FR3033471A1 - METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A COOKING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED COOKING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of controlling a cooking appliance comprising a plurality of induction cooking hobs comprises the following steps: acquisition (S1) of a reference power (P1c) associated with a first cooking zone (F1) covered with a container; measuring (S2) a value representative of a power (P1m) delivered to said container placed on the first cooking zone (F1); and comparing (S3) the measured value (P1m) with a value representative of the desired power (P1c), the first cooking zone (F1) being considered suitable for heating the container when a ratio between the measured value (P1m) and the representative value of the target power (P1c) is greater than a predefined threshold. Use in an induction hob.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a cooking appliance comprising a plurality of induction cooking hobs. It also relates to a cooking appliance, and for example a hob, adapted to implement the control method. In general, the present invention relates to the field of induction hobs comprising several induction hobs. In the field of domestic hobs, a cooking appliance usually comprises two, three or four induction cooking hobs, distributed in the hob. These cooking hobs are generally independent of each other in operation. The user thus has several cooking stoves to heat one or more containers, independently of each other, according to a set power associated with each cooking zone. Each cooking chamber may have a different size, and for example consist of one or more inductive coils of different size and shape. Depending on the size of the inductive winding, possibly the number of windings used in the firing chamber, and more generally the inductor parameters, each induction firing furnace delivers a predetermined maximum theoretical power. It is thus common to configure the cooking appliance so that the cooking hobs have different theoretical maximum powers, for example between 2200 and 3000 Watts. For induction hobs, insofar as the heat transfer to the container is not carried out by conduction but by induction in the magnetic bottom of the container, the proper adaptation of the container to each cooking stove is not necessarily synonym 3033471 2 of an equality between the dimension of the bottom of the container and the dimension of induction cooking. Indeed, the shape of the container, the type of material used (alloy, cast iron, steel, etc.) and the structure of the bottom of the container also have an important influence on the behavior of the container with respect to the induction and so on the maximum power delivered to the container by each cooking stove. Thus, depending on the container used on a given cooking stove of the cooking appliance, the maximum power delivered to the container can vary significantly.

When the maximum power delivered to the container is low, the cooking time is lengthened, especially during the phases of temperature rise or boiling of the contents of the container. Furthermore, the maximum power delivered by the cooking chamber may be too low to allow cooking such as frying or grilling.

In general, the efficiency of the cooking stove is less good since the lengthening of the cooking time increases the heat exchange of the container and the cooking stove with the environment. Document EP 2 706 816 discloses a cooking appliance with a control system making it possible to indicate to the user that a cooking zone 20 on which a container is placed is poorly adapted to the heating of this container. The control method used in this document EP 2 706 816 is based on the comparison of the power delivered to a container placed on the cooking stove and the theoretical maximum power delivered by this cooking hearth. These two power values, actual and theoretical, are displayed on the control panel of the cooking appliance and allow the user to check whether the transfer of power is optimal. The user is then encouraged to move the container to another cooking hearth, for which the power delivered to the container is close to the maximum theoretical power delivered by the cooking chamber.

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks and to improve a control method of a cooking appliance for verifying the proper adaptation of an induction cooking furnace to the heating of a cooking appliance. a predetermined container.

To this end, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a cooking appliance comprising a plurality of induction cooking hobs, comprising the following steps: - acquisition of a desired power associated with a first cooking hearth covered with a container ; Measuring a value representative of a power delivered to said container placed on the first cooking zone; comparing said measured value with a value representative of the target power, the first cooking zone being considered suitable for heating the container when the ratio between the measured value and the value representative of the target power is greater than at a predefined threshold. Thus, the determination of the adapted or unsuitable nature of the first cooking hearth is implemented by comparing a value representative of the power delivered to the container and a value representative of the desired power. The control method according to the invention thus takes into account the value of the target power desired by the user and not the theoretical maximum power delivered by the cooking chamber. Thus, the monitoring of the adaptation of the cooking stove to the heating of the container is carried out as close to the conditions of use of the cooking stove by the user, and not only from the theoretical power characteristics delivered by this fireplace. Cooking. Thus, the first cooking zone can be considered as being suitable for heating the vessel when the difference between the measured value and the value representative of the target power is less than the predefined threshold, even if the power delivered to the container is very far from the theoretical maximum power delivered by the first cooking zone.

In practice, in order to inform the user, the control method comprises a step of issuing an incorrect cooking stove warning signal in association with the first cooking zone when the ratio between the measured value and the representative value of the target power is less than said predefined threshold. According to an implementation characteristic, the control method also comprises the following steps, when the ratio between the measured value and the value representative of the target power is less than said predefined threshold: induction cooking, at least one available cooking zone different from the first cooking zone and adapted to heat the container; and - issuing an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal in association with said first cooking zone if at least one cooking zone, different from the first cooking zone, is determined to be available and adapted to heat the cooking vessel. the identification step. Thus, the unsuitable cooking stove warning signal is issued to the user when there is at least one cooking zone, different from the first cooking zone, available and adapted to heat the container, so that to avoid informing the user of a possible maladjustment of the first cooking stove to heat the container when no other cooking stove, available and adapted to heat the container, can be used. In practice, the identification step comprises the following substeps: comparison of the measured value with a value representative of a theoretical maximum power delivered by the said at least one available focus; and classification of said at least one available furnace as a suitable cooking furnace when the ratio between the measured value and the value representative of the theoretical maximum power is less than a second predefined threshold.

In a practical embodiment of the invention, the control method further comprises a step of issuing a suitable cooking stove warning signal in association with said at least one available and adapted cooking stove. to heat the container.

This embodiment allows the user to be informed of the existence of a cooking stove available and adapted to heat the container, and thus to move the container if it wishes on this cooking stove adapted to heat the container. In one embodiment, each induction cooking zone 10 being associated with means for detecting the presence of a container, the control method comprises the following steps: detecting the withdrawal of said container from said first cooking zone; - Detecting a second induction cooking hearth covered by said container; and - issuing an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal in association with said second cooking hearth when said second cooking stove is not determined to be available and adapted to heat said container in said identifying step. Alternatively, the control method also comprises the following steps: - detecting removal of said container from said first cooking zone; - Detecting a second induction cooking hearth covered by said container; - operating said second cooking chamber at said setpoint power associated with said first cooking zone when said second cooking zone is determined to be available and adapted to heat said container at said identifying step; and - extinction of the first cooking zone. In a practical embodiment of the invention, the step of measuring a value representative of a power delivered to the container placed on the first cooking stove is implemented after actuation of a dedicated key of the cooking appliance.

The user can thus when he wishes to verify the adaptation of the chosen cooking stove to the container covering it. Alternatively, the step of measuring a value representative of a power delivered to the container placed on the first cooking zone is implemented automatically, after the step of acquiring a reference power associated with this first cooking stove. The control method thus makes it possible to verify the adaptation of the chosen cooking zone and the reference power associated with this cooking zone with each acquisition or modification of the value of the setpoint power associated with the cooking zone. In a practical embodiment of the invention, the unsuitable cooking stove warning signal is information displayed on a control panel of the cooking appliance, in association with the unsuitable cooking stove.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising a plurality of induction cooking hobs and control means configured to implement the control method described above. This cooking apparatus has features and advantages similar to those previously described in connection with the control method. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below. In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting example: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is an algorithm illustrating a control method according to a first embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 3 is an algorithm detailing a step of identifying a fireplace available and adapted to heat a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

A first example of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the invention will be described first with reference to FIG. The cooking apparatus is typically a hob 10 comprising a plurality of induction cooking heaters F1, F2, F3.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, and in no way limiting, the hob 10 has three induction cooking hobs F1, F2, F3 distributed in the hob. Of course, the number and distribution of induction hobs may be different.

Each cooking zone F1, F2, F3 is for example made from one or more inductive coils arranged under the cooking plane. The cooking apparatus comprises all the means necessary for the control in operation of the cooking hobs F1, F2, F3. In particular, a control panel 11, for example a touch panel, enables the user to adjust the target power, and for example the operating time, of each cooking zone F1, F2, F3 independently. It is not necessary to describe in more detail here the operation of these induction hobs. Note further that each induction cooking hearth is associated with means for detecting a container disposed above each cooking zone. These container detection means are generally implemented from the inductors constituting the cooking zone and also make it possible, in a conventional manner, to detect the presence or absence of a container R opposite the cooking zone. considered. On the hob 10, each cooking hearth F1, F2, F3 can be spotted in the hob, for example using a silkscreen outline schematically the overall size of the cooking chamber F1, F2, F3. It is conventional to provide cooking hobs of different size. In particular, when each firing chamber F1, F2, F3 consists of a spiral wound inductor, the size of the firing chamber substantially corresponds to the diameter of the disk formed by the inductor.

By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 1, the size of the firing burners F1, F2, F3 can vary between 160 and 210 mm in diameter. As a corollary, the theoretical maximum power delivered by each cooking chamber F1, F2, F3 varies for example between 2200 and 3100 W.

More generally, in this embodiment, the cooking apparatus comprises several induction cooking stoves F1, F2, F3 which each deliver a different theoretical maximum power. In the remainder of the description, and only by way of illustration to describe the control method, it will be considered hereinafter that a first firing furnace F1 has a theoretical maximum power P1 Max greater than a theoretical maximum power P2Max associated with a second cooking stove F2, itself greater than a theoretical maximum power P3Max associated with a third F3 cooking chamber. By way of example, P1 Max = 3100 W, P2Max = 2800 W, and P3Max = 2200 W. A control method according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. invention that can be implemented in the cooking appliance as illustrated above in Figure 1.

The user places, for example, a container R on a first cooking zone F1 as illustrated in the situation shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. The control method comprises, after the first cooking zone F1 has been started, a first stage of cooking. acquisition S1 of a reference power P1c associated with the first cooking zone F1 covered with the container R. In practice, this acquisition step S1 of a desired power can be implemented by the user from the control panel 11 by conventional adjustment keys of the desired power. The user can optionally also enter a cooking time using the setting of a timer. The control method then continues with a measurement step S2 of a value representative of a power P1m delivered to the container R 3033471 9 placed on the first cooking chamber F1. This step consists of measuring the power that can be delivered to the container R by the first cooking zone F1 when it is put into operation according to the user-defined setpoint power P1c.

In practice, during the operation of the first cooking zone F1, the inductor or inductors constituting the cooking zone are operated in a conventional manner by a frequency-controlled inverter. At startup, the control frequency of the inverter is high, for example of the order of 50 kHz. Then this value decreases so as to gradually increase the power delivered by the inductor (s) constituting the first cooking zone F1 until substantially reaching the value of the desired power P1 c.

The power P1m delivered to the receptacle R placed on the first cooking chamber F1 is then measured. The value of this measured power P1m depends in particular on the adaptation of the first firing furnace F1 to the container R. In particular, the relative size of the container R and the first firing furnace F1 has an influence on the behavior of the inductor placed under the container R. Similarly, the quality of the material used to make the container R vis-à-vis the induction heating, the shape of the container, the bottom structure of the container, and optionally the presence of a coating, can influence the adaptation of the container R for its induction heating by the first cooking zone F1. The control method then comprises a comparison step S3 of the measured value P1m with a value representative of the desired power P1c. It will be noted that the values representative of the target power P1c and the measured power P1m are, for example, electrical values measurable by the control system, and for example a voltage or current value measured at the level of the circuit formed. by the inductor and the container placed on the first cooking zone F1. As a function of the result of this comparison step S3, the first cooking zone F1 is classified as being adapted to heat the container R 5 when a ratio between the measured value P1m and the value representative of the desired power P1c is greater than a threshold predefined. By way of non-limiting example, this ratio can correspond to 85%. In this case, at the exit of the comparison step S3, the first cooking zone F1 is considered to be suitable for heating the container R and the control method of the cooking appliance is conventionally followed by the use in operation of the first firing chamber F1 for heating the container R. On the other hand, if the ratio between the measured value P1m and the value representative of the desired power P1 c is less than the predefined threshold, the control method is continued by an identification step S4, among the other induction cooking hob, of at least one available cooking zone adapted to heat the container R. This identification step S4 is illustrated, in a nonlimiting manner, according to a mode more detailed embodiment in Figure 3.

In principle, this identification step S4 consists in comparing the measured value P1m and a value representative of the theoretical maximum power P2Max, P3Max delivered by the other cooking hobs F2, F3 of the hob, different from the first focus. F1 cooking. In practice, in order to effectively discriminate the cooking fires that may be suitable for heating the container R as a function of the user-requested reference power 131c, the identification step S4 first comprises a step S41 comparison adapted to verify if the ratio between the measured value P1m and the representative value of the desired power P1c is less than another preset threshold, and here set at 70%.

This verification step S41 thus makes it possible to check whether the measured power P1m is very far away from the user-requested reference power 131c. If not, then the adaptation 3033471 11 of the second firing furnace F2, the closest in terms of design and theoretical maximum power of the first firing furnace F1, will be tested. On the other hand, if the difference between the measured power P1m and the reference power P1c is very large, the possibility of using the third firing furnace F3 of theoretical maximum power P3Max that is the lowest will be tested directly. In order to check the adaptation of the second or third firing chamber F2, F3 to heat the container R, comparison steps S42, S43 are used respectively to compare the measured value P1m and a value representative of a theoretical maximum power. P2Max, P3Max delivered by each cooking zone F2, F3. In practice, the cooking hobs F2, F3 are classified as a suitable cooking chamber when the ratio between the measured value P1m and the value representative of the theoretical maximum power P2Max, P3Max is less than a second predefined threshold, here fixed at as a non-limiting example to 95%. If so, a container detection step S44, S45 is carried out on these cooking burners F2, F3 to determine whether the second and third cooking burners F2, F3 are available cooking hobs. At the output of these detection steps S44, S45, a classification step S46, S47 makes it possible to classify the second cooking zone F2 or the third cooking zone F3, when it is available, as a cooking zone suitable for heating the oven. container R since the ratio between the measured value P1m and the value representative of the theoretical maximum power P2Max, P3Max associated with each cooking zone F2, F3 is less than the second predefined threshold. Returning to the control method illustrated in FIG. 2, at the end of the identification step S4, when there is at least one available induction cooking space suitable for heating the container R as described above, a step of S5 emission of an inappropriate cooking focus warning signal is implemented. The wrong cooking stove warning signal is issued in association with the first cooking zone F1. Thus, the user can be informed of the maladjustment of the first cooking zone F1 to the heating of the container R, and this only if there is in the cooking hob 10 another induction cooking hob, which can heat the oven. container R under conditions of superior adaptation. The transmission step S5 of the warning signal can be implemented visually for the attention of the user. In this case, the unsuitable cooking stove warning signal 10 is information displayed on the control panel 11 of the cooktop 10, in association with the unsuitable cooking zone. As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example a signal "no" is displayed in a display zone dedicated to the display of the reference power associated with each cooking zone F1, F2, F3.

Here, a "no" signal is displayed in the set power display area dedicated to the first cooking focus F1. In this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the control method continues, following the emission of such an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal, following the possible movement of the receptacle R 20 by the user. on the hob 10. A detection step S6 of the withdrawal of the container R from the first cooking chamber F1 is carried out for a predetermined period of time AT1, equal for example to 10s. As illustrated in FIG. 2, if the container R is not removed from the first cooking zone F1, the control method repeats the identification steps S4 of an available cooking compartment adapted to heat the container R and the S5 emission step of a cooking stove warning signal unsuitable for the predetermined time period ATI. At the end of this predetermined period of time ATI, the control method is continued by the use of the first cooking zone F1 for heating the container R in a conventional manner, to the desired power 131c requested by the user.

On the other hand, if at the end of the detection step S6, the container R is removed from the first cooking zone F1, an activation step S7 of the container detection is implemented on the hob. 10. The S7 activation step of container detection is conventionally carried out in a hob, by testing the behavior of each inductor constituting each cooking zone F1, F2, F3 of the hob. 10 to verify whether or not it is covered with a container R. A detection step S8 is implemented to detect the presence of the container R on another induction cooking furnace Fi, different from the first cooking zone F1 . The detection step S8 is also performed iteratively for a predetermined period of time AT2, equal for example to 10s.

If, at the end of the predetermined period of time AT2, no vessel is detected on a cooking zone Fi of the hob 10, an extinction step S9 of the first cooking zone F1 is carried out. On the other hand, if at the end of the detection step S8, an induction cooking furnace Fi is detected as covered by the container R, a test step S10 makes it possible to check whether this cooking compartment Fi corresponds to a available hearth classified as a cooking hearth adapted to the heating of the container R during the identification step S4 of an available cooking stove adapted to heat the container R. If not, the transmission step S5 of an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal is implemented in association with this other cooking stove Fi to indicate to the user that this other cooking stove is not identified as an available fireplace suitable for heating the container R. The set of steps S5 and following is then reiterated to detect the possible movement of the container R.

On the other hand, if at the end of the test step S10, the cooking chamber Fi covered by the container R corresponds to an available furnace adapted to heat the container during the identification step S4, the combustion chamber Fi cooking is set to operation at the set power 131c associated with the first cooking focus F1 and an extinction step S11 of the first cooking hearth F1 is implemented. The set of cooking parameters set by the user, and especially the nominal power 131c and possibly the cooking time, are transmitted to this new cooking stove Fi to then allow the conventional use of this cooking hearth Fi for cooking. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the measurement step S2 of a value representative of a power delivered to the container R placed on the first cooking zone F1 is automatically implemented after the acquisition step S1 of the reference power 131c associated with the first cooking zone F1. Alternatively, the measurement step S2 and all the following steps of the control method could be implemented after actuating a dedicated key 12 of the cooking apparatus 10. The control method then comprises a preliminary step to detect the actuation of this dedicated key 12 of the cooking apparatus 10. In the absence of actuation of the dedicated key 12, the control method and heating of the container R continues in a conventional manner on the first focus 20 cooking F1 regardless of the quality of the adaptation. On the other hand, the user can at any time actuate the dedicated key 12 to check the adaptation of the first cooking zone F1 to the heating of the container R according to the requested nominal power. Thus, the control method makes it possible to determine whether a first cooking zone F1 is well adapted to heating a container R and if it does not, to emit a cooking zone warning signal that is inappropriate for the attention. the user so that he or she can choose a better cooking stove. Of course, the embodiments described above are purely illustrative. Thus, the values chosen to illustrate the ratios for determining whether a cooking stove is suitable or not are indicative and may vary, in particular depending on the size and power of each cooking zone. On the other hand, the method described above with reference to FIG. 2 can also be modified after the identification S4 and S5 emission steps of an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal in association with the first cooking zone. F1. The control method may further comprise a step of issuing a suitable cooking hearth warning signal in association with one of the available cooking burners F2, F3 and identified as suitable for heating the container R after the identification step S4 as implemented for example according to the embodiment of Figure 3. In this case, the adapted cooking stove warning signal may be information displayed on the control panel 11 of the cooking apparatus 10, in association with the adapted cooking chamber.

Thus, simultaneously with the display of the signal "no" in association with the first cooking zone F1, a different signal, such as "ok", can be displayed on another display zone associated with one of the two other cooking hobs F2, F3. 20

Claims (12)

REVENDICATIONS1. A method of controlling a cooking appliance (10) comprising a plurality of induction cooking hobs (F1, F2, F3), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - acquisition (S1) of a desired power ( P1 c) associated with a first cooking chamber (F1) covered with a container (R); measuring (S2) a value representative of a power (P1m) delivered to said container (R) placed on said first cooking stove (F1); and comparing (S3) said measured value (P1 m) with a value representative of said setpoint power (P1c), said first cooking zone (F1) being considered suitable for heating said container (R) when a ratio between said measured value (Pi m) and said representative value of the desired power (P1 c) is greater than a predefined threshold. 2. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the following steps: - emission (S5) of an inappropriate cooking stove warning signal in association with said first cooking zone ( F1) when said ratio between said measured value (P1 m) and said representative value of the desired power (Pi c) is less than said predefined threshold. 3. Control method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises, when said ratio between said measured value (P1m) and said representative value of the desired power (Pi c) is lower than said predefined threshold, the following steps: - identification (S4), among said plurality of induction cooking stoves (F1, F2, F3), of at least one available cooking zone, different from said first cooking zone (F1) and adapted heating said container (R); and - issuing (S5) an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal in association with said first cooking zone (F1) if at least one cooking zone, different from said first cooking zone (F1), is determined as available and adapted to heat said container (R) at said identifying step (S4). 3033471 17 4. Control method according to claim 3, characterized in that said identification step (S4) comprises the following sub-steps: - comparison (S42, S43) of said measured value (P1 m) and a value representative of a theoretical maximum power (P2Max, P3Max) delivered by said at least one available focus (F2, F3); and classification of said at least one available furnace (F2, F3) as a suitable firing furnace when the ratio between said measured value (P1 m) and said value representative of the theoretical maximum power (P2Max, P3Max) is less than one second predefined threshold. 5. Control method according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it further comprises a step of issuing a suitable cooking stove warning signal in association with said at least one focus cooking apparatus available and adapted to heat said container (R). 15 6. Control method according to one of claims 3 to 5, each induction cooking hearth (F1, F2, F3) being associated with means for detecting the presence of a container (R), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - detection (S6) of the withdrawal of said container (R) from said first cooking zone (F1); - Detection (S8) of a second induction cooking hearth (Fi) covered by said container (R); and - issuing (S5) an unsuitable cooking stove warning signal in association with said second cooking hearth (Fi) when said second cooking hearth (Fi) is not determined to be available and adapted to heat said container (R) at said identifying step (S4). 7. Control method according to one of claims 3 to 5, each induction cooking hearth (F1, F2, F3) being associated with means for detecting the presence of a container (R), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - detecting (S6) removal of said container (R) from said first cooking hearth (F1); - detection (S8) of a second induction cooking hearth (Fi) covered by said container (R); - operating said second cooking zone (Fi) at said setpoint power (P1c) associated with said first cooking zone (F1) when said second cooking zone (Fi) is determined to be available and adapted to heat said container ( R) at said identifying step (S4); and - quenching (S11) of said first cooking zone (F1). 8. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said step of measuring (S2) a value representative of a power (P1m) delivered to the container (R) placed on said first cooking hearth (F1) is implemented after actuation of a dedicated key (12) of the cooking appliance (10). 9. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said measuring step (S2) of a value representative of a power (P1m) delivered to the container (R) placed on said first cooking hearth (F1) is implemented automatically, after said step of acquiring (S1) a set power (P1c) associated with said first cooking zone (F1). 20 10. Control method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said unsuitable cooking stove warning signal is information displayed on a control panel (11) of the cooking appliance (10). ), in association with said unsuitable cooking chamber. 11. Cooking appliance comprising a plurality of induction hobs (F1, F2, F3), characterized in that it comprises control means configured to implement the control method according to one of claims 1 to 10. 12. Cooking appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that said several induction cooking stoves (F1, F2, F3) deliver a different theoretical maximum power (P1 Max, P2Max, P3Max).