Hob device and method for installing same

Abstract

To improve the centering of user interface elements, a cooktop device (10) is proposed, comprising a cooktop plate (12) which has at least one user interface area (14), at least one user interface element (16) and at least one centering unit (18) which is connected to the underside (20) of the cooktop plate (12) and which is provided for centering the user interface element (16) relative to the user interface area (14) along at least one direction (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hob device according to claim 1 and a method for assembling a hob device according to claim 8.

[0002] It is already known from the prior art to center displays of hobs by means of receptacles arranged on a housing of the hob, wherein, in an assembled state, centering pins of a display holding unit which carries the display engage in the receptacles.

[0003] From EP 3 628 930 A1 a worktop and at least one functional element that can be arranged on an underside of the worktop are known, wherein the worktop has at least one first centering means, wherein the functional element has at least one second centering means and wherein the first centering means and the second centering means are designed to correspond to one another in such a way that the functional element can be arranged in a defined position relative to the worktop.

[0004] EP 3 091 290 A1 discloses a support box for a control and display device of a household appliance. The support box comprises a receiving element for the control and display device and a support element. The receiving element and the support element have fastening means designed to fasten the receiving element and the support element to one another. The receiving element comprises holding means for holding the control means and the display. The support element comprises fastening means for attaching the support box to a surface of a household appliance.

[0005] EP 2 703 724 A1 discloses a hob device with at least one support unit, which comprises at least one electronics support element for holding at least one electronics unit, in particular a touch electronics unit. The support unit comprises at least one bearing for guided movement of the electronics support element. The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, to provide a generic hob device with improved properties with regard to assembly. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 8, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] A hob device is proposed, comprising a hob plate having at least one user interface region, at least one user interface element, and at least one centering unit which is connected to the hob plate on an underside thereof and which is provided for centering the user interface element relative to the user interface region along at least one direction.

[0007] Such a configuration can, in particular, improve the assembly of the user interface element. In particular, a tolerance of a position of the user interface element relative to the user interface area can be reduced. Advantageously, the influence of manufacturing tolerances, for example of housing parts of the hob device and / or user interface holding units of the hob device, on the tolerance of the position of the user interface element relative to the user interface area can be avoided.

[0008] A "cooktop device," in particular an "induction cooktop device," is understood to mean at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of a cooktop, in particular an induction cooktop or gas cooktop. Accessory units for the cooktop may also be included, such as a sensor unit for externally measuring the temperature of a cooking utensil and / or a food item. In particular, the cooktop device, in particular the induction cooktop device or gas cooktop device, may also comprise the entire cooktop, in particular the entire induction cooktop or gas cooktop.

[0009] A "user interface area" of the cooktop plate is understood to mean, in particular, an area of ​​the cooktop plate that is intended to enable and / or facilitate a function of the user interface element in the mounted state. This function can include, for example, the input of control commands and / or the display of information. Advantageously, the user interface area is arranged above the user interface element in the mounted state; in particular, actuation of the user interface element can involve the user touching the cooktop plate.It would also be conceivable for the user interface element, in the mounted state, to be arranged above the user interface region and, in particular, to be coupled to at least one coupling element that penetrates the hob plate. In particular, the actuation of the user interface element can involve the user touching the user interface element. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the user interface region to have a recess in the hob plate and, in particular, to be designed as such, in particular for receiving the coupling element. Preferably, the user interface region is designed differently from recesses in the hob plate.Preferably, the user interface area is free of coatings, in particular opaque coatings, of the hob plate. Particularly preferably, the user interface area serves to provide visibility of an area arranged beneath the hob plate, in particular of the user interface element, preferably for the user. In particular, the user interface area can have any desired shape. Preferably, the user interface area, in the assembled state and when viewed perpendicularly to the hob plate, has a substantially quadrangular, in particular rectangular, shape. Advantageously, the user interface area, in the assembled state, is arranged on an edge region of the hob plate facing a user.

[0010] A "user interface element" is understood, in particular, to be an element that is intended to convey information to the user in at least one operating state and / or to be actuated by the user. The user interface element can be designed, for example, as an output element, such as a segment display or an LED display, and / or as a mechanical operating element, such as a pushbutton or a rotary knob. Preferably, the user interface element is designed as a touch-sensitive operating element, such as a touch-sensitive switch.

[0011] The term "centered" the user interface element relative to the user interface area should be understood in particular to mean that, in the assembled state, a center point of the user interface element and a center point of the user interface area are arranged on a straight line perpendicular to the direction, subject to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Advantageously, the center points are identical in the assembled state, subject to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. In particular, the centering unit prevents movement of the user interface element along the direction in the assembled state.Advantageously, the centering unit generates a movement of the user interface element during assembly along the direction for centering the user interface element relative to the user interface area, in particular for error correction in the event of incorrect positioning of the user interface element before assembly.

[0012] "Intended" should be understood, in particular, as being specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood, in particular, as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. In particular, "intended" should not be understood as mere suitability.

[0013] It would be conceivable for the direction to be parallel to a depth direction of the cooktop plate and / or for the centering unit to be provided for centering the user interface element relative to the user interface area along all directions in a plane parallel to the cooktop plate. A "depth direction of the cooktop plate" is to be understood in particular as a direction perpendicular to a side of the cooktop plate facing the user during use of a cooktop having the cooktop device. To achieve a simple construction, it is proposed that the direction be parallel to a width direction of the cooktop plate.A "width direction of the hob plate" is to be understood in particular as a direction parallel to a side of the hob plate facing the user during use of a hob comprising the hob device. In particular, the width direction runs perpendicular to the depth direction. Preferably, the hob device has at least one further centering unit, which is provided for centering the user interface element relative to the user interface area in a direction parallel to the depth direction. This allows, in particular, the centering of the user interface element to be achieved in a structurally simple manner. According to the invention, the centering unit has at least one centering element attached to the hob plate.A "centering element" is understood, in particular, to be an element that contributes to the centering of the user interface element during assembly of the hob device. For example, the centering element could be detachably connected to the hob plate, in particular by means of at least one snap connection and / or locking connection and / or screw connection and / or plug connection. It would be possible for the centering element to be movably attached to the hob plate; preferably, the centering element is fixed by the attachment to the hob plate. According to the invention, . theThe centering element, together with at least one other element of the centering unit, provides the centering of the user interface element. According to the invention, the centering element, in the mounted state, contacts the user interface element on a side of the user interface element aligned along the width direction. This makes it possible, in particular, to easily connect the centering unit to the cooktop. Advantageously, common cooktops can be easily equipped with the centering unit. Particularly advantageously, an arrangement of the centering element can be adapted to a type of user interface element to be centered.

[0014] It is further proposed that the centering element be connected to the cooktop plate in one piece. "Integral" should be understood in particular as at least materially connected, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process, and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously as formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. This can, in particular, increase the robustness of the centering unit. Advantageously, loosening of the connection between the centering unit and the cooktop plate, for example due to vibrations and / or impacts, can be prevented. The centering element could possibly be formed as a recess in the cooktop plate, created, for example, by a cutting process.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the centering unit have at least one adhesive element by means of which the centering element is attached to the hob plate. The adhesive element is advantageously designed as a silicone adhesive and / or an adhesive tape, in particular double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the adhesive element could be designed as other types of adhesive elements known to those skilled in the art. This can, in particular, simplify the attachment of the centering unit to the hob plate. Advantageously, time-consuming attachment steps for attaching the centering unit to the hob plate, such as welding and / or injection molding, can be dispensed with.

[0016] It would be possible for the centering element to have a side surface facing away from the cooktop plate and oriented parallel to the cooktop plate. To simplify assembly, the centering element according to the invention has at least one run-on slope. A "run-on slope" is understood in particular to mean a preferably flat surface of the centering element which, in the assembled state, faces away from the cooktop plate and slopes toward the user interface area towards the cooktop plate. In particular, the run-on slope, in the assembled state, together with a plane oriented parallel to the cooktop plate, forms an angle of at least 10°, advantageously at least 15°, and in particular at most 80°, advantageously at most 75°. In particular, the centering element, in the assembled state, has a shape that tapers toward the user interface area.

[0017] According to the invention, the centering element has at least one stop surface, which is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the hob plate and connects the ramp to the underside of the hob plate. In particular, the centering element, in the assembled state, contacts the user interface element with the stop surface. This makes it possible, in particular, to avoid errors during assembly. Advantageously, during assembly of the hob device, sliding the user interface element along the ramp can provide automatic position correction in the event of minor displacements of the hob plate relative to the user interface element.

[0018] According to the invention, the centering unit has at least one further centering element arranged opposite the centering element with respect to the user interface area. The fact that the further centering element is arranged "opposite the centering element with respect to the user interface area" is to be understood in particular as meaning that, viewed perpendicular to the cooktop plate, a straight line connecting the centering elements intersects opposite corners or preferably opposite sides, particularly preferably sides aligned along the width direction, of the user interface area, and the centering elements have the same distance with respect to the user interface area. It would be conceivable for the further centering element to be designed differently from the centering element. Advantageously, the further centering element is designed identically to the centering element.It would be conceivable for the additional centering element to be provided for centering the user interface element relative to the user interface region along the depth direction. Preferably, the additional centering element is provided together with the centering element for centering the user interface element relative to the user interface region along the width direction. This allows, in particular, centering of the user interface element to be achieved in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, the centering of the user interface element can be achieved through the interaction of several easily manufactured components.

[0019] It would be conceivable for a minimum distance between the centering element and the further centering element along the direction to be greater than the extension of the user interface element along the direction. To further improve the centering of the user interface element, it is proposed that the minimum distance between the centering element and the further centering element along the direction at least substantially correspond to the extension of the user interface element along the direction. A "minimum distance" is to be understood, in particular, as a length corresponding to the length of a shortest imaginary connecting line that just barely connects both centering elements.According to the invention, the centering element and the additional centering element, in the assembled state, contact the user interface element at the opposite corners or sides with the stop surface and a further stop surface of the additional centering element. According to the invention, the centering element and the additional centering element, together with the user interface element, form a positive connection for centering the user interface element. This allows play of the user interface element along the direction to be reduced in the assembled state. Particularly advantageously, the minimum distance can be adapted to the type of user interface element to be centered.

[0020] It is also proposed that the centering unit have a temperature resistance of at least 100°C. The term "temperature resistance" of a unit and / or an element and / or a material is to be understood in particular as an element-specific and / or material-specific maximum and / or minimum temperature to which the unit and / or the element and / or material can be exposed, in particular permanently and directly, without this changing the unit and / or element and / or material properties that are crucial for the functionality of the unit and / or the element and / or the material to fulfill a designated function beyond a tolerable level for the intended application and / or function of the unit and / or the element and / or the material.In particular, the unit and / or the element and / or the material is functional and / or unimpaired and / or undamaged at the temperature that defines the temperature resistance of the unit and / or the element and / or the material. In particular, the centering unit has a melting temperature and / or evaporation temperature of at least 120°C, advantageously at least 140°C, and particularly advantageously at least 160°C. For example, the centering unit could comprise at least one ceramic, in particular glass ceramic, and / or at least one metal and / or at least one mineral. Preferably, the centering unit comprises at least one heat-resistant polymer. This can, in particular, increase the robustness of the centering unit. Advantageously, it can be ensured that the centering unit can provide centering regardless of the operating state of a hob having the hob device.

[0021] In particular, the user interface element is designed as a display, advantageously a touch-sensitive display. The user interface element preferably has a display surface whose outer contour, when viewed, is particularly preferably identical to an outer contour of the user interface region. In particular, the user interface element has a frame which, when viewed, surrounds the display surface, advantageously completely, and particularly advantageously, in the assembled state, contacts the centering element and / or the further centering element. This can, in particular, increase user comfort. Displacements of the display relative to the user interface region and associated visual defects of a hob having the hob device can advantageously be avoided.

[0022] Additionally, it is proposed that the hob device comprise at least one user interface holding unit, which, in the assembled state, supports at least the user interface element and by means of which the user interface element is mounted displaceably along the direction in a pre-assembled state. Alternatively, the user interface holding unit could merely support the user interface element in the assembled state and fix it along the direction. Advantageously, the user interface holding unit forms an outer housing of the user interface element. Particularly advantageously, the user interface holding unit is arranged on a housing, in particular the housing base, of a hob having the hob device.In particular, the user interface element is mounted in the preassembled state such that, during assembly of the hob plate, the user interface element can slide along the run-up slope of the centering element. In particular, the hob device can be converted from the preassembled state to the assembled state by placing and fastening the hob plate to a housing of the hob device. This can, in particular, simplify assembly. Assembly errors can advantageously be avoided. In particular, prepositioning of the user interface element relative to the user interface area can be provided.

[0023] Furthermore, a hob with the hob device is proposed. This allows, in particular, the centering of the user interface element to be improved. In particular, the influence of manufacturing tolerances, for example, of housing parts of the hob device and / or user interface holding units of the hob device, on the centering of the user interface element can be avoided.

[0024] In a further aspect, a method for assembling the hob device according to claim 8 is proposed. This allows, in particular, centering of the user interface element to be improved. In particular, the influence of manufacturing tolerances, for example, of housing parts of the hob device and / or user interface holding units of the hob device, on the centering of the user interface element can be avoided.

[0025] It would be possible for the centering unit to be connected to the hob plate manually. To reduce assembly tolerances when connecting the centering unit to the hob plate, it is proposed that the centering unit be connected to the hob plate mechanically, in particular in a fully automated manner. For example, the centering unit could be connected to the hob plate using at least one robotic arm. This advantageously eliminates the possibility of human error when connecting the centering unit to the hob plate.

[0026] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination.

[0027] They show: Fig. 1A simplified representation of a hob with a hob device in a plan view, Fig. 2A hob plate of the hob device in a pre-assembled state in a view from below, Fig. 3The hob device in an assembled state in an oblique view, Fig. 4A sectional view of the hob device along a section line AA from Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the hob device.

[0028] Of multiple objects, only one is provided with a reference symbol in the figures.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a hob 34. The hob 34 is designed as an induction hob. The hob 34 has a hob device 10. The hob device 10 has a hob plate 12, which is Figure 2in a pre-assembled state of the hob device 10 is shown in more detail. The hob plate 12 comprises a glass ceramic. Alternatively, the hob plate 12 could comprise other materials known to those skilled in the art that are customary for hob plates. The hob plate 12 has a coating 42. The coating 42 is designed as an opaque coating. The hob plate 12 has a user interface area 14. In addition, the hob plate 12 could have any number of further user interface areas. The user interface area 14 is free of the coating 42. The user interface area 14 serves to provide visibility for a user of an area of ​​the hob 34 arranged below the user interface area 14.

[0030] The cooking hob device 10 has a user interface element 16 which is in the Figures 3 and 4in an assembled state of the cooktop device 10 is shown in more detail. The user interface element 16 is designed as a touch-sensitive display. Alternatively, the user interface element 16 could be designed as a rotary knob or a pushbutton or an LED display or a touch-sensitive switch. The user interface element 16 has a touch-sensitive display surface 36. The user interface element 16 has a frame 38. The frame 38 completely surrounds the display surface 36 when viewed perpendicular to the cooktop plate 12.

[0031] The user interface area 14 is arranged above the user interface element 16. When viewed, the display surface 36 has an outer contour that, except for manufacturing and assembly tolerances, is identical to an outer contour of the user interface area 14. The user interface area 14 provides visibility of the display surface 36 to a user.

[0032] The cooktop device 10 has a centering unit 18. The centering unit 18 is connected to the cooktop plate 12 on an underside 20 thereof. The centering unit 18 is provided for centering the user interface element 16. The centering unit 18 centers the user interface element 16 relative to the user interface region 14 along a direction 22. The direction 22 is parallel to a width direction of the cooktop plate 12. Alternatively or additionally, the centering unit 18 could center the user interface element 16 relative to the user interface region 14 along a further direction, which is parallel to a depth direction of the cooktop plate 12.

[0033] The centering unit 18 has a centering element 24 attached to the cooktop plate 12. The centering element 24 is integrally connected to the cooktop plate 12. The centering unit 18 has an adhesive element 26. The adhesive element 26 attaches the centering element 24 to the cooktop plate 12. Alternatively, the centering element 24 and the cooktop plate 12 could be formed in one piece. The adhesive element 26 is arranged between the centering element 24 and the cooktop plate 12. The adhesive element 26 comprises a silicone adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive element 26 could comprise an adhesive tape, in particular double-sided adhesive tape.

[0034] The centering unit 18 has a temperature resistance of 105°C. The centering element 24 is made of a heat-resistant polymer. The centering element 24 is essentially L-shaped. The centering element 24 has a run-up slope 28. The centering element 24 has a stop surface 44. The stop surface 44 contacts the frame 38 on a side of the frame 38 aligned along the direction 22.

[0035] The centering unit 18 has a further centering element 30. The further centering element 30 is arranged opposite the centering element 24 with respect to the user interface area 14. The further centering element 30 is configured identically to the centering element 24 and is fastened to the cooktop plate 12. Therefore, a description of the further centering element 30 and the fastening of the further centering element 30 is omitted below. In particular, statements regarding the centering element 24 and the adhesive element 26 also apply to the further centering element 30.

[0036] The centering element 24 and the further centering element 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the user interface area 14, aligned along the direction 22. The centering element 24 and the further centering element 30 are identically spaced from each other with respect to a center point of the user interface area 14. A minimum distance between the centering element 24 and the further centering element 30 along the direction 22 corresponds to an extension of the user interface element 16 along the direction 22.

[0037] The cooktop device 10 has a user interface holding unit 32. The user interface holding unit 32 supports the user interface element 16. The user interface holding unit 32 is arranged on a housing base 40 of a housing (not shown) of the cooktop device 10. The user interface holding unit 32 supports the user interface element 16 in a preassembled state so that it can be displaced along the direction 22. The user interface holding unit 32 centers the user interface element 16 relative to the user interface area 14 along a direction parallel to a depth direction of the cooktop plate 12.

[0038] In Figure 5A schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the cooktop device 10 is shown. In a connecting step 100, the centering unit 18 is connected to the cooktop plate 12. The centering unit 18 is connected to the cooktop plate 12 by machine. The centering unit 18 is connected to the cooktop plate 12 by a robot arm (not shown). The robot arm applies the adhesive element 26 to the centering element 24. The robot arm then presses the centering element 24 against the underside 20 of the cooktop plate 12 until the adhesive element 26 has cured. The connecting step 100 is fully automated.

[0039] In a pre-assembly step 110, the user interface element 16 is placed on the user interface holding unit 32 and slidably supported by the user interface holding unit 32. Following the pre-assembly step 110, the cooktop device 10 is in the pre-assembled state. The pre-assembly step 110 follows the connecting step 100.

[0040] In an assembly step 120, the cooktop plate 12 is placed onto the housing of the cooktop device 10. During the assembly step 120, the user interface element 16 slides along the ramp 28. Following the sliding of the user interface element 16, the user interface element 16 is contacted by the stop surfaces 44 of the centering elements 24, 30 to center the user interface element 16. Following the assembly step 120, the cooktop device 10 is in the assembled state. The assembly step 120 follows the pre-assembly step 110. Reference symbol

[0041] 10Cooktop device 12Cooktop plate 14User interface area 16User interface element 18Centering unit 20Bottom 22Direction 24Centering element 26Adhesive element 28Bevel 30Further centering element 32User interface holding unit 34Cooktop 36Display surface 38Frame 40Cabinet base 42Coating 44Stop surface 100Connection step 110Pre-assembly step 120Assembly step

Claims

1. Hob device (10) with a hob plate (12), which has at least one user interface area (14), with at least one user interface element (16) and with at least one centring unit (18), which is connected on an underside (20) of the hob plate (12) thereto and which is provided to centre the user interface element (16) relative to the user interface area (14) along at least one direction (22), wherein the centring unit (18) has at least one centring element (24) fastened to the hob plate (12), wherein the centring element (24) has at least one ramp bevel (28) and at least one stop surface (44), which is aligned at least substantially at a right angle to the hob plate (12) and the ramp bevel (28) connects to the underside of the hob plate (12), characterised in that the centring element (24), in the assembled state, brings the user interface element (16) into contact with the stop surface (44), with at least one user interface retaining unit (32), which, in an assembled state, supports at least the user interface element (16) and through which the user interface element (16), in a preassembled state, is mounted in a displaceable manner along the direction (22), wherein the direction (22) is parallel to a width direction of the hob plate (12), and wherein the centring element (24) provides the centring of the user interface element (16) and wherein the centring element (24), in the assembled state, is brought into contact with the user interface element (16) on a side of the user interface element (16) aligned along the width direction, wherein the centring unit (18) has at least one further centring element (30) which is arranged opposite the centring element (24) with respect to the user interface area (14), wherein the centring element (24) and the further centring element (30), in the assembled state, bring the user interface element (16) into contact with the stop surface (44) and a further stop surface of the further centring element (30) on the opposing corners or sides and the centring element (24) and the further centring element (30) embody a form fit together with the user interface element (16) in order to centre the user interface element (16).

2. Hob device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the centring element (24) is connected at least with a material bond to the hob plate (12) or shaped in one piece with the hob plate (12).

3. Hob device (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that the centring unit (18) has at least one adhesive element (26), by means of which the centring element (24) is fastened to the hob plate (12).

4. Hob device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that a minimal distance between the centring element (24) and the further centring element (30) along the direction (22) corresponds at least substantially to an extent of the user interface element (16) along the direction (22).

5. Hob device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the centring unit (18) has a temperature resistance of at least 100°C.

6. Hob device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the user interface element (16) is embodied as a display.

7. Hob (24) with at least one hob device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Method for assembling a hob device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, with a hob plate (12), which has at least one user interface area (14), with at least one user interface element (16) and with at least one centring unit (18) which is connected on an underside (20) of the hob plate (12) thereto, wherein the user interface element (16) is centred relative to the user interface area (14) along at least one direction (22) by means of the centring unit (18), wherein the centring unit (18) has at least one centring element (24) fastened to the hob plate (12), wherein the centring element (24) has at least one ramp bevel (28) and has at least one stop surface (44), which is aligned at least substantially at a right angle to the hob plate (12), and the ramp bevel (28) is connected to the lower side of the hob plate (12), wherein the user interface element (16) is brought into contact with the centring element (24), in the assembled state, at the stop surface (44), wherein the user interface element (16) is supported by a user interface retaining unit (32) of the hob device in an assembled state and is displaceably mounted along the direction (22) in a preassembled state, wherein the direction (22) is parallel to a width direction of the hob plate (12), and wherein the user interface element (16), in the assembled state, is brought into contact with the centring element (24) of the centring unit (18) providing the centring of the user interface element (16) on a side of the user interface element (16) aligned along the width direction, characterised in that the centring unit (18) has at least one further centring element (30) arranged opposite the centring element (24) with respect to the user interface area (14), wherein the user interface element (16) is connected on the opposing corners or sides by the centring element (24) and the further centring element (30) in the assembled state with the stop surface (44) and a further stop surface of the further centring element (30) and a form fit is embodied by the centring element (24) and the further centring element (30) together with the user interface element (16) in order to centre the user interface element (16).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the centring unit (18) is connected mechanically to the hob plate (12).

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