INDUCTION ENERGY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

Abstract

An induction energy transmission system includes a supply unit having a supplying induction element for supplying energy, and a receiving unit having a receiving induction element that receives energy from the supplying induction element when in an operational state a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal. The supplying induction element has a sub-region which, in the operational state, is oriented at an angle relative to a plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. An induction energy transmission system, comprising: a supply unit including a supplying induction element for supplying energy; a receiving unit including a receiving induction element that receives energy from the supplying induction element when in an operational state a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal, wherein the supplying induction element comprises a sub-region which, in the operational state, is oriented at an angle relative to a plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element.

13. The induction energy transmission system of claim 12, constructed in the form of an induction cooking system.

14. The induction energy transmission system of claim 12, wherein the supplying induction element comprises a first portion defining a first principal extension plane and a second portion defining a second principal extension plane which differs from the first principal extension plane.

15. The induction energy transmission system of claim 14, wherein the first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane are oriented at least substantially parallel to one another.

16. The induction energy transmission system of claim 14, wherein the sub-region is arranged at least for the most part between the first portion and the second portion.

17. The induction energy transmission system of claim 14, wherein the supply unit comprises a further supplying induction element having a first portion which extends at least substantially inside the first principal extension plane and a second portion which extends at least substantially inside the second principal extension plane.

18. The induction energy transmission system of claim 17, wherein the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element are arranged so as to overlap one another at least in one section, when viewed perpendicular to the plane.

19. The induction energy transmission system of claim 12, wherein the supplying induction element has an oval shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane.

20. The induction energy transmission system of claim 12, wherein the supplying induction element has a rectangular shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane.

21. The induction energy transmission system of claim 12, wherein the supply unit is configured as a hob.

22. The induction energy transmission system of claim 12, wherein the receiving unit is configured as a positioning unit which has a receiving space for receiving food.

23. A method for operating an induction energy transmission system, said method comprising: supplying energy by a supplying induction element of a supply unit; and receiving by a receiving induction element of a receiving unit the energy from the supplying induction element when in an operational state a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal, wherein the supplying induction element comprises a sub-region which, in the operational state, is oriented at an angle relative to a plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the supplying induction element comprises a first portion defining a first principal extension plane and a second portion defining a second principal extension plane which differs from the first principal extension plane.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane are oriented at least substantially parallel to one another.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the sub-region is arranged at least for the most part between the first portion and the second portion.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the supply unit comprises a further supplying induction element having a first portion which extends at least substantially inside the first principal extension plane and a second portion which extends at least substantially inside the second principal extension plane.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element are arranged so as to overlap one another at least in one section, when viewed perpendicular to the plane.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the supply unit is configured as a hob.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein the receiving unit is configured as a positioning unit which has a receiving space for receiving food.

Description

[0034] In the drawings:

[0035] FIG. 1a shows an induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and with a receiving unit in a schematic partial sectional view,

[0036] FIG. 1b shows the supply unit configured as an induction hob with an induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0037] FIG. 2a shows an induction heating unit of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0038] FIG. 2b shows the induction heating unit according to FIG. 2a in a schematic side view,

[0039] FIG. 3a shows three induction heating units of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0040] FIG. 3b shows the three induction heating units according to FIG. 3a in a schematic side view,

[0041] FIG. 3c shows three induction heating units of an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic perspective view,

[0042] FIG. 3d shows three induction heating units of an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic side view,

[0043] FIG. 4a shows the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0044] FIG. 4b shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0045] FIG. 4c shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0046] FIG. 4d shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0047] FIG. 4e shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0048] FIG. 4f shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0049] FIG. 5a shows an induction heating element of an induction heating unit in a schematic plan view,

[0050] FIG. 5b shows a heating element support of an induction heating unit before a bending process in a schematic perspective view,

[0051] FIG. 5c shows the heating element support and the induction heating element after a bending process in a schematic perspective view,

[0052] FIG. 5d shows an arrangement of a plurality of induction heating units in a schematic perspective view,

[0053] FIG. 6a shows an induction heating unit of a second exemplary embodiment of an induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0054] FIG. 6b shows two induction heating units of the second exemplary embodiment of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic perspective view,

[0055] FIG. 6c shows the two induction heating units according to FIG. 6b in a schematic side view,

[0056] FIG. 7a shows three induction heating units of a third exemplary embodiment of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view,

[0057] FIG. 7b shows the three induction heating units according to FIG. 7a in a schematic view from below,

[0058] FIG. 7c shows the three induction heating units according to FIG. 7a in a schematic sectional view,

[0059] FIG. 8 shows an alternative induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and with a receiving unit in a schematic perspective view,

[0060] FIG. 9 shows an alternative induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and with a receiving unit in a schematic perspective view,

[0061] FIG. 10a shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view,

[0062] FIG. 10b shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view,

[0063] FIG. 11a shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view,

[0064] FIG. 11b shows the induction energy transmission system of FIG. 11a in a schematic plan view,

[0065] FIG. 11c shows the induction energy transmission system of FIG. 11a in a first embodiment in a schematic perspective view,

[0066] FIG. 11d shows the induction energy transmission system of FIG. 11a in a second embodiment in a schematic perspective view,

[0067] FIG. 11e shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view and

[0068] FIG. 11f shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view.

[0069] FIG. 1a shows an induction energy transmission system 100a which is configured as an induction cooking system. In the present exemplary embodiment, the induction energy transmission system 100a is configured as an induction hob system.

[0070] The induction energy transmission system 100a has a supply unit 102a. The supply unit 102a is configured as a hob. In the present exemplary embodiment the supply unit 102a is configured as an induction hob 40a. The supply unit 102a has a supplying induction element 104a.

[0071] The supplying induction element 104a is provided to supply energy. In an operational state, the supplying induction element 104a inductively provides energy. In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element 104a is configured as an induction heating element 12a.

[0072] The induction energy transmission system 100a has a supplying induction unit 124a. The supplying induction element 104a is part of the supplying induction unit 124a.

[0073] The induction energy transmission system 100a has a receiving unit 106a. Alternatively, the induction energy transmission system 100a could have a larger number of receiving units 106a, such as for example at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, preferably at least six and particularly preferably a plurality of receiving units 106a. Only one of the receiving units 106a is described hereinafter.

[0074] In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 106a has a receiving induction element 108a. In the operational state the receiving induction element 108a inductively receives energy from the supplying induction element 104a. The receiving induction element 108a is configured as a coil and namely, in particular, as a secondary coil. In the operational state, a shortest connection between the supplying induction element 104a and the receiving induction element 108a is minimal. In the operational state the receiving induction element 108a and the supplying induction element 104a, when viewed in a direction oriented parallel to the shortest connection, are arranged so as to overlap.

[0075] In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 106a is configured as a positioning unit 118a. Alternatively the receiving unit 106a could be configured, for example, as a mobile device, in particular as mobile telephone and/or as a laptop and, in particular, for receiving energy from the supplying induction element 104a, in particular for the purpose of inductive charging.

[0076] The receiving unit 106a has a receiving space 120a for receiving food. In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 106a has a housing unit 122a. The housing unit 122a is configured as an external housing unit and in the operational state forms, in particular, an external housing of the receiving unit 106a. The receiving induction element 108a is integrated for the most part inside the housing unit 122a.

[0077] The supplying induction element 104a, which is provided, in particular, for inductively supplying the receiving induction element 108a with energy, has a sub-region 16a which in the operational state is oriented at an angle relative to a plane 110a, which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element 104a and the receiving induction element 108a (see also FIG. 3). In the operational state a principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a is oriented at an angle relative to a plane 110a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plane 110a is oriented substantially parallel to a hob plane 14a.

[0078] In addition to the sub-region 16a, the supplying induction element 104a has a first portion 20a with a first principal extension plane 24a and a second portion 22a with a second principal extension plane 26a. The second principal extension plane 26a is different from the first principal extension plane 24a.

[0079] The first principal extension plane 24a is oriented at an angle relative to the sub-region 16a, in particular to the principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a. The second principal extension plane 26a is oriented at an angle relative to the sub-region 16a, in particular to the principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a. The first principal extension plane 24a and the second principal extension plane 26a are oriented substantially parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane 24a and the second principal extension plane 26a are oriented substantially parallel to the plane 110a.

[0080] The sub-region 16a is arranged for the most part between the first portion 20a and the second portion 22a. The sub-region 16a connects the first portion 20a and the second portion 22a, in particular mechanically and/or electrically together.

[0081] In addition to the supplying induction element 104a, the supply unit 102a has a plurality of further supplying induction elements 112a. In each case only one of the repeatedly present objects is provided with a reference numeral in the figures. In FIG. 1a only two of the further supplying induction elements 112a are shown. The further supplying induction elements 112a are configured corresponding to one another. Hereinafter, only one of the further supplying induction elements 112a is described.

[0082] The further supplying induction element 112a has a further first portion 50a which extends substantially inside the first principal extension plane 24a and a further second portion 52a which extends substantially inside the second principal extension plane 26a (see FIG. 3). The further supplying induction element 112a has a further sub-region 38a which in the operational state is oriented at an angle relative to the plane 110a. The further sub-region 38a is arranged for the most part between the further first portion 50a and the further second portion 52a.

[0083] The induction energy transmission system 100a has a further supplying induction unit 126a. The further supplying induction element 112a is part of the further supplying induction unit 126a.

[0084] When viewed perpendicular to the plane 110a, the supplying induction element 104a and the further supplying induction element 112a are arranged so as to overlap partially. The further first portion 50a and the second portion 22a are arranged so as to overlap, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110a.

[0085] In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element 104a has an oval shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110a. The supplying induction element 104a has a circular shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110a.

[0086] A detailed exemplary embodiment selected by way of example is described hereinafter with reference to the induction hob 40a. Features which are described relative to the induction hob 40a are transferable to the supply unit 102a. Similarly, features which are described relative to the induction heating element 12a are transferable to the supplying induction element 104a.

[0087] In a method for an operation of an induction energy transmission system 100a, in the operational state energy is inductively provided by the supplying induction element 104a and/or by the further supplying induction element 112a. In at least one operational state in which a shortest connection between the supplying induction element 104a and the receiving induction element 108a is minimal, energy from the supplying induction element 104a is received by the receiving induction element 108a.

[0088] In particular in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1b to 7c, only the induction hob 40a, the induction heating unit 10a and the induction heating element 12a are described hereinafter. The following description of the induction hob 40a is transferable to the supply unit 102a. The following description of the induction heating unit 10a is transferable to the supplying induction unit 124a. The following description of the induction heating element 12a is transferable to the supplying induction element 104a. The same applies to the further supplying induction unit 126a and the further supplying induction element 112a.

[0089] FIG. 1b shows an induction hob 40a with an induction hob apparatus. The induction hob apparatus has a positioning plate 42a. The positioning plate 42a is configured as a hob plate. In an assembled state the positioning plate 42a forms a part of a hob external housing, in particular of the induction hob 40a. In an installed position the positioning plate 42a forms a part of the hob external housing facing a user. In an assembled state the positioning plate 42a is provided for positioning at least one receiving unit 106a.

[0090] The induction hob apparatus has a user interface 44a for the input and/or selection of operating parameters, for example a heating power and/or a heating power density and/or a heating zone. The user interface 44a is provided for the output of a value of an operating parameter to a user. For example, the user interface 44a could output the value of the operating parameter to a user optically and/or acoustically.

[0091] The induction hob apparatus has a control unit 46a. The control unit 46a is provided to perform actions as a function of operating parameters input by means of the user interface 44a and/or to change settings.

[0092] The induction hob apparatus has a plurality of overlapping induction heating units 10a, 32a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the induction heating units 10a, 32a, 48a are arranged in the form of a matrix. A matrix hob comprises the induction hob apparatus. In the present exemplary embodiment, the induction heating units 10a, 32a, 48a have a substantially circular shape, when viewed perpendicular to a hob plane 14a of the induction hob apparatus.

[0093] For example in addition to the overlapping induction heating units 10a, 32a, 48a, the induction hob apparatus could have at least one further induction heating unit (not shown) which could be arranged, in particular, without overlap relative to the overlapping induction heating units 10a, 32a, 48a.

[0094] The induction heating units 10a are provided to heat at least one receiving unit 106a positioned on the positioning plate 42a above the induction heating units 10a. In an operational state the induction heating units 10a, which in particular are activated, provide a magnetic flux which is provided, in particular, for heating at least one positioned receiving unit 106a. In an operational state, the induction heating units 10a, which in particular are activated, supply energy at least to a positioned receiving unit 106a, in particular by means of the magnetic flux. In an operational state, the control unit 46a controls an energy supply to the, in particular, activated induction heating units 10a, 32a, 48a. In an installed position, the induction heating units 10a are arranged below the positioning plate 42a.

[0095] One of the induction heating units 10a, 32a, 48a is shown by way of example in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In this case, the following description of the one induction heating unit is transferable to all of the other induction heating units. The induction hob apparatus comprises an induction heating element 12a. The induction heating element 12a forms a heating conductor. The induction heating element 12a is configured integrally. The induction heating element 12a is shown in a plate-shaped manner for a simpler view. In reality, the induction heating element 12a is a wire which has been wound in a spiral-shaped manner. The induction heating element 12a extends in a sub-region 16a along a principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a. The principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a deviates from the hob plane 14a. The principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a encloses with the hob plane 14a an angle of approximately 45°.

[0096] The induction heating element 12a has a first portion 20a. The induction heating element 12a has a second portion 22a. The first portion 20a extends inside a first principal extension plane 24a. The second portion 22a extends inside a second principal extension plane 26a. The second principal extension plane 26a is different from the first principal extension plane 24a. The first principal extension plane 24a and the second principal extension plane 26a run parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane 24a and the second principal extension plane 26a are offset parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane 24a extends parallel to the hob plane 14a. The sub-region 16a is arranged between the first portion 20a and the second portion 22a. The principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a runs obliquely to the first principal extension plane 24a. The principal extension plane 18a of the sub-region 16a runs obliquely to the second principal extension plane 26a. The first portion 20a and the second portion 22a are of equal size. The first portion 20a and the second portion 22a have an equal surface area, width and/or length. The induction heating unit 10a and a further induction heating unit 32a of the induction hob apparatus are shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. A third induction heating unit 48a is also shown, but is not described in more detail since it has the same construction as the induction heating units 10a, 32a.

[0097] The further induction heating unit 32a comprises a further induction heating element 34a. The further induction heating element 34a has a further first portion 50a and a further second portion 52a. The further first portion 50a extends in an operational state and/or in an assembled state inside the first principal extension plane 24a. The further second portion 52a extends inside the second principal extension plane 26a. The induction heating element 12a and the further induction heating element 34a partially overlap one another in a direction 36a viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane 24a. In particular, the further first portion 50a of the further induction heating element 34a overlaps at least for the most part the second portion 22a of the induction heating element 12a.

[0098] In a variant of the invention, the induction heating element 12a′ of the induction heating unit 10a′ has a third portion 54a′ in addition to the first portion 20a′ and second portion 22a′. The third portion 54a′ extends at least substantially inside a third principal extension plane. The third principal extension plane is different from the first and second principal extension planes 24a′, 26a′. The first principal extension plane 24a′, the second principal extension plane 26a′ and the third principal extension plane run parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane 24a′, the second principal extension plane 26a′ and the third principal extension plane are arranged offset in parallel to one another. The second principal extension plane 26a′, viewed in a direction 36a′ perpendicular to the first principal extension plane 24a′, is arranged between the first principal extension plane 24a′ and the third principal extension plane. The induction heating element 12a′ has two sub-regions 16a′ which run along a principal extension plane 18a′ of one of the sub-regions 16a′ and a principal extension plane of a further sub-region 16a′ which both deviate from the hob plane 14a′. The principal extension plane 18a′ of the sub-region 16a′ and the principal extension plane of the further sub-region 16a′ run parallel to one another. The portions 20a′, 22a′, 54a′ divide the induction heating element 12a′ in at least one direction into three parts of equal length. As is shown, a plurality of induction heating elements 12a′ overlap one another such that the first portion 20a′ and the second portion 22a′ of an induction heating element 12a′ overlaps a further second portion 52a′ and a further third portion 62a′ of a further induction heating element 34a′ of an induction heating unit 32a′.

[0099] In contrast to the variant shown in FIG. 2d, in which it is shown that the induction heating element 12a does not extend only along a principal extension plane 18a which deviates from the hob plane 14a, the induction heating element 12a″ as shown in FIG. 3d, extends entirely along a principal extension plane 18a″ which deviates from the hob plane 14a″. In this case a plurality of induction heating elements 12a″ may also partially overlap. In this case the induction heating elements 12a″ are layered obliquely relative to one another.

[0100] FIGS. 4a to 4e show all of the positioning plates 42a with different arrangement options of the induction heating units 10a, 32a. In FIG. 4a the central points of all of the induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in a matrix. The induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in respective rows 70a one behind the other and overlapping one another. There are no overlaps between two adjacent rows 70a. The rows 70a run parallel to a longest outer edge 68a of the positioning plate 42a. The rows 70a run parallel to one another. If four central points of induction heating units 10a, 32a located closest to one another are connected together, this produces a rectangle 64a, the length and width thereof deviating from one another. A longest edge of the rectangle 64a runs perpendicular to the outer edge 68a.

[0101] In FIG. 4b the central points of all of the induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged offset to one another in rows 70a. Thus the induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in rows 70a one behind the other and overlapping one another. There are no overlaps between two adjacent rows 70a. The rows 70a run parallel to a longest outer edge 68a of the positioning plate 42a. The rows 70a run parallel to one another. If three central points of induction heating units 10a, 32a located closest to one another are connected together, this produces an isosceles triangle 66a. A base of the isosceles triangle 66a runs parallel to the rows 70a and/or to the outer edge 68a.

[0102] In FIG. 4c the central points of all of the induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in a matrix. The induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in respective rows 70a one behind the other and overlapping one another. There are no overlaps between two adjacent rows 70a. The rows 70a run perpendicular to a longest outer edge 68a of the positioning plate 42a. The rows 70a run parallel to one another. If four central points of induction heating units 10a, 32a located closest to one another are connected together, this produces a rectangle 64a, the length and width thereof deviating from one another. A longest edge of the rectangle 64a runs parallel to the outer edge 68a.

[0103] In FIG. 4d the central points of all of the induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged offset to one another in rows 70a. The induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in rows 70a and columns 72a one behind the other and overlapping one another. In this case overlaps are also produced between two adjacent rows 70a. The rows 70a run parallel to a longest outer edge 68a of the positioning plate 42a. The rows 70a run parallel to one another.

[0104] If three central points of induction heating units 10a, 32a located closest to one another are connected together, this produces an isosceles and at least substantially right-angled triangle 66a. A base of the isosceles triangle 66a runs parallel to the rows 70a and/or to the outer edge 68a.

[0105] In FIG. 4e the central points of all of the induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in a matrix. The induction heating units 10a, 32a are arranged in respective rows 70a and columns 72a one behind the other and overlapping one another. The rows 70a and columns 72a form a square pattern. In this case there are overlaps of the induction heating units 10a, 32a between two adjacent rows 70a and columns 72a. The rows 70a run parallel to a longest outer edge 68a of the positioning plate 42a. The columns 72a run perpendicular to a longest outer edge 68a of the positioning plate 42a. The rows 70a run parallel to one another. The columns 72a run parallel to one another. If four central points of induction heating units 10a, 32a located closest to one another are connected together, this produces a square 64a.

[0106] FIG. 4f shows an alternatively configured positioning plate 42a′ with an arrangement option of the induction heating units 10a′, 32a′ shown in FIG. 3c. The induction heating units 10a′, 32a′ are arranged in rows 70a′ and columns 72a′ one behind the other and overlapping one another. In this case overlaps are also produced between two adjacent rows 70a′. The rows 70a′ run parallel to a longest outer edge 68a′ of the positioning plate 42a′. The rows 70a′ run parallel to one another. If three central points of induction heating units 10a′, 32a′ located closest to one another are connected together, this produces an isosceles and at least substantially right-angled triangle 66a′. A base of the isosceles triangle 66a′ runs parallel to the rows 70a′ and/or to the outer edge 68a′.

[0107] In FIG. 5a the induction heating element 12a of the induction heating unit 10a is shown in detail. The induction heating element 12a is wound and/or bent in a spiral-shaped and/or coil-shaped manner. In a bending region 74a the induction heating element 12a runs in a linear manner. Various windings of the induction heating element 12a run parallel to one another in the bending region 74a. In a method described hereinafter the bending region 74a is reshaped into the already described sub-region 16a.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 5b the induction heating unit 10a comprises a first heating element support 28a. The heating element support 28a forms a disk. The heating element support 28a is configured from a material, such as in particular from plastic and/or a mica material, which appears expedient to the person skilled in the art. In a central point the heating element support 28a has a recess 76a. The recess 76a is configured to be continuous. The recess 76a is configured to be circular. The recess 76a is punched out of the heating element support 28a. Along the bending region 74a the heating element support 28a has further recesses 78a. The further recesses 78a are punched out of the heating element support 28a. The further recesses 78a form a predetermined rupture point of the heating element support 28a. Moreover, the induction heating unit 10a comprises a second heating element support 30a. The second heating element support 30a is configured to be structurally the same as the first heating element support 28a. The heating element supports 28a, 30a are arranged congruently one above the other. The induction heating element 12a is arranged between the heating element supports 28a, 30a. The induction heating element 12a is arranged at least in some sections on the first heating element support 28a. The induction heating element 12a is arranged at least in some sections on the second heating element support 30a. The heating element support 28a, 30a and the induction heating element 12a form a sandwich structure.

[0109] In a method for producing the induction hob apparatus, in a method step the first portion 20a of the induction heating element 12a of the induction heating unit 10a is supplied with at least one first force component 80a perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the induction heating unit 10a. The force component 80a in this case acts on one of the heating element supports 28a, 30a. In this case the force component 80a is exerted on the second heating element support 30a. A force component 82a opposing the force component 80a acts in the second portion 22a on the induction heating element 12a of the induction heating unit 10a via the first heating element support 28a. At least by means of the first force component 80a the principal extension plane 24a of the first portion 20a is displaced relative to a principal extension plane 26a of the second portion 22a of the induction heating unit 10a. In this case the heating element supports 28a, 30a rupture along their predetermined rupture points. The induction heating element 12a is bent and/or permanently plastically deformed in some sections. More specifically, the induction heating unit 10a is folded and/or bent twice. The induction heating element 12a in this case is bent in a double-bend-shaped and/or S-shaped manner. The heating element supports 28a, 30a form an insulating layer. This insulating layer is separated in an intermediate portion arranged between the first portion 20a and the second portion 22a, in particular separated in a controlled manner. Subsequently, the induction heating units 10a thus produced are arranged so as to overlap one another as shown by way of example in FIG. 5d.

[0110] Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 6a and 7c. The following descriptions are substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein relative to components, features and functions remaining the same, reference may be made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 5d. For differentiating between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5d is replaced by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6a to 7c. Relative to components denoted the same, in particular with reference to components having the same reference numerals, in principle reference may also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 5d.

[0111] An induction heating unit 10b of a second exemplary embodiment of an induction hob apparatus is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The induction heating unit 10b comprises an induction heating element 12b. The induction hob apparatus has a hob plane 14b. As shown in FIG. 6c in an exaggerated manner and not to scale, the induction heating element 12b extends at least in a sub-region 16b along a principal extension plane 18b of the sub-region 16b which deviates from the hob plane 14b. The induction heating element 12b has a first portion 20b and a second portion 22b. The first portion 20b extends inside a first principal extension plane 24b. The second portion 22b extends inside a second principal extension plane 26b which is different from the first principal extension plane 24b. An offset between the principal extension planes 24b, 26b is relatively small which is why it may not be identified in FIGS. 6a and 6b and in FIG. 6c is shown in a highly exaggerated manner. The sub-region 16b is arranged between the first portion 20b and the second portion 22b.

[0112] As shown further in FIG. 6c, the first principal extension plane 24b and the second principal extension plane 26b run parallel to one another. The induction heating unit 10b comprises a first heating element support 28b. The heating element support 28b is shown merely in FIGS. 6a and 6b and for reasons of clarity not shown in FIG. 6c. The heating element support 28b forms a circuit board. The induction heating element 12b is arranged on the heating element support 28b. For receiving the induction heating element 12b grooves and/or channels are incorporated in the heating element support 28b. The induction heating element 12b is printed onto the heating element support 28b or applied in a different method which seems expedient to the person skilled in the art.

[0113] As shown in more detail in FIG. 6b, the induction hob apparatus comprises a further induction heating unit 32b with at least one further induction heating element 34b which has a further first portion 50b and at least one further second portion 52b. In an operational state the further first portion 50b extends inside the first principal extension plane 24b and the further second portion 52b extends inside the second principal extension plane 26b. The induction heating element 12b and the further induction heating element 34b partially overlap in a direction 36b viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane 24b.

[0114] An induction heating unit 10c of a third exemplary embodiment of an induction hob apparatus is shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b. The induction heating unit 10c comprises an induction heating element 12c. The induction hob apparatus has a hob plane 14c. As shown in FIG. 7c in a schematic sectional view, the induction heating element 12c extends at least in a sub-region 16c along a principal extension plane 18c of the sub-region 16c which deviates from the hob plane 14c. The principal extension plane 18c of the sub-region 16c runs perpendicular to the hob plane 14c. The induction heating element 12c has a first portion 20c and a second portion 22c. The first portion 20c extends inside a first principal extension plane 24c. The second portion 22c extends inside a second principal extension plane 26c which differs from the first principal extension plane 24c. The sub-region 16c is arranged in an overlapping region of the first portion 20c and the second portion 22c.

[0115] As shown further in FIG. 7c, the first principal extension plane 24c and the second principal extension plane 26c run at least substantially parallel to one another. The induction heating unit 10c comprises a first heating element support 28c. The heating element support 28c forms a circuit board. The induction heating element 12c is arranged on the heating element support 28c. For receiving the induction heating element 12c, grooves and/or channels are incorporated in the heating element support 28c. The induction heating element 12c is printed on the heating element support 28c or applied in a different method which seems expedient to the person skilled in the art. The induction heating element 12c runs in the first portion 20c on a first side of the heating element support 28c. The induction heating element 12c runs in the second portion 22c on a second side of the heating element support 28c. The first side of the heating element support 28c and the second side of the heating element support 28c are remote from one another. In principle, it is conceivable that the heating element support 28c comprises three and/or more layers in which the induction heating element 12c is arranged. In the sub-region 16c the induction heating element 12c passes through the heating element support 28c from one side to the other side. The sub-region 16c runs in a sickle-shaped manner, viewed perpendicular to the hob plane 14c.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, a plurality of induction heating units 10a, 32c, 48c are arranged one behind the other on the heating element support 28c. In this connection, however, it is also conceivable that each induction heating unit 10c, 32c, 48c is arranged on a separate heating element support 28c. A further induction heating unit 32c of the induction heating units 10c, 32c, 48c has a further induction heating element 34c which has a further first portion 50c and at least one further second portion 52c. In an operational state the further first portion 50c extends inside the first principal extension plane 24c and the further second portion 52c extends inside the second principal extension plane 26c. The induction heating element 12c and the further induction heating element 34c partially overlap one another in a direction 36c viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane 24c.

[0117] An alternative induction energy transmission system 100d is shown in FIG. 8. The induction energy transmission system 100d has a supply unit 102d and a receiving unit 106d. The supply unit 102d has a plurality of supplying induction elements 104d. Only three of the supplying induction elements 104d are shown. A portion of the supplying induction elements 104d is arranged in a row. A row of supplying induction elements 104d, of three in number, is shown in FIG. 8. In principle a larger number of supplying induction elements 104d could also be arranged in a row. Only one of the supplying induction elements 104d is described hereinafter.

[0118] The supplying induction element 104d has a sub-region 16d which in an operational state is oriented at an angle relative to a plane 110d which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element 104d and the receiving induction element 108d. The sub-region 104d of the supplying induction element 104d is arranged between a first portion 20d of the supplying induction element 104d and a second portion 22d of the supplying induction element 104d. A first principal extension plane 24d of the first portion 20d and a second principal extension plane 26d of the second portion 22d are oriented substantially parallel to one another and, in particular, to the plane 110d. When viewed perpendicular to the plane 110d two supplying induction elements 104d which are arranged adjacent to one another are arranged so as to overlap one another in some sections.

[0119] The receiving unit 106d has a receiving induction element 108d. The receiving induction element 108d has a sub-region 128d. In the operational state, a principal extension plane of the sub-region 128d of the receiving induction element 108d is oriented at an angle relative to the plane 110d. The sub-region 128d of the receiving induction element 108d is arranged between a first portion 130d of the receiving induction element 108d and a second portion 132d of the receiving induction element 108d. A principal extension plane of the first portion 130d of the receiving induction element 108d and a principal extension plane of the second portion 132d of the receiving induction element 108d are oriented substantially parallel to one another and, in particular, arranged offset in a direction which is oriented parallel to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element 104d and the receiving induction element 108d.

[0120] FIG. 9 shows an alternative induction energy transmission system 100e which differs, in particular, from the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8 by a configuration of a supply unit 102e. The induction energy transmission system 100e has a supply unit 102e and a receiving unit 106e. The supply unit 102e has a plurality of supplying induction elements 104e. The supplying induction elements 104e are arranged in the form of a matrix and form, in particular, a part of a matrix hob. In each case, when viewed perpendicular to a plane 110e which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between a supplying induction element 104e located closest to a receiving induction element 108e of the receiving unit 106e and the receiving induction element 108e, one of the supplying induction elements 104e is arranged so as to overlap in some sections with at least two, in particular with at least three, and advantageously with at least four adjacently arranged supplying induction elements 104e.

[0121] The supplying induction element 104e and/or in particular the receiving induction element 108e has an oval shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110e. In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element 104e and/or in particular the receiving induction element 108e has a circular shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110e.

[0122] As an alternative to a circular shape, at least one portion of the supplying induction elements 104e′ and/or the receiving induction element 108e′ could have an elliptical shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110e′ (see FIGS. 10a and 10b).

[0123] The supplying induction element 104e′ and/or the receiving induction element 108e′ could, for example, be bent along a short axis of the elliptical shape (see FIG. 10a). A heating conductor running in the sub-region 16e′ of the supplying induction element 104e′ and/or in the sub-region 128e′ of the receiving induction element 108e′ could run, for example, parallel to a long axis of the elliptical shape.

[0124] The supplying induction element 104e″ and/or the receiving induction element 108e″ could be bent, for example, along a long axis of the elliptical shape (see FIG. 10b). A heating conductor running in the sub-region 16e″ of the supplying induction element 104e″ and/or in the sub-region 128e″ of the receiving induction element 108e″ could run, for example, parallel to a short axis of the elliptical shape.

[0125] FIGS. 11a and 11b show in each case an alternative induction energy transmission system 100f which, in particular, differs from the previous exemplary embodiments by a configuration of a supply unit 102f. The induction energy transmission system 100f has a supply unit 102f and a receiving unit 106f. The supply unit 102f has at least one supplying induction element 104f. The receiving unit 106f has at least one receiving induction element 108f.

[0126] The supplying induction element 104f and/or the receiving induction element 108f has a rectangular shape, when viewed perpendicular to a plane 110f, which in particular is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between a supplying induction element 104f located closest to the receiving induction element 108f and the receiving induction element 108f. In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element 104f and/or in particular the receiving induction element 108f has a square shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110f.

[0127] The supply unit 102f could have, for example, a plurality of in particular equally configured supplying induction elements 104f. Alternatively or additionally the receiving unit 106f, for example, could have a plurality of in particular equally configured receiving induction elements 108f. At least one portion of the supplying induction elements 104f and/or at least one portion of the receiving induction element 108f could be arranged, for example, in a row, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110f (see FIG. 11c). Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one portion of the supplying induction elements 104f and/or at least one portion of the receiving induction elements 108f could be arranged in the form of a matrix, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110f (see FIG. 11d).

[0128] As an alternative to a square shape, at least one of the supplying induction elements 104f and/or at least one of the receiving induction elements 108f could have, in particular, a rectangular shape deviating from a square shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane 110f (see FIGS. 11e and 11f).

[0129] The supplying induction element 104f and/or the receiving induction element 108f could, for example, be bent along a short axis of the rectangular shape (see FIG. 11e). A heating conductor running in the sub-region 16f of the supplying induction element 104f and/or in the sub-region 128f of the receiving induction element 108f could run, for example, parallel to a long axis of the rectangular shape.

[0130] The supplying induction element 104f″ and/or the receiving induction element 108f″ could be bent, for example, along a long axis of the rectangular shape (see FIG. 11f). A heating conductor running in the sub-region 16f″ of the supplying induction element 104f″ and/or in the sub-region 128f″ of the receiving induction element 108f″ could run, for example, parallel to a short axis of the rectangular shape.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0131] 10 Induction heating unit

[0132] 12 Induction heating element

[0133] 14 Hob plane

[0134] 16 Sub-region

[0135] 18 Principal extension plane

[0136] 20 First portion

[0137] 22 Second portion

[0138] 24 First principal extension plane

[0139] 26 Second principal extension plane

[0140] 28 Heating element support

[0141] 30 Heating element support

[0142] 32 Induction heating unit

[0143] 34 Induction heating element

[0144] 36 Direction

[0145] 38 Further sub-region

[0146] 40 Induction hob

[0147] 42 Positioning plate

[0148] 44 User interface

[0149] 46 Control unit

[0150] 48 Induction heating unit

[0151] 50 Further first portion

[0152] 52 Further second portion

[0153] 54 Third portion

[0154] 62 Further third portion

[0155] 64 Rectangle

[0156] 66 Triangle

[0157] 68 Outer edge

[0158] 70 Row

[0159] 72 Gap

[0160] 74 Bending region

[0161] 76 Recess

[0162] 78 Recess

[0163] 80 Force component

[0164] 82 Force component

[0165] 100 Induction energy transmission system

[0166] 102 Supply unit

[0167] 104 Supplying induction element

[0168] 106 Receiving unit

[0169] 108 Receiving induction element

[0170] 110 Plane

[0171] 112 Further supplying induction element

[0172] 114 Further first portion

[0173] 116 Further second portion

[0174] 118 Positioning unit

[0175] 120 Receiving space

[0176] 122 Housing unit

[0177] 124 Supplying induction unit

[0178] 126 Further supplying induction unit

[0179] 128 Sub-region

[0180] 130 First portion

[0181] 132 Second portion