Hob device, hob and method for assembling a hob device

Abstract

The invention relates to a hob device (10), in particular an induction hob device, comprising a hob plate unit (12), a housing unit (14) which is directly connected to the hob plate unit (12), and a light-guide unit (16) which is provided for guiding light from at least one light source (42) to at least one target region (18) on the hob plate unit (12) in order to provide a generic device with improved characteristics in terms of illumination, light guiding and efficiency, wherein, according to the invention, the light-guide unit (16) and the housing unit (14) have cooperating orientation means (20, 22) which are provided for orientating the light-guide unit (16) in relation to the hob plate unit (12).

Description

[0001] Hob device, hob and method for assembling a hob device

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a hob device according to the preamble of claim 1, a hob according to claim 13 and a method for assembling a hob device according to claim 14.

[0004] A hob device comprising a hob plate unit, a housing unit directly connected to the hob plate unit, and a light-conducting unit designed to guide light from at least one light source to at least one target area on the hob plate unit is already known from the prior art. A distance between an output of the light-conducting unit and the hob plate unit, in particular to the target area on the hob plate unit, can result in a significant decrease in the light intensity of the light from the light source to the target area, and in particular, may no longer be visible to a user.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to illumination, light guidance, and component arrangement. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 13, and 14, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a hob device, in particular an induction hob device, comprising a hob plate unit, a housing unit directly connected to the hob plate unit, and a light-guiding unit designed to guide light from at least one light source to at least one target area on the hob plate unit. It is proposed that the light-guiding unit and the housing unit have cooperating alignment means designed to align the light-guiding unit with respect to the hob plate unit.

[0008] Such a configuration allows a tolerance range of an arrangement of the light-guiding unit relative to the hob plate unit to be kept particularly small. Advantageously, a distance between the light-guiding unit and the hob plate unit can be kept particularly small. In particular, a particularly small distance between an output of the light-guiding unit and the hob plate unit, in particular the target area on the hob plate unit, can be achieved. Advantageously, the light from the light source can be transmitted by means of the light-guiding unit to the hob plate unit, in particular the target area on the hob plate unit, with particularly low losses. Advantageously, illumination of the hob plate unit can be improved. Thus, advantageously, a particularly high level of user comfort can be achieved and an improved user experience can be provided.

[0009] In one installed position, the hob device preferably forms a subassembly of a hob. The hob is preferably a matrix hob. The hob device is designed, in particular, as an induction hob device. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the hob device to be designed as a resistance hob device. Preferably, the hob device designed as an induction hob device is a subassembly of an induction hob.In addition, the hob device could also comprise accessory units for the hob, such as an extractor unit and / or at least one sensor unit, in particular at least one temperature sensor, for measuring the temperature of a support unit, in particular a cooking utensil, and / or a cooking item, and / or for placement in the support unit and / or in the cooking item, for example in the form of a roasting spit, and / or a detection unit for detecting at least the support unit. It would also be conceivable for the hob device to comprise the entire hob.

[0010] The hob plate unit is preferably designed at least like a plate. The hob plate unit is preferably intended for mounting at least the mounting unit and / or for placing at least one food item, in particular the food to be cooked, on it. The hob plate unit is designed, in particular, as a hotplate.

[0011] The hob plate unit could form at least part of a hob outer housing of the hob. It is conceivable that the hob plate unit, together with the housing unit, forms at least a large part of the hob outer housing. The housing unit preferably comprises at least one inner frame. The hob plate unit is preferably connected to the housing unit, in particular at least to the inner frame, in at least one assembled state. The hob plate unit is connected to the housing unit, in particular to the inner frame, for example, by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit connection. The hob plate unit is preferably made of a non-metallic material.The cooktop plate unit could be made at least partially or at least largely from glass and / or glass ceramic and / or Neolith and / or Dekton and / or wood and / or marble and / or stone, in particular natural stone, and / or laminate and / or plastic and / or ceramic and / or a composite material. The expression “largely” is to be understood as meaning in particular at least 55%, preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and very particularly preferably at most 95% of a volume and / or mass fraction. The cooktop plate unit preferably has a thickness, in particular a material thickness, of at most 30 mm, preferably of at most 20 mm, and particularly preferably of at most 12 mm. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the cooktop plate unit to have a thickness, in particular a material thickness, that is greater than 30 mm.In this document, position designations such as “below” or “above” refer to the assembled state of the cooktop plate unit, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0012] The hob plate unit preferably has at least one cooking surface area. In particular, the installation unit can be arranged in the at least one cooking surface area on the hob plate unit. The hob device preferably has at least one heating unit. The heating unit is preferably designed as an induction heating unit. Alternatively, however, it is at least also conceivable for the heating unit to be designed as a resistance heating unit. In particular, the heating unit is arranged below the hob plate unit. The heating unit is preferably provided for heating at least the installation unit when the installation unit is arranged on the hob plate unit, in particular in the cooking surface area, preferably for cooking at least the food to be cooked.Preferably, the heating unit is arranged within the housing unit, preferably in an interior space which is at least partially delimited by the housing unit and the hob plate unit.

[0013] The installation unit can have at least one small household appliance and / or the cooking utensil. The small household appliance is designed, for example, as a coffee maker, a toaster, a kettle, a blender, a stirrer or as another small household appliance that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. It is conceivable that the small household appliance, when placed on the hob plate unit, can be supplied with energy at least partially, preferably inductively, in particular by means of the heating unit. The cooking utensil is designed, for example, as a pot, a pan, a roasting pan or as another cooking utensil that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, when placed on the hob plate unit, the cooking utensil can be supplied with energy at least partially, preferably inductively, at least for heating, in particular by means of the heating unit.It is also conceivable for the installation unit to comprise a support unit, which is intended in particular to serve as a support under the cooking utensils and / or the small household appliance. The support unit can preferably be arranged between the hob plate unit and the cooking utensils and / or the small household appliance.

[0014] It is conceivable for the hob plate unit to have engravings and / or prints for marking the at least one cooking surface area for at least the installation unit. However, the hob plate unit is preferably designed free of engravings and / or prints. The cooking surface area is preferably designed as a variable cooking surface area. A “variable cooking surface area” is to be understood as a cooking surface area that is intended to form at least one heating zone adapted to at least the installed installation unit, in particular the small household appliance and / or the cooking utensil. The heating zone can preferably be adapted to the installation unit with regard to at least one size and / or shape. In particular, the variable cooking surface area differs from a cooking surface area in which heating zones are fixedly predetermined, in particular by markings on the installation plate.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cooking surface area is designed with fixed heating zones.

[0015] Preferably, by means of the light provided by the light source, at least the cooking surface area on the cooking surface unit and / or at least one possible placement of at least the installation unit on the cooking surface unit and / or a danger zone, for example a hot spot within the cooking surface area, on the cooking surface unit can be displayed, preferably for a user. In particular, the target area can be illuminated by means of the light provided by the light source. The target area on the cooking surface unit is, for example, a partial area within the cooking surface area, for example a single local point in the cooking surface area, or the entire cooking surface area. It is conceivable that the target area is a partial area within the cooking surface area which in particular forms at least 1%, preferably at least 3% and preferably at least 10% of the cooking surface area.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the target area formed as a partial area within the cooking surface area forms a maximum of 80%, preferably a maximum of 50%, and preferably a maximum of 30% of the cooking surface area. It is also conceivable that the target area on the cooking surface panel unit is located outside the cooking surface area, for example in an operating area in which a user interface, in particular a cooking surface user interface, could be arranged, and / or in an extraction area in which the extraction unit could be arranged, and / or in an electronics area in which at least one electronics unit of the cooking surface device could be arranged. The cooking surface panel unit could also have a plurality of target areas, namely at least two target areas or a plurality of target areas. All target areas can preferably be illuminated by means of light provided by the same light source.Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the target areas also receive light from different light sources of the hob device and / or can be illuminated by means of light provided by different light sources of the hob device.

[0016] The light source can comprise a light source which, for example, comprises at least one LED, at least one electronic paper (e-paper, ePaper), at least one liquid crystal, at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED), at least one active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) or another light source which appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art.

[0017] The light-guiding unit is particularly intended to guide light, preferably the light provided by the light source, preferably directly and particularly preferably unprocessed, towards the target area and most preferably to the target area on the hob plate unit. The light-guiding unit preferably comprises a plurality of elements and / or units which contribute to guiding and / or directing light from the light source to the target area on the hob plate unit. In addition, it is conceivable for the light-guiding unit to have at least one optical element, such as a diffuser unit for converting light into diffused light, a beam splitter, a color filter, a polarization filter and / or another optical element deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.The light guide unit preferably has at least one planar entry area for the provided light, which is preferably adapted to a dimension, shape and / or size of the light source.

[0018] The light-guiding unit preferably comprises at least one light-guiding element. The light-guiding element is, for example, designed at least in sections as a hollow light-guiding element or as a completely filled light-guiding element. The at least one light-guiding element is, for example, plate-like, rod-like, tubular, or the like. The at least one light-guiding element is preferably designed as a light-guiding plate. The light-guiding unit preferably comprises at least one light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is arranged in particular on the at least one light-guiding element. The light-guiding unit preferably has a plurality of light-emitting elements, which are arranged in particular on the at least one light-guiding element.

[0019] The light emitting element is particularly intended to emit the light generated by the light source, preferably onto the hob plate unit, particularly preferably onto the target area. The light emitting element is preferably designed as a hollow light guide. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the light emitting element to be designed as a completely filled light guide. Along a main extension axis of the light emitting element, an inner diameter of the light emitting element designed as a hollow light guide preferably decreases continuously. For example, the inner diameter of the light emitting element designed as a hollow light guide decreases by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%, preferably by at least 30%, and particularly preferably by at least 40% from a maximum value of the inner diameter.

[0020] A "main extension axis" of an object, in particular of the light-emitting element, is understood here to mean an axis that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. In particular, the main extension axis of the light-emitting element runs at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the light guide element. A "main extension plane" of an object, in particular of the light guide element, is understood in particular to mean a plane that is aligned parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the object, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid.“Substantially perpendicular” can be understood as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0021] It is conceivable that the light emitting element is indirectly connected to the target area, in particular by means of at least one further component of the hob device, preferably the light-guiding unit. Preferably, the light-guiding unit, in particular the light emitting element, is arranged directly on the target area. Preferably, the light emitting element forms a termination of the light-guiding unit and is arranged in particular on the target area. In particular, the light emitting element, preferably a free end of the light emitting element, is arranged directly on the target area. The hob plate unit preferably contacts the light-guiding unit, in particular the light emitting element. It is conceivable that the hob plate unit bears against the light-guiding unit, in particular the free end of the light emitting element, at least in sections.

[0022] The light guide element is arranged in particular between the light source and the light output element. The light guide element and the at least one light output element preferably have at least a largely identical material composition. Preferably, the light guide element and the at least one light output element have a completely identical material composition. The light guide unit, in particular the light guide element and / or the light output element, consists / consists at least partially and / or largely of a mineral, for example glass, and / or a plastic and / or a metal and / or a composite material. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the light guide element and the light output element to consist at least partially of different material compositions.

[0023] The light-guiding unit, in particular the light-guiding element, is preferably arranged directly, preferably in direct contact, with the light source. In particular, the light-guiding element has at least the planar entry region for the provided light, which is adapted, for example, to a dimension, a shape and / or size of the light source. It is conceivable for the light-guiding element and the at least one light-emitting element to be arranged at a distance from one another. It is also conceivable for the light-guiding element and the at least one light-emitting element to be indirectly connected to one another and for at least one additional section and / or a component and / or a structural unit of the light-guiding unit to be located, in particular, between the light-guiding element and the light-emitting element. The light-guiding element and the light-emitting element are preferably directly connected to one another.In particular, the optical fiber element and the light-emitting element are directly connected to one another. The optical fiber element and the light-emitting element are connected, for example, by means of a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection, such as a snap-in connection and / or plug-in connection and / or rotary connection and / or screw connection, and / or a material-fit connection, for example an adhesive connection and / or injection-molded connection and / or welded connection, in particular an ultrasonic welded connection. Particularly preferably, the at least one light-emitting element is formed integrally with the optical fiber element.

[0024] “In one piece” can be understood as meaning at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to the person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a casting and / or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank.

[0025] The at least one alignment means of the light guide unit is preferably arranged on the light guide element. Preferably, the at least one alignment means of the light guide unit is formed integrally with the light guide unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the at least one alignment means of the light guide unit to be detachably fastened to the light guide element, in particular in a non-destructive manner. For example, the at least one alignment means of the light guide unit is arranged in an edge region of the light guide unit, in particular of the light guide element, preferably at least in a plane running parallel to a main extension plane of the light guide unit. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the at least one alignment means of the light guide unit to be arranged at a distance from the edge region of the light guide unit, in particular of the light guide element.The main extension plane runs, in particular, at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the light guide element. "Substantially parallel" can be understood here as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. It is also conceivable for the light guide unit to have a plurality of alignment means, which are provided, in particular, to cooperate with the at least one alignment means of the housing unit, in particular to align the light guide unit with respect to the hob plate unit.

[0026] The at least one alignment means of the housing unit is preferably arranged on the inner frame. Preferably, the at least one alignment means of the housing unit is formed integrally with the inner frame. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the at least one alignment means of the housing unit to be arranged detachably, in particular non-destructively, on the inner frame. Preferably, the at least one alignment means of the housing unit is arranged on a side of the inner frame facing the light-guiding unit. It is also conceivable for the housing unit to have a plurality of alignment means, which are intended in particular to interact with the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit, preferably to align the light-guiding unit with respect to the hob plate unit.

[0027] Furthermore, here and below, "intended" should be understood as specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0028] It is further proposed that the light-guiding unit be fastened directly to the housing unit by means of the cooperating alignment means. The inner frame is preferably connected to the light-guiding unit, in particular to the light-guiding element, at least via the cooperating alignment means. The light-guiding unit, in particular the light-guiding element, preferably forms a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit connection with the housing unit, preferably the inner frame, by means of the cooperating alignment means. Preferably, a connection between the housing unit, in particular the inner frame, and the light-guiding unit, in particular the light-guiding element, is free of any further connecting elements apart from the cooperating alignment means. Advantageously, a particularly precise alignment of the light-guiding unit relative to the hob plate unit can be achieved.Advantageously, the tolerance range of the arrangement of the light guide unit relative to the hob plate unit can be kept particularly simple and at the same time effectively small. This allows particularly effective and precise illumination of the hob plate unit to be achieved.

[0029] It is further proposed that the cooperating alignment means are provided to form a positive connection with one another. It is conceivable that the cooperating alignment means indirectly form a positive connection, for example via a bolt, a rivet or the like, or that the cooperating alignment means directly form a positive connection, for example as a hook-and-eye connection or as another positive connection that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Advantageously, the light-guiding unit can be aligned particularly precisely relative to the hob plate unit through particularly simple assembly. Advantageously, particularly effective and precise illumination of the hob plate unit can be achieved through simple assembly of the light-guiding unit on the housing unit.Advantageously, a particularly convenient and / or time-saving assembly and / or disassembly of the light guide unit on / from the housing unit can be achieved.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cooperating alignment means are provided to form a hook-eyelet connection. The at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit is preferably designed as a hook. The at least one alignment means of the housing unit is preferably designed as an eyelet. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit is designed as an eyelet and the at least one alignment means of the housing unit is designed as a hook. The hook preferably engages in the eyelet when the light-guiding unit, in particular the light-guiding element, is mounted on the housing unit, in particular on the inner frame. Advantageously, the light-guiding unit can be aligned particularly precisely relative to the hob plate unit through particularly simple assembly.By simply mounting the light-guiding unit on the housing unit, a particularly advantageous component arrangement of the hob device can be realized, particularly with regard to illuminating the hob plate unit. This advantageously allows for particularly convenient and / or time-saving assembly and / or disassembly of the light-guiding unit on / from the housing unit.

[0031] It is also proposed that the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit be elastically deformable and / or deflectable. Preferably, the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit is elastically deformable and / or deflectable due to its design. For example, the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit has a cross-section with a diameter that changes along a main extension line of the alignment means of the light-guiding unit. For example, the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit has at least two sections whose cross-sections have different diameters, wherein the alignment means of the light-guiding unit is elastically deformable and / or deflectable in particular by a section of the at least two sections whose cross-section has a smaller diameter than a cross-section of another section of the at least two sections.The cross-section preferably lies in a plane that runs perpendicular to the main extension line of the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit. It is conceivable that the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit is formed at least partially from a spring-elastic material, in particular from a rubber-elastic material. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the light-guiding unit comprises at least one spring element, in particular for the flexible connection between the light-guiding unit and the housing unit, preferably the cooperating alignment means. The spring element is preferably arranged on the at least one alignment means of the light-guiding unit. The spring element is preferably arranged between the cooperating alignment means.The spring element can be designed, for example, as a bending spring, in particular as a leaf spring or a wire spring, as a torsion spring, as a rubber-elastic element, or as another spring element that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the at least one alignment means of the housing unit to be elastically deformable and / or deflectable. Tolerance deviations in the dimensions of the light-guiding unit, the housing unit, and / or the hob plate unit can advantageously be structurally easily and effectively accommodated. The light-guiding unit can advantageously be aligned particularly precisely relative to the hob plate unit. Advantageously, particularly precise and effective lighting can be achieved even with tolerance deviations. Furthermore, shocks or the like can be at least partially absorbed.This advantageously prevents damage to the fiber optic unit caused by impacts or similar events. A particularly robust connection between the fiber optic unit and the housing unit can be realized.

[0032] It is also proposed that the cooperating alignment means allow a play of less than 1 mm. In particular, the light-guiding unit and the housing unit are connected to one another by the cooperating alignment means such that a maximum relative movement between the light-guiding unit and the housing unit is 1 mm. Advantageously, a particularly precise alignment of the light-guiding unit to the hob plate unit can be achieved. Advantageously, a particularly effective and precise illumination of the hob plate unit can be realized via the light-guiding unit.

[0033] It is further proposed that the hob device has at least one

[0034] Room divider panel intended to divide an interior space spanned by the at least one housing unit, in particular the previously mentioned interior space, and comprising at least one limiting element intended to restrict the range of movement of the light-guiding unit relative to the room divider panel. The room divider panel is preferably made at least largely, in particular entirely, of metal, preferably aluminum or the like. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the room divider panel to be made of a plastic or another material deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. A main extension plane of the room divider panel preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the light-guiding unit, in particular of the light-guiding element. The limiting element can be designed as a hook or the like.It is conceivable that the limiting element is arranged, preferably fastened, on the light-guiding unit, in particular the light-guiding element, or on the room divider panel. The limiting element is provided, in particular, to limit a relative movement between the light-guiding unit and the room divider panel, preferably along an axis running perpendicular to the main extension plane of the room divider panel. The room divider panel is preferably fixed to the housing unit, in particular to the inner frame. Advantageously, a relative movement of the light-guiding unit to the room divider panel and in particular to the hob panel unit, caused for example by deformations, can be limited. Advantageously, a particularly stable alignment of the light-guiding unit relative to the hob panel unit can be achieved. Advantageously, a particularly effective and precise illumination of the hob panel unit can be realized via the light-guiding unit.

[0035] It is further proposed that the limiting element is connected to the light-guiding unit, in particular formed integrally therewith. Preferably, the limiting element is formed integrally with the light-guiding element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the limiting element to be formed integrally with the room divider panel. Advantageously, a maximum relative movement between the light-guiding unit and the room divider panel can be limited particularly precisely and reliably. A component arrangement of the hob device, in particular of the light-guiding unit relative to the room divider panel and / or the hob panel unit, can be achieved with regard to effective and precise illumination. It is further proposed that the at least one limiting element has a spacer and a blocking means, wherein the spacer is arranged between the blocking means and the light-guiding unit.The blocking means is connected, in particular, via the spacer to the light-guiding unit, preferably the light-guiding element. The spacer is, for example, rod-shaped. The spacer can be designed as a pin, a tube, or the like. The blocking means is, for example, designed as a blocking head or the like. The spacer is preferably connected to the light-guiding unit, preferably the light-guiding element, at one end, in particular viewed along a main extension axis of the spacer. The spacer is preferably connected to the blocking means at another end, in particular viewed along the main extension axis of the spacer. It is conceivable for the spacer to be formed integrally with the light-guiding unit and / or with the blocking means.It is also conceivable for the spacer to be detachably connected, in particular non-destructively detachably, to the blocking means and / or to the light-guiding unit, for example via a screw connection, a snap-in connection, or the like. The end is arranged, in particular, on a side of the spacer opposite the further end. A maximum diameter of the blocking means is, in particular, larger than a maximum diameter of the spacer, preferably at least measured in a direction perpendicular to the main extension axis of the spacer. A particularly advantageous component arrangement of the hob device, in particular of the light-guiding unit, relative to the room divider plate and / or the hob plate unit, with regard to effective and precise illumination, can be realized in a structurally simple manner.

[0036] It is further proposed that the spacer be arranged in a recess in the room divider panel, and that the blocking means prevent the spacer from being pulled out completely from the recess. During maximum deflection of the room divider panel relative to the light-guiding unit, the blocking means preferably bears against the room divider panel. A maximum diameter of the recess is, in particular, greater than the maximum diameter of the spacer, preferably at least measured in the direction perpendicular to the main extension axis of the spacer. A maximum diameter of the recess is, in particular, smaller than the maximum diameter of the blocking means, preferably at least measured in the direction perpendicular to the main extension axis of the spacer. Advantageously, a relative movement of the light-guiding unit to the room divider panel can be limited in a structurally simple and particularly reliable manner.Advantageously, a particularly stable and precise alignment of the light guide unit relative to the room divider panel, in particular to the hob panel unit, and thus effective illumination of the hob panel unit can be achieved.

[0037] It is further proposed that the spacer has a length such that a maximum distance, limited by the spacer, between the light-guiding unit and the blocking means is greater than a thickness of the room divider panel in the region of the recess, thus creating a clearance between the room divider panel and the light-guiding unit. The length of the spacer is measured in particular along the main extension axis of the spacer. The maximum distance between the light-guiding unit and the blocking means is measured in particular in a direction running parallel to the main extension axis of the spacer. The maximum distance between the light-guiding unit and the blocking means is measured in particular in a direction running perpendicular to the main extension plane of the light-guiding unit and / or to the main extension plane of the room divider panel.A particularly robust and particularly advantageous component arrangement can be achieved with regard to light guidance from the light source to the hob plate unit.

[0038] It is also proposed that the boundary element, the room divider panel, and / or the light-guiding unit be connected by means of a positive connection, in particular by means of a snap-in connection and / or by means of a mushroom-head lock. A particularly advantageous component arrangement with regard to the illumination of the cooktop panel unit can be achieved through simple assembly.

[0039] Furthermore, a hob with a hob device according to the invention is proposed. The hob device and / or the hob are / is intended for use and / or arrangement in a household, in particular a kitchen. The hob could in turn be part of a household appliance system, in particular a hob system. The household appliance system comprises, for example, a plurality of units and / or devices which can preferably be used for processing and / or treating and / or storing food. The household appliance system, in particular the hob system, could additionally have at least one household appliance object, preferably a hob object. For example, the household appliance object could be at least the installation unit and / or the extraction unit and / or at least the sensor unit, in particular the at least one temperature sensor.It would also be conceivable for the household appliance object to be at least partially part of a subassembly of at least the hob. The household appliance object could, for example, have at least one control unit, such as a remote control, and / or at least one user interface and / or at least one extractor fan unit and / or at least one heating unit control electronics. A hob with a component arrangement that is particularly advantageous with regard to precise and effective lighting can be provided. A hob with particularly high operating comfort for a user can advantageously be provided.

[0040] Furthermore, a method for assembling a cooktop device according to the invention is proposed. Such a method allows for particularly precise alignment of the light-guiding unit relative to the housing unit. Advantageously, illumination can be improved.

[0041] The cooktop device, the cooktop, and / or the method are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the cooktop device, the cooktop, and / or the method may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein.

[0042] 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. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0043] They show:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a hob according to the invention with a hob device according to the invention in a plan view, Fig. 2 is a part of the hob device in a perspective view, Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a connection between a light guide unit of the hob device and a housing unit of the hob device in a perspective view,

[0045] Fig. 4 a side view of the connection between the light guide unit and the housing unit

[0046] Fig. 5 a side sectional view of the hob device, with the light guide unit and a room divider plate,

[0047] Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the hob device, wherein the light guide unit is arranged in a deflected state relative to the room divider plate and

[0048] Fig. 7 shows a schematic sequence of a method according to the invention for assembling the hob device.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a hob 40 with a hob device 10. The hob device 10 is designed as an induction hob device. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the hob device 10 to be designed as a resistance hob device.

[0050] The hob device 10 comprises a hob plate unit 12. The hob plate unit 12 is provided for the installation of at least one installation unit (not shown here). The hob plate unit 12 forms a cooking surface for the installation of at least the installation unit. The installation unit can be designed, for example, as cooking utensils or as a small household appliance. The hob device 10 has a cooking surface area 50. In the present case, the cooking surface area 50 is a variable cooking surface area. The variable cooking surface area 50 is provided to form at least one heating zone adapted to at least the installed installation unit on the hob plate unit 12.

[0051] The cooktop device 10 has a heating unit (not shown here), which is embodied as an induction heating unit. The heating unit is arranged below the cooktop plate unit 12. The heating unit is intended to heat at least the stand unit placed on the cooktop plate unit 12 for cooking at least one item of food. The cooktop device 10 comprises a housing unit 14 (see Figure 2). The housing unit 14 and the cooktop plate unit 12 are connected to one another, for example by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material connection. The housing unit 14 and the cooktop plate unit 12 together at least partially define an interior space 26. The housing unit 14 is directly connected to the cooktop plate unit 12. The heating unit is arranged in the interior space 26 of the housing unit 14. The housing unit 14 comprises at least one inner frame 56.The cooktop panel unit 12 is connected to the inner frame 56 in at least one assembled state. The cooktop panel unit 12 is connected to the inner frame 56, for example, by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material connection.

[0052] The cooktop device 10 has at least one light source 42 (see Figure 1). In the present case, the light source 42 comprises a light source having at least one LED. Using the light provided by the light source 42, for example, at least the cooking surface area 50 on the cooktop panel unit 12 and / or at least one possible placement of at least the installation unit on the cooktop panel unit 12 and / or a danger zone, for example a hot spot within the cooking surface area 50, on the cooktop panel unit 12 can be displayed to a user. The cooktop panel unit 12 has a target area 18, which can be illuminated using the light provided by the light source 42. The target area 18 on the cooktop panel unit 12 can be a partial area within the cooking surface area 50, for example a single local location in the cooking surface area 50, or the entire cooking surface area 50.In the present case, the target area 18 is illustrated by way of example as a local location within the cooking surface area 50 (see Figure 1). In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of target areas 18 on the cooktop plate unit 12 are illustrated schematically, only one of which is provided with a reference symbol. All target areas 18 could be illuminated using light provided by the same light source 42. Alternatively, the target areas 18 can receive light from different light sources 42 of the cooktop device 10 and / or can be illuminated using light provided by different light sources 42 of the cooktop device 10. The cooktop device 10 comprises at least one light-guiding unit 16. The light-guiding unit 16 is provided to guide light from at least one light source 42 to the target area 18 on the cooktop plate unit 12.The light guide unit 16 could include a variety of elements and / or units that help guide and / or direct light from the light source 42 to the target area 18 on the cooktop panel unit 12, such as optical elements. In this exemplary embodiment, the light guide unit 16 is intended to guide the light from the light source 42 directly and unprocessed to the target area 18 on the cooktop panel unit 12.

[0053] The light guide unit 16 comprises at least one light guide element 52. The light guide element 52 is designed, at least in sections, as a hollow light guide. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the light guide element 52 to be designed, at least in sections, as a completely filled light guide. The light guide element 52 is designed as a plate. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the light guide element 52 to be designed as a rod, tube, or the like. The light guide element 52 is designed as a light guide plate, in particular one that is at least in sections hollow.

[0054] The light-guiding unit 16 comprises at least one light-emitting element 54. The light-guiding unit 16 comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements 54, wherein in the figures, in particular, only one is provided with a reference symbol. The light-emitting elements 54 are arranged on the light-guiding element 52. The light-emitting element 54 is provided to emit the light generated by the light source 42, preferably onto the cooktop panel unit 12, particularly preferably onto the target areas 18. The light-emitting elements 54 are designed as hollow light guides. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the light-emitting elements 54 to be designed as completely filled light guides.

[0055] The light-guiding unit 16 and the housing unit 14 have cooperating alignment means 20, 22 (see Figures 3 and 4). The alignment means 20, 22 are provided for aligning the light-guiding unit 16 with respect to the hob plate unit 12. The light-guiding unit 16 comprises a plurality of alignment means 22, which are particularly provided for interacting with the at least one alignment means 20 of the housing unit 14, preferably for aligning the light-guiding unit 16 with respect to the hob plate unit 12. In the figures, only one of the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 is provided with a reference symbol. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the light-guiding unit 16 to have only one alignment means 22.

[0056] The alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are arranged on the light-guiding element 52. The alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are formed integrally with the light-guiding unit 16, in particular with the light-guiding element 52. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 to be detachably, in particular non-destructively, attached to the light-guiding element 52. The alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are arranged in an edge region of the light-guiding unit 16, in particular of the light-guiding element 52, preferably at least in a plane running parallel to a main extension plane of the light-guiding unit 16.

[0057] The housing unit 14 comprises a plurality of alignment means 20, which are particularly intended to interact with the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16, preferably to align the light-guiding unit 16 with respect to the cooktop plate unit 12. The alignment means 20 of the housing unit 14 are arranged on the inner frame 56. The alignment means 20 of the housing unit 14 are formed integrally with the inner frame 56. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the alignment means 20 of the housing unit 14 to be detachably, in particular non-destructively, fastened to the inner frame 56. The alignment means 22 of the housing unit 14 are arranged on a side of the inner frame 56 facing the light-guiding unit 16.

[0058] The light guide unit 16 is attached directly to the housing unit 14 by the alignment means 20, 22. The inner frame 56 is connected to the light guide unit 16, in particular to the light guide element 52, at least via the cooperating alignment means 20, 22.

[0059] In the present exemplary embodiment, the alignment means 20, 22 are provided to form a positive connection with one another. The alignment means 20, 22 are provided to form a hook-eyelet connection with one another. The alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are designed as hooks. The alignment means 20 of the housing unit 14 are designed as eyelets. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 to be designed as eyelets and the alignment means 20 of the housing unit 14 to be designed as hooks. The hooks preferably engage in the eyelets when the light-guiding unit 16, in particular the light-guiding element 52, is mounted on the housing unit 14, in particular on the inner frame 56.

[0060] At least the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are elastically deformable and / or deflectable. Due to their design, the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are preferably elastically deformable and / or deflectable. The alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 have a cross-section with a diameter that changes along a respective main extension line of the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16. The alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 each have at least two sections whose cross-sections have different diameters. The respective alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 are elastically deformable and / or deflectable by a section of the at least two sections whose cross-section has a smaller diameter than a cross-section of another section of the at least two sections.The respective cross-section of the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 lies in particular in a plane which runs perpendicular to the respective main extension line of the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16. It is also conceivable for the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16 to be formed at least partially from a spring-elastic material, in particular from a rubber-elastic material. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the light-guiding unit 16 to comprise spring elements, in particular for the flexible connection between the light-guiding unit 16 and the housing unit 14, preferably the cooperating alignment means 20, 22. The spring elements are arranged, for example, on the alignment means 22 of the light-guiding unit 16. Preferably, one of the spring elements is arranged between each of the cooperating alignment means 20, 22.The spring elements can be designed, for example, as bending springs, in particular as leaf springs or as wire springs, as torsion springs, as rubber-elastic elements or as other spring elements that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art.

[0061] The alignment means 20, 22 allow a play of less than 1 mm. The light guide unit 16 and the housing unit 14 are connected to each other by the cooperating alignment means 20, 22 such that the maximum relative movement between the light guide unit 16 and the housing unit 14 is 1 mm.

[0062] The cooktop device 10 comprises at least one partition plate 24 (see Figures 5 and 6). The partition plate 24 is intended to divide the interior space 26 defined by the housing unit 14. The partition plate 24 consists at least largely, in particular entirely, of metal, preferably aluminum or the like. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the partition plate 24 to consist of a plastic or another material deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. A main extension plane of the partition plate 24 runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the light-conducting unit 16, in particular at least in an operating state of the cooktop device 10.

[0063] The cooktop device 10 comprises a plurality of limiting elements 28, wherein only one limiting element 28 is shown in the figures. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the cooktop device 10 to have only one limiting element 28. The limiting elements 28 are provided to restrict the range of movement of the light-guiding unit 16 relative to the space divider plate 24. The limiting elements 28 are provided to limit a relative movement between the light-guiding unit 16 and the space divider plate 24, preferably at least along an axis running perpendicular to the main extension plane of the space divider plate 24. The space divider plate 24 is fixed to the housing unit 14, in particular to the inner frame 56.

[0064] In the present exemplary embodiment, the limiting elements 28 are connected to the light-guiding unit 16. The limiting elements 28 are formed integrally with the light-guiding unit 16. The limiting elements 28 are formed integrally with the light-guiding element 52. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the limiting elements 28 to be detachably connected, in particular non-destructively detachably, to the light-guiding unit 16, in particular to the light-guiding element 52. Furthermore, it is alternatively conceivable for the limiting elements 28 to be fastened to the housing unit 14, in particular to be formed integrally with the housing unit 14. The limiting elements 28, the space divider plate 24, and the light-guiding unit 16 are connected by means of a form-fitting connection. The limiting elements 28, the space divider plate 24, and the light-guiding unit 16 are connected by means of a mushroom-head lock.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the boundary elements 28, the room divider plate 24 and the light guide unit 16 are connected by means of a snap-in connection or the like.

[0065] The limiting elements 28 each have a spacer 30. The limiting elements 28 each have a blocking means 32. The respective spacer 30 is arranged between the respective blocking means 32 and the light guide unit 16. The blocking means 32 are connected to the light guide unit 16, preferably the light guide element 52, via the spacers 30. The respective spacer 30 is, for example, rod-shaped. It is conceivable for the respective spacer 30 to be designed as a pin, a tube, or the like. The respective blocking means 32 is, for example, designed as a blocking head or the like. The respective spacer 30 is connected to the light guide unit 16, preferably the light guide element 52, at one end 58 of the respective spacer 30, in particular viewed along a main extension axis of the respective spacer 30.The respective spacer 30 is connected to the respective blocking means 32 at a further end 60 of the respective spacer 30, in particular viewed along the main extension axis of the respective spacer 30. It is conceivable that the spacers 30 are formed integrally with the light-guiding unit 16 and / or with the blocking means 32. It is also conceivable that the spacers 30 are detachably connected, in particular non-destructively detachably, to the respective blocking means 32 and / or to the light-guiding unit 16, for example via a screw connection, a snap-in connection, or the like. The respective end 58 is arranged on a side of the respective spacer 30 opposite the respective further end 60.A maximum diameter of the respective blocking means 32 is greater than a maximum diameter of the respective spacer 30, in particular at least measured in a direction perpendicular to the main extension axis of the respective spacer 30.

[0066] The spacers 30 are arranged in recesses 34 (only one of the recesses 34 is shown in Figures 5 and 6) in the room divider plate 24. The locking means 32 prevent the spacers 30 from being completely pulled out of the recesses 34. During a maximum deflection of the room divider plate 24 relative to the light-guiding unit 16, the locking means 32 rest against the room divider plate 24. A respective maximum diameter of the recesses 34 is larger than the respective maximum diameter of the spacers 30, in particular at least measured in the direction perpendicular to the main extension axis of the respective spacer 30. A respective maximum diameter of the recesses 34 is smaller than the respective maximum diameter of the locking means 32, in particular at least measured in the direction perpendicular to the main extension axis of the respective spacer 30.

[0067] The spacers 30 each have a length 36, such that a maximum distance 44, limited by the spacers 30, between the light-guiding unit 16 and the blocking means 32 is greater than a thickness 38 of the room divider plate 24 in the region of the respective recess 34, so that a play is created between the room divider plate 24 and the light-guiding unit 16. The respective length 36 of the spacers 30 is measured along the main extension axis of the respective spacer 30. The respective maximum distance 44 between the light-guiding unit 16 and the blocking means 32 is measured in a direction parallel to the main extension axis of the respective spacer 30. The respective maximum distance 44 between the light-guiding unit 16 and the blocking means 32 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the light-guiding unit 16 and / or to the main extension plane of the room divider plate 24.

[0068] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a process flow diagram of a method for assembling the cooktop device 10. Here, the method is described only by way of example with reference to a method step 46. In method step 46, the light-guiding unit 16 is mounted on the housing unit 14, in particular via the cooperating alignment means 20, 22.

[0069] Reference symbol

[0070] 10 Hob device

[0071] 12 Hob plate unit

[0072] 14 Housing unit

[0073] 16 Light guide unit

[0074] 18 Target area

[0075] 20 alignment tools

[0076] 22 alignment tools

[0077] 24 room divider panel

[0078] 26 Interior

[0079] 28 Boundary element

[0080] 30 spacers

[0081] 32 blocking agents

[0082] 34 recess

[0083] 36 length

[0084] 38 thickness

[0085] 40 hob

[0086] 42 light source

[0087] 44 distance

[0088] 46 Process step

[0089] 50 cooking surface area

[0090] 52 light guide element

[0091] 54 Light output element

[0092] 56 inner frames

[0093] 58 End

[0094] 60 End

Claims

Claims: Cooktop device (10), in particular an induction cooktop device, comprising a cooktop unit (12), a housing unit (14) which is directly connected to the cooktop unit (12), and a light guide unit (16) which is provided for guiding light from at least one light source (42) to at least one target area (18) on the cooktop unit (12), characterized in that the light guide unit (16) and the housing unit (14) have cooperating alignment means (20, 22) which are provided for aligning the light guide unit (16) with respect to the cooktop unit (12). Cooktop device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide unit (16) is attached directly to the housing unit (14) by means of the alignment means (20, 22).A cooktop device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the alignment means (20, 22) are provided for forming a positive-locking connection with one another. A cooktop device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the alignment means (20, 22) are provided for forming a hook-and-eye connection. A cooktop device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one alignment means (22) of the light guide unit (16) is elastically deformable and / or deflectable. A cooktop device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment means (20, 22) allow a clearance of less than 1 mm.

7. Cooktop device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one room divider plate (24) which is provided to divide an interior space (26) spanned by the housing unit (14), and by at least one limiting element (28) which is provided to restrict a range of movement of the light guide unit (16) relative to the room divider plate (24).

8. Cooktop device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the limiting element (28) is connected to the light guide unit (16), in particular formed integrally with it.

9. Cooktop device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the limiting element (28) has a spacer (30) and a locking means (32), wherein the spacer (30) is arranged between the locking means (32) and the light guide unit (16).

10. Cooktop device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the spacer (30) is arranged in a recess (34) in the room divider plate (24) and the locking means (32) prevents the spacer (30) from being completely pulled out of the recess (34).

11. Cooktop device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the spacer (30) has a length (36) such that a maximum distance (44) limited by the spacer (30) between the light guide unit (16) and the locking means (32) is greater than a thickness (38) of the room divider plate (24) in the area of ​​the recess (34), so that a clearance is created between the room divider plate (24) and the light guide unit (16). Cooktop device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the boundary element (28), the space divider plate (24) and the light guide unit (16) are connected by means of a positive locking connection, in particular by means of a snap-fit ​​connection and / or by means of a mushroom-head locking mechanism. Cooktop (40) with a cooktop device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Method for assembling a cooktop device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images