WORKTOP AND A WORKTABLE COMPRISING A WORKTOP

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a work table comprising a worktop.

[0002] The worktops in question here, comprising a worktop with a cover made of glass and / or glass ceramic, can be used for a wide variety of applications. Among other things, such worktops are used as kitchen surfaces due to their particularly attractive appearance and ease of handling and cleaning. Furthermore, these materials offer the advantage of high permeability to thermal radiation, as well as an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion and low thermal conductivity.

[0003] To ensure optimal functionality, such workbenches often feature various functional elements beneath the worktop. These include, in particular, heating elements for creating a cooktop, lamps that serve as indicator lights, and touch or IR sensors for controlling the cooktop.

[0004] To ensure the optimal performance of the functional elements, especially the heating system, the cover plate must be as thin as possible. For example, the boiling time for 2 liters of water (H2O) using an induction heating element is 5.53 minutes with a 6 mm thick glass ceramic plate, but only 5.03 minutes with a 3 mm thick glass ceramic plate. The above time specifications are based on the so-called 100 system, in which the decimal place is given in the decimal system, so that 5.5 minutes, for example, corresponds to 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

[0005] A certain cover plate thickness should also not be exceeded for other functional elements such as lighting, touch sensors, etc. In particular, for a capacitive sensor (touch sensor), where the capacitance C is measured between the active electrode and the electrical ground potential, the capacitance depends on the cover plate thickness.

[0006] Such a thin design of the cover plate or worktop is counteracted by the fact that it must have sufficient mechanical stability.

[0007] In particular, it must be ensured that the worktop deflects as little as possible when a weight is applied to its surface in order to avoid damaging the functional elements, which are usually located just a few millimeters below the worktop. For example, in practice it should be guaranteed that the functional elements are not damaged due to deflection if an average person stands on the worktop, especially when cleaning other kitchen elements. For example, a 4 mm thick glass ceramic worktop with a length of 3.2 m and a width of 0.685 m will deflect by 5 mm if a load of 100 kg is exerted over an elliptical load area of ​​7,540 mm² (this corresponds roughly to the area of ​​an average sole of a foot).If such a cover plate has a thickness of 4 mm, a length of 1.48 m, and a width of 1.48 m, a deflection of 24 mm will occur if a load of 100 kg is applied over an elliptical loading area of ​​7,540 mm². Excessive deflection of the cover plate can also lead to its fracture.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a risk that the cover plate will break if it hits the functional elements underneath due to a sudden mechanical load on its surface.

[0009] Due to this necessary mechanical stability, the geometry and area of ​​the cover plate are subject to extremely tight limits, taking into account the maximum thickness of the cover plate.

[0010] Document EP 2 827 064 A1 describes a cooking appliance with a cooking surface made of glass or glass ceramic. At least one heating element and at least one lighting element are arranged beneath the cooking surface. The heating element and the lighting element are arranged on a common support section and are pressed against the underside of the cooking surface by one or more spring elements. The construction is designed such that, when the cooking surface bends, the heating element and the lighting element are deflected together with it. This reduces the risk of the cooking surface breaking due to impact against the functional elements and thus also protects the functional elements from damage.

[0011] The design described in document EP 2 827 064 A1 prevents the cover plate from colliding with functional elements located underneath when it deflects, which could potentially damage the cover plate and / or the functional elements. However, mechanical stability as such, i.e., reducing the deflection of the cover plate under weight loading, is not improved by this design.

[0012] Furthermore, the document DE 20 2015 006 354 U1 shows a work table comprising a monolithic plate made of a glass ceramic substrate and a heating element for forming a cooking surface. It is further proposed that the plate be smooth on its upper side and provided with teeth on the underside to increase the mechanical strength. The plate can have a thickness of 4 mm and an area of ​​2.2 m². Due to the special properties of glass ceramic, such as impact brittleness, the production of the teeth on the underside of the plate is only possible with considerable effort, especially when a cover plate with such a large area has to be machined. This means that the cover plate and thus the entire work table is expensive to manufacture.

[0013] A furniture board is already known from DE 10 2004 063 301 A1. The furniture board consists of a carrier, a cover layer, and an intermediate layer arranged between the carrier and the cover layer.

[0014] The document DE 39 25 665 A1 discloses a furniture panel made of a silicone glass which is bonded via an adhesive layer to a carrier panel comprising a decorative paper.

[0015] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a workbench in such a way that increased mechanical stability can be achieved with simple construction means and thus cost-effectively, even with cover plates with large surfaces. A further object is to provide an alternative workbench.

[0016] The above objects are achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0017] It has been recognized that the mechanical stability of a cover plate made of glass and / or glass ceramic can be increased in a particularly simple manner by arranging at least one stiffening element on the underside of the cover plate that is independent of the cover plate. It is therefore not necessary to machine the cover plate itself in order to achieve increased mechanical stability. Instead, the at least one stiffening element can be produced as a separate component and arranged on the cover plate. The stiffening element does not necessarily have to be directly connected to the cover plate; rather, at least one intermediate element can be arranged between the cover plate and the at least one stiffening element. It is essential that the stiffening element interacts with the cover plate in such a way that the mechanical stability is sufficiently increased.The cover plate can have virtually any geometry, surface area, and thickness for the worktop in question, as the stiffening element can be adapted accordingly, thus providing the required mechanical stability. In particular, the thickness of the cover plate can be selected to be so small that optimal operation of functional elements arranged beneath the cover plate is possible.

[0018] Advantageously, the cover plate can have a thickness of less than 10 mm, for example less than 8 mm, in particular less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm. Particularly with a thickness of less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, particularly effective operation of a hob can be achieved, which can be realized by a heating element arranged beneath the cover plate.

[0019] According to the invention, the cover plate has an area greater than 0.5 m 2< , preferably greater than 0.7 m 2< .

[0020] Correspondingly large worktops, especially those with an area larger than 0.7 m², exhibit a particularly appealing aesthetic and offer the possibility of arranging a variety of functional elements beneath the worktop. This allows the worktop to be used as part of a multifunctional piece of furniture, such as a kitchen table or cooking appliance.

[0021] It is further conceivable for the stiffening element to be matched to the thickness and total area of ​​the cover plate in such a way that the maximum deflection of the cover plate under a load of 100 kg on a preferably elliptical load surface of 7,000 mm 2 to 8,000 mm 2 , preferably of 7,450 mm 2 to 7,550 mm 2 , is a maximum of 4.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 4.0 mm. The elliptical load surface can have a first semi-axis rx of 40 mm and a second semi-axis ry of 60 mm and can preferably be positioned centrally on the cover plate. The at least one functional element arranged below the cover plate according to the invention can be arranged extremely close to the cover plate, so that with a suitably matched stiffening element it is ensured that the cover plate does not strike the functional elements under normal loads.Furthermore, the spatial proximity of the functional element to the cover plate enables effective operation of the functional element.

[0022] It should be noted that the stiffening element(s) can have any geometry and can cover any area of ​​the underside of the cover plate. It is essential that the stiffening element(s) support the cover plate in such a way that a sufficiently stable construction is created. Depending on whether the cover plate is triangular, square, rectangular, etc., the design of the stiffening element(s) will differ or be adapted accordingly. A stiffening element that is particularly easy to manufacture is, for example, cuboid-shaped and is arranged on the underside of the cover plate in such a way that the required mechanical stability is provided. Depending on the dimensions of the cover plate, several stiffening elements, in particular cuboid-shaped ones, can be arranged.Differently designed stiffening elements can also be arranged in different areas of the cover plate. If a large number of stiffening elements are arranged and all of the same design, particularly cost-effective production is possible.

[0023] In a further advantageous manner, the stiffening element can be made of a rigid and / or temperature-stable material. In a further advantageous manner, the rigid material can have a modulus of elasticity E of 1 kN / mm 2 < to 10 kN / mm 2 < and / or the melting point of the temperature-stable material can be above 80°C, in particular above 100°C. A rigid material has the advantage of significantly improving the mechanical stability of the entire structure, whereby a temperature-stable material can be used to create a stiffening element that can also be used, for example, in the area of ​​a heating element or hob.

[0024] Specifically, the stiffening element can be made of a thermoset and / or a metal and / or a glass and / or a stone and / or a composite material and / or a fabric and / or a ceramic and / or a wood. The stiffening element can further comprise a connecting layer arranged between the stiffening element and the cover plate, wherein the connecting layer is formed, for example, as an adhesive layer and / or a laminating film and / or is made of silicone.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention, the stiffening element is designed as a receptacle for at least one functional element. The stiffening element can thus serve as a support for a functional element, which significantly simplifies the entire construction. Alternatively or additionally, according to the invention, the stiffening element has a recess for a functional element. This makes it possible to arrange the functional element independently of the stiffening element.

[0026] In a further advantageous manner, the stiffening element can extend across the entire surface of the underside of the cover plate. If necessary, the stiffening element can have recesses or cutouts for any functional elements. A stiffening element extending across the entire surface of the underside of the cover plate enables particularly simple and cost-effective production of the worktop and ensures uniform stability across a large area.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one intermediate element can be arranged between the cover plate and the stiffening element. The intermediate element can serve, for example, to protect and / or shield the cover plate from a device arranged underneath, in particular an oven or a dishwasher. If the intermediate element is made of an at least slightly flexible material, it can cushion movements of the cover plate. The intermediate element can be made of a metal, in particular (stainless) steel or aluminum, or of wood or fabric.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the stiffening element is adhesively bonded to the cover plate. This enables precise positioning between the cover plate and the stiffening element. Furthermore, an adhesion promoter arranged between the cover plate and the stiffening element can serve as a dampening agent, so that an impact on the upper side of the cover plate is cushioned by the adhesion promoter layer. The adhesion promoter can be applied point by point, for example in a grid-like pattern. It is again pointed out that the stiffening element does not necessarily have to be connected or glued to the cover plate. It is also possible to arrange an intermediate element between the cover plate and the stiffening element, which, for example, has an adhesion promoter on one side. The adhesion promoter can in particular be silicone or assembly adhesive.

[0029] In a further advantageous manner, the stiffening element can be laminated to the cover plate or connected to the cover plate via a joining process. The advantage of these joining methods lies in the high level of precision and adjustability of the layer thickness, as well as the light transmittance and adaptability of the refractive index. For example, lamination can be carried out using hot lamination within an autoclave. The structure can consist of a glass-ceramic plate and one or more substructures or stiffening measures, with an intermediate plastic layer. The plastic layer can in particular be designed as a laminating film, for example made of thermoplastic polyurethane and / or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The actual lamination takes place within an autoclave under the exclusion of oxygen and under the application of pressure and heat.For example, temperatures up to 150 °C and a working pressure of up to 15 bar can be used. According to an alternative design, cold lamination or an adhesive bonding process can be used. This can involve a structure consisting of a glass-ceramic plate and one or more substructures or stiffening elements, as well as an adhesive layer in between. Joining can be achieved by applying pressure in a quasi-cold state (RT). Alternatively, roll lamination can be performed at slightly elevated temperatures.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, it is conceivable for the stiffening element to be detachably connected to the cover plate. In this case, according to the invention, the stiffening element is connected to the cover plate in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, for example, screwed or clamped to the cover plate. Such a configuration has the advantage that the stiffening element can be removed from the cover plate during repairs. In this embodiment, too, an intermediate element can be arranged between the cover plate and the stiffening element.

[0031] In a further advantageous manner, an edge adjacent to the top and / or bottom of the cover plate can be rounded at least in some areas and / or at least be designed with a single bevel. By appropriately shaping the edge, an object, such as a cooking pot, can slide over the edge if struck against it. This easily prevents damage to the cover plate in the edge area. A single beveled edge is understood to mean a chamfered edge.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, a protective means can be formed at least in part on an edge of the cover plate adjacent to the top and / or bottom. This protective means also serves as protection against impacts. The protective means can be made of a dampening, rigid, impact- and / or temperature-stable material. For example, the protective means can be made of silicone and / or a plastic, for example a thermoplastic, and / or a wood, for example hardwood, and / or a duroplastic and / or a metal, for example stainless steel or aluminum, and / or a glass, for example soda-lime glass, toughened safety glass (ESG), borosilicate glass or glass ceramic, and / or a composite material and / or a fabric, for example fiberglass fabric or carbon fiber fabric, and / or a ceramic and / or a stone, for example granite or marble.

[0033] Specifically, it is possible for the protective coating to be bonded to the cover plate in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or adhesive manner. A form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection, such as a screw connection or a clamp connection, has the advantage that the protective coating can be removed if necessary. An adhesive connection has the advantage that the bonding agent can act as a damping layer, thus providing even more effective protection for the edge.

[0034] In a further advantageous manner, the cover plate can be solidified at least in the region of an edge adjacent to the top and / or bottom by means of ion exchange and / or by means of a surface polishing process and / or by means of chemical etching and / or by means of melting and / or by means of a fire polishing process in order to realize the protective means. It is conceivable that the region formed in this way defines an edge of the cover plate, wherein the edge extends less than 200 mm, in particular less than 100 mm, preferably less than 10 mm toward the center of the cover plate.

[0035] Strengthening by ion exchange can be performed only at the edge or for the entire cover plate. This process for increasing strength is also known as "chemical toughening." It creates a compressive stress zone on the surface of the glass. This is achieved through ion exchange, which can take place, for example, in a bath of molten salt between the glass surface and the salt bath. In this process, sodium ions, for example, are exchanged for potassium ions. Since the potassium ions are approximately 30% larger than the sodium ions, a compressive stress zone is created in the glass surface. The extent of this compressive stress zone depends on the type of glass used and the toughening parameters.The ion exchange process can advantageously be designed such that the depth of the ion exchange zone (seen from the top side of the material into the material) is greater than 20 µm, in particular greater than 50 µm, preferably greater than 70 µm. Different qualities of the edge grinding structures can be adjusted through surface polishing, so that the cover plate is strengthened in the treated area. V-shaped notch bottoms of miniature scratches on the surface of the cover plate can be rounded off through chemical etching. After chemical etching, the miniature scratches thus have essentially U-shaped notch bottoms, so that the likelihood of crack formation under external force is reduced. Chemical etching can be carried out, for example, by applying hydrofluoric acid and / or hydrochloric acid and / or sulfuric acid.Solidification by melting results in a naturally developing edge geometry and quality as the liquid glass bath solidifies. Ideally, the edge experiences no mechanical contact during this process, resulting in an "undisturbed" surface. Fire polishing involves local, near-surface melting of the edge geometry by applying heat, for example, using a gas flame or a laser, thereby closing surface defects in the cover plate.

[0036] In a further advantageous manner, the surface roughness can be smoothed by the surface polishing process and / or by the chemical etching process and / or by the melting process and / or by the fire polishing process, so that a mean roughness Ra of less than 0.2 µm, in particular less than 0.1 µm, preferably less than 0.09 µm, is achieved. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the surface roughness can be smoothed by the chemical etching process, so that a mean roughness Ra of less than 0.9 µm, in particular less than 0.5 µm, preferably less than 0.3 µm, is achieved.

[0037] The protective agent can be explicitly realized as a combination of a material applied to the edge and a strengthening of the cover plate by ion exchange, surface polishing, chemical etching, melting or a fire polishing process.

[0038] The claimed worktop can be designed as a kitchen worktop, laboratory worktop, table worktop, or workbench worktop. If the worktop serves as a kitchen worktop, for example, for a cooking table, the cover plate can have at least one cutout, in particular for a display, a sink, a control knob, a measuring system, or an air extractor.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, a storage recess and / or a recess for a cooking appliance, for example a wok, can be formed on or in the cover plate.

[0040] Furthermore, it has been recognized that the claimed worktop, in combination with a substructure, is suitable for the realization of a work table. The at least one stiffening element allows for the creation of a work table of virtually any size and geometry. Due to the appealing aesthetics and special properties of glass and glass ceramic, this work table is suitable for a wide variety of applications, particularly as a laboratory table, cooking table, or workbench.

[0041] Furthermore, at least one functional element is arranged on the underside of the worktop. This creates a functional work table, for example, a cooking table or a cooking appliance. According to the invention, the at least one functional element is designed as a light indicator and / or as a heating element, for example, as an induction coil, radiant heater, or gas burner, as an energy transmission element, in particular as an inductive charging point, and / or as a sensor element, in particular as a capacitive operating sensor or IR operating sensor, or as a sensor, in particular a communication sensor, for example, an IR sensor for interacting with extractor hoods, or as a temperature sensor, for example, an IR semiconductor sensor for measuring the temperature of pot bottoms, or as a brightness sensor for determining the room brightness.

[0042] Corresponding sensors can be designed as part of an electronic control system. Additionally, the functional element can be implemented as a ventilation device, in particular a venting or aeration device, and / or as an information transmission element.

[0043] The functional elements mentioned above enable, in particular, the realization of a multifunctional work table.

[0044] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the figures, and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0045] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements. In the drawings, Fig. 1 in a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a work table, Fig. 2 in a schematic, perspective view of the work table from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 in a schematic representation, a plan view of a cover plate of a worktop, Fig. 4 in a schematic, perspective representation, an embodiment of a worktop, Fig. 5 in a schematic, perspective representation, a further embodiment of a worktop, Fig. 6 in a schematic, perspective representation, a further embodiment of a worktop, Fig. 7 in a schematic, perspective representation, a further embodiment of a worktop, Fig. 8 in a schematic, perspective representation, a further embodiment of a worktop, Fig. 9 in a schematic representation, an embodiment of the edge design of the cover plate of a worktop, Fig. 10 in a schematic representation, a further embodiment of the edge design of the cover plate of a worktop, Fig.Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the edge design of the cover plate of a worktop, and Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the edge design of the cover plate of a worktop.

[0047] The Fig. 1 and 2show, in different representations, an embodiment of a claimed work table. In this embodiment, the work table is realized as a kitchen unit and has a worktop. The worktop comprises a cover plate 1, which has stiffening elements 3 arranged on the underside 2 of the cover plate 1. Intermediate elements 4 are provided between the cover plate 1 and the stiffening elements 3, which are arranged to protect the underside 2 of the cover plate 1. The intermediate elements 4 can be made of aluminum, (stainless) steel, wood or a fabric, for example. The cover plate 1 is adhesively connected to the intermediate elements 4 via an adhesion promoter 5. The adhesion promoter 5 is designed as a point-like grid-like pattern.

[0048] A cutout 6 is formed in the cover plate 1 to accommodate a sink 7. A protective element 9 is provided to protect the cover plate 1 from lateral impacts in the area of ​​its upper edge 8 and lower edge 8'. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the protective element 9 is designed as a border, for example, from a rigid, impact-resistant, and temperature-stable material. Furthermore, a connecting element 10, for example a silicone sealant, is provided to fill existing gaps between the cover plate 1, the sink 7, and the protective element 9. The worktop 1 thus formed rests on a substructure 11, thus creating a work table serving as a kitchen unit.

[0049] Thanks to the stiffening elements 3, the cover plate 1 can have a thickness of less than 20 mm and an area 18 greater than 0.5 m², thus creating a very large, aesthetically pleasing work surface. The stiffening elements 3 can, in particular, be designed such that the maximum deflection of the cover plate 1 under a load of 100 kg on an elliptical load area of ​​7,000 mm² to 8,000 mm² is a maximum of 4.5 mm.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a top view of another embodiment of the cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic for a worktop. The cover plate 1 has a heating element 12 on its underside 2 for the realization of a hob 13. Furthermore, a cutout 6 is formed, for example, as a ventilation inlet for a built-in extractor hood. Additionally, a display 14 is arranged below the cover plate 1.

[0051] To control the hob 13 and any other functional elements, several control elements 15 are arranged, which are implemented, for example, by IR sensors 16 arranged below the cover plate 1.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows schematically in a perspective view an embodiment of a worktop with a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic and stiffening elements 3, 3' formed as separate components on the underside 2 of the cover plate 1.

[0053] The cover plate 1 can have a thickness 17 of less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, and an area 18 greater than 0.7 m². In this exemplary embodiment, two stiffening elements 3, 3' are arranged, which are cuboid-shaped and are in direct contact with the cover plate 1. In the simplest case, the cover plate 1 is placed on the stiffening elements 3, 3'. In this exemplary embodiment, the stiffening elements 3, 3' end flush with the edges 8, 8' of the cover plate 1. As a result, the lower edge 8' is protected by the stiffening elements 3, 3' from the application of forces from diagonally below, for example if a pot is taken out of a base cabinet and accidentally struck against the cover plate 1.

[0054] Fig. 5shows a further embodiment of a worktop. This also comprises a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic and two stiffening elements 3, 3', which are arranged on the underside 2 of the cover plate 1. The stiffening elements 3, 3' are designed as separate components and are connected to the cover plate 1 via an adhesion promoter 5. The adhesion promoter 5 can be, for example, an assembly adhesive or silicone. The cover plate 1 can have a thickness 17 of less than 20 mm, in particular less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, and an area 18 greater than 0.7 m².

[0055] This embodiment has the advantage that the adhesion promoter 5 has a dampening effect when the cover plate 1 is subjected to mechanical stress, thus reducing the risk of the cover plate 1 breaking. The cuboid-shaped stiffening elements 3, 3' also end flush with the edges 8, 8' of the cover plate 1.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a worktop comprising a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic and two stiffening elements 3, 3'. The stiffening elements 3, 3' arranged on the underside 2 of the cover plate 1 are cuboid-shaped, wherein the Fig. 6 left stiffening element 3 is flush with the lower edge 8' of the cover plate 1. The other in Fig. 6 The stiffening element 3' shown, however, is arranged offset inwardly from the lower edge 8'. The arrangement of the stiffening element 3' can, for example, serve to achieve a particularly attractive appearance of the worktop and / or can be necessary to achieve the desired mechanical stability. The cover plate 1 can have a thickness 17 of less than 20 mm, in particular less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, and an area 18 greater than 0.7 m².

[0057] Furthermore, the upper edge 8 of the cover plate 1 has a chamfer 19, thus providing a single-edge design. If, for example, a pot is struck against the edge 8, it can slide over the chamfer 19, thus minimizing the risk of the edge 8 being chipped off, in contrast to an essentially perpendicular edge 8.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows another example of a worktop. This example corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 6 The worktop shown here is similar to the one shown, with the difference that the lower edge 8' of the cover plate 1 also has a bevel 19', thus being simply broken. This also allows an object struck from below against the edge 8' to slide off, creating a special "floating" appearance for the cover plate 1.

[0059] In Fig. 8Another embodiment of a worktop is shown. This comprises a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic with two separately formed stiffening elements 3, 3' on the underside 2 of the cover plate 1. Fig. 8 The left stiffening element 3 is arranged offset from the lower edge 8', wherein the lower edge 8' has a bevel 19'. Thus, an object struck against the edge 8' can slide over the bevel 19'. Furthermore, the right stiffening element 3' ends flush with the edge 8' or the bevel 19'. The cover plate 1 can have a thickness 17 of less than 20 mm, in particular less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, and an area 18 greater than 0.7 m².

[0060] It is pointed out that the Fig. 6 to 8 Worktops shown correspond to the example from Fig. 2an adhesion promoter between the cover plate 1 and the stiffening elements 3, 3'.

[0061] Furthermore, the position of the stiffening elements 3, 3' in relation to the lower edge 8' can be chosen arbitrarily, provided that the stiffening elements 3, 3' support the cover plate 1 in such a way that the required mechanical stability is achieved. Furthermore, the stiffening elements 3, 3' can have any geometry other than a cuboid shape, for example, triangular, U-shaped, or trapezoidal in cross-section, and the number of stiffening elements 3, 3' can also be varied. Maintaining mechanical stability is also essential here. Furthermore, alternatively or in addition to a broken design of the edges 8, 8', a protective means can be provided, as described in the general part of the description and the dependent claims.

[0062] Fig. 9shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a simply broken edge 8 of a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic, whereby a chamfer 19 is realized. Furthermore, in Fig. 9 the edge 20 is shown, which defines the area in which the cover plate 1 can be solidified by means of ion exchange and / or by means of a surface polishing process and / or by means of chemical etching and / or by means of melting and / or by means of a fire polishing process in order to realize the protective means 9.

[0063] Fig. 10shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a rounded edge 8 of a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic, which has an edge 20 defining a hardened region. Such a configuration also allows an object, such as a pot, that strikes the edge 8 to slide more easily over the edge 8, reducing the likelihood of damage.

[0064] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a double-broken edge 8 of a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic, which has an edge 20 that defines a strengthened region. This design measure, in contrast to a single-broken edge 8 (cf. Fig. 9 ) makes it even more effective for an object to slide over edge 8.

[0065] Fig. 12shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a combination of a rounded and a simply broken edge 8 of a cover plate 1 made of glass and / or glass ceramic, which has an edge 20 defining a hardened region. This design again reduces the risk of the edge 8 being accidentally chipped off.

[0066] It is pointed out that the Fig. 9 to 12 The embodiments shown do not necessarily have to have an edge 20 that defines a solidified region.

[0067] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the claimed subject-matter, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0068] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the embodiments of the claimed subject matter described above serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments. List of reference symbols

[0069] 1Cover plate 2Underside 3, 3'Stiffening element 4Intermediate element 5Adhesion promoter 6Cutout 7Sink 8, 8'Edge 9Protective agent 10Connecting element 11Substructure 12Heating element 13Hob 14Display 15Control element 16IR sensor 17Thickness 18Surface 19, 19'Bevel 20Edge

Claims

1. Working table having a work surface and a substructure (11), wherein the work surface has a cover plate (1) made of glass and / or glass ceramic material with an upper side and a lower side (2), wherein the cover plate (1) has a thickness (17) of less than 20 mm and a surface-area (18) greater than 0.5 m2, wherein at least one reinforcement element (3, 3') which is separate from the cover plate (1) is arranged on the lower side (2) of the cover plate (1) and extends at least over a portion of the surface-area (18) of the lower side (2), wherein at least one functional element (12, 13, 14) is arranged on the lower side (2), wherein the reinforcement element (3, 3') is in the form of a receiving member for at least one functional element (12, 13, 14) and / or has a recess for a functional element (12, 13, 14), wherein the functional element (12, 13, 14) is an indicator light or a heating element or an energy transmission element or a sensor element or a sensor, characterised in that the reinforcement element (3, 3') is connected to the cover plate (1) in an adhesive and / or positive-locking and / or non-positive-locking manner.

2. Working table according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover plate (1) has a thickness (17) of less than 10 mm, preferably of less than 8 mm, in particular less than 4.5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm.

3. Working table according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cover plate (1) has a surface-area (18) greater than 0.6 m2, preferably greater than 0.7 m2.

4. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the reinforcement element (3, 3') is adapted to the thickness (17) and surface-area (18) of the cover plate (1) in such a manner that the maximum bending of the cover plate (1) with a loading of 100 kg on a loading-bearing surface of from 7000 mm2 to 8000 mm2, preferably from 7450 mm2 to 7550 mm2, is a maximum of 4.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 4 mm.

5. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the reinforcement element (3, 3') is produced from a bend-resistant and / or temperature-stable material.

6. Working table according to claim 5, characterised in that the reinforcement element (3, 3') comprises a thermosetting plastics material and / or a metal and / or a glass and / or a stone and / or a composite material and / or a woven fabric and / or a ceramic material and / or a wood.

7. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the reinforcement element (3, 3') extends over the entire surface-area (18) of the lower side (2) of the cover plate (1).

8. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one intermediate element (4) is arranged between the cover plate (1) and the reinforcement element (3, 3').

9. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the reinforcement element (3, 3') is releasably connected to the cover plate (1).

10. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that an edge (8, 8'), which adjoins the upper side and / or the lower side (2), of the cover plate (1) is at least partially rounded and / or constructed to be at least simply broken.

11. Working table according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a protection means (9) is at least partially formed at an edge (8, 8'), which adjoins the upper side and / or the lower side, of the cover plate (1).

12. Working table according to claim 11, characterised in that the protection means (9) is produced from silicone and / or a plastics material and / or a wood and / or a thermosetting plastics material and / or a metal and / or a glass and / or a composite material and / or a woven fabric and / or a ceramic material and / or a stone.

13. Working table according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the protection means (9) is connected to the cover plate (1) in a positive-locking and / or non-positive-locking and / or adhesive manner.