Domestic appliance device, domestic appliance, domestic appliance system, and method for operating a domestic appliance device

By adjusting the Q factor in the matching circuit of the household appliance device's transmission unit, the energy efficiency and transmission rate for wireless communication are significantly improved, addressing existing challenges in household appliance devices.

WO2025114204A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-05BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/083422
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-30
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2025-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing household appliance devices face challenges in achieving improved energy efficiency and transmission rate for wireless communication.

Method used

The introduction of an adjustable Q factor in the transmission unit's matching circuit allows for optimized signal adaptation for wireless transmission, enhancing both energy efficiency and transmission baud rate.

Benefits of technology

This configuration improves communication by increasing the transmission baud rate and enhancing energy efficiency, reducing the power supply requirements for the transmission unit.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a domestic appliance device (10a), in particular a hob device (20a), comprising a transmission unit (12a; 12b) which has an adaptation circuit (14a; 14b) in order to adapt a signal for a wireless transmission. The aim of the invention is to increase the energy efficiency and the transmission rate of the transmission. This is achieved in that the Q factor of the transmission unit (12a; 12b) can be adjusted by means of the adaptation circuit (14a; 14b).
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Description

[0001] Household appliance device, household appliance, household appliance system and a method for operating a household appliance device

[0002] The invention relates to a household appliance device according to the preamble of claim 1, a household appliance according to claim 10, a household appliance system according to claim 11 and a method for operating a household appliance device according to claim 12.

[0003] An adaptation circuit of a household appliance for adapting a signal for wireless transmission is already known from the prior art.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to energy efficiency and transmission rate. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0005] The invention relates to a household appliance device, in particular a cooking hob device, with a transmission unit which has an adaptation circuit for adapting a signal for wireless transmission.

[0006] It is proposed that a Q factor of the transmission unit is adjustable by means of the matching circuit.

[0007] Such a configuration can advantageously improve communication via the signal, in particular by increasing the transmission baud rate. Advantageously, the Q factor can be adjusted to provide a desired transmission baud rate. Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the transmission can be increased, in particular by adjusting the Q factor to achieve a desired energy transfer during transmission.

[0008] Advantageously, the requirement for a power supply module to power the transmission unit can be reduced by the increased energy efficiency of the transmission.

[0009] The household appliance, in particular the hob appliance, is preferably designed as at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of a household appliance. The household appliance is preferably designed as a large household appliance. The household appliance is preferably a cooking appliance. A household appliance designed as a cooking appliance could, for example, be an oven and / or a microwave and / or a grill and / or a steamer. Preferably, the household appliance, in particular designed as a cooking appliance, is a hob and preferably an induction hob. Alternatively, the household appliance could, for example, be designed as a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer or any other household appliance that a person skilled in the art would deem appropriate.Alternatively, the household appliance device can be designed as an accessory unit of the household appliance that is formed separately from the household appliance and can be connected to the household appliance, and in particular can be intended to be used in combination with the household appliance. Preferably, the household appliance device is fastened to and / or in the household appliance and / or is intended to be fastened to and / or in the household appliance, at least for transmission. Preferably, the household appliance device and / or the household appliance has / have at least one control unit, in particular at least one microcontroller, for adapting the signal, which control unit is intended in particular for adapting at least one piece of information and / or property of the signal.For transmission, the household appliance device is preferably connected at least by data technology, preferably by wires, to the household appliance and / or the control unit of the household appliance and is supplied with power, for example, via the connection. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the household appliance device to have its own power supply module, in particular at least one battery and / or at least one rechargeable battery and / or the like. The control unit is preferably provided for adapting the adaptation unit to adjust the Q factor.

[0010] The household appliance device is preferably part of a household appliance system that has a further household appliance device, which has a further transmission unit for the transmission between the household appliance device, in particular the transmission unit, and the further household appliance device. The transmission unit is provided in particular for the transmission of the signal to the further household appliance device, in particular the further transmission unit. The transmission unit and the further transmission unit are preferably provided for bidirectional communication. The further household appliance device is preferably designed as at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of a further household appliance.Alternatively, the further household appliance device can be designed as an accessory unit of the further household appliance, which is designed separately from the further household appliance device and can be connected to the household appliance device, and can be used in particular in combination with the further household appliance. The further household appliance device is preferably attached to and / or in the further household appliance and / or is intended to be attached to and / or in the further household appliance at least for the purpose of transmission. The further household appliance device is preferably connected to the further household appliance, in particular to at least one further control unit of the further household appliance and / or the further household appliance device, at least in terms of data technology, preferably by wire, for the purpose of receiving and / or evaluating the transmission.Preferably, the further control unit is provided for evaluating the signal, in particular for evaluating the at least one piece of information from the signal, and / or the further transmission unit is provided for supplying energy to the further household appliance, in particular to a remainder of the further household appliance, by means of energy harvesting from the signal. The further household appliance can preferably be supplied with energy, in particular solely, by energy harvesting based on the signal. The further household appliance is preferably designed as a small household appliance. The small household appliance is preferably designed to be portable and, in particular, can be transported manually by the operator. In particular, the small household appliance is designed as a small cooking appliance, in particular a small cooking appliance.The small household appliance can be configured, for example, as a rice cooker and / or air fryer and / or food processor and / or kettle and / or coffee maker and / or a smart cookware item, in particular a smart pot, and / or the like. The household appliance and the additional household appliance are preferably configured separately from one another. The household appliance system can comprise the household appliance and / or the additional household appliance. The household appliance system is preferably configured as a hob system, in particular an induction hob system.

[0011] The household appliance preferably has at least one functional unit, in particular an inductor unit, which, when the household appliance is in operation, preferably provides at least one function to the further household appliance. The functional unit, in particular the inductor unit, is preferably provided for an inductive energy supply, in particular an inductive power supply and / or an inductive heating of the further household appliance and / or at least one further functional unit, for example a further inductor unit, of the further household appliance, wherein the inductor unit is particularly provided for an inductive transmission of up to 2200 W. For example, the further functional unit of the further household appliance can be designed as an inductively heatable cooking utensil, for example of a further household appliance designed as a rice cooker.Alternatively, the further functional unit of the further household appliance can be designed, for example, as a further inductor unit that can be inductively supplied with power by means of the inductor unit, for example for supplying power to a household appliance designed as a mixer. The functional unit and / or the further functional unit, in particular the inductor unit and / or the further inductor unit, preferably differ from the transmission unit and the further transmission unit.

[0012] The household appliance designed as a hob preferably has a support plate, which is provided for setting up the further household appliance for inductive energy transmission and / or heating by means of the household appliance. The support plate can be designed as a hob plate or as a table. However, the support plate is preferably designed as a kitchen worktop. Preferably, the kitchen worktop, in particular in contrast to the hob plate, is additionally provided to provide a food preparation area, in particular in which, for example, cutting and / or mixing and / or mashing and / or peeling of food could be carried out. The support plate is in particular made of a non-metallic material.The base plate can, for example, comprise and / or be formed from glass and / or glass ceramic and / or Neolith and / or Dekton and / or wood and / or marble and / or stone, in particular natural stone and / or artificial stone, and / or laminate and / or plastic and / or ceramic and / or a composite material. Advantageously, the base plate configured as a kitchen worktop can improve the appearance and / or space efficiency and / or cleaning efficiency of the household appliance. The household appliance device, in particular the transmission unit, and / or the functional unit are arranged in an installation position preferably below the base plate.

[0013] The transmission unit is preferably provided for transmitting an RF signal. The signal preferably has a different frequency than a functional signal emanating from the functional unit, in particular the inductor unit. The signal can in particular have a higher frequency relative to the functional signal. The transmission unit preferably has an antenna, in particular with at least one transmission coil, for emitting the signal. The matching circuit is in particular at least partially connected upstream of the antenna. The Q factor is in particular embodied as the Q factor known to those skilled in the art, in particular the quality factor known to those skilled in the art. The Q factor specifies in particular a rate of increase and decrease of the signal and thus in particular a bandwidth and maximum baud rate of the transmission.The Q factor is preferably designed as a Q factor of the matching circuit, which can be adjusted by means of the matching circuit. The matching circuit is provided for setting, in particular for changing, the Q factor, in particular during operation of the household appliance. The matching circuit is preferably provided for multiple changes to the Q factor during operation of the household appliance, wherein the set Q factor remains unchanged, in particular for a set period of time after the setting. The transmission unit is preferably provided for continuous transmission and / or periodic transmission and / or reactive transmission, in particular in response to a communication and / or control signal from the household appliance and / or the further household appliance.

[0014] "Intended" should be understood as specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0015] It is further proposed that the transmission unit be provided for transmitting at least one piece of information, in particular the above-mentioned information, at least in one data transmission state and for transmitting energy, in particular for energy harvesting, in at least one energy transmission state. Advantageously, energy transmission and information transmission in a respective state can be increased particularly flexibly. The at least one piece of information can, for example, comprise at least one status message, in particular at least one piece of information about a state of the household appliance and / or the household appliance device, and / or user data and / or control and / or protocol information according to a communication protocol for communication between the household appliance device, in particular the transmission unit, and the further household appliance device, in particular the further transmission unit, and / or the like.In the data transmission state, the transmission unit can be provided for transmitting energy, in particular for energy harvesting, although in particular only an amount of energy that is smaller than the energy that can be transmitted in the energy transmission state, in particular with the same amount of energy being used to generate the signal. In the energy transmission state, the transmission unit can be provided for transmitting at least one piece of information, although in the energy transmission state the transmission has a baud rate that is lower than the baud rate of the transmission in the data transmission state. Alternatively, in the data transmission state, the transmission unit can be provided only for transmitting the at least one piece of information and in particular for transmitting only at least one signal without any contribution to energy harvesting.Alternatively, the transmission unit in the energy transmission state can be provided solely for the transmission of energy, in particular for energy harvesting, and in particular for the transmission of only at least one signal free of information. Preferably, the control unit of the household appliance is provided for setting the data transmission state or the energy transmission state, in particular depending on the information to be transmitted and in particular depending on a determined baud rate required for the transmission of the information. Preferably, the energy transmission state is designed as a basic state of the transmission unit, from which the transmission unit is transferred into the data transmission state depending on the information to be transmitted, in particular for a set time interval.

[0016] It is also proposed that a value of the Q factor in the data transmission state differs from a value of the Q factor in the energy transmission state. Advantageously, a baud rate of the transmission in the data transmission state and / or a maximum energy transfer during transmission in the energy transmission state can be increased. In particular, a particularly high energy transmission requirement in the household appliance system, which must be maintained during operation of the household appliance system, in particular for long periods of time, in particular typical periods of a cooking process, can be met particularly efficiently. Preferably, the adaptation circuit is set differently for the data transmission state and the energy transmission state, in particular for the different values ​​of the Q factor. The transmission unit can have only the one data transmission state and the one energy transmission state.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the transmission unit has at least one further state, for example at least one further data transmission state and / or at least one further energy transmission state and / or in particular one.

[0017] intermediate state which has a further different value of the Q factor.

[0018] It is further proposed that a value of the Q factor in the data transmission state be smaller than a value of the Q factor in the energy transmission state. As a result, the baud rate of the transmission in the data transmission state and / or the maximum energy transfer during the transmission in the energy transmission state can be particularly advantageously increased. Preferably, the Q factor in the energy transmission state is set to an increased ratio of an energy transmitted by means of the transmission unit to an energy required to generate the signal compared to the data transmission state. The Q factor is preferably set to an increased, in particular maximum, baud rate of the transmission in the data transmission state compared to the energy transmission state.In the energy transmission state, the Q factor can, for example, have a value of at least substantially 41, wherein a baud rate in the energy transmission state can be, in particular, 106 kb / s. In the data transmission state, the Q factor can, for example, have a value of at least substantially 7, wherein a baud rate in the data transmission state can be, in particular, 848 kb / s. Alternatively, other values ​​of the Q factor and in particular the baud rate, for example 212 kb / s or 424 kb / s, would be conceivable. In this context, “at least substantially” should be understood to mean in particular that the value of the Q factor deviates from the specified value of the Q factor by, in particular, less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the specified value of the Q factor.

[0019] It is further proposed that the signal be embodied as an NFC signal. Advantageously, the complexity and / or manufacturing costs of the transmission unit can be reduced by using already extensively developed NFC components and a fundamentally established NFC transmission standard. Furthermore, the transmission between the transmission unit and the further transmission unit can take place only over a small distance, particularly one typical for the range of an NFC transmission. This advantageously increases security, particularly for the transmission of control commands for a heating process between the transmission unit and the further transmission unit. Furthermore, energy harvesting can be provided particularly efficiently using the NFC signal.The transmission unit preferably has at least one corresponding electronic component for transmitting the NFC signal. The household appliance device is preferably designed as an NFC chip, in particular as an NFC reader, or at least has such a reader. The further transmission unit is preferably provided at least for receiving the NFC signal. The further household appliance device is preferably designed as an NFC chip, in particular as an NFC tag, or at least has such a reader. It is also proposed that the adaptation circuit have at least one adjustable resistance value for adapting the Q factor, whereby the Q factor can be set particularly efficiently. Preferably, a total resistance value of the adaptation circuit is adjustable, in particular for adapting the Q factor. In particular, the resistance value depends on at least one resistance element of the adaptation circuit.The resistance value is preferably a resistance value of the at least one resistance element which is connected, in particular through which current flows, in at least one of the respective data transmission state and energy transmission state in the matching circuit. The at least one resistance element is preferably connected in series with the antenna. The Q factor can be reduced, in particular, by increasing the resistance value. With an increase in the resistance value, losses in the matching circuit increase, in particular, as a result of which the energy efficiency of the matching circuit decreases, and in particular only a smaller amount of energy than the transmittable energy in the energy transmission state can be transmitted by means of the transmission unit in the data transmission state, in particular with a constant energy expenditure to generate the signal.

[0020] It is further proposed that the matching circuit have at least one adjustable capacitance parameter. In particular, the matching circuit can advantageously be tuned with respect to the respective set resistance value of the matching circuit. Advantageously, an optimized signal, for example with respect to a reduction of interference signals, can be achieved for the different Q factors of the matching circuit by means of the adjustable capacitance parameter. The capacitance parameter is in particular adaptable to the Q factor and in particular to the resistance value. Preferably, the matching circuit has at least one LC resonant circuit, which is adaptable based on the adaptable capacitance parameter.The matching circuit preferably has at least one low-pass filter and / or another filter that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, which is adaptable based on the adaptable capacitance characteristic and in particular has the LC resonant circuit. The matching circuit preferably has at least one fixed coil element with a fixed inductance and / or at least one fixed base capacitance element with a fixed capacitance, which are / is connected in the matching circuit, in particular through which current flows, in particular in the energy transmission state and in the data transmission state. The capacitance characteristic is preferably designed as a capacitance of at least one capacitance element, preferably of at least two capacitance elements, which are / is connected in the matching circuit, in particular through which current flows, in particular in at least one of the states.It is conceivable that the capacitance parameter is based on a total capacitance in the matching circuit.

[0021] It is further proposed that the matching circuit have at least one matching subcircuit and at least one switching element for selecting the matching subcircuit for adjusting the Q factor. In particular, the resistance value and / or the capacitance parameter can advantageously be adjusted by means of at least one fixed resistance element, in particular with a fixed resistance, and / or at least one fixed capacitance element, in particular with a fixed capacitance. Cost efficiency can advantageously be increased by means of a fixed design of the electrical and / or electronic elements. The switching element is preferably designed as an electrical and / or electronic switching element that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example as a semiconductor switch, in particular a MOSFET, as a relay, or the like.The matching circuit preferably has at least two, preferably exactly two, matching subcircuits, wherein the switching element for adjusting the Q factor is provided, in particular for the selection between the two matching subcircuits. Preferably, only one of the matching subcircuits of the matching circuit is connected to the matching circuit in each of the data transmission state and the energy transmission state by means of the switching element. Preferably, a different matching subcircuit of the matching circuit is connected to the matching circuit in each of the data transmission state and the energy transmission state. Preferably, one in each case.

[0022] Each matching subcircuit has at least one resistance element, preferably exactly two resistance elements, in particular with an identical resistance, and / or at least one, preferably exactly four, capacitance element(s), wherein in particular two capacitance elements each have an identical capacitance in an identical state. The respective matching subcircuit preferably has two different capacitance elements with a different capacitance in an identical state. At least one first resistance element, in particular the resistance value of the at least one first resistance element, of a first matching subcircuit of the matching circuit differs from at least one second resistance element, in particular the resistance value of the at least one second resistance element, of a second matching subcircuit of the matching circuit.Preferably, at least one first capacitance element, in particular the capacitance characteristic of the at least one first capacitance element, of the first matching subcircuit of the matching circuit differs from at least one second capacitance element, in particular the capacitance characteristic of the at least one second capacitance element, of the second matching subcircuit of the matching circuit. In particular, the resistance value and the capacitance characteristic are / are adaptable by selecting the switching element. The matching circuit can have exactly one switching element for selecting between the exactly two matching subcircuits, but preferably has more than one switching element. Alternatively, any number of matching subcircuits would be conceivable, which could, for example, have only one resistance element or only at least one capacitance element.Alternatively, it would be conceivable for only fixed basic elements, in particular the at least one fixed coil element and / or the at least one basic capacitance element and / or a basic resistance element, to be connected to the matching circuit for one of the states, in particular for the energy transmission state, for adjusting the Q factor and tuning the matching circuit. Preferably, the matching circuit for such a configuration comprises only one matching subcircuit, which is connected to the matching circuit in the other state, in particular in the data transmission state, by means of the switching element in addition to the basic elements.

[0023] It is also proposed that the matching circuit have at least one adjustable resistance element and / or at least one adjustable capacitance element for adjusting the Q factor. Advantageously, the matching circuit can be designed free of a switching element for selecting the matching subcircuits and, in particular, with a reduced number of electronic and / or electrical elements compared to an embodiment of the matching circuit with the switching element. In particular, the complexity of the matching circuit and / or the space efficiency of the matching circuit and, in particular, of the transmission unit can be advantageously increased. Preferably, the adjustable resistance element has an adjustable resistance and is, in particular, adjustable for adjusting the resistance value.The matching circuit preferably has two adjustable resistance elements, each of which is provided in particular to assume the same resistance. The adjustable capacitance element preferably has an adjustable capacitance and is adjustable in particular to adjust the capacitance characteristic. The matching circuit preferably has four adjustable capacitance elements, wherein in particular two capacitance elements are provided to assume the same capacitance. The matching circuit preferably has at least two adjustable capacitance elements, which are provided to adjust a different capacitance. The matching circuit preferably has the same circuit, in particular one through which current flows, in the energy transmission state and the data transmission state.Preferably, the adjustable resistance element and / or the adjustable capacitance element are digitally adjustable. The adjustable resistance element can be designed, for example, as a potentiometer, in particular a digital one, or another element with an adjustable resistance that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art. The adjustable capacitance element can be designed, for example, as a variable-capacitance diode or another element with an adjustable capacitance that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example, as a variable capacitor or the like. It is conceivable that the Q factor can be adjusted solely by means of the adjustable electronic and / or electrical elements of the matching circuit or solely by means of the selection of the switching element.Alternatively, the Q factor can be adjustable by means of at least one adjustable electronic and / or electrical element of the matching circuit and the selection of the switching element.

[0024] Furthermore, a method for operating a household appliance, in particular the one mentioned above, is proposed, wherein a matching circuit, in particular the one mentioned above, is adapted to a, in particular the above-mentioned, adaptation of a, in particular the above-mentioned signal for a, in particular the above-mentioned wireless transmission, wherein a, in particular the above-mentioned, Q factor is set by means of the matching circuit. Energy efficiency and / or a data transmission rate can advantageously be improved. The method preferably has at least one method step, in particular an energy transmission step, in which in a, in particular the above-mentioned, energy transmission state, at least one, in particular the above-mentioned, energy is transmitted by means of the transmission.In a further method step, in particular in an adaptation step, of the method, the Q factor is preferably adapted by means of the adaptation circuit. The method preferably comprises at least one method step, in particular a data transmission step, in which at least one piece of information, in particular the above-mentioned, is transmitted by means of the transmission in a data transmission state, in particular the above-mentioned data transmission state. The method can comprise the energy transmission step and the data transmission step in any desired order and repetition, wherein the adaptation step is arranged in particular between the energy transmission step and the data transmission step.

[0025] The household appliance, the household appliance system, the household appliance system, and the method for operating the household appliance are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the household appliance, the household appliance system, the household appliance system, and the method for operating the household appliance may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein.

[0026] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0027] They show:

[0028] Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a household appliance system with a household appliance device, Fig. 2 a circuit diagram of the household appliance system with a transmission unit of the household appliance device,

[0029] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary graph of a power that can be transmitted by the transmission unit over a frequency for different Q factors of the transmission unit,

[0030] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary graph of an impedance in the transmission unit in different states of the transmission unit,

[0031] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary graph of a maximum energy transfer by means of the transmission unit to another transmission unit as a function of a load connected to the transmission unit in an energy transfer state,

[0032] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary graph of a maximum energy transfer by means of the transmission unit to the further transmission unit as a function of the load connected to the transmission unit in a data transmission state,

[0033] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method for operating the household appliance and

[0034] Fig. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of part of a transmission unit of an alternative household appliance device.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a household appliance system 80a. The household appliance system 80a is designed as a cooktop system 82a.

[0036] The household appliance system 80a comprises a household appliance device 10a. The household appliance device 10a is part of a household appliance 50a. The

[0037] Household appliance device 10a is configured as a cooktop device 20a. Household appliance 50a is configured as a cooktop 52a. Household appliance system 80a may include household appliance 50a.

[0038] The household appliance system 80a includes a further household appliance device 60a. The further household appliance device 60a is part of a further household appliance 64a. The further household appliance 64a is configured as a portable small household appliance 66a.

[0039] The additional household appliance 64a is intended for performing food processing. In the present case, the household appliance 64a is designed as a blender 68a; however, alternatively, a household appliance 64a designed as another small household appliance 66a, for example, a rice cooker, an air fryer, or the like, is also conceivable.

[0040] The household appliance 50a has a support plate 48a for supporting the additional household appliance 64a. The support plate 48a is embodied as a kitchen worktop 58a in the present case. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the support plate 48a is embodied, for example, as a hob plate (not shown).

[0041] The household appliance 50a has at least one functional unit 54a. The further household appliance 64a has a further functional unit 70a. The functional unit 54a is provided as an inductor unit 56a for an inductive energy supply, in particular heating and / or power supply, of the further functional unit 70a.

[0042] The inductor unit 56a is arranged in an installation position below the mounting plate 48a.

[0043] The additional functional unit 70a is embodied in the present case as an additional inductor unit 72a. The inductor unit 56a provides a power supply to the additional household appliance 64a via the additional inductor unit 72a. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the additional functional unit 70a to be embodied as an inductively heatable cooking utensil (not shown) or as a resistive heating coil (not shown).

[0044] The household appliance device 10a is embodied as an NFC reader. The further household appliance device 60a is embodied as an NFC tag. The household appliance device 10a is designed for wireless transmission of at least one signal to the further household appliance device 60a. The signal is embodied as an NFC signal.

[0045] The household appliance device 10a has an antenna 38a for transmitting the signal. In this case, the antenna 38a is arranged above the functional unit 54a. The antenna 38a and the functional unit 54a can be separated from one another and / or at least partially electromagnetically insulated from one another by a ferrite plate (not shown) of the household appliance 50a. The ferrite plate can be arranged between the antenna 38a and the functional unit 54a. The further household appliance device 60a has a further antenna 74a for transmitting the signal. The further antenna 74a is arranged below the further functional unit 70a in this case. The further antenna 74a and the further functional unit 70a can be separated from one another and / or at least partially electromagnetically insulated from one another by a further ferrite plate (not shown) of the further household appliance 64a.The further ferrite plate can be arranged between the further antenna 74a and the further functional unit 70a.

[0046] Alternatively, no ferrite plate may be arranged between the functional unit 54a and the antenna 38a and / or the further functional unit 70a and the further antenna 74a. Alternatively, the further antenna 74a may extend concentrically outside the further functional unit 70a.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of the household appliance system 80a. The household appliance device 10a has a transmission unit 12a. The transmission unit 12a has an adaptation circuit 14a for adapting the signal for wireless transmission. The transmission unit 12a is provided for transmitting the signal. The transmission unit 12a has the antenna 38a. In addition to the transmission unit 12a, the household appliance device 10a can have at least one control unit (not shown), for example, for controlling the transmission unit 12a.

[0048] The further household appliance device 60a has a further transmission unit 62a for the transmission between the household appliance device 10a, in particular the transmission unit 12a, and the further household appliance device 60a. The further transmission unit 62a is provided at least for receiving the signal. The further transmission unit 12a has the further antenna 74a. In addition to the further transmission unit 62a, the further household appliance device 10a can have at least one further control unit (not shown).

[0049] A Q factor of the transmission unit 12a is adjustable by means of the matching circuit 14a. The matching circuit 14a is adjustable for setting the Q factor. The matching circuit 14a is at least partially connected upstream of the antenna 74a. The transmission unit 12a is provided for transmitting at least one piece of information at least in one data transmission state and for transmitting energy in at least one energy transmission state. The transmission unit 12a is provided for providing energy to the further household appliance device 60a for energy harvesting of the further household appliance device 60a. The further household appliance device 60a can be supplied solely by means of the energy transmitted by the household appliance device 10a.

[0050] In the data transmission state, the transmission unit 12a is provided for transmitting energy for energy harvesting, which energy is only smaller than the transmittable energy in the energy transmission state for the same energy used to generate the signal.

[0051] Alternatively, the transmission unit 12a may not transmit energy for energy harvesting in the data transmission state.

[0052] The transmission unit 12a is provided in the energy transmission state for transmitting at least one piece of information, wherein the transmission in the energy transmission state, however, in particular only has a baud rate that is lower than a baud rate of the transmission in the data transmission state.

[0053] Alternatively, the transmission unit 12a may be provided in the energy transmission state to transmit the signal free of information.

[0054] The control unit of the household appliance device 10a can be provided for setting the data transmission state or the energy transmission state, in particular depending on the information to be transmitted.

[0055] A value of the Q factor in the data transmission state differs from a value of the Q factor in the power transmission state. The matching circuit 14a is set differently for the different Q factor values ​​in the data transmission state and the power transmission state.

[0056] A value of the Q factor in the data transmission state is smaller than a value of the Q factor in the energy transmission state. In the energy transmission state, the Q factor can, for example, have a value of at least substantially 41. A baud rate in the energy transmission state can be 106 kb / s. In the data transmission state, the Q factor can, for example, have a value of at least substantially 7. A baud rate in the energy transmission state can be 848 kb / s. Alternatively, other values ​​that would be deemed reasonable by a person skilled in the art would be conceivable.

[0057] The matching circuit 14a has at least one adjustable resistance value for adjusting the Q factor. The matching circuit 14a has at least one resistance element 18a. In the present case, the matching circuit 14a has exactly two resistance elements 18a, with only one resistance element 18a being designated.

[0058] The resistance value depends on the at least one resistance element 18a of the matching circuit 14a. The matching circuit 14a is designed to increase the resistance value to reduce the Q factor. The resistance value is increased in the data transmission state relative to the resistance value in the energy transmission state. The at least one resistance element 18a is connected in series with the antenna 38a.

[0059] The matching circuit 14a has at least one adjustable capacitance parameter. The matching circuit 14a has at least one capacitance element 28a. In the present case, the matching circuit 14a has exactly four capacitance elements 28a for adjusting the capacitance parameter, with only one capacitance element 28a being designated. The capacitance parameter depends on the at least one capacitance element 28a of the matching circuit 14a.

[0060] The matching circuit 14a has at least one, in particular exactly two, capacitance element(s) 28a connected in series with the antenna 38a for adapting the capacitance characteristic. The matching circuit 14a has at least one, in particular exactly two, capacitance element(s) 28a connected in parallel with the antenna 38a for adapting the capacitance characteristic.

[0061] The matching circuit 14a has a basic subcircuit 22a. The basic subcircuit 22a is designed at least as part of an LC resonant circuit. The basic subcircuit 22a is provided for a function in the matching circuit 14a other than an adjustment, in particular a change, of the Q factor. A resistance and / or a capacitance of the basic subcircuit 22a is fixed. Current flows through the basic subcircuit 22a in the energy transmission state and in the data transmission state.

[0062] The at least one resistance element 18a for adjusting the resistance value and the at least one capacitance element 28a for adjusting the capacitance characteristic are formed outside the basic subcircuit 22a and connected thereto.

[0063] The adjustment circuit 14a has at least one adjustable resistance element 18a for adjusting the Q factor. The resistance element 18a is adjustable for adjusting the Q factor. The adjustable resistance element 18a has an adjustable resistance. The at least one resistance element 18a is adjustable for adjusting the resistance value.

[0064] The resistance of the adjustable resistance element 18a differs between the power transmission state and the data transmission state. The resistance of the adjustable resistance element is smaller in the power transmission state than the resistance of the adjustable resistance element 18a in the data transmission state.

[0065] In this case, the resistance elements 18a of the matching circuit 14a are each designed to set a resistance that is identical to one another. Alternatively, different resistances of the resistance elements 18a would be conceivable.

[0066] The adjustable resistance element 18a is digitally adjustable. The adjustable resistance element 18a is embodied, for example, as a potentiometer.

[0067] The matching circuit 14a has at least one adjustable capacitance element 28a. The matching circuit 14a has the adjustable capacitance element 28a for tuning the matching circuit 14a with respect to the set Q factor, in particular with respect to the adjusted resistance value.

[0068] The adjustable capacitance element 28a has an adjustable capacitance. The capacitance of the adjustable capacitance element 28a differs in the energy transmission state and the data transmission state. The at least one capacitance element 28a is adjustable to adjust the capacitance characteristic. The matching circuit 14a here has four adjustable capacitance elements 28a. Two of the adjustable capacitance elements 28a are each provided to assume an identical capacitance in an identical state. The adjustable capacitance elements 28a connected in series to the antenna 38a are each provided to assume an identical capacitance in an identical state. The adjustable capacitance elements 28a connected in parallel to the antenna 38a are each provided to assume an identical capacitance in an identical state.

[0069] Two of the adjustable capacitance elements 28a, in particular one adjustable capacitance element 28a connected in parallel and one in series to the antenna 38a, are provided to assume a mutually different capacitance in an identical state.

[0070] Alternatively, a different number of adjustable resistance elements 18a and / or adjustable capacitance elements 28a in the adaptation circuit 14a is conceivable, which appears to be reasonable to the person skilled in the art.

[0071] The adjustable capacitance element 28a is digitally adjustable. The adjustable capacitance element 28a is embodied, for example, as a capacitance diode.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a graph with an axis 40a representing the maximum transmittable power by means of the transmission unit 12a plotted against an axis 42a representing the signal's emission frequency. At a point A on the axis 42a, the signal has an NFC frequency, specifically 13.56 MHz. At a point B and a point C on the axis 42a, the frequency deviates from the NFC frequency by one-sixteenth of the NFC frequency and amounts to 12.712 MHz at point B and 14.408 MHz at point C.

[0073] A curve 44a shows the maximum transmittable power in the data transmission state, in particular for a Q factor that is low compared to the energy transmission state. A curve 46a shows the maximum transmittable power in the energy transmission state, in particular a Q factor that is high compared to the data transmission state. The maximum transmittable power is higher in the energy transmission state at the NFC frequency than in the data transmission state. Figure 4 shows a graph with an axis 84a of an impedance in the transmission unit 12a in ohms versus an axis 86a of a frequency of the signal in megahertz. A curve 88a shows the impedance in the data transmission state with the adjusted capacitance characteristic. A curve 90a shows the impedance in the energy transmission state with the adjusted capacitance characteristic.A curve 92a shows the impedance for the Q factor, in particular the resistance value, of the data transmission state, with the capacitance characteristic adapted to the energy transmission state.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a graph illustrating a maximum energy transfer from the transmission unit 12a to the further transmission unit 62a in the energy transfer state as a function of a resistance of a load 76a of the further household appliance device 60a (see Figure 2). The load 76a is connected to the further transmission unit 62a. An axis 100a describes the increasing resistance of the load 76a.

[0075] An axis 94a describes a voltage in the further transmission unit 62a in volts. A curve 104a shows the exemplary voltage in the energy transfer state.

[0076] An axis 96a describes a current in the further transmission unit 62a in milliamperes. A curve 106a shows the exemplary current in the energy transfer state.

[0077] An axis 98a describes a power, in particular a product of voltage and current, in the further transmission unit 62a in watts. A curve 108a shows the exemplary power in the energy transfer state.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a graph illustrating the maximum energy transfer from the transmission unit 12a to the further transmission unit 62a in the data transmission state as a function of the resistance of the load 76a (see Figure 2).

[0079] A curve 114a shows the exemplary voltage in the data transmission state.

[0080] A curve 116a shows the exemplary current intensity in the data transmission state. An axis 102a describes the power in the further transmission unit 62a in milliwatts. A curve 112a shows the exemplary power in the data transmission state.

[0081] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method for operating the household appliance device 10a.

[0082] The method comprises an energy transfer step 120a in which, in an energy transfer state, at least the energy is transferred by means of the transfer.

[0083] In an adaptation step 122a of the method, the adaptation circuit 14a is adapted to adapt the signal for wireless transmission, wherein the Q factor is adjusted by means of the adaptation circuit 14a.

[0084] The method comprises a data transmission step 124a in which, in the data transmission state, at least the information is transmitted by means of the transmission.

[0085] The method may comprise the energy transfer step 120a and the data transfer step 124a in any order and repetition, wherein the adaptation step 122a is interposed between the energy transfer step 120a and the data transfer step 124a.

[0086] Of multiple objects, only one is provided with a reference symbol in the figures.

[0087] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby reference can be made to the description of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 7 with regard to identical components, features and functions. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 7 has been replaced by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figure 8. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 7.

[0088] Figure 8 shows a schematic topology of a part of a transmission unit 12b with an alternatively designed adaptation circuit 14b of a cooking hob device (not shown).

[0089] The matching circuit 14b has at least one matching subcircuit 24b, 26b and at least one switching element 16b for selecting the matching subcircuit 24b, 26b for adjusting a Q factor.

[0090] In this case, the matching circuit 14b has exactly two matching subcircuits 24b, 26b. The switching element 16b is provided for adjusting the Q factor for the selection between the two matching subcircuits 24b, 26b. By means of the switching element 16b, current flows through only one of the matching subcircuits 24b, 26b in a respective state, in particular a respective energy transmission state and a respective data transmission state. The switching element 16b is provided for switching between the energy transmission state and the data transmission state.

[0091] The switching element 16b is provided for the energy transmission state for a selection of a first matching subcircuit 24b. The switching element 16b is provided for the data transmission state for a selection of a second matching subcircuit 26b. The matching circuit 14b can have more than one switching element 16b for the selection.

[0092] The matching circuit 14b has fixed resistance elements 18b, each having a fixed resistance. The matching circuit 14b has four fixed resistance elements 18b in the present case, with only two resistance elements 18b being designated. Each matching subcircuit 26b has at least one fixed resistance element 18b.

[0093] A resistance of a first resistance element 34b of the first matching subcircuit 24b differs from a resistance of a second resistance element 36b of the second matching subcircuit 26b. The first resistance element 34b of the first matching subcircuit 24b has a lower

[0094] resistance as the second resistance element 36b.

[0095] In this case, each matching subcircuit 24b, 26b has two fixed resistance elements 18b, which have the same resistance to one another. The first matching subcircuit 24b has two first resistance elements 34b with the same resistance to one another, with only one first resistance element 34b being designated. The second matching subcircuit 26b has two second resistance elements 36b with the same resistance to one another, with only one second resistance element 36b being designated.

[0096] By selecting the respective matching subcircuit 24b, 26b, a resistance value of the matching circuit 14b can be adjusted to adjust the Q factor of the matching circuit 14b. The resistance value of the matching circuit 14b depends on the connection of the at least one first resistance element 34b or the at least one second resistance element 36b by means of the selection.

[0097] By selecting the respective matching subcircuit 24b, 26b, a capacitance characteristic of the matching circuit 14b can be adjusted.

[0098] The matching circuit 14b has fixed capacitance elements 28b, each having a fixed capacitance. The matching circuit 14b has eight fixed capacitance elements 28b for matching the capacitance parameter, with only two capacitance elements 28b being designated. Each matching subcircuit 24b, 26b has at least one fixed capacitance element 28b.

[0099] A capacitance of a first capacitance element 30b of the first matching subcircuit 24b differs from a capacitance of a second capacitance element 32b of the second matching subcircuit 26b.

[0100] In this case, each matching subcircuit 26b has four first capacitance elements 30b for adapting the capacitance parameter. The first matching subcircuit 24b has two first capacitance elements 30b with identical capacitance, which differs from the identical capacitance of two further first capacitance elements 30b, with only one first capacitance element 30b being designated. The second matching subcircuit 26b has two second capacitance elements 32b with identical capacitance, which differs from the identical capacitance of two further second capacitance elements 32b, with only one second capacitance element 32b being designated.

[0101] The capacitance characteristic of the matching circuit 14b depends on the connection of the at least one first capacitance element 30b or the at least one second capacitance element 32b by means of the selection.

[0102] Alternatively, a different number of resistance elements 18a and / or capacitance elements 28a in the matching subcircuits 24a, 26a that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable, wherein one of the matching subcircuits 24a, 26a could, for example, also be designed free of a resistance element 18a or capacitance element 28a.

[0103] A part of the transmission unit 12b through which current flows in the energy transmission state or data transmission state has, in particular, a circuit diagram corresponding to the circuit diagram shown in Figure 2.

[0104] Alternatively, further embodiments of a matching circuit (not shown) which appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable, in which a Q factor can be set, for example, by means of a selection of a matching subcircuit of the matching circuit and by means of at least one adjustable resistance element and / or at least one adjustable capacitance element of the matching circuit.

[0105] Reference symbol

[0106] 10 Household appliance device

[0107] 12 transmission unit

[0108] 14 Adaptation circuit

[0109] 16 Switching element

[0110] 18 resistance element

[0111] 20 Hob device

[0112] 22 Basic circuit

[0113] 24 matching subcircuit

[0114] 26 Matching subcircuit

[0115] 28 Capacity element

[0116] 30 capacity element

[0117] 32 capacity element

[0118] 34 resistance element

[0119] 36 resistance element

[0120] 38 Antenna

[0121] 40 axis

[0122] 42 Axis

[0123] 44 Curve

[0124] 46 Curve

[0125] 48 mounting plate

[0126] 50 household appliances

[0127] 52 hob

[0128] 54 functional unit

[0129] 56 Inductor unit

[0130] 58 kitchen worktop

[0131] 60 additional household appliances

[0132] 62 additional transmission units

[0133] 64 other household appliances Small household appliances

[0134] Mixer additional functional unit additional inductor unit additional antenna

[0135] load

[0136] household appliance system

[0137] Hob system

[0138] axis

[0139] axis

[0140] curve

[0141] curve

[0142] curve

[0143] axis

[0144] axis

[0145] axis

[0146] axis

[0147] axis

[0148] curve

[0149] curve

[0150] curve

[0151] curve

[0152] curve

[0153] curve

[0154] Energy transfer step

[0155] Adjustment step

[0156] Data transfer step

Claims

Claims 1. Household appliance device (10a), in particular hob device (20a), with a transmission unit (12a; 12b) which has an adaptation circuit (14a; 14b) for adapting a signal for wireless transmission, characterized in that a Q factor of the transmission unit (12a; 12b) can be adjusted by means of the adaptation circuit (14a; 14b).

2. Household appliance device (10a) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission unit (12a; 12b) is provided for transmitting at least one piece of information at least in one data transmission state and for transmitting energy in at least one energy transmission state.

3. Household appliance device (10a) according to claim 2, characterized in that a value of the Q factor in the data transmission state differs from a value of the Q factor in the power transmission state.

4. Household appliance device (10a) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a value of the Q factor in the data transmission state is smaller than a value of the Q factor in the power transmission state.

5. Household appliance device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal is designed as an NFC signal.

6. Household appliance device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adaptation circuit (14a; 14b) has at least one adjustable resistance value for adapting the Q factor.

7. Household appliance device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adaptation circuit (14a; 14b) has at least one adaptable capacitance characteristic.

8. Household appliance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adaptation circuit (14b) has at least one adaptation subcircuit (24b, 26b) and at least one switching element (16b) for selecting the adaptation subcircuit (24b, 26b) for adapting the Q factor.

9. Household appliance device (10a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adaptation circuit (14a) for adapting the Q factor has at least one adjustable resistance element (18a) and / or at least one adjustable capacitance element (28a).

10. Household appliance (50a), in particular a hob (52a), with a household appliance device (10b) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Household appliance system (80a) with a household appliance device (10a) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and with a further household appliance device (60a) which has a further transmission unit (62a) for the transmission between the household appliance device (10a), in particular the transmission unit (12a), and the further household appliance device (60a).

12. A method for operating a household appliance (10a), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an adaptation circuit (14a; 14b) is adapted to adapt a signal for wireless transmission, characterized in that a Q factor is set by means of the adaptation circuit (14a; 14b).

Citation Information

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