EP4327627A1

EP4327627A1 - Induction energy transmission system

Info

Publication number: EP4327627A1
Application number: EP22720718.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Javier Lasobras Bernad; Sergio Llorente Gil; Jesus Manuel Moya Nogues; Jorge Pascual Aza; Javier SERRANO TRULLEN; Jorge Tesa Betes
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2021-04-19
Filing date: 2022-04-06
Publication date: 2024-02-28
Also published as: US20240188198A1; WO2022223291A1

Abstract

The invention is directed to an induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b), in particular an induction cooking system, comprising a supply unit (12a; 12b) that includes at least one supply induction element (14a; 14b) for inductively providing energy as well as at least one inverter unit (16a) for operating the supply induction element (14a; 14b), further comprising at least one small domestic appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b) that includes at least one accepting induction element (22a; 22b) for receiving the inductively provided energy, and comprising a control unit (24a; 24b) for controlling the inverter unit (16a). In order to increase flexibility, according to the invention, the control unit (24a; 24b) interrupts a provision of supply alternating current (88a) by the inverter unit (16a) during at least a first time window (26a) within a control period (28a) in at least one operating mode in order to set a supply power for the small domestic appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b), while adjusting at least one switching parameter (32a, 54a, 58a) of a switching parameter set (34a) of the inverter unit (16a) in a second time window (30a) within the control period (28a).

Description

induction power transmission system

The invention relates to an induction energy transmission system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating an induction energy transmission system according to the preamble of claim 14.

Induction energy transmission systems for the inductive transmission of energy from a primary coil of a supply unit to a secondary coil of a small household appliance are already known from the prior art. For example, US Pat. No. 3,761,668 A proposes an induction hob which, in addition to inductively heating cookware, is also intended to supply power to small household appliances, such as a mixer. Energy provided inductively by a primary coil of the induction cooktop is partially transferred to a secondary coil integrated in the small household appliance.

In view of the very large number of different small household appliances available on the market, which can be supplied with energy inductively and in some cases have very different performance requirements, the problem arises with previously known induction energy transmission systems of individual and needs-based control of the inductive for each small household appliance to enable energy provided. With known solutions from the prior art, it has hitherto not been possible to achieve a continuous inductive energy supply over an entire power spectrum, which disadvantageously severely restricts the flexibility of users with regard to the use of various small household appliances with different power requirements.

The object of the invention consists in particular, but not limited thereto, in providing a generic system with improved properties in terms of flexibility. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 14, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on an induction energy transmission system, in particular an induction cooking system, with a supply unit which has at least one supply unit induction element for inductively providing energy and at least one inverter unit for operating the supply induction element, with at least one small household appliance which has at least one receiving inductive element for receiving the inductively provided energy, and with a control unit for controlling the inverter unit.

It is proposed that in at least one operating state the control unit interrupts the provision of AC power by the inverter unit for setting a supply power for the small household appliance for at least a first time window within a control period and in a second time window within the control period at least one switching parameter of a switching para meter set of the inverter unit adjusts.

An induction energy transmission system with advantageous properties in terms of flexibility can be provided by such a configuration. A particularly precise setting of the supply power over a particularly large power spectrum can advantageously be made possible, so that an inductive power supply is made possible for a large number of different small household appliances with the most varied of requirements for a supply power. In addition, efficiency in the inductive energy transmission can advantageously be increased. Energy losses can be advantageously reduced, particularly in the case of low supply power. In addition, particularly smooth and gentle transitions between different power levels of the small household appliance can be made possible if the control unit adjusts at least one switching parameter of a switching parameter set of the inverter unit in at least one operating state to a setting of a supply power for the small household appliance in a second time window within the control period. Furthermore, an induction energy transmission system with improved properties with regard to electromagnetic compatibility can advantageously be provided.

The induction energy transmission system has at least one main functionality in the form of wireless energy transmission, in particular in a wireless energy supply for small household appliances. In an advantageous embodiment, the induction energy transmission system is designed as an induction cooking system with at least one further main function that deviates from a pure cooking function, in particular at least one energy supply and operation of small household appliances. At- For example, the induction energy transmission system could be in the form of an induction baking oven system and/or an induction grilling system. In particular, the supply unit could be designed as part of an induction oven and/or as part of an induction grill. The induction energy transmission system designed as an induction cooking system is preferably designed as an induction hob system. The supply unit is then designed in particular as part of an induction hob. In a further advantageous embodiment, the induction energy transmission system is designed as a kitchen energy supply system and, in addition to a main function in the form of energy supply and operation of small household appliances, can also be provided for providing cooking functions.

A “supply unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which inductively provides energy in at least one operating state and which in particular has a main functionality in the form of providing energy. To provide energy, the supply unit has at least one supply induction element, which in particular has at least one coil, in particular at least one primary coil, and/or is designed as a coil and which in particular provides inductive energy in the operating state. The supply unit could have at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, preferably at least eight and particularly preferably several supply induction elements, which in the operating state could each provide inductive energy, in particular to a single receiving induction element or to at least two or more receiving induction elements at least one small household appliance and/or at least one other small household appliance. At least some of the supply induction elements could be arranged in close proximity to one another, for example in a row and/or in the form of a matrix.

The supply unit has at least one inverter unit for operating at least one supply induction element. In the operating state, the inverter unit preferably carries out a frequency conversion and converts in particular a low-frequency AC voltage on the input side, in particular an AC mains voltage of a power supply network, into a high-frequency AC voltage on the output side. Preferably, the low-frequency AC voltage has a Frequency not exceeding 100 Hz. The high-frequency AC voltage preferably has a frequency of at least 1000 Hz. The inverter unit is connected to the control unit and can be controlled by the control unit using control signals. The inverter unit is preferably provided for setting the energy provided inductively by the at least one supply inductive element by setting the high-frequency AC voltage. The supply unit preferably includes at least one rectifier. The rectifier is intended to rectify the low-frequency AC voltage on the input side, in particular the AC line voltage of a power supply network, in particular into a rectified AC line voltage. The inverter unit has at least one inverter switching element. To operate the at least one supply induction element, the inverter switching element preferably generates an oscillating electrical alternating current, preferably with a frequency of at least 15 kHz, in particular at least 17 kHz and advantageously at least 20 kHz. The inverter unit preferably comprises at least two inverter switching elements, which are preferably embodied as bipolar transistors with an insulated gate electrode. The inverter unit preferably comprises at least one damping capacitor. The frequency of the oscillating electrical alternating current generated by the inverter switching element in the operating state preferably corresponds at least substantially, preferably exactly, to a switching frequency of the inverter switching element.

The induction energy transmission system preferably has a mounting plate for setting up at least one small household appliance. A “mounting plate” should be understood as meaning at least one, in particular plate-like, unit which is provided for setting up at least one small household appliance and/or cooking utensil and/or for placing at least one item to be cooked. The set-up plate could, for example, be designed as a worktop, in particular as a kitchen worktop, or as a partial area of at least one worktop, in particular at least one kitchen worktop, in particular of the induction energy transmission system. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting plate could be designed as a hob plate. The set-up plate designed as a hob plate could in particular form at least part of an outer housing for the hob and in particular together with at least one outer housing unit with which the plate designed as a hob plate Installation plate could be connected in particular in at least one assembled state, form the outer hob housing at least to a large extent. Virtue as the mounting plate is made of a non-metallic material. The mounting plate could, for example, be made at least to a large extent from glass and/or glass ceramic and/or from Neolith and/or from Dekton and/or from wood and/or from marble and/or from stone, in particular from natural stone, and/or or be made of laminate and/or plastic and/or ceramic. In the present application, position designations such as “below” or “above” refer to a mounted state of the mounting plate, unless this is explicitly described otherwise. The supply unit is preferably arranged below the mounting plate.

The small household appliance is preferably a location-independent household appliance which has at least the receiving inductive element and at least one functional unit which provides at least one household appliance function in an operating state. In this context, "independent of location" is to be understood as meaning that the small household appliance can be positioned freely in a household by a user, and in particular without tools, in particular in contrast to a large household appliance which is fixed in a specific position in a household and/ or installed, such as an oven or refrigerator. The small household appliance is preferably designed as a small kitchen appliance and, in the operating state, provides at least one household appliance function for processing food. The small household appliance could, without being limited thereto, for example as a multifunction food processor and/or as a mixer and/or as a stirrer and/or as a grinder and/or as a kitchen scale or as a kettle or as a coffee machine or as a rice cooker or a milk frother or a fryer or a toaster or a juicer or a slicer or the like.

The pick-up induction element comprises at least one secondary coil and/or is designed as a secondary coil. When the small household appliance is in an operating state, the pick-up inductive element supplies the functional unit with electrical energy. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the small household appliance has an energy store, in particular a battery, which is provided to store electrical energy received via the receiving myinduction element in a state of charge. braised and made available in a discharged state for supplying the functional unit.

A “control unit” should be understood to mean an electronic unit that is provided to control and/or regulate at least the inverter unit. The control unit preferably includes a computing unit and, in particular, in addition to the computing unit, a memory unit with a control and/or regulating program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the computing unit. The control unit is preferably intended to interrupt the supply of alternating current by the inverter unit in at least one operating state for the first time window in such a way that at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit, which has at least one supply induction element, during at least one time window that differs from the first time window, in particular Special during the second time window and / or another time window, with Ver supply alternating current to provide the supply power to the small household appliance supplied, is not supplied with an input-side rectified AC mains voltage during the first time window. However, it would also be conceivable for the control unit to be provided to interrupt the provision of AC supply current by the inverter unit in the at least one operating state, but to interrupt the provision of an additional AC current that differs from the AC supply current and differs from the AC supply current in particular by a frequency and / or amplitude and / or phase differs and whose power is at least 50% less than the supply power, allow the inverter unit within the first time window. The other alternating current, which differs from the alternating current supply, could be a control current, for example, which the inverter unit uses to detect objects, in particular foreign objects, of metallic objects placed above the supply induction element and/or to conduct wireless communication using inductive signals between the supply induction element and the receiving induction element by the control unit during the first time window. It is particularly conceivable that the control unit is provided to operate at least one additional inverter switching element of the inverter unit, which is provided for the inductive provision of energy to another small household appliance, during the first time window. The tax- unit could be provided to interrupt the provision of the alternating current supply by the inverter unit at irregularly recurring intervals of first time windows, for example during at least three irregularly spaced first time windows within the control period. The control unit is preferably provided to interrupt the provision of the alternating current supply by the inverter unit at regular, in particular periodic, recurring intervals of first time windows, which can correspond in particular to a fraction or a multiple of a period of an AC mains voltage.

A “switching parameter set” should be understood to mean a set of at least one switching parameter and preferably a plurality of switching parameters of the inverter unit. In particular, a switching parameter set is at least one switching parameter associated with an inverter switching element of the inverter unit. A "switching parameter" is to be understood as a parameter which, during operation of the inverter unit, lies directly within the sphere of influence of the control unit and/or can be controlled and/or regulated by the latter. Alternatively or additionally, the switching parameter can be within the sphere of influence of a user and can therefore be controlled and/or selected indirectly or directly by a user. The switching parameter can be, but is not limited to, a switching frequency and/or an amplitude and/or a phase of an alternating current provided by at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit for operating the supply induction element, in particular the alternating supply current. Furthermore, the switching parameter could be a switch-on point in time and/or a switch-off point in time and/or a switch-on period and/or a switch-off period of at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. The switching parameter could also be a parameter which relates to at least two inverter switching elements of the inverter unit which interact to operate the supply induction element, for example a phase shift between the at least two inverter switching elements. To adjust the at least one switching parameter of the switching parameter set in the second time window, the control unit could use at least one of the inverter switching elements to carry out frequency modulation and/or amplitude modulation and/or duty cycle modulation and/or to vary a switch-on time and/or a Switch-off time and / or a duty cycle and / or a switch-off time may be provided at least one of the inverter switching elements.

In the present application, numerals, such as "first" and "second", which precede certain terms, serve only to distinguish objects and/or to associate objects with one another and do not imply an existing one Total number and/or ranking of objects. In particular, a "second object" does not necessarily imply the existence of a "first object".

“Provided” is to be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

It is also proposed that the first time window includes a point in time at which an AC line voltage has a maximum value. A configuration of this type can advantageously further increase flexibility. If the first time window includes a point in time at which an AC mains voltage has a maximum amount, adjustment of the power supply for the small household appliance can advantageously be further improved. In particular, small household appliances with a particularly low power requirement can also be inductively supplied with energy by the supply unit. Furthermore, an adjustment of the supply power of small household appliances, which have different power levels that extend over a large power spectrum, can advantageously be improved and, in particular, continuous power adjustment over the entire power spectrum can be made possible. The control unit is preferably provided to define the first time window in such a way that it includes the point in time at which an AC mains voltage has a maximum value.

In addition, it is proposed that the duration of the first time window is at least 1.0 ms. As a result, operating comfort can advantageously be improved. In particular, at least one further operation by the control unit, for example wireless communication, can advantageously take place within the first time window if its duration is at least 1.0 ms. The control unit is preferably provided for see setting the duration of the first time window to be at least 1.0 ms. The duration of the first time window is advantageously at least 1.25 ms, particularly advantageously at least 1.5 ms, preferably at least 1.75 ms and particularly preferably at least 2.0 ms.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the duration of the first time window is shorter than half a period duration of a mains AC voltage. As a result, setting the supply power for the small household appliance can advantageously be further improved. In particular, it can be ensured that the supply power for the small household appliance does not fall below a minimum power over the control period if the duration of the first time window is shorter than half a period of an AC mains voltage. The duration of the first time window preferably corresponds to a maximum of a quarter of the period of the mains AC voltage. The control unit is preferably provided for defining the duration of the first time window in such a way that it is shorter than half a period of the mains AC voltage.

In addition, it is proposed that in at least one operating state the control unit interrupts the provision of alternating current by the inverter unit for at least one further first time window within the control period. Such a configuration can advantageously enable a particularly precise setting of the supply power for the small household appliance. The control unit could be provided for the purpose of arranging the first time window and the further first time window spaced apart in time from one another within one or more periods of a mains AC voltage. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, however, it is proposed that the control unit be provided for arranging the first time window and the further first time window spaced apart in time from one another within half a period of an AC mains voltage. Such a configuration can advantageously achieve a particularly quick and precise adjustment of the power supply for the small household appliance, as a result of which operating convenience in particular can be improved.

A duration of the further first time window could correspond to a duration of the first time window. In addition, it would be conceivable that a duration of the further first time window is longer than a duration of the first time window. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, however, it is proposed that in at least one operating state a duration he further first time window is shorter than a duration of the first time window. Advantageously, flexibility can be further increased here. In particular, it is advantageously possible to further improve precision when setting the power supply for the small household appliance. The control unit is preferably provided for defining the duration of the further first time window in such a way that it is shorter than the duration of the first time window. The duration of the further first time window is in particular at least 15%, advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably at least 40% and particularly preferably at least 50% shorter than that Duration of the first time window.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the switching parameter set includes at least one switching frequency of at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. As a result, adjustment of the power supply for the small household appliance can advantageously be further improved. In particular, a particularly simple power adjustment of the supply power can be made possible. In addition, it is proposed that the switching parameter set includes at least one switching parameter characterizing a duty cycle of at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. As a result, adjustment of the power supply for the small household appliance can advantageously be further improved. It would be conceivable for the at least one switching parameter characterizing the switch-on time to be the switch-on time of the at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one switching parameter characterizing the duty cycle could include a switch-on time and a switch-off time of the at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. In addition, it is proposed that the switching parameter set includes at least one switching parameter characterizing a switch-on time of at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. As a result, an adjustment of the supply power for the small household appliance can advantageously be further improved. It would be conceivable for the at least one switching parameter characterizing the switch-on time to be the switch-on time of the at least one inverter switching element of the inverter unit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one switching parameter characterizing the switch-on time could also include a phase shift between a first inverter switching element and a second inverter. include switching element of the inverter unit, so that the switch-on time would be characterized by the phase shift.

It is also proposed that the control unit is provided to space the first time window and the second time window apart in time by at least half a period of the mains AC voltage. Such a configuration can advantageously further improve the setting of the supply power for the small household appliance. For example, it would be conceivable that in at least one operating state the control unit arranges the first time window within a first half period of the mains AC voltage and the second time window in a subsequent second half period. The control unit could be provided to space the first time window and the second time window apart in time by integer multiples of half a period of the AC mains voltage.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the induction energy transmission system has a communication unit for wireless communication between the control unit and the small household appliance. A configuration of this type advantageously makes it possible to improve operating convenience. In addition, setting the supply power for the small household appliance can advantageously be improved by the control unit, for example by operating parameters, such as a currently set power level of the small household appliance, being able to be sent wirelessly from the small household appliance to the control unit using the communication unit. It would be conceivable for the communication unit to be connected to the supply unit or to form part of the supply unit, in which case the wireless communication could take place by means of inductive communication signals between the supply induction element and the receiving induction element. It would also be conceivable for the communication unit to have at least one inductive communication element, which is designed separately from the supply induction element and is connected to the control unit. Wireless communication could then take place between the inductive communication element and the receiving inductive element or another inductive communication element of the communication unit, which is arranged in the small household appliance, by means of inductive communication signals. The communication unit could also be used for wireless data transmission between the control unit and the household small appliance via RFID, or via WIFI, or via Bluetooth, or via ZigBee or for be provided wireless data transmission according to another suitable standard. The communication unit is preferably provided for wireless data transmission between the set-up unit and the control unit via NFC. The communication unit is preferably provided for bidirectional wireless data transmission, that is to say both for wireless reception and for wireless transmission of data. The communication unit preferably has at least one communication element, which is connected to the control unit and is provided in particular for receiving and sending data wirelessly. The communication unit preferably has at least one further communication element, which is arranged within the small household appliance and is provided in particular for receiving and sending data wirelessly.

In addition, it is proposed that the control unit is provided to carry out the wireless communication with the small household appliance using the communication unit within the first time window. As a result, the wireless communication can advantageously be improved. Advantageously, interactions between wireless communication signals and an electromagnetic alternating field, which is generated by the supply induction element for providing the supply power for the small household appliance, can be prevented, which advantageously reduces, preferably minimizes, disturbances and transmission errors in wireless communication.

The invention is also based on a method for operating an induction energy transmission system, in particular according to one of the configurations described above, with a supply unit which has at least one supply induction element for the inductive provision of energy and at least one inverter unit for operating the supply induction element, with at least a small household appliance which has at least one receiving inductive element for receiving the inductively provided energy.

It is proposed that a supply power for the small household appliance is set by interrupting the AC power supply by the inverter unit for at least a first time window within a control period and at least one switching parameter of a switching parameter set of the inverter unit is adjusted in a second time window within the control period. through such This method can advantageously enable particularly flexible operation of the induction energy transmission system, in particular with regard to setting the supply power for the small household appliance.

The induction energy transmission system should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the induction energy transmission system can have a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number specified here in order to fulfill a function described herein.

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawings. In the drawing, exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Show it:

Fig. 1 An induction energy transmission system with a supply unit, a control unit and two small household appliances in a schematic representation,

2 shows a schematic electrical circuit diagram of a switching circuit of the supply unit, with an inverter unit for operating a supply induction element of the supply unit,

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing control of the

inverter unit by the control unit within a control period,

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing control of the

inverter unit by the control unit within a further control period,

5 shows three schematic diagrams for representing a switching parameter set of the inverter unit,

6 shows a schematic diagram for representing a power spectrum of the supply unit, 7 shows a schematic diagram for representing a method for operating the induction energy transmission system; and FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an induction energy transmission system with a supply unit, a control unit and two small household appliances in a schematic representation.

FIG. 1 shows an induction energy transmission system 10a in a schematic representation. The induction energy transmission system 10a has a supply unit 12a. The supply unit 12a has at least one supply induction element 14a for the inductive provision of energy. In the present case, the supply unit 12a comprises a total of four supply induction elements 14a, with any other number being conceivable.

The induction energy transmission system 10a has an inverter unit 16a (cf. FIG. 2). The inverter unit 16a is provided for operating the supply induction element 14a.

The induction energy transmission system 10a has an installation plate 62a. The supply unit 12a is arranged below the mounting plate 62a.

The induction energy transmission system 10a is presently designed as an induction cooking system and includes an induction hob 64a. In the present case, the mounting plate 62a is designed as a hob plate 66a. The hob plate 66a and the supply unit 12a are each part of the induction hob 64a.

The induction energy transmission system 10a includes a small household appliance 18a. The small household appliance 18a has a receiving inductive element 22a for receiving the energy provided inductively by the supply unit 12a. In the present case, the small household appliance 18a is designed as a food processor. In the present case, the induction energy transmission system 10a has another small household appliance 20a. The other small household appliance 20a also includes a receiving inductive element 22a for receiving the energy provided inductively by the supply unit 12a. The other small household appliance 20a is designed as a kettle.

The induction energy transmission system 10a has a control unit 24a. The control unit 24a is provided for controlling the inverter unit 16a. The inductive energy transmission system 10a has a communication unit 60a. The communication unit 60a is provided for wireless communication between the control unit 24a and the small household appliance 18a. In the present case, the communication unit 60a is also provided for wireless communication between the control unit 24a and the other small household appliance 20a. The communication unit 60a has a communication element 68a, which is connected to the control unit 24a and is provided for wireless transmission and reception of data. The communication unit 60a has a further communication element 70a, which is arranged in the small household appliance 18a and is provided for wireless transmission and reception of data. The communication unit 60a also has a further communication element 72a, which is arranged in the further small household appliance 20a and is provided for wireless transmission and reception of data. In the present case, the communication unit 60a is designed as an NFC communication unit and is intended for wireless communication via NFC between the control unit 24a and the small household appliance 18a and/or the other small household appliance 20a.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic electrical circuit diagram of an electrical circuit of the supply unit 12a. The circuit includes the supply inductance element 14a, as well as an inverter switching element 48a and a further inverter switching element 50a of the inverter unit 16a. The inverter switching elements 48a, 50a are presently embodied as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) and are arranged in the circuit in a half-bridge configuration. In an operating state, the inverter switching elements 48a, 50a provide a high-frequency alternating current supply 88a (cf. FIG. 5) to the inductive supply element 14a for the inductive provision of energy.

The supply unit 12a has a rectifier 80a, which is shown only schematically in FIG. In an operating state, the rectifier 80a converts an input-side mains AC voltage 36a, which is provided by a power supply network (not shown), into a rectified mains AC voltage 36a (cf. FIG. 3). In the operating state, the inverter switching elements 48a, 50a convert the rectified mains AC voltage 36a into a high-frequency supply AC supply voltage for providing the AC supply current 88a to the supply inductive element 14a.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram for representing a control of the inverter unit 16a by the control unit 24a within a control period 28a. Within the control period 28a, the supply inductive element 14a, based on the control of the inverter unit 16a by the control unit 24a, provides inductive energy to the receiving inductive element 22a in accordance with a first supply power of the small household appliance 18a in a first power stage.

A magnitude of the rectified mains AC voltage 36a in volts is plotted on an ordinate 74a of the diagram in FIG. The rectified mains AC voltage 36a is a pulsating DC voltage. A time in milliseconds is plotted on an abscissa 76a of the diagram.

In at least one operating state, the control unit 24a interrupts a provision of alternating current 88a by the inverter unit 16a for at least a first time window 26a within the control period 28a in order to set a supply power for the small household appliance 18a and/or for the additional small household appliance 20a. In the present case, the control unit 24a interrupts a supply of alternating current 88a by the inverter unit 16a during a first time window 26a within a first half cycle and within a second half cycle of the AC mains voltage 36a. Each half cycle of the mains AC voltage 36a lasts for exactly half a period 40a of the mains AC voltage 36a.

The first time window 26a includes a point in time at which the mains AC voltage 36a has a maximum magnitude 78a. A duration 38a of the first time window 26a is at least 1.0 ms. The duration 38a of the first time window 26a is shorter than half the period 40a of the mains AC voltage 36a. Within the control period 28a, the duration 38a of the first time window 26a is exactly 2.0 ms.

In at least one operating state in a second time window 30a within the control period 28a, the control unit adjusts at least one switching parameter 32a (cf. Figure 6) of a switching parameter set 34a (cf 5) of the inverter unit 16a. In the present case, the control unit 24a adjusts the switching Parameter 32a of the switching parameter set 34a during a second time window 30a within a third half cycle and within a fourth half cycle of the rectified AC mains voltage 36a.

The switching parameter set 34a includes at least one switching frequency 46a (see FIG. 6) of at least one inverter switching element 48a, 50a of the inverter unit 16a. In the present case, the switching parameter 32a is the switching frequency 46a of the inverter switching elements 48a, 50a.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram for representing a control of the inverter unit 16a by the control unit 24a within a control period 82a.

Within the control period 82a, the supply inductive element 14a, based on the control of the inverter unit 16a by the control unit 24a, provides inductive energy to the receiving inductive element 22a corresponding to a second supply power of the small household appliance 18a in a second power stage.

A magnitude of the rectified AC mains voltage 36a is plotted in volts on an ordinate 86a of the diagram in FIG. A time in milliseconds is plotted on an abscissa 84a of the diagram.

In at least one operating state, the control unit 24a interrupts the provision of alternating current 88a by the inverter unit 16a for at least a first time window 26a within the control period 82a in order to set a supply power for the small household appliance 18a and/or for the additional small household appliance 20a. In the present case, the control unit 24a interrupts a supply of alternating current 88a by the inverter unit 16a during a first time window 26a within a first half cycle and within a second half cycle of the rectified AC mains voltage 36a. In at least one, in particular in the operating state, the control unit 24a interrupts a provision of alternating current by the inverter unit 16a for at least one further first time window 42a within the control period 82a.

The control unit 24a is provided for arranging the first time window 26a and the further first time window 42a within half the period 40a of the mains AC voltage 36a at a time distance from one another. In the present case, the control unit 24a in the control period 82a, the first time window 26a and two further first time windows 42a each spaced apart in time within a first and within a second half-wave of the mains AC voltage 36a. In at least one, in particular in the operating state, a duration 44a of the further first time window 42a is shorter than a duration 38a of the first time window 26a. Within the further control period 82a, the duration 38a is 1.5 ms in the present case. The duration 44a of the further first time window 42a is presently 0.5 ms within the control period 82a.

FIG. 5 shows an overview of three schematic diagrams for representing the switching parameter set 34a of the inverter unit 16a. A voltage in volts, which is present at the inverter switching element 48a in a closed state, is plotted on an ordinate 90a of an upper diagram. A time in milliseconds is plotted on an abscissa 92a of the upper diagram.

A voltage in volts is plotted on an ordinate 94a of a central diagram in FIG. 5, which voltage is present at the further inverter switching element 50a in a closed state. A time in milliseconds is plotted on an abscissa 96a of the central diagram.

A voltage in volts which is present at the inverter switching element 48a or the further inverter switching element 50a in a closed state is plotted on a left-hand ordinate 98a of a lower diagram in FIG. A current strength of the AC supply current 88a is plotted in amperes on a right-hand ordinate 100a of the lower diagram. A time in milliseconds is plotted on an abscissa 102a of the bottom diagram.

The switching parameter set 34a includes at least one switching parameter 54a characterizing a switch-on time 52a of at least one inverter switching element 48a, 50a of the inverter unit 16a. In the present case, switching parameter 54a is duty cycle 52a of further inverter switching element 50a within second time window 30a. The switching parameter set 34a also includes at least one switching parameter 58a characterizing a switch-on time 56a of at least one inverter switching element 48a, 50a of the inverter unit 16a. In the present case, the switching parameter is the switch-on time 56a of the further inverter switching element 50a within the second time window 30a. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram for representing a power spectrum of the supply unit 12a. A time in milliseconds is entered on a left-hand ordinate 104a. A power 110a that can be provided inductively by the supply induction element 14a is plotted in watts on a right-hand ordinate 106a. The switching frequency 46a of the inverter switching element 48a or of the further inverter switching element 50a is plotted in kilohertz on an abscissa 108a of the diagram. In the present case, the power spectrum of the power that can be provided by the supply induction element 14a of the supply unit 12a is between 0 and 2,000 watts, for example. In the present case, the switching frequency 46a of the inverter switching elements 48a, 50a can be controlled by the control unit 24a in a range between 0 and 75 kilohertz.

The diagram in FIG. 6 is subdivided into four power ranges as an example. A first power range 112a includes supply powers between 0 and 200 watts. The supply power is set by the control unit 24a within the first power range 112a by varying the duration 38a of the first time window 26a (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). The longer the duration 38a of the first time window 26a, the lower the power supply. A second power range 114a includes supply powers between 200 and 500 watts. The supply power is set by the control unit 24a within the second power range 114a by adjusting the switching parameter 32a of the switching parameter set 34a, in the present case, for example, by adjusting the switching frequency 46a. In the present case, the control unit 24a operates the inverter unit 16a in a zero-voltage switching mode (ZVS mode), so that the supply power increases as the switching frequency 46a decreases. A third power range 116a includes power supplies between 500 and 600 watts. The control unit 24a adjusts the supply power within the third power range 116a again by varying the duration 38a of the first time window 26a. In contrast to the first power range 112a, the first time window now no longer includes the point in time of the maximum amount 78a of the AC line voltage 36a (cf. FIG. 3), but rather a point in time of a minimum amount of the line AC voltage 36a. A fourth power range 118a includes power supplies between 600 and 2,000 watts. An adjustment of the supply power by the control unit 24a within the fourth power range 118a takes place again by adapting Solution of the switching parameter 32a of the switching parameter set 34a, in the present case, for example, by further lowering the switching frequency 46a.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a method of operating the inductive power transmission system 10a. In the method, the power supply for the small household appliance 18a is set by interrupting the provision of alternating current by the inverter unit 16a for at least the first time window 26a within the control period 28a and interrupting at least one switching parameter in the second time window 30a within the control period 28a 32a, 54a, 58a of the switching parameter set 34a of the inverter unit 16a is adjusted. The method includes at least two method steps. In a first method step 120a of the method, a currently required supply power for the small household appliance 18a is determined. For example, the supply power currently required by the small household appliance 18a could be automatically transmitted to the control unit 24a by means of the communication unit 60a in the first procedural step 120a. In a second method step 122a of the method, the power supply for the small household appliance 18a is adjusted by interrupting the provision of alternating current by the inverter unit 16a for at least the first time window 26a within the control period 28a and in the second time window 30a within the control period 28a at least one switching parameter 32a, 54a, 58a of the switching parameter set 34a of the inverter unit 16a is adjusted.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same, reference may be made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 7 is replaced by the letter b in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS.

FIG. 8 shows an induction energy transmission system 10b in a schematic representation. The induction energy transmission system 10b has a supply unit 12b with at least one supply induction element 14b for the inductive provision of energy. In the present case, the supply unit 12b comprises a total of two supply induction elements 14b, with any other number being conceivable.

The inductive power transmission system 10b includes an inverter unit (not shown) for operating the supply inductive element 14a.

The induction energy transmission system 10b has an installation plate 62b. The supply unit 12b is arranged below the mounting plate 62b.

The induction energy transmission system 10b is presently designed as an induction cooking system and includes an induction hob 64b. In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiment, the induction hob 64b is designed as an invisible induction hob 64b. The supply unit 12b is part of the induction hob 64b. In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiment, the mounting plate 62b of the induction energy transmission system 10b is designed as a kitchen worktop 124b.

The induction energy transmission system 10b includes a small household appliance 18b. The small household appliance 18b has a receiving inductive element 22b for receiving the energy provided inductively by the supply unit 12b. In the present case, the small household appliance 18b is designed as a food processor. In the present case, the induction energy transmission system 10b has another small household appliance 20b. The other small household appliance 20b also includes a receiving inductive element (not shown) for receiving the energy inductively provided by the supply unit 12b. The other small household appliance 20b is designed as a toaster.

The induction energy transmission system 10b has a control unit 24b. The control unit 24b is provided for controlling the inverter unit of the supply unit 12b.

The induction energy transmission system 10b has a communication unit 60b for wireless communication between the control unit 24b and the small household appliance 18b and/or the other small household appliance 20b. The communication unit 60b has a communication element 68b, which is connected to the control unit 24b is connected, and two other communication elements 70b, 72b, which are arranged in the small household appliance 18a or in the other small household appliance 20b. In the present case, the communication unit 60b is embodied as an NFC communication unit and is intended for wireless communication via NFC between the control unit 24b and the small household appliance 18b and/or the other small household appliance 20b.

In at least one operating state, the control unit 24b interrupts a provision of AC power by the inverter unit for at least a first time window within a control period in order to set a supply power for the small household appliance 18b and/or the further small household appliance 20b. Furthermore, the control unit adjusts at least one switching parameter of a switching parameter set of the inverter unit to set the supply power for the small household appliance 18b and/or the other small household appliance 20b in at least one operating state in a second time window within the control period. With regard to the basic functioning of the setting of the supply power by the control unit 24b, reference can be made to the above description of the previous exemplary embodiment of FIGS.

Reference sign

10 induction power transmission system

12 supply unit

14 supply induction element

16 inverter unit

18 small household appliance

20 other small household appliance

22 pickup inductor

24 control unit

26 first timeslot

28 tax period

30 second time slot

32 switching parameters

34 switching parameter set

36 Mains AC Voltage

38 duration

40 period duration

42 more first timeslot

44 duration

46 switching frequency

48 inverter switching element

50 further inverter switching element

52 duty cycle

54 switching parameters

56 switch-on time

58 switching parameters

60 communication unit

62 installation plate

64 induction hob Hob plate communication element further communication element further communication element ordinate abscissa maximum amount rectifier control period abscissa ordinate supply alternating current ordinate abscissa ordinate abscissa left ordinate right ordinate abscissa left ordinate right ordinate abscissa power first power range second power range third power range fourth power range first process step second process step kitchen worktop

Claims

Expectations

1. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b), in particular induction cooking system, with a supply unit (12a; 12b) which supplies at least one supply induction element (14a; 14b) for the inductive provision of energy and at least one inverter unit (16a) for operating the supply induction element ( 14a; 14b), with at least one small household appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b), which has at least one receiving inductive element (22a; 22b) for receiving the inductively provided energy, and with a control unit (24a; 24b) for controlling the Inverter unit (16a), characterized in that the control unit (24a; 24b) in at least one operating state for setting a supply power for the small household appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b) provides AC supply current (88a) through the inverter unit ( 16a) for at least a first time window (26a) within a control period (28a) and in adjusts at least one switching parameter (32a, 54a, 58a) of a switching parameter set (34a) of the inverter unit (16a) in a second time window (30a) within the control period (28a, 82a).

2. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first time window (26a) comprises a point in time in which an AC line voltage (36a) has a maximum amount (78a).

3. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a duration (38a) of the first time window (26a) is at least 1.0 ms.

4. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a duration (38a) of the first time window (26a) is shorter than half a period (40a) of a mains AC voltage (36a).

5. Inductive energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (24a; 24b) in at least one operating state provides AC power supply (88a) through the inverter unit (16a) for at least one further first Time window (42a) within the control period (82a) interrupts.

6. Inductive energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit (24a; 24b) is provided for the purpose of setting the first time window (26a) and the further first time window (42a) within half a period (40a) of a mains AC voltage (36a) to be spaced apart in time from one another.

7. Inductive energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that in at least one operating state a duration (44a) of the further first time window (42a) is shorter than a duration (38a) of the first time window (26a).

8. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching parameter set (34a) comprises at least one switching frequency (46a) of at least one inverter switching element (48a, 50a) of the inverter unit (16a).

9. Inductive energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching parameter set (34a) has at least one switching parameter (54a) characterizing a duty cycle (52a) of at least one inverter switching element (48a, 50a) of the inverter unit (16a) includes.

10. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching parameter set (34a) has at least one switching parameter (58a) characterizing a switch-on time (56a) of at least one inverter switching element (48a, 50a) of the inverter unit (16a) includes.

11. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (24a; 24b) is provided for the purpose of temporally extending the first time window (26a) and the second time window (30a) by at least half a period ( 40a) of a mains AC voltage (36a) to be spaced apart from one another.

12. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a communication unit (60a; 60b) for wireless communication between the control unit (24a; 24b) and the small household appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b).

13. Induction energy transmission system (10a; 10b) according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit (24a; 24b) is provided for wireless communication with the small household appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b) by means of the communication unit (60a; 60b ) within the first time window (26a).

14. Method for operating an inductive energy transmission system (10a; 10b), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, with a supply unit (12a; 12b) which has at least one supply induction element (14a; 14b) for the inductive provision of energy and at least one inverter unit ( 16a) for operating the supply induction element (14a; 14b), with at least one small household appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b) which has at least one receiving induction element (22a; 22b) for receiving the inductively provided energy, characterized in that a supply power for the small household appliance (18a, 20a; 18b, 20b) is set by interrupting the provision of alternating current (88a) by the inverter unit (16a) for at least a first time window (26a) within a control period (28a). and in a second time window (30a) within the control period (28a) at least one switching parameter (32a, 54a, 58a) a switching parameter set (32a) of the inverter unit (16a) is adjusted.