Sensor device, heating device with one sensor device and hob with multiple heating devices

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device for a cooktop or for use in a cooktop, a heating device with an induction heating coil and with such a sensor device, and a cooktop comprising several such heating devices and sensor devices. The sensor device is primarily intended to detect a temperature, in particular at a cooking zone of the aforementioned cooktop, under which several such heating devices are arranged.

[0002] It is known to attach a temperature sensor to the top of an induction heating coil. This temperature sensor rests against the underside of a cooktop element, beneath which the induction heating coil is located. This temperature sensor is attached both centrally to the induction heating coil and directly to the coil itself.

[0003] From EP 3 079 443 A1, it is known to arrange inductively operating pot detection sensors and also temperature sensors between adjacent induction heating coils or above an intermediate area, wherein these sensors are also pressed against the underside of a cooktop plate running above them. Here, a temperature sensor is designed as a discrete component, in particular as a through-hole technology (THT) component.

[0004] From DE 10 2016 218 269 A1, a cooktop with movable induction heating coils beneath a cooktop surface is known. A temperature sensor is provided on the top of each induction heating coil, which is always located in the same position on the induction heating coil, even during its movement.

[0005] From DE 10 2006 057 339 A1, a holding device for a temperature sensor is known, which is mounted in a cooktop between a glass-ceramic cooktop plate and a support plate. The holding device has at least one elastic element to press the temperature sensor elastically and forcefully against the underside of the cooktop plate.

[0006] From DE 10 2010 063 224 A1, another cooktop is known which has a temperature sensor that is pressed against the underside of a cooktop plate. It can be pressed elastically and is surrounded by a receiving part to protect it from direct external influences.

[0007] From DE 10 2013 214 432 A1, a further holding device is known with which a temperature sensor is to be installed under a cooktop element of a hob. A type of clip can be inserted into a recess in a circuit board below the cooktop element by snapping it into place. On its upper side, it has thermally conductive material, to which the temperature sensor is pressed from below in a thermally conductive manner. Task and solution

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of creating a sensor device mentioned above, a heating device equipped with it, and a cooktop with several such heating devices and sensor devices, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and it is particularly possible to arrange a sensor element in a cooktop or to attach it to heating devices in a simple, practical and versatile manner.

[0009] This problem is solved by a sensor device with the features of claim 1, by a heating device with the features of claim 10, and by a cooktop with the features of claim 14.

[0010] 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 sensor device, only for the heating element, or only for the cooktop. However, they should be able to apply independently and separately to such a sensor device, such a heating element, and such a cooktop. The wording of the claims is made explicit by reference to the content of the description.

[0011] The sensor device for a cooktop or for a heating element within the cooktop comprises a sensor element, which in turn has electrical connections. These electrical connections are advantageously designed as cables, so that the sensor element advantageously has a two-core or two single-core connection cables. This allows it to be connected to a control unit, in particular a cooktop control unit, for evaluation. A holding device is provided for the sensor element, which preferably holds the sensor element in a precisely defined position and orientation, particularly during or after installation in a cooktop according to the invention. The sensor element is advantageously designed as a discrete component, for example as a through-hole technology (THT) component or similar to a THT component, i.e., with a housing and the aforementioned electrical connections, which may be wire-like and protrude from the housing.The holding device is made of plastic and has an upper retaining area in which the sensor element is held precisely in position. The sensor element is held in such a way that it extends beyond or protrudes from the holding device, particularly in the case of subsequent installation, so that it forms the highest point of the sensor device or also extends above a heating element to which it is attached or with which it is arranged in a cooktop. The retaining area is elongated, advantageously at least three times as long as it is wide, so that its length can be at least 200% of its width.

[0012] Furthermore, the mounting device has a fastening section that is connected to the mounting area, in particular as a single piece and integrally connected. They can therefore be designed as a single plastic part. Advantageously, the fastening section is arranged or formed below the mounting area. This at least one fastening section projects laterally from a longitudinal direction of the mounting area, in particular in a direction between 80° and 100°, advantageously at right angles. It can project laterally by varying distances, as will be explained in more detail below. This lateral projection of the fastening section serves to attach the sensor device to a heating device.

[0013] According to the invention, the projecting mounting section has mounting projections and recesses with which the sensor device can be positively engaged and attached to the exterior of the heating element. It projects laterally, thus extending away from the mounting area or its projection, so that it engages at least partially with the heating element to be attached to it. The invention thus makes it possible to position a sensor device in a cooktop or on the exterior of a heating element, advantageously between two adjacent heating elements. This allows for measurements in this area, particularly temperature. Furthermore, it does not impair the function or heating effect of the heating element in any way, since the sensor device, or at least the sensor element, is not located on or above it, but rather on its side.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the holding device in the aforementioned holding area can, as a specific embodiment, have a trough-like and elongated sensor element receptacle within which the sensor element is arranged. It can thus be held in the sensor element receptacle, for example, by clamping, at least by frictional engagement, and advantageously also by positive engagement. This makes it possible for the sensor element, for example, after pre-assembly of the sensor device, to not fall out or change its position before final assembly in a cooktop in such a way as to negatively impair its function.

[0015] A trough-shaped sensor element receptacle can have a wall on each side of the sensor element, either for mechanical protection, mounting, or thermal insulation, running laterally or parallel to its longitudinal direction. These walls create the trough shape and also fulfill the aforementioned purpose. These two walls preferably extend at least 20% to 50% below the highest point of the sensor element, advantageously relative to its vertical height or the vertical height of the sensor element, ensuring that the sensor element actually forms the highest point of the sensor device. This allows it to rest securely against the underside of a cooktop.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the holding device for the sensor element can be manufactured in one piece from plastic, particularly advantageously as a single component. Such manufacturing is feasible by plastic injection molding, preferably from a single plastic material. A possible plastic is silicone; alternatively, other plastics with heat resistance up to 120°C or even 200°C can be used. The plastic should exhibit a certain degree of elasticity but should not be too hard or too soft. A hardness between 30 Shore A and 80 Shore A is suitable, preferably between 45 Shore A and 70 Shore A.

[0017] In a first basic embodiment of the invention, the mounting section can be at least as long as half the length of the holding area or the sensor element receptacle in its longitudinal direction, i.e., it can be rather elongated. Preferably, it can be significantly longer, as will be explained in more detail below, advantageously two or three times as long. At the same time, in this embodiment of the invention, the mounting section can be flat; in particular, it should have a substantially constant thickness. Only at its projecting free end can it be somewhat thinner for easier insertion or plugging into a heating device. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the mounting section of the holding device can have two, in particular exactly two, mounting projections on one side of the holding device, wherein a mounting recess is provided between or formed by these mounting projections. The mounting recess has two opposite parallel sides and can in particular be rectangular in shape. These opposite sides are then each formed by an inwardly or mutually facing side of the aforementioned mounting projections. Advantageously, the mounting projections and the mounting recess between them lie in a plane that is parallel to a cooktop surface. Such mounting projections can then extend laterally from the holding device by between 300% and 600% of the aforementioned length of the holding area or the sensor element receptacle.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, fastening sections can project in opposite directions from the two opposing longitudinal sides of the mounting device. These sections can be similar in that each has two fastening projections with a fastening recess between them, as explained above. Alternatively, these two opposing fastening sections can be identical or mirror images of each other. The length on one side can be significantly greater than on the other, preferably with the width of the fastening recesses being the same. Thus, when mounting between two heating elements, the side with the longer fastening projections can alone serve to secure the position and prevent displacement or rotation in a plane parallel to the cooktop.The shorter fastening section on the opposite side then only needs to provide a final fix, which is easier to do.

[0020] In a second fundamental embodiment of the invention, a fastening section of the holding device, advantageously each fastening section of the holding device, can be shorter than half the length of the holding area or the sensor element receptacle, specifically in the aforementioned laterally projecting direction. It can even be shorter than 25%. Preferably, two such short fastening sections are provided on opposite sides of the holding device, in particular, identically designed fastening sections. Advantageously, an upper edge section and a lower edge section are provided at the top and bottom of such a fastening section, as well as parallel to the holding area. These edge sections function as fastening projections and each has a fastening recess between them. This fastening recess should have a constant height, at least substantially, and extend in a flat plane.This serves, as will be explained in more detail below, to allow the mounting device to be attached to a thin plate or disc of a heating device for securing it. The mounting sections are advantageously identical along both sides of the mounting device, i.e., mirror images of each other. Here, too, the mounting sections can advantageously project from the mounting device in opposite directions, although much less far than in the aforementioned first basic design.

[0021] While the previously described sensor element receptacle on the mounting area forms the uppermost part of the sensor device, whether or not a sensor element is present, the aforementioned mounting sections can form the lowermost part. Thus, the sensor device has a relatively low profile and is essentially flat. This prevents the overall height from being unnecessarily increased when installed in a cooktop below a cooktop surface; only the sensor element should protrude slightly above the heating elements, as previously described.

[0022] A heating device according to the invention, comprising at least one induction heating coil and at least one of the aforementioned sensor devices, can have at least two self-supporting surface sections. These should be electrically insulating. Advantageously, they consist of or contain micanite; they can therefore be designed as thin micanite discs. Their thickness can be between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. The induction heating coil is arranged on these surface sections, and they advantageously extend in parallel planes. It is particularly advantageous for the induction heating coil to be arranged between two such surface sections. A sensor device according to the invention is then attached to an outer edge of the induction heating coil on and partially between these two surface sections, with the attachment section engaging at least partially between the surface sections.It should engage largely or completely without play to ensure precise and positionally accurate positioning of the sensor element. Even if the heating device has more than two such surface sections, for example, three, it is sufficient to attach the sensor device or the holding device to the heating device if two of these surface sections are used. This can vary depending on the aforementioned design of the holding device. A holding device according to the first basic design described above can simply engage extensively or predominantly between the two surface sections and thus be secured in the vertical direction. To prevent horizontal movement, the long fastening sections can engage a component of the heating device or induction heating coil. Preferably, they can laterally overlap ferrite rods provided thereon, so that these are located, in particular, in the aforementioned fastening recess.According to the second basic embodiment of the invention, a holding device can be attached to the edge of a surface part, so that it is essentially held on this one surface part, but nevertheless engages in the area between this surface part and the other surface part.

[0023] The aforementioned ferrite rods are preferably arranged on a surface area, particularly preferably on a central or lower surface area of ​​the heating device, preferably on its underside. For this purpose, a receiving device known in principle from the prior art can be provided, for example, in a grid-like form. These are in any case sufficiently stable to absorb the resulting forces without risk of damage.

[0024] According to the second basic embodiment described above, the mounting device has a horizontal slot between two mounting projections, and the mounting device is attached to an outer edge of one of the aforementioned surface sections by means of this slot. The sensor device can also be attached to a heating element in this way. If such mounting projections with a slot between them are provided on the two opposite longitudinal sides of the mounting device, the sensor device can be attached to the outer edges in a narrow gap between two adjacent induction heating coils or heating elements. This attachment is stable and secure against tilting, displacement, or shifting.In particular, it can also absorb forces from above that arise when the sensor device with the sensor element is pressed against the underside of the hob plate with a certain contact force.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the sensor device, at least one mounting projection of the holding device can have locking elements for attachment to a heating device. Advantageously, two mounting projections are provided on the sensor device, both featuring identical locking elements. These locking elements can include a spring-loaded locking tongue, the spring direction of which can be perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of this mounting projection and / or perpendicular to the surface of the heating device. In a further embodiment, the locking elements or the locking tongue can be surrounded by a frame-like structure within the remaining or other mounting projection, thus protecting them when inserted into a locking chamber or receptacle of a holding device or similar component provided on the heating device.Furthermore, the mounting projection can determine the orientation of the sensor device's attachment to the heating device, while the locking mechanisms can ensure that this attachment does not come loose so easily.

[0026] A retaining element is advantageously designed as a separate component and arranged or attached between two surface parts of the heating device, in particular by being glued in place. Advantageously, this can be on the plane of the aforementioned ferrite rods. The retaining element can have at least one detent chamber for inserting the mounting section or the mounting projection with the aforementioned detent tongue, thereby determining the orientation. Preferably, a detent projection is provided in the detent chamber as part of the aforementioned locking mechanism, and the detent tongue engages behind the detent projection upon insertion, forming a locking connection or securing the component. Advantageously, the detent chamber can completely surround the mounting projection, in particular with precise form, thereby achieving the aforementioned secure orientation.

[0027] A cooktop according to the invention comprises several heating elements and several sensor devices as described above. Exactly one sensor device is arranged or provided between two heating elements, and this sensor device is attached to exactly these two heating elements. The cooktop may be provided with such a sensor device in each intermediate area between two adjacent heating elements or heating elements adjacent along their longitudinal sides, in particular exactly one such sensor device. The heating elements may advantageously have a rectangular or approximately rectangular perimeter, and the longitudinal sides of this rectangle are the outer surfaces of the heating element. In particular, these outer surfaces, or the outer edges, are formed by the aforementioned surface parts of the heating elements.

[0028] If the cooktop has heating elements oriented in two perpendicular directions—for example, more than two heating elements in one direction and at least two in the perpendicular direction—a corresponding number of sensor devices can be provided. If the sensor devices incorporate temperature sensors as sensing elements, they can be used to determine the temperature in the intermediate area between two adjacent heating elements, and especially above them. Determining the temperature essentially in the center of the heating element's surface is advantageously achieved using temperature sensors, which are known per se, located in the surface area or in the central region of the heating elements. As explained earlier, a centrally located temperature sensor, which is typically used in induction heating elements, can be employed.

[0029] The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings does not limit the general validity of the statements made under these. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a simplified sectional view through a cooktop according to the invention, Fig. 2 a top view of the cooktop made of Fig. 1 without a cooktop and showing the heating devices according to the invention, Fig. 3 is an oblique view of a sensor device according to the invention, as it is used in the cooktop of the Figs. 1 and 2 is installed, Fig. 4 a top view of the sensor device from Fig. 3 Fig. 5 shows an oblique view from above of a heating device according to the invention. Fig. 2 with an attached sensor device made of Fig. 3, Fig. 6 an oblique view from below of the heating device including sensor device made of Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 an oblique view from below accordingly Fig. 6 with a further heating device, wherein the lowest micanite discs of the heating devices were omitted, Fig. 8 a top view of the arrangement of the two heating devices made of Fig. 7 from above, Fig. 9 a holding device for a sensor device similar to that shown in Fig. 3 , in which a mounting section is provided only on one side, Fig. 10 an oblique view from above of another holding device for a sensor device, which has mounting sections on both longitudinal sides that can be attached to micanite discs of two adjacent heating devices, Fig. 11 an oblique view similar Fig. 5 on an arrangement of a sensor device with a holding device according to Fig. 10between the heating devices, Fig. 12 a slightly oblique sectional view through the arrangement made of Fig. 11 Fig. 13 an oblique view similar to Fig. 3 on an alternative holding device for a sensor device with two projecting mounting projections including locking tongues, Fig. 14 a representation of a separate holding receptacle for the mounting projections, Fig. 15 an oblique view from above of another heating device according to the invention similar Fig. 6 with an attached mounting bracket made of Fig. 14 , Fig. 16 a sectional view through the heating device made of Fig. 15 , on which the sensor device is made Fig. 13 is secured by inserting it into the mounting bracket, and Fig. 17 shows an oblique view of the heating device. Fig. 16 . Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0031] In the Fig. 1A cooktop 11 according to the invention is shown in a lateral sectional view, here viewed from the left side. The cooktop 11 has a cooktop surface 12 with a cooktop underside 13. A housing 15 is arranged under the cooktop surface 12, which can be of a conventional design and contains the usual functional elements of the cooktop 11. Two heating elements 17a and 17b, designed for inductive heating as will be shown in more detail below, are shown. They are each resiliently pressed against the cooktop underside 13. An additional temperature sensor 28a and 28b is arranged at the top of each heating element 17a and 17b, and they are in direct contact with the cooktop underside 13. Their purpose and use are known to those skilled in the art. A sensor device 30ab according to the invention is arranged between the two heating elements 17a and 17b and is attached to them.Together with these, it is also pressed against the underside 13 of the cooktop and serves to detect the temperature of the cooktop 12. This temperature may be influenced by cooking vessels placed above it, such as very large pots or roasting pans, which are positioned above both heating elements 17a and 17b. Due to the resulting higher temperature above and around the sensor device 30ab, the presence of a cooking vessel above it can be confirmed or verified. These functions of the sensor device according to the invention for temperature detection are known to those skilled in the art and do not need to be explained in more detail here.

[0032] In the Fig. 2 is a top view showing, so to speak, the cooktop. Fig. 1The figure shows the housing 15 from above, but with the cooktop 12 removed to show the arrangement underneath. Six heating elements 17 are arranged in the housing 15, specifically the heating elements 17a, 17b, and 17d described in more detail. Each of these heating elements has a previously mentioned additional temperature sensor 28a, 28b, or 28d, positioned relatively centrally. With respect to the sensor element attached to these additional temperature sensors 28, they can correspond to those of the sensor devices 30, except for their mounting. Exactly one sensor device 30ab is arranged between the two heating elements 17a and 17b, essentially in the narrow space between them. It is positioned approximately in the middle of the long side. A corresponding sensor device 30bd is provided between the two heating elements 17b and 17d, again as the only sensor device arranged between them.As indicated, further such sensor devices, particularly those of identical design, are provided between all directly adjacent heating elements 17, specifically in the area where their longitudinal sides are parallel and adjacent to each other. In this way, the temperature of the cooktop 12 can be detected in these intermediate areas, as can, for example, the presence of a heated cooking pot.

[0033] In the Fig. 3 is an oblique view of a sensor device 30 according to the invention in a first embodiment and in the Fig. 4 from above. The sensor device 30 has a holding device 35 for a temperature sensor 31, wherein the temperature sensor 31 is arranged thereon such that it is, for example, Fig. 12It is quite conceivable that this forms the highest point. This ensures that the temperature sensor 31 actually corresponds to the Fig. 1 The temperature sensor 31 must be in contact with the underside of the cooktop surface 13. If other components, particularly the heating elements 17, such as the additional temperature sensors 28, were also in contact with the underside of the cooktop surface 13, this would not be a problem. However, this temperature sensor 31 must be in contact with it.

[0034] The temperature sensor 31 has sensor connections 32 on both sides, here designed as protruding wires. Thus, the temperature sensor 31 can be designed as a through-hole (THT) component or as a THT component, ensuring a wide selection and low costs. The sensor connections 32 are each connected to a connecting cable 33. The connecting cables 33 each pass downwards through the retaining device 35 and are routed laterally side by side, here to the right and downwards, respectively. This is also evident from the top view of the Fig. 4 clearly visible. The ones in the Figs. 3 and 4 The exposed sensor connections 32 and their connection to the connecting cables 35 can, of course, be further electrically insulated in practice, for example by thin, slip-on sleeves made of silicone, Teflon, or fiberglass fabric. This is known from the prior art and will be discussed further below. Figs. 11 and 12 also depicted.

[0035] The holding device 35 for the temperature sensor 31 consists, on the one hand, of a holding area 36, ​​which is designed as a raised area. The holding area 36 has a sensor element receptacle 37 at its top, which has two parallel walls 38 that form a trough-like receptacle for the temperature sensor 31 between them. Thus, the sensor element receptacle 37 is designed like a trough. In this regard, reference is also made to the Figs. 9 and 10The reference is made to alternatively designed holding devices, which nevertheless exhibit identically designed holding areas. Due to the distance between the two walls 38, the temperature sensor 31 is held precisely in position between them and therefore cannot be moved back and forth. Thus, it reliably forms the highest point of the sensor device 30. The temperature sensor 31 is secured against movement in its longitudinal direction primarily by the guidance of the connecting cables 33. These connecting cables 33 are simply guided through the holding area 36 and do not require additional fastening, for example, clamping or gluing. However, their evident multiple bends secure them and prevent any displacement.

[0036] The described retaining area 36 is arranged on or connected to a mounting section 40. The mounting section 40 has two mounting projections 41 and 41', which point forward to the left and are elongated, each with tapered ends 42 and 42'. These tapered ends 42 and 42' facilitate insertion, which will be explained in more detail below. The mounting projections 41 and 41' can also be thinner towards the tapered ends 42 and 42' to further facilitate insertion.

[0037] The projecting mounting projections 41 and 41' have a mounting recess 44 between them, which is rectangular in shape, particularly due to the parallel inner surfaces of the mounting projections. This allows the holding device 35, and thus the entire sensor device 30, to be slid onto a ferrite rod, as shown in the Fig. 7will be explained in more detail.

[0038] On the opposite longitudinal side of the holding area 36, ​​a further fastening section 45 is provided, which is advantageously formed in the same plane and with the same thickness as the fastening section 40. This fastening section 45 has two significantly shorter fastening projections 46 and 46', which have a significantly shorter fastening recess 47 between them. As will be shown later in the Fig. 7As becomes clear, this mounting recess 47 can also accommodate a ferrite rod, although it offers significantly lower dimensional accuracy. However, this does not pose a problem, as the holding effect is primarily provided by the mounting section 40. Such a sensor device 30 or holding device 35 can be manufactured from plastic, in particular from sufficiently temperature-resistant plastic. This could possibly be a relatively soft or elastic plastic, as explained at the outset.

[0039] From the Figs. 5 and 6 is shown in an oblique view from above and in an oblique view from below, showing how a sensor device 30 from the Figs. 3 and 4 is inserted laterally into a heating device 17. Regarding the heating device 17, it should be noted, also in anticipation of the Fig. 12Figure 17, which shows identical heating devices, depicts an induction heating coil 19a or 19b wound in a known manner in a spiral pattern in one plane using thick induction litz wire. This induction heating coil 19a or 19b is arranged between two micanite disks 21a and 21'a or 21b and 21'b, respectively, whereby a distance greater than the height of the induction heating coil 19 can be provided, see Figure 1. Fig. 12 . On the underside of the micanite disks 21'a and 21'b, the pattern of the Fig. 7Several ferrite rods 25a and 25b of different lengths are arranged, in particular bonded in place. These ferrite rods 25a and 25b are all of the same thickness, and in particular also of the same width, but of different lengths. They are essentially aligned radially and point towards a central point of each heating element 17a and 17b, at which an additional temperature sensor 28, as previously described, is arranged. Furthermore, helical springs 27a and 27b are arranged on the underside of the mica disks 21'a and 21'b, advantageously in specially designed holders. These can be arranged according to the Fig. 6 through corresponding recesses 23" in a third, lowest mica disk 21"a and 21"b. They can be placed on an intermediate level in the housing 15. Fig. 1 resting on the surface and pressing the respective heating element 17 elastically upwards against the underside 13 of the cooktop plate. In the uppermost mica disc 21 according to Fig. 5A recess 23 for the additional temperature sensor 28 is also visible. This sensor protrudes upwards, but can have a retaining device, which is designed similarly to the retaining devices 35 described above and is arranged and fastened between two mica discs 21.

[0040] As can be seen from the comparison of the Fig. 6 and 7As can be clearly seen, a retaining device 35 of the sensor devices 30ab and 30ac engages between the middle mica disk 21'a and 21'b and a bottom mica disk 21". The two long mounting projections 41 and 41' run parallel to the ferrite rods 25a on the outside, which they overlap. This secures them against displacement or rotation in the plane parallel to the mica disks. Since ferrite rods 25b of the respective other heating device 17b engage the mounting recess 47 of the mounting section 45 from the opposite side, longitudinal movement away from the respective ferrite rod 25 is also prevented. Furthermore, the arrangement of the mounting projections 41 and 46 between the middle and the bottom mica disk ensures and secures a vertical hold, thus ensuring that the temperature sensors 31 are pressed against the underside 13 of the cooktop surface.

[0041] From the top view of Fig. 8It is clearly visible that the sensor device 30ab with the holding area 36 is arranged between the heating elements 17a and 17b, or rather their uppermost mica discs 21a and 21b. Their edges can then rest against the walls 38 of the holding area 36. The fastening sections 40 and 45, which engage between the middle and lowermost mica discs and thus secure the sensor device 30ab, are shown with dashed lines. There, the respective fastening projections of the fastening sections 40 and 45 overlap ferrite rods (not shown) and ensure precise positioning, as previously explained. For the installation of a cooktop 11, it may be provided that, for example, the heating element 17a is first placed on an intermediate level in the housing 15 and secured with brackets 18a provided at the corners. The sensor device 30ab can then be attached to it by inserting the fastening section 40 into the heating element 17a.The electrical connection can be made using the connecting cables 33. The heating device 17b can then be positioned and, in effect, slid onto the short mounting section 45. It is then secured using the bracket 18b. In the next step, another sensor device 30 can be inserted onto each of the right-facing sides of the heating devices 17a and 17b, and so on.

[0042] In the Fig. 9 is in an oblique view similar to the Fig. 3 A holding device 135 for a further sensor device is shown, but without a temperature sensor and electrical connections. This holding device 135 is essentially designed like the one from Fig. 3It therefore has an upwardly raised holding area 136 with two walls 138, which form a trough-like sensor element receptacle 137 between them. This receptacle is also curved, which ensures that in the middle area, where according to Fig. 3 The highest point is actually reached where the temperature sensor is located. The holding area 136 is connected to a mounting section 140 that projects into the heating device. The mounting section 140 has two mounting projections 141 and 141', each with tapered ends 142 and 142'. A rectangular mounting recess 144 is formed between them, designed for sliding onto a ferrite rod. Unlike the holding device 35 of the Fig. 3However, only a single mounting section 140 is provided on one side. Such a mounting device 135 can therefore be provided for a sensor device that is either not intended to be attached to a heating device adjacent on the other side, particularly by means of the intervention described above. Alternatively, it can be arranged on an outwardly facing edge of a heating device, so that there would be no space on the outside for another mounting section. This is intended to illustrate that the variants described at the beginning exist for how such a mounting device or such a sensor device can be designed, particularly with regard to the possibilities for its attachment.

[0043] In the Fig. 10 A further holding device 235 for a corresponding sensor device is shown, similar to that in Fig. 9again without a temperature sensor. However, here too, the upper area of ​​a holding region 236 with the two parallel walls 238, which form a curved, trough-like sensor element receptacle 237 between them, is designed identically. Thus, the same temperature sensor can be arranged here in the same way as in Fig. 3This is easily imaginable. This holding device 235 corresponds to the second basic embodiment of the invention described at the outset. The holding area 236 is provided with two mounting sections 240 and 245, mirror images of each other on the left and right. These consist of an upper mounting projection 241 or 246 and a lower mounting projection 241' or 246'. The two mounting projections, which are parallel to each other, each form mounting recesses 244 or 247 between them. These mounting recesses 244 and 247 have the same height; they may be slightly chamfered or widened towards the longitudinal side. The edge sections of micanite discs are to be inserted here, thus facilitating insertion. From the illustration of the further Figs. 11 and 12It is evident how the sensor device 230ab, fully equipped with temperature sensor 231, is connected to a holding device 235ab according to the Fig. 10 The sensor device 230ab is arranged between two adjacent heating elements 17a and 17b, which are configured as described above. The facing edge regions or edges of the central mica disks 21'a and 21'b are each inserted into the mounting recesses 244 and 247, in particular up to a stop, in order to securely hold the sensor device 230ab. The holding area 236 runs between the two heating elements 17a and 17b, in particular between their upper mica disks 21a and 21b, and projects upwards beyond them. Fig. 12 It can be seen that the temperature sensor 231 is located at the highest point. Its electrical connections and the beginning of the connecting cables 233 can be covered with tubing 234 for electrical insulation. From the sectional view of the Fig. 12It can also be seen that the upper mounting projections 241 and 246 engage between the upper and middle micanite discs. Similarly, the lower mounting projections 241' and 246' engage between the middle and lower micanite discs 21"a and 21"b, as previously described for the other mounting projections of the differently designed sensor devices and their retaining devices. However, they do not have a mounting on the ferrite rods 25a and 25b shown. Similar to what was previously described, these sensor devices 230ab can also be inserted or attached laterally to the heating element 17 one after the other during the successive assembly of the cooktop. The securing effect, however, arises less from this insertion than from the fact that the mounting projections of each mounting section firmly clamp the edge region of the middle micanite disc between them.

[0044] To prevent longitudinal displacement of the sensor device 230ab, either the force-fit clamping on the central micanite discs can be used. Alternatively, a longer section could protrude from the lower mounting projections, similar to the one in the Fig. 7 shown, and are, so to speak, fixed to a ferrite rod 25. In a further embodiment, a projection or a recess can also be provided on the edge of a central micanite disk 21' or both central micanite disks 21', which interact accordingly with a projection or a recess in the fastening sections of the holding device 235 to prevent displacement.

[0045] The elongated design of the mounting area 236 facilitates the longitudinal arrangement of the temperature sensor, and its sensor connections and associated cables can be easily routed. The space provided between two adjacent heating elements is utilized efficiently; no additional space is required, meaning they do not need to be spaced further apart. Similar mounting areas and similarly designed temperature sensors can be provided for the additional temperature sensors located centrally on the heating elements 17, although the mounting devices may be different, simpler, and, above all, smaller.

[0046] In the Fig. 13 A further embodiment of a sensor device 330 according to the invention is shown, which, in comparison to the one from Fig. 3is longer and has a longer holding area 336, which carries a temperature sensor 331 on an upwardly curved sensor element receptacle 337. Two mounting sections 340 project laterally at right angles from the holding area 336, forming a mounting recess 344 between them. The mounting sections 340 are each formed by mounting projections 341, which have a specific profile. Within the mounting projections 341, a locking tongue 343 is formed, the cross-section of which can be seen approximately from the illustration of the Fig. 16 As can be seen. While the two fastening projections 341 are mirror-symmetrical to each other, the two locking tongues 343 are identical.

[0047] In the Fig. 14A retaining device 353 for the mounting projections 341 is shown as a separate plastic part. The retaining device 353 has two locking chambers 354, which are arranged at a distance corresponding to the mounting sections 340 of the sensor device 330. A space formed between the locking chambers 354 can be inserted accordingly. Fig. 7 A ferrite rod 25a is sufficient. The rest chambers 354 have, according to the cross-sectional view, the interior Fig. 16 Below, a detent projection 355 is located, behind which the front end of a detent tongue 343 engages for the detent connection. This results in, according to Fig. 16 prevents the sensor device 331 from being easily removed from the heating device 317 or from even removing itself.

[0048] As well as the oblique views of the Figs. 15 and 17As shown, the retaining device 353 is inserted between the two lower mica discs 321 and 321' and advantageously glued in place. This allows the retaining device 353 to be attached or glued to the heating device 317 during its manufacture. The sensor device 330 can then be arranged or mounted on the heating device 317 even more easily, securely, and precisely; it simply needs to be inserted into the retaining device 353 with its mounting projections 341. Furthermore, the sensor device 330 then remains in a precisely defined position on the heating device 317 until it is removed according to the instructions. Fig. 2 with several additional heating devices 317 is installed in a cooktop.

Claims

1. Sensor device (30, 230, 330) for a cooktop (11), wherein the sensor device (30, 230, 330) comprises: - a sensor element (31, 231, 331) having electrical connections (32, 33, 233), preferably cables (33, 233) as electrical connections, - a holding device (35, 135, 235) for the sensor element (31, 231, 331), wherein: - the holding device (35, 135, 235) has an upper holding area (36, 136, 236, 336) in which the sensor element (31, 231, 331) is held in a precisely positioned manner such that it protrudes beyond the holding device (35, 135, 235), - the holding area (36, 136, 236, 336) is elongated and has a length that is at least 200% of its width, - the holding device (35, 135, 235) has a fastening section (40, 45, 140, 240, 245, 340) connected to the holding area (36, 136, 236, 336), - the at least one fastening section (40, 45, 140, 240, 245, 340) projects in a direction approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the holding area (36, 136, 236, 336), characterized in that - the fastening section (40, 45, 140, 240, 245, 340) has fastening projections (41, 41', 46, 46', 141, 141', 241, 241', 246, 246', 341) and fastening recesses (44, 47, 144, 244, 247, 344) for form-fitting fastening of the sensor device (30, 230, 330) in the outer area of a heating device (17) of the cooktop (11) in such a way that at least one fastening projection (41, 41', 46, 46', 141, 141', 241, 241', 246, 246', 341) protrudes laterally for engagement in the heating device (17) for fastening to the heating device (17).

2. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fastening section (40, 45, 140, 240, 245, 340) protrudes in a direction between 80° and 100° from a longitudinal direction of the holding area (36, 136, 236, 336).

3. Sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding device (35, 135, 235) has a trough-like elongated sensor element receptacle (37, 137, 237, 337) in the holding area (36, 136, 236, 336) and the sensor element (31, 231, 331) is arranged within the sensor element receptacle (37, 137, 237, 337), wherein preferably the sensor element receptacle (37, 137, 237, 337) has at least one wall (38, 138, 238) on each side of the sensor element (31, 231, 331) at least in the direction parallel to its longitudinal direction, wherein the two walls (38, 138, 238) remain at least 20% to 50% below the highest point of the sensor element (31, 231, 331).

4. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening section (40, 45, 140, 340) is at least as long as half the length of the holding area (36, 136, 336) in the longitudinal direction, wherein preferably the fastening section (40, 45, 140, 340) is flat, in particular has a constant thickness.

5. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening section (40, 45, 140, 340) has two fastening projections (41, 41', 46, 46', 141, 141', 341) with a fastening recess (44, 47, 144, 344) between them, wherein the fastening recess (44, 47, 144, 344) has two opposite parallel sides, in particular has or defines a rectangular shape overall, wherein the respective opposite sides each form one side of the fastening projections (41, 41', 46, 46', 141, 141', 341).

6. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening sections (40, 45, 240, 245) protrude in opposite directions from opposite sides of the holding device (35, 235), wherein, in particular, the fastening projections (41, 41', 46, 46', 141, 141', 3 project in opposite directions, wherein, in particular, the fastening sections (40, 45, 240, 245) are identical or mirror-image.

7. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a fastening section (240, 245) is shorter than half the length of the holding area (236) in its longitudinal direction, preferably shorter than 25% of the length of the holding area (236), wherein an upper edge section (241, 246) and a lower edge section (241', 246') are formed at the top and bottom of the fastening section (240, 245) parallel to the holding area (236) as fastening projections (241, 241', 246, 246') with a fastening recess (244, 247) of uniform height between them.

8. Sensor device according to claim 7, characterized in that the same fastening projections (241, 241', 246, 246') and fastening recesses (244, 247) are provided along both sides of the holding area (236) are provided along both sides of the holding area (236), wherein the fastening sections (240, 245) protrude in opposite directions, wherein in particular the fastening sections (240, 245) are identical or mirror-image.

9. Sensor device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fastening projection (341) has latching means (343) for fastening to a heating device (17) by means of latching, wherein the latching means preferably have a resilient latching tongue (343) and their spring direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of this fastening projection (341), wherein, in particular, the latching means (343) are surrounded by the fastening projection in a frame-like manner (341).

10. Heating device with an induction heating coil (19) and with a sensor device (30, 230, 330) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (17) has at least two inherently stable facial parts (21, 321), in particular consisting of thin micanite discs (21, 321), on which the induction heating coil (19) is arranged, wherein a sensor device (30, 230, 330) according to one of the preceding claims is attached to at least one outer edge of the induction heating coil (19) and between the two facial parts (21, 321), and for this purpose the fastening section (40, 45, 140, 240, 245, 340) engages between the two facial parts (21, 321), preferably engaging largely or completely without play.

11. Heating device according to claim 10, characterized in that elongated ferrite rods (25) are arranged at the bottom of one facial part (21, 321), preferably at the bottom of the lowest facial part (21, 321), wherein the holding device (35, 135) with two fastening projections (41, 41', 46, 46', 141, 141') on sides of a ferrite rod (25) so that the ferrite rod (25) runs in the fastening recess (44, 47, 144, 344) between them.

12. Heating device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the sensor device (230) is designed according to claims 8 and 9 and is arranged on the outside of the induction heating coil (19) in such a way that at least one of the facial parts (21, 321) of the induction heating coil (19) lies in the mounting recess (244, 247) of the holding device (235).

13. Heating device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a retaining receptacle (353) is formed as a separate part and is arranged between two facial parts (321) of the heating device (17), in particular is glued between them, wherein the retaining receptacle (353) has at least one latching chamber (354) for inserting a fastening projection (341) with a latching tongue (343) and has a latching projection (355) in the latching chamber (354), behind which the latching tongue (343) snaps into after insertion, wherein the latching chamber (354) preferably completely surrounds the fastening projection (341).

14. Cooktop with multiple heating devices (17) according to one of claims 10 to 13 and with multiple sensor devices (30, 230, 330) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that exactly one single sensor device (30, 230, 330) is arranged between at least two heating devices (17).

15. Cooktop according to claim 14, characterized in that all heating devices (17) are provided with elongated outer sides and such a sensor device (30, 230, 330) is arranged between two adjacent heating devices (17), in particular a single such sensor device (30, 230, 330). 330) is arranged between two adjacent heating devices (17), in particular a single such sensor device (30, 230, 330).