INDUCTION HOB AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING AN INDUCTION HOB

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an induction hob device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for assembling an induction hob device according to claim 15.

[0002] A well-known problem with under-worktop cooktops, which are installed without cooktop panels and beneath a worktop, is that standard worktops are opaque and have poor heat conductivity. This makes it difficult to visually mark cooking zones and measure temperatures through the worktop. Previous solutions include placing temperature sensors in an insulating mat between the worktop and the cookware, and / or illuminating the worktop from above, for example, with a light unit mounted on a range hood.

[0003] Documents US 2018 / 310367 A1, JP 4 745012 B2 and DE 10 2018 121082 A1 disclose an induction cooktop device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a generic device with improved user-friendliness and ease of assembly. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] An induction hob device, in particular an under-worktop hob device, is proposed, comprising a transport unit which is assigned to a cooking zone of an induction hob, is arranged in a recess of a worktop and in an operating state provides a transport of energy, in particular light and / or heat, through the worktop, wherein the transport unit has a heat transport element and a light transport element which is transparent at least to visible light, wherein the heat transport element is attached to the light transport element by a positive fit between the light transport element and the heat transport element or by an adhesive or by an elastomer.

[0006] This design allows for the simple transport of energy through the worktop, particularly for the visual marking of the cooking zone and / or for measuring the temperature of cookware placed on the worktop. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for the operator to place a temperature sensor. It is also particularly advantageous that additional lighting units, positioned above the worktop during operation, are no longer required.

[0007] The term "induction cooktop device" is understood to mean at least a part, in particular a sub-assembly, of an induction cooktop, and may also include accessory units for the cooktop, such as a sensor unit for externally measuring the temperature of cookware and / or food being cooked. In particular, the induction cooktop device may also include the induction cooktop itself.

[0008] An "induction cooktop" is defined as a unit comprising at least one heating unit, one power supply unit, and one control unit. The control unit is specifically designed to control the power supply unit during operation, enabling the heating unit to be supplied with energy, particularly electrical energy. During operation, the heating unit, depending on the power supply provided by the power supply unit, is designed to supply electromagnetic energy to at least one cooking vessel placed on the worktop. The heating unit preferably includes a heating inductor. Furthermore, the heating unit may include any number of additional heating inductors, which are preferably mounted on a support unit of the induction cooktop during operation.It is conceivable that the induction cooktop has a plurality of heating units arranged in a matrix, which can be arbitrarily and adaptably combined to form cooking zones. Preferably, the induction cooktop has a plurality of heating units, each of which is grouped into a predefined cooking zone. Advantageously, the induction cooktop is free of cooktop elements. Particularly advantageously, the induction cooktop has a housing unit by means of which the induction cooktop is mounted to the underside of the worktop in the operating state and which particularly advantageously defines a receiving space, at least for the heating unit. An "under-worktop cooktop" is understood to be an induction cooktop that is free of cooktop elements and is, preferably, arranged entirely beneath the worktop.

[0009] In particular, the induction cooktop device can have a plurality of transport units; preferably, the induction cooktop device has one transport unit per cooking zone. The fact that the transport unit provides for the transport of energy through the worktop means that the transport unit has a higher energy conductivity compared to the worktop. Preferably, the transport unit defines an energy transport path that leads from the top of the worktop to the underside of the worktop.The terms "top" and "bottom" of the worktop are to be understood as follows: the top of the worktop is a side of the worktop aligned parallel to its main plane of extension, which faces the operator during operation; and the bottom of the worktop is another side of the worktop aligned parallel to its main plane of extension, which faces away from the operator during operation. It would be conceivable for the transport unit to include a sensor unit, for example, a temperature sensor. Preferably, the transport unit is free of sensor units. This increases assembly reliability. Advantageously, sensitive components of the transport unit, which could be easily damaged during transport and / or assembly, can be omitted.

[0010] The transport unit could, for example, be secured by a positive fit between the transport unit and the recess in the recess. Alternatively, the transport unit could be secured in the recess by means of a fastening element, in particular an adhesive and / or an elastomer, which is designed to be positioned between the transport unit and the recess.

[0011] A "cooking zone" is defined as an area above at least one heating element of the induction cooktop, on which cookware can be placed for heating during operation. It is conceivable that several cooking zones could be combined into a single cooking zone, particularly to accommodate larger cookware such as roasting pans. The transport unit could be positioned at one edge of the cooking zone, for example, to visually define its boundaries during operation. Preferably, the transport unit is positioned in the center of the cooking zone.The term "center" of the cooking zone is defined as a circular area which, when viewed perpendicularly to a principal plane of the worktop, is centered around a midpoint of the cooking zone and extends over a maximum of 15%, and preferably a maximum of 10%, of the cooking zone's surface. The term "principal plane of extension" of a component is defined as a plane parallel to a major face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the component, and in particular, passing through the center of the cuboid. This allows the transport unit to be used to visually mark the center of the cooking zone during operation. Advantageously, this ensures the correct arrangement of cookware on the cooking zone and / or warns the operator of any residual heat in the cooking zone.It is particularly advantageous to forgo marking the cooking zone by engraving and / or printing on the worktop.

[0012] The worktop can be made of, for example, wood and / or a mineral, particularly granite, and / or a ceramic. It is conceivable that the worktop has engravings and / or prints, particularly for marking the cooking zone; preferably, however, the worktop is free of engravings and / or prints. Preferably, the worktop, particularly in contrast to a cooktop surface, is designed not only for placing cooking utensils but also to provide a food preparation area where, for example, cutting, mixing, peeling, and / or pounding food can be carried out.

[0013] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0014] It is conceivable that the transport unit could be located on the top, bottom, or inside the worktop. To ensure complete energy transfer through the worktop, it is proposed that the transport unit be designed to penetrate the worktop completely. "Completely penetrating" another object means that a straight line can be drawn through the object, connecting two opposite sides of the other object without cutting through it. Specifically, the opening is designed as a penetration of the worktop; for example, the opening could be created by drilling, sawing, and / or cutting. Advantageously, in its operating state, the transport unit transports the energy from the top of the worktop to the underside of the worktop.Preferably, the top surface of the transport unit is flush with the top surface of the worktop, thus preventing cookware from colliding with the transport unit when placed on it. This completely eliminates any impairment of energy transfer through the worktop.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the transport unit include a heat transfer element. A "heat transfer element" is defined as an element that has a higher thermal conductivity than the worktop and that provides heat transfer during operation. Advantageously, the heat transfer element has a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / m*K at 0°C, more advantageously at least 50 W / m*K, and particularly advantageously at least 100 W / m*K. Preferably, the heat transfer element has a specific heat capacity of at most 900 J / kg*K and / or a coefficient of thermal expansion of at most 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹. Particularly preferably, the heat transfer element withstands operating temperatures of up to 300°C. In particular, the transport unit can include any number of heat transfer elements. Preferably, the heat transfer element is designed to completely penetrate the worktop.For example, the heat transfer element could comprise a ceramic and / or a mineral, in particular aluminum oxide and / or aluminum nitride, and / or an adhesive. The heat transfer element is particularly preferably designed to contact the base of a cookware placed on the cooking zone with a first end during operation. Advantageously, the heat transfer element is designed to contact the temperature sensor with a second end during operation, which is preferably oriented opposite the first end. The temperature sensor could be part of the transport unit and arranged in the receptacle. The temperature sensor could also theoretically be attached to the transport unit and / or the worktop.Preferably, the temperature sensor is designed separately from the transport unit and advantageously arranged below the worktop; particularly advantageous is the temperature sensor for mounting on the support unit of the induction cooktop. Specifically, the temperature sensor is located in a central area of ​​the heating unit that is free of heating inductor windings. This allows for precise temperature measurement of cookware placed on the worktop without the need for external temperature sensors. Advantageously, standard temperature sensors designed for installation below the worktop, which are space-efficient and easy to mount, can be used. This also advantageously reduces the temperature difference between the cookware and the temperature sensor.

[0016] It would be possible for the heat transfer element to have an angular shape. To ensure uniform heat transfer, it is proposed that the heat transfer element be shaped at least substantially as a solid of revolution. The term "substantially" used to describe an element shaped as a specific geometric body means that the volume occupied by the element can be filled at least 80%, advantageously at least 90%, and most advantageously completely by an ideal geometric body arranged within that volume. In particular, the heat transfer element is free of corners and edges. It is conceivable that the heat transfer element has an oval or ring-shaped form when viewed perpendicularly; preferably, it has a circular form when viewed perpendicularly. This minimizes the temperature gradient within the heat transfer element during operation.

[0017] For example, the heat transfer element could be shaped as a cylinder and / or hollow cylinder and / or cone and / or hollow cone. To further improve heat transfer, it is proposed that the heat transfer element be shaped at least substantially as a truncated cone. Preferably, the heat transfer element is arranged in the recess such that one tip of the heat transfer element is oriented towards the underside of the worktop. This allows for increased heat transfer from the base of the cookware to the temperature sensor.

[0018] For example, the heat transfer element could be made of aluminum oxide. Other possible materials are aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon carbide (SiC), and sapphire (α-Al₂O₃). The heat transfer element is particularly preferably made of SiC. In particular, the heat transfer element is made entirely of SiC. This allows for a robust heat transfer element with high thermal conductivity.

[0019] The transport unit could potentially be designed solely for the transport of heat. Preferably, the transport unit, in particular in addition to the heat transport element, includes a light transport element that is transparent at least to visible light. "Visible light" is understood to mean, in particular, electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. A "light transport element" is understood to be an element that has a higher light transmittance than the worktop and that provides light transport in its operating state. An element being "transparent" to visible light means that light incident on one side of the element exits as light on the opposite side of the element, which is perceptible to the human eye.In particular, the intensity of the emitted light corresponds to at least 70%, advantageously at least 80%, and most advantageously at least 90% of the intensity of the incident light. It is conceivable that the light transport element is also transparent to infrared and / or ultraviolet light. Preferably, the light transport element is designed as a diffuser element. A "diffuser element" is understood to be an element from which incident directional light emerges as diffuse emitted light. In particular, the light transport element has a light-emitting surface, wherein the light transport element is arranged in the recess such that the light-emitting surface is oriented towards the top of the worktop and wherein the diffuse emitted light is homogeneously distributed over the entire light-emitting surface.For example, the light-carrying element can be made of a mineral such as quartz, borosilicate, glass-ceramic, and / or sapphire. This allows for uniform and efficient illumination of the cooking zone in a simple and compact way.

[0020] Alternatively, the light transport element could be designed as an optical waveguide element. An "optical waveguide element" is defined as an element comprising at least one optical waveguide and designed, particularly in its operating state, to transport light, especially visible light, in a targeted and / or directed manner, from a first region to at least one second region that is different from and / or spaced apart from the first. An "optical waveguide" is defined, in particular, as an element that, in its operating state, transmits electromagnetic radiation, especially visible light and / or infrared radiation, advantageously both visible light and infrared radiation, in the longitudinal direction of the optical waveguide, preferably via total internal reflections within the optical waveguide.In particular, the optical waveguide, in its operating state, prevents at least the entry and / or exit of electromagnetic radiation in directions oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical waveguide. A "longitudinal direction" of an object is understood to be a direction that is parallel to the longest side of the smallest imaginary geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. The term "substantially perpendicular" here defines an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly when considered in a plane, form an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°.

[0021] It is possible for the light transport element to have a rectangular shape. Preferably, the light transport element is shaped at least substantially as a body of revolution. It is conceivable that the heat transport element has an oval or circular shape when viewed perpendicularly; preferably, the heat transport element has a ring-shaped shape when viewed perpendicularly. This ensures uniform illumination by the light transport element.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the induction cooktop device includes a light source unit designed to provide light for conduction through the light transport element during operation. A "light source unit" is defined as a unit comprising at least one light source and providing light, particularly visible light, in at least one operating state, specifically by means of the light source. In particular, the light source unit comprises at least two light sources; alternatively, it could comprise a plurality of light sources. The light source of the light source unit could, for example, be an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or an LED. Theoretically, the light source unit could be attached to the transport unit and / or the worktop. Preferably, the light source unit is designed for mounting on the support unit.The light source unit is particularly preferably designed for control by the control unit, especially for adjusting the color, light intensity, and / or flashing frequency of the light provided by the light source unit. For example, residual heat in the cooking zone, heating operation of the cooking zone, and / or standby mode of the cooking zone could be detected and advantageously distinguishable from one another by the light provided by the light source unit. This allows light to be provided for transport by the light transport element in a simple and compact manner.

[0023] It would be conceivable for the light sources of the light source unit to be arranged opposite the light-emitting surface in the operating state and to be oriented essentially perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the kitchen worktop. To simplify the provision of light for transport through the light transport element, it is proposed that the induction cooktop device have a light guide element designed to direct light from the light source unit to the light transport element in the operating state. The light guide element could be designed as a waveguide element. Preferably, the light guide element is designed as a diffuser element. This allows for an increased distance between the light source unit and the light transport element. Advantageously, the required heat resistance and / or thermal insulation of the light source unit can be reduced.Particularly advantageous is the improved flexibility in the arrangement of the light source unit.

[0024] For example, the light guide element could be made of the same material as the light transport element and, in particular, be formed integrally with the light transport element. "Integrated" is understood to mean, in particular, a material-bonded connection, such as through a welding process and / or an adhesive bonding process, etc., and, especially advantageously, an integral molding, such as by being manufactured in one piece and / or by a single- or multi-component injection molding process. Advantageously, the light guide element is formed separately from the light transport element and, in particular, comprises a polymer, for example, silicone and / or PMMI. Theoretically, the light guide element could be attached to the transport unit and / or the work surface. It is particularly advantageous if the light guide element is designed for mounting on the carrier unit. This increases transport and assembly safety.This can advantageously prevent damage to the light guide element, for example, the light guide element breaking off from a remaining light transport element in a one-piece design of the light guide element with the light transport element, during transport and assembly of the worktop.

[0025] Preferably, the light transport element and the heat transport element form a continuous surface, in particular an oval, preferably a circle, in the operating state and when viewed perpendicularly. It would be conceivable for the light transport element and the heat transport element to be arranged side by side in the operating state; for example, the light transport element and the heat transport element could be designed as half-cylinders and form two semicircles in the operating state and when viewed perpendicularly. To simplify the design and assembly of the transport unit, it is proposed that the light transport element and the heat transport element be arranged concentrically to each other in the operating state. For example, the light transport element could be designed as a cylinder and surrounded by the heat transport element.Advantageously, the light transport element can be inserted into the heat transport element, or vice versa, to form the transport unit. In particular, the light transport element and the heat transport element could be attached to each other by a positive fit or by an adhesive. Preferably, the light transport element can be attached to the heat transport element by a melting or injection molding process. This allows for a compact and easily assembled design of the transport unit.

[0026] Advantageously, the light transport element completely surrounds the heat transport element radially in the operating state, at least when viewed perpendicularly. Preferably, the heat transport element is designed as a cylinder, cone, or truncated cone, and the light transport element as a corresponding hollow cylinder, hollow cone, or truncated hollow cone. Particularly preferably, the transport unit is designed as a cylinder consisting of the light transport element and the heat transport element. This allows for a further improvement in the design of the transport unit.

[0027] Furthermore, a system combining the induction cooktop and the worktop is proposed. This allows for the simple transfer of energy through the worktop.

[0028] A method for mounting an induction cooktop device, in particular the induction cooktop device itself, is proposed, wherein a worktop is provided with a recess for each cooking zone of an induction cooktop, and transport units are arranged within the recesses for the purpose of transporting energy through the worktop. This allows for the simple transport of energy through the worktop.

[0029] The induction cooktop device is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the induction cooktop device may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein.

[0030] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate four exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1 A system with an induction hob and a worktop in a top view, Fig. 2 the system in a sectional view along section line AA in Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the induction hob device, Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the system in a schematic sectional view analogous to section line AA in Fig. 1 , Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the system in a schematic sectional view analogous to the section line AA in Fig. 1and Fig. 6 a further embodiment of the system in a schematic sectional view analogous to the section line AA in Fig. 1 .

[0032] Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol.

[0033] The Figures 1 and 2 Figure 1 shows a system 30a with an induction cooktop device 10a and a worktop 20a. The induction cooktop device 10a is designed as an under-worktop cooktop device. The induction cooktop device 10a has four transport units 12a, which are identical to each other; therefore, only one of the transport units 12a will be described below. The induction cooktop device 10a has an induction cooktop 16a. Alternatively, the induction cooktop device 10a could be formed entirely by the transport units 12a.

[0034] The induction cooktop 16a is designed as an under-worktop cooktop. The induction cooktop 16a has four cooking zones 14a. The induction cooktop 16a has four heating units 42a. Each of the cooking zones 14a is assigned to one of the heating units 42a. Alternatively, the induction cooktop 16a could have any other number of cooking zones 14a and / or heating units 42a. Each of the cooking zones 14a is assigned to one of the transport units 12a. The functional relationship between each of the cooking zones 14a, heating units 42a, and transport units 12a is identical; therefore, only one of the cooking zones 14a and one of the heating units 42a will be described below.

[0035] The worktop 20a is made of granite. Alternatively, the worktop 20a could be made of ceramic or wood. The worktop 20a has four recesses 18a, which are identical to each other; therefore, only one of the recesses 18a will be described below. The recess 18a is located in the center of the cooking zone 14a. The transport unit 12a is located in the recess 18a. The transport unit 12a is secured in the recess 18a by a positive fit between the transport unit 12a and the recess 18a. Alternatively, the transport unit 12a could be secured in the recess 18a by an adhesive or an elastomer.

[0036] The transport unit 12a provides for the transport of energy through the worktop 20a. The transport unit 12a completely penetrates the worktop 20a. The transport unit 12a is designed as a cylinder inserted into the recess 18a. The transport unit 12a is flush with a top surface 32a of the worktop 20a.

[0037] The transport unit 12a includes a heat transfer element 22a. The heat transfer element 22a facilitates the transfer of heat through the worktop 20a. The heat transfer element 22a is cylindrical in shape and made of SiC. The heat transfer element 22a makes contact with a cooking vessel 34a placed on the cooking zone 14a (not shown in Figure 1 for clarity) on its upper surface 32a. The heat transfer element 22a makes contact with a temperature sensor 38a on its lower surface 36a of the worktop 20a. The temperature sensor 38a can be any type of temperature sensor, for example, an NTC temperature sensor.

[0038] The transport unit 12a has a light transport element 24a that is transparent to visible light. The light transport element 24a provides for the transport of light through the work surface 20a. The light transport element 24a is designed as a hollow cylinder. The light transport element 24a is made of quartz. Alternatively, the light transport element 24a could consist of other minerals that are transparent to visible light. The light transport element 24a is designed as a diffuser element.

[0039] The induction cooktop device 10a has a light source unit 26a. The light source unit 26a provides light for conduction through the light transport element 24a. The light source unit 26a has two light sources 44a. Alternatively, the light source unit 26a could have any other number of light sources 44a. The light sources 44a are configured as LEDs. Alternatively, the light sources 44a could be configured as incandescent or halogen lamps. The light sources 44a are arranged on the underside 36a. The light sources 44a emit light towards the top 32a. The light sources 44a emit the light directly onto the light transport element 24a.

[0040] The light transport element 24a and the heat transport element 22a are arranged concentrically. The light transport element 24a completely surrounds the heat transport element 22a. The heat transport element 22a is attached to the light transport element 24a by a positive fit between the light transport element 24a and the heat transport element 22a. The heat transport element 22a is inserted into the light transport element 24a. Alternatively, the heat transport element 22a could be attached to the light transport element 24a by means of an adhesive or an elastomer.

[0041] The induction cooktop 16a has a support unit 40a. The support unit 40a serves as a holder for the heating unit 42a. The support unit 40a serves as a holder for the temperature sensor 38a. The support unit 40a serves as a holder for the light source unit 26a. Alternatively, the light source unit 26a could be spaced apart from the support unit 40a and connected to the light transport element 24a by optical fiber elements.

[0042] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a process for assembling the induction cooktop device 10a. In a piercing step 100a, an unprocessed worktop (not shown) is pierced four times with a drill to create the recesses 18a. Alternatively, the piercing step 100a could involve any other number of penetrations in the unprocessed worktop. Furthermore, instead of the piercing step 100a, a sawing step (not shown) could be performed in which the recesses 18a are cut out of the unprocessed worktop. The piercing step 100a transforms the unprocessed worktop into the worktop 20a.

[0043] In a plug-in step 110a, the heat transport element 22a is inserted into the light transport element 24a to form the transport unit 12a. The transport unit 12a is then inserted into the recess 18a. This is repeated four times. Plug-in step 110a follows the piercing step 100a. In a fastening step 120a, the induction cooktop 16a is attached to the underside 36a of the worktop 20a to form the system 30a. Fastening step 120a follows plug-in step 110a. Finally, in a placement step 130a, the entire system 30a is mounted on a kitchen work surface (not shown). Placement step 130a follows fastening step 120a.

[0044] In Figures 4 to 6Three further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 Reference can be made to. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment is used in the Figures 1 to 3 by the letters b to d in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 4 to 6 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 be referred.

[0045] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of system 30b. System 30b comprises an induction cooktop device 10b. The induction cooktop device 10b has a light transport element 24b. The induction cooktop device 10b has a light source unit 26b. The induction cooktop device 10b has a light guide element 28b. The light guide element 28b directs light from the light source unit 26b to the light transport element 24b. The light guide element 28b is designed as a diffuser element. Alternatively, the light guide element 28b could be designed as an optical waveguide element. The light guide element 28b is arranged below the light transport element 24b. The light guide element 28b and the light transport element 24b are formed integrally. The light guide element 28b consists of two wings 46b opposite each other with respect to the light transport element 24b.Light sources 44b of the light source unit 26b each emit light onto one of the wings 46b of the light guide element 28b.

[0046] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a system 30c. System 30c comprises an induction cooktop device 10c. The induction cooktop device 10c includes an induction cooktop 16c. The induction cooktop device 10c includes a light transport element 24c. The induction cooktop device 10c includes a light source unit 26c. The induction cooktop device 10c includes a light guide element 28c. The light guide element 28c directs light from the light source unit 26c to the light transport element 24c. The light guide element 28c is designed as a diffuser element. The light guide element 28c is arranged below the light transport element 24c. The light guide element 28c is designed separately from the light transport element 24c. The light guide element 28c is designed as a flexible light guide strip. A carrier unit 40c of the induction hob 16c holds the light guiding element 28c.The light guide element 28c has a recess 18c which accommodates a temperature sensor 38c of the induction cooktop device 10c. Analogous to the embodiment of the . Figure 4 Light sources 44c of the light source unit 26c each emit light onto one end of the light guide element 28b.

[0047] Figure 6 Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a system 30d. The system 30d comprises a worktop 20d. The system 30d comprises an induction cooktop device 10d. The induction cooktop device 10d comprises a transport unit 12d. The transport unit 12d comprises a heat transport element 22d. The heat transport element 22d is shaped as a truncated cone. The transport unit 12d is free of light transport elements and light source units. The heat transport element 22d is fastened in a recess 18d of the worktop 20d by means of an adhesive 48d. Reference sign

[0048] 10 Induction hob device 12 Transport unit 14 Cooking zone 16 Induction hob 18 Recess 20 Worktop 22 Heat transfer element 24 Light transfer element 26 Light source unit 28 Light guide element 30 System 32 Top 34 Cookware 36 Bottom 38 Temperature sensor 40 Carrier unit 42 Heating unit 44 Light source 46 Wing 48 Adhesive 100 Piercing step 110 Insertion step 120 Fastening step 130 Placement step

Claims

1. Induction hob device (10a-c), in particular under-worktop hob device, with a transport unit (12a-c), which is assigned to a cooking zone (14a-c) of an induction hob (16a-c), is provided for arrangement in a recess (18a-c) of a worktop (20a-c) and in an operating state provides a transportation of energy through the worktop (20a-c), characterised in that the transport unit (12a-c) has a heat transport element (22a-c) and a light transport element (24a-c) which is transparent at least for visible light, wherein the heat transport element (22a-c) is fastened to the light transport element (24a-c) by means of a form fit between the light transport element (24a-c) and the heat transport element (22a-c) or by means of an adhesive or by means of an elastomer.

2. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to claim 1, characterised in that the transport unit (12a-c) is provided to completely penetrate the worktop (20a-c).

3. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat transport element (22a-c) is formed at least substantially as a rotational body.

4. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to claim 3, characterised in that the heat transport element (22a-c) has SiC.

5. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to claim 1, characterised in that the light transport element (24a-c) is formed at least substantially as a rotational body.

6. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised by a light source unit (26a-c) which is provided to supply light for conduction through the light transport element (24a-c) in the operating state.

7. Induction hob device (10b-c) according to claim 6, characterised by a light conduction element (28b-c), which is provided to conduct light from the light source unit (26b-c) to the light transport element (24b-c) in the operating state.

8. Induction hob device (10c) according to claim 7, characterised in that the light conduction element (28c) is embodied separately to the light transport element (24c).

9. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to claim 1, characterised in that the light transport element (24a-c) and the heat transport element (22a-c) are arranged concentrically with respect to one another in the operating state.

10. Induction hob device (10a-c) according to claim 9, characterised in that in the operating state the light transport element (24a-c) completely radially surrounds the heat transport element (22a-c).

11. System (30a-c) with an induction hob device (10a-c) according to one of the preceding claims and the worktop (20a-c).

12. Method for assembling an induction hob device (10a-c) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a worktop (20a-c) is provided with a recess (18a-c) per cooking zone (14a-c) of an induction hob (16a-c) and transport units (12a-c) are arranged within the recesses (18a-c) for transporting energy through the worktop (20a-c).