of at least one cooking utensil. The control unit has in particular at least one computing unit and, in particular in addition to the computing unit, at least one memory unit in which, in particular, at least one control and / or regulation program is stored, which is in particular intended to be executed by the computing unit. In particular, the control unit is intended to control and / or regulate at least one cooktop unit that is different from the control unit, in particular an electrical and / or electronic cooktop unit.A "cooktop unit" should be understood to mean, in particular, at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop. At least one cooktop unit could, for example, be at least one user interface and / or the induction unit and / or at least one inverter and / or at least one extractor unit and / or at least one cooktop electronics and / or the sensor unit.

[0013] A "sensor unit" is understood, in particular, to be a unit that has at least one sensor element configured as a detector for detecting at least one sensor characteristic and that is particularly intended to output a value characterizing the sensor characteristic, wherein the sensor characteristic is advantageously a physical and / or chemical quantity. For example, the sensor unit could actively detect the sensor characteristic in at least one operating state, such as, in particular, by generating and transmitting a measurement signal, in particular, an electrical and / or optical measurement signal. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit could passively detect the sensor characteristic in at least one operating state, such as, in particular, by detecting at least one change in the property of at least one sensor component and / or the sensor element.In particular, at least a majority of the and advantageously each of the sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements has at least one detector for detecting at least one sensor characteristic.

[0014] "At least a majority" of a number of elements is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a proportion of at least 70%, in particular of at least 80%, advantageously of at least 90%, and preferably of at least 95% of the number of elements. A "multiplicity" of objects, in particular of sensor elements and / or induction units, is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a number of at least six, in particular of at least nine, advantageously of at least twelve, particularly advantageously of at least sixteen, preferably of at least twenty-five, particularly preferably of at least thirty-six, preferably of at least forty-nine, and particularly preferably of at least sixty-four objects.

[0015] The phrase "the sensor unit being arranged "above" the induction unit in an installation position is to be understood in particular as meaning that the sensor unit, in an installation position, has a greater distance from a base in at least one vertical direction than the induction unit and / or that the sensor unit, in an installation position, has a smaller distance from at least one set-up cooking utensil and / or from the installation plate in at least one vertical direction than the induction unit. In an installation position, the vertical direction is oriented in particular at least substantially parallel to a direction of gravity and / or at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the installation plate. The base could, for example, be a floor and / or a floor and / or a mounting surface.

[0016] "Substantially parallel" is understood here to mean, in particular, an orientation 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, a maximum of 8°, advantageously a maximum of 5°, and particularly advantageously a maximum of 2°. The term "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, in particular viewed in a plane, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, a maximum of 8°, advantageously a maximum of 5°, and particularly advantageously a maximum of 2°.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.

[0017] For example, the sensor unit could be arranged in one installation position, in particular on a side of the installation plate facing away from the induction unit and / or facing the cooking utensil. Advantageously, the sensor unit is arranged in one installation position, in particular on a side of the installation plate facing away from the induction unit and / or facing away from the cooking utensil. In one installation position, the sensor unit is arranged, in particular as viewed in the vertical direction, between the installation plate and the induction unit. For example, the sensor unit could be arranged in one installation position in close proximity above the induction unit and, in particular, be placed on the induction unit. For example, the sensor unit could have at least one substrate on which the plurality of sensor elements of the sensor unit could be arranged in at least one assembled state.The substrate could, for example, be plate-like and, in particular, have a thickness that could be much smaller than a longitudinal extent and / or a transverse extent of the substrate. For example, the substrate could be formed at least largely from at least one plastic, such as polyimide. The substrate could, for example, be a printed circuit board and / or a film. In particular, at least one of the sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the sensor elements, and advantageously each of the sensor elements, in particular the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and / or the temperature sensor elements, could be arranged as a conductor track on the substrate.At least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of the sensor elements, in particular the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and / or the temperature sensor elements, could in particular consist at least to a large extent of copper and / or aluminum and / or nickel.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit could be arranged in an installed position, particularly in the vicinity of the mounting plate and advantageously on the mounting plate. For example, the sensor unit could be fastened in an installed position, particularly on the mounting plate, in particular by means of at least one force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or advantageously material-fitting connection, and could be designed, for example, as at least one coating. "At least to a large extent" should be understood to mean, in particular, a proportion, in particular a mass fraction and / or volume fraction, of at least 70%, in particular of at least 80%, advantageously of at least 90%, and preferably of at least 95%.

[0019] A plurality of "distributed" objects, in particular on sensor elements and / or on induction units, should be understood in particular to mean that when viewing a vertical projection of the objects in a plane, at least a first object of the objects has a distance of at most 300%, in particular of at most 250%, advantageously of at most 200%, particularly advantageously of at most 175%, preferably of at most 150% and particularly preferably of at most 125% of a maximum extent of a larger one of the objects in the plane from at least a second object of the objects, and that the first object has a distance of at least 300%, in particular of at least 350%, advantageously of at least 400%, particularly advantageously of at least 450%, preferably of at least 500% and particularly preferably of at least 600% of a maximum extent of a larger one of the objects in the plane from at least a third object of the objects.In particular, when viewing a vertical projection of the objects into a plane, at least 5, in particular at least 10, advantageously at least 20, particularly advantageously at least 30, preferably at least 50, and particularly preferably at least 60 objects are arranged on an area of ​​130 times the area of ​​one of the objects in the plane. A "distance" between at least two objects is understood here and below to mean, in particular, an extension from a geometric center and / or center of gravity of one of the objects to a geometric center and / or center of gravity of another of the objects.

[0020] A plurality of objects arranged in a "matrix-like" manner, in particular on sensor elements and / or on induction units, should be understood in particular to mean a plurality of objects that are arranged regularly, advantageously in the form of rows and columns and preferably in the form of a matrix with rows and columns. In particular, the rows and columns of the matrix define at least two axes of the matrix. The axes of the matrix could, for example, be aligned obliquely relative to one another. Advantageously, the axes of the matrix are aligned at least substantially perpendicular to one another. In particular, distances between one another, in particular directly adjacent rows of the matrix, and / or between one another, in particular directly adjacent columns of the matrix, could differ from one another.Advantageously, distances between mutual, in particular directly adjacent rows of the matrix and / or between mutual, in particular directly adjacent columns of the matrix are at least substantially and advantageously exactly the same, taking manufacturing tolerances into account. The matrix could, for example, be a mathematical matrix and, in particular, be describable using matrices. For example, a number of columns of the matrix and a number of rows of the matrix could be different from one another. Advantageously, a number of columns of the matrix and a number of rows of the matrix are at least substantially and advantageously exactly the same. The matrix of objects could, for example, be a 3x3, in particular a 4x4, advantageously a 5x5, particularly advantageously a 6x6, preferably a 7x7 and particularly preferably an 8x8 matrix of objects.Particularly advantageously, the matrix can be an XxY matrix in which at least one of the variables X and Y assumes a value of at least three, in particular of at least four, advantageously of at least five, particularly advantageously of at least eight, preferably of at least twelve and particularly preferably of at least fifteen.

[0021] A "presence sensor element" is understood, in particular, to be a sensor element that detects at least the presence and / or absence of at least one object in at least one operating state. In particular, the presence parameter of the object indicates at least the presence and / or absence of the object. The presence sensor element could, in particular in addition to the presence and / or absence of at least one object, be provided, for example, to detect at least one shape and / or at least one form and / or at least one size and / or at least one induction capability and / or at least one material of the object. At least one object could, for example, be cutlery and / or a kitchenware item and / or a coin.Advantageously, at least one object is a cooking utensil which is arranged, in particular placed, above the induction unit and advantageously above the installation plate, in particular for heating.

[0022] An "activity sensor element" is understood, in particular, to be a sensor element that detects at least one activity state of the induction unit in at least one operating state. In particular, the activity parameter of the induction unit indicates at least one activity state of the induction unit. For example, the activity sensor element could detect, in the form of the activity parameter, whether the induction unit is in an activated state or in a deactivated state. Alternatively or additionally, the activity sensor element could detect, for example, a degree of activity of the induction unit in the form of the activity parameter, which could, in particular, indicate the heating power provided by the induction unit in the operating state, in particular for heating the cooking utensil.In particular, the activity sensor element detects the activity characteristic of the induction unit by detecting a voltage induced in the activity sensor element, which is in particular induced by an alternating electromagnetic field provided by the induction unit.

[0023] A "temperature sensor element" is understood, in particular, to be a sensor element that detects at least one temperature of at least one unit in at least one operating state. In particular, the temperature characteristic of the unit indicates at least one temperature of the unit. At least one unit could, for example, be the induction unit and / or the support plate and / or the cooking utensil and / or at least one item of food to be cooked in the cooking utensil.

[0024] For example, the control unit could be configured to determine the presence and / or absence of the object, particularly as a function of the presence parameter and advantageously also as a function of the temperature parameter, particularly in the case of at least one small object. This could enable particularly precise detection of the presence and / or absence of the object.

[0025] "Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specifically programmed, 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.

[0026] It is further proposed that the sensor unit, when viewed from a vertical projection of a support surface defined at least by the induction unit, extends onto a plane over a surface portion of at least 50%, in particular of at least 60%, advantageously of at least 70%, particularly advantageously of at least 80%, preferably of at least 90%, and particularly preferably of at least 95% of an area spanned by the support surface in the plane. Particularly advantageously, when viewed from a vertical projection of a support surface onto a plane, the sensor unit extends over the entire surface extension spanned by the support surface in the plane. A "support surface" is to be understood in particular as a surface portion of the support plate that is provided for supporting the object, in particular for the purpose of transmitting energy to the object.The installation surface is advantageously designed as a cooking surface and is intended in particular for placing cooking utensils thereon, in particular for the purpose of heating the cooking utensils. In particular, in an installed position, at least a large part of the, and advantageously all of the induction units are arranged below the installation surface. The installation surface is defined in particular by an arrangement of at least a large part of the, and advantageously all of the induction units. When viewing a vertical projection of the installation surface and the induction units onto a plane, an area spanned by the installation surface in the plane and an area spanned by the induction units in the plane are at least 90%, in particular at least 92%, advantageously at least 95%, particularly advantageously at least 97%, preferably at least 99% and particularly preferably completely congruent.This makes it possible, in particular, to detect the sensor parameter over a large part of the installation area, which in particular provides a high level of operating comfort.

[0027] For example, at least one of the activity sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the activity sensor elements, and at least one of the activity sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the activity sensor elements, and at least one of the activity sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the activity sensor elements, and at least one of the activity sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the activity sensor elements, and at least one of the activity sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the activity sensor elements, and advantageously each of the activity sensor elements, are formed integrally with one another and in particular identically, in particular as one and the same element."Integral" should be understood in particular as being at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process, and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a reduced component diversity and / or reduced inventory. In particular, low costs can be achieved, since one sensor element can be used to detect at least two different parameters, particularly while avoiding additional hardware costs.

[0028] It is further proposed that at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements each have at least one induction coil. At least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements is arranged in at least one assembled state, in particular in a resonant circuit, which is in particular part of the induction device. In particular, the induction device has, in particular per activity sensor element and / or per presence sensor element, at least one resonant capacitor and in particular at least one electrical resistor, in particular an electrical shunt resistor, which are in particular arranged together with the induction coil in series and advantageously in the resonant circuit.Particularly in the case of presence sensor elements, the sensor unit detects the sensor parameter configured as a presence parameter, in particular by changing a resonant frequency of the induction coil and / or by changing a resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit and / or by changing an inductance of the induction coil. This enables optimal detection of the sensor parameter in a structurally simple manner, thereby achieving low costs and / or high detection quality.

[0029] For example, at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of the temperature sensor elements could be designed as a single piece with one another and in particular identically. A respective temperature sensor element could, for example, be designed as a resistance wire, which could in particular be wound into a coil and in particular could define the induction coil of the respective activity sensor element and / or the respective presence sensor element. Preferably, at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of the temperature sensor elements are designed differently from one another.This allows for a high degree of flexibility, particularly with regard to the arrangement of the temperature sensor elements relative to the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements. In particular, simple and / or rapid and / or cost-effective production can be achieved.

[0030] It is further proposed that at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the temperature sensor elements are arranged on mutually different layers of at least one substrate of the sensor unit. In particular, at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or presence sensor elements is arranged on a first layer of the substrate and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the temperature sensor elements is arranged on at least one second layer of the substrate, which is opposite the first layer of the substrate with respect to a main extension plane of the substrate.This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a compact design and / or a low number of components and / or low inventory levels.

[0031] It is also proposed that at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the temperature sensor elements are electrically connected in series. In particular, one of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and one of the temperature sensor elements are electrically connected in series. This allows optimal detection, in particular by means of a simple electrical circuit, which in particular allows for quick and / or uncomplicated installation.

[0032] It is further proposed that at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the temperature sensor elements are formed integrally with one another. In particular, one of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of the temperature sensor elements are formed integrally with one another. At least one of, in particular at least a majority of, and advantageously each of, the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements has, in particular, at least one electrical conduction element, which is, in particular, wound to form the induction coil and which is, in particular, formed as a thermistor or an RTD (resistance temperature detector) and forms the temperature sensor element.This makes it possible to achieve a low component diversity and / or low inventory levels.

[0033] It is further proposed that at least one of, in particular at least a majority of and advantageously each of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of, in particular at least a majority of and advantageously each of the temperature sensor elements are arranged at least in sections, in particular at least to a majority and advantageously completely overlapping, when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit onto a plane which is aligned in particular parallel to a main extension plane of the mounting plate and / or to a main extension plane of the induction unit.The phrase that at least two objects, in particular at least one of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and at least one of the temperature sensor elements, are arranged "at least partially overlapping" when viewing a vertical projection of the sensor unit onto a plane is to be understood in particular as meaning that when viewing a vertical projection of the sensor unit onto a plane, the objects are arranged overlapping to an area proportion of at least 30%, in particular of at least 50%, advantageously of at least 70%, particularly advantageously of at least 80%, preferably of at least 90% and particularly preferably of at least 95% of an area of ​​a smaller of the objects in the plane.This makes it possible, in particular, to provide the same resolution when detecting the presence parameter and / or the activity parameter and the temperature parameter, which in particular makes it possible to achieve a high level of operating convenience.

[0034] For example, at least a majority of, and advantageously all, of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and / or the temperature sensor elements could be arranged on different substrates, and the substrates could be arranged overlapping one another. Preferably, at least a majority of, and advantageously all, of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and / or the temperature sensor elements are arranged on the same substrate, which in particular enables a reduced component diversity and / or reduced inventory and / or reduced hardware costs.

[0035] It is also proposed that at least one of the temperature sensor elements, in particular at least a majority of the temperature sensor elements, and advantageously each of the temperature sensor elements be designed as a thermistor or an RTD. The thermistor is, in particular, a resistance thermometer and could, for example, be designed as a thermistor and / or a PTC thermistor. This allows for precise detection of the temperature parameter, which in particular enables optimal cooking results and / or a high level of user convenience.

[0036] A number of activity sensor elements and / or presence sensor elements and a number of temperature sensor elements could, for example, be different from one another. Preferably, a number of activity sensor elements and / or presence sensor elements and a number of temperature sensor elements are identical. In particular, each of the activity sensor elements and / or presence sensor elements is assigned exactly one temperature sensor element. A number of activity sensor elements and / or presence sensor elements and / or temperature sensor elements is in particular larger and advantageously significantly larger than a number of induction units. This enables, in particular, a high level of operating convenience and / or simple assignment of a detected temperature parameter to a detected activity parameter and / or to a detected presence parameter.

[0037] It is further proposed that at least one of, in particular at least a majority of and advantageously each of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and / or the temperature sensor elements, when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit onto a plane, each has a surface area of ​​at most 25 cm 2< , in particular of at most 20 cm 2< , advantageously of at most 15 cm 2< , particularly advantageously of at most 12 cm 2< , preferably of at most 10 cm 2< and particularly preferably of at most 9 cm 2< in the plane. In particular, at least one of, in particular at least a majority of and advantageously each of the sensor elements, in particular of the activity sensor elements and / or the presence sensor elements and / or the temperature sensor elements, could have a size which could be adapted in particular to an article and / or an object to be detected.In particular, the smaller the size of the sensor elements, the greater the spatial resolution that can be achieved, whereby in particular a precise detection of small objects and / or outlines and / or shapes of objects can be achieved. In particular, a high resolution can be achieved, whereby in particular even small and / or minimal sizes to be detected can be detected. For example, in the case of presence sensor elements, in particular a shape and / or form of even very small objects can be detected without any problems. Compared to sensor elements which are formed in particular by induction units, in particular a fraction of the energy needs to be transferred to the object to be detected, whereby in particular unwanted heating of the object to be detected can be kept to a minimum and / or completely excluded.For example, in the case of temperature sensor elements, dangerous situations can be avoided or at least reduced due to the high resolution, especially in the case of an automatic cooking process.

[0038] Particularly advantageous properties with regard to the detection of a sensor parameter can be achieved in particular by an induction device, in particular by an induction hob, with at least one induction device according to the invention.

[0039] The induction device is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the induction device may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein.

[0040] 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.

[0041] They show: Fig. 1 shows an induction device with an induction device in a schematic plan view, Fig. 2 shows a section of the induction device with the induction device in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 3 shows a section of a sensor unit of the induction device with a plurality of presence sensor elements and activity sensor elements in a schematic plan view, Fig. 4 shows one of the presence sensor elements and one of the activity sensor elements from Figure 3in an enlarged schematic representation, Fig. 5 a section of the sensor unit with a plurality of temperature sensor elements in a schematic plan view, wherein a representation of an electrical connection of the temperature sensor elements has been omitted, Fig. 6 one of the temperature sensor elements of the plurality of temperature sensor elements in an enlarged schematic representation, Fig. 7 a section of the sensor unit with the presence sensor elements, the activity sensor elements and the temperature sensor elements in a schematic plan view, wherein a substrate of the sensor unit has been shown transparent, Fig. 8 an enlarged section of Figure 7in a schematic representation, Fig. 9 an oscillating circuit of the sensor unit in a schematic representation, Fig. 10 a driver circuit of the sensor unit in a schematic representation, Fig. 11 a diagram in which a normalized inductance and a normalized frequency are each plotted against a normalized distance of the sensor unit to an object, in a schematic representation, Fig. 12 a presence sensor element, an activity sensor element and a temperature sensor element of a sensor unit of an alternative induction device in a schematic plan view and Fig. 13 a presence sensor element, an activity sensor element and a temperature sensor element of a sensor unit of an alternative induction device in a schematic plan view.

[0042] Figure 1shows an induction device 30a, which is designed as an induction hob, with an induction device 10a, which is designed as an induction hob device. In an alternative embodiment, the induction device 30a and / or the induction device 10a could, for example, be designed for inductive energy transmission to an object other than a cooking utensil 38a (not shown). The object could, for example, be a self-propelled work device and / or a handheld power tool and / or a blind and / or a remote control.

[0043] The induction device 10a has a support plate 32a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the support plate 32a is designed as a hob plate. In an assembled state, the support plate 32a forms part of a hob outer housing, specifically a hob outer housing, in particular of the induction device 30a. The support plate 32a is provided for placing cooking utensils 38a thereon (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0044] The induction device 10a has a plurality of induction units 12a for heating cooking utensils 38a (cf. Figure 2). In the figures, only one of the objects present in multiple locations is provided with a reference symbol. The induction units 12a together define a support surface 22a. In a vertical projection of the induction units 12a and the support surface 22a into a plane, in the present exemplary embodiment, a surface spanned by the induction units 12a in the plane and a surface spanned by the support surface 22a in the plane are essentially congruent. Only one of the induction units 12a will be described below.

[0045] The induction unit 12a is arranged in an installed position below the support plate 32a. The induction unit 12a is intended to heat cooking utensils 38a placed on the support plate 32a above the induction unit 12a. In the present embodiment, the induction unit 12a is designed as an induction heating unit.

[0046] The induction device 10a has a user interface 34a for input and / or selection of operating parameters (cf. Figure 1 ), for example, a heating power and / or a heating power density and / or a heating zone. The operator interface 34a is provided for outputting a value of an operating parameter to an operator.

[0047] The induction device 10a has a control unit 16a. The control unit 16a is designed to execute actions and / or change settings depending on operating parameters entered via the user interface 34a. In an operating state, the control unit 16a regulates a power supply to the induction unit 12a.

[0048] The control unit 16a is provided for evaluating and / or processing at least one sensor parameter detected by a sensor unit 14a. The induction device 10a has the sensor unit 14a (see. Figures 2 to 6 ). In one installation position, the sensor unit 14a is arranged below the mounting plate 32a (cf. Figure 2 ). The sensor unit 14a is arranged above the induction unit 12a in one installation position. In one installation position, the sensor unit 14a is arranged between the induction unit 12a and the mounting plate 32a.

[0049] When viewing a vertical projection of the installation surface 22a, which is defined at least by the induction unit 12a, onto a plane, the sensor unit 14a extends over a surface area of ​​essentially 100% of an area spanned by the installation surface 22a in the plane. When viewing a vertical projection of the sensor unit 14a and the installation surface 22a onto a plane, in the present exemplary embodiment, an area spanned by the sensor unit 14a in the plane and an area spanned by the installation surface 22a in the plane are essentially congruent.

[0050] The sensor unit 14a is provided for detecting at least one sensor characteristic. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 14a is provided for detecting at least three different sensor characteristics, in particular at least three different types and / or types of sensor characteristics. To detect the three different types and / or types of sensor characteristics, the sensor unit 14a has three sensor elements 18a, 24a, 26a, each of which is provided for detecting one of the different types and / or types of sensor characteristics.

[0051] The sensor unit 14a has a substrate 36a (cf. Figures 2 to 8 ). The sensor elements 18a, 24a, 26a are arranged on the substrate 36a. For example, the sensor elements 18a, 24a, 26a could be printed onto the substrate 36a and / or applied to the substrate 36a by means of a coating.

[0052] The sensor unit 14a has a plurality of distributed presence sensor elements 18a (cf. Figures 3 and 4 In the present embodiment, the presence sensor elements 18a are arranged in a matrix. The number of presence sensor elements 18a is significantly greater than the number of induction units 12a.

[0053] The presence sensor elements 18a are provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter configured as a presence parameter of at least one object 20a. The object 20a is part of the induction device 10a. In the present exemplary embodiment, at least one object 20a is the cooking utensil 38a. The presence sensor elements 18a are provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter configured as a presence parameter of the cooking utensil 38a. In the operating state, the presence sensor elements 18a detect at least one sensor parameter configured as a presence parameter of the object 20a and / or the cooking utensil 38a.

[0054] Each of the presence sensor elements 18a has at least one induction coil. In the operating state, the presence sensor elements 18a detect the sensor parameter configured as a presence parameter of the object 20a and / or the cooking utensil 38a by changing an impedance and / or a resonant frequency of the induction coil.

[0055] The sensor unit 14a has a plurality of distributed activity sensor elements 24a (cf. Figures 3 and 4 In the present embodiment, the activity sensor elements 24a are arranged in a matrix. The number of activity sensor elements 24a is significantly greater than the number of induction units 12a.

[0056] The activity sensor elements 24a are provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter configured as an activity parameter of the induction unit 12a. In the operating state, the activity sensor elements 24a detect at least one sensor parameter configured as an activity parameter of the induction unit 12a. Each of the activity sensor elements 24a has at least one induction coil.

[0057] A number of activity sensor elements 24a and a number of presence sensor elements 18a are identical. The activity sensor elements 24a and the presence sensor elements 18a are formed integrally with each other. One of the activity sensor elements 24a and one of the presence sensor elements 18a are formed integrally with each other.

[0058] The sensor unit 14a has a plurality of distributed temperature sensor elements 26a (cf. Figures 5 and 6In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged in a matrix. The number of temperature sensor elements 26a is significantly greater than the number of induction units 12a.

[0059] The temperature sensor elements 26a are provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter configured as a temperature parameter of at least one unit 28a. In the operating state, the temperature sensor elements 26a detect at least one sensor parameter configured as a temperature parameter of at least one unit 28a.

[0060] The unit 28a is part of the induction device 10a. In the present exemplary embodiment, at least one unit 28a is the mounting plate 32a. The temperature sensor elements 26a are provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter embodied as a temperature parameter of the mounting plate 32a. In the operating state, the temperature sensor elements 26a detect at least one sensor parameter embodied as a temperature parameter of the unit 28a and / or the mounting plate 32a. Each of the temperature sensor elements 26a is embodied as an RTD. In the operating state, the temperature sensor elements 26 detect the sensor parameter embodied as a temperature parameter of the unit 28a and / or the mounting plate 32a by changing an electrical resistance of the respective temperature sensor element 26a as a function of a temperature.

[0061] A number of activity sensor elements 24a and a number of temperature sensor elements 26a are identical. A number of presence sensor elements 18a and a number of temperature sensor elements 26a are identical.

[0062] Each of the presence sensor elements 18a and each of the temperature sensor elements 26a are configured differently from one another. Each of the activity sensor elements 24a and each of the temperature sensor elements 26a are configured differently from one another. Each of the presence sensor elements 18a and each of the temperature sensor elements 26a are configured differently from one another. Each of the activity sensor elements 24a and each of the temperature sensor elements 26a are configured differently from one another.

[0063] In the present exemplary embodiment, one of the presence sensor elements 18a and one of the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged at different layers of the substrate 36a of the sensor unit 14a. One of the activity sensor elements 24a and one of the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged at different layers of the substrate 36a of the sensor unit 14a. Each of the presence sensor elements 18a and each of the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged at different layers of the substrate 36a of the sensor unit 14a. Each of the activity sensor elements 24a and each of the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged at different layers of the substrate 36a of the sensor unit 14a.

[0064] When viewing a vertical projection of the sensor unit 14a onto a plane, one of the activity sensor elements 24a and one of the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged in sections and advantageously completely overlapping (cf. Figures 7 and 8 ). When viewing a vertical projection of the sensor unit 14a onto a plane, one of the presence sensor elements 18a and one of the temperature sensor elements 26a are arranged in sections and advantageously completely overlapping.

[0065] In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the presence sensor elements 18a has a surface area of ​​essentially 9 cm 2 in the plane when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit 14a onto a plane. Each of the presence sensor elements 18a has a surface area of ​​essentially 3 x 3 cm 2 in the plane when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit 12a onto a plane.

[0066] In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the activity sensor elements 24a has a surface area of ​​substantially 9 cm 2 in the plane when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit 14a onto a plane. Each of the activity sensor elements 24a has a surface area of ​​substantially 3 x 3 cm 2 in the plane when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit 12a onto a plane.

[0067] In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the temperature sensor elements 26a has a surface area of ​​essentially 9 cm 2 in the plane when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit 14a onto a plane. Each of the temperature sensor elements 26a has a surface area of ​​essentially 3 x 3 cm 2 in the plane when viewed from a vertical projection of the sensor unit 12a onto a plane.

[0068] The sensor unit 14a has a plurality of electrical oscillating circuits 50a (cf. Figure 9 ). In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 14a has an electrical oscillating circuit 50a for each presence sensor element 18a. Only the illustrated oscillating circuit 50a will be described below.

[0069] In particular, the sensor unit 14a has a resonant capacitance 54a for each resonant circuit 50a. The resonant capacitance 54a and the presence sensor element 18a, in particular the induction coil of the presence sensor element 18a, are electrically connected in series. In the present embodiment, the resonant capacitance 54a is embodied as a capacitor.

[0070] The sensor unit 14a has, in particular, one oscillator 52a per resonant circuit 50a. In the present embodiment, the oscillator 52a has a Clapp oscillator.

[0071] One of the presence sensor elements 18a, the resonant capacitor 54a, and the oscillator 52a are part of the resonant circuit 50a. When an object 20a approaches the presence sensor element 18a, the presence sensor element 18a detects the object 20a, in particular by changing, advantageously by increasing, the inductance of the induction coil.

[0072] The sensor unit 14a has a plurality of electrical driver circuits 56a (see Figure 10 ). In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 14a has an electrical driver circuit 56a for each presence sensor element 18a. Only the illustrated driver circuit 56a will be described below.

[0073] In particular, the sensor unit 14a has an electrical resistance 58a for each driver circuit 56a. The electrical resistance 58a and the

[0074] Presence sensor element 18a, in particular the induction coil of presence sensor element 18a, are electrically connected in series. In the present embodiment, electrical resistor 58a is designed as an electrical shunt resistor.

[0075] The sensor unit 14a has, in particular, one energy source 60a per driver circuit 56a. The energy source 60a is provided to provide electrical energy to the presence sensor element 18a. In the operating state, the control unit 16a operates the presence sensor element 18a, in particular by means of the energy source 60a, at a fixed frequency. In the operating state, the control unit 16a detects an impedance of the presence sensor element 18a.

[0076] If an object 20a is approached to the presence sensor element 18a, the presence sensor element 18a detects the object 20a, in particular by changing, advantageously by increasing, an inductance of the induction coil.

[0077] In the operating state, the control unit 16a detects an electrical voltage at a first measuring point 62a, which is arranged on a side of the presence sensor element 18a facing the resistor 58a. In the operating state, the control unit 16a detects an electrical voltage at a second measuring point 64a, which is arranged on a side of the presence sensor element 18a facing away from the resistor 58a. In the operating state, the control unit 16a calculates an impedance of the presence sensor element 18a from the detected electrical voltages and the electrical resistance 58a.

[0078] In the following, it is assumed that the electrical voltage at the first measuring point 62a is V1 and the electrical voltage at the second measuring point 64a is V2 and Rs is the electrical resistance 58a. In the operating state, the control unit 16a determines an impedance Z of the presence sensor element 18a using the following formula: Z = Rs V2 − V1 / V1

[0079] Figure 11 shows a diagram in which a normalized inductance of one of the induction coils and a normalized frequency are each plotted against a normalized distance of the sensor unit 14a to the object 20a. On a first ordinate axis 40a, an inductance of one of the induction coils is plotted relative to an inductance of the induction coil in the absence of the object 20a. On a second ordinate axis 42a, a frequency of one of the induction coils is plotted relative to a frequency of the induction coil in the absence of the object 20a. On an abscissa axis 44a, a distance of the sensor unit 14a to the object 20a is plotted relative to a maximum extension of one of the sensor elements 18a, 24a, 26a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the maximum extension of one of the sensor elements 18a, 24a, 26a is essentially 3 cm.

[0080] A solid curve 48a shows the normalized inductance of one of the induction coils. A dashed curve 46a shows the normalized frequency of one of the induction coils.

[0081] Out of Figure 11 It can be seen that the closer the object 20a comes to the sensor unit 14a, the lower is the inductance of the induction coil. For example, in the case of a standardized distance of 0.1, which in the present embodiment corresponds in particular to a distance of the object 20a from the sensor unit 14a of substantially 3 mm, the inductance of the induction coil assumes a value of approximately 50% of the value that the inductance of the induction coil assumes at a distance of the object 20a from the sensor unit 14a of substantially 30 mm.

[0082] Out of Figure 11It can be seen that the closer the object 20a comes to the sensor unit 14a, the higher is the frequency of the induction coil, particularly due to the lower increasing inductance of the induction coil.

[0083] In Figures 12 and 13 Two further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, with reference to the description of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 11 To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Figures 1 to 11 by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the

[0084] Figures 12 and 13With 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 Figures 1 to 11 be referred to.

[0085] Figure 12 shows a section of a sensor unit 14b of an alternative induction device 10b. The sensor unit 14b has a plurality of presence sensor elements 18b, a plurality of activity sensor elements 24b, and a plurality of temperature sensor elements 26a, only one of which is shown. Each of the presence sensor elements 18b and each of the activity sensor elements 24b are formed integrally with one another.

[0086] Each of the presence sensor elements 18b and each of the temperature sensor elements 26b are configured differently from one another. Each of the activity sensor elements 24b and each of the temperature sensor elements 26b are configured differently from one another. Each of the presence sensor elements 18b and each of the temperature sensor elements 26b are configured differently from one another. Each of the activity sensor elements 24b and each of the temperature sensor elements 26b are configured differently from one another.

[0087] In the present embodiment, one of the presence sensor elements 18b and one of the temperature sensor elements 26b are electrically connected in series. One of the activity sensor elements 24b and one of the temperature sensor elements 26b are electrically connected in series.

[0088] Figure 13shows a section of a sensor unit 14c of an alternative induction device 10c. The sensor unit 14c has a plurality of presence sensor elements 18c, a plurality of activity sensor elements 24c, and a plurality of temperature sensor elements 26c, only one of which is shown in each case. Each of the presence sensor elements 18c and each of the activity sensor elements 24c are formed integrally with one another. Each of the presence sensor elements 18c and each of the temperature sensor elements 26c are formed integrally with one another. Each of the activity sensor elements 24c and each of the temperature sensor elements 26c are formed integrally with one another. Reference symbol

[0089] 10 Induction device 12 Induction unit 14 Sensor unit 16 Control unit 18 Presence sensor element 20 Object 22 Installation surface 24 Activity sensor element 26 Temperature sensor element 28 Unit 30 Induction device 32 Installation plate 34 Operator interface 36 Substrate 38 Cooking utensil 40 First ordinate axis 42 Second ordinate axis 44 Abscissa axis 46 Waveform graph 48 Waveform graph 50 Resonant circuit 52 Oscillator 54 Resonant capacitance 56 Driver circuit 58 Resistor 60 Energy source 62 First measuring point 64 Second measuring point

Claims

1. Induction device, in particular an induction hob device, with at least one induction unit (12a-c), with at least one sensor unit (14a-c), which is provided to detect at least one sensor parameter, and with at least one control unit (16a-c), which is provided to analyse the sensor parameter, wherein in a mounted position the sensor unit (14a-c) is arranged above the induction unit (12a-c) and has a plurality of presence sensor elements (18a-c) arranged in a distributed manner, which are provided to detect at least one sensor parameter in the form of a presence parameter of at least one object (20a-c), characterised in that the sensor unit (14a-c) has a plurality of activity sensor elements (24a-c) arranged in a distributed manner, which are provided to detect at least one sensor parameter in the form of an activity parameter of the induction unit (12a-c), wherein at least one of the activity sensor elements (24a-c) and at least one of the presence sensor elements (18a-c) are configured as a single piece with one another.

2. Induction device according to claim 1, characterised in that, when looking at a perpendicular projection of a placement surface (22a-c), which is at least defined by the induction unit (12a-c), onto one plane, the sensor unit (14a-c) extends over a surface portion of at least 50% of a surface spanned by the placement surface (22a-c) in the plane.

3. Induction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the presence sensor elements (18a-c) has at least one induction coil.

4. Induction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor unit (14a-c) has a plurality of temperature sensor elements (26a-c) arranged in a distributed manner, which are provided to detect at least one sensor parameter in the form of a temperature parameter of at least one unit (28a-c).

5. Induction device according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one of the presence sensor elements (18a) and at least one of the temperature sensor elements (26a) are arranged on different layers of at least one substrate (36a) of the sensor unit (14a).

6. Induction device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that at least one of the presence sensor elements (18b) and at least one of the temperature sensor elements (26b) are connected electrically in series.

7. Induction device according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one of the presence sensor elements (18c) and at least one of the temperature sensor elements (26c) are configured as a single piece with one another.

8. Induction device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that, when looking at a perpendicular projection of the sensor unit (14a-c) onto one plane, at least one of the presence sensor elements (18a-c) and at least one of the temperature sensor elements (26a-c) are arranged so that they overlap at least in sections.

9. Induction device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that at least one of the temperature sensor elements (26a-c) is configured as a thermistor or RTD.

10. Induction device according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterised in that a number of presence sensor elements (18a-c) and a number of temperature sensor elements (26a-c) are identical.

11. Induction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, when looking at a perpendicular projection of the sensor unit (14a-c) onto one plane, at least one of the presence sensor elements (18a-c) has a surface extension of maximum 25 cm2 in the plane.

12. Induction appliance, in particular an induction hob, with at least one induction device (10a-c) according to one of the preceding claims.