INDUCTION ENERGY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an induction energy transfer system, in particular an induction cooking system, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method for operating an induction energy transfer system, in particular an induction cooking system, according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] An induction energy transmission system is already known in the art, comprising a power supply unit designed as a cooktop and a receiving unit designed as a mounting unit. Mounting units are known that include a cooking vessel and a base unit, which, in an operating state, are arranged between the cooking vessel and a mounting plate, particularly one designed as a cooktop plate. In this case, components of the mounting unit, such as a transmitter unit, are integrated into the base unit. Alternatively, mounting units are known that each have a housing unit, which forms an outer casing and defines a receiving space for food. Components of the mounting unit are integrated into the housing unit.In an operating state, the power supply unit inductively transfers energy to the receiving unit via a power supply induction element. The receiving unit has a transmitter unit which, in this operating state, transmits a signal to the power supply unit. This signal characterizes an identification parameter, which, depending on the signal from the transmitter unit, identifies the receiving unit in the operating state and, in particular, enables an association between the power supply unit's induction element and the receiving unit.

[0003] From DE 10 2009 000 273 A1, an induction energy transmission system is known with a receiving unit, a supply unit and a sensor unit, wherein a first information channel for transmitting a signal which encodes a measured quantity detected by the sensor unit is formed between the receiving unit and the supply unit, and wherein a second information channel for transmitting a second signal, different from the first and encoding information different from the measured quantity, is formed between the receiving unit and the supply unit.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic system with improved safety characteristics. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 13, 14 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to an induction energy transmission system, in particular an induction cooking system and advantageously an induction hob system, with at least one supply unit which has at least one supply induction element which inductively provides energy in at least one operating state, with at least one receiving unit which receives at least a part of the energy provided by the supply induction element in the operating state, with at least one sensor unit for detecting at least one measured quantity and with a first information channel for transmitting at least one first signal between the receiving unit and the supply unit which encodes the measured quantity.

[0006] It is proposed that the induction energy transmission system comprises at least one second information channel, distinct from the first, for transmitting at least one second signal between the receiving unit and the power supply unit, which encodes the measured quantity. The design according to the invention enables a high degree of safety, particularly for the operator. Specifically, information transmitted via the first information channel by means of a first signal can be retransmitted and / or simultaneously via the second information channel by means of a second signal and thereby verified. This ensures, in particular, the correct transmission of a measured quantity detected by the sensor unit, thereby reducing malfunctions and the associated potential hazards for the operator.Furthermore, high functionality and thus high ease of use and / or simple and / or comfortable operation can be enabled, and user satisfaction can be increased.

[0007] An "induction energy transfer system," in particular an "induction cooking system," and advantageously an "induction cooktop system," is understood to be a system comprising at least one power supply unit, in particular at least one induction cooking appliance, and advantageously at least one induction cooktop, and which has a primary functionality in the form of energy transfer. For example, the induction energy transfer system could be configured as an induction power tool system. In particular, the power supply unit and / or the receiving unit could be configured as a power tool, such as a drill, an electric screwdriver, a hammer drill, or a saw. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply unit and / or the receiving unit could be configured as a transformer.The induction energy transmission system could be intended, in particular, for at least one self-propelled work device and / or at least one remote control and / or at least one remote control unit. Specifically, the receiving unit could be configured as a self-propelled work device and / or as a remote control and / or as a remote control unit. The self-propelled work device could, for example, be configured as a self-propelled lawnmower and / or as a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. The remote control and / or the remote control unit could, in particular, be intended for operating and / or controlling at least one blind and / or at least one electrical appliance, especially 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.Furthermore, the receiving unit of the induction energy transfer system could be configured as a means of transport, in particular as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, or another fully or partially electrically powered means of transport. Preferably, the induction energy transfer system is configured as an induction cooking system. For example, the induction energy transfer system could be configured as an induction oven system and / or an induction grill system. In particular, the supply unit and / or the receiving unit could be configured as an induction oven and / or an induction grill. Advantageously, the induction energy transfer system is configured as an induction cooktop system. The supply unit and / or the receiving unit is then, in particular, configured as an induction cooktop.

[0008] A "power supply unit" is understood to be, in particular, a unit that inductively provides energy in at least one operating state and which has, in particular, a primary functionality in the form of energy supply. For the purpose of providing energy, the power supply unit has, in particular, at least one power supply induction element, which has, in particular, at least one coil, and which provides, in particular, inductive energy in the operating state.

[0009] An "induction element" is understood to be, in particular, an element that provides and / or receives energy in at least one operating state, especially for the purpose of inductive energy transfer. Specifically, in the operating state, an induction element designed as a supply induction element provides energy, especially for the purpose of inductive energy transfer. The supply induction element could, in particular, comprise at least one coil, especially at least one primary coil, which can be provided, in particular, for inductive energy transfer to at least one secondary coil. The secondary coil could, for example, be part of the receiving unit, in particular at least one receiving induction element of the receiving unit.In particular, during operation, an induction element designed as a receiving induction element absorbs energy, especially for the purpose of inductive energy transfer, and specifically from the supply induction element. The receiving induction element could, in particular, have at least one coil, and especially at least one secondary coil, which could be designed for inductive energy absorption from the supply induction element.

[0010] The supply induction element could, for example, be designed as a transformer element. Alternatively or additionally, the supply induction element could, in particular, be designed as an induction heating element and be provided, in particular, for energy transfer to at least one receiving unit designed as a mounting unit, especially for the purpose of heating the mounting unit. The supply induction element could, in at least one operating state, provide, in particular, an alternating field, especially an electromagnetic alternating field, with a frequency of at least 1 Hz, in particular at least 2 Hz, advantageously at least 5 Hz, and preferably at least 10 Hz.In particular, the supply induction element could provide, in at least one operating state, an alternating field, especially an electromagnetic alternating field, with a frequency of at most 150 kHz, particularly at most 120 kHz, advantageously at most 100 kHz, and preferably at most 80 kHz. A supply induction element, particularly one configured as an induction heating element, could provide, in at least one operating state, a high-frequency alternating field, especially a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field, with a frequency of at least 15 kHz and particularly at most 100 kHz.

[0011] For example, the power supply unit could have exactly one power supply induction element. However, the power supply unit could also have at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, preferably at least eight, and particularly preferably several power supply induction elements, which could each inductively supply energy, particularly in the operating state, to a single receiving unit or to at least two or more receiving units. In particular, one, and in particular any, of the power supply induction elements could be arranged in the immediate vicinity of at least one other power supply induction element. At least some of the power supply induction elements could, for example, be arranged in a row and / or in the form of a matrix.

[0012] The term "receiving unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a unit that receives energy in at least one operating state, especially inductively, and that has, in particular, at least one principal function. The receiving unit could, for example, have at least one consumer that could consume energy in the operating state. The receiving unit could, for example, be a hand-held power tool, such as a drill and / or an electric screwdriver and / or a hammer drill and / or a saw, and / or a car and / or a mobile device, such as a laptop and / or a tablet and / or a mobile phone, and / or a remote control and / or a remote control and / or a self-propelled work machine.Furthermore, the receiving unit could be configured as a means of transport, in particular as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, or another fully or partially electrically powered means of transport. A primary function of the receiving unit could, for example, include drilling, hammering, sawing, screwing, data processing, making phone calls, and / or driving. In the case of an induction energy transfer system configured as an induction cooking system, a primary function of the receiving unit is, in particular, energy absorption. For example, the energy absorbed by the receiving unit could, in the operating state, be directly converted into at least one other form of energy, such as heat. In particular, the receiving unit could be free of receiving induction elements.Preferably, the receiving unit has at least one receiving induction element for receiving inductive energy. The receiving induction element could, for example, have at least one coil, in particular at least one secondary coil.

[0013] A "sensor unit" is understood to be, in particular, a unit that detects and processes at least one measured quantity in at least one operating state. The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor element. The sensor unit could, in particular, also comprise several sensor elements. In this context, a "sensor element" is understood to be, in particular, an element associated with the sensor unit, which may, in particular, be designed as a sensor and, in at least one operating state, quantitatively and / or qualitatively detects at least one measured quantity and / or at least one physical and / or chemical property in its environment and converts it into an electrical signal for further processing. The detection can be active, such as by generating and transmitting an electrical measurement signal, and / or passive, such as by detecting changes in the properties of a sensor component.A sensor element could, for example, be designed as a temperature sensor, a weight sensor, a volume sensor, or a humidity sensor. Various other sensor elements that would appear useful to an expert are conceivable.

[0014] A "measured quantity" is understood to be, in particular, a measurable physical quantity. A measured quantity could be, for example, temperature, mass, volume, amount of substance, power, time, pressure, relative and / or absolute humidity, and / or material composition. Alternatively or additionally, a measured quantity could be a qualitative quantity that describes a state, such as an operating state, a cooking state, or a state of charge. In principle, all measured quantities that would appear meaningful to a specialist are conceivable.

[0015] The term "encoded" is understood to mean, in particular, conversion and / or translation into a specific format suitable for efficient transmission and / or storage. Specifically, encoding can include a process of conversion from analog to digital and / or from digital to analog. It is also conceivable that encoding includes a step of encryption, for example, to block unauthorized access to information encoded in a signal.

[0016] An "information channel" is understood to mean, in particular, the entirety of all units, elements, and transmission paths involved in the transmission of at least one signal from at least one sender to at least one receiver. Specifically, an information channel comprises at least part of the transmission unit and at least part of the receiving unit. A "transmission path" is understood to mean, in particular, a path along which a signal to be transmitted can be transferred from at least one sender to at least one receiver. A transmission path can be wired, in which case the transmission medium can be an electrically conductive metallic cable and / or a wire, or an optical fiber consisting, for example, of glass, quartz, or plastic fibers.Preferably, a transmission path within an information channel is wireless and comprises at least one electromagnetic wave, wherein a transmission medium of the information channel could, for example, be air.

[0017] The supply unit could, for example, be designed as an energy charger, in particular as an induction energy charger, and be designed in particular to transfer energy to at least one receiving unit by means of the supply induction element, which could be designed in particular as a mobile device, such as a laptop and / or a tablet and / or a mobile phone, and / or as a hand tool and / or as a self-propelled work device and / or as a remote control and / or as a remote control.Furthermore, the receiving unit could be designed as a means of transport, such as an electric vehicle and / or a hybrid vehicle and / or an electric bicycle and / or an electric scooter and / or another fully or partially electrically powered means of transport, wherein the supply unit in these cases could be designed as a charging station or charging point or the like and could, for example, be integrated into or at a parking facility. Preferably, the supply unit is designed as a cooking appliance, in particular as an induction cooking appliance, such as a cooktop, in particular as an induction cooktop and / or as an oven, in particular as an induction oven, and / or as a grill, in particular as an induction grill.In particular, the supply unit heats at least part of the receiving unit, especially at least one receiving chamber of the receiving unit, using the energy provided by the supply induction element. This allows the receiving unit to be supplied with the energy intended for it, thereby achieving optimal cooking results and / or reliable functionality of electrical and / or electronic units integrated into the receiving unit.

[0018] A "receiving space" is understood to mean, in particular, a spatial area which, in the operating state in which the supply unit transfers energy to the receiving unit, is at least largely bounded by the receiving unit and in which, in this operating state, foodstuffs may be arranged. The foodstuffs may be arranged in the receiving space in fluid form, particularly liquid and / or at least predominantly liquid, and / or solid form. This allows foodstuffs to be cooked particularly efficiently and / or precisely, since the energy required for cooking can be transferred with precision.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the receiving unit be designed as a cooking vessel, in particular as an induction cooking vessel. The receiving unit designed as a cooking vessel advantageously comprises at least one receiving induction element, which is designed as a secondary coil. The receiving induction element supplies at least one electrical heating element, preferably an electrical resistance heating element, with a portion of the energy received from the supplying induction element. This advantageously allows at least one food item arranged in the receiving chamber of the cooking vessel during a cooking process to be precisely supplied with the energy intended for the respective cooking process, thereby enabling, in particular, optimal cooking results.Alternatively or additionally, the receiving unit designed as a cooking vessel could have at least one, in particular ferromagnetic, base plate which is arranged below the receiving chamber and in which eddy currents are induced by the energy inductively supplied by the supply induction element, which heat the base plate to heat food located in the receiving chamber.

[0020] In an advantageous alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the receiving unit be designed as a base for placing a cooking vessel. For example, a receiving unit designed as a base could consist of at least one magnetic, in particular at least one ferromagnetic, material, and thereby advantageously enable the heating of a cooking vessel that is unsuitable for induction and / or non-magnetic, in particular non-ferromagnetic, by means of the energy supplied by the induction element. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents, at least substantially, the transfer of heat from the cooking vessel to a base plate.

[0021] For example, it would be conceivable that the first information channel comprises a wired transmitter and a wired receiver for electrical and / or optical transmission of a first signal. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the first information channel could include at least two radio transmitters and at least two radio receivers and be suitable for bidirectional signal transmission. Advantageously, however, the first information channel comprises at least one radio transmitter and at least one radio receiver. This allows for a particularly cost-effective wireless transmission of a first signal between the power supply unit and the receiving unit. Furthermore, this can significantly improve ease of use.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the initial signal be transmitted between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver according to the Bluetooth standard. This would advantageously ensure a particularly reliable transmission of the initial signal between the power supply unit and the receiving unit. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable to transmit the initial signal between the radio transmitter and the radio receiver according to another radio standard, for example, the Wireless LAN standard, the Z-Wave standard, the Zig Bee standard, or another radio standard that would appear suitable to a specialist for transmitting the initial signal.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second information channel comprises the supply induction element and at least one receiving induction element of the receiving unit. This advantageously allows a second signal, encoding the measured quantity, to be transmitted between the supply unit and the receiving unit. In particular, this allows a second signal to be transmitted between the supply unit and the receiving unit by means of an energy transmission signal. This advantageously enables a compact and / or component-free design. A "receiving induction element" is understood to be, in particular, an induction element that receives an electromagnetic signal in at least one operating state, especially for the purpose of inductive signal transmission.The receiving induction element could, in particular, comprise at least one coil, especially at least one secondary coil, which could be designed for the inductive reception of an electromagnetic signal provided by the supply induction element. The receiving induction element can be a receiving induction element whose primary function is to receive the energy provided by the supply induction element, and which additionally performs the function of receiving another signal, different from an energy transmission signal, in particular a second and / or a third signal. Alternatively, a receiving induction element can be configured differently from a receiving induction element and perform exclusively the function of receiving another signal, different from an energy transmission signal, in particular a second and / or a third signal.The recording unit can have multiple receiving induction elements.

[0024] For example, the signal could be modulated onto a power transmission signal from the power supply unit and / or be identical to the power transmission signal of the power supply unit. In particular, a power transmission signal from the power supply unit and the second signal could have the same frequency and / or be multiples of the same frequency. This allows for a particularly compact and / or component-free design, resulting in significantly lower costs.

[0025] It is further proposed that the second signal be frequency-modulated and / or amplitude-modulated and / or duty-rate-modulated. In particular, at least one piece of information encoded in the second signal and / or a third signal and / or transmittable by means of the second signal and / or the third signal is modulated onto, in particular, a power transmission signal of the power supply unit by means of at least one frequency and / or at least one amplitude and / or at least one duty cycle. The second signal and / or the third signal could, in particular, correspond to a harmonic of a power transmission signal of the power supply unit. This would ensure, in particular, simple and / or reliable transmission of the second signal and / or the third signal. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the second signal and / or the third signal corresponds to the power transmission signal of the power supply unit.Frequency modulation (FTM) refers specifically to a modulation technique in which a carrier frequency, such as the frequency of a power transmission signal or a mains frequency, is changed to transmit another signal. Amplitude modulation (AM) refers specifically to a modulation technique in which the amplitude of a carrier signal, such as the amplitude of a power transmission signal, is changed to transmit another signal. Duty cycle modulation (DCM) refers specifically to a modulation technique in which the duty cycle, i.e., the ratio of a pulse duration of a carrier signal to the period of a carrier signal, such as a power transmission signal, is changed to transmit another signal.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit include at least one sensor element integrated into the power supply unit. This could, for example, provide a high level of user comfort. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit could include an external sensor element, which could be connected to the power supply unit, for example, via a cable or wirelessly.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor element, in particular another sensor element, which is integrated into the receiving unit. Such a design advantageously allows at least one measured variable to be determined in an environment, and especially within the receiving space of the receiving unit. This also advantageously allows for a compact and / or component-free design, and a reduction in the number of components. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable for the sensor unit to have an external sensor element, which can, for example, be attached to and / or connected to and / or placed on the receiving unit and / or connected to the receiving unit in another suitable manner.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit include at least one temperature sensor. Advantageously, at least one sensor element of the sensor unit is designed as a temperature sensor. This allows the sensor unit to advantageously determine a temperature, for example, the temperature of food being cooked, as a measured variable and process it further, for example, for output to a user and / or for an adjustment, particularly automatic, of the energy supplied by the power supply unit. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one sensor element of the sensor unit is designed as a sensor other than a temperature sensor.It would be conceivable, for example, that at least one sensor element of the sensor unit is designed as a weight sensor, a volume sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a motion sensor, or as another sensor that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art for the application of an induction energy transfer system. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one other sensor element of the sensor unit is designed as another temperature sensor.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the induction energy transmission system comprises at least one third information channel for transmitting at least one third signal between the receiving unit and the supply unit, which encodes a further measured quantity. The third information channel may, in particular, share common elements, especially a common supply induction element and a common receiving induction element, with the second information channel. The third information channel differs from the second information channel, in particular, by virtue of the third signal being different from the second signal.The carrier frequency of the third signal could, in particular, be another frequency of an alternating electromagnetic field provided by the supply induction element, different from the carrier frequency of the second signal, for example, a mains frequency. The third signal could, for example, be modulated onto this additional carrier frequency, particularly by frequency modulation and / or amplitude modulation and / or duty cycle modulation. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable, for example, that the second signal is transmitted by a first modulation, such as frequency modulation of a carrier frequency, and the third signal by a second additional modulation, such as amplitude modulation of the same carrier frequency. This would particularly advantageously allow for the transmission of an additional measured quantity between the recording unit and the supply unit.This ensures, in particular, the error-free transmission of an additional measurement parameter between the supply unit and the recording unit. Furthermore, it can provide a particularly advantageous level of user comfort.

[0030] The invention further relates to a method for operating an induction energy transmission system, in particular an induction cooking system, with at least one supply unit which has at least one supply induction element, and with at least one receiving unit, wherein in at least one operating state energy is inductively provided by the supply induction element, which is received at least partly by the receiving unit, and at least one measured quantity is detected, which is encoded in a first signal and transmitted through a first information channel between the supply unit and the receiving unit.

[0031] It is proposed that at least one measured variable be encoded in a second signal and transmitted between the supply unit and the receiving unit via at least one second information channel, different from the first. This can increase operational reliability.

[0032] The induction energy transfer system is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the induction energy transfer system may, to fulfill a function described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein.

[0033] Further advantages 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. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0034] They show: Fig. 1 An induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and a receiving unit in a schematic top view, Fig. 2 The induction energy transmission system with a first information channel for transmitting a first signal and with a second information channel for transmitting a second signal, in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 3 The induction energy transmission system with a supply unit designed as a cooking device, Fig. 4 A summary of four diagrams in which the second signal, an amplitude of the second signal, a frequency of the second signal and a measured quantity are each plotted against time, in a schematic representation, Fig. 5 A diagram of a method for operating the induction energy transmission system in a schematic representation, Fig. 6 A diagram of another method for operating the induction energy transmission system in a schematic representation and Fig.7. A schematic representation of an input unit of an alternative embodiment of an induction energy transfer system.

[0035] Fig. 1 Figure 10a shows a top view of an induction energy transfer system 10a, which is designed as an induction cooking system. Figures 2 and 3 Side views of the induction energy transfer system 10a are shown, some in sectional view.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the induction energy transmission system 10a is configured as an induction cooktop system. The induction energy transmission system 10a includes a power supply unit 12a, which is configured as an induction power supply unit. The power supply unit 12a is configured as a cooking appliance 38a, in particular as a cooktop, specifically an induction cooktop. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 12a includes a mounting plate 24a.

[0037] In its assembled state, the mounting plate 24a forms a viewing surface, which, in this assembled state, is oriented towards the operator. The mounting plate 24a is designed to support a receiving unit 16a of the induction energy transfer system 10a, specifically a cooking vessel 40a, for heating. In the present embodiment, the mounting plate 24a is designed as a cooktop. The receiving unit 16a, designed as a cooking vessel 40a, has at least one receiving chamber 42a and at least one base plate 100a. In at least one operating state, the receiving chamber 42a contains food, which is cooked particularly efficiently and / or precisely by the energy supplied by a power induction element 14a and received by the receiving unit 16a.

[0038] The supply unit 12a has an operator interface 26a for inputting and / or selecting operating parameters, such as heating power and / or heating power density and / or a heating zone. The operator interface 26a is designed to output the value of an operating parameter to an operator.

[0039] The power supply unit 12a includes a control unit 28a. The control unit 28a is designed to execute actions and / or change settings depending on operating parameters entered via the operator interface 26a. In one operating state, the control unit 28a regulates the energy supply to at least one power induction element 14a of the power supply unit 12a.

[0040] Preferably, the supply unit 12a comprises several supply induction elements 14a. In the present embodiment, the supply induction elements 14a are arranged in a matrix (not shown). Alternatively, the supply unit 12a could have a different number of supply induction elements 14a. The supply induction elements 14a could, for example, be arranged in a manner other than a matrix. Only one of the supply induction elements 14a is shown in the figures. Only one of the supply induction elements 14a will be described below.

[0041] The supply induction element 14a is designed to heat the receiving unit 16a, which is positioned on the mounting plate 24a above the supply induction element 14a. The supply induction element 14a is designed as an induction heating element. The supply induction element 14a is arranged in an installation position below the mounting plate 24a (see figure). Fig. 2 ).

[0042] In the operating state, the supply induction element 14a inductively provides energy. In this operating state, the supply induction element 14a inductively provides energy for heating at least part of the receiving unit 16a. The receiving unit 16a has at least one receiving induction element 18a. The receiving induction element 18a of the receiving unit 16a is configured as a secondary coil and, in the operating state, receives a portion of the energy provided by the supply induction element 14a. The receiving unit 16a comprises at least one electric heating element (not shown), which is operated with a portion of the energy received by the receiving induction element 18a and is intended for heating at least one item located in the receiving chamber 42a.With a further portion of the energy received by the supply induction element 14a, the receiving induction element 18a supplies at least one further unit, in particular a sensor unit 20a. In the present embodiment, the receiving induction element 18a is additionally configured as a receiving induction element 50a and, in at least one operating state, receives, in addition to the portion of the energy provided by the supply induction element 14a, at least one piece of information, which is encoded in particular in a second signal 36a and / or in a third signal 92a.

[0043] The induction energy transfer system 10a includes the sensor unit 20a. The sensor unit 20a serves to detect at least one measured quantity 22a. The sensor unit 20a includes at least one first sensor element 52a. The first sensor element 52a is designed as a temperature sensor 56a and is part of the receiving unit 16a (see figure). Figure 3The temperature sensor 56a measures a temperature within the receiving chamber 42a, for example, to set an optimal heating power for cooking food located in the receiving chamber 42a. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit 20a has at least one second sensor element 54a. The second sensor element 54a is part of the power supply unit 12a and is integrated into the mounting plate 24a. The second sensor element 54a is designed as a further temperature sensor. The second sensor element 54a measures a temperature of a surface of the mounting plate 24a facing the operator, for example, to warn the user of a possible risk of burns due to a high temperature of the mounting plate 24a.

[0044] The induction energy transmission system 10a has at least one first information channel 30a. The first information channel 30a serves to transmit a first signal 32a between the receiving unit 16a and the supply unit 12a. The first signal 32a encodes the measured quantity 22a. The induction energy transmission system 10a also has at least one second information channel 34a, which is different from the first information channel 30a and which is intended for transmitting a second signal 36a between the receiving unit 16a and the supply unit 12a. The second signal 36a also encodes the measured quantity 22a.

[0045] The induction energy transmission system 10a comprises at least one radio transmitter 46a and at least one radio receiver 48a, which are assigned to the first information channel 30a. The radio transmitter 46a transmits the first signal 32a, which is designed as a radio signal, to the radio receiver 48a. The transmission of the first signal 32a between the radio transmitter 46a and the radio receiver 48a takes place according to the Bluetooth standard.

[0046] The second information channel 34a comprises the supply induction element 14a and at least the receiving induction element 18a of the recording unit 16a, which is configured as a receiving induction element 50a. The supply induction element 14a transmits the second signal 36a to the receiving induction element 50a of the recording unit 16a.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the second signal 36a is a harmonic of an energy transmission signal, which is transmitted from the supply induction element 14a in the operating state to the receiving induction element 18a of the receiving unit 16a, which is configured as a receiving induction element 50a. In the present embodiment, the second signal 36a is frequency-modulated (see...). Fig. 4 Additionally, the second signal 36a is amplitude-modulated in the present embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, the second signal 36a could be duty-rate modulated.

[0048] Fig. 4This shows a summary of four diagrams. The second signal 36a is plotted on the y-axis 58a of the first diagram. Time is plotted on the abscissa 60a of the first diagram. The amplitude 96a of the second signal 36a is plotted on the y-axis 62a of the second diagram. Time is plotted on the abscissa 64a of the second diagram. The frequency 98a of the second signal 36a is plotted on the y-axis 66a of the third diagram. Time is plotted on the abscissa 68a of the third diagram. The measured quantity 22a is plotted as a measurement characteristic curve 76a on the y-axis 72a of the fourth diagram. Time is plotted on the abscissa 74a of the fourth diagram.

[0049] The second signal 36a has a specific duration and / or a specific number of oscillations. In particular, the second signal 36a has a minimum duration 70a, which the second signal 36a should ideally have. For example, the minimum duration 70a could result from the inertia of an energy transfer and / or advantageously from the transmission of the second signal 36a.

[0050] During the minimum duration 70a, the amplitude 96a and the frequency 98a of the second signal 36a each remain constant and encode a first measured value 84a of the measured quantity 22a.

[0051] Out of Fig. 4It can be seen that, in the present embodiment, the second signal 36a changes after exceeding the minimum duration 70a, with a further progression of time plotted on the abscissa 60a, and that the measurement characteristic curve 76a changes with a progression of time plotted on the abscissa 74a. During a first period, which in this case corresponds to the minimum duration 70a, the measurement characteristic curve 76a has a constant progression and represents the first measurement value 84a of the measurand 22a, which is plotted on the ordinate 72a. After the minimum duration 70a has elapsed, the second signal 36a has changed due to a change in the modulation of the amplitude 96a and the frequency 98a. During a second period, which corresponds to at least the minimum duration 70a, the amplitude 96a and the frequency 98a of the second signal 36a remain constant and encode a second measured value 86a of the measured quantity 22a.During this second period, the curve of the measurement characteristic 76a remains constant and now represents the second measurement value 86a, which is plotted on the y-axis 72a. After the second period has elapsed, the second signal 36a has changed again due to a further change in the modulation of the amplitude 96a and the frequency 98a. During a third period, which corresponds to at least the minimum duration 70a, the amplitude 96a and the frequency 98a of the second signal 36a remain constant once more and now encode a third measurement value 88a of the measurement quantity 22a, which is plotted on the y-axis 72a.

[0052] The in Fig. 4The measurement characteristic curve 76a shown could, for example, be a temperature characteristic curve of a temperature profile detected by the temperature sensor 56a of the sensor unit 20 within the recording unit 16a. In this case, the first measurement value 84a would correspond to a first temperature detected by the temperature sensor 56a within a first period 78a within the recording unit 16a. The second measurement value 86a would, in this case, correspond to a second temperature detected by the temperature sensor 56a of the sensor unit 20 within a later second period 80a.

[0053] Fig. 5Figure 52a schematically shows the transmission of the first signal 32a and the second signal 36a in a block diagram. The first sensor element 52a initially detects at least the measured quantity 22a, converts it into an electrical signal, and processes it further. The sensor unit 20a transmits the measured quantity 22a to the radio transmitter 46a. The radio transmitter 46a transmits the first signal 32a, which encodes the measured quantity 22a, to the radio receiver 48a. In this embodiment, the first signal 32a is a radio signal, specifically a Bluetooth signal. The radio receiver 48a converts the first signal 32a received from the radio transmitter 46a into an electrical signal and transmits it to a data processing unit 82a. In this embodiment, the radio transmitter 46a, the first signal 32a, and the radio receiver 48a constitute the first information channel 30a.The sensor unit 20a also transmits the measured quantity 22a to the supply induction element 14a of the supply unit 12a. The supply induction element 14a transmits the second signal 36a, which encodes the measured quantity 22a, to the receiving induction element 50a of the recording unit 16a. In the present embodiment, the second signal 36a is an induction signal. The receiving induction element 50a converts the second signal 36a into an electrical signal and transmits it to the data processing unit 82a. In the present embodiment, the supply induction element 14a of the supply unit 12a, the receiving induction element 50a of the recording unit 16a, and the second signal 36a form the second information channel 34a.The data processing unit 82a compares information about the measured quantity 22a transmitted via the first information channel 30a with information about the measured quantity 22a transmitted via the second information channel 34a.

[0054] Fig. 6A further block diagram schematically shows a variant of the present embodiment for the transmission of the second signal 36a and the additional transmission of the third signal 92a. The first sensor element 52a detects the first measured quantity 22a, converts it into an electrical signal, and processes it further by the sensor unit 20a. The second sensor element 54a detects a further measured quantity 94a, which is also processed by the sensor unit 20a. The sensor unit 20a transmits the measured quantity 22a and the further measured quantity 94a to the power supply unit 12a. The measured quantity 22a is encoded by the second signal 36a and transmitted to the recording unit 16a via the second information channel 34a. The further measured quantity 94a is encoded by the third signal 92a and transmitted to the recording unit 16a via a third information channel 90a.The recording unit 16a transmits the measured quantity 22a and the further measured quantity 94a to the data processing unit 82a.

[0055] The third information channel 90a comprises at least a part of the receiving unit 16a, at least a part of the supply unit 12a, and the third signal 92a. In the present embodiment, the second signal 36a and the third signal 92a are each modulated onto the energy transfer signal that the supply induction element 14a transmits in the operating state to the receiving induction element 18a of the receiving unit 16a, which is configured as a receiving induction element 50a. The third signal 92a is a further harmonic of the energy transfer signal in a frequency range different from that of the second signal 36a. In the present embodiment, the third signal 92a is frequency-modulated and amplitude-modulated. The in Fig. 4The schematically depicted modulation of frequency 98a and amplitude 96a for the second signal 36a can also apply analogously to the third signal 92a. Alternatively or additionally, the third signal 92a could be duty-rate modulated. In a method for operating the induction energy transfer system 10a, energy is inductively supplied by the supply induction element 14a in the operating state. A portion of the energy supplied by the supply induction element 14a is received by the receiving unit 16a in the operating state. By means of the sensor element 52a of the sensor unit 20a, at least the measured quantity 22a is detected, encoded in the first signal 32a, and transmitted via the first information channel 30a between the supply unit 12a and the receiving unit 16a.The at least one measured variable 22a is encoded in the second signal 36a and transmitted via the second information channel 34a between the supply unit 12a and the recording unit 16a (cf. . Fig. 5 ).

[0056] In Fig. 7 Another embodiment of the invention is shown. The following description is essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 Reference can be made to. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment is used in the Figures 1 to 6 by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the Figure 7replaced. 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 Figures 1 to 6 be referred.

[0057] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a receiving unit 16b of an alternative induction energy transfer system 10b. The receiving unit 16b is designed as a support unit 44b for placing a cooking vessel 40b. Except for inductive heating, the receiving unit 16b has the same functionality as the receiving unit 16a of the previous embodiment. In this case, the inductive heating takes place directly in the base of the cooking vessel 40b.

Claims

1. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b), in particular induction cooking system, having at least one supply unit (12a) which has at least one supply induction element (14a) which inductively provides energy in at least one operating state, having at least one receiving unit (16a-b) which receives at least part of the energy provided by the supply induction element (14a) in the operating state, having at least one sensor unit (20a) for detecting at least one measurement variable (22a), and having a first information channel (30a) for transmitting at least one first signal (32a) between the receiving unit (16a-b) and the supply unit (12a), which first signal (32a) codes the measurement variable (22a), characterised by at least one second information channel (34a), which differs from the first information channel (30a), for transmitting at least one second signal (36a) between the receiving unit (16a-b) and the supply unit (12a), which second signal (36a) codes the measurement variable (22a).

2. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to claim 1, characterised in that the supply unit (12a) is configured as a cooking appliance (38a).

3. Induction energy transmission system (10a) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the receiving unit (16a) is configured as an item of cookware (40a).

4. Induction energy transmission system (10b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the receiving unit (16b) is configured as a support unit (44b) for positioning an item of cookware (40b).

5. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first information channel (30a) has at least one radio transmitter (46a) and at least one radio receiver (48a).

6. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to claim 5, characterised in that a transmission of the first signal (32a) takes place between the radio transmitter (46a) and the radio receiver (48a) according to the Bluetooth standard.

7. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second information channel (34a) comprises the supply induction element (14a) and at least one reception induction element (50a) of the receiving unit (16a-b).

8. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to claim 7, characterised in that the second signal (36a) is frequency modulated and / or amplitude modulated and / or duty cycle modulated.

9. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor unit (20a) has at least one sensor element (52a) which is integrated in the supply unit (12a).

10. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor unit (20a) has at least one sensor element (52a) which is integrated in the receiving unit (16a).

11. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor unit (20a) has at least one temperature sensor (56a).

12. Induction energy transmission system (10a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one third information channel (90a) for transmitting at least one third signal (92a) between the receiving unit (16a) and the supply unit (12a), which third signal (92a) codes a further measurement variable (94a).

13. Supply unit (12a), in particular cooking appliance (38a), of an induction energy transmission system (10a-b), having at least one supply induction element (14a), which inductively supplies energy in at least one operating state, having at least one radio receiver (48a), which is assigned to a first information channel (30a) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the first information channel (30a) is provided to transmit at least one first signal (32a), which codes a measurement variable (22a), between a receiving unit (16a-b) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b) and the supply unit (12a), wherein the radio receiver (48a) is provided to receive the first signal (32a) transmitted by a radio transmitter (46a) of the receiving unit (16a-b), wherein the supply induction element (14a) is part of at least a second information channel (34a) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the second information channel (34a) differs from the first information channel (30a), wherein the second information channel (34a) is provided to transmit at least one second signal (36a), which codes the measurement variable (22a), between the receiving unit (16a-b) and the supply unit (12a), and wherein the supply induction element (14a) is provided to transmit the second signal (36a) to a receiving induction element (50a) of the receiving unit (16a-b).

14. Receiving unit (16a-b), in particular item of cookware (40a), of an induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the receiving unit (16a-b) is provided, in an operating state, to receive at least part of the energy provided by a supply induction element (14a) of a supply unit (12a) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the receiving unit (16a-b) has at least one receiving induction element (18a) for receiving inductive energy, wherein the receiving unit (16a-b) has at least one sensor element (52a) which is provided to detect at least one measurement variable (22a), wherein the receiving unit (16a-b) has at least one radio transmitter (46a), which is assigned to a first information channel (30a) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the first information channel (30a) is provided to transmit at least a first signal (32a), which codes the measurement variable (22a), between the receiving unit (16a-b) and a supply unit (12a) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the radio transmitter (46a) is provided to transmit the first signal (32a) to a radio receiver (48a) of the supply unit (12a), wherein the receiving induction element (18a) is additionally embodied as a receiving induction element (50a), wherein the receiving induction element (50a) is part of at least one second information channel (34a) of the induction energy transmission system (10a-b), wherein the second information channel (34a) differs from the first information channel (30a), wherein the second information channel (34a) is provided to transmit at least one second signal (36a), which codes the measurement variable (22a), between the receiving unit (16a-b) and the supply unit (12a), and wherein the receiving induction element (50a) is provided to receive the second signal (36a) from the supply induction element (14a) of the supply unit (12a).

15. Method for operating an induction energy transmission system (10a-b), in particular an induction cooking system, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 12, having at least a supply unit (12a), which has at least one supply induction element (14a), with at least one receiving unit (16a-b), wherein in at least one operating state inductive energy is provided by the supply induction element (14a), which is received at least in part by the receiving unit (16a-b) and with at least one sensor unit (20a), which detects at least one measurement variable (22a), wherein the at least one measurement variable (22a) codes in a first signal (32a) and is transmitted through a first information channel (30a) between the supply unit (12a) and the receiving unit (16a-b), characterised in that the at least one measurement variable (22a) codes in a second signal (36a) and is transmitted through at least one second information channel (34a) which differs from the first information channel (30a) between the supply unit (12a) and the receiving unit (16a-b).