Patent Publication Number: US-2021185773-A1

Title: Induction energy transmission system

Description:
The invention relates to an induction energy transmission system as claimed in the preamble of claim  1  and a method for an operation of an induction energy transmission system as claimed in claim  11 . 
     An induction energy transmission system which has a supply unit and a receiving unit is already disclosed in the international patent application WO 2016/185303 A1. In an operational state a supplying induction element of the supply unit provides energy for the receiving unit. In the operational state in which a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal, a receiving induction element of the receiving unit receives energy from the supplying induction element. In each case the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element only have sub-regions and/or portions with a principal extension plane which is oriented substantially parallel to a plane which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element. 
     The object of the invention, in particular, is to provide a generic system with improved properties regarding energy transmission. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims  1  and  11  whilst advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention may be derived from the subclaims. 
     The invention is based on an induction energy transmission system, in particular an induction cooking system, and advantageously an induction hob system, comprising at least one supply unit that has at least one supplying induction element provided to supply energy, and at least one receiving unit which comprises at least one receiving induction element that receives energy from said supplying induction element when in at least one operational state in which a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal and, in particular, defines a minimal distance between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element. 
     It is proposed that the supplying induction element comprises at least one 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 and which is arranged, in particular, between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element. 
     By means of the embodiment according to the invention, in particular, an optimized and/or efficient energy transmission may be achieved. In particular, a high level of flexibility may be possible regarding an arrangement of the supplying induction element. In particular, a compact embodiment may be achieved. In particular, if the supply unit has at least two supplying induction elements, in particular, an overlapping arrangement of the supplying induction elements may be possible by means of the sub-region, whereby in particular a compact and/or space-saving embodiment may be achieved. 
     An “induction energy transmission system”, in particular an “induction cooking system” and advantageously an “induction hob system”, is intended to be understood, in particular, as a system which has at least one supply unit, in particular at least one induction cooking device and advantageously at least one induction hob, and which has a principal function in the form of energy transmission. For example, the induction energy transmission system could be configured as an induction handheld power tool system. In particular, the supply unit and/or the receiving unit could be configured as a hand-held power tool, such as for example a drill and/or an electric screwdriver and/or a hammer drill and/or a saw. Alternatively or additionally, the supply unit and/or the receiving unit could be configured as a transformer. The induction energy transmission system could be provided, in particular, for at least one self-propelled implement and/or for at least a remote control and/or for at least a remote operation. In particular, the receiving unit could be configured as a self-propelled implement and/or as a remote control and/or as a remote operation. The self-propelled implement could be configured, for example, as a self-propelled lawn mower and/or as a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. The remote control and/or the remote operation could be provided, in particular, for an operation and/or for a control of at least one shutter and/or at least one electric appliance, in particular at least one household electric appliance and/or at least one model object, such as for example a model car and/or a model aircraft and/or a model boat. Preferably, the induction energy transmission system is configured as an induction cooking system. For example, the induction energy transmission system could be configured as an induction oven system and/or as an induction grill system. In particular, the supply unit and/or the receiving unit could be configured as an induction oven and/or as an induction grill. Advantageously the induction energy transmission system is configured as an induction hob system. The supply unit and/or the receiving unit is configured, in particular, as an induction hob. 
     A “supply unit” is intended to be understood, in particular, as a unit which in at least one operational state inductively provides energy and which, in particular, has a principal function in the form of providing energy. For providing energy the supply unit has, in particular, at least one supplying induction element which has, in particular, at least one coil, in particular has at least one primary coil and which provides energy, in particular inductively, in the operational state. 
     An “induction element” is intended to be understood, in particular, as an element which in at least one operational state provides and/or receives energy, in particular for the purpose of an inductive energy transmission. In particular, in the operational state an induction element configured as a supplying induction element provides energy, in particular for the purpose of an inductive energy transmission. The supplying induction element could have, in particular, at least one coil, in particular at least one primary coil, which in particular could be provided for an inductive energy transmission to at least one secondary coil. The secondary coil could, for example, be part of the receiving unit, in particular at least one receiving induction element of the receiving unit. In particular, in the operational state an induction element configured as a receiving induction element receives energy, in particular for the purpose of an inductive energy transmission and, in particular from the supplying induction element. The receiving induction element could have, in particular, at least one coil, in particular at least one secondary coil, which in particular could be provided for receiving inductive energy from the supplying induction element. 
     For example, the induction element could be configured in at least two parts and in particular in multiple parts. Preferably, the induction element is configured in one piece and/or integrally. “Integrally” is intended to be understood, in particular, as at least connected by a material connection, for example by a welding process, a bonding process, an injection-molding process and/or a further process appearing meaningful to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, such as for example by producing from a cast part and/or by producing in a single-component or multi-component injection-molding method and advantageously from a single blank. 
     The supplying induction element could, for example, be configured as a transformer. Alternatively or additionally, the supplying induction element, in particular, could be configured as an induction heating element and, in particular, provided for energy transmission to at least one receiving unit configured as positioning unit, in particular for the purpose of heating the positioning unit. In at least one operational state the supplying induction element could provide, in particular, an alternating field, in particular an electromagnetic alternating field, with a frequency of at least 1 Hz, in particular of at least 2 Hz, advantageously of at least 5 Hz and preferably of at least 10 Hz. In particular, in at least one operational state the supplying induction element could provide, in particular, an alternating field, in particular an electromagnetic alternating field with at frequency of a maximum of 150 kHz, in particular a maximum of 120 kHz, advantageously a maximum of 100 kHz and preferably a maximum of 80 kHz. In at least one operational state a supplying induction element which is configured, in particular, as an induction heating element could provide in particular a high frequency alternating field, in particular a high frequency electromagnetic alternating field, with a frequency of at least 15 kHz and in particular a maximum of 100 kHz. 
     For example the supply unit could have just one supplying induction element. The supply unit could have, for example, at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, preferably at least eight and particularly preferably a plurality of supplying induction elements which, in particular, in the operational state in each case could provide inductive energy and in particular to an in particular single receiving unit or to at least two receiving units. In particular, any of the supplying induction elements could be arranged, in particular, in the vicinity of at least one further supplying induction element. At least one portion of the supplying induction elements could be arranged, for example, in a row and/or in the shape of a matrix. 
     A “receiving unit” is intended to be understood, in particular, as a unit which in at least one operational state inductively receives energy and which in particular has a principal function in the form of receiving energy. The receiving unit could have, for example, at least one consumer which in the operational state could consume, in particular, energy. The receiving unit could, for example, be a hand-held power tool, such as for example a drill and/or an electric screwdriver and/or a hammer drill and/or a saw, and/or a vehicle and/or a mobile device, such as for example a laptop and/or a tablet and/or a mobile telephone, and/or a remote control and/or a remote operation and/or a self-propelled implement. For example, the energy received by the receiving unit in the operational state, in particular, could be directly converted into at least one further energy form, such as for example into heat. The receiving induction element could have, for example, at least one coil, in particular at least one secondary coil. 
     An “operational state” is intended to be understood in this case and hereinafter as a functionally coupled state in which a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal and in which the supplying induction element, in particular, inductively transmits energy to the receiving induction element and in which, in particular, the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element are functionally coupled together. Advantageously in the operational state the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element, when viewed perpendicular to the plane, are arranged at least partially and advantageously at least for the most part so as to overlap. “At least for the most part” is intended to be understood, in particular, as in a proportion, in particular a mass portion and/or volume portion, of at least 70%, in particular of at least 80%, advantageously of at least 90% and preferably of at least 95%. 
     In the operational state, the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element connects together, in particular, a region of the supplying induction element closest to the receiving induction element and a region of the receiving induction element closest to the supplying induction element. Advantageously, in the operational state the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element connects together a central point and/or center of gravity of the supplying induction element and a central point and/or center of gravity of the receiving induction element. 
     For example, the supplying induction element could exclusively comprise the sub-region. Alternatively, the supplying induction element, in particular, could have at least one further sub-region, in particular in addition to the sub-region. In particular, the sub-region and the further sub-region could be arranged in different alignments and/or orientations relative to the plane and, in particular, enclose with the plane different minimum angles. For example, the further sub-region could be at least partially, in particular at least for the most part, and advantageously entirely identical to at least one first portion and/or to at least one second portion of the supplying induction element. 
     The phrase that an object in the operational state is arranged “at an angle” relative to a plane is intended to be understood, in particular, that in the operational state the object encloses with the plane a minimum angle of more than 0° and a maximum of 90°. In particular, in the operational state the object encloses with the plane a minimum angle of at least 5°, in particular of at least 10°, advantageously of at least 15°, particularly advantageously of at least 20°, preferably of at least 25° and particularly preferably of at least 30°. In particular, in the operational state the object encloses with the plane a minimum angle of a maximum of 85°, in particular a maximum of 80°, advantageously a maximum of 75°, particularly advantageously a maximum of 70°, preferably a maximum of 65° and particularly preferably a maximum of 60°. The expression “substantially perpendicular” in this case is intended to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in one plane, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously of less than 5° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. 
     The supply unit has, in particular, at least one positioning plate which is provided, in particular, for positioning a positioning unit which is configured as a positioning unit. A “positioning plate” is intended to be understood, in particular, as at least one, in particular, plate-like unit which is provided for positioning at least one receiving unit configured as a positioning unit, in particular for the purpose of energy transmission to the receiving unit. For example, the positioning plate could be configured as a substrate, in particular a base and/or a floor. The positioning plate could alternatively or additionally be configured, for example, as a sub-region of at least one worktop, in particular at least one kitchen worktop, in particular of the supply unit. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning plate could be configured as a hob plate. The positioning plate which is configured as a hob plate could form, in particular, at least one part of a hob external housing and, in particular, together with at least one external housing unit, to which the positioning plate which is configured as a hob plate could be connected in particular in at least one assembled state, could form the hob external housing at least for the most part. The positioning plate could be formed, for example at least for the most part, from glass and/or from glass ceramics 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 from laminate and/or from metal and/or from plastic and/or from ceramic. 
     In the operational state, the positioning plate in particular forms the plane. The plane, in particular, is identical to a principal extension plane of the positioning plate. A “principal extension plane” of an object is intended to be understood, in particular, as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary geometric cuboid which only just fully encloses the object and runs through the central point of the cuboid. 
     In particular, the sub-region has at least one principal extension plane which is oriented at an angle relative to the principal extension plane of the positioning plate and/or to the plane. 
     “Provided” is intended to be understood, in particular, as specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. By an object being provided for a specific function is intended to be understood, in particular, that the object fulfills and/or performs this specific function in at least one use state and/or operational state. 
     It is further proposed that the supplying induction element has at least one first portion with at least one first principal extension plane and at least one second portion with at least one second principal extension plane which differs from the first principal extension plane. For example, the supplying induction element could have at least one third portion with at least one third principal extension plane which, in particular, could differ from the first principal extension plane and from the second principal extension plane. As a result, in particular, a compact and/or space-saving configuration may be achieved. In particular, a particularly high degree of efficiency and/or uniform electromagnetic radiation may be achieved. 
     The first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane could be oriented, for example, at an angle relative to one another. Preferably, the first principal extension plane and the second principal extension plane are oriented at least substantially parallel to one another. “Substantially parallel” is intended to be understood here, in particular, as an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in one plane, wherein the direction relative to the reference direction has a deviation, in particular, of less than 8°, advantageously of less than 5° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. Advantageously, the first principal extension plane and/or the second principal extension plane are oriented at least substantially parallel to a principal extension plane of the positioning plate and/or to the plane. The first portion and the second portion are arranged spaced apart from one another, in particular, in at least one assembled state in a direction which is oriented parallel to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element. As a result, in particular, a particularly high degree of efficiency may be achieved. 
     It is further proposed that the sub-region is arranged at least for the most part between the first portion and the second portion. The sub-region connects, in particular, the first portion and the second portion together. In particular, the principal extension plane of the sub-region is oriented at an angle relative to the first principal extension plane and/or to the second principal extension plane. Particularly advantageously, an angle between the principal extension plane of the sub-region and the first principal extension plane and/or the second principal extension plane is at least substantially 45°. For example, the supplying induction element in the sub-region could have an at least substantially double-bend-shaped and/or S-shaped cross section. “At least substantially” is intended to be understood, in particular, in this context as a deviation of a maximum of 20°, preferably a maximum of 5° and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.5°. As a result, in particular, a simple and/or uncomplicated and/or rapidly executable production and/or assembly may be possible. 
     Moreover, it is proposed that the supply unit has at least one further supplying induction element which has at least one further first portion which extends at least substantially inside the first principal extension plane and at least one further second portion which extends at least substantially inside the second principal extension plane. As a result, in particular, an optimal energy transmission may be possible. In particular, it may be achieved that in a first operational state in which the receiving induction element is arranged above the supplying induction element and in a second operational state in which the receiving induction element is arranged above the further supplying induction element, a spacing between the receiving induction element and the corresponding supplying induction element is equal. In particular, at least one of, advantageously at least a large part of, and preferably each of the supplying induction elements has an identical spacing from the receiving induction element, in an operational state in which the receiving induction element is arranged above the corresponding supplying induction element. In particular, due to an identical configuration of the supplying induction elements advantageously a simple and/or uncomplicated control may be possible, whereby in particular low costs may be achieved. In particular, a particularly compact construction and/or a high degree of efficiency may be achieved. 
     It is additionally proposed that the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element are arranged so as to overlap one another at least in some sections, when viewed perpendicular to the plane and/or to the first principal extension plane and/or to the second principal extension plane. In particular, the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element are arranged so as to overlap at least partially in a direction which is oriented parallel to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element. The phrase that the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element are arranged so as to overlap “at least partially” is intended to be understood, in particular, that at least a partial portion of the supplying induction element and at least a partial portion of the further supplying induction element are arranged so as to overlap. For example, merely a partial portion of the supplying induction element and at least a partial portion of the further supplying induction element could be arranged so as to overlap, when viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane and/or to the second principal extension plane, wherein in particular a further partial portion of the supplying induction element and a further partial portion of the further supplying induction element may be arranged without overlapping. Alternatively, for example, the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element could be arranged so as to overlap fully and/or to be congruent, when viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane and/or the second principal extension plane. Particularly advantageously, the further first portion of the further supplying induction element and the second portion of the supplying induction element could be arranged so as to overlap at least partially and advantageously at least for the most part. As a result, in particular, a particularly compact and/or space-saving construction and/or a high degree of efficiency may be achieved. For example, an arrangement of the supplying induction element and the further supplying induction element in a row and/or in a matrix may be possible. 
     It is further proposed that the supplying induction element has an oval, in particular circular and/or elliptical, shape when viewed perpendicular to the plane and/or to the first principal extension plane and/or to the second principal extension plane. As a result, in particular, simple and/or uncomplicated production and/or assembly may be achieved. 
     For example, the supplying induction element and/or the further supplying induction element could have a polygonal shape, such as for example an at least substantially rectangular and/or square and/or n-angular shape when viewed perpendicular to the plane and/or to the first principal extension plane and/or to the second principal extension plane. Preferably, the supplying induction element and/or the further supplying induction element has a rectangular and/or square shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane and/or to first principal extension plane and/or to the second principal extension plane. As a result, in particular, a compact arrangement of the supplying induction elements may be possible. 
     The supply unit could be configured, for example, as an energy charging device, in particular as an induction energy charging device and, in particular, provided to transmit energy by means of the supplying induction element to at least one receiving unit which could be configured in particular as a mobile device, such as for example a laptop and/or a tablet and/or a mobile telephone, and/or a hand-held power tool and/or a self-propelled implement and/or as a remote control and/or a remote operation. Alternatively or additionally, the supply unit could be configured, for example, as a cooking appliance, in particular as an induction cooking appliance, such as for example in particular an oven, in particular an induction oven and/or as a grill, in particular as an induction grill. Preferably, the supply unit is configured as a hob and advantageously as an induction hob. In particular, by means of the energy provided by the supplying induction element the supply unit heats at least one part of the receiving unit, in particular at least a receiving space of the receiving unit. As a result, in particular, the receiving unit may be supplied with the energy provided for the receiving unit, whereby in particular optimal cooking results and/or a reliable functionality of electrical and/or electronic units integrated in the receiving unit may be achieved. 
     Moreover, it is proposed that the receiving unit is configured as a positioning unit which is provided, in particular, for positioning on a positioning plate and which has at least one receiving space for receiving food, in particular food to be cooked. A “positioning unit” is intended to be understood, in particular, as a unit which is provided for coupling to the supply unit, in particular to the supplying induction element and which, in particular during the course of coupling to the supply unit receives and/or absorbs energy from the supply unit in at least one operational state. The positioning unit could have, for example, at least one item of cookware. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning unit could have at least one pad apparatus which, in particular, could be provided for positioning at least one item of cookware, in particular the item of cookware. The pad unit could be provided, in particular, for an arrangement between the positioning plate and the item of cookware. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning unit could have at least one housing unit which could be configured, in particular, as an external housing unit and, in particular, could define an external housing. In particular, at least one object of the positioning unit, in particular at least one receiving induction element and/or the transmitting unit, could be integrated at least for the most part in the housing unit. The positioning unit has, in particular, at least one coupling unit which is provided, in particular, for coupling to the supply unit. The coupling unit has, in particular, at least one coupling element which is provided, in particular, for coupling to the supply unit. The coupling element could be configured, in particular, as a coil and/or as an induction element, in particular as a receiving induction element. In particular, the positioning unit could have at least two, advantageously at least three, preferably at least five and particularly preferably a plurality of coupling elements which in each case could be provided, in particular, for coupling to the supply unit and configured, in particular, as receiving induction elements. In particular, in the operational state the receiving induction element could heat a wall at least partially defining the receiving space by means of at least one portion of the energy received by the supplying induction element. A “receiving space” is intended to be understood, in particular, as a spatial region which, in the operational state in which the supply unit in particular transmits energy to the receiving unit, is defined at least for the most part by the receiving unit and in which, in particular, food may be arranged in the operational state. The food could be arranged, in particular, in the receiving space, in particular in fluid form, in particular in liquid form and/or at least for the most part in liquid form and/or in solid form in the receiving space. As a result, in particular, food may be cooked particularly efficiently and/or in a targeted manner since, in particular, an energy required for a cooking process may be accurately transmitted. 
     A particularly optimized and/or efficient energy transmission may be achieved, in particular, by a method for operating an induction energy transmission system which comprises at least one supply unit that has at least one supplying induction element provided to supply energy, and at least one receiving unit which comprises at least one receiving induction element, wherein energy is received from the supplying induction element when in at least one operational state in which a shortest connection between the supplying induction element and the receiving induction element is minimal, and wherein the supplying induction element comprises at least one 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. 
     The induction energy transmission system is not intended to be limited in this case to the above-described use and embodiment. In particular, for implementing a mode of operation described herein the induction energy transmission system may have a number of individual elements, components and units which differ from the number thereof cited herein. 
     Further advantages are disclosed in the following description of the drawings. In the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them to form further meaningful combinations. 
    
    
     
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1 a    shows an induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and with a receiving unit in a schematic partial sectional view, 
         FIG. 1 b    shows the supply unit configured as an induction hob with an induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 2 a    shows an induction heating unit of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 2 b    shows the induction heating unit according to  FIG. 2 a    in a schematic side view, 
         FIG. 3 a    shows three induction heating units of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 3 b    shows the three induction heating units according to  FIG. 3 a    in a schematic side view, 
         FIG. 3 c    shows three induction heating units of an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 3 d    shows three induction heating units of an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic side view, 
         FIG. 4 a    shows the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 4 b    shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 4 c    shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 4 d    shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 4 e    shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 4 f    shows an alternatively configured induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 5 a    shows an induction heating element of an induction heating unit in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 5 b    shows a heating element support of an induction heating unit before a bending process in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 5 c    shows the heating element support and the induction heating element after a bending process in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 5 d    shows an arrangement of a plurality of induction heating units in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 6 a    shows an induction heating unit of a second exemplary embodiment of an induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 6 b    shows two induction heating units of the second exemplary embodiment of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 6 c    shows the two induction heating units according to  FIG. 6 b    in a schematic side view, 
         FIG. 7 a    shows three induction heating units of a third exemplary embodiment of the induction hob apparatus in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 7 b    shows the three induction heating units according to  FIG. 7 a    in a schematic view from below, 
         FIG. 7 c    shows the three induction heating units according to  FIG. 7 a    in a schematic sectional view, 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternative induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and with a receiving unit in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 9  shows an alternative induction energy transmission system with a supply unit and with a receiving unit in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 10 a    shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 10 b    shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 11 a    shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 11 b    shows the induction energy transmission system of  FIG. 11 a    in a schematic plan view, 
         FIG. 11 c    shows the induction energy transmission system of  FIG. 11 a    in a first embodiment in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 11 d    shows the induction energy transmission system of  FIG. 11 a    in a second embodiment in a schematic perspective view, 
         FIG. 11 e    shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view and 
         FIG. 11 f    shows an alternative induction energy transmission system in a schematic perspective view. 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1 a    shows an induction energy transmission system  100   a  which is configured as an induction cooking system. In the present exemplary embodiment, the induction energy transmission system  100   a  is configured as an induction hob system. 
     The induction energy transmission system  100   a  has a supply unit  102   a.  The supply unit  102   a  is configured as a hob. In the present exemplary embodiment the supply unit  102   a  is configured as an induction hob  40   a.  The supply unit  102   a  has a supplying induction element  104   a.    
     The supplying induction element  104   a  is provided to supply energy. In an operational state, the supplying induction element  104   a  inductively provides energy. In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element  104   a  is configured as an induction heating element  12   a.    
     The induction energy transmission system  100   a  has a supplying induction unit  124   a.  The supplying induction element  104   a  is part of the supplying induction unit  124   a.    
     The induction energy transmission system  100   a  has a receiving unit  106   a.  Alternatively, the induction energy transmission system  100   a  could have a larger number of receiving units  106   a,  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  106   a.  Only one of the receiving units  106   a  is described hereinafter. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit  106   a  has a receiving induction element  108   a.  In the operational state the receiving induction element  108   a  inductively receives energy from the supplying induction element  104   a.  The receiving induction element  108   a  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  104   a  and the receiving induction element  108   a  is minimal. In the operational state the receiving induction element  108   a  and the supplying induction element  104   a,  when viewed in a direction oriented parallel to the shortest connection, are arranged so as to overlap. 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit  106   a  is configured as a positioning unit  118   a.  Alternatively the receiving unit  106   a  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  104   a,  in particular for the purpose of inductive charging. 
     The receiving unit  106   a  has a receiving space  120   a  for receiving food. In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit  106   a  has a housing unit  122   a.  The housing unit  122   a  is configured as an external housing unit and in the operational state forms, in particular, an external housing of the receiving unit  106   a.  The receiving induction element  108   a  is integrated for the most part inside the housing unit  122   a.    
     The supplying induction element  104   a,  which is provided, in particular, for inductively supplying the receiving induction element  108   a  with energy, has a sub-region  16   a  which in the operational state is oriented at an angle relative to a plane  110   a,  which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element  104   a  and the receiving induction element  108   a  (see also  FIG. 3 ). In the operational state a principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a  is oriented at an angle relative to a plane  110   a.  In the present exemplary embodiment, the plane  110   a  is oriented substantially parallel to a hob plane  14   a.    
     In addition to the sub-region  16   a,  the supplying induction element  104   a  has a first portion  20   a  with a first principal extension plane  24   a  and a second portion  22   a  with a second principal extension plane  26   a.  The second principal extension plane  26   a  is different from the first principal extension plane  24   a.    
     The first principal extension plane  24   a  is oriented at an angle relative to the sub-region  16   a,  in particular to the principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a.  The second principal extension plane  26   a  is oriented at an angle relative to the sub-region  16   a,  in particular to the principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a.  The first principal extension plane  24   a  and the second principal extension plane  26   a  are oriented substantially parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane  24   a  and the second principal extension plane  26   a  are oriented substantially parallel to the plane  110   a.    
     The sub-region  16   a  is arranged for the most part between the first portion  20   a  and the second portion  22   a.  The sub-region  16   a  connects the first portion  20   a  and the second portion  22   a,  in particular mechanically and/or electrically together. 
     In addition to the supplying induction element  104   a,  the supply unit  102   a  has a plurality of further supplying induction elements  112   a.  In each case only one of the repeatedly present objects is provided with a reference numeral in the figures. In  FIG. 1 a    only two of the further supplying induction elements  112   a  are shown. The further supplying induction elements  112   a  are configured corresponding to one another. Hereinafter, only one of the further supplying induction elements  112   a  is described. 
     The further supplying induction element  112   a  has a further first portion  50   a  which extends substantially inside the first principal extension plane  24   a  and a further second portion  52   a  which extends substantially inside the second principal extension plane  26   a  (see  FIG. 3 ). The further supplying induction element  112   a  has a further sub-region  38   a  which in the operational state is oriented at an angle relative to the plane  110   a.  The further sub-region  38   a  is arranged for the most part between the further first portion  50   a  and the further second portion  52   a.    
     The induction energy transmission system  100   a  has a further supplying induction unit  126   a.  The further supplying induction element  112   a  is part of the further supplying induction unit  126   a.    
     When viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   a,  the supplying induction element  104   a  and the further supplying induction element  112   a  are arranged so as to overlap partially. The further first portion  50   a  and the second portion  22   a  are arranged so as to overlap, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   a.    
     In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element  104   a  has an oval shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   a.  The supplying induction element  104   a  has a circular shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   a.    
     A detailed exemplary embodiment selected by way of example is described hereinafter with reference to the induction hob  40   a.  Features which are described relative to the induction hob  40   a  are transferable to the supply unit  102   a.  Similarly, features which are described relative to the induction heating element  12   a  are transferable to the supplying induction element  104   a.    
     In a method for an operation of an induction energy transmission system  100   a,  in the operational state energy is inductively provided by the supplying induction element  104   a  and/or by the further supplying induction element  112   a.  In at least one operational state in which a shortest connection between the supplying induction element  104   a  and the receiving induction element  108   a  is minimal, energy from the supplying induction element  104   a  is received by the receiving induction element  108   a.    
     In particular in the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 1 b    to  7   c,  only the induction hob  40   a,  the induction heating unit  10   a  and the induction heating element  12   a  are described hereinafter. The following description of the induction hob  40   a  is transferable to the supply unit  102   a.  The following description of the induction heating unit  10   a  is transferable to the supplying induction unit  124   a.  The following description of the induction heating element  12   a  is transferable to the supplying induction element  104   a.  The same applies to the further supplying induction unit  126   a  and the further supplying induction element  112   a.    
       FIG. 1 b    shows an induction hob  40   a  with an induction hob apparatus. The induction hob apparatus has a positioning plate  42   a.  The positioning plate  42   a  is configured as a hob plate. In an assembled state the positioning plate  42   a  forms a part of a hob external housing, in particular of the induction hob  40   a.  In an installed position the positioning plate  42   a  forms a part of the hob external housing facing a user. In an assembled state the positioning plate  42   a  is provided for positioning at least one receiving unit  106   a.    
     The induction hob apparatus has a user interface  44   a  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  44   a  is provided for the output of a value of an operating parameter to a user. For example, the user interface  44   a  could output the value of the operating parameter to a user optically and/or acoustically. 
     The induction hob apparatus has a control unit  46   a.  The control unit  46   a  is provided to perform actions as a function of operating parameters input by means of the user interface  44   a  and/or to change settings. 
     The induction hob apparatus has a plurality of overlapping induction heating units  10   a,    32   a.  In the present exemplary embodiment, the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a,    48   a  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  10   a,    32   a,    48   a  have a substantially circular shape, when viewed perpendicular to a hob plane  14   a  of the induction hob apparatus. 
     For example in addition to the overlapping induction heating units  10   a,    32   a,    48   a,  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  10   a,    32   a,    48   a.    
     The induction heating units  10   a  are provided to heat at least one receiving unit  106   a  positioned on the positioning plate  42   a  above the induction heating units  10   a.  In an operational state the induction heating units  10   a,  which in particular are activated, provide a magnetic flux which is provided, in particular, for heating at least one positioned receiving unit  106   a.  In an operational state, the induction heating units  10   a,  which in particular are activated, supply energy at least to a positioned receiving unit  106   a,  in particular by means of the magnetic flux. In an operational state, the control unit  46   a  controls an energy supply to the, in particular, activated induction heating units  10   a,    32   a,    48   a.  In an installed position, the induction heating units  10   a  are arranged below the positioning plate  42   a.    
     One of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a,    48   a  is shown by way of example in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   . 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  12   a.  The induction heating element  12   a  forms a heating conductor. The induction heating element  12   a  is configured integrally. The induction heating element  12   a  is shown in a plate-shaped manner for a simpler view. In reality, the induction heating element  12   a  is a wire which has been wound in a spiral-shaped manner. The induction heating element  12   a  extends in a sub-region  16   a  along a principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a.  The principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a  deviates from the hob plane  14   a.  The principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a  encloses with the hob plane  14   a  an angle of approximately 45°. 
     The induction heating element  12   a  has a first portion  20   a.  The induction heating element  12   a  has a second portion  22   a.  The first portion  20   a  extends inside a first principal extension plane  24   a.  The second portion  22   a  extends inside a second principal extension plane  26   a.  The second principal extension plane  26   a  is different from the first principal extension plane  24   a.  The first principal extension plane  24   a  and the second principal extension plane  26   a  run parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane  24   a  and the second principal extension plane  26   a  are offset parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane  24   a  extends parallel to the hob plane  14   a.  The sub-region  16   a  is arranged between the first portion  20   a  and the second portion  22   a.  The principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a  runs obliquely to the first principal extension plane  24   a.  The principal extension plane  18   a  of the sub-region  16   a  runs obliquely to the second principal extension plane  26   a.  The first portion  20   a  and the second portion  22   a  are of equal size. The first portion  20   a  and the second portion  22   a  have an equal surface area, width and/or length. The induction heating unit  10   a  and a further induction heating unit  32   a  of the induction hob apparatus are shown in  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   . A third induction heating unit  48   a  is also shown, but is not described in more detail since it has the same construction as the induction heating units  10   a ,  32   a.    
     The further induction heating unit  32   a  comprises a further induction heating element  34   a.  The further induction heating element  34   a  has a further first portion  50   a  and a further second portion  52   a.  The further first portion  50   a  extends in an operational state and/or in an assembled state inside the first principal extension plane  24   a.  The further second portion  52   a  extends inside the second principal extension plane  26   a.  The induction heating element  12   a  and the further induction heating element  34   a  partially overlap one another in a direction  36   a  viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane  24   a.  In particular, the further first portion  50   a  of the further induction heating element  34   a  overlaps at least for the most part the second portion  22   a  of the induction heating element  12   a.    
     In a variant of the invention, the induction heating element  12   a ′ of the induction heating unit  10   a ′ has a third portion  54   a ′ in addition to the first portion  20   a ′ and second portion  22   a ′. The third portion  54   a ′ 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  24   a ′,  26   a ′. The first principal extension plane  24   a ′, the second principal extension plane  26   a ′ and the third principal extension plane run parallel to one another. The first principal extension plane  24   a ′, the second principal extension plane  26   a ′ and the third principal extension plane are arranged offset in parallel to one another. The second principal extension plane  26   a ′, viewed in a direction  36   a ′ perpendicular to the first principal extension plane  24   a ′, is arranged between the first principal extension plane  24   a ′ and the third principal extension plane. The induction heating element  12   a ′ has two sub-regions  16   a ′ which run along a principal extension plane  18   a ′ of one of the sub-regions  16   a ′ and a principal extension plane of a further sub-region  16   a ′ which both deviate from the hob plane  14   a ′. The principal extension plane  18   a ′ of the sub-region  16   a ′ and the principal extension plane of the further sub-region  16   a ′ run parallel to one another. The portions  20   a ′,  22   a ′,  54   a ′ divide the induction heating element  12   a ′ in at least one direction into three parts of equal length. As is shown, a plurality of induction heating elements  12   a ′ overlap one another such that the first portion  20   a ′ and the second portion  22   a ′ of an induction heating element  12   a ′ overlaps a further second portion  52   a ′ and a further third portion  62   a ′ of a further induction heating element  34   a ′ of an induction heating unit  32   a′.    
     In contrast to the variant shown in  FIG. 2 d   , in which it is shown that the induction heating element  12   a  does not extend only along a principal extension plane  18   a  which deviates from the hob plane  14   a,  the induction heating element  12   a ″ as shown in  FIG. 3 d   , extends entirely along a principal extension plane  18   a ″ which deviates from the hob plane  14   a ″. In this case a plurality of induction heating elements  12   a ″ may also partially overlap. In this case the induction heating elements  12   a ″ are layered obliquely relative to one another. 
       FIGS. 4 a  to 4 e    show all of the positioning plates  42   a  with different arrangement options of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a.  In  FIG. 4 a    the central points of all of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in a matrix. The induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in respective rows  70   a  one behind the other and overlapping one another. There are no overlaps between two adjacent rows  70   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to a longest outer edge  68   a  of the positioning plate  42   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to one another. If four central points of induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  located closest to one another are connected together, this produces a rectangle  64   a,  the length and width thereof deviating from one another. A longest edge of the rectangle  64   a  runs perpendicular to the outer edge  68   a.    
     In  FIG. 4 b    the central points of all of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged offset to one another in rows  70   a.  Thus the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in rows  70   a  one behind the other and overlapping one another. There are no overlaps between two adjacent rows  70   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to a longest outer edge  68   a  of the positioning plate  42   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to one another. If three central points of induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  located closest to one another are connected together, this produces an isosceles triangle  66   a.  A base of the isosceles triangle  66   a  runs parallel to the rows  70   a  and/or to the outer edge  68   a.    
     In  FIG. 4 c    the central points of all of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in a matrix. The induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in respective rows  70   a  one behind the other and overlapping one another. There are no overlaps between two adjacent rows  70   a.  The rows  70   a  run perpendicular to a longest outer edge  68   a  of the positioning plate  42   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to one another. If four central points of induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  located closest to one another are connected together, this produces a rectangle  64   a,  the length and width thereof deviating from one another. A longest edge of the rectangle  64   a  runs parallel to the outer edge  68   a.    
     In  FIG. 4 d    the central points of all of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged offset to one another in rows  70   a.  The induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in rows  70   a  and columns  72   a  one behind the other and overlapping one another. In this case overlaps are also produced between two adjacent rows  70   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to a longest outer edge  68   a  of the positioning plate  42   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to one another. 
     If three central points of induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  located closest to one another are connected together, this produces an isosceles and at least substantially right-angled triangle  66   a.  A base of the isosceles triangle  66   a  runs parallel to the rows  70   a  and/or to the outer edge  68   a.    
     In  FIG. 4 e    the central points of all of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in a matrix. The induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  are arranged in respective rows  70   a  and columns  72   a  one behind the other and overlapping one another. The rows  70   a  and columns  72   a  form a square pattern. In this case there are overlaps of the induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  between two adjacent rows  70   a  and columns  72   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to a longest outer edge  68   a  of the positioning plate  42   a.  The columns  72   a  run perpendicular to a longest outer edge  68   a  of the positioning plate  42   a.  The rows  70   a  run parallel to one another. The columns  72   a  run parallel to one another. If four central points of induction heating units  10   a,    32   a  located closest to one another are connected together, this produces a square  64   a.    
       FIG. 4 f    shows an alternatively configured positioning plate  42   a ′ with an arrangement option of the induction heating units  10   a ′,  32   a ′ shown in  FIG. 3 c   . The induction heating units  10   a ′,  32   a ′ are arranged in rows  70   a ′ and columns  72   a ′ one behind the other and overlapping one another. In this case overlaps are also produced between two adjacent rows  70   a ′. The rows  70   a ′ run parallel to a longest outer edge  68   a ′ of the positioning plate  42   a ′. The rows  70   a ′ run parallel to one another. If three central points of induction heating units  10   a ′,  32   a ′ located closest to one another are connected together, this produces an isosceles and at least substantially right-angled triangle  66   a ′. A base of the isosceles triangle  66   a ′ runs parallel to the rows  70   a ′ and/or to the outer edge  68   a′.    
     In  FIG. 5 a    the induction heating element  12   a  of the induction heating unit  10   a  is shown in detail. The induction heating element  12   a  is wound and/or bent in a spiral-shaped and/or coil-shaped manner. In a bending region  74   a  the induction heating element  12   a  runs in a linear manner. Various windings of the induction heating element  12   a  run parallel to one another in the bending region  74   a.  In a method described hereinafter the bending region  74   a  is reshaped into the already described sub-region  16   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 5 b    the induction heating unit  10   a  comprises a first heating element support  28   a.  The heating element support  28   a  forms a disk. The heating element support  28   a  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  28   a  has a recess  76   a.  The recess  76   a  is configured to be continuous. The recess  76   a  is configured to be circular. The recess  76   a  is punched out of the heating element support  28   a . Along the bending region  74   a  the heating element support  28   a  has further recesses  78   a.  The further recesses  78   a  are punched out of the heating element support  28   a.  The further recesses  78   a  form a predetermined rupture point of the heating element support  28   a.  Moreover, the induction heating unit  10   a  comprises a second heating element support  30   a.  The second heating element support  30   a  is configured to be structurally the same as the first heating element support  28   a.  The heating element supports  28   a,    30   a  are arranged congruently one above the other. The induction heating element  12   a  is arranged between the heating element supports  28   a,    30   a.  The induction heating element  12   a  is arranged at least in some sections on the first heating element support  28   a.  The induction heating element  12   a  is arranged at least in some sections on the second heating element support  30   a.  The heating element support  28   a ,  30   a  and the induction heating element  12   a  form a sandwich structure. 
     In a method for producing the induction hob apparatus, in a method step the first portion  20   a  of the induction heating element  12   a  of the induction heating unit  10   a  is supplied with at least one first force component  80   a  perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the induction heating unit  10   a.  The force component  80   a  in this case acts on one of the heating element supports  28   a,    30   a.  In this case the force component  80   a  is exerted on the second heating element support  30   a.  A force component  82   a  opposing the force component  80   a  acts in the second portion  22   a  on the induction heating element  12   a  of the induction heating unit  10   a  via the first heating element support  28   a.  At least by means of the first force component  80   a  the principal extension plane  24   a  of the first portion  20   a  is displaced relative to a principal extension plane  26   a  of the second portion  22   a  of the induction heating unit  10   a.  In this case the heating element supports  28   a,    30   a  rupture along their predetermined rupture points. The induction heating element  12   a  is bent and/or permanently plastically deformed in some sections. More specifically, the induction heating unit  10   a  is folded and/or bent twice. The induction heating element  12   a  in this case is bent in a double-bend-shaped and/or S-shaped manner. The heating element supports  28   a,    30   a  form an insulating layer. This insulating layer is separated in an intermediate portion arranged between the first portion  20   a  and the second portion  22   a,  in particular separated in a controlled manner. Subsequently, the induction heating units  10   a  thus produced are arranged so as to overlap one another as shown by way of example in  FIG. 5   d.    
     Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 6 a  and 7 c   . 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 5   d . For differentiating between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 5   d  is replaced by the letters b and c in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 6 a  to 7 c   . 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 5   d.    
     An induction heating unit  10   b  of a second exemplary embodiment of an induction hob apparatus is shown in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   . The induction heating unit  10   b  comprises an induction heating element  12   b.  The induction hob apparatus has a hob plane  14   b.  As shown in  FIG. 6 c    in an exaggerated manner and not to scale, the induction heating element  12   b  extends at least in a sub-region  16   b  along a principal extension plane  18   b  of the sub-region  16   b  which deviates from the hob plane  14   b.  The induction heating element  12   b  has a first portion  20   b  and a second portion  22   b.  The first portion  20   b  extends inside a first principal extension plane  24   b.  The second portion  22   b  extends inside a second principal extension plane  26   b  which is different from the first principal extension plane  24   b.  An offset between the principal extension planes  24   b,    26   b  is relatively small which is why it may not be identified in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    and in  FIG. 6 c    is shown in a highly exaggerated manner. The sub-region  16   b  is arranged between the first portion  20   b  and the second portion  22   b.    
     As shown further in  FIG. 6 c   , the first principal extension plane  24   b  and the second principal extension plane  26   b  run parallel to one another. The induction heating unit  10   b  comprises a first heating element support  28   b.  The heating element support  28   b  is shown merely in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    and for reasons of clarity not shown in  FIG. 6 c   . The heating element support  28   b  forms a circuit board. The induction heating element  12   b  is arranged on the heating element support  28   b.  For receiving the induction heating element  12   b  grooves and/or channels are incorporated in the heating element support  28   b.  The induction heating element  12   b  is printed onto the heating element support  28   b  or applied in a different method which seems expedient to the person skilled in the art. 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 6 b   , the induction hob apparatus comprises a further induction heating unit  32   b  with at least one further induction heating element  34   b  which has a further first portion  50   b  and at least one further second portion  52   b.  In an operational state the further first portion  50   b  extends inside the first principal extension plane  24   b  and the further second portion  52   b  extends inside the second principal extension plane  26   b.  The induction heating element  12   b  and the further induction heating element  34   b  partially overlap in a direction  36   b  viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane  24   b.    
     An induction heating unit  10   c  of a third exemplary embodiment of an induction hob apparatus is shown in  FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b   . The induction heating unit  10   c  comprises an induction heating element  12   c.  The induction hob apparatus has a hob plane  14   c.  As shown in  FIG. 7 c    in a schematic sectional view, the induction heating element  12   c  extends at least in a sub-region  16   c  along a principal extension plane  18   c  of the sub-region  16   c  which deviates from the hob plane  14   c.  The principal extension plane  18   c  of the sub-region  16   c  runs perpendicular to the hob plane  14   c.  The induction heating element  12   c  has a first portion  20   c  and a second portion  22   c.  The first portion  20   c  extends inside a first principal extension plane  24   c.  The second portion  22   c  extends inside a second principal extension plane  26   c  which differs from the first principal extension plane  24   c.  The sub-region  16   c  is arranged in an overlapping region of the first portion  20   c  and the second portion  22   c.    
     As shown further in  FIG. 7 c   , the first principal extension plane  24   c  and the second principal extension plane  26   c  run at least substantially parallel to one another. The induction heating unit  10   c  comprises a first heating element support  28   c.  The heating element support  28   c  forms a circuit board. The induction heating element  12   c  is arranged on the heating element support  28   c.  For receiving the induction heating element  12   c,  grooves and/or channels are incorporated in the heating element support  28   c.  The induction heating element  12   c  is printed on the heating element support  28   c  or applied in a different method which seems expedient to the person skilled in the art. The induction heating element  12   c  runs in the first portion  20   c  on a first side of the heating element support  28   c.  The induction heating element  12   c  runs in the second portion  22   c  on a second side of the heating element support  28   c.  The first side of the heating element support  28   c  and the second side of the heating element support  28   c  are remote from one another. In principle, it is conceivable that the heating element support  28   c  comprises three and/or more layers in which the induction heating element  12   c  is arranged. In the sub-region  16   c  the induction heating element  12   c  passes through the heating element support  28   c  from one side to the other side. The sub-region  16   c  runs in a sickle-shaped manner, viewed perpendicular to the hob plane  14   c.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b   , a plurality of induction heating units  10   a,    32   c,    48   c  are arranged one behind the other on the heating element support  28   c.  In this connection, however, it is also conceivable that each induction heating unit  10   c,    32   c,    48   c  is arranged on a separate heating element support  28   c.  A further induction heating unit  32   c  of the induction heating units  10   c,    32   c,    48   c  has a further induction heating element  34   c  which has a further first portion  50   c  and at least one further second portion  52   c.  In an operational state the further first portion  50   c  extends inside the first principal extension plane  24   c  and the further second portion  52   c  extends inside the second principal extension plane  26   c.  The induction heating element  12   c  and the further induction heating element  34   c  partially overlap one another in a direction  36   c  viewed perpendicular to the first principal extension plane  24   c.    
     An alternative induction energy transmission system  100   d  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The induction energy transmission system  100   d  has a supply unit  102   d  and a receiving unit  106   d . The supply unit  102   d  has a plurality of supplying induction elements  104   d.  Only three of the supplying induction elements  104   d  are shown. A portion of the supplying induction elements  104   d  is arranged in a row. A row of supplying induction elements  104   d,  of three in number, is shown in  FIG. 8 . In principle a larger number of supplying induction elements  104   d  could also be arranged in a row. Only one of the supplying induction elements  104   d  is described hereinafter. 
     The supplying induction element  104   d  has a sub-region  16   d  which in an operational state is oriented at an angle relative to a plane  110   d  which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between the supplying induction element  104   d  and the receiving induction element  108   d.  The sub-region  104   d  of the supplying induction element  104   d  is arranged between a first portion  20   d  of the supplying induction element  104   d  and a second portion  22   d  of the supplying induction element  104   d.  A first principal extension plane  24   d  of the first portion  20   d  and a second principal extension plane  26   d  of the second portion  22   d  are oriented substantially parallel to one another and, in particular, to the plane  110   d.  When viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   d  two supplying induction elements  104   d  which are arranged adjacent to one another are arranged so as to overlap one another in some sections. 
     The receiving unit  106   d  has a receiving induction element  108   d.  The receiving induction element  108   d  has a sub-region  128   d.  In the operational state, a principal extension plane of the sub-region  128   d  of the receiving induction element  108   d  is oriented at an angle relative to the plane  110   d.  The sub-region  128   d  of the receiving induction element  108   d  is arranged between a first portion  130   d  of the receiving induction element  108   d  and a second portion  132   d  of the receiving induction element  108   d.  A principal extension plane of the first portion  130   d  of the receiving induction element  108   d  and a principal extension plane of the second portion  132   d  of the receiving induction element  108   d  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  104   d  and the receiving induction element  108   d.    
       FIG. 9  shows an alternative induction energy transmission system  100   e  which differs, in particular, from the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 8  by a configuration of a supply unit  102   e.  The induction energy transmission system  100   e  has a supply unit  102   e  and a receiving unit  106   e.  The supply unit  102   e  has a plurality of supplying induction elements  104   e.  The supplying induction elements  104   e  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  110   e  which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between a supplying induction element  104   e  located closest to a receiving induction element  108   e  of the receiving unit  106   e  and the receiving induction element  108   e,  one of the supplying induction elements  104   e  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  104   e.    
     The supplying induction element  104   e  and/or in particular the receiving induction element  108   e  has an oval shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   e.  In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element  104   e  and/or in particular the receiving induction element  108   e  has a circular shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   e.    
     As an alternative to a circular shape, at least one portion of the supplying induction elements  104   e ′ and/or the receiving induction element  108   e ′ could have an elliptical shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   e ′ (see  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b   ). 
     The supplying induction element  104   e ′ and/or the receiving induction element  108   e ′ could, for example, be bent along a short axis of the elliptical shape (see  FIG. 10 a   ). A heating conductor running in the sub-region  16   e ′ of the supplying induction element  104   e ′ and/or in the sub-region  128   e ′ of the receiving induction element  108   e ′ could run, for example, parallel to a long axis of the elliptical shape. 
     The supplying induction element  104   e ″ and/or the receiving induction element  108   e ″ could be bent, for example, along a long axis of the elliptical shape (see  FIG. 10 b   ). A heating conductor running in the sub-region  16   e ″ of the supplying induction element  104   e ″ and/or in the sub-region  128   e ″ of the receiving induction element  108   e ″ could run, for example, parallel to a short axis of the elliptical shape. 
       FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    show in each case an alternative induction energy transmission system  100   f  which, in particular, differs from the previous exemplary embodiments by a configuration of a supply unit  102   f.  The induction energy transmission system  100   f  has a supply unit  102   f  and a receiving unit  106   f.  The supply unit  102   f  has at least one supplying induction element  104   f.  The receiving unit  106   f  has at least one receiving induction element  108   f.    
     The supplying induction element  104   f  and/or the receiving induction element  108   f  has a rectangular shape, when viewed perpendicular to a plane  110   f,  which in particular is oriented substantially perpendicular to the shortest connection between a supplying induction element  104   f  located closest to the receiving induction element  108   f  and the receiving induction element  108   f.  In the present exemplary embodiment, the supplying induction element  104   f  and/or in particular the receiving induction element  108   f  has a square shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   f.    
     The supply unit  102   f  could have, for example, a plurality of in particular equally configured supplying induction elements  104   f.  Alternatively or additionally the receiving unit  106   f,  for example, could have a plurality of in particular equally configured receiving induction elements  108   f.  At least one portion of the supplying induction elements  104   f  and/or at least one portion of the receiving induction element  108   f  could be arranged, for example, in a row, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   f  (see  FIG. 11 c   ). Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one portion of the supplying induction elements  104   f  and/or at least one portion of the receiving induction elements  108   f  could be arranged in the form of a matrix, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   f  (see  FIG. 11 d   ). 
     As an alternative to a square shape, at least one of the supplying induction elements  104   f  and/or at least one of the receiving induction elements  108   f  could have, in particular, a rectangular shape deviating from a square shape, when viewed perpendicular to the plane  110   f  (see  FIGS. 11 e  and 11 f   ). 
     The supplying induction element  104   f  and/or the receiving induction element  108   f  could, for example, be bent along a short axis of the rectangular shape (see  FIG. 11 e   ). A heating conductor running in the sub-region  16   f  of the supplying induction element  104   f  and/or in the sub-region  128   f  of the receiving induction element  108   f  could run, for example, parallel to a long axis of the rectangular shape. 
     The supplying induction element  104   f ″ and/or the receiving induction element  108   f ″ could be bent, for example, along a long axis of the rectangular shape (see  FIG. 11 f   ). A heating conductor running in the sub-region  16   f ″ of the supplying induction element  104   f ″ and/or in the sub-region  128   f ″ of the receiving induction element  108   f ″ could run, for example, parallel to a short axis of the rectangular shape. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       10  Induction heating unit 
       12  Induction heating element 
       14  Hob plane 
       16  Sub-region 
       18  Principal extension plane 
       20  First portion 
       22  Second portion 
       24  First principal extension plane 
       26  Second principal extension plane 
       28  Heating element support 
       30  Heating element support 
       32  Induction heating unit 
       34  Induction heating element 
       36  Direction 
       38  Further sub-region 
       40  Induction hob 
       42  Positioning plate 
       44  User interface 
       46  Control unit 
       48  Induction heating unit 
       50  Further first portion 
       52  Further second portion 
       54  Third portion 
       62  Further third portion 
       64  Rectangle 
       66  Triangle 
       68  Outer edge 
       70  Row 
       72  Gap 
       74  Bending region 
       76  Recess 
       78  Recess 
       80  Force component 
       82  Force component 
       100  Induction energy transmission system 
       102  Supply unit 
       104  Supplying induction element 
       106  Receiving unit 
       108  Receiving induction element 
       110  Plane 
       112  Further supplying induction element 
       114  Further first portion 
       116  Further second portion 
       118  Positioning unit 
       120  Receiving space 
       122  Housing unit 
       124  Supplying induction unit 
       126  Further supplying induction unit 
       128  Sub-region 
       130  First portion 
       132  Second portion