METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INDUCTIVE SYSTEM, PREFERABLY AN INDUCTIVE COOKING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to several methods for operating an inductive system, preferably an inductive cooking system, according to claims 1 and 3, an inductive system for carrying out such methods according to claim 9, an induction device for use in such an inductive system according to claim 10, and an induction device for use in such an inductive system according to claim 11.

[0002] The trend in home cooking is increasingly towards making the cooking process simpler, more convenient, and / or safer for the user in terms of achieving the desired cooking result. For some time now, it has been known to use temperature sensors in the cooktop to detect residual heat in each cooking zone after cooking and display this information to the user as a warning.

[0003] A cooking process can also be supported by providing the user with fully automated programs or assistance functions that relieve the user of part or even the entire cooking process. Furthermore, a cooking process can be supported, for example, by the cooktop and / or a mobile device, which can monitor the cooking process, display it to the user, and show the next steps in the recipe sequence or provide corresponding instructions.

[0004] The aim is also for cooktops to become increasingly less visually prominent in the kitchen. This includes making the cooktop controls less conspicuous or even eliminating them entirely. This can lead to the integration of the cooktop controls and displays onto the cookware. Therefore, it may be necessary, or at least desirable, for information to be exchanged between the cookware and the cooktop. This could include the transmission of instructions and measurements. Cookware with integrated controls is known from publication WO 2015 154 237 A1.

[0005] It should be noted that communication between cookware and a cooktop or similar appliance via radio transmission, e.g., using transponder technology, can constitute remote control, meaning the operation and / or regulation of a device by a command that can be issued outside the device's line of sight. Thus, communication and, consequently, mutual or at least one-sided influence can occur between the devices, even when they are not in their intended use. In other words, the cookware could, for example, operate the cooktop or cooking appliance even if the cookware is not actually on the cooktop or cooking appliance. Since this can endanger user safety, such remote control must be prevented in the home according to the standard DIN EN 60335-01 (VDE 0700-1).The systems and devices described above may therefore not comply with standards, which could prevent their use.

[0006] DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 therefore describes a method for operating an inductive cooking system, wherein the inductive cooking system comprises a cooktop with at least one first cooking point and with at least one receiving unit and at least one cookware with at least one actuating element and with at least one transmitting unit, wherein the cookware is arranged on the first cooking point of the cooktop, comprising at least the following steps: Emitting a first signal from the cookware's transmitter unit when the cookware's operating element is activated by a user, receiving the first signal by the cooktop's receiver unit, evaluating the received first signal by the cooktop, inductively operating at least the first cooking zone of the cooktop with a first predetermined power for a predetermined period depending on the evaluation of the received first signal, emitting a second signal from the cookware's transmitter unit when the cookware is inductively supplied by the first cooking zone, receiving the second signal by the cooktop's receiver unit, and evaluating the received second signal by the cooktop.

[0007] The underlying principle of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 is that, in this way, the user only needs to perform a single actuation of the cookware's operating element to initiate the entire subsequent process. This allows the method of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, or corresponding cookware, to function with only one operating element to start and execute the process.

[0008] This is made possible by the fact that a single press of the cookware's control element by the user triggers a pairing process between the cooktop (or its cooking zone) and the cookware, resulting in a connection between the cooktop and the cookware. In other words, the user's single press of the cookware's control element triggers a signal from the cooktop back to the cookware, which in turn causes a response from the cookware that leads to a successful pairing. This successful pairing can then be used by the cooktop to, for example, initiate an automated cooking process for that cooking zone. This automated cooking process can thus be triggered by the user with a single press of the cookware's control element.

[0009] The method described in DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 can be implemented in accordance with standards, while avoiding remote effects, by using inductive power from the cooktop as the pairing signal. The cookware's reception of this signal then triggers the cookware to transmit its second signal. This is because the cooktop's inductive power can only be received by the cookware with direct contact or at a maximum distance of approximately 5 cm between the cooktop or its coil and the cookware. Therefore, pairing can only be successful if these conditions are met. Otherwise, pairing does not occur, and the automated cooking process is not initiated.

[0010] The invention thus faces the problem of exploring the possibilities of the process of

[0011] DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 to be expanded. At least alternatives to the procedure of the

[0012] DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 will be created.

[0013] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1, by a method with the features of claim 3, by an inductive system with the features of claim 9, by an induction device with the features of claim 10, and by an induction apparatus with the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0014] The invention therefore relates to a method for operating an inductive system, preferably an inductive cooking system, wherein the inductive system comprises: an induction device, preferably a cooktop, with at least one first induction point, preferably with at least one first cooking point, and with at least one receiving unit, and at least one induction device, preferably at least one cooking vessel, with at least one actuating element and with at least one transmitting unit, wherein the actuating element is configured to allow a user to select between at least two functions of the induction device and / or the induction apparatus, wherein the induction apparatus is arranged on the first induction point of the induction device, comprising at least the steps of: Emitting a first signal from the transmitter unit of the induction device upon the first activation of the induction device's operating element to select the first function by a user; receiving the first signal by the receiver unit of the induction device; evaluating the received first signal by the induction device; inductively operating at least the first induction point of the induction device with a first predetermined power for a predetermined period depending on the evaluation of the received first signal; emitting a second signal from the transmitter unit of the induction device when the induction device is inductively powered by the first induction point; receiving the second signal by the receiver unit of the induction device; evaluating the received second signal by the induction device.Emitting a third signal from the transmitting unit of the induction device upon a second actuation of the operating element of the induction device by the user to select the second function, wherein the third signal contains information of the selected second function, receiving the third signal by the receiving unit of the induction device, evaluating the received third signal by the induction device and operating at least the induction device depending on the information of the selected second function of the received third signal.

[0015] The present invention is based on the general understanding that, according to the method described at the outset in DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, only a pairing between the cooktop and cookware of an induction cooking system can take place, which can simultaneously include activation of the cooktop and selection of the first cooking zone. This creates the possibility for a user to make an additional setting for the first cooking zone, for example, on a control element of the cooktop for the cookware. This could, for example, be the selection of a power level to operate the cookware on the first cooking zone of the cooktop. However, this is not included in the method of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 and must currently be done additionally by the user, specifically on the control element of the cooktop.

[0016] According to the present invention, the user should be given the option, in addition to the functions of the method of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, to also select a function of at least the first cooking zone of the hob on the cookware itself, such as selecting a power level of the first cooking zone. This can alternatively be done using various methods, as will be described in more detail below.

[0017] In any case, the user can not only select a power level for the first cooking zone of the hob directly on the cookware, but also choose a cooking program for the cookware, which the hob can then execute or at least start automatically. Such cookware can also be called functional cookware and could be, for example, a functional pot, a functional pan, or similar items. Furthermore, parameters for operating the cookware on the first cooking zone, such as temperature, cooking time, and the like, can be selected by the user in this way.

[0018] The user has at least two functions available on the cookware, which they can select using the cookware's control element. These different functions can include, for example, a frying and a boiling program, different power levels for a cooking program, and / or different cooking times for a cooking program. They can also include switching the cookware on / off, initializing a pairing, or a single function. As will be explained in more detail below, initializing the pairing of the method described in DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 can be available as a separate function on the cookware or included as a sub-function within the more complex selectable functions described above, such as the temperature selection.

[0019] The user can select between at least two functions on the cookware using at least one operating element of the cookware, which may be, for example, a rotary knob, a push button, a toggle switch, a push button, a touch sensor, or the like, or which may have at least two such input options. Accordingly, the operating element itself can enable the selection between at least two functions or have at least two functional elements, each of which enables the selection of at least one function. The initialization of the pairing process of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 as a separate function can also be performed by the operating element or by another functional element of the cookware's operating element.

[0020] Extending the method of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, the present invention can be applied not only to inductive cooking systems with cookware and a cooktop, but also to inductive systems with an induction device and induction unit in general. Such a general inductive system includes the inductive cooking system of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, but also inductive systems in which, for example, an induction unit can be inductively charged by the induction device. In this case, the selectable functions can be, for example, the intensity and / or the duration of the inductive charging process. Such a charging process can be carried out, for example, with cookware with an electrically rechargeable energy storage device by means of a charging coil as the first induction point on a kitchen table, on a kitchen counter, in a cookware cabinet, in a cookware drawer, and the like.Such an inductive system can also be used to keep food warm, for example, in cookware or similar items, as the first induction point of the induction device on a kitchen table, countertop, or similar surface. In this case, the selectable functions could include, for example, the intensity or temperature and / or the duration of the inductive warming process.

[0021] Looking specifically at the previously described method according to the invention, the pairing procedure of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 is first carried out as described therein, wherein the initialization of the pairing constitutes the first function, which is selected by the user and initialized as described in DE 10 2017 112 945 B3. Subsequently, a further third signal, which contains information of the selected second function, such as a power level selected by the user, is sent from the induction device to the induction unit, so that the first induction point of the induction unit can be operated with the power level selected by the user on the induction device.

[0022] This can save the user from having to use, for example, a control element of the induction device for this selection, which could represent an additional effort for the user, since the user would have to operate the induction device itself in addition to the induction device. Instead, according to the invention, the induction device can also be operated with regard to the selected function from the induction device itself, which the user has to operate anyway in order to initialize the pairing of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3.

[0023] Performing this according to the previously described procedure using an additional third signal can be advantageous in that the procedure of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 only needs to be extended to include the selection of the function and the transmission of the corresponding information by means of an additional third signal. In other words, the procedure of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 can essentially remain unchanged and is merely supplemented, which can minimize the implementation effort.

[0024] According to the present method, the third signal is transmitted from the induction device's transmitter unit directly by the user's second actuation of the induction device's control element to select the second function. In this way, the induction device does not need to store any electrical energy for transmitting the third signal. Instead, electrical energy absorbed at that moment can be used directly or generated by the second actuation of the control element. Furthermore, storing the information of the selected second function is unnecessary. Consequently, the need for both an electrical energy storage device and an electronic data storage device can be avoided, thus saving the corresponding costs and installation space required by the induction device.

[0025] According to the invention, the actuating element comprises at least a first functional element for selecting the first function by the user and a second functional element for selecting the second function by the user, wherein the first actuation of the actuating element of the induction device is carried out by means of the first functional element of the actuating element and wherein the second functional element of the actuating element cannot be used at least until the first actuation of the actuating element of the induction device, preferably until the electrical energy for transmitting the second signal is received from the transmitting unit of the induction device from the first predetermined inductive power of the first induction point of the induction device.

[0026] In other words, at the start of using the inductive system, the only function available to the user is to initiate pairing according to the procedure of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, using the first functional element of the actuator. Operating the second functional element of the actuator to select the second function will not activate it in this state. Only after the user has initiated pairing according to the procedure of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 can the inductive device activate the second functional element.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the method comprises the following further steps: Receiving the electrical energy for sending the second signal from the transmitting unit of the induction device from the first predetermined inductive power of the first induction point of the induction device, and activating at least the second functional element of the actuating element.

[0028] The second functional element of the actuator can thus be operated by means of the electrical energy that can be transferred from the induction device to the induction unit. This electrical energy can at least enable the actuation of the second functional element of the actuator. The second functional element of the actuator can also be illuminated, for example, by means of the absorbed electrical energy, to indicate to the user that the second functional element of the actuator can now be used.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method for operating an inductive system, preferably an inductive cooking system, wherein the inductive system comprises: an induction device, preferably a cooktop, with at least one first induction point, preferably with at least one first cooking point, and with at least one receiving unit, and at least one induction device, preferably at least one cooking vessel, with at least one actuating element and with at least one transmitting unit, wherein the actuating element is configured to allow a user to select between at least two functions of the induction device and / or the induction apparatus, wherein the induction apparatus is arranged on the first induction point of the induction device, comprising at least the steps of: Emitting a first signal from the transmitter unit of the induction device upon the first activation of the induction device's operating element to select the first function by a user; receiving the first signal by the receiver unit of the induction device; evaluating the received first signal by the induction device; inductively operating at least the first induction point of the induction device with a first predetermined power for a predetermined period depending on the evaluation of the received first signal; emitting a second signal from the transmitter unit of the induction device when the induction device is inductively powered by the first induction point; receiving the second signal by the receiver unit of the induction device; evaluating the received second signal by the induction device.A third signal is transmitted by the transmitter unit of the induction device with a time delay in response to a second actuation of the actuator of the induction device by the user to select the second function. The third signal contains information about the selected second function. The second actuation of the actuator of the induction device occurs after the first actuation of the actuator of the induction device, and the information about the selected second function is stored by the transmitter unit of the induction device until the third signal is transmitted with a time delay. The third signal is received by the receiver unit of the induction device, evaluated by the induction device, and operated at least the induction device based on the information about the selected second function contained in the received third signal.

[0030] This method according to the invention differs from the previously described method in that, in this case, although the second actuation of the actuator leads to the selection of the second function by the user, the transmission of the information of the selected second function as a third signal by the induction device is delayed. The information of the selected second function can be temporarily stored for this purpose. This allows the user to perform the second actuation of the actuator regardless of how far the pairing process according to the method of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 has progressed.

[0031] In other words, for example, the activation of a second functional element of the actuator for selecting the second function by the user does not need to be delayed, as described in the preceding method according to the invention. Rather, the second functional element of the actuator can be available to the user in parallel with the first functional element. Should the user select the second function by actuating the actuator a second time before the pairing process of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 has progressed sufficiently, the user's selection of the second function can be temporarily stored by the induction device until the transmission of the third signal using the stored electrical energy can take place.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the predetermined period of inductive operation of at least the first induction point of the induction device with the first predetermined power is sufficiently long to allow the transmission of the second signal from the transmitting unit of the induction device and the time-delayed transmission of the third signal from the transmitting unit of the induction device. In this way, it can be ensured that the second and third signals can be transmitted by the induction device using the electrical energy that the induction device can receive from the induction device.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the induction device further comprises at least one electric generator which is designed to be actuated by the user by means of the actuating element, wherein the electric generator is further designed to generate, by its actuation, the electrical energy for the transmission of the first signal, preferably and for the (time-delayed) transmission of the third signal, from the transmitting unit of the induction device.

[0034] This means that by activating the operating element, the user can not only initiate the transmission of a signal but also simultaneously generate the necessary electrical energy, thus eliminating the need for an electrical energy storage device in the induction unit.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the induction device further comprises at least one conductor loop, preferably a plurality of conductor loops, which is configured to receive the first predetermined inductive power from the first induction point of the induction device, wherein the conductor loop is further configured to generate the electrical energy for transmitting the second signal from the transmitting unit of the induction device by receiving the first predetermined inductive power.

[0036] In this way, the electrical energy required for transmitting at least the second signal and, if necessary, additionally for transmitting the third signal, can be transferred to the induction device, so that this electrical energy does not have to be provided by the induction device, e.g., via electrical energy storage devices.

[0037] The conductor loop(s) can be located inside the body of the induction device or on the outside of the device, i.e., at the edge of the base, close to the induction element and facing the first induction point, in order to obtain inductive power from there as efficiently and with as little loss as possible. The alternating magnetic field of the coil at the first induction point can thus induce a current in the conductor loop of the induction device. In this way, the conductor loop of the induction device can serve as a continuous power supply, particularly for the transmitting unit, in the presence of an alternating magnetic field.

[0038] The conductor loop(s) can be relatively small, particularly in the case of induction cookware. If multiple conductor loops are present, they have a relatively small number of turns, preferably less than 20 turns, and more preferably between 5 and 10 turns. The wire length is preferably less than 200 cm, more preferably less than 150 cm, and most preferably between 80 cm and 120 cm. The diameter of the conductor loop(s) is preferably 70 mm.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the induction device is designed to be switched from a standby mode to an operating mode by receiving the first signal.

[0040] This eliminates the need for the user to manually switch the induction device into operating mode, which would entail additional effort. Furthermore, a standby mode can be activated, which typically results in lower electrical energy consumption, allowing the induction device to operate in the most energy-efficient manner possible immediately before the inventive method begins.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step: Indications from the user by the induction device and / or by the induction unit indicating successful pairing between the first induction point of the induction device and the induction unit.

[0042] This can be achieved, for example, by modifying the illumination or display of the actuating element accordingly. If the actuating element has at least two functional elements, where the first functional element of the actuating element, for example, serves as an on / off switch solely for initializing the pairing according to the method of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, and the second functional element of the actuating element is used by the user to select the first function, then the illumination or display of the second functional element of the actuating element can only occur when the first actuating element of the actuating element has been activated and / or sufficient electrical energy can be received by the induction device to detect the first actuating element of the first functional element of the actuating element.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the predetermined period of inductive operation of at least the first induction point of the cooktop at the first predetermined power is sufficiently long to allow the transmission of the signal from the transmitting unit of the induction device, which contains the information for the selected function. In this way, it can be ensured that the respective signal can be transmitted by the induction device using the electrical energy that the induction device can receive from the induction circuit.

[0044] The present invention also relates to an inductive system, preferably an inductive cooking system, with at least one induction device, preferably with at least one cooking zone, with at least one first induction point, preferably at least one first cooking zone, and with at least one receiving unit, and with at least one induction device, preferably at least one cooking vessel, with at least one actuating element and with at least one transmitting unit, wherein the induction device and the induction apparatus are configured to carry out a method as previously described.

[0045] This allows an inductive system, and in particular an inductive cooking system, to be provided, by means of which the previously described method can be implemented and used.

[0046] The present invention also relates to an induction device, preferably a cooktop, for use in an induction system, preferably in an induction cooking system, as previously described with at least one first induction point, preferably at least one first cooking point, and with at least one receiving unit.

[0047] This allows an induction device and, in particular, a cooktop to be provided in order to implement an inductive system and, in particular, an inductive cooking system as described above.

[0048] The present invention also relates to an induction device, preferably cookware, for use in an induction system, preferably in an induction cooking system, as previously described with at least one actuating element configured to allow a user to select between at least two functions of the induction device and / or the induction apparatus, and with at least one transmitting unit, wherein the actuating element preferably at least It has a first functional element for the user to select the first function and a second functional element for the user to select the second function.

[0049] This allows an induction appliance and, in particular, cookware to be provided in order to implement an induction system and, in particular, an induction cooking system as described above.

[0050] In other words, DE 10 2017 112 945 B3 describes a method at the end of which the system is in a "paired" state. This means that it has been ensured that the cooking vessel is directly on the cooktop and therefore no remote control takes place. In the case of a "simple" kettle, a second predetermined power level could then be activated in the cooktop, depending on the evaluation of the second signal.

[0051] The previously described induction cooker offers the user additional controls, allowing them not only to switch the system on and off but also to select parameters for the cooking process. These parameters could include, for example, a temperature such as for frying, a cooking method such as "boiling," or other conceivable parameters that can be sent to the cooktop to initiate the process.

[0052] For this purpose, the user can first switch on the system and then make a selection. Directly continuing the procedure steps of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, a third signal could be sent from the cookware to the hob, in which procedure parameters are encoded. The user can then either make a selection only after the pairing is complete or already during the ongoing pairing process, in which case the selection can be temporarily stored until the third signal is sent.

[0053] Alternatively, the user can switch the system on directly via one of the control elements, for example "1" to "3", and thereby simultaneously make a selection. In this case, the selected parameter could already be contained in the first or second signal of the method described in DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, thus eliminating the need for a third signal for this purpose. In both variants, the cooktop could then be operated at a second power level, which could depend on the signal containing the method parameter.

[0054] To allow the user to make selections for a certain period after pairing, the cookware may require power during this time, for example, to illuminate the user interface (UI), such as the control element. To avoid draining a built-in energy storage device, the initial pre-defined power level could remain active for this duration, allowing the cookware to utilize this power via a suitable energy harvesting method, such as inductive coupling. An active UI can either be displayed immediately to ensure the user experiences no delay, or only after a continuous inductive power supply, thus indicating successful pairing.

[0055] The described process steps can be applied not only to an inductive cooking system like that of DE 10 2017 112 945 B3, but alternatively also to an inductive system in general, in which the induction device, for example, is placed not on a cooktop but on another induction-compatible device as an induction source, such as a charging coil that can supply the energy storage of the induction device. Depending on the application, at least one of the methods according to the invention can be used. For simple charging, pairing followed by inductive coupling as the selected function may suffice.

[0056] For example, for a keep-warm function, the selected function could offer the user the option of temperature selection. The individual controls or functional elements of the induction device's operating element could, for example, in addition to an on / off switch, allow the selection of three power levels (I, II, and III), enabling the user to choose between low, medium, or high-intensity warming or low, medium, or high-intensity charging. For instance, the first power level (I) could be set to keep food warm for 10 to 50 minutes, preferably 20 minutes; the second power level (II) to keep food warm for 30 to 90 minutes, preferably 60 minutes; and the third power level (III) to keep food warm for 60 to 300 minutes, preferably 180 minutes.

[0057] The user could also select a function duration, such as keeping food warm or charging, for a short, medium, or long period. In this case, the temperature for keeping food warm could be set to approximately 70 °C, as food typically does not continue to cook at this temperature, and no germs can form there either.

[0058] In any case, the induction device could be activated simultaneously with the selection, so that a separate on / off switch could be dispensed with.

[0059] Several exemplary embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following figures. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an inductive system according to the invention in the form of an inductive cooking system with an induction device according to the invention in the form of a hob and an induction unit according to the invention in the form of a cookware unit; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an actuating element of the induction unit according to the invention; and Figure 3 is a flowchart of four methods according to the invention for operating an inductive system according to the invention.

[0060] The Figure 1The area is viewed in Cartesian coordinates. A longitudinal direction (not shown) extends, which can also be called depth or length. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction extends a transverse direction (not shown), which can also be called width. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions extends a vertical direction Z, which can also be called height Z. The longitudinal and transverse directions together form the horizontal, which can also be called the horizontal plane.

[0061] The cooktop 2, as an induction device, has a glass-ceramic plate 20, which forms the surface of the cooktop 2 on which cookware 3 can be placed and used as induction cookware 3. A section of the glass-ceramic plate 20 forms a first cooking zone 21, with further cooking zones present but not shown. A coil 22 is arranged below the glass-ceramic plate 20 in the area of ​​the first cooking zone 21, representing the coil 22 of the first cooking zone 21.

[0062] The cooktop 2 further comprises a wireless receiver 23 and a control unit 24. The control unit 24 is configured to perform each of the four methods according to the invention. The control unit 24 is connected to both the coil 22 of the first cooking zone 21 and the receiver 23, so that signals can be wirelessly received from the receiver 23 and transmitted to the control unit 24. The control unit 24 can control and regulate the coil 22 of the first cooking zone 21. Furthermore, information from the coil 22 of the first cooking zone 21 can be transmitted to the control unit 24. Likewise, properties of the coil 22 of the first cooking zone 21, such as voltage and / or current, can be detected by the control unit 24.

[0063] In these exemplary embodiments, the cookware 3, as an induction device 3, is designed as a kettle 3, which can be used for inductive heating on a cooking zone 21 of a hob 2. The kettle 3 has a cookware body 30 with a base 31, the base 31 of the cookware body 30 resting on the first cooking zone 21 of the hob 2. The base 31 of the cookware body 30 is made of a ferromagnetic material such that it can be inductively heated by the coil 22 of the first cooking zone 21. This allows, for example, water to be heated and brought to a boil inside the cookware body 30. The water can be poured out through an outlet 33 of the cookware body 30. The kettle 3 can be handled by a user by means of a handle 34. Such a kettle 3 is known.

[0064] The kettle 3 has a plurality of conductor loops 32, which are arranged circumferentially around the edge of the base 31 of the kettle body 30. Furthermore, the kettle 3 according to the invention has an actuating element 35 in the upper region of its handle 34, which can be operated by a user, preferably by means of their thumb. The actuating element 35 has four individual functional elements 35a-35d, see Figure 2, each of which is designed as a pressure switch. The first functional element 35a of the actuating element 35 is an on / off switch 35a, the actuation of which tensions a temperature switch 36 in the form of a bimetallic switch 36, which is arranged such that the bimetallic switch 36 can be heated by the water inside the cookware body 30 with as little delay as possible. The second functional element 35b is a second selection element 35b for selecting a first function by the user, the third functional element 35c is a second selection element 35c for selecting a second function by the user, and the fourth functional element 35d is a third selection element 35c for selecting a third function by the user.These three functions can be different intensities of heating the water in the kettle 3, so that when selecting the first function using the second selection element 35b, the heating can be slow with a low inductive power, when selecting the second function using the third selection element 35c, the heating can be medium with a medium inductive power, and when selecting the third function using the fourth selection element 35d, the heating can be fast with a high inductive power.

[0065] By actuating the on / off switch 35a, which acts as a pressure switch, an electric generator 37 is activated. This generator is located in the handle 34 opposite the bimetallic switch 36 relative to the on / off switch 35a. A transmitter unit 38, also located in the handle 34 and opposite the pressure switch 35 relative to the electric generator 37, can be operated by means of the electric generator 37. The transmitter unit 38 is further connected to the conductive loops 32 to be powered by inductively absorbed power.

[0066] Using this cooking system according to the invention, the following methods according to the invention can be carried out, assuming that a user has placed the kettle 3 as cooking vessel 3 on the first cooking point 21 of the cooking field 2.

[0067] A first signal 100 is sent from the transmitter unit 38 of the kettle 3 when the on / off switch 35a of the operating element 35 of the kettle 3 is first activated by a user to select the first function, which represents switching on or initializing a pairing between the kettle 3 and the hob 2. Simultaneously, the bimetallic switch 36 is cocked in the same step.

[0068] The first signal is then received by the receiver 22 of the cooktop 2, which has previously been in a standby mode. In this standby mode, the receiver 22 of the cooktop 2 can, for example, receive the first signal from the kettle 3, but no or hardly any other functions are activated, thus minimizing the energy consumption of the cooktop 2. Accordingly, upon receiving the first signal, the cooktop 2 is switched from standby mode to an operating mode, which allows additional functions and, in particular, the inductive operation of at least the first cooking zone 21, especially with a certain operating power. Subsequently, the received first signal is evaluated by the cooktop 2 or its control unit 24. During this evaluation, the cookware 2 can be identified as a kettle 2, so that a corresponding reaction can occur as follows.

[0069] The first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2 is now inductively operated at a predetermined power level for a predetermined period. Since the kettle 3 is actually located on the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2, this inductive power supply to the kettle 3 by the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2 results in the transmission 400 of a second signal from the transmitter 38 of the kettle 3. Because the electrical energy required for this is supplied by the inductive coupling between the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2 and the kettle 3, the kettle 3 does not require an electrical energy storage device.

[0070] The second signal is now received by the cooktop 2 via its receiver 23. Furthermore, the received second signal is evaluated by the cooktop 2 or its control unit 24. If the kettle 3 is detected again, it can be assumed that it is indeed located on the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2, because only then could an inductive transfer of electrical energy have taken place. This rules out any remote effect.

[0071] This process can be described as pairing between kettle 3 and the first cooking zone 21 of the hob 2. This is indicated to the user by the illumination of the second to fourth functional elements 35b-35d. Furthermore, the second to fourth functional elements 35b-35d can now be operated, allowing the user to select one of the three power levels for heating the water in kettle 3, thereby starting the heating process and specifying the duration of the heating process.

[0072] Thus, a third signal 700a is now transmitted by the transmitter unit 38 of the kettle 3 immediately upon a second activation 650 of the operating element 35 in the form of one of the three selection elements 35b-35d or one of the second to fourth function elements 35b-35d for the user to select the second function as the power level. The third signal contains information about the selected second function in the form of the desired power level. The inductive supply of electrical energy from the first cooking zone 21 of the hob 2 is maintained for a sufficient duration until at least the transmission of the third signal 700a has occurred.

[0073] The third signal is then received 800 by the receiving unit 22 of the cooktop 2 and evaluated 850 by the cooktop 2, as previously described for the first and second signals. Finally, the cooktop 2, or rather its first cooking zone 21, is operated 900a depending on the information of the selected second function, i.e., the selected power level, of the received third signal. According to the invention, this allows the cooktop 2 to be switched from standby mode to operating mode, paired with the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2, the operation of the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2 to be started, and a selection for its operation to be made, all by simply operating the kettle 3, without the user having to operate the cooktop 2 itself. This can simplify the use of the kettle 3 for the user and / oror accelerate and in particular enable the adjustment of the operation of the kettle 3 on the first cooking point 21 of the cooking field 2.

[0074] Here, the kettle 3 can be inductively operated on the first cooking zone 21 of the hob 2 with a second predetermined power level selected by the user, where the second predetermined power level is higher than the first predetermined power level. While the first power level was used solely for pairing, the kettle 3 can now be operated at a corresponding power level to boil the water.

[0075] Once the water in the kettle 3 reaches boiling temperature, the voltage on the bimetallic switch 36 automatically cancels out, thus deactivating the on / off switch 35a (a push-button switch). Alternatively, the on / off switch 35a (a push-button switch) can be reactivated by the canceling voltage on the bimetallic switch 36. Alternatively, the user can manually reactivate the on / off switch 35a (a push-button switch). In each of these three cases, a fourth signal is then emitted from the transmitter 38 of the kettle 3. This signal is triggered by the on / off switch 35a (a push-button switch) and powered by the electric generator 37.

[0076] The fourth signal is then received by the receiver unit 22 of the cooktop 2 and evaluated by the cooktop 2 or its control unit 24. As a result, the inductive operation of the first cooking zone 21 of the cooktop 2 is changed so that this operation is terminated, either because the boiling temperature of the water in the kettle 3 has been reached or the cooking process has been ended by the user.

[0077] According to a second alternative method according to the invention, the second actuation 650 of the second functional element 35b as the first selection element 35b of the actuating element 35 occurs after the first actuation 050 of the first functional element 35a as the on / off switch 35a of the actuating element, and the information of the selected second function of the power level is stored until the time-delayed transmission 700b of the third signal by the transmitting unit 38 of the kettle 3. After the evaluation 550 of the received second signal by the hob 2 or...Through its control unit 24, a third signal 700b is thus transmitted from the transmitter unit 38 of the kettle 3 in response to the second actuation 650 of the second functional element 35b of the actuator 35 of the kettle 3 by the user to select the second function, wherein the third signal contains information of the selected second function in the form of the power level. The inductive operation 300 of the first cooking zone 21 of the hob 2 is carried out for a correspondingly long time at the first predetermined power level 25 in order to enable the transmission 400 of the second signal from the transmitter unit 38 of the kettle 3 and the time-delayed transmission 700b of the third signal from the transmitter unit 38 of the kettle 3.

[0078] According to a third alternative method according to the invention, each of the second to fourth functional elements 35b-35d is designed as a first to third selection element 35b-35d, comparable to the first functional element 35a, as an on / off switch 35a, such that by actuating each of the second to fourth functional elements 35b-35d as a first to third selection element 35b-35d, in addition to selecting one of the three functions or power levels, the on / off function can also be performed as described above. Accordingly, the information of the selected first function as a power level can already be contained in the first signal, so that the steps described above after the evaluation 550 of the received second signal by the cooktop 2 can be omitted.

[0079] According to a fourth alternative method according to the invention, the information of the selected first function as a power stage can instead already be contained in the second signal, so that in this case too the previously described steps after the evaluation 550 of the received second signal by the cooktop 2 can be dispensed with. Reference numeral list (part of the description)

[0080] Vertical direction; height 1. Inductive system; inductive cooking system 2 Induction device; cooktop 20 Glass ceramic plate 21 First induction point; first cooking point 22 Coil of the first induction point 21 23 Wireless receiver unit 24 Control unit 3 Induction appliance; cookware; cooking container; kettle; boiler 30 Cookware body 31 Base of cookware body 30 32 Conductor loops 33 Outlet 34 Handle 35 Control element 35a First functional element; On / Off switch 35b Second functional element; First selection element 35c Third functional element; Second selection element 35d Fourth functional element; Third selection element 36 Temperature switch; Bimetallic switch 37 Electric generator 38 Wireless transmitter; Radio module 050 First actuation of the actuating element 35 of the induction device 3 100 Emitting a first signal from the transmitting unit 38 of the induction device 3 upon first actuation 050 of the actuating element 35 of the induction device 3 150 Receiving the first signal by the receiving unit 22 of the induction device 2 200 Evaluating the received first signal by the induction device 2 300 Inductive operation of at least the first induction point 21 of the induction device 2 350 Receiving the firstpredetermined inductive power for transmitting 400 of the second signal from the transmitting unit 38 of the induction device 3 400 transmitting a second signal from the transmitting unit 38 of the induction device 3 450 activating at least the second functional element 35b of the actuating element 35 500 receiving the second signal by the receiving unit 23 of the induction device 2 550 evaluating the received second signal by the induction device 2 650 a second actuation of the actuating element 35 of the induction device 3 700 a transmitting a third signal from the transmitting unit 38 of the induction device 3 upon a second actuation 650 of the actuating element 35 of the induction device 3 700 b time-delayed transmitting of a third signal from the transmitting unit 38 of the induction device 3 in response to a second actuation 650 of the actuating element 35 of the induction device 3 800Receiving the third signal by the receiving unit 22 of the induction device 2 850Evaluating thereceived third signal by the induction device 2 900 at least (inductive) operation of the induction device 2 depending on the information of the selected second function of the received third signal 900 at least (inductive) operation of the induction device 2 depending on the information of the selected first function of the received first signal 900 at least (inductive) operation of the induction device 2 depending on the information of the selected first function of the received second signal

Claims

1. Method for operating an inductive system (1), preferably an inductive cooking system (1), wherein the inductive system (1) has: an induction device (2), preferably a hob (2), comprising at least a first induction point (21), preferably a first hot plate (21), and comprising at least one receiving unit (23), and at least one induction appliance (3), preferably at least one kitchen utensil (3), comprising at least one actuation element (35) and comprising at least one transmission unit (38), wherein the induction appliance (3) is arranged on the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2), the method comprising at least the steps of: emitting (100) a first signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) when the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) is actuated for the first time (050), the receiving unit (23) of the induction device (2) receiving (150) the first signal, the induction device (2) evaluating (200) the received first signal, inductively operating (300) at least the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2) at a first predetermined power for a predetermined period of time on the basis of the evaluation of the received first signal, emitting (400) a second signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) when the induction appliance (3) is powered inductively by the first induction point (21), the receiving unit (23) of the induction device (2) receiving (500) the second signal, the induction device (2) evaluating (550) the received second signal, emitting (700a) a third signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) when the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) is actuated for the second time (650), the receiving unit (23) of the induction device (2) receiving (800) the third signal, and the induction device (2) evaluating (850) the received third signal, characterised in that the actuation element (35) is designed to allow a user to select between at least two functions of the induction device (2) and / or the induction appliance (3), wherein the first actuation (050) involves a user selecting the first function via a first functional element (35a) of the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3), wherein the second actuation (650) involves the user selecting the second function via a second functional element (35b) of the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3), wherein the third signal contains information relating to the selected second function, wherein the second functional element (35b) of the actuation element (35) cannot be used at least until the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) is actuated for the first time (050), preferably until the electrical energy for emitting (400) the second signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) is received (350) from the first predetermined inductive power of the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2), and operating (900a) at least the induction device (2) on the basis of the information relating to the selected second function of the received third signal.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised by the further steps of: receiving (350) the electrical energy for emitting (400) the second signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) from the first predetermined inductive power of the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2), and activating (450) at least the second functional element (35b) of the actuation element (35).

3. Method for operating an inductive system (1), preferably an inductive cooking system (1), wherein the inductive system (1) has: an induction device (2), preferably a hob (2), comprising at least a first induction point (21), preferably a first hot plate (21), and comprising at least one receiving unit (23), and at least one induction appliance (3), preferably at least one kitchen utensil (3), comprising at least one actuation element (35) and comprising at least one transmission unit (38), wherein the induction appliance (3) is arranged on the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2), the method comprising at least the steps of: emitting (100) a first signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) when the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) is actuated for the first time (050), the receiving unit (23) of the induction device (2) receiving (150) the first signal, the induction device (2) evaluating (200) the received first signal, inductively operating (300) at least the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2) at a first predetermined power for a predetermined period of time on the basis of the evaluation of the received first signal, emitting (400) a second signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) when the induction appliance (3) is powered inductively by the first induction point (21), the receiving unit (23) of the induction device (2) receiving (500) the second signal, the induction device (2) evaluating (550) the received second signal, emitting (700a) a third signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) when the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) is actuated for the second time (650), the receiving unit (23) of the induction device (2) receiving (800) the third signal, and the induction device (2) evaluating (850) the received third signal, characterised in that the actuation element (35) is designed to allow a user to select between at least two functions of the induction device (2) and / or the induction appliance (3), wherein the first actuation (050) involves a user selecting the first function via a first functional element (35a) of the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3), wherein the third signal is emitted (700b) from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) in a delayed manner, in response to the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) being actuated for the second time (650) for the user to select the second function, wherein the third signal contains information relating to the selected second function, wherein the second actuation (650) is carried out via a second functional element (35b) of the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) after the actuation element (35) of the induction appliance (3) has been actuated for the first time (050), and the information relating to the selected second function is stored until the third signal is emitted (700b) from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) in a delayed manner, and operating (900a) at least the induction device (2) on the basis of the information relating to the selected second function of the received third signal.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the predetermined period of time for inductively operating (300) at least the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2) at the first predetermined power is sufficiently long to allow the second signal to be emitted (400) from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) and to allow the third signal to be emitted (700b) from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3) in a delayed manner.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that operating (900a; 900c; 900d) the induction device (2) comprises: inductively operating (900a; 900c; 900d) the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2) at a second predetermined power, wherein the second predetermined power is greater than the first predetermined power.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the induction appliance (3) further has at least one electrical generator (37) designed to be actuated by the user by means of the actuation element (35), wherein the electrical generator (37) is further designed to generate, by being actuated, the electrical energy for emitting (100) the first signal, preferably and for emitting (700a; 700b) the third signal (in a delayed manner), from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the induction appliance (3) further has at least one conductor loop (32), preferably a plurality of conductor loops (32), designed to receive the first predetermined inductive power from the first induction point (21) of the induction device (2), wherein the conductor loop (32) is further designed to generate, by receiving (350) the first predetermined inductive power, the electrical energy for emitting (400) the second signal from the transmission unit (38) of the induction appliance (3).

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the induction device (2) is designed to be switched from a standby mode to an operating mode by receiving (150) the first signal.

9. Inductive system (1), preferably an inductive cooking system (1), comprising at least one induction device (2), preferably comprising at least one hob (2), comprising at least a first induction point (21), preferably a first hot plate (21), and comprising at least one receiving unit (23), and comprising at least one induction appliance (3), preferably at least one kitchen utensil (3), comprising at least one actuation element (35), and comprising at least one transmission unit (38), wherein the induction device (2) and the induction appliance (3) are designed to carry out a method according to any of claims 1 to 8.

10. Induction device (2), preferably a hob (2), for use in an inductive system (1), preferably in an inductive cooking system (1), according to claim 9, comprising at least a first induction point (21), preferably at least a first hot plate (21), and comprising at least one receiving unit (23).

11. Induction appliance (3), preferably a kitchen utensil (3), for use in an inductive system (1), preferably in an inductive cooking system (1), according to claim 9, comprising at least one actuation element (35) designed to allow a user to select between at least two functions of the induction device (2) and / or the induction appliance (3), and comprising at least one transmission unit (38), wherein the actuation element (35) preferably has at least a first functional element (35a) for the user to select the first function, and a second functional element (35b) for the user to select the second function.