Glass-ceramic panel with display window

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking plate (10) for a fixed or movable cooking appliance, the cooking plate comprising a base plate (11) having at least one cooking area (13) and including at least one control and / or information area (14), the control and / or information area being formed by a window (140) which is separated from the base plate by at least one connecting part (16) made of synthetic material, characterized in that the window is fixed to the base plate by an arranged fastening system (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to glass-ceramic panels or countertops. Background Technology

[0002] There are various methods for displaying LCD screens on glass-ceramic substrates in the display / control panel area. The product KeraResin® (a transparent glass-ceramic substrate with an opaque layer on the underside to mask the heating element) allows the use of LCD screens by creating a resin-free retention area in this region. However, opacity and deep blacks are not always sufficient for users, and this solution remains incompatible with radiating elements.

[0003] Another approach is to use a substrate with an opaque agent, KeraVision®, but due to the transmission and coloring of the glass-ceramic material, high-brightness screens and color adjustment are often necessary (most screens are not bright enough, and the color rendering of LCD screens is affected by substrate coloring).

[0004] One proposed solution is to provide a window within a glass-ceramic panel (also known as a mainboard). This window consists of a transparent panel arranged in an opening within the glass-ceramic panel. A control panel or LCD screen is positioned below the window. The window must then be secured to the mainboard. Another proposed solution is to use a joint between the mainboard and the window. This joint may include a fastening system for the control panel or LCD screen.

[0005] The drawback of this system is that it must withstand considerable stress. The primary stress is the force applied by the user to the window. In fact, the glass-ceramic panel is tactile, meaning the user must apply pressure to activate or deactivate the function. Since the window is not integral with the mainboard, the pressure applied by the user implies stress on the components that fasten the window to the mainboard. The cooking board must also meet mechanical resistance standards (especially NF EN 60335-1), particularly to withstand impacts that may simulate objects falling onto the surface. The component solution must withstand other mechanical stresses, such as abrasion from sponges or repeated movement of kitchen utensils. The solution must be chemically resistant to repeated exposure to food and / or cleaning products. Therefore, the fasteners must be robust and durable over time.

[0006] Secondly, the material used for the connection must be heat-resistant, because the window is typically positioned near the heating zone and therefore near hot cooking utensils. Therefore, the connection must be able to withstand the temperature of kitchen utensils placed near or even on the window.

[0007] Therefore, a system is needed that allows the display window to be placed on a glass-ceramic plate, thus providing both mechanical strength and heat resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a cooking plate with a control zone that is resistant to mechanical and thermal stress.

[0009] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a cooking plate for a fixed or movable cooking appliance, the cooking plate comprising a base plate having at least one cooking zone and including at least one control and / or information zone formed by a window separated from the base plate by at least one connecting portion made of synthetic material, characterized in that the window is fixed to the base plate by a fastening system.

[0010] Therefore, the advantage of the present invention is that there is a certain interval between the connecting function performed by the connecting part and the connecting function of fastening the window to the bottom plate performed by the fastening system.

[0011] According to one example, the fastening system includes at least one connecting support member, which is provided with at least two fastening zones, wherein at least one zone is for fastening to a window and at least one zone is for fastening to a base plate.

[0012] As an example, the connecting support is a profile.

[0013] According to one example, (multiple) connecting supports extend along the entire length of the gap.

[0014] According to one example, the connecting support includes a centering device for aligning the window relative to the base plate.

[0015] According to one example, the centering device includes at least one stud.

[0016] According to one example, the at least one stud (185) is arranged to have at least one linear portion.

[0017] According to one example, the at least one stud (185) is dotted.

[0018] According to one example, the connection support includes a retaining device for holding the control and / or information module to the connection support.

[0019] The present invention further relates to a cooking module comprising a plate according to any one of the preceding claims, the cooking module comprising at least one heating element disposed below a cooking zone of the cooking plate and at least one control and / or information module disposed below a window.

[0020] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a cooking plate, the cooking plate comprising a base plate, particularly a glass-ceramic base plate, having at least one cooking area and including at least one control and / or information area, the control and / or information area being formed by a window intended to be mounted in an opening in the base plate and separated from the base plate by at least one connecting portion made of a synthetic material, the window being secured to the base plate by a fastening system including at least one connecting support member having at least two fastening areas, wherein at least one area is for fastening to the window and at least one area is for fastening to the base plate, the method comprising the following steps: -Get the baseboard and window; - Obtain at least one connecting support component; - Place the window in the opening in the base plate; - Secure the connecting support to the cooking plate such that at least one fastening area contacts the window and at least one fastening area contacts the base plate; - Position the connector in the gap between the window and the base plate.

[0021] According to one example, the method further includes the step of aligning the window in the opening in the base plate.

[0022] According to one example, the connecting support includes an alignment device, and the step of fastening the connecting support also allows the window to be aligned relative to the base plate. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other specific features and advantages will become clear from their description, given by way of indication and in a completely non-limiting manner, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cooking utensil according to the invention is illustrated schematically; - Figure 3 The cooking appliances installed on the cabinet are shown; - Figure 4 The cooking plate of a cooking appliance mounted on a cabinet is shown; - Figure 5 A cooking plate with a window according to the present invention is shown.

[0024] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 A window is shown that is fixed to the base plate using fastening devices according to the present invention.

[0025] - Figures 8a to 10 A connecting support according to the present invention is shown.

[0026] - Figures 11 to 13A window according to the invention is shown, which is fixed and connected to the base plate by a connecting support.

[0027] - Figures 14 to 16 A variant of the connection support with a centering device according to the present invention is shown.

[0028] - Figure 17 A cooking plate with connecting supports according to the invention is shown, the connecting supports being adapted to hold information or control modules. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A cooking utensil 1 is depicted. The cooking utensil 1 includes a cooking plate 10. The cooking plate 10 includes a base plate 11, which may in particular be a glass-ceramic plate. Viewed from above, the base plate 11 is rectangular in shape. Its shape may also be circular, trapezoidal, or square. The base plate 11 includes a flat outer surface (also referred to as a top surface 11') designed for horizontal placement and upon which a cooking utensil to be heated rests. The base plate 11 then includes an inner surface 11'' opposite the outer surface.

[0030] The base plate 11 includes at least one cooking zone 13, such as being able to... Figure 2 As seen in the image. The cooking zone 13 is a section of the base plate under which the heating element 15 is arranged. The heating element 15 is arranged opposite to the inner surface 11''. The heating element 15 is a radiant or halogen element, a gas burner, or an induction heating coil.

[0031] The base plate 11 also includes at least one control and / or information area 14. This control and / or information area 14 is where the operation of the cooking zone(s) can be controlled and / or where information about the operation of the cooking zone(s) can be displayed. However, it is possible to have separate control and information areas 14, or for each cooking zone to have one control and information area 14. Therefore, for two cooking zones 13, it is possible to have two control and information areas 14. The control and / or information module is located below each control and / or information area. The control and / or information area 14 is arranged in an opening in the base plate 11. This opening is designed to have a closed or open profile. A closed profile means that the opening is completely defined by the base plate, while a closed profile means that the opening is not completely defined by the base plate.

[0032] Therefore, it should be understood that assembling the cooking plate 10 with at least one heating element 15 and at least one control and / or information module allows for the acquisition of a cooking module.

[0033] According to several embodiments, the cooking plate 11 is adapted to be mounted flat on the structure 2, such as being able to Figure 3 What I saw in the video.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the cooking plate 10 has a single cooking function. In this first case, the cooking plate is directly arranged on the structure 2, which includes an upper opening closed by the cooking plate.

[0035] In the second case, the cooking board 10 is arranged on the structure 2 via a countertop. The countertop includes an opening that allows the cooking board to be secured to the countertop.

[0036] In the second embodiment, the cooking board 10 functions as a countertop. In this case, the cooking board 10 is placed directly on the structure 2 to close its opening. The difference here is that the cooking board used as a countertop has a larger surface area of ​​over one square meter.

[0037] If able to Figure 5 As seen in the image, the control and / or information area 14 is formed by a window 140, which is made of a different material than the base plate 11. The cooking plate 10 then comprises the base plate 11 and the window 140. It should be understood that the material of the window 140 can be glass-ceramic but undergo a different treatment than that used to form the base plate, or it can be a different material, such as PMMA or glass, which can be sodium calcium or borosilicate and can be tempered or cured. The window preferably has greater transparency and optical transmission than the base plate, as well as a blur index that makes the display / screen easy to read. The choice of the window material depends on its proximity to the cooking area. In fact, the closer the window is to the cooking area, the more likely it is to be exposed to the temperature of heated cooking utensils. The gap has a maximum width of 5 mm.

[0038] The window 140 has a shape similar to that of the through hole or opening 111 made in the base plate 11, such as being able to Figure 4 As seen in the image, the opening 111 in the base plate 11 is substantially larger than the window. This dimensional difference allows for a gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11, thereby allowing the fitting of a connector 16, made of a composite material, between the base plate 11 and the window 140.

[0039] The edges of the window and the opening 111 in the base plate 11 can be straight / flat or rounded, chamfered or beveled.

[0040] According to the present invention, the window 140 is fixed to the base plate 11 by means of a fastening system 18, such that... Figure 6As seen in the image. The fastening system 18 is arranged below the cooking plate 10, making it at least partially invisible to the user. The fastening system 18 includes at least one connecting support 180. The connecting support 180 is a portion extending on either side of the gap 112, i.e., the connecting support 180 is arranged below the base plate 11 and below the window 140. For example, the connecting support 180 is in the form of a flat section or has a U-shaped cross-section, such as being able to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As seen in the image. The connecting support 180 is made of a material such as metal or an alloy thereof, carbon, plastic or polymer, or any other possible material. The chosen material is preferably resistant to the highest temperatures reached on the underside of the glass-ceramic, for example, when the heated empty pot is moved (for 4 mm thick glass-ceramic, the material must withstand a maximum value of 100°C) or, for example, during continuous heating. The connecting support 180 is then used to secure the window to the base plate 11, mechanically fastening it in place.

[0041] Therefore, it should be understood that the materials for the connecting support, the base plate, and the window were chosen to compensate for the differences in their coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0042] The connecting support 180 then includes at least two fastening areas 181. These fastening areas 181 are whereby the connecting support 180 is secured to the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting support 180 is secured using an adhesive C that allows bonding. In the case of a connecting support 180 in the form of a U-shaped profile, the fastening points are arranged on two parallel legs. The adhesive C ensures a sealed assembly.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the fastening system 18 includes a connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is then unique and thus extends along the gap between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting support 180 is then annular or ring-shaped, as can be... Figure 8a and Figure 8b What I saw in the video.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the fastening system 18 includes at least two connecting supports 180.

[0045] In the first case, at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged to form as follows Figure 9 The equivalent of the ring-shaped component seen in the image. It should then be understood that, during installation, at least two connecting supports 180 are complementary to each other to extend along the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting supports 180 may be identical or not, and may be evenly spaced or not.

[0046] In the ability Figure 10 In the second scenario seen in the diagram, at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged such that, during installation, a portion of the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11 does not face one of the at least two connecting supports 180. The connecting supports 180 may be identical or not identical, and may be evenly spaced or not evenly spaced.

[0047] The cooking plate 10 further includes a connecting part 16, such as being able to Figures 11 to 13 As seen in the image. The connecting part 16 is arranged in the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The space for the connecting part is also defined at least partially by the connecting support 180. The presence of the connecting support 180, which ensures the mechanical strength of the window 140 relative to the base plate 11, makes it possible to use a material whose primary function is heat resistance for the connecting part 16.

[0048] On the one hand, the connector 16 allows the connecting bracket 180 to be at least partially hidden from the user's view, while providing user-side protection and an aesthetically pleasing finish. In effect, the connector limits dirt buildup and prevents food spills or stains from entering the space between the window and the base plate.

[0049] The construction with connecting support 180 and connecting part provides window 140 with high mechanical resistance to stresses applied by the user.

[0050] In one variant, the connecting support 180 includes, as shown below: Figures 14 to 16 The centering device 184 is shown. These centering devices consist of at least one stud 185. The stud extends from the connecting support. The stud 185 is made of the same material as the connecting support or is attached to the connecting support. The stud 185 has a circular, square, or rectangular cross-section. The stud 185 may also have a shape including at least one linear portion. This linear portion may extend the full height of the stud or may not extend the full height of the stud. For example, the stud has a square shape with a circular facet. In another example, the stud has a circular shape with a linear portion. In another example, the stud has a circular shape with a flat portion at a certain height. The stud may further have a symmetrical profile. The stud 185 is designed relative to the machining tolerances and forming profile of the glass. The stud 185 is point-shaped or extends over at least a portion of the length of the connecting support.

[0051] The stud 185 may or may not have a constant width. In the case of a non-constant width, the stud tapers at its end, for example, according to a conical shape. The advantage of this shape is that it frees up space between the stud and the base plate and / or between the stud and the window.

[0052] In addition, the stud can extend over the entire height of the gap 112, that is, it can be flush with or recessed from the surface of the window and the base plate.

[0053] If the stud has a conical shape and a height less than the gap (i.e., the thickness of the base plate), any dimensional error can be corrected by adjusting the vertical position of the fastening device 18. It should be understood that the thickness of the adhesive or connecting support (especially the legs of the U when the connecting support 180 has a U-shaped profile) can be adjusted.

[0054] Preferably, the fastening system 18 includes at least two centering devices 184. These at least two centering devices 184 are arranged on adjacent sides or offset at an angle. These two centering devices 184 allow the window 140 to wedge relative to the base plate 11, thus creating a gap 112 between the window and the base plate that is constant along its entire length, such that... Figure 16 What I saw in the video.

[0055] In the ability Figure 17 In another variation seen, the connecting support 180 includes a retaining device 186 for holding and securing the control and / or information module 17. This retaining function makes it possible to eliminate the need for specific devices for holding the control and / or information module. This retaining function is ensured by the specific shape of the connecting support. The connecting support includes at least one retaining hook 187. The retaining hook 187 extends toward the window parallel to the plane of the window. The retaining hook is arranged such that the control and / or information module is inserted between the hook and the supporting surface. The supporting surface may be the window or may be part of the connecting support. Using the window as the supporting surface brings the display as close as possible to the lower side of the window, thereby improving clarity and avoiding optical scattering.

[0056] Alternatively, the retaining device 187 includes a support tab that is drilled to allow a screw to pass through, thereby enabling the control and / or information module to be screwed onto the connecting support 180.

[0057] The installation of the window for manufacturing the cooking plate according to the invention can be performed in the following manner.

[0058] First, the method consists of: obtaining a base plate 11 and a window 140 and placing them on an assembly table. The base plate 11 and the window 140 are positioned such that the outer / top surface rests on the assembly table. The window 140 is arranged in an opening in the base plate. The window opening is pre-made.

[0059] Secondly, the method involves providing the at least one connecting support.

[0060] The window 140 is then aligned relative to the base plate 11. Therefore, this third step involves manipulating the window 140 to ensure that the gap 112 remains constant along its entire length. Positioning shims can be used to ensure this consistency.

[0061] The connecting support is then secured to the base plate 11 and the window 140. To do this, glue or double-sided adhesive is applied to the fastening area of ​​the at least one connecting support. Once the adhesive has been applied, the connecting support is positioned such that one fastening area contacts the base plate and another fastening area contacts the window.

[0062] Finally, the connector 16 is assembled into place. To achieve this, the base plate and window assembly are arranged such that the gap between the base plate 11 and the window 140 is visible. This allows the connector to be accessed and applied to said gap. The connecting support 180 and optionally the assembly table allow for defining a housing in which the connector is placed.

[0063] The connector 16 takes the form of a strip or tube that is unfolded and placed in the gap. Alternatively, the connector takes the form of a material that is injected or poured into the gap and solidifies therein.

[0064] In a variant of this method, the connecting support (multiple) members 180 include a centering device 185. In this case, the centering step is redundant. In practice, when the connecting support 180 is secured, the centering device 184, in the form of at least one stud 185, is inserted into the gap 112 between the window and the base plate. This insertion automatically moves the window to achieve a constant gap.

[0065] In a variation of this method, the connecting portion 16 is assembled without rotating the base plate 11 and window 140 assembly in an inverted position. For this purpose, the connecting support (multiple) members 180 include at least one opening through which an injection nozzle can be inserted. The injection nozzle injects material that has been cured or polymerized to form the connecting portion.

[0066] In one variation, window 140 includes an opaque layer on its top or bottom surface. This opaque layer is disposed around the perimeter of the window. This opaque layer allows the fastening system 18 located beneath the cooking plate 10 to be concealed. Therefore, the opaque layer has a defined width to achieve this concealing function of the fastening system. The opaque layer can be paint, enamel, or any other layer that achieves this function. The opaque layer is selected to be compatible with the adhesive C used to bond the connecting support 180. Therefore, it should be understood that the adhesive C must be able to perform its adhesive function. Preferably, the opaque layer is selected to enhance the adhesion of the adhesive relative to the exposed surfaces of the window.

[0067] In a variant of the method (where the connecting support includes retaining device 20), it is conceivable that a control and / or information module is placed during the method of securing the window to the base plate.

[0068] In another variation, multiple connecting supports can first be fixed to the window to form a window-multiple connecting support assembly. This assembly is then fixed to the base plate.

[0069] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, but is readily available in various variations and modifications, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0070] In fact, it is conceivable that the fastening system is arranged on the outer surface of the cooking plate 10 (also referred to as the top surface 11'). This advantageously allows the window 140 to be defined and protected from impacts from cooking utensils.

Claims

1. Cooking plate (10) for a stationary or mobile cooking appliance, comprising a base plate (11) having at least one cooking zone (13) and comprising at least one control and / or information zone (14) formed by a window (140) separated from the base plate by at least one joint (16) made of synthetic material, characterized in that, The window is fixed to the bottom plate by a fastening system (18).

2. Panel according to the preceding claim, wherein The fastening system comprises at least one connecting support (180) provided with at least two fastening zones (181), with at least one zone for fastening to the window and at least one zone for fastening to the bottom plate.

3. The panel of claim 2, wherein, The connecting support is a profile.

4. The panel according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The connecting support (180) extends over the entire length of the joint.

5. The plate according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the connecting support comprising centring means (184) for centring the window with respect to the bottom plate.

6. Panel according to the preceding claim, wherein The centring means comprise at least one stud (185).

7. Panel according to the preceding claim, wherein The at least one stud (185) is arranged with at least one linear portion.

8. The method of any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein, The at least one stud (185) is point-like.

9. The panel according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, The connecting support comprises holding means (186) for holding a control and / or information module to the connecting support.

10. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fastening system (180) is arranged below the cooking plate.

11. The panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The plate comprises an opening in which the window is arranged.

12. A cooking module comprising a plate according to any one of the preceding claims, the cooking module comprising at least one heating element arranged below a cooking zone of the cooking plate and at least one control and / or information module arranged below the window.

13. A method for manufacturing a cooking plate comprising a bottom plate (2) having at least one cooking zone (3, 3') and comprising at least one control and / or information zone (4), the control and / or information zone (4) being formed by a window (5) intended to be mounted in an opening in the bottom plate (2) and separated from the bottom plate by at least one joint (6) made of synthetic material, the window being fixed to the bottom plate by a fastening system, the fastening system comprising at least one connecting support provided with at least two fastening zones, with at least one zone for fastening to the window and at least one zone for fastening to the bottom plate, the method comprising the following steps: - obtaining the bottom plate and the window; - obtaining at least one connecting support; - placing the window in the opening of the bottom plate; - fastening the connecting support to the cooking plate so that at least one fastening zone is in contact with the window and at least one fastening zone is in contact with the bottom plate; - positioning the joint in the gap between the window and the bottom plate.

14. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein, The method further comprises a step of centring the window in the opening of the bottom plate.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The connecting support comprises centring means and the step of fastening the connecting support further allows centring the window with respect to the bottom plate.

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