Cooktop, arrangement of a cooktop in a worktop and method for arranging a cooktop in a worktop

Abstract

Hob (13) with: - Heating equipment (16), - a cooktop (15), - a control unit (24) for the heating devices (16) and an operating unit (20) for the control unit (24), - a cooktop housing (40), - an electronic housing (27) in which the control unit (24) and the operating device (20) are arranged, where: - the hob housing (40) is connected to the hob plate (15) and covers or conceals the heating elements (16) and the electronic housing (27) from below, - the electronic housing (27) has at least one access opening (28) as access for a connecting cable (50) to the control unit (24), wherein the connecting cable (50) is a power supply to the cooktop (13), wherein the access opening (28) can be closed with an access lock (30), - in the electronic housing (27) behind the access opening (28) and overlapping with it, an electrical connection device (35) is provided which is connected to the control unit (24) and / or which is arranged on a component carrier (25) of the control unit (24), - the connection device (35) has separate connection means (36) for each individual conductor (51) of the connection line (50), - the hob housing (40) has a hob housing opening (42) in front of and overlapping with the access opening (28) as access to the connection device (35), - the hob housing (40) has a through-hole (45, 46) for the connecting cable (50).

Description

Application area and state of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a cooktop, an arrangement of such a cooktop in a worktop, and a method for arranging such a cooktop in a worktop or for manufacturing such an arrangement.

[0002] The electrical connection of cooktops built into a worktop is generally carried out as follows. A sufficiently long connection cable is located beneath the worktop to supply power to the cooktop. This cable is typically connected to two or three phases of a three-phase main electrical supply. This depends on the maximum power consumption of the cooktop. A connection cable therefore usually has two or three individual conductors corresponding to the phases, which are the live conductors of the main electrical supply, as well as one conductor for the neutral conductor and one conductor for the protective earth (PE) connection. The connection cable with its individual conductors is routed to a junction box at the rear of the cooktop and electrically connected there, usually using a screw terminal on each individual conductor.Inside the cooktop, an electrical connection, usually in the form of an internal cable, runs from this connection box to a control unit at the front of the cooktop. This control unit supplies power to the cooktop's heating elements according to the user's settings or a control unit. Therefore, the cooktop must have its own internal connection, which adds to the cost of components and installation during manufacturing.

[0003] From DE 10 2013 106 849 A1, a cooktop is known in which an electrical connection is made via a connection cable on the underside. The cooktop comprises a cooktop surface and a cooktop housing located beneath it. In one embodiment, a connection housing is provided at a corner of the cooktop housing, essentially as an outward extension, through which the connection cable can be routed into the cooktop housing. Within the cooktop housing itself, individual conductors of the connection cable are connected to terminals in a connection area, which is designed as a separate housing. Both the housing attached to the corner and the connection area have their own specially designed covers. In another embodiment, the connection area is attached to the side.

[0004] From JP 2009-109 162 A, another cooktop is known that is built into a worktop. For the electrical connection, a connection cable is brought in from the outside, which is guided through an opening into a cooktop housing and then into an inner housing. However, it is evident here that access from the outside is very difficult. The actual electrical connection takes place outside the cooktop housing. Task and solution

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a cooktop, an arrangement and a method mentioned above, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and in particular it is possible to connect a cooktop in a practical and simple way or to produce an arrangement mentioned above in a worktop, wherein at the same time the manufacture or construction of the cooktop should be simple and the cooktop should be easy to manufacture.

[0006] This problem is solved by a cooktop with the features of claim 1, by an arrangement with the features of claim 14, and by a method with the features of claim 15. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims and are explained in more detail below. Some of the features are described only for the cooktop, only for the arrangement, or only for the method. However, they are intended to apply independently and autonomously to the cooktop, the arrangement, and the method. The wording of the claims is incorporated into the description by express reference.

[0007] The cooktop has heating elements, which can be of any type. Electric heating elements, i.e., those powered by electricity, are advantageous, rather than gas burners. However, since gas cooktops can also have electrically operated controls and / or operating devices, they also require an electrical connection, so the invention also extends to gas cooktops. The cooktop has a cooking surface on or under which the heating elements are arranged, advantageously made of conventional glass-ceramic. Furthermore, it has a control unit for the heating elements or for the cooktop and an operating device for the control unit or for the cooktop. The control unit and operating device are designed, particularly with regard to their functions, as is known in the prior art.The control system can include control electronics, advantageously implemented by a microcontroller, power control devices such as relays and circuit breakers or power semiconductors, and optionally a power supply or a switched-mode power supply. The operating device can include control elements such as mechanical switches and / or rotary controls, as well as touch switches or the like. A type of remote control can also be provided, as is known in the prior art.

[0008] The cooktop has a housing that covers or shields the cooktop, particularly from below. Furthermore, an electronics housing is provided, containing the controls and operating elements. This housing may be located on the underside of the cooktop.

[0009] According to the invention, the cooktop housing is connected to the cooktop surface, for example, by being screwed to it, thereby covering or concealing the heating elements and the electronics housing from below and thus from the outside. This also provides protection against contact with electrically conductive areas and against damage from the outside or from below. The electronics housing has at least one access opening that serves as access to or for a connection cable, wherein the connection cable is led, is intended to lead, or is led to the control unit when the cooktop is connected. The connection cable is the aforementioned power supply to the cooktop, at least to the control unit and the operating device, and advantageously also to the aforementioned heating elements. This access opening can be closed with an access cover, so that the covering or...The cover function of the cooktop housing can be restored, particularly in the area of ​​the electrically conductive parts of the connection device. An electrical connection device is provided in the electronics housing behind the access opening and also overlapping with this opening. The connecting cable is connected to this device in the manner described later. The connection device is part of the control unit or is connected to it, especially electrically. Advantageously, the connection device can be arranged on a component carrier of the control unit, particularly a printed circuit board. This allows the electrical power to be distributed directly from the connecting cable on the component carrier of the control unit, and in particular, via the aforementioned power control device, to the heating elements according to the control unit's specifications.The connection device has separate connection elements for each individual conductor of the connecting cable, i.e., at least three connection elements, advantageously four or five. These connection elements can be designed in the usual manner as terminal blocks or screw connections, or possibly as plug connectors. The cooktop housing has a cooktop opening in front of and overlapping with the aforementioned access opening. This cooktop housing opening serves as access to the connection device, specifically through the access opening, and in particular as manual access. The electrical connection of the connecting cable to the connection device, and thus to the control unit, can therefore be made through the cooktop housing opening.

[0010] Finally, the cooktop housing has a feed-through opening for the connection cable, through which it can be fed into the cooktop housing to be connected to the connection device. It can be advantageous for the feed-through opening and the cooktop housing opening to be one and the same, or to coincide with a single common opening. This reduces manufacturing costs. However, it is also possible to provide a separate feed-through opening from the cooktop housing opening, i.e., two openings in the cooktop housing.

[0011] Advantageously, a cooktop housing closure can be provided for the cooktop housing opening, which can, for example, be designed in the form of a flap. Such a closure flap can, for example, be hinged and captive attached to the cooktop housing. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that either only one access closure is provided for the access opening in the electronics housing or only one closure flap is provided for the cooktop housing opening, since it is sufficient if access to the connection device is closed or secured only once. Preferably, however, both openings are closed separately.

[0012] The invention thus makes it possible to eliminate the need for a separate connection cable or connection from the control unit to a connection device located at the rear of the cooktop. The connection cable, which is typically long enough, usually extends to the connection device for an electrical connection.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooktop housing can be essentially closed. This applies particularly to the state of the cooktop housing after electrical connection to the control unit, thus ensuring the aforementioned touch safety with regard to electrically conductive or potentially live parts. In its basic state, the cooktop housing can be closed except for the cooktop housing opening, the feed-through opening, and ventilation openings, etc., which are typically provided to supply the functional units within the cooktop housing with cooling air. Advantageously, such ventilation openings are designed to be so small that they are not passable for objects with a cross-section larger than 5 mm x 5 mm. For example, the ventilation openings can be designed as narrow ventilation slots, ventilation grilles, or similar features, as is known in the prior art.The aforementioned closure options are provided for the hob housing opening and, if applicable, the feed-through opening.

[0014] An opening in the cooktop housing should ideally be at least 3 cm x 3 cm, allowing easy access with tools such as narrow pliers and a screwdriver or similar tool. An opening of at least 5 cm x 5 cm, and especially up to 10 cm x 10 cm, is particularly advantageous, as it allows an installer to reach through with their fingers or even their whole hand when connecting the cooktop.

[0015] A locking flap can serve as a closure for the cooktop housing; this flap is advantageously hinged and captive. A standard hinge can be used for this purpose, or alternatively, a type of foil hinge can be used for a plastic cooktop housing.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cooktop housing can be provided with retaining means on its underside for attaching the connecting cable, advantageously at least where it runs along the underside of the cooktop or cooktop housing up to the cooktop housing opening or the feed-through opening. This ensures the connecting cable is securely guided and prevents it from dangling or sagging into, for example, drawers located below, where there is a risk of damage or snagging. Such retaining means are advantageously designed to be manually lockable without tools, allowing the connecting cable to be attached quickly and easily. It is also advantageous to provide that the retaining means can only be opened or the connecting cable detached using a tool.This makes it more difficult or even impossible for the connecting cable to accidentally come loose, thus ensuring the safety of its installation. Such retaining devices can be particularly advantageous in the form of clips or clamps; in particular, they are screwless, as this would add considerable effort to the installation of the cooktop.

[0017] Preferably, retaining elements are provided such that the connecting cable extends from a front area of ​​the cooktop housing near the feed-through opening or the cooktop housing opening, where it is intended to terminate, to a rear area of ​​the cooktop opposite this front area, where the connecting cable typically originates or, if applicable, runs within a wall. Preferably, several retaining elements are provided here, for example, at least every 10 cm or every 20 cm. This ensures secure routing of the connecting cable.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the electronics housing can be arranged in the aforementioned front area of ​​the cooktop. The control unit is also typically located here, as the controls should be easily accessible to the operator, which is ensured in this front area. Therefore, it makes sense to arrange the entire control unit here, and advantageously, together with the control system, in the electronics housing. Consequently, the connecting cable must also extend to this point. This front area of ​​the cooktop is precisely the area where the operator of the cooktop is located or closest to it. This also applies to the installation of a cooktop in a so-called freestanding kitchen island or a freestanding kitchen unit, in whose upper surface the cooktop is inserted or recessed as a worktop.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electronics housing can be attached to the cooktop surface or, alternatively, to the cooktop housing. It is particularly advantageous for the electronics housing to be pressed against the underside of the cooktop surface. In particular, it is pressed against the surface in such a way that no dust or other contaminants can penetrate. Accordingly, a cover flap for the access opening to the electronics housing should also be able to be closed to prevent negative effects of contaminants in the electronics housing on the control or operating device. Since the operating device typically also includes illuminated indicators, contaminants from above the translucent cooktop surface can be visible, which is considered a disadvantage.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connection device or each connection element of the connection device for a single conductor is assigned a fastening for the connecting cable or the single conductor as strain relief. Advantageously, such strain relief is provided for the connecting cable as a whole, so that tensile forces can also be absorbed by a sheath of the connecting cable.

[0021] An electronic access cover can be advantageously provided as the aforementioned access closure. This cover can preferably close the access opening of the electronic housing completely. Such an electronic access cover can be hinged and permanently attached to the electronic housing; for example, if manufactured from plastic or by injection molding, it can be molded in place together with a film hinge. Since such an electronic access cover, similar to the aforementioned cover for the cooktop housing opening, is not operated or opened and closed very frequently, the hinge does not need to be designed for many cycles. Furthermore, it can be assumed that a professional installing and electrically connecting the cooktop in the worktop will proceed carefully and professionally.The electronics cover flap can be secured by a clamping connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. This ensures that the access opening of the electronics housing is securely closed.

[0022] The opening for the cooktop housing can be advantageously larger than the access opening in the electronics housing. It can be 10% to 100% larger. It is advantageous for it to be slightly larger on all sides than the access opening, so that the access opening is easily reachable and accessible through the cooktop housing opening.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooktop housing opening is provided in a base surface of the cooktop housing, which runs essentially parallel to the cooktop surface. Advantageously, the entire cooktop housing opening is provided in this base surface, which can also apply to a through-hole if it is provided separately from the cooktop housing opening, as explained above. Since the electronics housing is advantageously located in a front area of ​​the cooktop, the cooktop housing opening is preferably also provided there. Thus, the distance between the cooktop housing opening and a front edge of the cooktop housing can be less than 20 cm, advantageously less than 10 cm. Similarly, the distance between the access opening in the electronics housing and the front edge of the cooktop housing can be less than 20 cm, particularly less than 10 cm.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the access opening to the electronics housing is provided near a side region of the electronics housing. This opening is advantageously located near a side edge between the bottom surface of the electronics housing, which is preferably parallel to the cooktop surface or the bottom surface of the cooktop housing, and a lateral side of the electronics housing. Thus, the access opening should primarily be located in a bottom surface of the electronics housing. However, since a connecting cable with its individual conductors is advantageously routed into the electronics housing and to the connection device from the side, the access opening should also be located near a lateral side.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electronics housing may, in addition to the access opening and separately from it, possibly even merging into it, have a connection opening through which the connecting cable or its individual conductors are guided for connection to the connection device. Such a connection opening is advantageously provided on one of the aforementioned lateral sides of the electronics housing, while the access opening, as mentioned above, may be provided on a base surface facing the cooktop housing. If the distance between the connection opening and the access opening is less than 5 cm, or if the two are relatively close to each other, it is easy to insert the connecting cable through the connection opening, so that the opening only needs to be slightly larger than the connecting cable itself. Sealing rubber grommets or other flexible closures may also be provided here.The individual conductors can then be connected to the connection device or the individual connection means through the access opening.

[0026] To prepare for the installation of a cooktop as described above in a worktop, the connection cable is provided, or already provided, with sufficient length in the area where the worktop has a corresponding cutout and where the cooktop is to be mounted. Depending on what is to be installed under the cooktop in or beneath the worktop, the connection cable can run directly from a wall connection, or alternatively from the floor, to the point where it enters the cooktop, or via a more circuitous route.

[0027] To arrange the cooktop in the worktop, or to create such an arrangement, particularly for the electrical connection of the cooktop, the connection cable is brought to the cooktop with its free end. The cooktop is usually not yet installed in the worktop, but advantageously placed upside down, i.e., with the top of the cooktop surface facing down, on the worktop. The opening for the cooktop housing should be positioned as close as possible to where it will later be located, i.e., where the connection cable will lead. The connection cable is then fed through the opening into the cooktop housing, or alternatively through the opening in the cooktop housing itself if such an opening is not present or if it coincides with the opening. Then the connection cable...The individual conductors of the connecting cable are guided into the electronics housing, advantageously after the access opening in the housing has been opened. Then, an electrical connection for each individual conductor of the connecting cable is made through the access opening using a separate connection device provided for this purpose. This establishes the electrical connection of the cooktop to the connecting cable itself, with this connection device advantageously being directly connected to the control unit or arranged on a circuit board or component carrier of the control unit. Thus, no separate connecting cable or similar component needs to be provided within the cooktop, and the cooktop's design can be simplified.

[0028] After connecting the individual conductors of the connecting cable to the connection device, the access opening in the electronics housing can be closed using the aforementioned access cover. This is done through the cooktop housing opening, which remains open throughout the entire connection process and also while closing the access opening. Only then is the cooktop housing opening closed; a cover flap is advantageously provided for this purpose.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible to then secure the connection cable to the underside of the cooktop housing using the previously described fixings. For example, the connection cable can be routed along the underside of the cooktop housing to a rear section of the cooktop, advantageously secured, and only from this point can it run freely back to its point of origin, or in such a way that it can run largely straight there. This way, the connection cable is not obtrusive and there is no risk of it being damaged.

[0030] These and other features are evident not only from the claims but also from the description and the drawings, whereby the individual features, either alone or in combination, may be implemented in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and may represent advantageous and individually protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings does not limit the general validity of the statements made therein. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a top view of an arrangement of a cooktop according to the invention in a worktop, Fig. 2 a view of the arrangement from Fig. 1 from the front, Fig. 3 a view of the arrangement Fig. 1 from below showing the course of the connecting cable, Fig. 4 an enlarged view similar Fig. 2 with accessible connection of the connecting cable, Fig. 5. An enlargement of the bottom view similar to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 the representation of the Fig. 5 with open access similar Fig. 4. Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0032] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement 11 according to the invention of a cooktop 13 in a worktop 10. The worktop 10 abuts a wall 8, so that the side of the cooktop 13 facing the wall 8 is its back and the opposite side is its front. Alternatively, the worktop 10 could also be arranged away from a wall 8, for example in a freestanding kitchen unit. In that case, the same side of the cooktop 13 would still be its back and the opposite side its front.

[0033] The cooktop 13 is arranged or recessed in a recess (not shown) in the worktop 10, as is known per se. This can also apply to a cooktop plate 15 of the cooktop; alternatively, it can also rest on the top surface of the worktop 10.

[0034] Cooking zone 13 of the Fig. 1 has a front area 18 in which an operating device 20 with operating elements 21, advantageously touch switches, and a display device 22 are arranged. Together with a later in Fig. In the control unit 24 shown in Figure 4, these functional units are arranged in an electronics housing 27 shown in dashed lines. This electronics housing 27 is, as shown in Figure 4, a control unit 24. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the connection point being placed or pressed against the underside of the cooktop plate 15. An elastic seal may also be provided here to prevent the ingress of dust and dirt. A connecting cable 50 is provided, extending from or into the wall 8 and reaching the front area 18 or the electronics housing 27. This is the main inventive aspect: the permanently provided connecting cable 50 extends directly from the wall 8 or from the floor into the front area 18 and to the electronics housing 27.

[0035] In the prior art, the connecting cable 50 is electrically connected to a junction box in the aforementioned rear area of ​​the cooktop 13, which faces the wall 8. An electrical connection to the electronic housing 27 then runs, as explained at the beginning, inside the cooktop 13.

[0036] The cooktop 13 has six heating elements 16a to 16d below the cooktop plate 15, which are arranged in a distributed manner. Their number and distribution can also be different. They can be induction heaters, radiant heaters, or gas burners. If they are electrically operated heating elements, the connecting cable 50 primarily carries the power for their operation. In this respect, the connecting cable 50, as the enlargement of the Fig. Figure 6 shows the cooktop equipped with four individual conductors 51a to 51d. These are two live conductors 51a and 51b, a neutral conductor 51c, and a protective conductor 51d. Thus, at a standard German voltage of 230 V, the cooktop 13 has a power output of slightly over 7 kW available between live conductors 51a, 51b, and neutral conductor 51c.

[0037] As seen especially from the front view of the Fig. 2 and the underside view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the cooktop 13 is covered and thus largely sealed by a cooktop housing 40. This cooktop housing 40 is in Fig. The cooktop housing 40, shown with a dashed line, extends to within approximately 2 to 4 cm of an outer edge of the cooktop surface 15. Furthermore, it is slightly deeper than the electronics housing 27, shown with a dashed line, for example, by 1 to 3 cm, so that the latter can be securely recessed within it. This is possible, but not mandatory; a flush finish or direct contact with the cooktop is also possible. The cooktop housing 40 can be permanently attached to the cooktop surface 15, for example, by being screwed to rails that are glued to the underside of the cooktop surface 15. Similarly, the electronics housing 27 can be attached separately to the underside of the cooktop surface 15. However, it is advantageous for the cooktop housing 40 to press it into place.

[0038] From the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the connecting cable 50 runs along the underside of the cooktop housing 40, and is advantageously held by the aforementioned clips 53. Clamps, screw clips, or similar devices could also be used. The underside view of the Fig. Figure 3 clearly shows that four such clips 53 are provided to ensure that the connecting cable 50 is attached straight, neatly, and, most importantly, without sagging. The downward projection of the connecting cable 50, including the clips 53, can be, for example, a maximum of 2 cm or a maximum of 3 cm. This allows the space below the cooktop 13 to be used, for example, for an oven, or alternatively for drawers or the like.

[0039] From the Fig. Figure 3 shows that a cooktop housing opening 42 is provided in the front area 18 of the cooktop 13, or under the left area of ​​the electronics housing 27. This opening can be approximately rectangular in shape. It can be closed with a cover flap 44, which is hinged in the right area and is shown here in the Fig. 3 folded or closed, as is also the case with the enlargement of the Fig. Figure 5 shows that the size of the cooktop housing opening 42, and thus also of the cover flap 44, can be between 5 cm x 5 cm and 15 cm x 15 cm. The cover flap 44 has a recess 45 on its left edge, serving as a feed-through opening through which the connecting cable 50 can be routed into the cooktop housing 40.

[0040] An access opening 28, shown here as a dashed line, is provided in the electronics housing 27, covered by or flush with, or surrounded by, the cooktop housing opening 42, although somewhat smaller. Similar to the cooktop housing opening 42, it can be closed by means of an electronics cover flap 30, which can also be hinged to the electronics housing 27. The connecting cable 50 or its individual conductors 51 can then be led into the electronics housing 27 either through a kind of recess in the electronics cover flap 30.

[0041] Alternatively and advantageously, a further opening is provided in the side of the electronics housing 27 to allow the connecting cable 50 to be inserted, so that the access opening 28 can be easily sealed and remains fully available for making the electrical connection of the connecting cable 50. The connecting cable 50 itself does not reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the access opening 28.

[0042] From the bottom view of the Fig. In the right-hand area, ventilation openings 48 in the form of ventilation slots can also be seen, which of course remain open. They are advantageous but relatively narrow, for example 2 mm to 4 mm, and a few centimeters long.

[0043] The enlarged side view of the Fig. Figure 4 shows that a component carrier 25, advantageously a printed circuit board, is provided in the electronics housing 27. There can also be several component carriers. On the right side of the component carrier 25, the display device 22 and the control unit 24 are provided, with the display device 22 being pressed against the underside of the cooktop plate 15. The operating device 20, not shown here, including the control elements 21, can be pressed against the underside in a similar manner. The control unit 24 is advantageously a microcontroller.

[0044] Circuit breakers 23, which can be controlled by the controller 24, are also arranged on the component carrier 25. The circuit breakers 23 can, for example, be relays that supply power to radiant heating devices (heating devices 16) in a known pulsed operation by being directly connected to or disconnected from the connecting line 50. With multiple component carriers, the circuit breakers can also be arranged on a different component carrier than the display device 22 and the controller 24.

[0045] Links in the Fig. Figure 4 shows a connection device 35 on the underside of the component carrier 25. The individual conductors 51 of the connecting cable 50 run into this device from the left, which in connection with the Fig. Section 6 will be explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 4 clearly shows how the connecting cable 50 is fed into the electronics housing 27 from the side, albeit in the lower area, through a corresponding opening. This is done with the exposed individual conductors 51 leading the way. The connecting cable 50 is held in a cable clamp 32, which can largely seal the opening for the connecting cable 50. Furthermore, it can be screwed or clamped to provide strain relief for the connecting cable 50, which is thus effectively attached to the electronics housing 27. Alternatively, it can even be clamped or attached to the cooktop housing 40, for example, by at least one specially designed clip 53.

[0046] The screwdriver 38 shown illustrates how, after inserting the individual conductors 51 and the connecting cable 50 into the electronics housing 27, the individual conductors 51 can be guided to the connection device 35 as intended. This can be done through the access opening 28, if necessary with the help of the screwdriver, so that it is not a problem if the connecting cable 50 is inserted into the electronics housing 27 from the side. This is easily and conveniently possible due to the much larger opening 42 in the cooktop housing.

[0047] The enlarged view of the Fig. Figure 5 shows how the access opening 28, including the electronic cover flap 30 of the electronic housing 27, is located approximately in the center of the cooktop housing opening 42 and its cover flap 44. Thus, it is easy to imagine, in conjunction with the previously described Fig. 4. It has been shown that the insertion and electrical connection of the connecting cable 50 is easily possible through the larger hob housing opening 42.

[0048] In the Fig. Figure 5 also shows an alternative to the recess 45 in the locking flap 44, namely an opening marked with a dot to the left of it, essentially in the surface of the underside of the cooktop housing 40. Here, too, it is clearly visible that the connecting cable 50, after being inserted through this feed-through opening 46, can be easily grasped from the right by hand reaching through the open cooktop housing opening 42. Similar to the previous example. Fig. As explained in section 4, a cable clamp could also be provided at this feedthrough opening 46.

[0049] The presentation of Fig. 6 essentially shows the view from Fig. 5 with open locking flap 44 and open electronic locking flap 30. The connection device 35 with the connection means 36a to 36d for the individual conductors 51a to 51d of the connecting cable 50 can be fully viewed and is easily accessible. This allows the individual conductors 51 to be inserted precisely into the appropriate connection means 36. There, they can be screwed in place using the screwdriver 38 as a screw clamp, as is known from the prior art. The individual connection means 36a to 36d are connected to the conductor tracks 26a to 26d, which lead to the Fig. 4 components or assemblies shown and explained.

[0050] What matters is what comes out of the Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 6, the side of the electronics housing 27 through which the connecting cable 50 is routed to the connection device 35 is freely accessible, i.e., it runs in the projection of the cooktop housing opening 42. This allows the connecting cable 50 to be routed into the electronics housing 27 very safely and conveniently.

[0051] From a comparison of Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 6 also clearly shows that the electronics housing 27 can be properly sealed again after the electrical connection has been made. The access opening 28 can be securely and tightly closed by the electronics cover 30. It can either be snapped into place or screwed on. The cover 44 is then closed, advantageously also by means of a snap closure or similar mechanism, or by means of a screw. This completes the electrical connection.

[0052] To make the electrical connection described above, access can be maintained from below with the cooktop 13 already installed in the worktop 10, allowing work to be carried out through this opening. Alternatively, and usually preferred, the cooktop 13 can be placed upside down, with the cooktop surface 15 facing downwards, on the worktop 10. This also positions the front section 18 close to the wall 8 and thus close to the origin of the connection cable 50. In this position, work can be easily carried out from above, and the electrical connection can be made. Alternatively, the cooktop 13 can be turned upside down, but positioned with the rear section facing the wall 8. In this case, the required length of the connection cable 50 is approximately the same as in the installed position.

Claims

[1] Hob (13) with: - Heating equipment (16), - a cooktop (15), - a control unit (24) for the heating devices (16) and an operating unit (20) for the control unit (24), - a cooktop housing (40), - an electronic housing (27) in which the control unit (24) and the operating device (20) are arranged, where: - the hob housing (40) is connected to the hob plate (15) and covers or conceals the heating elements (16) and the electronic housing (27) from below, - the electronic housing (27) has at least one access opening (28) as access for a connecting cable (50) to the control unit (24), wherein the connecting cable (50) is a power supply to the cooktop (13), wherein the access opening (28) can be closed with an access lock (30), - in the electronic housing (27) behind the access opening (28) and overlapping with it, an electrical connection device (35) is provided which is connected to the control unit (24) and / or which is arranged on a component carrier (25) of the control unit (24), - the connection device (35) has separate connection means (36) for each individual conductor (51) of the connection line (50), - the hob housing (40) has a hob housing opening (42) in front of and overlapping with the access opening (28) as access to the connection device (35), - the hob housing (40) has a through-hole (45, 46) for the connecting cable (50). [2] Cooking surface (13) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the hob housing (40) is substantially closed except for the hob housing opening (42), the through-hole (45, 46) and ventilation openings (48), wherein the ventilation openings (48) are narrow and / or not pass-through for objects with a cross-section larger than 5 mm x 5 mm. [3] Cooking surface (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the hob housing opening (42) is closable. [4] Cooking surface (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the hob housing (40) has retaining means (53) on the underside for attaching the connecting cable (50). [5] Cooking surface (13) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the retaining means (53) for the connecting cable (50) are provided from a front area (18) of the hob housing (40) near the feedthrough opening (45, 46) to a rear area of ​​the hob (13) opposite the front area (18) of the hob (13). [6] Cooking surface (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electronic housing (27) is located in a front area (18) of the cooktop (13) which, when the cooktop (13) is located in a worktop (10), faces an operator for a primarily intended operation and / or faces away from a room wall (8) on which the worktop (10) is located. [7] Cooking hob (13) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic housing (27) is attached to the underside of the hob plate (15) or is attached to the hob housing (40). [8] Cooking hob (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a fastening (32) for the connecting cable (50) is assigned to the connecting device (35) or each connecting means (36) as strain relief. [9] Cooking hob (13) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the access opening (28) of the electronic housing (27) can be closed by means of a hinged and captive electronic closure flap as an access closure (30), wherein the electronic closure flap keeps the access opening (28) of the electronic housing (27) closed in the closed state by means of a clamping connection or by means of a snap connection. [10] Cooking hob (13) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hob housing opening (42) is at least as large as the access opening (28). [11] Cooking hob (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the hob housing opening (42), and also the through-hole (45, 46), which is separate from the hob housing opening (42), are provided in a base surface of the hob housing (40) which runs parallel to the hob plate (15). [12] Cooking hob (13) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the access opening (28) to the electronic housing (27) is provided near a side area of ​​the electronic housing (27), and is provided near a side edge between the bottom surface of the electronic housing (27), which is parallel to the hob plate (15), and a lateral side. [13] Cooking hob (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electronic housing (27) has a connection opening for passing the connection cable (50) or its individual conductors (51) to the connection device (35), wherein the connection opening is separate from the access opening (28). [14] Arrangement (11) of a hob (13) according to one of the preceding claims in a worktop (10), wherein the arrangement (11) has a connecting line (50) below the worktop (10) which passes through the through-hole (45, 46) into the hob housing (40). [15] Method for arranging a cooktop (13) according to one of claims 1 to 13 in a worktop (10), comprising the steps: - Leading a connecting cable (50) to the hob (13) with its free end into an area below a receiving opening in a worktop (10) for the hob (13), - Guide the connecting cable (50) through the feedthrough opening (45, 46) in the hob housing (40), - Guiding the connecting cable (50) into the electronic housing (27) and making an electrical connection of each individual cable (51) of the connecting cable (50) with a separate connecting means (36) provided for this purpose through the access opening (28) and through the hob housing opening (42) which is covered by it. [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by, that after connecting all individual conductors (51) of the connecting cable (50) the access opening (28) in the electronic housing (27) is closed by means of an access closure (30), whereby this is done through the hob housing opening (42), wherein the hob housing opening (42) is then closed by means of a closing flap (44). [17] Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by , that the connecting cable (50) is attached to the underside of the hob housing (40) by means of retaining means (53) according to claim 4 or 5 and then the hob (13) is arranged and attached in the receiving opening in the worktop (10).

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