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

Abstract

The invention relates to a domestic appliance device (10a-10d), in particular an induction hob device (20a-20d), comprising a main supply switch (12a-12d) and at least one filter unit (14a-14d) which has at least one filter capacitor (24a-24d). The aim of the invention is to increase the service life and relax the demand on components of the domestic appliance device (10a-10d). This is achieved in that the domestic appliance device (10a-10d) has an inrush current limiting unit (16a-16d), which is connected in parallel to the main supply switch (12a-12d), for limiting an inrush current at least on the filter capacitor (24a-24d) and / or on at least one bus capacitor (18a-18d) connected downstream of the inrush current limiting unit (16a-16d).

Description

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

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

[0003] Household appliances, in particular induction hobs, are already known from the prior art, comprising an EMC filter unit with at least one filter capacitor, a mains supply switch for controlling the transmission of a mains current and a mains voltage, and a bus capacitor for smoothing a direct current generated from the mains current.

[0004] CN 107171338 A, CN 104362646 A, CN 203859527 U and CN 102299519 A disclose units for limiting an inrush current at a main switch, which may in particular comprise a diode and a switching element, for example a relay.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, to provide a generic device with improved properties regarding an increased service life and a relaxed requirement for components of a household appliance. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 11, and claim 12, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] The invention relates to a household appliance device, in particular an induction hob device, with a main supply switch, and with at least one filter unit which has at least one filter capacitor.

[0007] It is proposed that the household appliance device comprise an inrush current limiting unit connected in parallel with the main supply switch for limiting an inrush current at least at the filter capacitor and / or at least one bus capacitor. Such a configuration advantageously limits an inrush current, thereby increasing the service life of the main supply switch and at least the filter unit, in particular the at least one filter capacitor, and / or the bus capacitor, in particular at least part of a circuit of the household appliance device.Advantageously, a sticking of the main supply switch caused by a high inrush current and thus, in particular, a failure of the household appliance can be prevented for a non-closable main supply switch, in particular for an NC contact of the main supply switch, or a loss of a safety function of an unopenable main supply switch, in particular for an NO contact of the main supply switch. Furthermore, a requirement for the main supply switch to withstand the inrush current can be advantageously reduced or eliminated, wherein the main supply switch can be configured, in particular, for increased current transmission, in particular a rated current.In particular, a trade-off between the robustness of the main supply switch with respect to the inrush current and the current transmission capabilities of the main supply switch, which depend in particular on a metal alloy of the contacts of the main supply switch, can be optimized for a particularly high current transmission, in particular the rated current. Advantageously, a particularly efficient power transmission via the main supply switch can be achieved in at least one main operating state of the household appliance.

[0008] A "household appliance device" should be understood in particular as at least one part, preferably a subassembly, of a household appliance. The household appliance device preferably has at least one part of an electrical and / or electronic circuit and preferably the entire electrical and / or electronic circuit of the household appliance. The household appliance device, in particular the circuit, is preferably arranged on a printed circuit board. The household appliance device can also comprise the entire household appliance. The household appliance device is preferably designed as an induction hob device, which is designed in particular as at least one part, in particular as a subassembly, of a household appliance designed as an induction hob.Alternatively, the household appliance device can be designed as a part, in particular as a subassembly, of any household appliance deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, which in particular comprises at least the main power switch, in particular for connection to a mains power supply, the filter unit, in particular for filtering the mains power supply, and / or the bus capacitor. For example, it is conceivable for the household appliance to be designed as any cooking appliance deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, in particular a microwave or an oven and / or a resistance hob and / or a grill and / or a steamer, or as a household cooling appliance, for example a refrigerator and / or freezer or an air conditioner, or as a household cleaning appliance, such as a washing machine and / or a dryer or a dishwasher, or as the like.

[0009] The main supply switch is preferably designed as an electromechanical relay. Advantageously, the load capacity and / or reliability and / or cost-effectiveness of the main supply switch can be increased. In particular, the complexity of the main supply switch can be reduced. Alternatively, another configuration of the main supply switch that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art would be conceivable, for example, as a semiconductor switch. In a closed state, the main supply switch is preferably provided for transmitting a main current and / or a main voltage originating from a main supply unit. The main supply switch is preferably in the closed state at least in the main operating state of the household appliance device, and in particular of the household appliance.Preferably, the main supply switch is provided in an open state to interrupt the transmission of the main current and / or the main voltage. The main supply switch is preferably in the open state at least in a standby mode of the household appliance device and in particular of the household appliance, whereby safety and / or energy efficiency can be increased in particular. Preferably, an open state of the main supply switch can be controlled by an operator via a user interface, in particular of the household appliance and / or the household appliance device. The main supply unit is preferably part of the household appliance device. Preferably, the main supply unit provides the main voltage and in particular the main current.The main current is preferably embodied as an alternating current, in particular as a mains current, and the main supply unit is embodied in particular as a grid connection to a power transmission network. The main voltage can be single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase. The main voltage is preferably embodied as an alternating voltage, in particular as a mains voltage. Alternatively, the main supply unit can be embodied as at least one generator or the like. Preferably, the household appliance device and in particular the household appliance are at least partially operable by means of the main current and / or the main voltage. The household appliance, preferably the household appliance device, has in particular at least one functional unit operable by means of the main current and / or the main voltage, which functional unit is provided in particular to provide a function of the household appliance.The functional unit is preferably designed as an induction unit of the induction hob, in particular of the induction hob device. The induction unit preferably has at least one induction coil and is designed, in particular, to emit inductive energy, in particular for inductive heating and / or an inductive energy supply. Alternatively, the functional unit can be designed, for example, as an electric motor, for example of a household appliance designed as a washing machine or to drive a compressor of a household refrigerator, or the like. The functional unit is preferably operable only when the main supply switch is closed, in particular to provide the intended function, in particular by means of the main current and / or the main voltage.The functional unit is preferably operable by means of a supply current and / or a supply voltage, which can be generated in particular by means of the main current and / or the main voltage, wherein the functional unit, in particular the at least one induction coil, is preferably provided for the supply current to flow through it in order to provide the function. The supply current is preferably designed as a main current that is at least filtered and in particular rectified and / or smoothed and / or reversed by means of the bus capacitor, wherein the same applies in particular to the supply voltage with regard to the main voltage. The bus capacitor is preferably designed as a smoothing capacitor. The bus capacitor is preferably connected downstream of or upstream of the inrush current limiting unit, in particular at least along a reference current direction.The reference current direction preferably correlates to a first polarity, in particular a positive or alternatively a negative polarity, of the main current and is in particular designed as a current direction of the main current. The bus capacitor is preferably connected downstream of at least the filter unit and in particular at least one rectifier, in particular at least along the reference current direction. The bus capacitor is preferably connected directly downstream of the rectifier, in particular at least along the reference current direction. The rectifier is preferably provided to generate a direct current and / or direct voltage, in particular generated from the main current and / or the main voltage, and in particular to apply it to the bus capacitor. The rectifier is preferably designed as a bridge rectifier; alternatively, however, any other design of the rectifier that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art is conceivable.The household appliance device preferably has at least one bus capacitor and in particular at least one rectifier, which are connected downstream of the main supply switch, in particular at least along the reference current direction, at least in the closed state of the main supply switch. The household appliance device preferably has at least one inverter, connected downstream of the rectifier and preferably the bus capacitor, in particular at least along the reference current direction, which inverter provides the supply current and / or the supply voltage. The rectifier is preferably connected downstream of the filter unit, in particular at least along the reference current direction, wherein an alternating voltage, in particular the main voltage, can advantageously be applied to the filter unit.Preferably, the inrush current limiting unit is provided for limiting an AC inrush current, in particular at least at the filter unit, and / or for limiting a DC inrush current, in particular at least at the bus capacitor.

[0010] The inrush current limiting unit is preferably provided for limiting the inrush current at each electrical and / or electronic component connected downstream of the inrush current limiting unit, in particular at least along the reference current direction. The inrush current limiting unit is provided in particular for limiting the inrush current at the main supply switch. In particular, the inrush current limiting unit is provided for limiting the inrush current at least when the main supply switch is closed. The main current is in particular designed as the inrush current when the main supply switch is closed, wherein the inrush current, in particular in at least one embodiment not according to the invention, can have an increased current intensity compared to a main current designed as a nominal current, free from any influence of the inrush current limiting unit.The inrush current limiting unit is preferably connected to two nodes, which are arranged, in particular, directly around the main supply switch. The inrush current limiting unit can be provided to eliminate the inrush current, in particular at the main supply switch and / or at the filter capacitor and / or at the bus capacitor.

[0011] The filter unit is preferably designed as an EMC filter unit, particularly one known to those skilled in the art. The filter unit preferably has more than one filter capacitor, for example exactly two filter capacitors, wherein the inrush current limiting unit is preferably provided to limit the inrush current at each filter capacitor. The at least one filter capacitor is preferably designed as an interference suppression capacitor, in particular of class X, for example subclass X2 or the like, and is in particular provided at least to filter overvoltage peaks due to lightning strikes and / or mains disturbances and / or the like. The filter unit preferably has at least one choke, in particular designed as a choke coil, and for example exactly four chokes. In terms of circuitry, the filter unit preferably has the filter capacitor and the choke alternating.Alternatively, another design of the filter capacitor that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art is conceivable.

[0012] "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.

[0013] It is further proposed that the inrush current limiting unit be connected to a

[0014] Charging of the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor is provided prior to a closing of the main supply switch, in particular the one mentioned above, to limit the inrush current. Advantageously, a voltage drop at least at the main supply switch upon closing the main supply switch can be reduced or avoided by prior charging of the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor. To limit the inrush current, the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor can be charged, preferably by means of the main current and / or the main voltage, with a voltage, in particular originating from the main supply unit.Preferably, the parallel connection of the main supply switch and the inrush current limiting unit provides a main current transmission path, in particular for operating the functional unit, via the main supply switch and, in particular for charging, via the inrush current limiting unit. Preferably, the main current and / or the main voltage can be transmitted via the main supply switch and the inrush current limiting unit, preferably in a respective state, only either via the main supply switch or via the inrush current limiting unit. During charging, the main supply switch is in particular in the open state, wherein, in particular, the main current transmission path is provided only via the inrush current limiting unit.Preferably, the main current transmission path is interrupted via the inrush current limiting unit when the main supply switch is closed. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the main current transmission path to be provided via the inrush current limiting unit when the main supply switch is closed.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the main supply switch be connected between a main supply unit, in particular the one mentioned above, and the filter unit. Advantageously, the filter unit is electrically separable from the main supply unit, in particular for the open main supply switch and outside of charging, by means of the inrush current limiting unit, preferably at least in the standby mode of the household appliance device, in particular the household appliance. In such an embodiment, the inrush current can be limited, in particular, at the bus capacitor and also at the filter unit by means of the inrush current limiting unit.In particular, the duration of a load on the filter unit, in particular on the at least one filter capacitor, with the main voltage and in particular on the main current can be reduced, thereby advantageously reducing degradation of the filter unit, which can be accelerated, for example, by wetness and humidity. Advantageously, the service life of the filter unit, in particular on the at least one filter capacitor, can be increased and / or the requirements placed on the filter unit, in particular with regard to resistance to the load, can be reduced. Furthermore, energy efficiency and / or cost efficiency can be increased, in particular for discharging the filter capacitor to increase safety, at least in standby mode, to avoid electric shocks when touching the filter capacitor.The household appliance device preferably has at least one discharge unit for discharging at least the filter capacitor, which can, for example, have at least one resistance element for resistive discharging and / or be designed as such. The main supply switch is preferably connected directly downstream of the main supply unit, in particular at least along the reference current direction. The main supply switch is preferably interposed between the main supply unit and a remainder of the household appliance device, in particular a remainder of the circuit, for example, apart from the user interface and / or a control unit. The filter unit is preferably connected directly downstream of the main supply switch and in particular the inrush current limiting unit, at least along the reference current direction.Preferably, the filter unit is interposed between the main supply switch and a remainder of the household appliance device, in particular a remainder of the circuit, for example, free of the operator interface and / or the control unit.

[0016] Alternatively, it is conceivable for the main supply switch to be arranged on a side of the filter unit that is circuit-wise remote from the main supply unit. The main supply switch can be connected downstream of the filter unit along the reference current direction. Advantageously, the filter unit, which preferably has a series inductance greater than zero, can function as a further inrush current limiting unit. To discharge the filter capacitor and prevent electric shock upon contact with the filter capacitor, the resistance element can be connected in parallel to the filter unit, in particular the filter capacitor. However, this reduces energy efficiency, in particular due to continuous standby consumption of the resistance element due to the continuous connection of the filter capacitor to the main supply unit, even in standby mode.Alternatively, the filter capacitor can be regeneratively discharged via further elements of the circuit that appear appropriate to the person skilled in the art, in particular at least in the standby mode, although this requires particularly expensive electrical and / or electronic elements and reduces cost efficiency.

[0017] It is further proposed that the inrush current limiting unit has at least one unidirectional additional switch. In particular, the

[0018] The main current transmission path for charging can be provided particularly advantageously by means of the auxiliary switch before the main supply switch is closed, in particular in the open state. By means of the unidirectional auxiliary switch, charging can be provided in particular in only one charging direction. Preferably, the unidirectional auxiliary switch is a current-unidirectional switch, which is particularly intended to conduct current in only one direction, in particular in a closed, conductive state. The auxiliary switch is preferably a voltage-bidirectional switch, which is particularly intended to block a voltage in both directions, at least in an open, in particular non-conductive state.The unidirectional additional switch is, in particular, a switch controllable with respect to a unidirectional current and a bipolar voltage, wherein, in the closed state of the switch, the current can be transmitted by means of the switch only in one direction, in particular in the charging direction, and the voltage of any polarity can be blocked by means of the switch in the open state of the switch. The inrush current limiting unit preferably has only the additional switch, in particular precisely one additional switch, which in particular can advantageously reduce the complexity of the inrush current limiting unit. The additional switch is, in particular, in the closed state during charging. In particular, the additional switch can only be in the closed state during charging.Preferably, the main current is transferred completely or at least substantially, in particular at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, and preferably at least 95%, via the main supply switch when the main supply switch is closed. It is conceivable that the additional switch is also in the closed state when the main supply switch is closed.In particular, a current flow through the closed auxiliary switch in the closed state of the main supply switch can be avoided or reduced by a voltage drop across the auxiliary switch, in particular across a unidirectional electrical component of the auxiliary switch, especially if the resistance of the main supply switch in the closed state is below a limit value above which sufficient voltage can be generated to forward-bias the unidirectional electrical component, in particular a diode. However, the auxiliary switch is preferably in the open state in the closed state of the main supply switch.Advantageously, the transfer of the main current in the closed state of the main supply switch can be provided particularly reliably completely via the main supply switch, in particular not via the additional switch, in particular also for a resistance of the main supply switch greater than or equal to the above-mentioned limit value or for a failed closing and / or opening of the main supply switch, for example due to a mechanical malfunction and / or sticking of contacts and / or a coil failure in an open circuit and / or for a malfunction of a coil driver and / or a voltage drop at a coil control of the main supply switch, in particular of the relay and / or also for a failure of the electrical component, in particular of the diode, of the additional switch.Opening the auxiliary switch to close the main supply switch is particularly advantageous from an FMEA perspective. Outside of charging and the main operating state of the functional unit, the main supply switch and the auxiliary switch are preferably in an open state, which in particular can further increase safety. The auxiliary switch preferably has a stability and / or a usage recommendation with respect to a voltage of maximum and / or at least substantially 400 V and / or with respect to a current of maximum and / or at least substantially 1 A, wherein in particular the voltage of at least substantially 400 V and / or the current of at least substantially 1 A deviates from the predetermined value, in particular by less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.The main supply switch is preferably provided to transmit, in particular at least in the main operating state of the functional unit, a current, in particular at least a maximum current, for example of 16 A or 20 A, greater than any current, for example of 1 A, to the additional switch.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the additional switch has at least one, in particular the above-mentioned, unidirectional electrical component, in particular a, in particular the above-mentioned, diode, and at least one additional switching element connected in series to the unidirectional electrical component.

[0020] In particular, the unidirectional switch can have a particularly efficient switching function and unidirectional current behavior. Particularly reliable and / or cost-effective electrical and / or electronic components of the additional switch can preferably be provided. The unidirectional electrical component, in particular the diode, preferably has a forward direction along the charging direction. Preferably, the additional switch has only the, in particular precisely one, unidirectional electrical component and the, in particular precisely one, additional switching element, whereby, in particular, the complexity of the additional switch can be advantageously reduced.The main supply switch and in particular the two nodes for contacting the inrush current limiting unit can contact an outer conductor of the household appliance at least during charging, wherein in particular the charging direction coincides with the reference current direction. Preferably, the unidirectional electrical component for the coincidence of the charging direction and the reference current direction and / or for the arrangement of the main supply switch on the outer conductor at least during charging is connected downstream of the additional switching element along the charging direction and / or the reference current direction. Alternatively, the main supply switch and in particular the two nodes for contacting the inrush current limiting unit can contact a neutral conductor of the household appliance at least during charging, wherein the charging direction is in particular opposite to the reference current direction.Preferably, the unidirectional electrical component for the charging direction opposite to the reference current direction and / or for the arrangement of the main supply switch on the neutral conductor is connected upstream of the additional switching element along the charging direction and / or downstream along the reference current direction, at least during charging. The unidirectional electrical component is preferably connected downstream of the additional switching element along the reference current direction. Alternatively, any other unidirectional switch deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, for example, with an opto-SCR or designed as an opto-SCR, is conceivable.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the additional switching element be designed as an electromechanical relay, which makes it possible to achieve a particularly cost-effective and / or, particularly with regard to overvoltages, robust additional switching element. Furthermore, a relay is particularly advantageously designed to be insulated, which in particular eliminates the need for a high-side supply. The additional switching element, in particular the relay, preferably has contacts with a contact spacing sufficient to withstand overvoltage events, in particular of up to 1 kV.

[0022] Alternatively, the additional switching element can be designed as any switching element deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, in particular one that is isolated with regard to control, for example a semiconductor switching element. In particular, a silicon-based design of the additional switching element requires high-voltage components and / or at least overvoltage protection, for example varistors and / or clamping Zeners and / or the like. The additional switching element can be designed in particular as a MOSFET additional switching element, wherein the household appliance device in particular has a floating-gate driver via the outer conductor or the neutral conductor for controlling the MOSFET additional switching element. Alternatively, the switching element can be designed as an opto-triac or as a, in particular isolated, semiconductor relay or the like.

[0023] It is further proposed that the household appliance device have a control unit, in particular the one mentioned above, at least for controlling the main supply switch and the additional switch depending on a polarity of a main voltage, in particular the one mentioned above. In particular, the main supply switch and the additional switch can advantageously be controlled to limit the inrush current. The control unit is preferably provided for controlling the main supply switch depending on an opening state of the additional switch and / or for controlling the additional switch depending on an opening state of the main supply switch. The control unit is preferably provided for closing the main supply switch after charging by means of the inrush current limiting unit.The household appliance device preferably has at least one main voltage detection unit, which is provided at least for determining the polarity of the main voltage. The main voltage detection unit is preferably provided for transmitting a detection result to the control unit. The control unit is preferably provided for controlling at least the main supply switch and the additional switch depending at least on the detection of the main voltage detection unit. A "control unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics unit. "Control electronics" is to be understood in particular as a unit with a processor unit and with a memory unit, as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit.The control unit is preferably designed to control the entire household appliance, in particular the at least one inverter. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be designed to control the main supply switch and / or the auxiliary switch depending on the polarity of the main current.

[0024] It is further proposed that the control unit be provided to close the main supply switch and the auxiliary switch for different polarities of the main voltage within a period of the main voltage. Advantageously, the inrush current can be limited when closing the main supply switch and when closing the auxiliary switch. The control unit is preferably provided to close the main supply switch after the auxiliary switch. Preferably, the control unit is provided to close the auxiliary switch at a first polarity of the main voltage, which correlates to a current direction of the main current opposite to the forward direction of the unidirectional auxiliary switch, in particular of the unidirectional electrical component, and in particular opposite to the charging direction.For the first polarity of the main voltage, a flow of the main current at least to the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor and / or the functional unit, in particular in the entire household appliance device, is preferably interrupted, in particular due to the unidirectional nature of the auxiliary switch and due to the main supply switch being open before the auxiliary switch is closed. The control unit is preferably designed to close the auxiliary switch at a polarity, in particular at the first polarity, of the main voltage at which the flow of the main current is interrupted and / or blocked, in particular by means of the unidirectional electrical component.The inrush current upon closing the auxiliary switch can advantageously be limited by the fact that the main current for charging, and thus in particular an inrush current after closing the auxiliary supply switch, can only be transmitted through the auxiliary supply switch after a zero crossing of the main voltage, in particular for a second polarity of the main voltage opposite to the first polarity, wherein the inrush current at the zero crossing of the main voltage is in particular zero. The control unit is preferably provided to close the auxiliary switch without any loading of the auxiliary switch by the main current, in particular in a blocking state of the unidirectional electronic component.Preferably, the control unit is designed to open the auxiliary switch for the closed main supply switch connected in parallel to the auxiliary switch, thus particularly free of any load on the auxiliary switch caused by the main current. In particular, the auxiliary switch can be switched without a load, particularly with respect to the main current. Advantageously, a mechanical limitation of the auxiliary switch, particularly of the auxiliary switching element, is provided by a mechanical load capacity of the auxiliary switch, which is much higher than its service life under a load, particularly the main current.The control unit is preferably designed to close the main supply switch at one polarity, in particular the second polarity, of the main voltage, which correlates to a current direction of the main current along the forward direction of the unidirectional additional switch, in particular of the unidirectional electrical component, and in particular along the charging direction. For the second polarity of the main voltage, the flow of the main current through the inrush current limiting unit, in particular through the additional switch, is preferably enabled at least to the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor. The control unit is preferably designed to close the main supply switch at a polarity, in particular the second polarity, of the main voltage, at which the flow of the main current through the inrush current limiting unit is enabled.Preferably, the charging of the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor can only be carried out for the second polarity of the main voltage when the main supply switch is open. The filter capacitor and / or, at least temporarily, the bus capacitor preferably have a voltage value at least substantially corresponding to a voltage value of the main voltage when the auxiliary switch is closed, and in particular when the main supply switch is open, for the second polarity of the main voltage.In the closed state of the additional switch, and in particular for the open state of the main supply switch for the second polarity of the main voltage, the bus capacitor preferably has a voltage value which, in particular up to a charging time of a quarter of the period of the main voltage, at least substantially corresponds to the voltage value of the main voltage up to a saturation value of the bus capacitor and subsequently corresponds to the saturation value. The fact that the voltage value of the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor at least substantially corresponds to the voltage value of the main voltage should be understood in particular to mean that the voltage value of the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor deviates from the voltage value of the main current by preferably a maximum of 25%, preferably a maximum of 10%, and particularly preferably a maximum of 5% of the voltage value of the main voltage.Advantageously, a voltage drop at the main supply switch when the main supply switch is closed and thus in particular an inrush current when the main supply switch is closed can be limited and / or in particular avoided, in particular by opposite contact sides of the main supply switch having an at least substantially equal voltage value in the charged state of the filter capacitor and / or the bus capacitor.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the inrush current can be limited by closing the additional switch, in particular the above-mentioned closing, within an entire time window between two adjacent zero crossings of a main voltage, in particular the above-mentioned main voltage. In particular, a time window in which the additional switch must be closed to limit the inrush current can be advantageously extended, in particular compared to a configuration in which the inrush current is limited by closing the additional switch and / or the main supply switch precisely at the time of the zero crossing.Advantageously, a requirement placed on the control unit and / or the additional switch, in particular on the additional switching element, for precisely timed actuation of the additional switch and in particular for synchronization of the actuation with the main voltage can be advantageously relaxed, whereby the additional switching element designed as a relay can be used advantageously, wherein a relay in particular typically has a response time of several milliseconds and the response time can deviate due to variation in production batches, temperature, or the like, which makes precise closing difficult. In the time window between the two adjacent zero crossings, the main voltage in particular has exactly the first polarity.The time window can have times of the two adjacent zero crossings, in particular since closing the additional switch precisely at a zero crossing can also provide a limited inrush current, or it can be designed independently of the times of the two adjacent zero crossings between the two adjacent zero crossings. The time window preferably has at least substantially a duration of half a period of the main voltage, in particular the duration of half a period of the main voltage or a duration of half a period of the main voltage minus the exact times of the zero crossings. The additional switch can be closed at any time within the time window between the two adjacent zero crossings of the main voltage, in particular to limit the inrush current.

[0026] It is further proposed that the inrush current can be limited by closing the main supply switch, in particular the above-mentioned closing, within an entire time window between a zero crossing and the next extreme point of a main voltage, in particular the above-mentioned main voltage. In particular, a time window in which the main supply switch must be closed to limit the inrush current can be advantageously extended, in particular compared to a configuration in which the inrush current is limited by closing the main supply switch precisely at the time of the zero crossing.Advantageously, a requirement placed on the control unit and / or the additional switch, in particular on the additional switching element, for precisely timed control of the main supply switch and in particular for synchronizing the control with the main voltage can be advantageously relaxed, whereby the main supply switch designed as a relay can be used advantageously. Furthermore, a rise in the main voltage at and immediately around the zero crossing is in particular maximum, whereby the inrush current for closing the main supply switch outside of the zero crossing can be advantageously limited. The zero crossing, after which the main supply switch can be closed to limit the inrush current, is preferably a second zero crossing of the above-mentioned two adjacent zero crossings, wherein the second zero crossing in particular follows in time a first zero crossing of the two adjacent zero crossings.In the time window between the zero crossing and the next following extreme point, the main voltage in particular has precisely the second polarity. The time window can have the time of the extreme point and in particular of the zero crossing, particularly since closing the main supply switch precisely at a zero crossing can also provide a limited inrush current, or can be designed free from the time of the zero crossing and / or a time of the extreme point between the zero crossing and the next following extreme point. The time window preferably has at least substantially a duration of a quarter of the period of the main voltage, in particular the duration of a quarter of the period of the main voltage or a duration of a quarter of the period of the main voltage minus the exact times of the zero crossing and / or the extreme point.The main supply switch can be closed, in particular to limit the inrush current, at any time within the time window between the zero crossing and the next following extreme point. The next following extreme point is in particular an extreme point following the zero crossing, in particular the second zero crossing, and in particular a maximum or a minimum of the main voltage. In particular, a voltage value along the main supply switch is zero between the zero crossing and the next following extreme point, whereby in particular the inrush current can be limited and / or eliminated when the main supply switch is closed during this interval.

[0027] Furthermore, a method for operating a household appliance device, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices, having a main supply switch, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices, and having at least one filter unit, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices, which has at least one filter capacitor, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices, is proposed. A switch-on current limiting unit, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices, connected in parallel with the main supply switch, of the household appliance device limits a switch-on current, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices, at least at the filter capacitor and / or at least one bus capacitor, in particular one of the above-mentioned devices. This advantageously limits a switch-on current, which in particular can provide improved properties with regard to an increased service life and / or a relaxed requirement for components of the household appliance device.Furthermore, an efficiency of the household appliance device can be increased, in particular at least in a main operating state of the household appliance device.

[0028] The method preferably comprises a method step, in particular a first determination step, in which at least one polarity of a main voltage, in particular of the aforementioned main voltage, is determined during a transfer of the household appliance device and in particular of a household appliance, in particular of the aforementioned main voltage, from a standby mode and / or when the household appliance device and in particular of the household appliance is switched on, in particular by means of an operator. The determined polarity is preferably transmitted, in particular in the first determination step, to a control unit, in particular the aforementioned control unit.The method preferably comprises a further method step, in particular an additional switch closing step, in which an additional switch, in particular the above-mentioned additional switch of the inrush current limiting unit, in particular the above-mentioned additional switching element of the additional switch, is closed, preferably by means of the control unit. The additional switch is closed, in particular in the additional switch closing step, depending on the polarity of the main voltage, in particular determined in the first determination step. The additional switch is preferably closed in a time window with a first polarity of the main voltage. The additional switch closing step takes place, in particular, after the first determination step.The method preferably comprises a further method step, in particular a second determination step, in which at least the polarity of a main voltage, in particular the above-mentioned main voltage, is determined in a closed state of the additional switch, in particular corresponding to the first determination step. The second determination step takes place in particular after the additional switch closing step. In a further method step of the method, in particular in a main supply switch closing step, the main supply switch is preferably closed. The main supply switch is closed, in particular in the main supply switch closing step, preferably depending on the polarity of the main voltage, in particular determined in the second determination step.The main supply switch is preferably closed in a time window with a second polarity of the main voltage, wherein the second polarity is in particular opposite to the first polarity. The additional switch is preferably opened in the main supply switch closing step. The main supply switch closing step takes place in particular after the second determination step. In the closed state of the main supply switch, in particular after the main supply switch closing step, the functional unit can be operated using a main current and / or the main voltage, in particular the one mentioned above.

[0029] The household appliance, the household appliance, 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, 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] They show:

[0032] Fig. 1 A schematic plan view of a household appliance designed as an induction hob,

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a simplified circuit diagram of a household appliance device of the household appliance,

[0034] Fig. 3 shows graphs relating to a switching characteristic of a main supply switch and an additional switch of the household appliance device, Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for operating the household appliance device,

[0035] Fig. 5 is a simplified circuit diagram of an alternative household appliance device with a switching characteristic according to Figure 3,

[0036] Fig. 6 is a simplified circuit diagram of another alternative household appliance device,

[0037] Fig. 7 graphs relating to a switching characteristic of a main supply switch and an auxiliary switch of the alternative household appliance device in Figure 6 and

[0038] Fig. 8 shows a simplified circuit diagram of another alternative household appliance device with a switching characteristic according to Figure 7.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a household appliance 50a designed as an induction hob 52a.

[0040] Alternatively, the household appliance 50a can be designed as any household appliance (not shown) that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, for example as another cooking appliance or as a household cooling appliance, in particular as an air conditioner, or as a household cleaning appliance or the like.

[0041] The household appliance 50a comprises a household appliance device 10a. The household appliance device 10a is designed as an induction hob device 20a.

[0042] In this case, the household appliance device 10a is embodied as at least part of an electrical and / or electronic circuit 40a of the household appliance 50a. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the household appliance device 10a comprises the entire household appliance 50a.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a simplified circuit diagram of the household appliance device 10a. The household appliance device 10a has a main supply switch 12a. The main supply switch 12a is designed as an electromechanical relay. Alternatively, another embodiment of the main supply switch 12a that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art would be conceivable, for example, as a semiconductor switch. The main supply switch 12a is provided in a closed state for transmitting a main current and a main voltage originating from a main supply unit 36a. In at least one operating state of an induction unit (not shown), the main supply switch 12a is closed for emitting inductive energy from the induction unit. The main supply switch 12a is provided in an open state for suspending the transmission of the main current and the main voltage.

[0044] The main supply unit 36a is part of the household appliance device 10a. The household appliance device 10a, in particular at least the induction unit, is operable using the main current and the main voltage. The main supply unit 36a is designed as a mains connection to a power transmission network. The main voltage is designed as a mains voltage. The main current is designed as a mains current. Alternatively, the main supply unit 36a can be designed as at least one generator or the like.

[0045] The household appliance device 10a has at least one filter unit 14a, which has at least one filter capacitor 24a. The filter unit 14a is designed as an EMC filter unit. The filter capacitor 24a is designed as an interference suppression capacitor, in particular a Class X capacitor. The filter capacitor 24a can, for example, have a capacitance of 2.2 pF. Alternatively, a different filter capacitor 24a known to those skilled in the art and / or a different capacitance value of the filter capacitor 24a is conceivable.

[0046] The filter unit 14a has more than one filter capacitor 24a, with only one filter capacitor 24a being designated. In the present case, the filter unit 14a has exactly two filter capacitors 24a. The filter unit 14a has at least one, for example, exactly four, choke coils 44a, with only one choke coil 44a being designated. The filter unit 14a has the filter capacitors 24a and the choke coil 44a alternately connected to one another. Alternatively, another configuration of the filter unit 14a that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art and is particularly known is conceivable.

[0047] The household appliance 10a has at least one rectifier 38a. The rectifier 38a is connected downstream of the filter unit 14a. The rectifier 38a is intended to convert the main current, which is filtered in particular by the filter unit 14a, into a direct current. The rectifier 38a is designed as a bridge rectifier.

[0048] The household appliance device 10a has at least one bus capacitor 18a. The bus capacitor 18a is connected downstream of the rectifier 38a. The rectifier 38a is provided to apply the direct current to the bus capacitor 18a. The bus capacitor 18a is designed as a smoothing capacitor. The bus capacitor 18a is provided to smooth the direct current output from the rectifier 38a. The bus capacitor 18a can, for example, have a capacitance of 6.6 pF. Alternatively, a different capacitance value for the bus capacitor 18a is conceivable.

[0049] The household appliance device 10a has at least one inverter (not shown) connected downstream of the bus capacitor 18a. The inverter is connected to a connection 42a of the household appliance device 10a, shown in dashed lines. The induction unit, in particular at least one induction coil of the induction unit, can be supplied with alternating current generated by the inverter.

[0050] The household appliance device 10a has an inrush current limiting unit 16a connected in parallel to the main supply switch 12a for limiting an inrush current at least at the filter capacitor 24a and at least the bus capacitor 18a.

[0051] The bus capacitor 18a is connected downstream of the inrush current limiting unit 16a at least along a reference current direction 46a of the main current. The filter unit 14a is connected downstream of the inrush current limiting unit 16a at least along the reference current direction 46a of the main current. In this case, the reference current direction 46a of the main current corresponds to a positive polarity of the main voltage.

[0052] The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided to limit the inrush current at least when the main supply switch 12a is closed. The inrush current is an inrush current of the main current at least when the main supply switch 12a is closed. The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided to limit the inrush current at the main supply switch 12a. The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided to limit a DC inrush current at least at the filter unit 14a. The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided to limit an AC inrush current at least at the bus capacitor 18a.

[0053] The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided for charging the filter capacitor 24a and the bus capacitor 18a before the main supply switch 12a closes to limit the inrush current. The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided for charging immediately before the main supply switch 12a closes.

[0054] The main current can only be transmitted from the main supply unit 36a to the remainder of the household appliance 10a via the closed main supply switch 12a or via the inrush current limiting unit 16a. The main supply switch 12a is in the open state during charging. The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided for charging the main current in a charging direction 48a.

[0055] In Figure 2, the main supply unit 36a has a main voltage with a momentary polarity, in particular a positive polarity, which correlates to a flow of the main current in the charging direction 48a for charging by means of the inrush current limiting unit 16a.

[0056] The main supply switch 12a is connected between the main supply unit 36a and the filter unit 14a. The main supply switch 12a is connected directly downstream of the main supply unit 36a, at least along the reference current direction 46a. The filter unit 14a is connected directly downstream of the main supply switch 12a, at least along the reference current direction 46a. The filter unit 14a is connected directly downstream of the inrush current limiting unit 16a, at least along the reference current direction 46a.

[0057] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the main supply switch 12a is arranged on a side of the filter unit 14a that is circuit-wise remote from the main supply unit 36a. The inrush current limiting unit 16a has at least one unidirectional additional switch 26a. In this case, the inrush current limiting unit 16a is designed as the unidirectional additional switch 26a.

[0058] The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a is provided to transmit the main current in a closed state only in the charging direction 48a of the main current. The inrush current limiting unit 16a is provided for charging only in the charging direction 48a of the main current. The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a is provided to interrupt a transfer of the main current and the main voltage in an open state. The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a is in the closed state, in particular, only during charging.

[0059] The additional switch 26a has at least one unidirectional electrical component 28a and at least one additional switching element 32a connected in series with the unidirectional electrical component 28a. The unidirectional electrical component 28a is designed as a diode 30a. The unidirectional electrical component 28a is provided for transmitting the main current only along the charging direction 48a.

[0060] The main supply switch 12a and in particular the inrush current limiting unit 16a are arranged on an outer conductor 54a of the household appliance 10a. The charging direction 48a coincides with the reference current direction 46a.

[0061] The unidirectional electrical component 28a is connected downstream of the additional switching element 32a along the reference current direction 46a. In this case, the unidirectional electrical component 28a is connected downstream of the additional switching element 32a along the charging direction 48a.

[0062] The additional switching element 32a is designed as an electromechanical relay 34a.

[0063] Alternatively, any further design of the unidirectional additional switch 26a or the additional switching element 32a that appears appropriate to the person skilled in the art is conceivable.

[0064] The household appliance 10a has a control unit 22a for controlling at least the main supply switch 12a and the auxiliary switch 26a depending on the polarity of the main voltage (see Figure 1). The control unit 22a can be configured by an operator (not shown) via a user interface 58a of the household appliance 50a to control at least the main supply switch 12a and the auxiliary switch 26a (see Figure 1).

[0065] The control unit 22a can additionally be provided to control the at least one inverter. Alternatively, the household appliance 50a and / or the household appliance device 10a can have a further control unit 22a for controlling at least the inverter.

[0066] Figure 3 shows graphs describing a switching characteristic of the household appliance device 10a. A curve 62a describes the main voltage over a time axis 60a.

[0067] A curve 64a describes a switching state of the additional switch 26a, in particular of the additional switching element 32a, above the axis 60a. The curve 64a shows a switching from the open state to the closed state of the additional switch 26a, in particular of the additional switching element 32a.

[0068] A curve 66a shows a charged voltage across the filter capacitor 24a across the axis 60a.

[0069] A curve 68a describes a switching state of the main supply switch 12a above the axis 60a. The curve 68a shows a switching from the open state to the closed state of the main supply switch 12a.

[0070] A curve 70a shows a charged voltage on the bus capacitor 18a across the axis 60a.

[0071] A curve 72a shows a current at the bus capacitor 18a above the axis 60a.

[0072] A curve 74a shows a current at the filter capacitor 24a above the axis 60a.

[0073] A curve 76a shows a current at the main supply switch 12a across the axis 60a. A curve 78a shows a current at the auxiliary switch 26a, in particular the auxiliary switching element 32a, across the axis 60a.

[0074] The control unit 22a is provided for controlling the main supply switch 12a depending on the opening state of the additional switch 26a. The control unit 22a is provided for closing the main supply switch 12a after the additional switch 26a.

[0075] The control unit 22a is provided to close the main supply switch 12a and the additional switch 26a for different polarities of the main voltage within a period of the main voltage.

[0076] In this case, the control unit 22a is provided to close the auxiliary switch 26a when the main voltage has a negative polarity. The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a is provided, in particular by the unidirectional electrical component 28a, to block the flow of the main current when the main voltage has a negative polarity through the unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a, in particular by the unidirectional electrical component 28a.

[0077] The inrush current can be limited by closing the additional switch 26a within an entire time window between two adjacent zero crossings of a main voltage. The two adjacent zero crossings are arranged at times A and B, respectively. The inrush current, particularly when closing the additional switch 26a, can be limited by closing the additional switch 26a within the entire time window for the negative polarity of the main voltage, particularly between the two zero crossings.

[0078] For closing the unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a in the time window between the two adjacent zero crossings, in particular with the negative polarity of the main voltage, the main current can be transmitted by means of the auxiliary switch 26a starting at the zero crossing, in particular at time B, after the closing of the auxiliary switch 26a. Charging begins at the zero crossing, in particular at time B, after the closing of the auxiliary switch 26a.

[0079] The charging of the filter capacitor 24a can be seen from the curve 66a of the voltage of the filter capacitor 24a and from the curve 74a of the current in the filter capacitor 24a, which each assume a value other than zero from the zero crossing, in particular at the time B, after the closing of the additional switch 26a.

[0080] The charging of the bus capacitor 18a can be seen from the curve 70a of the voltage of the bus capacitor 18a and from the curve 72a of the current in the bus capacitor 18a, which each assume a value other than zero from the zero crossing, in particular at the time B, after the closing of the additional switch 26a.

[0081] The auxiliary switch 26a can be closed to limit the inrush current at any time within the time window between the two adjacent zero crossings, particularly at the negative polarity of the main voltage. The auxiliary switch 26a can be closed to limit the inrush current for a main voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz, for example, in the time window with a length of 10 ms, and for a main voltage with a frequency of 60 Hz, for example, in the time window with a length of 8.66 ms.

[0082] In this case, the control unit 22a is provided to close the main supply switch 12a when the main voltage has a positive polarity. The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a, in particular via the unidirectional electrical component 28a, is provided to enable the flow of the main current when the main voltage has a positive polarity through the unidirectional auxiliary switch 26a, in particular via the unidirectional electrical component 28a.

[0083] The inrush current can be limited by closing the main supply switch 12a within an entire time window between a zero crossing and the next extreme point of a main voltage. The zero crossing is the above-mentioned zero crossing following the closing of the additional switch 26a, in particular at time B. The extreme point is located at time C. In this case, the extreme point is formed as a maximum of the main voltage at the positive polarity.

[0084] The voltage of the filter capacitor 24a, particularly shown in curve 66a, corresponds at least substantially to the main voltage after the next zero crossing after the closing of the additional switch 26a. A maximum current at the filter capacitor 24a, particularly shown in curve 74a, can be estimated by dividing the main voltage by an impedance, particularly due to a capacitance, of the at least one filter capacitor 24a. A maximum current at the bus capacitor 18a, particularly shown in curve 72a, can be estimated by dividing the main voltage by an impedance, particularly due to a capacitance, of the at least one bus capacitor 18a. A maximum current at the main supply switch 12a, particularly shown in curve 76a, can correspond to the maximum current of the filter capacitor 24a.A maximum current intensity at the auxiliary switch 26a, particularly illustrated in curve 78a, can be estimated by dividing the main voltage by an impedance of parallel-connected components in the household appliance 10a, particularly an impedance with respect to a sum of the at least one filter capacitor 24a and the at least one bus capacitor 18a, particularly a sum of capacitances in the household appliance 10a. For the estimations, further impedances in the household appliance 10a, particularly with respect to inductances, for example, the choke coil 44a, are neglected.

[0085] To limit the inrush current, the main supply switch 12a can be closed at any time within the time window between the zero crossing, in particular the next following the closing of the additional switch 26a, and the extreme point, in particular with positive polarity, of the main voltage. The main supply switch 12a can be closed to limit the inrush current for a main voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz, for example, in the time window with a length of 5 ms, and for a main voltage with a frequency of 60 Hz, for example, in the time window with a length of 4.33 ms.

[0086] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for operating the household appliance device 10a, wherein the inrush current limiting unit 16a connected in parallel to the main supply switch 12a limits the inrush current at least at the filter capacitor 24a and at the at least one bus capacitor 18a.

[0087] The method comprises a first determination step 100a, in which a first polarity of the main voltage is determined. The determined first polarity is transmitted to the control unit 22a in the first determination step 100a. The method comprises an additional switch closing step 102a, in which the additional switch 26a, in particular the additional switching element 32a of the additional switch 26a, is closed. The additional switch 26a is closed in the additional switch closing step 102a depending on the determined first polarity of the main voltage.

[0088] In a second determination step 104a of the method, a second polarity of the main voltage is determined. The determined second polarity is transmitted to the control unit 22a in the second determination step 104a.

[0089] The method includes a main supply switch closing step 106a, in which the main supply switch 12a is closed. The main supply switch 12a is closed in the main supply switch closing step 106a depending on the determined second polarity of the main voltage.

[0090] Of multiple objects, only one is provided with a reference symbol in the figures.

[0091] Three further embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 5 to 8. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference can be made to the description of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 is replaced by the letter b in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figure 5, by the letter c in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 6 and

[0092] 7 and by the letter d in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the figure

[0093] 8. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4.

[0094] Figure 5 shows a simplified circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of a household appliance 10b, wherein a main supply switch 12b is arranged on a neutral conductor 56b of the household appliance 10b and, in particular, contacts the neutral conductor. In Figure 5, a main supply unit 36b has a main voltage with a momentary polarity, in particular a positive polarity, which correlates to a flow of a main current in a charging direction 48b for charging by means of an inrush current limiting unit 16b.

[0095] The charging direction 48b is directed opposite to a reference current direction 46b, wherein the arrangements of components of the household appliance 10a mentioned in Figures 1 to 4 with respect to the reference current direction 46a are correspondingly valid for the household appliance 10b. The orientation of a diode 30b is opposite to the orientation of a diode 30a in Figure 2.

[0096] The household appliance device 10b has a switching characteristic according to Figure 3.

[0097] Figure 6 shows a simplified circuit diagram of another alternative embodiment of a household appliance device 10c. A main supply switch 12c is arranged on an outer conductor 54c of the household appliance device 10c, corresponding to the embodiment of the household appliance device 10a in Figure 2.

[0098] In Figure 6, a main supply unit 36c has a main voltage with a momentary polarity, in particular a negative polarity, which correlates to a flow of the main current in a charging direction 48c for charging by means of an inrush current limiting unit 16c.

[0099] The charging direction 48c is directed opposite to a reference current direction 46c, wherein the arrangements of components of the household appliance device 10a mentioned in Figures 1 to 4 with respect to the reference current direction 46a are correspondingly valid for the household appliance device 10c.

[0100] A unidirectional additional switch 26c, in particular a unidirectional electrical component 28c, is provided in a closed state of the additional switch 26c for transmitting the main current at the negative polarity of the main voltage.

[0101] Figure 7 shows a switching characteristic of the household appliance device 10c. For simplification, the signs of currents have been reversed. A curve 82c describes a switching state of the additional switch 26c, in particular of the additional switching element 32c, across an axis 60c over a time period. A curve 84c shows a charged voltage across a filter capacitor 24c across the axis 60c. A curve 86c describes a switching state of a main supply switch 12c across the axis 60c. A curve 88c shows a charged voltage across a bus capacitor 18c across the axis 60c. A curve 90c shows a current across the bus capacitor 18c across the axis 60c. A curve 92c shows a current across the filter capacitor 24c across the axis 60c. A curve 94c shows a current across the main supply switch 12c across the axis 60c. A curve 96c shows a current intensity at the additional switch 26c, in particular an additional switching element 32c, above the axis 60c.A maximum current at the filter capacitor 24c, at the bus capacitor 18c and at the additional switch 26a is, for example, less than 1 A.

[0102] The control unit (not shown) is provided here to close the auxiliary switch 26c when the main voltage has a positive polarity. The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26c is provided, in particular by the unidirectional electrical component 28c, to block a current flow when the main voltage has a positive polarity through the unidirectional auxiliary switch 26c, in particular by the unidirectional electrical component 28c.

[0103] The inrush current, in particular when closing the additional switch 26c, can be limited by closing the additional switch 26c within the entire time window for the positive polarity of the main voltage, in particular between two zero crossings.

[0104] In this case, the control unit is designed to close the main supply switch 12c when the main voltage has a negative polarity. The unidirectional auxiliary switch 26c is designed, in particular by a unidirectional electrical component 28c, to enable the flow of a main current when the main voltage has a negative polarity through the unidirectional auxiliary switch 26c, in particular by the unidirectional electrical component 28c.

[0105] An extreme point at a time C is formed here as a minimum of the principal voltage at the negative polarity.

[0106] Figure 8 shows a simplified circuit diagram of a further alternative embodiment of a household appliance device 10d, wherein a main supply switch 12d corresponding to the embodiment of the household appliance device 10b in Figure 5 is arranged on a neutral conductor 56d of the household appliance device 10d and in particular contacts this.

[0107] The household appliance device 10d has a switching characteristic according to Figure 7. A charging direction 48d is directed opposite to a reference current direction 46d, wherein the arrangements of components of the household appliance device 10a mentioned in Figures 1 to 4 with respect to the reference current direction 46a are correspondingly valid for the household appliance device 10d.

[0108] Reference symbol

[0109] 10 household appliance device

[0110] 12 main supply switches

[0111] 14 Filter unit

[0112] 16 Inrush current limiting unit

[0113] 18 Bus capacitor

[0114] 20 Induction hob device

[0115] 22 Control unit

[0116] 24 filter capacitor

[0117] 26 additional switches

[0118] 28 unidirectional electrical component

[0119] 30 diodes

[0120] 32 Additional switching element

[0121] 34 relays

[0122] 36 Main supply unit

[0123] 38 rectifiers

[0124] 40 circuit

[0125] 42 Connection

[0126] 44 Choke coil

[0127] 46 Reference current direction

[0128] 48 Charging direction

[0129] 50 household appliances

[0130] 52 induction hob

[0131] 54 outer conductors

[0132] 56 neutral conductors

[0133] 58 User interface

[0134] 60 axle

[0135] 62 Curve

[0136] 64 Curve Curve

[0137] curve

[0138] curve

[0139] curve

[0140] curve

[0141] curve

[0142] curve

[0143] curve

[0144] curve

[0145] curve

[0146] curve

[0147] curve

[0148] curve

[0149] curve

[0150] Curve first determination step

[0151] Additional switch closing step second determination step

[0152] Main supply switch closing step

Claims

Claims 1. Household appliance device (10a-10d), in particular an induction hob device (20a-20d), with a main supply switch (12a-12d), and with at least one filter unit (14a-14d) which has at least one filter capacitor (24a-24d), characterized by an inrush current limiting unit (16a-16d) connected in parallel to the main supply switch (12a-12d) for limiting an inrush current at least at the filter capacitor (24a-24d) and / or at at least one bus capacitor (18a-18d).

2. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inrush current limiting unit (16a-16d) is provided for charging the filter capacitor (24a-24d) and / or the bus capacitor (18a-18d) before closing the main supply switch (12a-12d) in order to limit the inrush current.

3. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main supply switch (12a-12d) is connected between a main supply unit (36a-36d) and the filter unit (14a-14d).

4. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inrush current limiting unit (16a-16d) has at least one unidirectional additional switch (26a-26d).

5. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to claim 4, characterized in that the additional switch (26a-26d) has at least one unidirectional electrical component (28a-28d), in particular a diode (30a-30d), and at least one additional switching element (32a-32d) connected in series to the unidirectional electrical component (28a-28d).

6. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional switching element (32a-32d) is designed as an electromechanical relay (34a-34d).

7. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by a control unit (22a-22d) for controlling at least the main supply switch (12a-12d) and the additional switch (26a-26d) depending on a polarity of a main voltage.

8. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit (22a-22d) is provided to close the main supply switch (12a-12d) and the additional switch (26a-26d) for different polarities of the main voltage within a period of the main voltage.

9. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the inrush current can be limited by closing the additional switch (26a-26d) within an entire time window between two adjacent zero crossings of a main voltage.

10. Household appliance device (10a-10d) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the inrush current can be limited by closing the main supply switch (12a-12d) within an entire time window between a zero crossing and a next following extreme point of a main voltage.

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

12. Method for operating a household appliance (10a-10d), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, with a Main supply switch (12a-12d), and with at least one filter unit (14a-14d) which has at least one filter capacitor (24a-24d), characterized in that an inrush current limiting unit (16a-16d) of the household appliance device (10a-10d) connected in parallel to the main supply switch (12a-12d) limits an inrush current at least at the Filter capacitor (24a-24d) and / or at least one bus capacitor (18a-18d).

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