OPERATING AN INDUCTION HOB

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the operation of an induction cooker with an induction coil that can be arranged in or under a worktop.

[0002] An induction cooktop consists of an induction coil mounted in or under a countertop. Cookware such as a pot or pan can be placed on the countertop and heated without contact using electromagnetic induction. This type of setup is also called "induction under worktop" and allows for the flexible use of a horizontal surface as a cooktop or countertop.

[0003] However, a stove control panel mounted on the countertop can visually disrupt the work surface. This can destroy the integrated and seamless nature of the approach. A gap can form at the transition between the control panel and the rest of the countertop, which can be difficult to clean.

[0004] DE 10 2009 026 447 A1 shows a stove with an extractor hood mounted above it. A projector for visualizing an input field for the stove can be attached to the extractor hood. In an alternative embodiment, the input field is visualized by a projection head on the edge of the worktop, but in conjunction with the stove itself. DE 10 2010 039 371 A1 describes a control device for a household appliance with an optical recognition device for detecting operating processes. Optical imaging occurs through a work surface, and a sensor is necessarily always located below the work surface. WO 2014 / 108521 A1 relates to a hob with a cooking zone and a marking that indicates the area of ​​the cooking zone. The marking can be activated and deactivated independently of the cooking zone.DE 10 2010 042 436 A1 and US 2010 / 0065038A1 each describe hobs with extractor hoods that can be extended from a work surface.

[0005] An object underlying the present invention is to provide an induction cooker which can be integrated with a worktop in an improved manner and which is capable of realizing a sensory dual function in a functional element of an induction cooker which can be arranged above a work surface.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of independent claim 1. Subclaims give preferred embodiments.

[0007] An induction cooker comprises an induction coil configured for mounting beneath a work surface; an operating device configured for visualizing an input field in the area of ​​the work surface; a control device for controlling the induction coil in response to actuation of the input field; and a functional element configured for mounting on the work surface in such a way that it extends upward from the work surface. The operating device is attached to the functional element.

[0008] According to the invention, the functional element comprises a suction device and an infrared sensor, and the control device is designed to control the induction coil in dependence on a signal from the infrared sensor.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the invention, the operating device comprises a projector and an optical sensor for detecting an actuation of the input field. This optical sensor is provided in addition to the infrared sensor.

[0010] Finally, according to the invention, the optical sensor and the projector are mounted on the suction device at a predetermined distance.

[0011] The work surface can in particular comprise the surface of a countertop. The induction coil can be mounted beneath the countertop or recessed into the countertop. The countertop surface can be closed and visually uniform. The stove can be better integrated with the countertop, and the countertop or work surface can be cleaned more easily. By mounting the operating device above the work surface, improved visualization can be achieved, for example by means of a projector or a laser device. A connection, in particular cabling, between the operating device and the control device can be designed simply. Additional operating elements, for example in the front of a piece of furniture arranged beneath the work surface or above the countertop, for example in an overhead extractor hood, can be omitted.By integrating the control device with the functional element, intuitive control can be achieved. Furthermore, the functions of the control device and the functional element can be coordinated.

[0012] The functional element comprises an infrared sensor, wherein the control device is configured to control the induction coil depending on a signal from the infrared sensor. The infrared sensor can, in particular, sense the temperature of a cookware heated by the induction coil, so that compliance with a predetermined cooking temperature can be monitored or food can be prevented from sticking or boiling over in the cookware.

[0013] According to the invention, the functional element comprises an extraction device. The extraction device is preferably configured to extract air from the area above the induction coil, either laterally or downwards. Odors, vapors, or grease splashes can be more effectively removed from the cooking area or from the surrounding air. The extracted air is typically conveyed beneath the work surface, optionally filtered, and expelled into the room or outside. Due to the downward extraction, the arrangement is also referred to as a downdraft extractor hood. It has been recognized that the usual height of such an extraction device above the worktop can be advantageously utilized for the installation of the control device.

[0014] The induction cooker can include a device for detecting actuation of the input field, which device is designed for installation beneath the work surface. If the work surface borders a worktop, the device can be embedded in the worktop, for example, in the form of a capacitive proximity switch, or can be installed beneath the worktop. Alternative devices include, for example, an ultrasound- or radar-based sensor. In this variant, the position of the input field can be fixed, but the visualization of the input field can be demand-driven.

[0015] According to the invention, the operating device comprises a projector and an optical sensor for sensing an actuation of the input field. The sensor and the projector are mounted on the extraction device at a predetermined distance. This distance can be effective, in particular, in the horizontal direction. The actuation of the input field can thus be determined more precisely. In particular, the exact time at which a touch of the work surface in the area of ​​the input field occurs or the exact location of the touch can be determined with improved accuracy.

[0016] The projector can operate with visible light, and the sensor can operate with optically invisible light. The sensor can, in particular, operate based on infrared light and detect activation of the input field by a warm object, particularly a user's hand. The object's heat can be limited to a predetermined temperature range to ensure that no inanimate object such as a cooking utensil or cookware accidentally activates the input field.

[0017] The functional element can be permanently attached to the work surface, extending upwards from it. Alternatively, the functional element can be retractable into the work surface. For this purpose, a particularly telescopic elevation mechanism can be provided in the worktop. If the functional element is fully retracted, its surface can be flush with the work surface.

[0018] The functional element can also include a main switch. The main switch can control the operation of the induction cooker. In particular, the heating of cookware by means of the induction coil can be prevented when the main switch is turned off. If the functional element also includes an extraction device, this can also be operated when the main switch is turned off. The main switch can be advantageously provided, particularly in the version with a retractable functional element. For example, the main switch can switch on the induction cooker when the functional element is raised and extended from the work surface. The extension can be manual or, for example, motor- or spring-controlled.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the operating device is configured to project information onto the work surface. The information is typically directed to a user of the induction cooker and can, in particular, comprise an operating status or an input prompt. The location at which the input field is projected onto the work surface can be selectable within predetermined limits. For this purpose, the operating device can, for example, be movably mounted on the functional element.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the operating device is configured to project information onto a vertical surface in the area of ​​the work surface. The vertical surface can extend on a side of the induction cooker facing away from a user or to the side of the induction cooker. Multiple input fields can also be projected onto different locations. These locations can be located on the same or different surfaces.

[0021] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary induction cooker; Figure 2 shows a view of an induction cooker in a further embodiment; and Figure 3 shows an exemplary extraction device for an induction cooker represents.

[0022] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of an exemplary induction cooker 100. The induction cooker 100 is mounted in the region of a work surface 105, which preferably extends horizontally and can in particular comprise the upper side of a worktop 110. A cooking utensil 115 can be placed on the upper side of the work surface 105, which can be electromagnetically excited and thus heated by an induction coil 120 located in or below the worktop 110. The worktop 110 is preferably designed to be heat-resistant. A control device 125 is configured to control the induction coil 120 and can be mounted in the region of an underside of the work surface 105.

[0023] A functional element 130 extends vertically upward from the work surface 105. The functional element 130 can be mounted rigidly or retractably relative to the work surface 105. In the retractable variant, a mechanism is preferably provided that allows a telescopic vertical movement of the functional element 130. In a fully retracted position, an upper surface of the functional element 130 is preferably substantially flush with the work surface 105.

[0024] The functional element 130 preferably fulfills at least two tasks that are functionally related to the operation of the induction cooker 100. A first task is fulfilled in such a way that the functional element 130 extends over the work surface 105, at least during operation of the induction cooker 100. A second task utilizes this in that the functional element serves as a support for an operating device. Furthermore, a main switch 135 can be coupled to the functional element 130, which can control a function of the induction cooker 100. In particular, operation of the induction coil 120 can be prevented if the main switch 135 is open. If the functional element 130 is vertically movable, the main switch 135 can be closed when the functional element 130 is vertically extended.

[0025] The first task can include an extraction device 140 configured to extract vapors, steam, or grease mist in the area of ​​the induction cooker 100, and in particular in an area provided for placing the cookware 115. For this purpose, the extraction device 140 can comprise a fan, a drive motor, a filter, or a separator for water or grease. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a labyrinth filter is provided, which can be removed and cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. The control device 125 can control the operation of the extraction device 140. In particular, the extraction of air can be controlled as a function of the heating of the cookware 115.

[0026] The first task may also include an infrared sensor 145 configured to determine a temperature of an object in the area of ​​the work surface 105. The object may, in particular, include the cookware 115, and a sensing area of ​​the infrared sensor 145 may be opposite the induction coil 120 on the top side of the work surface 105.

[0027] To operate the induction cooker 100, an input field 150 can be provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is located on the surface of the work surface 105. In another embodiment, the input field 150 can also be formed on another surface, in particular on a vertical surface such as a wall or a side of a piece of furniture in the area of ​​the work surface 105. Actuation of the input field 150 can be detected by the control device 125, and the induction coil 120 can be controlled depending on the detected actuation. In one embodiment, a sensor 155 is provided, which can be mounted in particular below the work surface 105, for example in or below the worktop 110. The sensor 155 can operate capacitively, for example, as a proximity switch. The resolution of the sensor 155 can be selected depending on the complexity of a desired input field 150.

[0028] It is proposed to provide an operating device 160 on the functional element 130, wherein the operating device 160 is configured to visualize the input field 150. The visualization should be visually accessible to a user in the area of ​​the work surface 105. For this purpose, the operating device 160 can, in particular, comprise a projector 165, which provides a projection from an elevated position above the work surface 105 as an optical indication or visualization of the input field 150. In a further embodiment, the operating device 160 additionally comprises an optical sensor 170, for example a camera, which is configured to optically detect an actuation of the input field 150. The optical sensor 170 can provide a two-dimensional image of an area or additional depth information that indicates the distance to an object in the scanned area.For this purpose, the optical sensor 170 can comprise a depth camera in addition to or as an alternative to a conventional optical camera. In one variant, the depth camera comprises two spaced-apart cameras, and the distance of an image point from the cameras is determined by triangulation. In another variant, the depth camera comprises a light source and is configured to determine the time between the emission of light and the arrival of light reflected from the object ("time of flight camera"). The light used for this purpose can, in particular, be in an invisible range, such as the infrared range.

[0029] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 170 and the infrared sensor 145 are integrated with one another. The optical sensor 170 comprises an optical camera configured to operate in the infrared range. The optical sensor 170 and the projector 165 can be combined with one another and form a separately manageable unit. In a further embodiment, the projector 165 and the optical sensor 170 are mounted on the functional element 130 at a distance from one another. The distance can define a baseline, which can extend, in particular, parallel to the work surface 105. Touching a surface onto which the input field 150 is projected can thus be detected more accurately and improved.

[0030] The operating device 160 preferably forms an interaction device that can be configured to control only the induction cooker 100 or additionally one or more other household appliances, in particular kitchen appliances. For this purpose, the operating device 160 can be equipped with a preferably wireless interface 175. The interface 175 or a dedicated interface can be provided to communicate with a central location 180 that provides a service or information relating to the control of one or more of the household appliances. The central location 180 can be implemented in particular as a server or in a cloud. In a further variant, information can also be stored at the central location 180. By means of the operating device 160, an intuitive and interactive user interface can be created to control the induction cooker 100 and optionally one or more other household appliances.Through this integration, the household appliances can be controlled in a more concerted manner, for example to reflect their involvement in a common task such as preparing a meal or to respond better to a user's wishes or habits.

[0031] Figure 2shows a view of an induction cooker 100 in a further embodiment. In the variant shown, the functional element 130 comprises an extraction device 140, which is preferably mounted vertically retractable in the worktop 110. The operating device 160, which includes at least the projector 165, is attached to the extraction device 140. The operating device 160 is preferably arranged so as to be movable relative to the extraction device 140 or the functional element 130 in order to be able to vary the position of the input field 150. Shown are a first variant in which the input field 150 is projected onto the work surface 105, and a second variant in which the input field 150 is projected onto a wall 205, which can extend vertically, in particular, next to or behind the work surface 105.

[0032] Figure 3shows an exemplary extraction device 140 for an induction cooker 100 in one embodiment. The extraction device 140 is preferably vertically movable, so that it can be retracted or extended into a corresponding recess through the work surface 105 or in the worktop 110. Optionally, a lighting unit 305 can be attached to the functional element 130 or the extraction device 140, in particular in an upper area. A filter element 310 can be removed from the extraction device 140. In one embodiment, the extraction device 140 can also be lowered vertically into the work surface 105 without the filter element 310. Reference symbol

[0033] 100Induction cooker 105Work surface 110Worktop 115Cookware 120Induction coil 125Control device 130Functional element 135Main switch 140Extraction device 145Infrared sensor 150Input field 155Sensor 160Control device 165Projector 170Optical sensor 175Interface 180Central point 205Wall 305Lighting 310Filter element

Claims

1. Induction cooker (100), wherein the induction cooker (100) comprises the following: - an induction coil (120), configured for attachment beneath a worktop (105); - an operating apparatus (160), configured for visualisation of an input field (150) in the region of the worktop (105), wherein the operating apparatus (160) comprises a projector (165) and an optical sensor (170) for sensing an actuation of the input field (150); - a control apparatus (125) for controlling the induction coil (120) as a function of an actuation of the input field (150); and - a functional element (130) which is configured for attachment to the worktop (105) such that it extends upwardly from the worktop (105), wherein the operating apparatus (160) is attached to the functional element (130); characterised in that - the functional element (130) comprises a suction apparatus (140) and an infrared sensor (145) and the control apparatus (125) is configured to control the induction coil (120) as a function of a signal from the infrared sensor (145), and - the optical sensor (170) and the projector (165) are attached to the suction apparatus (140) at a predetermined distance.

2. Induction cooker (100) according to claim 1, wherein the projector (165) operates with visible light and the optical sensor (170) operates optically with invisible light.

3. Induction cooker (100) according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor (170) and the infrared sensor (145) are designed such that they are integrated with one another, wherein the optical sensor (170) has an optical camera which is configured to operate in the infrared range.

4. Induction cooker (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a facility (155) for detecting an actuation of the input field (150), wherein the facility (155) is configured for attachment beneath the worktop (105).

5. Induction cooker (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element (130) can be retracted into the worktop (105).

6. Induction cooker (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element (130) comprises a main switch (135).

7. Induction cooker (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating apparatus (160) is configured to project an item of information onto the worktop (105).

8. Induction cooker (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating apparatus (160) is configured to project an item of information onto a vertical surface in the region of the worktop (105).