Method for operating a cookware detection system of an induction hob device, and induction hob device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (10a; 10d) for operating a cookware detection system of an induction hob device (12a; 12b), comprising at least one induction unit (14a; 14b), at least one control unit (16a; 16b), and at least one cookware detection unit (18a; 18b), wherein, in at least one determination step (20a; 20d), at least one position of at least one unheated item of cookware (22a; 22b) is determined by means of a detection signal (24a) of the cookware detection unit (18a; 18b). In order to provide a method (10a; 10d) for operating a cookware detection system having improved properties with regard to user comfort, according to the invention at least one time-related parameter of the detection signal (24a) is adjusted in at least one adjustment step (26a; 26d) following the determination step (20a; 20d).

Description

[0001] Method for operating a cookware detection system for an induction hob device and an induction hob device

[0002] The invention relates to a method for operating a cookware detection system of an induction hob device and an induction hob device.

[0003] From the prior art, for example from EP 3 598 849 A1, EP 2 380 398 B1 and EP 3 066 888 A1, a method for operating a cookware detection system of an induction hob device, with at least one induction unit, at least one control unit and at least one cookware detection unit, is already known, wherein in at least one determination step at least one position of at least one unheated cookware is determined by means of a detection signal from the cookware detection unit.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a method for operating a cookware detection system with improved user-friendliness. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and claim 10, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to a method for operating a cookware detection system of an induction hob device, comprising at least one induction unit, at least one control unit and at least one cookware detection unit, wherein in at least one determination step at least one position of at least one unheated cookware is determined by means of a detection signal from the cookware detection unit.

[0006] It is proposed that in at least one adjustment step following the determination step, at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal is adjusted. The induction cooktop device is, in particular, at least a part, especially a subassembly, of an induction cooktop. Preferably, the induction cooktop device comprises at least a part, and preferably the entire electrical circuit, of the induction cooktop. The induction cooktop device and / or the induction cooktop preferably comprises at least a housing for receiving the circuit and / or at least a user interface for controlling at least the circuit by an operator. The user interface preferably comprises at least one, in particular mechanical or digital, control element for controlling the induction cooktop, especially the induction cooktop device.Alternatively, the user interface could be designed separately from the induction cooktop and, in particular, be at least part of a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or at least part of a computer, especially via a corresponding app. The induction cooktop assembly can encompass the entire induction cooktop. Preferably, the induction cooktop has a platform for placing a cooking vessel, especially one of the aforementioned types. The platform can be designed as a cooktop surface. Alternatively, the platform can be designed as a kitchen worktop. Preferably, the kitchen worktop, in contrast to the cooktop surface, is additionally designed to provide a food preparation area on which, for example, cutting, mixing, pounding, and / or peeling food could be carried out.

[0007] The induction unit is capable of transferring inductive energy from the unit to the cooking vessel, in particular for inductive energy supply and / or inductive heating of the cooking vessel, especially in a transfer state. The induction unit preferably has at least one induction coil above which the cooking vessel can be positioned for energy transfer. Preferably, the induction unit has more than one induction coil, wherein, in particular, at least one induction coil can be assigned to at least one transfer zone, for example, exactly one transfer zone, on the mounting plate on which the cooking vessel can be positioned for energy transfer.The phrase "the cooking cookware is arranged above the induction unit" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the cooking cookware is placed on the base plate, in particular on the transmission zone of the base plate, with the induction unit being arranged in particular below the base plate, in particular at least below the transmission zone.

[0008] Preferably, the induction cooktop device, in particular the induction cooktop, is designed for the inductive power supply of more than one cooking vessel and, in particular, for the detection of more than one cooking vessel, wherein the induction cooktop has, in particular, more than one transmission zone. The induction cooktop can be designed as a matrix induction cooktop, in particular with a matrix-like distribution of the transmission zones and, in particular, the induction coils. Alternatively, a discrete distribution of the transmission zones and, in particular, the induction coils is conceivable.

[0009] The cookware detection unit is specifically designed to detect the presence of cookware above the induction unit. This detection of cookware above the induction unit specifically includes, at a minimum, the detection of its presence above the induction unit, whereby "detection of presence" is also understood to include the detection of the cookware's absence above the induction unit. Preferably, the induction coil functions as a detection sensor for the cookware detection unit. Preferably, the induction unit, and in particular the at least one induction coil, is configured to emit at least one detection signal, especially during the detection step.Preferably, the cookware detection unit is designed to control the induction unit, in particular the at least one induction coil, in a detection state to emit at least one detection signal. Preferably, the detection state and the transmission state differ from each other and, in particular, occur separately in time. Preferably, the induction cooktop device has more than one cookware detection unit, in particular one cookware detection unit for each induction coil and / or each transmission zone. Detection by means of the respective cookware detection units can preferably be carried out independently of each other.The detection is preferably carried out by means of a cookware detection unit associated with a first induction coil, simultaneously with energy transfer, in particular heating and / or energy supply, originating from a second induction coil, for example also from a second induction coil adjacent to the first induction coil. Different induction coils of the induction unit can simultaneously exhibit different states, in particular the transfer state, the detection state, or a deactivated state in which, in particular, no current flows through the induction coil.

[0010] The induction cooktop advantageously comprises at least one inverter. The inverter is preferably at least part of the at least one cookware detection unit. The inverter is preferably designed to provide at least the detection signal of the cookware detection unit. The inverter preferably comprises at least two inverter switches.

[0011] The term "unheated cookware" refers specifically to cookware not intended for active heating. In particular, the cookware detection unit recognizes the unheated cookware. The induction unit remains in detection mode when unheated cookware is present. Specifically, the induction unit associated with the unheated cookware remains in detection mode until a user actively switches the induction unit to transmission mode using the control unit.

[0012] Preferably, the induction cooktop device, in particular the induction cooktop itself, comprises at least one control unit for a circuit between the detection state and the transmission state. The control unit may further be provided for controlling the inverter of the induction cooktop device. Preferably, the control unit includes a processing unit and, in particular, in addition to the processing unit, a storage unit with a control and / or regulation program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the processing unit. Preferably, the control unit controls the detection signal generated by the inverter, in particular the temporal parameters of the detection signal. The control unit may be provided for a main power supply to at least the induction unit and, in particular, for controlling, especially regulating, the energy transfer from the induction unit in the transmission state.The control unit can be at least partially part of the cookware detection unit. The control unit is preferably designed to initiate and / or execute the detection and adaptation steps. Preferably, the control unit is controllable and, in particular, adjustable by the operator via the user interface, especially via the at least one control element. The control unit is preferably designed to evaluate measurements of electrical load parameters, especially while the detection signal is being transmitted, for cookware detection. Preferably, the control unit is designed to output the detected presence and / or coverage level and / or geometry of the cookware to the operator via the user interface, in particular via a display unit of the user interface.Preferably, the presence of the cooking vessel and, in particular, the position of the cooking vessel on the induction hob can be displayed at the user interface, especially at the display unit of the user interface, wherein the display unit can, for example, have at least one display sub-unit and / or at least one display sub-area which is assigned to exactly one transmission zone, wherein, in particular, the respective display sub-unit and / or the respective display sub-area can be activated, in particular at least illuminated, when the presence of the cooking vessel is detected on the corresponding transmission zone and is provided for display purposes.The control unit is preferably designed to deactivate, in particular at least to dim, the display unit and / or display area, especially immediately after a change of transmission zone or after the cookware is removed from the induction cooktop. Preferably, the control unit is designed to deactivate a display unit and / or a display area of ​​an assigned transmission zone, from which the cookware unit is removed when moving to a new transmission zone, before activating a display unit and / or a display area assigned to the new transmission zone. The display unit preferably has at least one display element, in particular at least one light element and / or a display.The user interface can, for example, include at least one touchscreen for providing the at least one control element and the display unit, wherein a respective control element can be displayed on the touchscreen upon detection of the presence of the cookware in an arrangement corresponding to the position of the mounting unit on the induction cooktop, and in particular can be activated for setting by the user. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the induction cooktop device has a sensor for measuring the temperature of the unheated cookware and / or the heated cookware. In particular, the temperature of the base of the unheated cookware is determined. The sensor could preferably be an NTC sensor arranged below the mounting plate. Preferably, the sensor could be an infrared sensor arranged below the mounting plate.However, an external sensor or unit could also be used to measure the temperature of the unheated and / or heated cooking vessel. Alternatively, the unheated cooking vessel could have its own temperature sensor. The unheated cooking vessel or the external unit could preferably communicate with the control unit wirelessly, and the measured temperature data could be transmitted to the control unit. Preferably, the control unit is designed to evaluate the temperature data from the sensor.

[0013] Preferably, after a power-on step in which the induction cooktop device, in particular the induction cooktop itself, is switched on, a detection step is initiated. This detection step is preferably performed before a first transfer state for the detection of unheated cookware. In this detection step, the presence and / or position of at least one unheated cookware item is determined using the detection signal from the cookware detection unit. Preferably, the determination of at least the presence and / or position is based on a measurement of electrical load parameters, in particular a change in the impedance and / or power factor and / or inductance and / or resistance of the induction coil, especially while the inverter is providing the detection signal.The power factor is understood to be, in particular, the ratio between dissipated and stored energy in the load, especially the induction coil. Preferably, the cookware detection unit, especially the control unit, evaluates the measured electrical load parameters, particularly changes in these parameters. Specifically, the detection result is displayed at the user interface, allowing the user to adjust the transmission state. Preferably, the cookware detection step is performed immediately after the induction cooktop, especially the induction hob itself, is switched on. Preferably, the detection signal is emitted during this detection step. The detection signal is preferably defined by a set of start parameters.Advantageously, the set of start parameters for the detection signal includes a modulation frequency and / or a repetition time and / or a signal duration and / or an amplitude and / or a duty cycle with a predetermined start value. Preferably, the set of start parameters is configured such that the detection signal with these start parameters provides a user with high responsiveness. Alternatively or additionally, any other parameter or set of parameters of the detection signal with specific start values ​​that would be considered useful by a person skilled in the art is conceivable. A "duty cycle" is understood to be, in particular, a ratio that indicates what percentage of the time, especially the signal duration, a voltage is present during pulse-width modulation.The detection step is preferably repeated after the activation phase and until the induction cooktop is switched off, in order to detect the cookware, particularly unheated cookware. Preferably, the detection step is also performed after the start of the transfer state, thereby advantageously enabling the cookware detection unit to detect when heated cookware is removed from the induction cooktop and / or when the heated cookware is moved on the induction cooktop.

[0014] Advantageously, the adjustment step is performed immediately following the detection step. Preferably, the adjustment step is performed directly after the initial detection of the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, a temporal parameter of the detection signal can be adjusted in the adjustment step. In particular, an adjusted detection step follows the adjustment step. The adjusted detection step comprises a detection signal with at least one adjusted temporal parameter. Advantageously, the at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal is adjusted from a start value, particularly from a set of start parameters, to a predetermined end value. Preferably, the adjustment from the start value to the end value is performed directly during the adjustment step, particularly via a step function.It is also conceivable, however, that the adjustment step comprises a plurality of intermediate adjustment steps, wherein the adjustment of the time parameter is incremental, and in particular, an intermediate adjustment step is performed after each emitted detection signal, especially after the detection of the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, the instantaneous value of the at least one time parameter of the detection signal is adjusted by a predetermined increment value during an intermediate adjustment step until, in particular, the predetermined final value is reached. Preferably, the increment of the value of the at least one time parameter of the detection signal is performed according to a function. Preferably, the function could be linear, polynomial, or exponential. Preferably, the adjustment of the at least one time parameter of the detection signal is stopped as soon as it reaches the predetermined final value.

[0015] Preferably, at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal is a repetition time. A repetition time is understood to be, in particular, the time interval between two detection signals. Advantageously, a starting value for the repetition time of the detection signal can be 100 ms, preferably 200 ms, and particularly preferably 250 ms. Advantageously, a final value for the repetition time of the detection signal can be 6000 ms, preferably 5000 ms, and particularly preferably 4000 ms. Alternatively, any other starting and / or final value of the repetition time of the detection signal that would be considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art is conceivable. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable, alternatively or additionally, to adjust other temporal parameters of the detection signal, wherein these other temporal parameters can, in particular, be a modulation frequency and / or a signal duration and / or a duty cycle.

[0016] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0017] Such a method can achieve advantageous properties with regard to user comfort. In particular, by adjusting at least one time parameter, unwanted self-heating of the unheated cookware via the detection signal can be advantageously reduced. Furthermore, improved energy efficiency can be advantageously achieved, since less energy is lost through unwanted self-heating of the unheated cookware. In particular, energy consumption during the detection of the cookware can be advantageously kept low.Due to the adjustment of at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal in the adjustment step, which follows the detection step and in particular only after the detection of an unheated cooking vessel, a significantly high level of user comfort and / or ease of operation can be provided, since in particular the set of start parameters of the detection signal is tailored to a high responsiveness of the cooking vessel detection.

[0018] The term "self-heating" of unheated cooking equipment refers in particular to the unintentional heating of unheated cooking equipment by the detection signal.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the determination step, at least one additional determination parameter of the at least one unheated cooking vessel is determined, and in the adjustment step, at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal is adjusted depending on this at least one additional determination parameter. It is further proposed that this at least one additional determination parameter be a geometry and / or a coverage degree and / or a material of the unheated cooking vessel, wherein, in particular, this at least one additional determination parameter is determined as a function of at least one electrical load parameter. However, other configurations of the additional determination parameter that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable, such as the temperature of the unheated cooking vessel.Preferably, the determination of at least one further detection parameter is based on the detection of at least one electrical load parameter, in particular a change, preferably an impedance and / or a power factor and / or an inductance and / or a resistance, of at least one induction coil of the at least one induction unit and / or the at least one inverter, particularly while the at least one inverter provides the at least one detection signal. In particular, the measured electrical load parameters depend on the presence, in particular the geometry and / or the coverage and / or the material of the cookware placed on the induction cooktop. The geometry of the cookware preferably comprises a diameter, particularly in the case of round cookware, or a dimension of length and width, particularly in the case of rectangular, oval, or elliptical cookware.Additionally, the geometry of the cooking vessel could include a height or a thickness of the base. The degree of coverage preferably characterizes the surface coverage of the transfer zone by the cooking vessel, in particular a number of induction coils covered by the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, the material of the cooking vessel allows the induction coil to be coupled to the cooking vessel, which particularly affects its thermal conductivity. Preferably, for a larger cooking vessel, especially compared to a smaller one, a different final value of the at least one time parameter is used during the adjustment step.Alternatively or additionally, an incremental adjustment of the time parameter would also be conceivable, wherein the adjustment is carried out incrementally, and in particular, after each adjustment step, the current value of the at least one time parameter is adjusted by a predetermined value until, in particular, the final value is reached. Preferably, the incrementing of the value of the at least one time parameter of the detection signal is carried out by means of a function, which is selected, in particular, by the cookware detection unit based on the further detection parameter.Advantageously, this design of the method allows for an adjustment of the detection signal, particularly for very large cooking vessels. This adjustment can be quickly adapted to a final value of the time parameter and / or to a final value of the time parameter specifically predetermined for the cooking vessel, since a change in position is less likely for very large cooking vessels than for smaller ones. Thus, a detection signal specifically adapted to the unheated cooking vessel, particularly its geometry, surface area, and / or material, can be provided, further increasing energy efficiency and / or user convenience. In addition, this can advantageously reduce self-heating of the unheated cooking vessel.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjustment step be performed after a predetermined waiting period for the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, after the unheated cooking vessel is first detected, the adjustment step is only performed after a predetermined waiting period. Preferably, the waiting period is recorded from the moment the unheated cooking vessel is first detected by the cooking vessel detection unit, in particular the control unit. Specifically, the detection step is performed with a detection signal containing time parameters from the set of start parameters until the predetermined waiting period has elapsed. Preferably, the predetermined waiting period could be, for example, 5 minutes.In this configuration of the method, the time-repeating detection step for the predetermined setup duration is carried out using a detection signal characterized by the start parameter set. The time parameters of the start parameter set advantageously exhibit high responsiveness in detecting or changing the position of the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, the configuration described here can be combined with the preceding configurations of the method. Based on the configuration of the method described above, the user is provided with a particularly high level of user convenience during the predetermined setup duration, since, in particular, the start parameter set of the detection signal offers high responsiveness.During this predetermined setup time of the unheated cooking vessel, the interaction of a user with the unheated cooking vessel is taken into account, whereby the probability of interacting with the unheated cooking vessel is greatest in the initial time after the unheated cooking vessel has been set up, for example, a probability of a change in position of the unheated cooking vessel.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one temporal parameter be adjusted from a starting value to a final value according to a function. Preferably, the temporal parameter of the detection signal is adjusted by a plurality of intermediate adjustment steps, wherein, in particular, an intermediate adjustment step is performed after each detection step. Specifically, an adjusted detection step is performed immediately following an intermediate adjustment step. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that an intermediate adjustment step is performed only after every second, third, or fourth emitted detection signal, particularly in a detection step and / or in an adjusted detection step.Preferably, the instantaneous value of at least one time parameter of the detection signal is adjusted by a predetermined increment value during an intermediate adjustment step until, in particular, the predetermined final value is reached. The increment value is determined according to a function. Preferably, the function could be a step function, a linear function, a polynomial function, or an exponential function, which depends, in particular, on the number of emitted detection signals. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the function to depend on the setup time of the unheated cooking vessel.This design of the method can increase user comfort and / or energy efficiency, since, particularly at the beginning of the unheated cooking time, the cooking vessel detection is highly responsive, and advantageously, little energy is lost in the detection step later on. The design described here is advantageously combinable with the preceding embodiments of the method. Preferably, the selection of the function can depend on the further detection parameter of the unheated cooking vessel.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the adjustment step, the time parameter is adapted depending on the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel by the detection signal. "Instant energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel" is understood to mean, in particular, the power momentarily applied to the unheated cooking vessel by means of the detection signal. Preferably, the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel is determined during the assessment step. Preferably, the energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel can be measured using a power sensor. More preferably, the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel is determined via the electrical load parameter during the assessment step. Preferably, the adjustment step is only executed above a certain threshold value of the integrated instantaneous energy.Preferably, the time parameter is adjusted proportionally to the instantaneous energy; in particular, the value of the time parameter can be adjusted proportionally to the level of the instantaneous energy, especially up to the final value of the time parameter. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to determine a ratio of the instantaneous energy to a maximum achievable instantaneous energy, particularly during the detection step. Preferably, the ratio corresponds to a percentage value from 0% to 100%. In particular, the percentage value of 0% corresponds to the absence of a cooking vessel. Preferably, the time parameter is adjusted such that the percentage value of 0% corresponds to the starting value of the time parameter and the percentage value of 100% corresponds to the final value of the time parameter of the detection signal.Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment of the time parameter, depending on the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel by the detection signal, could advantageously be combined with the adjustment of the time parameter according to a function. Such configurations result in cooking vessels with low instantaneous energy being updated more frequently than those with higher instantaneous energy. This takes into account, in particular, the size or geometry of the unheated cooking vessel and the associated probability of a user interacting with it. The probability of interacting with the unheated cooking vessel, for example, by changing its position, is highest for cooking vessels with low instantaneous energy. This configuration of the method can advantageously increase user convenience.Furthermore, this can advantageously reduce the self-heating of unheated cooking cookware.

[0023] It is further proposed that the instantaneous energy be integrated and the time parameter adjusted depending on the integrated instantaneous energy. "Integrated instantaneous energy" is understood to mean, in particular, the total energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel over a defined period. Preferably, the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel is determined during each detection step and / or adjusted detection step, especially after each detection signal and / or adjusted detection signal, particularly by the cooking vessel detection unit. Preferably, after each detection signal, the instantaneous energy is summed with the previous instantaneous energy value, particularly to determine the integrated instantaneous energy value.Preferably, an intermediate adjustment step is performed after each determination step and / or adjusted determination step, wherein the time parameter in each intermediate adjustment step is adjusted proportionally to the magnitude of the instantaneous value of the integrated instantaneous energy. In particular, at a predetermined maximum value of the integrated instantaneous energy, the time parameter is adjusted to the final value of the time parameter. Such a design of the method allows, in particular, the control and reduction of self-heating of the unheated cooking vessel. This advantageously leads to improved energy efficiency, as, in particular, less energy is lost through the unwanted self-heating of the unheated cooking vessel.

[0024] This in turn leads to improved user comfort.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that a duty cycle parameter be adjusted in the adaptation step, particularly to reduce the energy input into the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, after the unheated cooking vessel is detected in the detection step, the duty cycle parameter is adjusted from a start value to a final value in the adaptation step. Preferably, the duty cycle parameter is adjusted depending on the instantaneous energy input into the unheated cooking vessel. In particular, the duty cycle parameter is adjusted proportionally to the amount of instantaneous energy. Preferably, the final value of the duty cycle parameter is selected such that zero-voltage switching is ensured. For example, at a modulation frequency of 100 kHz, a duty cycle of 50% ± 14% would be possible while still ensuring zero-voltage switching.Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable to adjust the duty cycle parameter depending on the integrated instantaneous energy and / or another determining parameter, in particular the geometry and / or the coverage and / or the material of the unheated cookware. Furthermore, adjusting the duty cycle according to a function, such as a step function, a linear function, or an exponential function, would also be conceivable. Such a design of the method can reduce self-heating of the unheated cookware. This can advantageously lead to improved energy efficiency, as less energy is lost through unwanted self-heating of the unheated cookware. This, in turn, leads to improved user comfort.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the duration of the detection signal be adjusted in the adjustment step. The duration of the detection signal is, in particular, a temporal parameter of the detection signal. Preferably, after the detection of the unheated cooking vessel in the detection step, the duration of the signal is adjusted from a start value to a final value in the adjustment step. Preferably, the duration of the signal is adjusted depending on the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cooking vessel. In particular, the duration of the signal is reduced proportionally to the amount of instantaneous energy. Preferably, a start value for the duration of the signal is 20 ms, and a final value for the duration is preferably 5 ms and more preferably 10 ms.Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable to adjust the duration of the detection signal depending on the integrated instantaneous energy and / or another detection parameter, in particular the geometry and / or the coverage and / or the material of the unheated cookware. Furthermore, adjusting the signal duration according to a function, such as a step function, a linear function, or an exponential function, would also be conceivable. Such a design of the method can reduce self-heating of the unheated cookware, as the detection signal is shortened. This can advantageously lead to improved energy efficiency, since less energy is lost through the unwanted self-heating of the unheated cookware. This, in turn, leads to improved user comfort.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that in the adaptation step, a time parameter of the detection signal is adjusted depending on the determined temperature of the unheated cooking vessel. The temperature of the unheated cooking vessel is preferably determined in the determination step. Preferably, the temperature of the unheated cooking vessel can be measured via a sensor. Preferably, the temperature of the unheated cooking vessel is determined by the sensor during the determination step. Preferably, the adaptation step is only executed above a certain threshold value for the temperature of the unheated cooking vessel. Preferably, the adjustment of the time parameter of the detection signal in the adaptation step occurs directly from a start value of the time parameter to an end value of the time parameter. However, it would also be conceivable to adjust the time parameter according to a function.This design of the method allows for both direct temperature feedback and direct control of the self-heating of the unheated cooking vessel. Advantageously, this design of the method can increase user convenience. Furthermore, it can advantageously reduce the self-heating of the unheated cooking vessel.

[0028] Furthermore, an induction cooktop device according to the invention for carrying out the method is proposed, comprising at least one, in particular one of the aforementioned, induction unit, at least one, in particular one of the aforementioned, control unit, and at least one, in particular one of the aforementioned, cookware detection unit. Preferably, the induction unit is provided for supplying inductive energy to at least one cookware unit. Preferably, the control unit is provided for controlling the induction unit and / or the cookware detection unit. In particular, the control unit has a user interface. The cookware detection unit is preferably provided for detecting the presence of at least one cookware unit above the induction unit and / or for detecting the position of at least one cookware unit.Preferably, the cookware detection unit, in particular the control unit, is designed to initiate and / or execute the detection step and / or the adaptation step. Preferably, the cookware detection unit, in particular the control unit, is designed to initiate and / or execute the adapted detection step and / or the intermediate adaptation steps. Preferably, the cookware detection unit is designed to determine the presence and / or the position of at least one cookware item and / or other detection parameters by measuring the electrical load parameters at the inverter. Preferably, the measurement and evaluation of the electrical load parameters can be carried out during the detection signal, in particular during a switching cycle of the inverter, especially the switching cycle of the inverter that characterizes the detection signal.Preferably, the detection signal duration is 20 ms. Such a design of the induction cooktop device provides advantageous properties with regard to energy efficiency and user comfort. By integrating cookware detection during an inverter switching cycle, precise and rapid measurement of the electrical load parameters and thus particularly fast cookware detection can be provided. This improves user comfort. Furthermore, with such a design, the induction cooktop device is able to perform the method, which in turn allows temporal parameters of the detection signal to be adapted to the cookware, thus reducing the self-heating of unheated cookware.The method for operating a cookware detection system and the induction cooktop device are not to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the method and the cooktop device may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges given in this document are also to be considered disclosed and freely usable.

[0029] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0030] They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an induction hob with an induction hob device according to the invention and at least one cooking vessel arranged thereon.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a graph of a detection signal,

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method (a) according to the invention for operating a cookware detection system of the induction hob device,

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a graphical representation of the method according to the invention as a time course of an adapted repetition time,

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment (b) of an induction hob device with a cookware detection unit, wherein the cookware detection unit determines the geometry and material of at least one unheated cookware.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a graphical representation of a method of embodiment (b) as a time course of an adapted repetition time,

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a graphical representation of a method of a further embodiment (c) as a time course of an adapted repetition time as a function of an instantaneous energy of an unheated cooking vessel, Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a further embodiment of a method (d) for operating the cooking vessel detection of the induction hob device,

[0038] Fig. 9 shows a graphical representation of the method (d) as a time course of an adapted repetition time as a function of a setup time of an unheated cooking vessel according to a function and

[0039] Fig. 10 shows a graphic representation of a further embodiment (e) of a method according to the invention as a time course of an adapted repetition time as a function of an integrated instantaneous energy of an unheated cooking vessel.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an induction cooktop 50a. The induction cooktop 50a is designed for inductive energy transfer, in particular for inductive heating and / or inductive energy supply, of a cooking vessel, in particular a heated cooking vessel 52a.

[0041] The induction cooktop 50a has a support plate 54a. The support plate 54a is preferably designed as a cooktop surface. The support plate 54a is intended for placing at least one cooking vessel for inductive energy transfer, in particular for inductive heating.

[0042] The induction cooktop 50a includes an induction cooktop device 12a. The induction cooktop device 12a is designed as at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of the induction cooktop 50a. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the induction cooktop device 12a includes further parts of the induction cooktop 50a, for example the mounting plate 54a or the like, and / or the entire induction cooktop 50a.

[0043] The induction cooktop device 12a has at least one induction unit 14a. The induction unit 14a is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation for energy transfer. The induction unit 14a is arranged below the base plate 54a.

[0044] The induction unit 14a has at least one induction coil 56a. The induction coil 56a is assigned to a transmission zone 58a of the induction cooktop 50a and, in particular, provides the transmission zone 58a (see Figure 1). The induction coil 56a is arranged below the transmission zone 58a. The transmission zone 58a is designed as an area on the induction cooktop 50a on which the unheated cookware 22a can be placed, at least for the purpose of energy transfer.

[0045] The induction unit 14a has more than one induction coil 56a. The induction cooktop 50a has more than one transmission zone 58a, wherein each induction coil 56a can be assigned to at least one or exactly one transmission zone 58a. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the induction unit 14a has only one induction coil 56a and, in particular, provides only one transmission zone 58a.

[0046] The induction cooktop device 12a has at least one cookware detection unit 18a for detecting unheated cookware 22a above the induction unit 14a. The at least one cookware detection unit 18a is designed to detect the presence of unheated cookware 22a above the induction unit 14a. The at least one cookware detection unit 18a is designed to detect unheated cookware 22a above the at least one induction coil 56a.

[0047] The at least one cookware detection unit 22a is designed to detect the position of the unheated cookware 22a on the base plate 54a. The cookware detection unit 18a is designed to detect the position of the unheated cookware 22a with respect to the various transmission zones 58a. The cookware detection unit 18a is preferably designed to detect the geometry of the unheated cookware 22a on the induction cooktop 50a. The cookware detection unit 18a is preferably designed to detect the degree of coverage of the transmission zone 58a by the unheated cookware 22a above the at least one induction coil 56a. The cookware detection unit 18a is preferably designed to detect the material of the unheated cookware 22a, in particular the base of the cookware, on the induction cooktop 50a.The induction coil 56a functions as a detection sensor for the cookware detection unit 18a. The detection of the unheated cookware 22a is based on a dependence on electrical load parameters, preferably an impedance and / or a power factor, in particular an inductance and / or a resistance, of the induction coil, which in turn depend on the presence, in particular the degree of coverage and / or the material, of the unheated cookware 22a above the induction coil 56a.

[0048] The induction cooktop device 12a comprises at least one control unit 16a. The control unit 16a is designed to control at least one inverter (not shown), in particular at least one inverter switch. The inverter is designed to convert a rectified, and in particular filtered and smoothed, main current to generate a supply current. The induction unit 14a, in particular the induction coil 56a, can be operated via the supply current.

[0049] The control unit 16a is designed to control the induction unit 14a by means of the inverter. The control unit 16a can be used to control, in particular regulate, the energy transfer to the heated cooking vessel 52a from the induction unit 14a.

[0050] The control unit 16a is designed to control the cookware detection unit 18a. The control unit 16a can be used to control, in particular regulate, a detection signal 24a. The detection signal 24a is generated directly by the inverter. Preferably, the electrical load parameters of the at least one induction coil 56a can be determined by the control unit 16a during the detection signal 24a. The control unit 16a is designed to evaluate the electrical load parameters, in particular to determine the presence, position on the mounting plate 54a, geometry, degree of coverage, and material of the unheated cookware 22a.

[0051] The detection signal 24a comprises a set of parameters that define the detection signal 24a. Preferably, the set of parameters of the detection signal 24a includes a modulation frequency and / or a repetition time 60a and / or a signal duration 48a and / or an amplitude and / or a duty cycle parameter 46a. Preferably, the control unit 16a is provided to adjust temporal parameters of the detection signal 24a, in particular the repetition time 60a and / or the signal duration 48a and / or the duty cycle parameter 46a.

[0052] The detection signal 24a follows a main power supply, which is rectified, smoothed, and filtered. Figure 2 shows a curve 62a, specifically a waveform, of a detection signal 24a. The signal duration 48a of the detection signal 24a is represented by two half main power supply cycles 64a; in particular, the signal duration 48a can correspond to 20 ms. The repetition time 60a of the detection signal 24a is also shown, where the repetition time 60a can correspond to a value of, for example, 250 ms. Within the half main power supply cycle 64a, a parameter of the duty cycle 46a is shown, where the filled areas correspond to an on state of the inverter, in particular the inverter switches, and the unfilled areas correspond to an off state.The duty cycle parameter 46a corresponds to a ratio that indicates what percentage of the time the inverter, and in particular the inverter switches, are switched on. In this case, the duty cycle parameter 46a corresponds to a value of 50%.

[0053] The induction cooktop 12a has a user interface 66a. The energy transfer can be adjusted by an operator (not shown) of the induction cooktop 12a via the user interface 66a. The user interface 66a includes, in particular, at least one control element 68a for adjusting the energy transfer. The control element 68a is assigned to exactly one transfer zone 58a of the induction cooktop 12a. The user interface 66a is designed to output, in particular display, at least one piece of information to the operator regarding the induction cooktop 12a and / or the unheated cookware 22a and / or the heated cookware 52a. The user interface 66a is, by way of example, configured as a touchscreen. The control element 68a is, in this case, configured as a controller on the touchscreen.Alternatively, a different design of the operator interface 66a and in particular of the control element 68a is conceivable.

[0054] The control unit 16a is for outputting a result of the recognition using the

[0055] The operator interface 66a is provided for the operator. The control unit 16a is designed to illuminate and / or activate the control element 68a, in particular a regulator, to control energy transfer via the induction coil 56a, above which the presence of the unheated cooking vessel 22a has been detected (see Figure 1). Alternatively, a different output of the detection result would be conceivable, particularly for a different configuration of the operator interface 66a.

[0056] In Figure 1, the heated cooking vessel 52a is in a transmission state, with the induction unit 14 inductively heating the heated cooking vessel 52a. The unheated cooking vessel 22a, on the other hand, is in a detection state. In the detection state, the induction coil 56a is only configured to emit the detection signal 24a. When the detection signal 24a is emitted to the unheated cooking vessel 22a, the unheated cooking vessel 22a receives energy from the detection signal 24a, causing it to heat up, at least slightly.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a method 10a for operating a cookware detection system of the induction cooktop device 12a. In this case, the induction cooktop device 12a comprises the induction unit 14a, the control unit 16a, and the cookware detection unit 18a for carrying out the method. The method 10a includes a power-on step 70a in which the induction cooktop device 12a is activated. After the power-on step 70a of the induction cooktop device 12a, the control unit 16a automatically initiates a time-repeating detection step 20a. The detection step 20a is repeated by means of a query step 72a until an unheated cookware 22a is detected. In the investigation step 20a, the detection signal 24a is emitted via the induction coil 56a, wherein the detection signal 24a is defined by at least one start parameter set.The detection step 20a is repeated, particularly after the switch-on step 70a, until the induction cooktop device 12a is switched off, in order to detect the unheated cookware 22a. In detection step 20a, at least the electrical load parameter of the induction coil 56a is determined. If a user places at least one unheated cookware 22a on the support plate 54a, the cookware detection unit 18a detects at least the position and, in particular, the presence of the unheated cookware 22a based on the change in the electrical load parameter of the induction coil 56a. After the initial detection of the unheated cookware 22a, an adjustment step 26a follows detection step 20a, in which at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal 24a is adjusted from a start value 38a to an end value 40a (see Figure 4).Following the adaptation step 26a, a time-repeating finally adapted determination step 74a is performed, wherein the detection signal 24a is emitted with at least one time parameter of the detection signal 24a adapted to the final value 40a, represented in Figure 3 by a three-point symbol.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a curve 76a, where the curve 76a represents the time course of the time parameter, which in this case corresponds to the repetition time 60a, and where the procedure 10a is carried out. A time is represented on the abscissa axis, with the intersection with the ordinate axis corresponding to a time point of the activation step 70a, and the repetition time 60a of the detection signal 24a being plotted on the ordinate axis. Time point 78a on the abscissa axis corresponds to the detection of the unheated cooking vessel 22a. After the detection of the unheated cooking vessel 22a, the repetition time 60a is immediately adjusted from the start value 38a to the end value 40a in the adjustment step 26a. The curve 76a corresponds, in particular, to a step function.After the adjustment step 26a, the detection signal 24a is sent, in particular in the finally adjusted determination step 74a, with at least one repetition time 60a adjusted to the final value 40a.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the time parameter of the detection signal 24a can be the parameter of the duty cycle 46a and / or the signal duration 48a.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the adjustment step 26a is carried out after a predetermined setup time of the unheated cooking vessel 22a, in particular after the detection of the unheated cooking vessel 22a in the determination step 20a. In particular, in query step 72a it is checked whether the predetermined setup time of the unheated cooking vessel 22a has been reached.

[0061] In each figure, only one of the objects shown multiple times is designated with a reference numeral. Figures 5 to 10 show four further embodiments 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 other embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 4, with regard to components, features, and functions that remain the same. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 is replaced by the letters b to e in the reference numerals of the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 10.With regard to identically designated components and / or process steps, in particular with regard to components with identical reference numerals, reference can also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 4.

[0062] Figures 5 and 6 show a further embodiment of the invention. To distinguish between 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 Figures 5 and 6.

[0063] The further embodiment describes a method for operating a cookware detection system of an induction cooktop device 12b. The method according to this further embodiment follows the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows an induction cooktop device 12b for carrying out the method, comprising at least one induction unit 14b, a control unit 16b, and at least one cookware detection unit 18b. In this embodiment of the method, in a determination step, in addition to the presence and position of unheated cookware 22b, 80b, at least one further determination parameter of the unheated cookware 22b, 80b is determined, wherein the at least one further determination parameter is a geometry and a material of the unheated cookware 22b, 80b, and wherein the at least one further determination parameter is determined as a function of at least one electrical load parameter.The determination of at least one further determination parameter is based on the detection of at least one electrical load parameter, in particular a change, an impedance and / or a power factor and / or an inductance and / or a resistance, of at least one induction coil of at least one induction unit 14b and / or at least one inverter, in particular while the at least one inverter provides at least one detection signal. The unheated cooking vessel 22b is identified in the determination step as a circular stainless steel cooking vessel 82b with an approximate diameter of 26 cm. The other unheated cooking vessel 80b, on the other hand, can be identified as an at least substantially rectangular cast iron cooking vessel 84b with an approximate length and width of 50 cm x 30 cm.In an adjustment step, at least one temporal parameter, in particular a repetition time 60b (see Figure 6), of the detection signal is adjusted depending on at least one further determination parameter.

[0064] Figure 6 shows two curves 76b and 86b, each representing a time course of the repetition time 60b of the detection signal and the execution of the method of this embodiment. A time is shown on the abscissa axis, with the intersection with the ordinate axis corresponding to a time point of the switch-on step. The repetition time 60b of the detection signals is shown on the ordinate axis. Time point 78b on the abscissa axis corresponds to the detection of the unheated cooking vessels 22b and 80b. The unheated cooking vessel 22b is identified in the detection step as a circular stainless steel cooking vessel 82b with an approximate diameter of 26 cm. The other unheated cooking vessel 80b is identified in the detection step as a rectangular cast iron cooking vessel 84b with approximate dimensions of 50 cm x 30 cm.After the detection of the unheated cooking vessels 22b and 80b, the respective repetition time 60b of the detection signal is adjusted from a starting value of 38b to an end value of 40b or 88b in the adjustment step. The adjustment of the repetition time 60b of the detection signals is individually adapted to the respective unheated cooking vessels 22b and 80b. For example, the end value 88b of the repetition time 60b for the larger rectangular cast-iron cooking vessel 84b is 4000 ms, and the end value 40b for the smaller circular stainless steel cooking vessel 82b is 2000 ms. After the adjustment step, the respective detection signal is transmitted, particularly in the final adjusted determination step, with a repetition time 60b adjusted to at least the end values ​​40b and 88b. Alternatively or additionally, the temporal parameter of the detection signal can be a parameter of a duty cycle and / or a signal duration.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the adjustment step is carried out after a predetermined setup time of the unheated cooking vessel 22b. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the predetermined setup time is predetermined depending on the other determining parameter of the unheated cooking vessel 22b. For example, the large cast-iron cooking vessel 84b could have a predetermined setup time of 1 minute and the smaller stainless steel pot 82b a predetermined setup time of 5 minutes.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 is replaced by the letter c in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figure 7.

[0067] The further embodiment describes a method for operating a cookware detection unit of an induction cooktop device. The method according to this further embodiment follows the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the induction cooktop device has at least one induction unit, at least one control unit, and at least one cookware detection unit. In this embodiment, the detection step determines the instantaneous energy 42c introduced into the unheated cookware by the detection signal, and in the adjustment step, a time parameter of the detection signal is adjusted depending on the instantaneous energy 42c introduced into the unheated cookware by the detection signal.

[0068] Figure 7 shows a graph with a curve 90c. The abscissa represents the instantaneous energy 42c of the unheated cooking vessel, and the ordinate represents the repetition time 60c of the detection signal. In this embodiment of the method, the instantaneous energy 42c introduced into the unheated cooking vessel by the detection signal is determined in the detection step, and the repetition time 60c is adjusted in the adjustment step depending on the instantaneous energy 42c introduced into the unheated cooking vessel by the detection signal. The adjustment step is carried out after reaching a predetermined threshold value 92c of the instantaneous energy 42c, whereby up to the threshold value 92c of the instantaneous energy 42c the detection signal in the determination step is carried out with a repetition time 60c, which corresponds to a starting value 38c of the repetition time 60c of the detection signal.In particular, the reaching of the threshold value 92c is monitored in a query step. The repetition time 60c is preferably adjusted proportionally to the value of the instantaneous energy 42c, whereby a maximum achievable instantaneous energy 94c corresponds to a maximum final value 96c of the repetition time 60c.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the temporal parameter of the detection signal can be a parameter of a duty cycle and / or a signal duration.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the adjustment step is carried out after a predetermined setup time of the unheated cooking cookware.

[0071] Figures 8 and 9 show a further embodiment of the invention. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 is replaced by the letter d in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 8 and 9.

[0072] Figure 8 shows a schematic flowchart of method 10d. The further embodiment is based on method 10d for operating the cookware detection system of an induction cooktop device. In this case, the induction cooktop device for carrying out method 10d comprises at least one induction unit, at least one control unit, and at least one cookware detection unit.

[0073] Method 10d includes a power-on step 70d, in which the induction cooktop device is activated. After power-on step 70d of the induction cooktop device, the control unit automatically initiates a time-repeating detection step 20d. Detection step 20d is repeated by means of a query step 72d until unheated cookware is detected. After the initial detection of unheated cookware, an adjustment step 26d follows, wherein adjustment step 26d comprises a plurality of intermediate adjustment steps 98d. In the intermediate adjustment steps 98d, a temporal parameter, in particular a repetition time 60d, is adjusted by a predetermined increment value. An intermediate adjustment step 98d is followed by an adjusted detection step 100d.Adaptation step 26d specifically comprises the process sequence of intermediate adaptation step 98d and adapted detection step 100d. This process sequence is repeated until the temporal parameter of a detection signal reaches a final value of 40d. The reaching of the final value of 40d for the temporal parameter of the detection signal is monitored, particularly in a further query step 102d, by the cookware detection unit, specifically by the control unit. After the final value of 40d for the temporal parameter of the detection signal is reached, a time-repeating, finally adapted detection step 74d follows, in which the detection signal is transmitted with at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal adapted to the final value of 40d.

[0074] Figure 9 shows several curves 104d, 106d, 108d, and 110d, where each of these curves can correspond to a possible time course of the repetition time 60d, and where the procedure 10d is carried out. The abscissa represents a setup time 112d of the unheated cooking vessel, with the intersection point on the ordinate axis corresponding to the time of first detection of the unheated cooking vessel. The ordinate axis represents the repetition time 60d of the detection signal. After a predetermined setup time 28d, the adjustment step 26d is performed. The process sequence of intermediate adjustment step 98d and adjusted detection step 100d is repeated until the repetition time 60d of the detection signal reaches the final value of 40d. In adjustment step 26d, the repetition time of 60d is adjusted according to a function from a starting value of 38d to the final value of 40d.The repetition time of 60d is adjusted with each intermediate adjustment step of 98d such that the adjustment of the function corresponds, in particular, to a linear function of 30d according to curve 104d. Specifically, the increment value is determined by the function. Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the repetition time of 60d is adjusted from the initial value of 38d to the final value of 40d according to other functions, where the additional function corresponds to an exponential function of 32d according to curve 106, a polynomial function of 34d according to curve 108, or a step function of 36d according to curve 110. In particular, the function is modeled such that the repetition time of 60d of the detection signal reaches the final value of 40d after a further predetermined setup period of 114d, for example, 1 hour.Once the final value of 40d of the repetition time 60d has been reached, the detection signal is transmitted, particularly in the finally adjusted determination step 74d, with at least the repetition time 60d adapted to the final value of 40d.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the temporal parameter of the detection signal can be a parameter of a duty cycle or a signal duration.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable to select the function depending on at least one further parameter determined by the unheated cooking vessel. For example, the exponential function according to curve 106d could be selected for the cast iron cooking vessel 84b shown in Figure 5, and a linear function according to curve 104d for the stainless steel cooking vessel 82b.

[0077] Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the invention. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter d in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 8 and 9 is replaced by the letter e in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figure 10.

[0078] The further embodiment describes a method for operating the cookware detection system of an induction cooktop device. The method according to this further embodiment follows the flowchart of the embodiment shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the induction cooktop device has at least one induction unit, at least one control unit, and at least one cookware detection unit to carry out the method of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the instantaneous energy introduced into the unheated cookware is determined during each detection step and / or each adapted detection step, particularly after each detection signal, especially by the cookware detection unit. Specifically, after each detection signal, the instantaneous energy is summed with the previous instantaneous energy value, particularly to determine the integrated instantaneous energy value 44e.After the detection of the unheated cooking vessel, an adapted determination step follows each intermediate adaptation step. Following each adapted determination step, an intermediate adaptation step is performed, whereby the repetition time in each intermediate adaptation step is adjusted proportionally to the current value of the integrated instantaneous energy 44e. Specifically, at a predetermined value of the integrated instantaneous energy 44e, the repetition time is adjusted to a final value.

[0079] Figure 10 shows a curve 116e as a temporal representation of the method of this embodiment in the form of a time course of the integrated instantaneous energy 44e. The abscissa represents the setup time 112e of the unheated cooking vessel, and the ordinate represents the integrated instantaneous energy 44e. The curve 116e represents the respective value of the integrated instantaneous energy 44e for a setup time 112e. Vertical lines 118e correspond to the detection signals emitted in the respective measurement step and / or adapted measurement step for a corresponding setup time 112e. A distance 120e between the vertical lines 118e corresponds to the respective repetition time of the detection signal.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the temporal parameter of the detection signal can be a parameter of a duty cycle or a signal duration.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the adjustment step is carried out from a predetermined threshold value of the integrated instantaneous energy 44e, wherein up to the threshold value of the integrated instantaneous energy 44e the detection signal in the determination step is carried out with a temporal parameter which corresponds to a start value of the temporal parameter of the detection signal.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, it would be conceivable that the adjustment step is carried out after a predetermined setup time of the unheated cooking vessel, whereby the instantaneous energy is integrated after the predetermined setup time.

[0083] Reference sign

[0084] 10 procedures

[0085] 12 Induction hob device

[0086] 14 induction units

[0087] 16 Control unit

[0088] 18 cooking utensil recognition unit

[0089] 20th step of the investigation

[0090] 22 Unheated cooking cookware

[0091] 24 Detection signal

[0092] 26th adjustment step

[0093] 28 Predetermined installation duration

[0094] 30 Linear function

[0095] 32 Exponential function

[0096] 34 Polynomial function

[0097] 36-step function

[0098] 38 Starting value

[0099] 40 final value

[0100] 42 Instantaneous Energy

[0101] 44 Integrated instantaneous energy

[0102] 46 parameters of a duty cycle

[0103] 48 Signal duration

[0104] 50 induction hob

[0105] 52 Heated cooking cookware

[0106] 54 Mounting plate

[0107] 56 Induction coil

[0108] 58 transmission zone

[0109] 60 repetition time

[0110] 62 Curve

[0111] 64 Half main power supply cycle operator interface

[0112] Control element

[0113] Switch-on step

[0114] Query step

[0115] Final adjusted investigation step

[0116] curve

[0117] time

[0118] Unheated cooking cookware

[0119] Circular stainless steel cookware

[0120] Rectangular cast iron cooking utensil

[0121] curve

[0122] Final value

[0123] curve

[0124] Predetermined threshold

[0125] Maximum achievable instantaneous energy

[0126] Maximum final value

[0127] Intermediate adjustment step

[0128] Adapted investigative step

[0129] Next query step

[0130] curve

[0131] curve

[0132] curve

[0133] curve

[0134] Setup time

[0135] Further predetermined setup duration

[0136] curve

[0137] Vertical line

[0138] Distance

Claims

Claims 1. Method (10a; 10d) for operating a cookware detection system of an induction hob device (12a; 12b), comprising at least one induction unit (14a; 14b), at least one control unit (16a; 16b) and at least one cookware detection unit (18a; 18b), wherein in at least one determination step (20a; 20d) at least one position of at least one unheated cookware (22a; 22b) is determined by means of at least one detection signal (24a) of the cookware detection unit (18a; 18b), characterized in that in at least one adjustment step (26a; 26d) following the determination step (20a; 20d) at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal (24a) is adjusted.

2. Method (10a; 10d) according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the determination step (20a; 20d) at least one further determination parameter of the at least one unheated cooking vessel (22a; 22b) is determined and in the adaptation step (26a, 26d) the at least one temporal parameter of the detection signal (24a) is adapted depending on the at least one further determination parameter.

3. Method (10a; 10d) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one further determination parameter is a geometry and / or a coverage degree and / or a material of the unheated cooking vessel (22a; 22b), wherein in particular the at least one further determination parameter is determined as a function of at least one electrical load parameter.

4. Method (10a; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment step (26a; 26d) is carried out after a predetermined setup time (28d) of the unheated cooking vessel (22a; 22b).

5. Method (10a; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the adjustment step (26a; 26d) the at least one temporal parameter is adjusted according to a function (30d; 32d; 34d; 36d) from a start value (38a-d) to a final value (40a, 40b, 40d; 88b).

6. Method (10a; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the adjustment step (26a) the time parameter is adjusted depending on an instantaneous energy (42c) introduced into the unheated cooking vessel (22a) by the detection signal (24a) in the determination step (20a).

7. Method (10a; 10d) according to claim 6, characterized in that the instantaneous energy is integrated and in the adjustment step (26d) the temporal parameter is adjusted depending on the instantaneous value of the integrated instantaneous energy (44e).

8. Method (10a; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the adaptation step (26a; 26d) a parameter of a duty cycle (46a) of the detection signal (24a) is adapted.

9. Method (10a; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the adaptation step (26a; 26d) a signal duration (48a) of the detection signal (24a) is adapted.

10. Induction hob device (12a; 12b) for carrying out the method (10a; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one induction unit (14a; 14b), at least one control unit (16a; 16b) and at least one cookware detection unit (18a; 18b).

Images